complaint·September 23, 2025

Page 2 On 07/11/2025, the Orange County Child Care Office received a complaint alleging: 1) Staff handled day care child in a rough manner. 2) Staff did not ensure that drinking water was readily available in the outdoor play area. The Reporting Party (RP) stated that staff did not make sure there was drinking water available outside and that they witnessed a staff handle either their own child or a child in a rough manner. During the investigation, LPA toured the facility on 07/16/2025 and 07/29/2025, conducted interviews, took photo of extra cups and filled water cups outside, water source, LPA obtained Personnel Report, School Roster, and Summer Safety Guide Training. LPA interviewed #8 (eight) staff (S1-S8) and attempted to interview #3 (three) children (C1-C3). C1-C3 did not qualify to be interviewed. Regarding allegation \342\200\234Staff handled day care child in a rough manner.\342\200\235: On 07/16/2025 and 07/29/2025 during visits LPA toured the classrooms and playground, observed teachers engaged with children supporting them with different needs and activities. 8 (eight) of 8 (eight) staff stated that a child\342\200\231s personal rights are not refusing a child drink, food, rest/nap, needing to use the bathroom, and providing the child with a safe space. 8 (eight) of 8 (eight) staff stated they have not witnessed any staff violating a child\342\200\231s personal rights or handling a child in a rough manner. 8 (eight) staff interviewed stated that they will provide a child that is experiencing a need for adult support or guidance by redirecting the child by providing them with something of interest, a quiet space, different breathing techniques, talking with parents, or staying near to the child. Staff #7 (S7) stated they will provide support in the classroom if needed, create an ABC plan for a child, and that Kinder Care has a program specialist (S9) who will support a child experiencing a need for adult guidance when in the classroom, and provide advice to staff. 7 (seven) staff interviewed stated they have not heard of or had any parent concerns regarding a child being handled in a rough manner. Regarding allegation \342\200\234Staff did not ensure that drinking water was readily available in the outdoor play area.\342\200\235: On 07/16/2025 and 07/29/2025 during visits LPA toured the classrooms and playground, observed children drinking water, extra cups in classrooms, source to provide water, water cups stored on storage carts and on top of shelves located in the classrooms. Continue to page 3. Page 3 During staff interviews, 8 (eight) of 8 (eight) staff stated that children bring water cups from home and have free access to water throughout the day/playground time and that they will check water cups regularly to ensure they are filled. 8 (eight) of 8 (eight) staff stated that children will take their filled water cups outside during playground time and if their cups need to be refilled during playground time they will refill with a pitcher or call for support. During playground time LPA observed some children drinking water from their cups and observed water cups to be readily available on top of a storage shed low in height. On 9/30/2025, LPA conducted parent interviews. LPA called 4 (four) parents, and LPA was able to interview 3 (three) of the 4 (four) parents. The 3 (three) parents interviewed did not divulge any information pertaining to the allegations. Based on LPA observations, interviews, and records review; the preponderance of evidence standard has not been met. Although the allegations may have happened or are valid, there is not a preponderance of evidence to prove the alleged violations of: Staff handled day care child in a rough manner. Staff did not ensure that drinking water was readily available in the outdoor play area did or did not occur; therefore, the allegations are UNSUBSTANTIATED. Exit interview conducted and report was reviewed with Director Zelinda, Zazuetta. The director was informed that the \342\200\234Notice of Site Visit\342\200\235 must be posted on or adjacent to the door for 30 days. Failure to post will result in a Civil Penalty of a $100.00. End of report.