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Department of
SOCIAL SERVICES

Community Care Licensing


COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT

Facility Number: 304270685
Report Date: 03/04/2025
Date Signed: 03/04/2025 11:47:02 AM

Unsubstantiated


STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT		CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
ORANGE CO CHILD CARE, 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
01/13/2025 and conducted by Evaluator Mahnaz Malek
PUBLIC
COMPLAINT CONTROL NUMBER: 06-CC-20250113131619
FACILITY NAME:KINDERCARE LEARNING CENTERFACILITY NUMBER:
304270685
ADMINISTRATOR:BROWN, BARBARAFACILITY TYPE:
850
ADDRESS:25189 BEACON HILL WAYTELEPHONE:
(949) 240-4004
CITY:LAGUNA NIGUELSTATE: CAZIP CODE:
92677
CAPACITY:96CENSUS: 19DATE:
03/04/2025
UNANNOUNCEDTIME BEGAN:
10:05 AM
MET WITH:DirectorTIME COMPLETED:
12:00 PM
ALLEGATION(S):
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Staff do not ensure children are screened for signs and symptoms of illness during drop off
Staff do not ensure facility is kept in clean sanitary conditions for children in care
Staff did not follow reporting requirements in a timely manner
INVESTIGATION FINDINGS:
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Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Mahnaz (Nancy) Malek conducted a follow up investigation regarding the above allegations. This is a follow up for the visit conducted on 1/16/2025. LPA met with Director, Barbara Brown. There was a total of 19 preschool children with 2 staff in two different classrooms. One staff with 10 children in one room, and one staff with 9 children in another room. The rest of the rooms were not in use.

A review of staff records on this date indicated that all facility staff or other individuals who required caregiver background checks have received criminal record and child abuse index clearances or exemptions.
On 1/13/2025, the Orange County Childcare Office received a complaint alleging 1) staff do not ensure children are screened for signs and symptoms of illness during drop off, 2) staff do not ensure facility is kept in clean sanitary conditions for children in care, and 3) staff did not follow reporting requirements in a timely manner. The Reporting Party (RP) stated the facility is experiencing cases of communicable
Continued on page 2
Unsubstantiated
Estimated Days of Completion:
SUPERVISORS NAME: Thuy Ho
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Mahnaz Malek
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 03/04/2025
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 03/04/2025
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 7
Control Number 06-CC-20250113131619
STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT (Cont)		CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
ORANGE CO CHILD CARE, 750 THE CITY DRIVE, SUITE 250
ORANGE, CA 92868
FACILITY NAME: KINDERCARE LEARNING CENTER
FACILITY NUMBER: 304270685
VISIT DATE: 03/04/2025
NARRATIVE
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diseases due to staff not screening the children before they get dropped off. The RP stated that the staff are also not wiping down surfaces and sanitizing the facility daily. The RP stated that staff in addition to children are also getting sick at the facility. The RP stated that after a week of children getting sick the facility finally sent out a notice to all parents of the virus spreading in the facility. The RP stated that the facility continues to remain open and not screen children for signs and symptoms of illness.
During the course of investigation, LPA interviewed 8 staff, 10 random parents. Children were not interviewed due to the nature of the complaint allegations. The staff who were interviewed stated the following:
Regarding the allegation of staff do not ensure children are screened for signs and symptoms of illness during drop off
Staff # 1 (S1) stated staff are aware of daily checklist for children's wellness. They report it to the management if a child gets sick during the operation hours.
S2 stated staff notify office if a child is not feeling well. Staff check children daily.
S3 stated S3 is not available at dropped off time to check children. However, S3 observes the children during their presence to see if children act normally or they are tired or they have fever. Then S3 reports it to management.
S4 stated they do the daily check on children by looking at them and asking them questions but not checking their temperature at drop off time. S4 notifies the parents on the Smart App and the management calls the parents if they need to be picked up. art Application.
S5 stated they monitor children during the day for their well-being. S5 did not notice any illnesses among their group We check them at drop off time. After few minutes if we find out they don't feel well, we let the parent know through the Smart Application.
S6 stated If children do not feel well during their presence and they don't act normal, we let the management know so the child is picked up. S6 stated S6 does the daily check and makes conversation with parents. S4 stated S4 sees children every day and knows when they are not feeling well.
S7 stated. I check children daily at drop off time. We definitely call the parents to pick up their children if they don't feel well.
S8 stated it is a sick season and children have runny nose, and they attend the school. All staff including S8 observe the children during the day for any kind of sickness. Staff who are present during drop off time, they
Continued on page 3
SUPERVISORS NAME: Thuy Ho
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Mahnaz Malek
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 03/04/2025
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 03/04/2025
LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 2 of 7
Control Number 06-CC-20250113131619
STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT (Cont)		CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
ORANGE CO CHILD CARE, 750 THE CITY DRIVE, SUITE 250
ORANGE, CA 92868
FACILITY NAME: KINDERCARE LEARNING CENTER
FACILITY NUMBER: 304270685
VISIT DATE: 03/04/2025
NARRATIVE
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health check children daily.
Regarding the allegation of "Staff do not ensure facility is kept in clean sanitary conditions for children in care
S1 stated staff have a checklist for to make sure of the sanitization and cleanliness of the room when they close the classroom at the end of the day. Staff sanitize the toys and equipment, wash the sheets, wipe the tables, and mop the floor when they close the room.
S2 stated staff sanitize the room and toys every day and more in details when children get sick.
S3 stated it is a routine to spray the tables and toys and sanitize them every day. For example, if S3 is in charge of closing the room, S3 needs to make sure the room is clean and tidy and mopped for the next day. The management will double check on it. S4 stated they do sanitize every day.
S5 stated they wash their hands and children’s hands more often. S5 stated they spray and wipe down the tables, sanitize everything at the end of the day.
S6 stated they do sanitize, and wipe the tables on a daily basis. Sheets are washed. Children wash their hands more often.
S7 stated they have a process of sanitizing, washing hands before and after restroom and eating, wiping the tables, mopping every day.
S8 stated S8 has observed all the staff sanitize the classrooms, wash children’s hands after and before using the restroom and eating. Bedding is washed. The management makes sure all the classrooms are clean and all the toys and equipment are sanitized.
Regarding "Staff did not follow reporting requirements in a timely manner",
S1 stated S1 was notified only one child in the preschool program with diagnosis of a communicable disease. S1 stated they sent letters to parents notifying them on 1/14/2025. S1 stated also another letter was sent to parents when found out one of the staff with a diagnosis of a communicable disease different from the child’s diagnosis. S1 stated they are aware to report the outbreak to the families. Unfortunately, some children’s representatives do not share the diagnosis of their children’s sickness with the facility.
S2 stated staff notify the office when a child is sick. For example, today, one staff informed the management that a C1 was not feeling well. Staff notified the parent on the App. Parent picked up the child
S3 stated few days ago S3 arrived in the preschool room and observed a child was not feeling well. The management had already called the child’s parent to come and pick up the child.
Continued on page 4
SUPERVISORS NAME: Thuy Ho
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Mahnaz Malek
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 03/04/2025
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 03/04/2025
LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 3 of 7
Control Number 06-CC-20250113131619
STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT (Cont)		CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
ORANGE CO CHILD CARE, 750 THE CITY DRIVE, SUITE 250
ORANGE, CA 92868
FACILITY NAME: KINDERCARE LEARNING CENTER
FACILITY NUMBER: 304270685
VISIT DATE: 03/04/2025
NARRATIVE
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S4 stated when S4 came back to the facility after Holidays, S4 was notified by the management of a child in the preschool with communicable disease.
S5 stated yesterday one child (C3) was coughing. Child’s parent was called, and child was picked up. Child is not here today. Management notifies staff and parents if any communicable disease going around.
S6 stated S6 thinks the management have sent few emails letting the parents know of the sickness among children which were going around but not sure.
S7 stated S7 was out for a sickness different from the child with communicable disease. Management notified the parents of S7’s case. C1 was not feeling well today, parent was notified on the App. Child was picked up. S7 thinks the management sent reports to parents notifying them of children’s sickness.
S8 stated as parent, S8 has received a notification from the management alerting parents of a child diagnosing with communicable disease on 1/14/2025.
LPA interviewed 8 staff, 10 random parents of whom 3 responded, two parents expressed no concerns regarding the above allegations. However, one parent was concerned regarding their child get sick more often.
This agency has investigated the complaint alleging, 1) staff do not ensure children are screened for signs and symptoms of illness during drop off, 2) staff do not ensure facility is kept in clean sanitary conditions for children in care, and 3) staff did not follow reporting requirements in a timely manner, although the allegations may have happened or are valid, there is not a preponderance of evidence to prove that the alleged violations did or did not occur, therefore the allegations are
UNSUBSTANTIATED.

Notice of Site Visit was posted. The notice of site visit must be posted for 30 consecutive days. Failure to post will result in civil penalties of $100. In the areas which were investigated, the following deficiency is cited today. The director, Barbara Brown was provided a copy of their appeal rights (LIC 9058 1/16) and their signature on this form acknowledges receipt of these rights.
Exit interview was conducted with director, Barbara Brown.
End of report
SUPERVISORS NAME: Thuy Ho
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Mahnaz Malek
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 03/04/2025
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 03/04/2025
LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 4 of 7
STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT		CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
ORANGE CO CHILD CARE, 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
01/13/2025 and conducted by Evaluator Mahnaz Malek
PUBLIC
COMPLAINT CONTROL NUMBER: 06-CC-20250113131619

FACILITY NAME:KINDERCARE LEARNING CENTERFACILITY NUMBER:
304270685
ADMINISTRATOR:BROWN, BARBARAFACILITY TYPE:
850
ADDRESS:25189 BEACON HILL WAYTELEPHONE:
(949) 240-4004
CITY:LAGUNA NIGUELSTATE: CAZIP CODE:
92677
CAPACITY:96CENSUS: 19DATE:
03/04/2025
UNANNOUNCEDTIME BEGAN:
10:05 AM
MET WITH:DirectorTIME COMPLETED:
12:00 PM
ALLEGATION(S):
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Staff do not ensure children are isolated from other children when showing symptoms of illness
INVESTIGATION FINDINGS:
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Page 1 of 2
Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Mahnaz (Nancy) Malek conducted a follow up investigation regarding the above allegations. This is a follow up for the visit conducted on 1/16/2025. LPA met with Director, Barbara Brown. There was a total of 19 preschool children with 2 staff in two different classrooms. One staff with 10 children in one room, and one staff with 9 children in another room. The rest of the rooms were not in use.
A review of staff records on this date indicated that all facility staff or other individuals who required caregiver background checks have received criminal record and child abuse index clearances or exemptions.
On 1/13/2025, the Orange County Childcare Office received a complaint alleging “staff do not ensure children are isolated from other children when showing symptoms of illness”. Reporting party (RP) stated that they do not believe the staff are isolating any of the children who are sick. The RP stated that children’s parents are being contacted to come pick up the children once it is learned that the children are sick though.
Continued on page 2
Substantiated
Estimated Days of Completion:
SUPERVISORS NAME: Thuy Ho
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Mahnaz Malek
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 03/04/2025
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 03/04/2025
This report must be available at Child Care and Group Home facilities for public review for 3 years.
LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 5 of 7
Control Number 06-CC-20250113131619
STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT (Cont)		CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
ORANGE CO CHILD CARE, 750 THE CITY DRIVE, SUITE 250
ORANGE, CA 92868
FACILITY NAME: KINDERCARE LEARNING CENTER
FACILITY NUMBER: 304270685
VISIT DATE: 03/04/2025
NARRATIVE
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During the course of investigation, LPA interviewed 8 staff, contacted 10 random parents. Children were not interviewed due to the nature of the complaint. The staff who were interviewed regarding the above allegation stated the following:
S1 stated they do not have a separate room. However, sick children are kept in the office under management’s supervision until picked up. Children who become sick during their presence, they will be sent home. They cannot come back the next day and should be free of fever for 24 hours.
S2 stated they isolate the children.
S3 stated sick children stay in the classroom or outside with other children until they are picked up.
S4 stated for example today a child threw up on the playground. Management was notified. Child was kept with the other children and not isolated until parent picked up the child.
S5 stated sick children stay in the office. Management calls parents for pick up.
S6 stated the sick children stay in the room. Sometimes they might isolate but not all the time.
S7 stated in S7’s experience, S7 observed C2 was not feeling well during the beginning of January. However, C2 was sitting at the same table after lunch in the classroom. C2 was not sent home. Sometimes sick children are brought to the office. S7 observed C1 was not feeling well on 1/16/2025. C1 threw up. However, C1 was with the rest of the children until picked up.
S8 stated S8 observed C1 on the playground throwing up on 1/16/2025. C1 was still among children and not isolated until picked up.
LPA learned that the staff are aware of children’s sick policy of their school. However, there is discrepancies in staffs’ statements regarding isolation of sick children. However, S3, S4, S6, S7, and S8 confirmed that they have observed that sick children are not isolated from other children on one occasion or more.
Based on the interviews with 8 staff, 10 random parents of whom 3 responded, two parents expressed no concerns regarding the above allegation. However, one parent was concerned regarding their child get sick more often, it was determined the preponderance of evidence standard has been met, the allegation of " 1) staff do not ensure children are isolated from other children when showing symptoms of illness
found to be SUBSTANTIATED. Therefore, California Code of Regulations, Title 22 is cited on next page. Section 101226.2(a) Isolation for Illness. Notice of Site Visit was posted. The notice of site visit must be posted for 30 consecutive days. Failure to post will result in civil penalties of $100. In the areas which were investigated, the following deficiency is cited today. The director, Barbara Brown was provided a copy of their appeal rights (LIC 9058 1/16) and their signature on this form acknowledges receipt of these rights.
Exit interview was conducted with director, Barbara Brown.
SUPERVISORS NAME: Thuy Ho
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Mahnaz Malek
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 03/04/2025
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 03/04/2025
LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 6 of 7
Control Number 06-CC-20250113131619
STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

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

FACILITY NAME: KINDERCARE LEARNING CENTER
FACILITY NUMBER: 304270685
DEFICIENCY INFORMATION FOR THIS PAGE:
VISIT DATE: 03/04/2025
Deficiency Type
POC Due Date /
Section Number
DEFICIENCIES
PLAN OF CORRECTIONS(POCs)
Type B
03/11/2025
Section Cited
CCR
101226.2(a)
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101226.2(a)- Isolation for Illness
A center shall be equipped to isolate and care for any child who becomes ill during the day. The above requirement was not met as evidenced by interviewing staff during a complaint investigation that S3, S4, S6, S7, and S8 disclosed that sick children are not
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The director agreed to send a plan of correction to LPA's email addressing how and where and what equipment they would provide to isolate sick children from others. The correction will be sent to LPA by the due date of 3/11/2025.
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isolated from other children. This is a potential risk to the health and safety of 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: Thuy Ho
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Mahnaz Malek
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 03/04/2025
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 03/04/2025
LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 7 of 7