complaint·April 1, 2026

The RP also expressed concerns regarding the gate leading to the parking lot, stating that it can be easily opened by children by shaking it and there is no alarm system to alert staff if the gate is opened. During the course of the investigation, LPA interviewed 16 staff members. LPA reviewed 15 staff timecards. LPA contacted 10 parents/authorized representatives but only 7 responded. Children interviews were attempted but children did not qualify with the Ten Step Investigative Interview. Regarding Allegation 1: Facility did not report incident to the licensing office During staff interview, 15 out of 15 staff stated they do not know the California Code of Regulations Reporting Requirements. The director stated she forgot to report to licensing the incident regarding Child 1 (C1) opened the gate and walked out to the parking lot without staff awareness on 11/17/2025 after C1 was signed out by the parent. 14 out of 15 staff stated they do not know why the incident regarding C1 opened the gate and walked out to the parking lot without staff awareness on 11/17/2025 was not reported to licensing. During record review, LPA confirmed lack of documentation in the facility records, such the Unusual Incident/Injury Report (LIC 624). The director submitted the Unusual Incident /Injury Report (LIC 624) to the Department on 03/11/2026. Regarding Allegation 2: Gate did not latch properly During staff interviews, 13 out of 13 staff stated they have never seen a child open the gate and exit the facility. Staff 2 (S2) stated C1 knew jumping on the gate would open the gate. S2 has not witnessed C1 opening the gate but was informed this was something C1 could do. PAGE 2 of 3 S3 stated on the unknown dates, C1 has opened the gate 3 times by jumping on the gate to get it open and ran out to the parking lot. C1 was with the parent on these 3 occasions. C1 has better (fine/gross motor) skills than other daycare children. S5 stated C1 was the only child known to open the gate to exit the facility. C1 knew if C1 jumped on the gate, C1 would be able to open the gate and exit the facility. LPA contacted 10 parents/authorized representatives but only 7 responded. 7 out of 7 interviewed parents/authorized representatives did not make any disclosure regarding the above allegations. Based on LPA’s interviews, observations, and record review, the preponderance of evidence standard has been met, therefore the above allegations are found to be SUBSTANTIATED . California Code of Regulations, Title 22, Division 12 Chapter 1 Section 101212(d)(1)(C) Reporting Requirements and Section 101238(a) Buildings and Grounds are being cited on the attached LIC 9099D forms. Please refer to LIC 9099D for documentation of Type B deficiencies. The exit interview was conducted with the facility representative, Melinda Marchese. The Notice of Site Visit was posted during the visit. The facility representative was reminded that the Notice of Site Visit must be posted for 30 consecutive days. Appeal Rights were discussed and provided to the facility representative and their signature on this form acknowledges receipt of these rights. Facility representative must file an appeal, in writing, to the Regional Manager within 15 business days from the date of receiving the penalty assessment or notice of deficiency. First level appeals should be sent to the Regional Manager at the address listed above. End of Report PAGE 3 of 3