complaint·January 16, 2026

Page 2 On 12/08/2025, the Orange County Child Care Office received a complaint alleging: Staff handles day care children in a rough manner. Reporting Party (RP) stated on 11/17/2025 RP observed Staff 1 (S1) on the camera holding Child 1 (C1) by both wrists, and S1 used their knee to push C1 into the next room (transitioning from the 3's classroom toward the 4's and 5's classroom). Once S1 arrived at the next room, S1 dropped C1 and ignored C1. During the investigation, LPA interviewed 5 (five) staff members (S1-S5) and 3 children (C2-C4) of which 2 (two) of 3 (three) children interviewed did not disclose information pertaining to the allegations. LPA also toured the facility on 12/15/2025 and conducted classroom observations for staff/child relationships, viewed live footage for date 12/15/2025, obtained a copy of Kiddie Academy Personnel Roster, Children’s Roster, reviewed S1’s file, and Unusual Incident Report (UIR) dated 11/19/2025. During facility visit 12/15/2025 LPA inspected classrooms and observed staff in the classroom and on camera supporting children with different individual needs. LPA conducted 5 (five) staff interviews, 4 (four) of the staff interviewed work directly with children in care. 4 (four) interviewed staff stated that a child’s personal rights are to not deny them of their needs and to respect them as an individual. 5 (five) of 5 (five) interviewed staff stated they have never handled a child in a rough manner or witnessed any staff member handing a child in a rough manner. 4 (four) staff interviewed stated that when a child is showing behavior that needs adult guidance that they will support them with positive reinforcement words and give them space/time to join the group, and to make sure they are safe. 3 (three) of 5 (five) interviewed staff stated there was a recent incident that took place between S1 and C1. 3 (three) interviewed staff stated C1 was experiencing behavior that needed adult guidance during transition time into the classroom. 2 (two) of the 3 (three) staff aware of the incident on 11/17/2025 and stated that the cameras did not show a clear view of the incident that anyone could only see C1 crying and the S1’ hands on the back area of the child, so admin followed up with S1 to see what was happening. 3 (three) staff interviewed stated that S1 was using their hands that were open with palm facing the child’s back/shoulder area and guiding a crying child gently into the classroom in a safe way. Continue to page 3.. Page 3 3 (three) of 3 (three) staff interviewed stated that there are live cameras that parents and admin have access to and could view throughout the day and that the video recordings are recorded over so there is no access to the camera footage of the incident that occurred on 11/17/2025. 3 (three) staff interviewed stated that there was open communication with the parents regarding the incident that occurred between S1 and C1 on 11/17/2025. 2 (two) staff interviewed stated S1 does not have a history of handling a child in a rough manner S5 stated that if there was a teacher who handled a child in a rough manner that would be grounds for termination. 2 (two) of the 5 (five) staff interviewed stated that the incident that occurred on 11/17/2025 was reported to Community Care Licensing-Childcare in writing on 11/19/2025. LPA conducted a file review for S1 and facility records. LPA reviewed S1’s staff file and found that S1 was a fully qualified teacher. During facility records review LPA found a written UIR was provided to Community Care Licensing- Childcare on 11/19/2025 and a case management visit was conducted regarding the incident by an LPA on 12/04/2025. LPA called 5 parents to interview; LPA was not able to reach 3 (three) of 5 (five) parents called and left a voicemail for parents to call back. 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 Staff handles day care children in a rough manner did or did not occur; therefore, the allegations are UNSUBSTANTIATED.