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Department of
SOCIAL SERVICES

Community Care Licensing


COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT

Facility Number: 483001825
Report Date: 04/15/2026
Date Signed: 04/15/2026 04:21:39 PM

Substantiated


STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT		CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
SANTA ROSA CC RO, 1450 NEOTOMAS AVENUE, STE. 100
SANTA ROSA, CA 95405
This is an official report of an unannounced visit/investigation of a complaint received in our office on
01/16/2026 and conducted by Evaluator Selena Mariani
PUBLIC
COMPLAINT CONTROL NUMBER: 01-CC-20260116153107
FACILITY NAME:KINDERCARE LEARNING CENTERFACILITY NUMBER:
483001825
ADMINISTRATOR:MICHELLE PALACIOSFACILITY TYPE:
850
ADDRESS:1101 ROSE DRIVETELEPHONE:
(707) 745-0916
CITY:BENICIASTATE: CAZIP CODE:
94510
CAPACITY:72CENSUS: 54DATE:
04/15/2026
UNANNOUNCEDTIME BEGAN:
02:26 PM
MET WITH:Michelle PalaciosTIME COMPLETED:
04:45 PM
ALLEGATION(S):
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Staff does not provide a safe classroom environment
INVESTIGATION FINDINGS:
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Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Selena Mariani made an unannounced subsequent complaint investigation visit today, and met with Center Director (CD), Michelle Palacios, for the purpose of delivering findings of the above allegations. LPAs Selena Mariani and Dianne Morrison previously met with CD on 01/21/26 to initiate the complaint investigation and met with CD or Assistant Director (AD) Joseline Alvaro on 3/20/26, 3/27/26 and 4/3/26 to discuss the purpose of the visit, conduct staff interviews, make observations, obtain facility documents. It was alleged that staff does not provide a safe classroom environment, specifically that cots are out long before nap and children have to carefully navigate between cots to get to the lunch table when returning from the play yard.

During the course of the investigation, LPAs obtained documents, made observations and conducted interviews with the CD, assistant director (AD) and eight staff (S1-S6 & S8-S9) from 03/20/26 through 04/14/26. LPA attempted interview with S7 and child (C1).

Substantiated
Estimated Days of Completion:
SUPERVISORS NAME: Melchisedeck Augustin
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Selena Mariani
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 04/15/2026
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 04/15/2026
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
STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT		CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
SANTA ROSA CC RO, 1450 NEOTOMAS AVENUE, STE. 100
SANTA ROSA, CA 95405
This is an official report of an unannounced visit/investigation of a complaint received in our office on
01/16/2026 and conducted by Evaluator Selena Mariani
PUBLIC
COMPLAINT CONTROL NUMBER: 01-CC-20260116153107

FACILITY NAME:KINDERCARE LEARNING CENTERFACILITY NUMBER:
483001825
ADMINISTRATOR:MICHELLE PALACIOSFACILITY TYPE:
850
ADDRESS:1101 ROSE DRIVETELEPHONE:
(707) 745-0916
CITY:BENICIASTATE: CAZIP CODE:
94510
CAPACITY:72CENSUS: 54DATE:
04/15/2026
UNANNOUNCEDTIME BEGAN:
02:26 PM
MET WITH:Michelle PalaciosTIME COMPLETED:
04:45 PM
ALLEGATION(S):
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Staff are operating out of ratio
Unqualified staff are providing unsupervised care to day care children
Staff does not ensure day care children's food is stored at a safe temperature
Staff commingles preschool and infant day care children on the playground
INVESTIGATION FINDINGS:
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Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Selena Mariani made an unannounced subsequent complaint investigation visit today, and met with Center Director (CD), Michelle Palacios, for the purpose of delivering findings of the above allegations. LPAs Selena Mariani and Dianne Morrison previously met with CD on 01/21/26 to initiate the complaint investigation and met with CD or Assistant Director (AD) Joseline Alvaro on 3/20/26, 3/27/26 and 4/3/26 to discuss the purpose of the visit, conduct staff interviews, make observations, obtain facility documents. It was alleged that staff are operating out of ratio, unqualified staff are providing unsupervised care to day care children, staff does not ensure day care children's food is stored at a safe temperature and staff commingles preschool and infant day care children on the playground.

During the course of the investigation, LPAs obtained documents, made observations and conducted interviews with the CD, assistant director (AD) and eight staff (S1-S6 & S8-S9) from 03/20/26 through 04/14/26. LPA attempted interview with S7 and child (C1).
Unsubstantiated
Estimated Days of Completion:
SUPERVISORS NAME: Melchisedeck Augustin
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Selena Mariani
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 04/15/2026
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 04/15/2026
This report must be available at Child Care and Group Home facilities for public review for 3 years.
LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 2 of 5
Control Number 01-CC-20260116153107
STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT (Cont)		CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
SANTA ROSA CC RO, 1450 NEOTOMAS AVENUE, STE. 100
SANTA ROSA, CA 95405
FACILITY NAME: KINDERCARE LEARNING CENTER
FACILITY NUMBER: 483001825
VISIT DATE: 04/15/2026
NARRATIVE
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CD, AD, S1, S3-S5 and S8-S9 all denied the facility is out of ratio while in the play yard and that unqualified staff are not left alone with children in care. CD further stated the facility operates with a ratio of 12 children to 1 staff or 24 children to 2 staff. AD stated unqualified staff are not alone with the children, while S3 and S4 stated they are always in a classroom with another teacher, S4 further stated, when necessary, staff communicate with one another confirming they are always in ratio. S2 stated they were left in the play yard with 24-25 kids with an aide.

Furthermore, CD and AD state breakfast is from 8-9 am; lunch 11am-12pm; afternoon snack 3-3:30 pm. CD and AD stated the food cart is placed outside the classroom 15-20 minutes before the scheduled mealtime. S1, S3-S6 and S8-S9 corroborated CD and AD statements that food carts are placed outside the classrooms 15-20 minutes before scheduled mealtimes. S2 stated they observed the lunch cart outside the classroom approximately 1 hour or a little longer before lunch time. On 3/20/26, LPA observed the food carts in the hallway outside the classroom at 10:33 am. LPA also observed the hot food to be covered with aluminum foil. During record review LPA confirmed facility operations align with Health Department Guidelines and the U.S. Center for disease control and prevention, that stated, perishable food that has been sitting at room temperature for more than two hours; one hour if it's 90 degrees Fahrenheit or warmer should be thrown out.

CD, AD, S1, S3, S5 and S8-S9 denied allegation that staff commingle preschool and infant day care children on the playground. S2 stated a toddler was in the preschool yard once or twice for approximately 45 to 50 minutes.

Based on the information gathered during this investigation, although the allegation may have happened or is valid, there is not a preponderance of evidence to prove that the allegation occurred and therefore is determined to be unsubstantiated.

There were no Title 22 deficiencies cited.

This report was reviewed and discussed with Center Director, Michelle Palacios. Appeal rights were provided.

Notice of Site Visit shall be posted for 30 days from today's visit. Failure to comply with posting requirements shall result in an immediate civil penalty of $100.
SUPERVISORS NAME: Melchisedeck Augustin
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Selena Mariani
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 04/15/2026
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 04/15/2026
LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 3 of 5
Control Number 01-CC-20260116153107
STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT (Cont)		CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
SANTA ROSA CC RO, 1450 NEOTOMAS AVENUE, STE. 100
SANTA ROSA, CA 95405
FACILITY NAME: KINDERCARE LEARNING CENTER
FACILITY NUMBER: 483001825
VISIT DATE: 04/15/2026
NARRATIVE
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CD stated staff put cots out when children are eating lunch. AD and S9 stated they witnessed S1 did put cots out while kids were outside playing before coming inside for lunch and nap. Additionally, S9 stated putting cots out before children enter the classroom from playing outside is a tripping hazard to the children as they reenter the classroom from outside to each lunch. S3 and S4 stated they put cots out before children go outside to the play yard. S1 and S5 stated they put cots out while children are eating lunch or after lunch. LPA observed in one classroom at least two cots were a half inch apart and 2 groupings of about 5 cots about four inches apart which doesn't leave enough space for a child to walk through.

Based on the investigation, the preponderance of evidence standard has been met. Therefore, the above allegation is found to be substantiated. The following violation of the Health and Safety Code is being issued: see LIC 9099D.
Exit interview was conducted, and report reviewed with Center Director Michelle Palacios.

Notice of site visit was given and must remain posted for 30 days. Failure to comply with posting requirements shall result in an immediate civil penalty of $100. Appeal rights were provided.
SUPERVISORS NAME: Melchisedeck Augustin
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Selena Mariani
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 04/15/2026
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 04/15/2026
LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 4 of 5
Control Number 01-CC-20260116153107
STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT (Cont)		CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
SANTA ROSA CC RO, 1450 NEOTOMAS AVENUE, STE. 100
SANTA ROSA, CA 95405

FACILITY NAME: KINDERCARE LEARNING CENTER
FACILITY NUMBER: 483001825
DEFICIENCY INFORMATION FOR THIS PAGE:
VISIT DATE: 04/15/2026
Deficiency Type
POC Due Date /
Section Number
DEFICIENCIES
PLAN OF CORRECTIONS(POCs)
Type B
05/06/2026
Section Cited
CCR
101223(a)(2)
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The licensee shall ensure that each child is accorded the following personal rights:
(2) To be accorded safe, healthful and comfortable accommodations, furnishings and equipment to meet his/her needs. This requirement is not met as evidenced by:
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CD stated she will conduct a training on 4/22/26 and go over regulation 101223(a)(2) and 101239.1 Napping Equipment and email LPA copy of training notes, staff names/signature and date to selena.mariani@dss.ca.gov
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Based on LPA observations of cots being too close together, AD & S9 interview, S1 sets cots out while children are outside playing before lunch and S3 & S4 stated they set cots up before children go outside which poses a potential health, safety or personal rights risk to persons 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: Melchisedeck Augustin
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Selena Mariani
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 04/15/2026
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 04/15/2026
LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 5 of 5