complaint·October 5, 2023

S8 wrote “I should’ve had a whole fist then” and “Push and shove are two different things lol hahajajajajjaja [sic]” in reference to the video. Pepper stated that when she learned of this incident, she reported it to her supervisor, KinderCare District Leader, Jennifer Liu. Pepper stated that this incident was also reported to child C1’s authorized representatives, CCLD, and a suspected child abuse report (SCAR) to the local child welfare services agency was completed and submitted by Liu. During the investigation, the LPA interviewed staff members S1-S7 regarding the allegations. Staff S8 could not be reached for an interview. Through the LPA’s interviews with the center’s staff and the center director’s own admission, the LPA was able to corroborate the allegations. Staff members that were interviewed stated that they are aware of the existence of a video taken by S5 which shows S8 pushing child C1. Several staff members interviewed stated that they themselves viewed the video and confirm that the staff member shown in the video is S8 using her hand to push C1’s chest. Furthermore, it was also corroborated through staff member interviews and the center director’s own admission that they have heard S5 and S8 making inappropriate comments towards daycare children. Staff interviewed stated that they have overheard S5 and S8 making inappropriate comments and teasing children about their appearance and/or personal hygiene. Title 22 states in part, “The licensee shall ensure that each child is accorded the following personal rights: To be free from corporal or unusual punishment, infliction of pain, humiliation, intimidation, ridicule, coercion, threat, mental abuse or other actions of a punitive nature including but not limited to: interference with functions of daily living including eating, sleeping or toileting; or withholding of shelter, clothing, medication or aids to physical functioning.” Based on information obtained from interviews and documents obtained during the investigation, the preponderance of evidence standard has been met; therefore, the above allegations are found to be substantiated. California Code of Regulations, Title 22 is being cited on the attached LIC 9099-D. An exit interview was conducted, and this report was read and discussed with the facility’s director, Alex Pepper. Appeal rights were provided. The Notice of Site Visit shall be posted for 30 days. Reports citing Type A violations are to be provided to parents/guardians of children currently enrolled by the next business day or the next day the children are in care, and to parents/guardians of children newly enrolled at the facility for the next 12 months from the date of this report. Parents/guardians must sign form LIC 9224 to be kept in each child's file.