304371091-9-17-2026-06-CC-TNGN-DYCL2A-20260928082202

Community Care Licensing

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT

Facility Number: 304371091
Report Date: 09/17/2026
Date Signed: 09/17/2026 04:38:48 PM

Unsubstantiated

STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT

CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
ORANGE COUNTY CC RO, 750 THE CITY DRIVE, SUITE 250
ORANGE, CA 92868

This is an official report of an unannounced visit/investigation of a complaint received in our office on
06/30/2026 and conducted by Evaluator Dianna ValdezSantana

PUBLIC

COMPLAINT CONTROL NUMBER: 06-CC-20260630141932

FACILITY NAME:	KINDERLAND ACADEMY		FACILITY NUMBER:	304371091
ADMINISTRATOR:	SALCEDO, MIRIAM		FACILITY TYPE:	850
ADDRESS:	1170 W. CIVIC CENTER DRIVE		TELEPHONE:	(714) 280-4222
CITY:	SANTA ANA	STATE: CA	ZIP CODE:	92703
CAPACITY:	42	CENSUS: 24	DATE:	09/17/2026
		UNANNOUNCED	TIME BEGAN:	03:31 PM
MET WITH:	Licensee, Miriam Salcedo		TIME COMPLETED:	04:45 PM

ALLEGATION(S):

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9

Unqualified staff left alone to supervise children
Facility has cockroaches
Staff leave children alone during nap time

INVESTIGATION FINDINGS:

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13

On 09/17/2026, Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) D. Valdez Santana made an unannounced visit to Kinderland Academy for the purpose to deliver findings of a complaint that was received. Upon arrival, LPA was met by Licensee, Miriam Salcedo and Director, Maria Elena Rivera, who was explained the reason for today’s visit. LPA was provided with a tour of the facility; census was taken. LPA observed 5 Staff caring for 24 preschool-age children, present at the time of inspection. The Director stated currently there are 44 children enrolled in the daycare.

A review of the Facility Personnel Report Summary conducted on today’s date indicates all facility staff or other individuals who require caregiver background checks have received criminal record and child abuse index clearances or exemptions.

On 06/30/2026 a complaint was filed with the Licensing office stating, Unqualified staff left alone to supervise children, Facility has cockroaches and Staff leave children alone during nap time. During the course of investigation, LPA interviewed 7 staff members, 3 parents and 5 children. Page 1 of 3

Unsubstantiated

Estimated Days of Completion:

SUPERVISORS NAME: Tina Nguyen
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Dianna ValdezSantana
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:	DATE: 09/17/2026

I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.

FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 09/17/2026

This report must be available at Child Care and Group Home facilities for public review for 3 years.

LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)

Page: 1 of 3

Control Number 06-CC-20260630141932

STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT (Cont)

CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
ORANGE COUNTY CC RO, 750 THE CITY DRIVE, SUITE 250
ORANGE, CA 92868

FACILITY NAME: KINDERLAND ACADEMY	FACILITY NUMBER: 304371091
	VISIT DATE: 09/17/2026

NARRATIVE

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32

Page 2

Regarding the allegation, Unqualified staff left alone to supervise children. 7 out of 7 staff denied unqualified staff are left alone with children. 5 out of 5 children did not make disclosures regarding the allegation. 3 out 3 parents interviewed made no disclosures regarding the allegation.

LPA’s observations during the investigation, LPA obtained copies of the Children's Roster and Personnel Report. Staff #5 (S5) and Staff #6 (S6) denied they are left alone with children. During LPA’s first visit to the facility, LPA observed at least one qualified teacher in every classroom during naptime. LPA also observed teachers and assistants supervising children in the bathroom. The second time LPA was at the facility LPA observed the children to be under the direct supervision of qualified teachers.

Regarding the allegation, Facility has cockroaches. 7 out of 7 staff denied there are cockroaches in the facility. Staff #7 (S7) stated that staff maintain the facility very clean and S7 has staff clean throughout the day and deep cleaning is done by a cleaning crew. 5 out of 5 children did not make any disclosures about the above allegation. 3 out of 3 parents interviewed did not make any disclosures regarding the allegation.

LPA’s observations during of the investigation, LPA thoroughly inspected the kitchen and classrooms, LPA did not observe any cockroaches or evidence of any insects. The classrooms were clean and tidy. The kitchen was clean, food was properly stored in airtight containers, nothing was left out that could potentially attract any insects. Upon LPA’s return to the facility, again, LPA inspected the kitchen and classrooms, LPA did not see any evidence of cockroaches.

Regarding the allegation, Unqualified staff left alone to supervise children. 7 out of 7 staff denied unqualified staff are left alone with children. 5 out of 5 children did not make disclosures regarding the allegation. 3 out 3 parents interviewed made no disclosures regarding the allegation.

LPA’s observations during the inspection, while touring the facility, LPA Valdez Santana observed the facility to be within ratios and children were being supervised at all times. When children were in the bathroom they were being supervised by teachers and assistants.

Page 2 of 3

SUPERVISORS NAME: Tina Nguyen
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Dianna ValdezSantana
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:	DATE: 09/17/2026

I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.

FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 09/17/2026

LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)

Page: 2 of 3

Control Number 06-CC-20260630141932

STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT (Cont)

CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
ORANGE COUNTY CC RO, 750 THE CITY DRIVE, SUITE 250
ORANGE, CA 92868

FACILITY NAME: KINDERLAND ACADEMY	FACILITY NUMBER: 304371091
	VISIT DATE: 09/17/2026

NARRATIVE

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32

Page 3

During the course of the investigation LPA took pictures of the kitchen and obtained a copy of the Children’s Roster and Personnel Report. The Reporting Party (RP) provided a video showing a cockroach in a cabinet, the video is zoomed in so it is unclear if the video was taken at the facility. Additionally, the video did not have a time stamp, LPA requested the original video with a time stamp included and LPA did not receive a response. Therefore, the video provided does not sufficiently support the allegation.

Based on LPA’s interviews and record review, there is insufficient evidence to corroborate the allegation of Unqualified staff left alone to supervise children, Facility has cockroaches and Staff leave children alone during nap time. 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 UNSUBSTANTIATED.

Exit interview was conducted, and report was reviewed and discussed with Director Maria Elena Rivera and Licensee, Miriam Salcedo. Notice of Site Visit was posted during the visit. The facility representative was informed that the Notice of Site Visit must be posted for 30 consecutive days. The facility was provided a copy of their appeal rights (LIC 9058 12/15) and their signature on this form acknowledges receipt of these rights.

Page 3 of 3. End of Report.

SUPERVISORS NAME: Tina Nguyen
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Dianna ValdezSantana
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:	DATE: 09/17/2026

I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.

FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 09/17/2026

LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)

Page: 3 of 3