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Department of
SOCIAL SERVICES

Community Care Licensing


COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT

Facility Number: 304371224
Report Date: 09/22/2026
Date Signed: 09/22/2026 03:27:28 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
07/31/2026 and conducted by Evaluator Alma Castro
COMPLAINT CONTROL NUMBER: 06-CC-20260731110026
FACILITY NAME:KIDDIE ACADEMY OF SANTA ANAFACILITY NUMBER:
304371224
ADMINISTRATOR:ESTRADA, ELAINAFACILITY TYPE:
850
ADDRESS:1345 NORTH GRAND AVENUETELEPHONE:
(714) 599-1783
CITY:SANTA ANASTATE: CAZIP CODE:
92701
CAPACITY:92CENSUS: 34DATE:
09/22/2026
UNANNOUNCEDTIME BEGAN:
01:30 PM
MET WITH:Director, Daniela ValladolidTIME COMPLETED:
03:45 PM
ALLEGATION(S):
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1) Staff do not provide adequate food service
INVESTIGATION FINDINGS:
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On 09/22/2026, Licensing Program A.Castro conducted an announced visit to the facility to deliver findings for a complaint that was received at the Orange County Regional Licensing Office. Upon arrival, LPA met with Director, Daniela Valladolid, and explained the reason for the visit. LPA was led on a tour of the facility and observed a total of 34 children with 7 staff.

On 07/31/2026, the Orange County Regional Child Care Licensing Office received a complaint with the allegation listed above: Staff do not provide adequate food service.

On 08/05/2026, LPA made an unannounced visit to the facility and interviewed staff and children. Director provided LPA with facility roster, menu and other pertinent documents to the investigation.


Unsubstantiated
Estimated Days of Completion:
SUPERVISORS NAME: Nguyen K Tran
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Alma Castro
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 09/22/2026
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 09/22/2026
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 6
Control Number 06-CC-20260731110026
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: KIDDIE ACADEMY OF SANTA ANA
FACILITY NUMBER: 304371224
VISIT DATE: 09/22/2026
NARRATIVE
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During the investigation, LPA interviewed six (6) staff members, six (6) children and ten (10) parents. All six (6) staff members provided consistent statements about the facility providing adequate meals. All six (6) staff members denied ever refusing to warm up a child’s lunch that required being warmed up. Five (5) out of six (6) children stated that they enjoyed the food being served at the facility. Five (5) out of six (6) children stated that their teacher warms up their lunch when needed. One child was not eligible to be interviewed. Out of the ten (10) parents contacted, only three (3) answered and were interviewed. Out of the three (3) interviewed, only one (1) expressed concerns.

During LPA’s record review, LPA reviewed menu plans being posted throughout the facility. LPA Castro observed that meals consist of a whole grain item, main entrée, side entrée, either fruit/vegetable and served with unflavored milk. According to the Kiddie Academy Week 1 and Week 2, the afternoon snacks do not change and remain the same week after week. LPA Castro also made observations during mealtimes on the visits that occurred on 08/05/2026 and 09/22/2026. LPA witnessed teachers be attentive to children’s feeding needs and meals be warmed up when necessary.

The Orange County Regional Child Care Licensing Office has investigated the complaint alleging staff do not provide adequate food service. Based on information gathered from LPA’s interviews and record reviews, the preponderance of evidence standard has been not met, therefore the allegation is unsubstantiated.

>> END OF REPORT <<

SUPERVISORS NAME: Nguyen K Tran
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Alma Castro
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 09/22/2026
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 09/22/2026
LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 2 of 6
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
07/31/2026 and conducted by Evaluator Alma Castro
COMPLAINT CONTROL NUMBER: 06-CC-20260731110026

FACILITY NAME:KIDDIE ACADEMY OF SANTA ANAFACILITY NUMBER:
304371224
ADMINISTRATOR:ESTRADA, ELAINAFACILITY TYPE:
850
ADDRESS:1345 NORTH GRAND AVENUETELEPHONE:
(714) 599-1783
CITY:SANTA ANASTATE:CAZIP CODE:
92701
CAPACITY:92CENSUS: 34DATE:
09/22/2026
UNANNOUNCEDTIME BEGAN:
01:30 PM
MET WITH:Director, Daniela ValladolidTIME COMPLETED:
03:45 PM
ALLEGATION(S):
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Staff yell at day care children
Staff speak inappropriately to day care children
INVESTIGATION FINDINGS:
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*** This is the Amended Report to correct details in the second paragraph on page 3 of this report ***
On 09/22/2026, Licensing Program A.Castro conducted an announced visit to the facility to deliver findings for a complaint that was received at the Orange County Regional Licensing Office. Upon arrival, LPA met with Director, Daniela Valladolid, and explained the reason for the visit. LPA was led on a tour of the facility and observed a total of 34 children with 7 staff.

On 07/31/2026, the Orange County Regional Child Care Licensing Office received a complaint with the allegations listed above: 1) Staff yell at day care children and 2) Staff speak inappropriately to day care children.

On 08/05/2026, LPA made an unannounced visit to the facility, made observations during indoor activities, including a meal times and interviewed staff and children. Director provided LPA with facility roster, Employee Handbook and other pertinent documents to the investigation.
Substantiated
Estimated Days of Completion:
SUPERVISORS NAME: Nguyen K Tran
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Alma Castro
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 09/22/2026
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 09/22/2026
This report must be available at Child Care and Group Home facilities for public review for 3 years.
LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 3 of 6
Control Number 06-CC-20260731110026
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: KIDDIE ACADEMY OF SANTA ANA
FACILITY NUMBER: 304371224
VISIT DATE: 09/22/2026
NARRATIVE
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During the investigation, LPA interviewed six (6) staff, six (6) children and ten (10) parents. Four (4) out of the six (6) staff interviewed have observed Staff #3 (S3) yell at children in care. Four (4) out of six (6) staff have disclosed concerns regarding the manner that S3 speaks to children. Three (3) children interviewed stated that S3 has yelled at them. Two (2) children interviewed had not experienced being yelled at by S3. The last child was not eligible to be interviewed. Out of the ten (10) parents contacted, only three (3) answered and were interviewed. Out of the three (3) interviewed parents, only one (1) expressed concerns regarding the above-named allegations.

During LPA’s record review, LPA reviewed the Kiddie Academy Employee Handbook. Written in the Kiddie Academy Pledge, it states “We at Kiddie Academy pledge to offer: VI. A loving and caring environment”. Outlined in the section titled Job Performance: “All employees are expected to perform and conduct themselves in accordance with Kiddie Academy’s policies, rules and procedures.” Outlined in the section Discipline and Termination: “Every employee at Kiddie Academy is expected to observe basic rules of conduct, adhere to State regulations regarding supervision of children, including working together as team to ensure maintaining teacher to child ratio in the classrooms in the playground area. Under the same section, the handbook states that subjecting a child to verbal abuse intended to cause mental distress such as by shouting, cursing, shaming or ridiculing could result in termination”. LPA also reviewed the guidance given to staff that states staff should “create a positive and emotionally safe environment and modeling positive behavior, example using kind words and a calm voice in the classroom”.

During LPA's classroom observations on 08/05/2026, LPA observed Child 1 (C1) plead with Staff 3 (S3) that they needed assistance with changing out of their wet clothing after water play. S3 continuously told C1 to “Do it yourself. You’re not a baby. You don’t have to cry”. The incident occurred during a transition from changing out of their wet clothes and preparing children to eat lunch.
SUPERVISORS NAME: Nguyen K Tran
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Alma Castro
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 09/22/2026
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 09/22/2026
LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 4 of 6
Control Number 06-CC-20260731110026
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: KIDDIE ACADEMY OF SANTA ANA
FACILITY NUMBER: 304371224
VISIT DATE: 09/22/2026
NARRATIVE
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The Orange County Regional Child Care Licensing Office has investigated the complaint alleging 1) Staff yell at day care children and 2) Staff speak inappropriately to day care children. Based on information gathered from LPA’s interviews, observations and record review, the preponderance of evidence standard has been met, therefore the allegation is substantiated.

The following type b violation of the California Code of Regulations, Title 22; Division 12 was cited today:
Personal Rights 101223(a). Refer to the LIC9099-D for more details.

A notice of site visit was posted today and licensee was explained that it must remain posted for a period of 30 days. Failure to keep A Notice of Site Visit posted will result in a $100.00 civil penalty. An exit interview was conducted and a copy of this report was provided to licensee. The facility representative was provided a copy of their appeal rights (LIC 9058) and their signature on this form acknowledges receipt of these rights.




>> END OF REPORT <<
SUPERVISORS NAME: Nguyen K Tran
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Alma Castro
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 09/22/2026
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 09/22/2026
LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 5 of 6
Control Number 06-CC-20260731110026
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: KIDDIE ACADEMY OF SANTA ANA
FACILITY NUMBER: 304371224
DEFICIENCY INFORMATION FOR THIS PAGE:
VISIT DATE: 09/22/2026
Deficiency Type
POC Due Date /
Section Number
DEFICIENCIES
PLAN OF CORRECTIONS(POCs)
Type B
09/29/2026
Section Cited
CCR
101223(a)
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101223(a) Personal Rights:
(a) The licensee shall ensure that each child is accorded the following personal rights:
(1)To be accorded dignity in his/her personal relationships with staff and other persons.

This requirement is met as evidence by:
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Director stated they will conduct a staff re-training covering Title 22 regulations including children's personal rights.

The facility will provide acknowledgement signatures from staff and email to LPA by the due date ([email protected]).
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Based on LPA's interviews, observations and record review, it was discovered that S3 uses an inappropropiate tone when speaking to children in care. LPA also observed S3 speaking inappropriately to C1 during a facility visit 08/05/2026. These actions pose a potential health and safety risk to the children in care.
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Failure to correct the cited deficiency(ies), on or before the Plan of Correction (POC) due date, may result in a civil penalty assessment.
SUPERVISOR'S NAME: Nguyen K Tran
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Alma Castro
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 09/22/2026
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 09/22/2026
LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 6 of 6