complaint·August 6, 2025

According to Director Heim, the surfaces in the classrooms are cleaned and sanitized daily. The facility utilizes three different types of commercial cleaners and disinfectants: a red-colored bottle used for sanitizing, a green-colored bottle for disinfecting, and a blue-colored bottle for cleaning glass and other surfaces. Additionally, Director Heim stated that floors in the classrooms are mopped, swept, and vacuumed daily by staff members. Each classroom has a “Classroom Cleaning Checklist” that covers areas such as food contact areas and mouthed objects, restrooms and diapering areas, and general classroom areas. Director Heim stated that staff are required to follow this checklist daily. Director Heim confirmed that the classroom trash cans are emptied daily or more frequently if necessary. Director Heim acknowledged the presence of a dark-colored stain on a rug in a preschool classroom, attributing it to spilled paint from a children's arts and crafts activity and not to any hazardous substance. She also confirmed the presence of hard water stains in the bathrooms near water fixtures but stated that these stains are unsightly but do not pose a health and safety risk. Regarding classroom odors, Director Heim noted that certain classrooms may have unpleasant smells during diaper changes. To mitigate this, staff utilize fans and open windows to ventilate the rooms, and the odors typically dissipate over time. Director Heim stated that drinking water is readily accessible to children both indoors and outdoors. Director Heim confirmed that each classroom is equipped with a cart containing individual water bottles for each child, which are periodically refilled throughout the day. Director Heim stated that children are free to access their water bottles as needed. If a child forgets to bring a water bottle, the center provides spare KinderCare-branded bottles that children can either keep or borrow. Director Heim confirmed that when children are on the playground, the carts are wheeled outside to ensure continued access to water. Additionally, a children's drinking fountain is available on the playground. Director Heim stated that staff frequently remind children to take water breaks during outdoor play. Throughout the investigation, the LPA conducted unannounced visits to the center on June 19, July 24, and August 6, 2025. During these visits, the LPA observed classroom conditions and interviewed staff members (S1 through S7). Interviews with staff members and with clients revealed consistent statements that aligned with the center director’s account, providing no additional evidence to support the allegations. In the classrooms, the LPA observed push carts filled with children's water bottles. The LPA observed that the preschool classrooms are equipped with vinyl composition tile flooring, and area rugs that appeared to be clean, sanitary, and in good repair were used. No foul odors were detected. Upon inspecting a children’s bathroom during the initial investigation visit, the LPA observed dried feces and hard water stains in a toilet bowl. Director Heim was notified and immediately addressed the issue by cleaning the toilet bowl. Director Heim notified the LPA that this bathroom is currently not being used by children in the classroom due to them not being potty trained, yet. (Continued on LIC9099-C) Based on available information and interviews conducted, although the allegations may have happened or are valid, there is not a preponderance of evidence to prove the alleged violations did or did not occur. Therefore, the allegations are determined to be unsubstantiated at this time. There were no Title 22 deficiencies cited. This report was reviewed and discussed with the center director, Anais Heim. Appeal rights were provided. Notice of Site Visit shall be posted for 30 days from today's visit.