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Department of
SOCIAL SERVICES

Community Care Licensing


COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT

Facility Number: 376600348
Report Date: 07/07/2026
Date Signed: 07/07/2026 11:27:11 AM

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
04/13/2026 and conducted by Evaluator Kelli Waters
PUBLIC
COMPLAINT CONTROL NUMBER: 10-CC-20260413102821
FACILITY NAME:KINDERCARE S. CENTRE CITY PARKWAY PRESCHOOLFACILITY NUMBER:
376600348
ADMINISTRATOR:GRACE PENDERGRASSFACILITY TYPE:
850
ADDRESS:2415 S. CENTRE CITY PARKWAYTELEPHONE:
(760) 745-2474
CITY:ESCONDIDOSTATE: CAZIP CODE:
92025
CAPACITY:72CENSUS: DATE:
07/07/2026
UNANNOUNCEDTIME BEGAN:
09:43 AM
MET WITH:Grace PendergrassTIME COMPLETED:
10:30 AM
ALLEGATION(S):
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-Staff handled day care children in a rough manner
-Staff yelled at day care children
-Staff threatened day care children
-Staff made inappropriate comments towards day care children
INVESTIGATION FINDINGS:
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On 07/07/26, Licensing Program Analysts (LPAs), Kelli Waters and Kelly Gerth, made a subsequent unannounced complaint investigation visit to deliver the findings for the above-mentioned allegations. LPA toured the facility, conducted a census and met with Director, Grace Pendergrass, who was informed of the decision rendered.

On 04/13/26, Community Care Licensing (CCL) received a complaint alleging that staff handled daycare children in a rough manner. It also alleges that staff yelled at, threatened, and made inappropriate comments toward daycare children in care.

Regarding the allegation that staff handled daycare children in a rough manner, LPA Waters conducted confidential interviews, observed staff, and reviewed records. Multiple interviews revealed that Staff #1 (S1) has been observed on several occasions grabbing children by the arm as a method of redirection or to gain compliance. Continued on 9099C
Substantiated
Estimated Days of Completion:
SUPERVISORS NAME: Carlos Martinez
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Kelli Waters
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 07/07/2026
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 07/07/2026
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 5
Control Number 10-CC-20260413102821
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: KINDERCARE S. CENTRE CITY PARKWAY PRESCHOOL
FACILITY NUMBER: 376600348
VISIT DATE: 07/07/2026
NARRATIVE
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Interviews also revealed that prior concerns about S1’s handling of children had been reported to the director by staff members, an outside therapy agency providing in classroom services, and parents who stated they had witnessed similar behavior. These concerns were brought to the director’s attention before the complaint was filed.

Regarding the allegation that staff yelled at, threatened, and made inappropriate comments toward day care children in care, LPA Waters conducted confidential interviews, observed staff interactions, and reviewed facility records. Interviews revealed that some staff observed Staff #1 (S1) and Staff #2 (S2) using aggressive tones and language with children on multiple occasions. During visits conducted as part of the investigation, LPA Waters observed both S1 and S2 using loud, harsh tones and making inappropriate and threatening comments toward children during transition periods and nap time. On 06/11/26, LPA Tricia Danielson, who was at the facility for an unrelated matter, observed S1 yelling at children and informed the Director to intervene, which was corroborated by interviews.

Based on observation, confidential interviews and record review, the preponderance of evidence has been met and the allegations that the facility violated the personal rights of children in care is SUBSTANTIATED. California Code of Regulations, Title 22, Section 101223 (a)(1) and Section 101223(a)(3), are being cited on the attached LIC 9099D. These are repeat violations and civil penalties will be assessed. See LIC 9099D and LIC 421FC for details.

An exit interview was conducted, and a copy of this report was provided along with copies of the Appeal Rights were provided.

A Notice of Site visit was given, and Director understands that it must remain posted for 30 days.
SUPERVISORS NAME: Carlos Martinez
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Kelli Waters
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 07/07/2026
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 07/07/2026
LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 2 of 5
Control Number 10-CC-20260413102821
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: KINDERCARE S. CENTRE CITY PARKWAY PRESCHOOL
FACILITY NUMBER: 376600348
DEFICIENCY INFORMATION FOR THIS PAGE:
VISIT DATE: 07/07/2026
Deficiency Type
POC Due Date /
Section Number
DEFICIENCIES
PLAN OF CORRECTIONS(POCs)
Type B
07/31/2026
Section Cited
CCR
101223(a)(1)
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101223 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 has not been met as evidenced by:
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Director will conduct staff training on all aspects of 101223 Personal rights with entire staff, including S1 & S2. DIrector will provide LPA with training materials used and sign-in sheet for the meeting and submit to LPA by 07/31/26.
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Based on observation and interviews, the facility did not ensure children's personal rights, therefore the licensee did not comply the section cited above which posed a possible health and safety risk to persons in care.with
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Type B
07/31/2026
Section Cited
CCR
101223(a)(3)
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(a)(3) 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…

This requirement has not been met as evidenced by:
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Director will conduct staff training on all aspects of 101223 Personal rights with entire staff, including S1 & S2. DIrector will provide LPA with training materials used and sign-in sheet for the meeting and submit to LPA by 07/31/26.
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Based on observation and interviews, S1 used physical intimidation towards children in care, therefore the licensee did not comply the section cited above which posed a possible health and safety risk to persons in care.with
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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.
SUPERVISORS NAME: Carlos Martinez
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Kelli Waters
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 07/07/2026
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 07/07/2026
LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 3 of 5
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
04/13/2026 and conducted by Evaluator Kelli Waters
PUBLIC
COMPLAINT CONTROL NUMBER: 10-CC-20260413102821

FACILITY NAME:KINDERCARE S. CENTRE CITY PARKWAY PRESCHOOLFACILITY NUMBER:
376600348
ADMINISTRATOR:GRACE PENDERGRASSFACILITY TYPE:
850
ADDRESS:2415 S. CENTRE CITY PARKWAYTELEPHONE:
(760) 745-2474
CITY:ESCONDIDOSTATE: CAZIP CODE:
92025
CAPACITY:72CENSUS: DATE:
07/07/2026
UNANNOUNCEDTIME BEGAN:
09:43 AM
MET WITH:Grace PendergrassTIME COMPLETED:
10:30 AM
ALLEGATION(S):
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
-Staff yelled at other staff in the presence of day care children
INVESTIGATION FINDINGS:
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
On 07/07/26, Licensing Program Analysts (LPA), Kelli Waters and Kelly Gerth, made a subsequent unannounced complaint investigation visit to deliver the findings for the above-mentioned allegation. LPA toured the facility, conducted a census and met with Director, Grace Pendergrass, who was informed of the decision rendered.

On 04/13/26, Community Care Licensing (CCL) received a complaint alleging staff yelled at other staff in the presence of daycare children.

During the investigation, LPA Waters conducted confidential interviews, observed staff, and reviewed records. Multiple interviews revealed that staff #1 (S1) has a loud voice, however no specific instances were given of any staff including S1 yelling at another staff member in anger or with a harsh tone. LPA was unable to determine if any specific incidents took place in the presence of daycare children.
Continued on 9099C
Unsubstantiated
Estimated Days of Completion:
SUPERVISORS NAME: Carlos Martinez
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Kelli Waters
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 07/07/2026
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 07/07/2026
This report must be available at Child Care and Group Home facilities for public review for 3 years.
LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 4 of 5
Control Number 10-CC-20260413102821
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: KINDERCARE S. CENTRE CITY PARKWAY PRESCHOOL
FACILITY NUMBER: 376600348
VISIT DATE: 07/07/2026
NARRATIVE
1
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3
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5
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7
8
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Based on observation, confidential interviews and record review, LPA Waters could not corroborate the above allegations. 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 allegation is UNSUBSTANTIATED.
An exit interview was conducted, and a copy of this report was provided along with copies of the Appeal Rights were provided.

A Notice of Site visit was given, and Director understands that it must remain posted for 30 days.
SUPERVISORS NAME: Carlos Martinez
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Kelli Waters
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 07/07/2026
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 07/07/2026
LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 5 of 5