complaint·November 19, 2024

In addition, parent statements did not present any concerns regarding the care and supervision provided stating that the facility has multiple staff supervising the children. Parents also stated that they are aware of Licensee and his spouse who is also a licensed provider. Based on the information gathered during this investigation, although the allegations may have happened or are valid, there is not a preponderance of evidence to prove that the allegations occurred and therefore are determined to be unsubstantiated. There were no Title 22 deficiencies cited. This report was reviewed and discussed with Facility Representative, Sindy Lafages. Appeal rights were provided. Notice of Site Visit shall be posted for 30 days from today's visit. Food Program reported visiting at least six times, and no one answers the door, and no one appears to be in the home. Food Program reported the children are at a licensed facility nearby that is operated by licensee’s spouse. Licensee denied allegation stating, “I didn’t know that I had to notify anyone about the changes in my hours of operation”. “When I am closed my wife sends an email”. Licensee acknowledges being aware of missing Food Program visits, stating the following “I don’t remember what date she (Food Program Worker) came; but I saw it on the ring camera”. Licensee admitted, “What happened is we made a mistake on incorrectly reporting food, it was a small mistake and they said we are lying on the food we are giving the kids”. Licensee further added that the children enrolled at his facility can attend his spouse’s facility, since they are under one business name, even though they are not the same business but a sister location. During the course of the investigation, LPA conducted interviews with the Licensee, two staff and three parents. Additional interviews were attempted with three more parents but were unsuccessful. To qualify for the Subsidized Payment Program, a Licensee is obligated to maintain accurate records to verify children’s attendance for the childcare and food services being provided. According to facility inspection report for Debose-McCree FCCH dated 08/28/24, LPA C. Castro, was at this facility from 09:47 am to 12:20 pm. Licensee stated his FCCH was closed for the entire day, at which time a total of zero children were observed in care and counted in the current census which is shown as “Census: 0” on the information section of the facility report. Licensee also sent out notification email to parents of closure on 08/28/24, date/time stamped on Wednesday, August 28, 2024 at 11:37am. Furthermore, records obtained by Community Care licensing outlined Serious Deficiency Determination of this facility on 08/28/24 for “Falsification of Documentation”, Willful Misrepresentation”, and “Lack of Business Integrity”. These findings are based on a review of records which reflect the Licensee entered times in and out on the monthly records when children were found not to be in attendance. According to the documents obtained, Licensee certified under penalty of perjury by signing each attendance sheet that two children were receiving care on 08/28/24 at his facility between the hours of 08:05am and 04:30pm. Additional statements further corroborated that children are being dropped off and picked up at licensee’s spouse facility. Continued on LIC 9099-C Based on the information gathered during this investigation, the preponderance of evidence standard has been met and therefore, the allegation is determined to be substantiated. California Code of Regulations, Title 22, is being cited on the attached LIC 9099-D. Appeal rights were provided. LPA Cindy Castro informed facility representative, Sindy Lafages that this report dated 11/19/24 document(s) one Type A citation(s) which shall be posted for 30 consecutive days as there is/are immediate risk(s) to the health, safety, or personal rights of children in care. Also, LPA Cindy Castro informed facility representative, Sindy Lafages to provide a copy of this licensing report dated 11/19/24 that documents any Type A citation(s) to parents/guardians of all children currently enrolled by the next business day or the next day the children are in care, and to any newly enrolled parents/guardians for 12 months from the date of this report. A signed Acknowledgement of Receipt of Licensing Report (LIC 9224), or other written statement, must be placed in the child's file for verification. An exit interview was conducted, and this report was read and discussed with the facility’s representative, Sindy Lafages. The Notice of Site Visit shall be posted for 30 days.