complaint·February 8, 2024

Page 2 The Reporting Party (RP) mentioned they have observed a staff member speak inappropriately to children and handle children in a rough manner for not listening. Per the RP, the staff would often tell children to shut up and to sit down. The RP also stated if the children did not listen, the staff member would sometimes force them to sit by grabbing their arm and making them sit. Lastly, RP mentioned assistants with no units provide supervision and care to 10 or more children (not napping). During the investigation, LPA conducted interviews with the reporting party, staff, children, and parents. On 2/5/2024 LPA interviewed RP. RP mentioned observing a staff speak inappropriately to children but wasn’t sure when the alleged incident occurred. RP stated the staff member would say “this kid is not listening” and would sometimes scream at all the children inside classroom #4. When RP was asked about children being handled in a rough manner. RP mentioned witnessing the staff tap a child on top of the head with their finger. RP stated there were no other witnesses to the incident other than themselves and didn’t have a date when the alleged incident occurred. RP stated assistants are being left alone to provide care without a qualified teacher present. RP stated they did not have the dates when the alleged incident occurred and did not want to provide names of any witnesses. Title 22 California Code of Regulations-101216.1 Teacher Qualification & Duties 101216.1 Teacher Qualification & Duties: To be a fully qualified teacher, a teacher shall have one of the following: Twelve post-secondary semester or equivalent quarter units in early childhood education or child development completed, with passing grades, at an accredited or approved college or university; The units specified shall include courses that cover the general areas of child growth and development, or human growth and development; child, family and community, or child and family; and program/curriculum. On 2/6/2024 LPA conducted an unannounced visit. LPA observed seven preschool age staff present inside the childcare center and reviewed their staff files. Inside classroom #2 LPA observed one teacher and one assistant with 10 toddler children. Staff present inside the toddler classroom were qualified. Inside classroom #3, LPA observed one teacher and one assistant with 9 preschool age children. Staff present inside classroom #3 were qualified. Inside classroom #4, LPA observed one teacher and one assistant with 10 preschool age children. Staff present inside classroom# 4 were qualified. Inside classroom #5, LPA observed one teacher with 10 preschool age children. Teacher present inside classroom #5 is qualified. Continue to Page 3 Page 3 On 2/6/2024 LPA conducted interviews with six staff members. All six staff members stated they have never spoken to or handled any children in a rough manner and have never witnessed other staff members doing so. Teachers interviewed stated they have never witnessed assistants caring for children alone. Assistants interviewed stated they have never been left alone to care for children. On 2/6/2024 LPA conducted interviews with preschool age children. Three out of five children were qualified to be interviewed. Children interviewed did not divulge any information pertaining to the alleged incidents. On 2/7/2024 LPA conducted parent interviews. LPA contacted 21 parents via phone call. 10 out of 21 parents were able to be interviewed. Parents interviewed did not divulge any information pertaining to the alleged incidents. Based on LPA observation, interviews with reporting party, staff, children, and parents, there was not enough evidence to substantiate the alleged allegations. The Orange County Child Care Office has investigated the complaint alleging (1) Facility staff speaks inappropriately to children in care, (2) Facility staff handles children in a rough manner, and (3) Unqualified staff providing care for children in care. Although the allegations may have happened or are valid, there is not enough preponderance of evidence to prove the alleged violations did or did not occur, therefore the allegations are UNSUBSTANTIATED. In the areas that were evaluated, no deficiencies were observed of the California Code of Regulations, Title 22, Division 12 at the time of the visit. Exit interview conducted and report was reviewed with Director Adriana Agreda. Notice of Site Visit was provided to Director Adriana Agreda and posted on. The notice of site visit must be posted for 30 consecutive days. Failure to post will result in civil penalties of $100. The director was provided a copy of their appeal right (LIC 9058 1/16) and their signature on this form acknowledges receipt of these rights. Exit interview was conducted.