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Department of
SOCIAL SERVICES

Community Care Licensing


COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT

Facility Number: 304370149
Report Date: 04/01/2026
Date Signed: 04/01/2026 10:34:29 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
01/05/2026 and conducted by Evaluator Cynthia Sun
PUBLIC
COMPLAINT CONTROL NUMBER: 06-CC-20260105112650
FACILITY NAME:NOBIS PRESCHOOLFACILITY NUMBER:
304370149
ADMINISTRATOR:MELINDA MARCHESEFACILITY TYPE:
850
ADDRESS:190 EAST 15TH STREETTELEPHONE:
(949) 548-2550
CITY:COSTA MESASTATE: CAZIP CODE:
92627
CAPACITY:36CENSUS: 28DATE:
04/01/2026
UNANNOUNCEDTIME BEGAN:
08:30 AM
MET WITH:Director, Melinda MarcheseTIME COMPLETED:
10:35 AM
ALLEGATION(S):
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Facility did not report incident to the licensing office.
Gate did not latch properly.
INVESTIGATION FINDINGS:
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On 04/01/2026, Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Cynthia Sun conducted an unannounced inspection for the purpose of delivering the findings for the above allegations. LPA arrived at the facility at 9:00 AM and was met by the facility representative, who guided LPA through facility to obtain census. The total enrollment is 28 children and due to various student schedules, census taken was children and staff.

A review of staff criminal clearance record on this date 04/01/2026 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 01/05/2026, Orange County Regional Office (OCRO) received a complaint alleging: Facility did not report incidents to licensing office and gate is not properly latching. Reporting Party (RP) stated on 11/17/25, a child walked out to the parking lot without staff awareness and director did not report the incident to licensing office.
PAGE 1 of 3

Substantiated
Estimated Days of Completion: 0
SUPERVISORS NAME: Thuy Ho
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Cynthia Sun
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 04/01/2026
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 04/01/2026
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 4
Control Number 06-CC-20260105112650
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: NOBIS PRESCHOOL
FACILITY NUMBER: 304370149
VISIT DATE: 04/01/2026
NARRATIVE
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The RP also expressed concerns regarding the gate leading to the parking lot, stating that it can be easily opened by children by shaking it and there is no alarm system to alert staff if the gate is opened.

During the course of the investigation, LPA interviewed 16 staff members. LPA reviewed 15 staff timecards. LPA contacted 10 parents/authorized representatives but only 7 responded. Children interviews were attempted but children did not qualify with the Ten Step Investigative Interview.

Regarding Allegation 1: Facility did not report incident to the licensing office

During staff interview, 15 out of 15 staff stated they do not know the California Code of Regulations Reporting Requirements.

The director stated she forgot to report to licensing the incident regarding Child 1 (C1) opened the gate and walked out to the parking lot without staff awareness on 11/17/2025 after C1 was signed out by the parent.

14 out of 15 staff stated they do not know why the incident regarding C1 opened the gate and walked out to the parking lot without staff awareness on 11/17/2025 was not reported to licensing.

During record review, LPA confirmed lack of documentation in the facility records, such the Unusual Incident/Injury Report (LIC 624). The director submitted the Unusual Incident /Injury Report (LIC 624) to the Department on 03/11/2026.

Regarding Allegation 2: Gate did not latch properly

During staff interviews, 13 out of 13 staff stated they have never seen a child open the gate and exit the facility.

Staff 2 (S2) stated C1 knew jumping on the gate would open the gate. S2 has not witnessed C1 opening the gate but was informed this was something C1 could do.

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SUPERVISORS NAME: Thuy Ho
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Cynthia Sun
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 04/01/2026
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 04/01/2026
LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 2 of 4
Control Number 06-CC-20260105112650
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: NOBIS PRESCHOOL
FACILITY NUMBER: 304370149
VISIT DATE: 04/01/2026
NARRATIVE
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S3 stated on the unknown dates, C1 has opened the gate 3 times by jumping on the gate to get it open and ran out to the parking lot. C1 was with the parent on these 3 occasions. C1 has better (fine/gross motor) skills than other daycare children.

S5 stated C1 was the only child known to open the gate to exit the facility. C1 knew if C1 jumped on the gate, C1 would be able to open the gate and exit the facility.

LPA contacted 10 parents/authorized representatives but only 7 responded. 7 out of 7 interviewed parents/authorized representatives did not make any disclosure regarding the above allegations.

Based on LPA’s interviews, observations, and record review, the preponderance of evidence standard has been met, therefore the above allegations are found to be SUBSTANTIATED. California Code of Regulations, Title 22, Division 12 Chapter 1 Section 101212(d)(1)(C) Reporting Requirements and Section 101238(a) Buildings and Grounds are being cited on the attached LIC 9099D forms. Please refer to LIC 9099D for documentation of Type B deficiencies.

The exit interview was conducted with the facility representative, Melinda Marchese. The Notice of Site Visit was posted during the visit. The facility representative was reminded that the Notice of Site Visit must be posted for 30 consecutive days. Appeal Rights were discussed and provided to the facility representative and their signature on this form acknowledges receipt of these rights. Facility representative must file an appeal, in writing, to the Regional Manager within 15 business days from the date of receiving the penalty assessment or notice of deficiency. First level appeals should be sent to the Regional Manager at the address listed above.

End of Report

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SUPERVISORS NAME: Thuy Ho
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Cynthia Sun
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 04/01/2026
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 04/01/2026
LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 3 of 4
Control Number 06-CC-20260105112650
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: NOBIS PRESCHOOL
FACILITY NUMBER: 304370149
DEFICIENCY INFORMATION FOR THIS PAGE:
VISIT DATE: 04/01/2026
Deficiency Type
POC Due Date /
Section Number
DEFICIENCIES
PLAN OF CORRECTIONS(POCs)
Type B
04/01/2026
Section Cited
CCR
101212(d)
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101212(d) Reporting Requirements: Upon the occurrence, during the operation of the child care center of any of the events specified in (d)(1) below, a report shall be made to the Department by telephone or fax within the Department's next working day and during its normal business hours.
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Director stated director will train assistant director to make reports when director is unable. The training will be on 4/2/2026. Director will email LPA (Susan D.) documentation of training.
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This requirement is not met as evidence by: Based on staff interview, director admitted she forgot to report to licensing the incident regarding C1 opened the gate and walked out to the parking lot without staff awareness on 11/17/2025 after C1 was signed out by the parent. This poses a potential danger to health and safety of the children in care.
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Type B
04/01/2026
Section Cited
CCR
101238(a)
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101238 (a) Buildings and Ground: 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 not met as evidence by:
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Director installed an additional gate latch on 1/19/26 at 2:30 PM. Director stated they will add a bell to the gate in the next couple of weeks (4/13/26).
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based on staff interview, 3 staff stated C1 knew if C1 jumped on the gate, C1 would be able to open the gate and exit the facility. This poses a potential danger to health and safety of 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: Thuy Ho
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Cynthia Sun
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 04/01/2026
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 04/01/2026
LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 4 of 4