complaint·March 27, 2026

(Page 2) The Reporting Party (RP) stated that staff members enter infant sleeping and play areas while wearing outdoor shoes, and the environment is not kept in a sanitary condition appropriate for infants. The RP also reported that staff use derogatory labels such as “terrible” when referring to certain children and engage in loud verbal altercations in the presence of children. On 3/17/2026, LPA conducted interviews with six (6) staff and four (4) parents, conducted observations, and obtained pertinent documents. Regarding allegation (1) Staff do not ensure that infant equipment is kept clean and sanitary During interviews, all staff stated that they have not observed or heard about staff placing infant feeding equipment on the floor. Staff 1, 2, and 4 shared that the facility does not wash the food containers or bottles brought from home. Once they have been used, they are set aside to be sent home. Dishes provided by the facility are cleaned in the kitchen by designated kitchen staff. The interviewed parents did not divulge any information pertaining to the allegation. One (1) out of four (4) parents expressed concerns regarding the food provided by the facility, the sanitary conditions of toys and floors, the level of supervision, and the overall health practices. During observation at approximately 12:11PM, LPA observed infant toys and one mouthing teether on the floor of the Infant Room 1’s activity space. Staff 4 stated that anytime a child drops anything on the floor, the staff will wash it before handing it back to them. Toys are kept in cleaning solution bins and are sanitized at night. During record review, LPA reviewed the classroom cleaning checklist. The classroom cleaning checklist includes a category for food contact areas and mouth objects, such as tabletops and food prep areas, low chairs, bottle warmers, and toys that have been placed in children’s mouths. The checklist also provides instructions on how to clean each task listed. (Continue to page 3) (Page 3) Regarding allegation (2) Staff do not ensure the day care center is clean and sanitary During interviews, all staff interviewed stated that shoe covers are required before entering the infant room when wearing outside shoes; alternatively; designated indoor shoes may be worn or shoes may be removed. All interviewed staff have not observed or heard of staff entering the infant classroom without following the established protocol. Additionally, five (5) staff interviewed added that each classroom is given a classroom cleaning checklist. Staff 3 (S3) and Staff 4 (S4) stated that the checklist is provided at the beginning of the week and is submitted to management at the end of the week. Once a task is completed, a staff member will initial the day it was completed. All staff interviewed shared that the cleaning staff does not attend consistently, however, teachers are responsible for classroom cleaning duties. The responsibilities include but are not limited to vacuuming, mopping, sweeping, and other related tasks. The Director stated that there is no set cleaning schedule. The staff clean as needed throughout the day. One (1) of four (4) parents interviewed expressed concerns regarding the food provided by the facility, the sanitary conditions of toys and floors, the level of supervision, and the overall health practices. Parent 3 (P3) stated that the carpets are dirty and are not vacuumed frequently enough. During observation, LPA observed all staff in the infant classroom with shoe covers on. At approximately 12:13PM, LPA observed that the children’s tables were wet from being wiped down. There were a few grains of rice on the floor around the children’s tables following their lunch. The Director stated that the staff will clean up all the food on the floor once the children are all napping. During record review, LPA reviewed the classroom cleaning checklist. The classroom cleaning checklist includes a category for general classroom areas which includes but is not limited to classroom chairs, changing tables, and classroom floors. The checklist also provides instructions on how to clean each task listed. (Continue to page 4) (Page 4) Regarding allegation (3) Staff speak inappropriately to infants in care. During interviews, all staff stated that they have not observed or heard about staff referring to children as “terrible” or anything along the lines of that term. Three (3) staff interviewed shared that staff have been trained on how to speak using a kind tone with children. The interviewed parents did not divulge any information pertaining to the allegation. During record review, LPA reviewed the Employee Handbook and Family Handbook. The Employee Handbook states, “make sure you use appropriate, respectful, and courteous language and tone when you represent KCE… certain discipline methods are simply not acceptable at KCE, including: ... Disrespectful communication." Additionally, the Family Handbook states, "we take a proactive and preventive approach to guidance that reinforces appropriate behaviors rather than focusing on inappropriate behaviors... our teachers are trained to use various techniques including redirection, praise, and distraction.” R egarding allegation (4) Staff speak inappropriately in the presence of infants in care. During interviews, all staff stated that they have not observed or heard about staff having verbal altercations in the presence of children. Staff 2 (S2) shared that they have heard employees speaking a little louder to each other, but noted that it does not escalate into a verbal dispute. The interviewed parents did not divulge any information pertaining to the allegation. During record review, LPA reviewed the Employee Handbook which states, "any behavior or communication that is harassing, obscene, hostile, intimidating, or offensive in any way is cause for concern... If you have a disagreement that you can't resolve by talking directly with your coworker... discuss the matter with your manager.” (Continue to page 5) (Page 5) The Orange County Regional Child Care Licensing Office has investigated the complaint alleging (1) Staff do not ensure that infant equipment is kept clean and sanitary, (2) Staff do not ensure the day care center is clean and sanitary, (3) Staff speak inappropriately to infants in care, and (4) Staff speak inappropriately in the presence of infants in care: although the allegations may have happened or are valid, there was not a preponderance of evidence to prove the alleged violations did or did not occur, therefore the allegations are UNSUBSTANTIATED. No deficiencies cited. Notice of Site Visit was given and must remain posted for 30 days. Report was reviewed with the Assitant Director, Ashley Ibanez. Exit interview was conducted. The Notice of Site Visit was posted. Assitant Director Ashley Ibanez was informed that the Notice of Site Visit must be posted for 30 consecutive days. Failure to post will result in civil penalties of $100. End of report.