304270380-3-27-2026-06-CC-TNGN-DT7PZY-20260416114620

Community Care Licensing

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT

Facility Number: 304270380
Report Date: 03/27/2026
Date Signed: 03/27/2026 01:08:00 PM

Unsubstantiated

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
03/11/2026 and conducted by Evaluator Kathy Trinh

PUBLIC

COMPLAINT CONTROL NUMBER: 06-CC-20260311170719

FACILITY NAME:	KINDERCARE LEARNING CENTER		FACILITY NUMBER:	304270380
ADMINISTRATOR:	GARDINER, ALYCIA		FACILITY TYPE:	830
ADDRESS:	25507 MOULTON		TELEPHONE:	(949) 470-0099
CITY:	ALISO VIEJO	STATE: CA	ZIP CODE:	92656
CAPACITY:	48	CENSUS: 3	DATE:	03/27/2026
		UNANNOUNCED	TIME BEGAN:	08:10 AM
MET WITH:	Assistant Director, Ashley Ibanez		TIME COMPLETED:	01:10 PM

ALLEGATION(S):

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Staff do not ensure that infant equipment is kept clean and sanitary
Staff do not ensure the day care center is clean and sanitary
Staff speak inappropriately to infants in care
Staff speak inappropriately in the presence of infants in care

INVESTIGATION FINDINGS:

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On 3/27/2026, Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) K. Trinh conducted a unannounced subsequent complaint inspection for the purpose of delivering findings for the complaint investigation that was initiated on 03/17/2026. Upon arrival, LPA met with Assistant Director Ashley Ibanez. LPA informed Assistant Director of the purpose of the visit and was led on a tour of the facility. There were 3 infants with 1 infant staff, and 8 toddlers with 3 toddler staff present during the tour.
A review of the Facility Personnel Report Summary on 3/27/2026 indicates all facility staff or other individuals who require caregiver background checks have received criminal record and child abuse index clearances or exemptions.
On 3/11/2025, the Orange County Regional Child Care Licensing Office received a complaint with the following allegations: (1) Staff do not ensure that infant equipment is kept clean and sanitary, (2) Staff do not ensure the day care center is clean and sanitary, (3) Staff speak inappropriately to infants in care, and (4) Staff speak inappropriately in the presence of infants in care. (Continue to page 2)

Unsubstantiated

Estimated Days of Completion: 60

SUPERVISORS NAME: Tina Nguyen
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Kathy Trinh
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:	DATE: 03/27/2026

I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.

FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 03/27/2026

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-20260311170719

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: 304270380
	VISIT DATE: 03/27/2026

NARRATIVE

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(Page 2)
The Reporting Party (RP) stated that staff members enter infant sleeping and play areas while wearing outdoor shoes, and the environment is not kept in a sanitary condition appropriate for infants. The RP also reported that staff use derogatory labels such as “terrible” when referring to certain children and engage in loud verbal altercations in the presence of children.

On 3/17/2026, LPA conducted interviews with six (6) staff and four (4) parents, conducted observations, and obtained pertinent documents.

Regarding allegation (1) Staff do not ensure that infant equipment is kept clean and sanitary
During interviews, all staff stated that they have not observed or heard about staff placing infant feeding equipment on the floor. Staff 1, 2, and 4 shared that the facility does not wash the food containers or bottles brought from home. Once they have been used, they are set aside to be sent home. Dishes provided by the facility are cleaned in the kitchen by designated kitchen staff.

The interviewed parents did not divulge any information pertaining to the allegation. One (1) out of four (4) parents expressed concerns regarding the food provided by the facility, the sanitary conditions of toys and floors, the level of supervision, and the overall health practices.

During observation at approximately 12:11PM, LPA observed infant toys and one mouthing teether on the floor of the Infant Room 1’s activity space. Staff 4 stated that anytime a child drops anything on the floor, the staff will wash it before handing it back to them. Toys are kept in cleaning solution bins and are sanitized at night.

During record review, LPA reviewed the classroom cleaning checklist. The classroom cleaning checklist includes a category for food contact areas and mouth objects, such as tabletops and food prep areas, low chairs, bottle warmers, and toys that have been placed in children’s mouths. The checklist also provides instructions on how to clean each task listed.

(Continue to page 3)

SUPERVISORS NAME: Tina Nguyen
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Kathy Trinh
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:	DATE: 03/27/2026

I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.

FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 03/27/2026

LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)

Page: 2 of 5

Control Number 06-CC-20260311170719

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: 304270380
	VISIT DATE: 03/27/2026

NARRATIVE

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(Page 3)
Regarding allegation (2) Staff do not ensure the day care center is clean and sanitary
During interviews, all staff interviewed stated that shoe covers are required before entering the infant room when wearing outside shoes; alternatively; designated indoor shoes may be worn or shoes may be removed. All interviewed staff have not observed or heard of staff entering the infant classroom without following the established protocol.

Additionally, five (5) staff interviewed added that each classroom is given a classroom cleaning checklist. Staff 3 (S3) and Staff 4 (S4) stated that the checklist is provided at the beginning of the week and is submitted to management at the end of the week. Once a task is completed, a staff member will initial the day it was completed. All staff interviewed shared that the cleaning staff does not attend consistently, however, teachers are responsible for classroom cleaning duties. The responsibilities include but are not limited to vacuuming, mopping, sweeping, and other related tasks. The Director stated that there is no set cleaning schedule. The staff clean as needed throughout the day.

One (1) of four (4) parents interviewed expressed concerns regarding the food provided by the facility, the sanitary conditions of toys and floors, the level of supervision, and the overall health practices. Parent 3 (P3) stated that the carpets are dirty and are not vacuumed frequently enough.

During observation, LPA observed all staff in the infant classroom with shoe covers on. At approximately 12:13PM, LPA observed that the children’s tables were wet from being wiped down. There were a few grains of rice on the floor around the children’s tables following their lunch. The Director stated that the staff will clean up all the food on the floor once the children are all napping.

During record review, LPA reviewed the classroom cleaning checklist. The classroom cleaning checklist includes a category for general classroom areas which includes but is not limited to classroom chairs, changing tables, and classroom floors. The checklist also provides instructions on how to clean each task listed.

(Continue to page 4)

SUPERVISORS NAME: Tina Nguyen
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Kathy Trinh
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:	DATE: 03/27/2026

I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.

FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 03/27/2026

LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)

Page: 3 of 5

Control Number 06-CC-20260311170719

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: 304270380
	VISIT DATE: 03/27/2026

NARRATIVE

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(Page 4)
Regarding allegation (3) Staff speak inappropriately to infants in care.
During interviews, all staff stated that they have not observed or heard about staff referring to children as “terrible” or anything along the lines of that term. Three (3) staff interviewed shared that staff have been trained on how to speak using a kind tone with children.

The interviewed parents did not divulge any information pertaining to the allegation.

During record review, LPA reviewed the Employee Handbook and Family Handbook. The Employee Handbook states, “make sure you use appropriate, respectful, and courteous language and tone when you represent KCE… certain discipline methods are simply not acceptable at KCE, including: ... Disrespectful communication."

Additionally, the Family Handbook states, "we take a proactive and preventive approach to guidance that reinforces appropriate behaviors rather than focusing on inappropriate behaviors... our teachers are trained to use various techniques including redirection, praise, and distraction.”

Regarding allegation (4) Staff speak inappropriately in the presence of infants in care.
During interviews, all staff stated that they have not observed or heard about staff having verbal altercations in the presence of children. Staff 2 (S2) shared that they have heard employees speaking a little louder to each other, but noted that it does not escalate into a verbal dispute.

The interviewed parents did not divulge any information pertaining to the allegation.

During record review, LPA reviewed the Employee Handbook which states, "any behavior or communication that is harassing, obscene, hostile, intimidating, or offensive in any way is cause for concern... If you have a disagreement that you can't resolve by talking directly with your coworker... discuss the matter with your manager.”

(Continue to page 5)

SUPERVISORS NAME: Tina Nguyen
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Kathy Trinh
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:	DATE: 03/27/2026

I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.

FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 03/27/2026

LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)

Page: 4 of 5

Control Number 06-CC-20260311170719

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: 304270380
	VISIT DATE: 03/27/2026

NARRATIVE

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(Page 5)
The Orange County Regional Child Care Licensing Office has investigated the complaint alleging (1) Staff do not ensure that infant equipment is kept clean and sanitary, (2) Staff do not ensure the day care center is clean and sanitary, (3) Staff speak inappropriately to infants in care, and (4) Staff speak inappropriately in the presence of infants in care: although the allegations may have happened or are valid, there was not a preponderance of evidence to prove the alleged violations did or did not occur, therefore the allegations are UNSUBSTANTIATED.

No deficiencies cited. Notice of Site Visit was given and must remain posted for 30 days. Report was reviewed with the Assitant Director, Ashley Ibanez. Exit interview was conducted. The Notice of Site Visit was posted. Assitant Director Ashley Ibanez 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.
End of report.

SUPERVISORS NAME: Tina Nguyen
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Kathy Trinh
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:	DATE: 03/27/2026

I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.

FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 03/27/2026

LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)

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