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Department of
SOCIAL SERVICES

Community Care Licensing


COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT

Facility Number: 490109141
Report Date: 05/02/2025
Date Signed: 05/02/2025 04:08:39 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
03/03/2025 and conducted by Evaluator Amy Strother
PUBLIC
COMPLAINT CONTROL NUMBER: 01-CC-20250303141229
FACILITY NAME:LA PETITE ACADEMY - PRESCHOOL/SANTA ROSAFACILITY NUMBER:
490109141
ADMINISTRATOR:SARAH MORRISONFACILITY TYPE:
850
ADDRESS:2055 OCCIDENTAL RDTELEPHONE:
(707) 573-1623
CITY:SANTA ROSASTATE: CAZIP CODE:
95401
CAPACITY:85CENSUS: 48DATE:
05/02/2025
UNANNOUNCEDTIME BEGAN:
12:39 PM
MET WITH:Sarah MorrisonTIME COMPLETED:
02:25 PM
ALLEGATION(S):
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Staff did not provide adequate care or supervision resulting in a child sustaining multiple injuries
INVESTIGATION FINDINGS:
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Licensing Program Analyst (LPA), Amy Strother made a subsequent complaint investigation inspection, for the purpose of delivering complaint findings, and met with Center Director, Sarah Morrison (D1). It has been alleged that staff did not provide adequate care or supervision resulting in a child sustaining multiple injuries, specifically that on 01/22/25 child (C1) had unexplained cuts on fingers and palm, on 02/20/25, child (C1) had a scratch under their eye and on their nose, that staff were not able to explain, and sustained minor injuries on 02/21/25 and 02/28/25 for which incident report forms were provided to C1’s authorized representative.

During the initial investigation inspection on 03/11/25 LPA Strother toured the facility, made observations, received a current roster of children in care, current LIC500, Parent Handbook and reviewed incident reports in C1’s file. Additionally, LPA conducted interviews with Center Director (D1) and 2 staff, (S1 & S2). Based on LPA’s observation of children’s language development, the children in the 2’s room were not qualified to be interviewed.

Continue on LIC9099-C
Substantiated
Estimated Days of Completion:
SUPERVISORS NAME: Melchisedeck Augustin
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Amy Strother
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 05/02/2025
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 05/02/2025
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 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
03/03/2025 and conducted by Evaluator Amy Strother
PUBLIC
COMPLAINT CONTROL NUMBER: 01-CC-20250303141229

FACILITY NAME:LA PETITE ACADEMY - PRESCHOOL/SANTA ROSAFACILITY NUMBER:
490109141
ADMINISTRATOR:SARAH MORRISONFACILITY TYPE:
850
ADDRESS:2055 OCCIDENTAL RDTELEPHONE:
(707) 573-1623
CITY:SANTA ROSASTATE: CAZIP CODE:
95401
CAPACITY:85CENSUS: 48DATE:
05/02/2025
UNANNOUNCEDTIME BEGAN:
12:39 PM
MET WITH:Ranee SassTIME COMPLETED:
02:25 PM
ALLEGATION(S):
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Staff yelled at children

Staff forcefully pull children by the arms
INVESTIGATION FINDINGS:
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Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Amy Strother made a subsequent complaint investigation inspection for the purpose of delivering the findings, and met with Assitant Director, Ranee Sass (D2). It has been alleged that staff yelled at children and also alleged that staff forcefully pull children by the arms.

During the initial investigation inspection on 03/11/25 LPA Strother toured the facility, made observations, received a current roster of children in care, current LIC500, Parent Handbook and reviewed files. Additionally, LPA conducted interviews with Center Director (D1) and 2 staff (S1&S2). Based on LPA’s observation of children’s language development, the children in the 2’s room were not qualified to be interviewed. D1 denied the allegations, stating that she has never heard staff yell at children or seen staff forcefully pull on children’s arms. Staff S1 and S2 interviewed stated that although staff do raise their voices to stop unwanted behavior between children from occurring, they do not yell at children and have not heard other staff yell at children. One staff stated that her voice is naturally loud and has been asked to try and tone it down a little.
Continue on LIC9099-C
Unsubstantiated
Estimated Days of Completion:
SUPERVISORS NAME: Melchisedeck Augustin
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Amy Strother
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 05/02/2025
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 05/02/2025
This report must be available at Child Care and Group Home facilities for public review for 3 years.
LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 3 of 5
Control Number 01-CC-20250303141229
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: LA PETITE ACADEMY - PRESCHOOL/SANTA ROSA
FACILITY NUMBER: 490109141
VISIT DATE: 05/02/2025
NARRATIVE
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Staff stated that they do pull on children’s arms in a way to lead them to another area or bring them back into line, but are not pulling on arms in a forceful manner.

During the investigation, LPA received and reviewed additional records from reporting party, Adult 1 (A1) on 03/18/25 and 03/21/25. LPA Strother interviewed five adults, (A1-A2, A5 & A12-A13), and attempted to interview 8 additional adults (A3-A4 & A6-A11) between 03/10/25 and 04/30/25. Adults A2, A5, A12-A13 interviewed, expressed feeling happy with the care provided and did not have any concerns about staff and have not observed staff being physically forceful with children. A5 and A12 both stated that they have not heard staff yell at children but have heard a loud voice with a stern tone used, but didn’t consider it yelling. A12 specifically stated that they have witnessed staff physically move children from potentially unsafe situations, but did not observe it to be done forcefully. During the 03/11/25 visit, LPA witnessed staff use a loud voice, saying “No running” and “Water bottles over here, thank you.” While moving a child’s water bottle from the table to the portable cart. Although the voice was loud, it did not sound like children were yelled at. LPA observed a group of children come inside with one teacher for diaper changes. When the children had all been changed, the teacher had the children line up at the door to go back outside. When one child started to leave the line the staff person took hold of the child's forearm, leading them back to the line. LPA did not observe the arm holding to be forceful.

To aide facility in best practice language, LPA provided a handout titled, “Tell Me What To Do Instead!” containing examples of positive language that can be used in place of words like, “No, Don’t, and Stop” as well as positive descriptive acknowledgements that staff can express to children, as a resource that can be reviewed by staff.

Based on interviews conducted between 03/10/25 and 04/30/25 and records reviewed, there is not a preponderance of evidence to support the allegations. Although the allegations may have happened or are valid, there is not a preponderance of evidence to prove that an alleged violations occurred, therefore the allegations are UNSUBSTANTIATED.

This report was reviewed and discussed with Facility Representative, Assistant Director, Ranee Sass. 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: Amy Strother
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 05/02/2025
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 05/02/2025
LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 4 of 5
Control Number 01-CC-20250303141229
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: LA PETITE ACADEMY - PRESCHOOL/SANTA ROSA
FACILITY NUMBER: 490109141
VISIT DATE: 05/02/2025
NARRATIVE
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During the interview D1 stated that it was brought to her attention that C1 sustained a scratch under their eye and based on interviews D1 conducted with staff, no staff knew what occurred leading to the scratch on C1 on 02/20/25. S1 and S2 both gave examples of occasions when they were occupied changing a child’s diaper and were unable to physically aide the remaining children. One staff reported that while changing a diaper, the other staff in the room did not intervene when one child was on another child and a bite occurred.

During investigation, LPA received and reviewed additional records from reporting party, Adult 1 (A1) on 03/18/25 and 03/21/25. A photo of C1’s face from date 02/20/25 with unexplained injuries to C1’s nose and under eye area was included in the records received. LPA Strother interviewed five adults, (A1-A2, A5 & A12-A13), and attempted to interview 8 additional adults (A3-A4 & A6-A11) between 03/10/25 and 04/30/25. Adults A2, A5, A12-A13 interviewed, expressed feeling happy with the care provided, stating that the staff are communicative and that they are notified if their child is injured while in care with an App message or a written incident report. A12 shared during the interview that they have observed times when there has been one teacher in the room and they are occupied by changing a diaper and also times when there has been a second teacher in the room, and the teacher changing the diaper is the one trying to verbally intervene in child’s undesirable behavior, but the other staff did not take action.

It has been determined that C1 sustained an unexplained injury on 02/20/25. It has also been corroborated that when staff that are changing one child’s diaper, they are not able to intervene or may not see occasions when intervention is needed between children. It has also been determined that on at least one occasion, available staff, not involved in diaper changing, did not provide adequate supervision, resulting in a child sustaining a bite. LPA verified the biting incident occurred on 03/03/25 by way of record review.

Based interviews conducted with staff and A1 and records/files reviewed, the preponderance of evidence standard has been met; therefore, the above allegation is found to be SUBSTANTIATED. California Code of Regulations, Title 22 is cited on the attached LIC9099-D.

This report was reviewed and discussed with Facility Representative, Director, Sarah Morrison. 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: Amy Strother
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 05/02/2025
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 05/02/2025
LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 5 of 5
Control Number 01-CC-20250303141229
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: LA PETITE ACADEMY - PRESCHOOL/SANTA ROSA
FACILITY NUMBER: 490109141
DEFICIENCY INFORMATION FOR THIS PAGE:
VISIT DATE: 05/02/2025
Deficiency Type
POC Due Date /
Section Number
DEFICIENCIES
PLAN OF CORRECTIONS(POCs)
Type B
05/23/2025
Section Cited
CCR
101229(a)
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(a) The licensee shall provide care and supervision as necessary to meet the children's needs.



This requirement was not met as evidenced by:
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We are going to have 2 teachers in the two's room moving forward. D1 stated she will hold a staff training and provide an outline of the training to LPA Strother by 05/23/25.
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Based on interviews conducted with A1 and D1, adequate supervision was not provided to children, resulting in child (C1) sustaining unexplained injuries 02/20/25. Based on interviews with staff S1 and S2 there have been occasions when they were occupied changing a child’s diaper and were unable to physically aide the remaining children. One staff reported that while changing a diaper, the other staff in the room did not intervene when one child was on another child and a bite occurred, which poses a potential health, safety and/or personal rights risk(s) to 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: Melchisedeck Augustin
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Amy Strother
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 05/02/2025
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 05/02/2025
LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 2 of 5