434417416-2-18-2026-07-CC-GKUN-DS2PLE-20260310112437

Community Care Licensing

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT

Facility Number: 434417416
Report Date: 02/13/2026
Date Signed: 02/18/2026 09:03:15 AM

Unsubstantiated

STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT

CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
SAN JOSE CC RO, 2580 N FIRST STREET, STE. 300
SAN JOSE, CA 95131

This is an official report of an unannounced visit/investigation of a complaint received in our office on
12/31/2025 and conducted by Evaluator Syhshyan Yu

COMPLAINT CONTROL NUMBER: 07-CC-20251231102122

FACILITY NAME:	SHIR HADASH EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTER		FACILITY NUMBER:	434417416
ADMINISTRATOR:	MERCEDES MENDOZA		FACILITY TYPE:	860
ADDRESS:	20 CHERRY BLOSSOM LANE		TELEPHONE:	(408) 561-0550
CITY:	LOS GATOS	STATE: CA	ZIP CODE:	95032
CAPACITY:	79	CENSUS: 30	DATE:	02/13/2026
		UNANNOUNCED	TIME BEGAN:	08:45 AM
MET WITH:	Mercedes Mendoza		TIME COMPLETED:	10:00 AM

ALLEGATION(S):

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1. Staff are operating beyond the terms and conditions of the license
2. Staff spoke inappropriately while daycare children were present

INVESTIGATION FINDINGS:

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Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Shine Yu conducted an unannounced complaint investigation to deliver the findings. LPA met with center director, Mercedes Mendoza. Present during investigation were 12 staff and 30 children, including 1 under 2 years old.

The first allegation was alleged that there were school-age children who come after school and commingled with preschool children. The second allegation
was alleged that staff used the word “retarded” in front of children.

On 01/06/2026, LPA conducted an initial complaint investigation and obtained children roster. LPA interviewed director and 2 staff, and toured facility.
During investigation and interview, the director stated there is an elementary school, Juniper Tree, that rents space in the same building. They use the same entrance as preschool, but they do not share yard or class space. The director stated on Friday, 12/19/2025, before the Winter break, Juniper Tree children performed songs for preschool children in the sanctuary. After performance, the school had a Hanukkah Party in the classrooms from 11 am to 1 pm. All parents came, some siblings and grandparents as well.

Unsubstantiated

Estimated Days of Completion:

SUPERVISORS NAME: Gladys Kuizon
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Syhshyan Yu
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:	DATE: 02/13/2026

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

FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 02/13/2026

This report must be available at Child Care and Group Home facilities for public review for 3 years.

LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)

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Control Number 07-CC-20251231102122

STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT (Cont)

CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
SAN JOSE CC RO, 2580 N FIRST STREET, STE. 300
SAN JOSE, CA 95131

FACILITY NAME: SHIR HADASH EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTER	FACILITY NUMBER: 434417416
	VISIT DATE: 02/13/2026

NARRATIVE

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According to the interview, the staff stated teachers at school speak professionally and follow school policies. One out of 2 staff stated there’s a staff’s school-age child who sometimes came after school and wait for parent. The child would occasionally visit the preschool classroom and greet (i.e. say Hi) the children with toys.

On 02/12/2026, LPA conducted interviews with 5 parents. 2 out of 5 parents who responded stated they have not observed school age children commingled with preschool children at school, and they have not observed or witnessed any staff spoke inappropriately in front of children.

Based on LPA’s observations and interviews, although the allegations may have happened or is valid, there is not a preponderance of evidence to prove the alleged violation(s) did or did not occur, therefore the allegations are UNSUBSTANTIATED.

Exit interview conducted and copy of this report was reviewed with the center director, Mercedes Mendoza. A copy of Appeal Rights was given.

NOTICE OF SITE VISIT WAS ISSUED AND IS TO BE POSTED FOR 30 DAYS.

SUPERVISORS NAME: Gladys Kuizon
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Syhshyan Yu
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:	DATE: 02/13/2026

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

FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 02/13/2026

LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)

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