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Department of
SOCIAL SERVICES

Community Care Licensing


COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT

Facility Number: 376301619
Report Date: 09/04/2026
Date Signed: 09/04/2026 03:29:33 PM

Substantiated


STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT		CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
RIVERSIDE SE CC RO, 3737 MAIN STREET, STE 700
RIVERSIDE, CA 92501
This is an official report of an unannounced visit/investigation of a complaint received in our office on
08/11/2026 and conducted by Evaluator Kelly Gerth
PUBLIC
COMPLAINT CONTROL NUMBER: 10-CC-20260811194523
FACILITY NAME:CHILDREN'S CHOICE ACADEMYFACILITY NUMBER:
376301619
ADMINISTRATOR:ESIHEN,BRITNEYFACILITY TYPE:
860
ADDRESS:2355 E VALLEY PARKWAY A,C,F,GTELEPHONE:
(619) 249-4328
CITY:ESCONDIDOSTATE: CAZIP CODE:
92027
CAPACITY:207CENSUS: 73DATE:
09/04/2026
UNANNOUNCEDTIME BEGAN:
08:38 AM
MET WITH:Director Britney E. Golden TIME COMPLETED:
03:50 PM
ALLEGATION(S):
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9
Staff left day care child soiled for an extended period of time
Staff did not notify day care child's responsible party of incident.
Child was provided access to potentially hazardous substance
Lack of supervision resulting in child ingesting potentially hazardous substance
INVESTIGATION FINDINGS:
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 On the above date and time, Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Kelly Gerth arrived at Children’s Choice Academy (CCC) deliver the findings from a complaint received by Community Care Licensing (CCL) on August 11, 2026. LPA met with Director Britney E. Golden and provided the purpose of the visit. LPA toured the facility, took census, took observations, conducted additional interviews and collected evidence pertinent to the investigation. It was alleged that Staff left day care child soiled for an extended period of time, Staff did not notify day care child's responsible party of incident, Child was provided access to potentially hazardous substance and Lack of supervision resulting in child ingesting potentially hazardous substance.
On 08/14/2026 LPA Gerth conducted an unannounced visit at the CCC to initiate the investigation. During the visit, LPA collected evidence pertinent to the investigation and took observations. On 08/21/2026 LPA Gerth made a subsequent unannounced visit to the CCC, conducted interviews with staff, obtained copies of evidence pertinent to the investigation which included email communication, enrollment forms, parent handbook, and internal file copies, and photo evidence. On 08/24/2026 LPA Gerth conducted an interview with the Reporting Party.
Substantiated
Estimated Days of Completion:
SUPERVISORS NAME: Carlos Martinez
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Kelly Gerth
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 09/04/2026
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 09/04/2026
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 8
STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT		CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
RIVERSIDE SE CC RO, 3737 MAIN STREET, STE 700
RIVERSIDE, CA 92501
This is an official report of an unannounced visit/investigation of a complaint received in our office on
08/11/2026 and conducted by Evaluator Kelly Gerth
PUBLIC
COMPLAINT CONTROL NUMBER: 10-CC-20260811194523

FACILITY NAME:CHILDREN'S CHOICE ACADEMYFACILITY NUMBER:
376301619
ADMINISTRATOR:ESIHEN,BRITNEYFACILITY TYPE:
860
ADDRESS:2355 E VALLEY PARKWAY A,C,F,GTELEPHONE:
(619) 249-4328
CITY:ESCONDIDOSTATE:CAZIP CODE:
92027
CAPACITY:207CENSUS: 73DATE:
09/04/2026
UNANNOUNCEDTIME BEGAN:
08:38 AM
MET WITH:Director Britney E. Golden TIME COMPLETED:
03:50 PM
ALLEGATION(S):
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3
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8
9
Child sustained an unexplained injury due to staff neglect.
Staff did not allow day care child to use the restroom due to inadequate staffing.
Staff inappropriately disciplines day care children.
Personal rights; Child wrapped too tightly in nap blanket
INVESTIGATION FINDINGS:
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13
 On the above date and time, Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Kelly Gerth arrived at Children’s Choice Academy (CCC) deliver the findings from a complaint received by Community Care Licensing (CCL) on August 11, 2026. LPA met with Director Britney E. Golden and provided the purpose of the visit. LPA toured the facility, took census, took observations, conducted additional interviews and collected evidence pertinent to the investigation. It was alleged that Child sustained an unexplained injury due to staff neglect, Staff did not allow day care child to use the restroom due to inadequate staffing, Staff inappropriately disciplines day care children and Child was wrapped too tightly in nap blanket.
On 08/14/2026 LPA Gerth conducted an unannounced visit at the CCC to initiate the investigation. During the visit, LPA collected evidence pertinent to the investigation and took observations. On 08/21/2026 LPA Gerth made a subsequent unannounced visit to the CCC, conducted interviews with staff, obtained copies of evidence pertinent to the investigation which included email communication, enrollment forms, parent handbook, and internal file copies, and photo evidence.
On 08/24/2026 LPA Gerth conducted an interview with the Reporting Party.
Unsubstantiated
Estimated Days of Completion:
SUPERVISORS NAME: Carlos Martinez
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Kelly Gerth
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 09/04/2026
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 09/04/2026
This report must be available at Child Care and Group Home facilities for public review for 3 years.
LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 2 of 8
Control Number 10-CC-20260811194523
STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT (Cont)		CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
RIVERSIDE SE CC RO, 3737 MAIN STREET, STE 700
RIVERSIDE, CA 92501
FACILITY NAME: CHILDREN'S CHOICE ACADEMY
FACILITY NUMBER: 376301619
VISIT DATE: 09/04/2026
NARRATIVE
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 On 08/25/2026, 08/27/2026 and 09/01/2026, LPA received copies of evidence pertinent to the investigation from RP, at which time additional allegations were also received from the RP. On 08/28/2026 LPA conducted an unannounced visit to the CCC to conduct confidential interviews, took observations and collected evidence pertinent to the investigation which included photographic evidence and communication records. On 09/01/2026 LPA received copies of evidence pertinent to the investigation from the CCC. On 09/04/2026 LPA conducted a follow up, unannounced visit to the CCC at which time additional staff interviews were conducted, observations made and copies of evidence collected which included communication records and photographic evidence.
Regarding the allegation Child sustained an unexplained injury due to staff neglect. On 08/21/26, 08/28/26, and 09/04/26 LPA Gerth conducted interviews with staff. During the interview process, 6/6 staff interviews corroborated that they did not observe the child referenced in the complaint to have any incidents which caused a lip injury on 08/03/26 nor did they observe the child with the lip injury while in care on 08/03/2026. Photo evidence provided by the CCC to LPA during the investigation, were taken of the child while in care on 08/03/2026 and no injury to the lip can be seen in the photos, but a small marking can be observed on the lip in the photos taken 08/04/2026. Interviews with 6/6 staff further corroborate that the receiving staff member the morning of 08/04/2026, brought the lip marking to the attention of the RP when conducting the daily visual health check upon a child’s arrival and a lip marking had not been observed by staff until that point. Therefore, based on the interviews conducted, observations made, and evidence gathered, LPA did not find a preponderance of evidence to prove the alleged violation occurred, therefore the allegation is UNSUBSTANTIATED.
Regarding the allegation Staff did not allow day care child to use the restroom due to inadequate staffing. During the investigation, LPA conducted unannounced visits on 08/14/2026, 08/21/2026, 08/28/2026 and 09/04/2026. During each visit, LPA confirmed that classrooms were in ratio, with staff qualified for their respective positions. Evidence received from the CCC on 08/21/2026 support on the date and time of the alleged incident that the classroom was staffed in accordance with Title 22 regulation and in ratio, with additional staff available and present. LPA did not find a preponderance of evidence to prove the alleged violation occurred, therefore the allegation is UNSUBSTANTIATED.
Regarding the allegation Staff inappropriately disciplines day care children. During the investigation, LPA conducted confidential interviews with Staff on 08/21/26, 08/28/26 and 09/04/26. LPA conducted an interview with the Reporting Party on 08/24/26. LPA collected evidence pertinent to the investigation, including staffing schedules, parent enrollment forms, parent handbook and communication records.
SUPERVISORS NAME: Carlos Martinez
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Kelly Gerth
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 09/04/2026
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 09/04/2026
LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 3 of 8
Control Number 10-CC-20260811194523
STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT (Cont)		CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
RIVERSIDE SE CC RO, 3737 MAIN STREET, STE 700
RIVERSIDE, CA 92501
FACILITY NAME: CHILDREN'S CHOICE ACADEMY
FACILITY NUMBER: 376301619
VISIT DATE: 09/04/2026
NARRATIVE
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 LPA found that the form of discipline described in the complaint allegation was not inappropriate in nature nor did it conflict with the CCC’s Behavior Policy outlined in the parent Handbook. LPA did not find a preponderance of evidence to prove the alleged violation occurred, therefore the allegation is UNSUBSTANTIATED.
Regarding the allegation Personal rights, Child wrapped too tightly in nap blanket. On 08/28/26 and 09/04/26 LPA Gerth conducted unannounced visits to the CCC. During the visits, LPA conducted observations of classrooms, including nap period. LPA found that in 4/4 Preschool classrooms observed, all children on nap mats with blankets were not wrapped tightly or covered by a blanket in a manner which could be considered wrapped tightly. LPA conducted confidential interviews with staff and 5/5 staff interviewed regarding the allegation corroborated that they have not personally observed a child wrapped too tightly in a nap blanket, have not personally wrapped a child too tightly in a blanket nor have they had previous parent concern of children being wrapped too tightly in a nap blanket. Interviews also further corroborated that on the date and time of the alleged incident, the child was not observed to be wrapped too tightly in a nap blanket during the rest period at any time. Based on interviews conducted, observations made, and evidence gathered, LPA did not find evidence that the alleged violation occurred, therefore the allegation is UNSUBSTANTIATED.
A copy of this report, appeal rights and Notice of Site Visit were provided to Director Britney E. Golden and was reminded that the “Notice of Site Visit” must be posted for 30 consecutive days. Failure to post will result in Civil Penalties of $100.00.
SUPERVISORS NAME: Carlos Martinez
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Kelly Gerth
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 09/04/2026
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 09/04/2026
LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 4 of 8
Control Number 10-CC-20260811194523
STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT (Cont)		CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
RIVERSIDE SE CC RO, 3737 MAIN STREET, STE 700
RIVERSIDE, CA 92501
FACILITY NAME: CHILDREN'S CHOICE ACADEMY
FACILITY NUMBER: 376301619
VISIT DATE: 09/04/2026
NARRATIVE
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 On 08/25/2026, 08/27/2026 and 09/01/2026, LPA received copies of evidence pertinent to the investigation from RP, at which time additional allegations were also received from the RP.
On 08/28/2026 LPA conducted an unannounced visit to the CCC to conduct confidential interviews, took observations and collected evidence pertinent to the investigation which included photographic evidence and communication records. On 09/01/2026 LPA received copies of evidence pertinent to the investigation from the CCC. On 09/04/2026 LPA conducted a follow up, unannounced visit to the CCC at which time additional staff interviews were conducted, observations made and copies of evidence collected which included communication records and photographic evidence.
Regarding the allegation, Staff left day care child soiled for an extended period of time. Interviews conducted with two staff directly involved in the allegation on 08/21/26 and 08/28/26, and with the Reporting Party on 08/24/26, corroborate that the CCC the staff member responsible for the care and supervision of the child involved in the allegation did leave the day care child soiled for an extended period of time. LPA was unable to conduct an interview with that staff member, as they are no longer employed with the CCC. Therefore, based on interviews conducted and evidence received, the allegation is SUBSTANTIATED.
Regarding the allegation Staff did not notify day care child's responsible party of incident. During the investigation, LPA conducted interviews staff involved on 08/21/26 and 08/28/26. LPA interviewed the RP on 08/24/26. The CCC and the RP provided copies of evidence pertinent to the investigation, including communication records. All interviews conducted regarding the incident and evidence reviewed, revealed that the child’s responsible party was not notified of the incident. The CCC was forthcoming in the information provided during the investigation process, and the CCC Director stated that it is within the organizations policy to notify a parent of such incidents and they had failed to do so, an error which they have taken internal measures to correct so as to avoid future occurrences of. Therefore, based on LPA’s observation, interviews and documents gathered, the preponderance of evidence standard has been met, therefore the above allegation is found to be SUBSTANTIATED.
Regarding the allegation Child was provided access to potentially hazardous substance. During the investigation, interviews conducted on 09/04/26 with 5/5 staff directly involved in the incident, revealed that the ice pack provided to the child was from the CCC to use when children receive an ouch/injury requiring ice. Photo evidence provided by the CCC of the ice pack used for the child’s injury does have a label on the back side of the ice pack with warning label indicating that the product should be kept out of reach of children, the bag should not be punctured and contents can be harmful if ingested or makes skin contact. The Director has confirmed that following the incident, the CCC immediately ceased use of this particular product and
SUPERVISORS NAME: Carlos Martinez
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Kelly Gerth
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 09/04/2026
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 09/04/2026
LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 6 of 8
Control Number 10-CC-20260811194523
STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT (Cont)		CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
RIVERSIDE SE CC RO, 3737 MAIN STREET, STE 700
RIVERSIDE, CA 92501
FACILITY NAME: CHILDREN'S CHOICE ACADEMY
FACILITY NUMBER: 376301619
VISIT DATE: 09/04/2026
NARRATIVE
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has replaced with a child safe option. Therefore, based on interviews conducted and evidence collected, the preponderance of evidence standard has been met, therefore the above allegation is found to be SUBSTANTIATED.
Regarding the allegation, Lack of supervision resulting in child ingesting potentially hazardous substance. On 09/01/26 LPA Gerth received copies of evidence from the reporting party pertaining to the allegation. On 09/04/26 LPA conducted interviews with staff at the CCC. Interviews conducted with 4/4 staff directly involved in the allegation, corroborated that although there was a staff member sitting with the child for the majority of the time when the child had the ice pack, there was a brief period of approximately 2-4 minutes when the classroom began to clean up the toys and transition from outdoors to inside that they did not have direct visual observation of the child, who still had the ice pack. It was during this time that the staff believed the ice pack to have been punctured as they found visible teeth marks on the ice pack and a small pin sized hole. Therefore, based on interviews conducted and evidence collected, the preponderance of evidence standard has been met, therefore the above allegation is found to be SUBSTANTIATED.

See LIC 9099 D for deficiencies issued

A copy of this report, appeal rights and Notice of Site Visit were provided to Director Britney E. Golden and was reminded that the “Notice of Site Visit” must be posted for 30 consecutive days. Failure to post will result in Civil Penalties of $100.00.
SUPERVISORS NAME: Carlos Martinez
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Kelly Gerth
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 09/04/2026
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 09/04/2026
LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 5 of 8
Control Number 10-CC-20260811194523
STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT (Cont)		CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
RIVERSIDE SE CC RO, 3737 MAIN STREET, STE 700
RIVERSIDE, CA 92501

FACILITY NAME: CHILDREN'S CHOICE ACADEMY
FACILITY NUMBER: 376301619
DEFICIENCY INFORMATION FOR THIS PAGE:
VISIT DATE: 09/04/2026
Deficiency Type
POC Due Date /
Section Number
DEFICIENCIES
PLAN OF CORRECTIONS(POCs)
Type B
09/25/2026
Section Cited
CCR
101223(a)(2)
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101223(a)(2) Personal Rights (a) The licensee shall ensure that each child is accorded the following personal rights: (2) To be accorded safe, healthful and comfortable accommodations, furnishings and equipment to meet his/her needs. This requirement was not met as evidence by;
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By POC date, Facility Representative stated the CCC will submit to CCL, evidence of staff training conducted on the regulation cited.
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Based on interviews conducted and evidence received, the CCC failed to meet this regulation when a child was left in soiled clothing for an extended period of time, which poses/posed a potential health, safety or personal rights risk to persons in care.
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Type B
09/25/2026
Section Cited
CCR
101219(f)
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101219(f) Admission Agreements (f) The licensee shall comply with all terms and conditions set forth in the admission agreement. This requirement was not met as evidenced by;
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By POC date, Facility Representative stated the CCC will submit to CCL, a signed copy of understanding of this internal procedure, as it relates to the regulation cited, by all staff.
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Based on interviews conducted and evidence received, the CCC failed to meet this regulation when a parent was not informed of an incident involving their child occurred at the CCC, which poses/posed a potential health, safety or personal rights risk to persons 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: Carlos Martinez
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Kelly Gerth
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 09/04/2026
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 09/04/2026
LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 7 of 8
Control Number 10-CC-20260811194523
STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT (Cont)		CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
RIVERSIDE SE CC RO, 3737 MAIN STREET, STE 700
RIVERSIDE, CA 92501

FACILITY NAME: CHILDREN'S CHOICE ACADEMY
FACILITY NUMBER: 376301619
DEFICIENCY INFORMATION FOR THIS PAGE:
VISIT DATE: 09/04/2026
Deficiency Type
POC Due Date /
Section Number
DEFICIENCIES
PLAN OF CORRECTIONS(POCs)
Type B
09/25/2026
Section Cited
CCR
101238(g)
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7
101238(g) Buildings and Grounds (g) Disinfectants, cleaning solutions, poisons and other items that could pose a danger if readily available to children shall be stored where inaccessible to children. This requirement was not met as evidenced by;
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By POC date, Facility Representative stated the CCC will submit to CCL, evidence of a child safe option to be used when a child in care is in need of ice for an incident/injury.
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Based on interviews conducted and evidence received, the CCC failed to meet this regulation when the CCC provided ice pack to a child in care that warned to keep out of reach of children due to harmful substance within contents.which poses/posed a potential health, safety or personal rights risk to persons in care.
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Type B
09/25/2026
Section Cited
CCR
101229(a)
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101229(a) Responsibility for Providing Care and Supervision (a) The licensee shall provide care and supervision as necessary to meet the children's needs. This requirement was not met as evidenced by;
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By POC date, Facility representative stated they will submit a signed statement of understanding of the regulation to CCL.
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Based on interviews conducted and evidence gathered during the investigation, it was found that staff were not have direct visual supervision of the child for at least 2 minutes during which time a child was in possession of a product containing a potentially harmful substance, which poses/posed a potential health, safety or personal rights risk to persons 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: Carlos Martinez
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Kelly Gerth
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 09/04/2026
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 09/04/2026
LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 8 of 8