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Department of
SOCIAL SERVICES

Community Care Licensing


COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT

Facility Number: 304270379
Report Date: 07/16/2025
Date Signed: 07/16/2025 11:18:19 AM

Substantiated


STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT		CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
ORANGE COUNTY CC RO, 750 THE CITY DRIVE, SUITE 250
ORANGE, CA 92868
This is an official report of an unannounced visit/investigation of a complaint received in our office on
05/20/2025 and conducted by Evaluator Patricia Duron
PUBLIC
COMPLAINT CONTROL NUMBER: 06-CC-20250520125237
FACILITY NAME:KINDERCARE LEARNING CENTERFACILITY NUMBER:
304270379
ADMINISTRATOR:GARDINER, ALYCIAFACILITY TYPE:
850
ADDRESS:25507 MOULTONTELEPHONE:
(949) 470-0099
CITY:ALISO VIEJOSTATE: CAZIP CODE:
92656
CAPACITY:86CENSUS: 59DATE:
07/16/2025
UNANNOUNCEDTIME BEGAN:
09:00 AM
MET WITH:Alycia Gardiner Director TIME COMPLETED:
11:30 AM
ALLEGATION(S):
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Staff did not ensure the playground was appropriately fenced
INVESTIGATION FINDINGS:
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On 7/16/25 at 9:05 am, Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Patricia Duron conducted an unannounced complaint visit to deliver the complaint findings. This is a continuation of the investigation initiated on 5/28/25, LPA met with Director, Alycia Gardiner and informed the director of the purpose of the visit. The director guided LPA on a tour of the facility and a census was taken. The overall census observed was 59 preschool children with 7 staff members.
A review of staff criminal clearance records on this date indicates that all facility staff or other individuals who require caregiver background checks have received criminal record and child abuse index clearances or exemptions.
On 05/20/2025, the Orange County Child Care Office received a complaint alleging:
Staff did not ensure the playground was appropriately fenced. Reporting Party (RP) stated 5/19/2025 at 5:15PM, RP saw Child #1 (C1) and Child #2 (C2) squeeze through the gate and leave the facility while on the playground. RP stated the chain was loose.
Page 1 of 2
Substantiated
Estimated Days of Completion:
SUPERVISORS NAME: Martha Malane
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Patricia Duron
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 07/16/2025
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 07/16/2025
This report must be available at Child Care and Group Home facilities for public review for 3 years.
LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 1 of 5
Control Number 06-CC-20250520125237
STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT (Cont)		CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
ORANGE COUNTY CC RO, 750 THE CITY DRIVE, SUITE 250
ORANGE, CA 92868
FACILITY NAME: KINDERCARE LEARNING CENTER
FACILITY NUMBER: 304270379
VISIT DATE: 07/16/2025
NARRATIVE
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During the course of investigation, LPA toured that facility, LPA conducted interviews with 5 staff members, 4 children, 4 parents and reviewed records.

During the initial inspection dated 5/28/25 LPAs Duron and LPA Pham observed outdoor fence adjacent to children’s play yard. LPA Duron observed facility’s outdoor fence had a broken latch, zip ties and a chain wrapped around opening of the fence. LPA Duron observed fence with corroded metal post on fence.

LPA interviewed 5 staff, during the staff interviews, Staff #2 (S2) stated, staff saw that the fence needs fixing, they didn't notice it before the incident. Staff #5 (S5) stated, the yard is properly fenced, the gate at the back of the playground is secure and chained, it is being replaced because of the incident that occurred but staff always felt it was safe, this has never happened before. The children are not using that yard until the fence has been replaced.



LPA Duron interviewed 4 parents. 4 out of 4 parents did not have any concern with the facility.

LPA Duron attempted to interview 4 children. During the children interview Child #3 (C3) stated, C1 and C2 go outside, out gate, fence broken. C4 stated, "C1 and C2 go outside on gate, they leave." C4 stated, "teacher see them, and S1 get them."

Based on LPA’s interviews and observation the preponderance of evidence standard has been met, therefore the above allegation has found to be SUBSTANTIATED. California Code of Regulations, Title 22, Division 12, Chapter 1 Section 101238(a) Buildings and Grounds. Please refer to attached 9099D for documentation of deficiencies.9090D: This requirement is met as evidence by: Based on LPA’s interviews and observation. LPA Duron observed the facility’s outdoor fence with a broken latch, zip ties and a chain wrapped around opening of the fence. LPA Duron observed fence with corroded metal post on fence, which poses a potential health risk to the children in care.

An exit interview was completed. The report was reviewed and discussed. Appeal Rights were provided. The Director was provided a copy of their appeal rights and their signature on this form acknowledges receipt of these rights. All appeals must be in writing and received by the Licensing office within 15 business days. Any proposed changes to the physical plant, including telephone number, shall be immediately reported to the Department. The Director was informed that the “Notice of Site Visit” must be posted for 30 consecutive days. Failure to post will result in Civil Penalties of $100.00. The “Notice of Site Visit” must be posted on or adjacent to the door. Page 2 of 2. End of Report.
SUPERVISORS NAME: Martha Malane
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Patricia Duron
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 07/16/2025
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 07/16/2025
LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 2 of 5
Control Number 06-CC-20250520125237
STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT (Cont)		CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
ORANGE COUNTY CC RO, 750 THE CITY DRIVE, SUITE 250
ORANGE, CA 92868

FACILITY NAME: KINDERCARE LEARNING CENTER
FACILITY NUMBER: 304270379
DEFICIENCY INFORMATION FOR THIS PAGE:
VISIT DATE: 07/16/2025
Deficiency Type
POC Due Date /
Section Number
DEFICIENCIES
PLAN OF CORRECTIONS(POCs)
Type B
07/16/2025
Section Cited
CCR
101238(a)
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101238 Buildings and Grounds (a) The child care center shall be clean, safe, sanitary and in good repair at all times to ensure the safety and well-being of children, employees and visitors.
This requirement is met as evidence by:
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Director provided invoice request for repairs playground gate/fence dated 5/19/25 and completed on 6/18/25. Director stated while fence was being repaired children were using front playground. On 7/16/25, LPA observed fence/gate replaced and repaired. POC cleared at time of visit.
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Based on LPA’s interviews and observation. LPA Duron observed facility’s outdoor fence with a broken latch, zip ties and a chain wrapped around opening of the fence. LPA Duron observed fence with corroded metal post on fence, which poses a potential health risk to the children in care
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Failure to correct the cited deficiency(ies), on or before the Plan of Correction (POC) due date, may result in a civil penalty assessment.
SUPERVISORS NAME: Martha Malane
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Patricia Duron
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 07/16/2025
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 07/16/2025
LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 3 of 5
STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT		CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
ORANGE COUNTY CC RO, 750 THE CITY DRIVE, SUITE 250
ORANGE, CA 92868
This is an official report of an unannounced visit/investigation of a complaint received in our office on
05/20/2025 and conducted by Evaluator Patricia Duron
PUBLIC
COMPLAINT CONTROL NUMBER: 06-CC-20250520125237

FACILITY NAME:KINDERCARE LEARNING CENTERFACILITY NUMBER:
304270379
ADMINISTRATOR:GARDINER, ALYCIAFACILITY TYPE:
850
ADDRESS:25507 MOULTONTELEPHONE:
(949) 470-0099
CITY:ALISO VIEJOSTATE: CAZIP CODE:
92656
CAPACITY:86CENSUS: 59DATE:
07/16/2025
UNANNOUNCEDTIME BEGAN:
09:00 AM
MET WITH:Alycia Gardiner Director TIME COMPLETED:
11:30 AM
ALLEGATION(S):
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
Staff left children unsupervised while in care
INVESTIGATION FINDINGS:
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
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9
10
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12
13
Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Duron conducted an unannounced complaint visit to deliver the complaint findings for above allegations. This is a continuation of the investigation initiated on 5/28/25, LPA met with Director, Alycia Gardiner and informed them of the purpose of the visit. The Director guided LPA on a tour of the facility and census was taken. The overall census observed was 59 preschool children and 7 staff members.A review of the Facility Report Summary on this date indicates all facility staff or other individuals who require caregiver background checks have received criminal record and child abuse index clearances or exemptions. During today’s inspection the facility was operating within facility's licensed capacity and within compliance of staffing ratios.
On 05/20/2025, the Orange County Child Care Office received a complaint alleging: Staff left children unsupervised while in care. Reporting Party (RP) stated 5/19/2025 at 5:15PM, RP stated Child #1 (C1) and Child #2 (C2) squeeze through the gate and leave the facility while on the playground. RP stated (C1) was running down the embankment towards the forest. RP said the teachers didn’t know the children were out there and that they were sitting on the far side of the yard by the building. Page 1 of 2
Unsubstantiated
Estimated Days of Completion:
SUPERVISORS NAME: Martha Malane
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Patricia Duron
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 07/16/2025
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 07/16/2025
This report must be available at Child Care and Group Home facilities for public review for 3 years.
LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 4 of 5
Control Number 06-CC-20250520125237
STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT (Cont)		CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
ORANGE COUNTY CC RO, 750 THE CITY DRIVE, SUITE 250
ORANGE, CA 92868
FACILITY NAME: KINDERCARE LEARNING CENTER
FACILITY NUMBER: 304270379
VISIT DATE: 07/16/2025
NARRATIVE
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During the course of investigation, LPA toured that facility, LPA conducted interviews with reporting party, 5 staff members, 4 children, 4 parents and reviewed records.

LPA reviewed Unusual Incident/Injury Report submitted by facility. Director stated on 5/19/25 at approximately 5:10pm, C1 and C2 wiggled gate loose and slipped through the gate opening and left the playground. Staff #1 (S1) and Staff #2 (S2) saw the children off the playground and were trying to talk them back into the gate while trying to get help. S1 went out the gate to try to get C1 and C2 while S2 kept asking them to come back and be safe. Staff #4 (S4) was taking out the trash at the time of the incident and saw C1 and C2. S4 called the Director from their cell phone for help.

LPA interviewed 5 staff members. 3 out of 5 staff members stated that they had witnessed the incident involving C1 and C2 at the facility. S2 stated, they saw C1 and C2 standing by the gate. S2 saw S4 walking with a trash bag on the outside of the fence. S2 noticed S4 was talking to C1 and C2. S2 noticed S4 left the trash and went to the gate. S2 looked closer and noticed C1 and C2 were on the outside of the gate. S2 went towards the gate and at the same time telling S1 about children on the outside of the gate. S1 went outside the side gate. S2 went to the gate from the yard and noticed S4 was holding C2 and C1 was walking next to the gate. S2 was talking to C1 to keep them by the gate. When S1 got there, they were able to walk to C1 and get them to come with them. S4 gave C2 to staff and left. S2 stated they have not witnessed this incident before. S2 stated the Director is aware of the incident and having the gate fixed. The director stated to ensure the playground is safe and hazard free, staff have been reminded to inform the Director if they notice something that is not safe or needs to be repaired or removed.

LPA Duron attempted to interview 4 children. Child #3 (C#3) stated, "Teacher saw C1 and C2 get out" C3 continued and stated, " teacher tell S2 , them get C1 and C2".

LPA Duron interviewed 4 parents. All interviewed parents stated they did not have any concern with facility.

Based on the information gathered from LPAs’ interviews there is insufficient evidence to corroborate the allegation: Staff left children unsupervised while in care. Although the allegation may have happened or is valid, there is not a preponderance of evidence to prove the allegation did or did not occur in the day care facility, therefore the allegations is UNSUBSTANTIATED.

An exit interview was completed. The report was reviewed and discussed. Appeal Rights were provided. The director was provided with a copy of their appeal rights and their signature on this form acknowledges receipt of these rights. All appeals must be in writing and received by the Licensing office within 15 business days. The facility representative was informed that the “Notice of Site Visit” must be posted for 30 consecutive days. Failure to post will result in Civil Penalties of $100.00. The “Notice of Site Visit” must be posted on or adjacent to the door. Page 2 of 2. End of Report.

SUPERVISORS NAME: Martha Malane
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Patricia Duron
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 07/16/2025
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 07/16/2025
LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 5 of 5