Incident investigation·November 21, 2025

Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Tatiana Bickham conducted an unannounced case management inspection due incident that occurred on 08/16/2024. LPA arrived at the facility at 11:15 AM and met with Annel Chavez, Assistant Director, who guided LPA on a tour of the facility. There were 26 children in care and 3 staff present upon arrival. The purpose of the visit was to follow-up on an incident that was reported to the department. The incident that occurred on 08/16/2024, was reported to the Department on 08/19/2024, via email. The facility reported the Unusual Incident to the Department within the required 24 hours of occurrence. Information reported to the Department indicated that a staff found a crystal like substance wrapped in a paper towel in the bathroom cubby of classroom 3. According to the incident report, on August 16, 2024, Staff 1 (S1) discovered a rock-shaped crystal-like substance wrapped in a paper towel inside one of the cubbies located in the restroom of Classroom 3. The paper towel had the words "Marcella Cristal" written on it. Director Tara Perera removed the item from the bag to inspect it. Initially, she believed it to be a selenite crystal, used to clear negative energy from a room. To ensure safety, the Director contacted Safety Services Management, a biohazard company, to test the substance. The test confirmed that the crystal was positive for methamphetamines (meth). Page 1. The Director also reviewed surveillance footage to identify any unusual behavior or individuals entering or exiting the restroom. No suspicious activity was observed. The Director then contacted the local Police Department to retrieve the substance. All staff members underwent hand and clothing testing. All results were negative except for the Director, who handled the substance. On Saturday 08/17/2024, the Director arranged for staff, including herself, to undergo drug testing. All results, including the Director’s, came back negative. On August 19, 2024, El Segundo North Child Care referred the incident to the Investigation Branch (IB). IB conducted a full investigation and determined that Staff 2 (S2) was responsible for placing the methamphetamine in the cubby. On August 19, 2024, S2 was terminated from employment at Rainbow Early Learning Center. On September 28, 2024, the California Department of Social Services served S2 with a Decision and Order prohibiting their employment in, presence at, or contact with clients of any facility licensed by the Department. S2 did not appeal the Decision and Order and as of November 14, 2025 S2 is permanently prohibited from working in a licensed facility. In response to the incident, the facility has implemented stricter policies regarding items brought onto the premises by staff. Staff are no longer permitted to bring prescription medications, vitamins, energy drinks, or coffee into the facility. If coffee is brought in, it must be stored either in the Director’s office or in the classroom closet and may only be consumed during designated break times. The following deficiencies listed on the attached LIC 809D (deficiency page) are being cited in accordance with California Code of Regulations Title 22. Deficiencies that are being cited need to be cleared to protect the children’s health & safety. A copy of this report shall be provided to the parent/guardian of children currently enrolled by the next business day or immediately upon return. A copy of this report shall also be provided to the parent/guardian of any newly enrolled children for the next 12 months (1 year). The Acknowledgement form must be maintained in each child’s file immediately upon receipt from parent. Licensee was provided with a copy of the parent Acknowledgement of Receipt of Licensing Reports Form during this visit. Page 2. The Assistant Director was advised the Notice of Site Visit must be posted at the entrance of the facility for a period of 30 days. If a serious violation is cited, (Type A violation), a copy of the licensing report (LIC809 or LIC9099) must also be posted for 30 days. A copy of this report and appeal rights were provided to Assistant Director. Page 3.