Daycare Record Child care inspection records

Grace Harbor Church and School · Preschool, Tustin

12881 Newport Avenue, Tustin, CA 92780 · Orange County
1 Type A citation in last 12 months 12 substantiated complaints Child care center (preschool)

Grace Harbor Church and School is a licensed child care center in Tustin, CA, licensed for up to 78 children and serving preschool-age children. It has held its California license since 1983. Since February 2021, state licensing staff have inspected it 3 times and investigated 26 complaints, 12 of them substantiated. The state issued 23 citations, 6 of them Type A (the most serious), most often for supervision (5 of 23). 1 citation came in the last 12 months, including 1 Type A. Measured by weighted citations per inspection, it is #39 of 39 centers in Tustin and has more citations per inspection than 99% of California licensed centers.

Inspection record

More citations than 99% of 10,948 California licensed centers, per inspection, weighted by severity. Among the most cited
#39 of 39 centers in Tustin
6 Type A citations
17 Type B citations
3 Inspections
12 of 26 Complaints substantiated
23 citations from 44 state visits since Feb 8, 2021 · 1 in the last 12 months · last inspected Jan 30, 2026

Every state visit

2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 INSPECTIONS (top) · REPORTS & INVESTIGATIONS (bottom) Jan 30, 2026 · Inspection · no citation Oct 22, 2025 · Report/investigation · no citation Oct 22, 2025 · Report/investigation · no citation Oct 17, 2025 · Report/investigation · citation found Sep 4, 2025 · Report/investigation · no citation Aug 14, 2025 · Report/investigation · no citation Aug 14, 2025 · Report/investigation · no citation Aug 6, 2025 · Report/investigation · citation found Jul 15, 2025 · Report/investigation · citation found May 27, 2025 · Report/investigation · citation found May 27, 2025 · Report/investigation · no citation May 7, 2025 · Report/investigation · citation found Feb 19, 2025 · Inspection · citation found Jul 18, 2024 · Report/investigation · no citation Mar 8, 2024 · Report/investigation · no citation Jan 16, 2024 · Report/investigation · citation found Oct 6, 2023 · Report/investigation · no citation Jun 20, 2023 · Report/investigation · no citation Jun 20, 2023 · Report/investigation · no citation Jun 20, 2023 · Report/investigation · no citation Jun 19, 2023 · Inspection · no citation Jun 1, 2023 · Report/investigation · no citation May 17, 2023 · Report/investigation · no citation May 17, 2023 · Report/investigation · no citation Apr 26, 2023 · Report/investigation · citation found Apr 26, 2023 · Report/investigation · no citation Apr 21, 2023 · Report/investigation · no citation Apr 21, 2023 · Report/investigation · no citation Apr 13, 2023 · Report/investigation · no citation Apr 13, 2023 · Report/investigation · no citation Apr 6, 2023 · Report/investigation · citation found Apr 6, 2023 · Report/investigation · citation found Apr 6, 2023 · Report/investigation · no citation Mar 29, 2023 · Report/investigation · citation found Mar 9, 2023 · Report/investigation · citation found Mar 9, 2023 · Report/investigation · no citation Mar 9, 2023 · Report/investigation · no citation Feb 15, 2023 · Report/investigation · citation found Jan 24, 2023 · Report/investigation · no citation Jan 23, 2023 · Report/investigation · citation found Jan 23, 2023 · Report/investigation · citation found Nov 22, 2022 · Report/investigation · citation found Aug 26, 2022 · Report/investigation · no citation Aug 26, 2022 · Report/investigation · citation found
Citation issued No citation Top row: inspections · bottom row: complaint investigations and other visits

What inspectors cited most

Supervision 5
Health & medication 4
Caregiver conduct 4
Records & paperwork 4
Building & playground safety 2
Training & qualifications 2
Other standards 2

Citations, newest first

Type A Oct 17, 2025 Complaint investigation Supervision
Care and supervision §101229(a)(1)
Based on interviews conducted, Five children stated C1 was left alone in the bathroom crying. This poses an immediate risk to the health, safety, of children in care.
Plan of correction due Oct 20, 2025
Type B Aug 6, 2025 Complaint investigation Health & medication
Health and Safety Code Section §1596.8595
Based on records reviewed, The facility did not provide the 5/27/25 licensing report LIC9099 and acknowledgement receipt LIC9224 to 2 children rep by the next day the or day the child was in attendance. Tthis poses a potential risk to the health, safety, or personal rights of children in care. A signed Acknowledgement of Receipt of Licensing Report (LIC 9224), or other written statement, must also be placed in the child's file for verification. A copy of missing LIC9224 will be sent to LPA by due date. CCR
Plan of correction due Aug 20, 2025
Type B Jul 15, 2025 Complaint investigation Caregiver conduct
Personal rights §101223(a)(3)
Based on staff interview, staff 5 (S5) stated that another staff would let children wake up the other children during nap. This poses a potential risk to health and safety of children in care
Plan of correction due Aug 15, 2025
Type A May 27, 2025 Complaint investigation Supervision
Care and supervision §101229(a)(1)
Based on the interviews conducted,S1 stated C1 was left alone and unsupervised in the playyard This poses an immediate risk to health and safety of children in care
Plan of correction due May 28, 2025
Type B May 7, 2025 Complaint investigation Building & playground safety
Buildings and grounds §101238(3)
Based on obveservation, there were broken toys in the play yard such a broken plastic kitchen toys, there is a wooden spool table that has protruding wood which could splinter children in care. Mats used was ripped and shows off sponges that can cause tripping hazard. This is potential risk to health safety of children in care.
Plan of correction due Jun 9, 2025
Type B May 7, 2025 Complaint investigation Records & paperwork
Reporting requirements §101212(d)
101212(d) Reporting Requirement (d) Upon the occurrence, during the operation of the child care center... a report shall be made to the Department by telephone or fax within the Department's next working day...and within seven days following the occurrence of such event. Director stated they will send action plan to prevent this from happening again by due date of 6/9/25 Based on interview and record review, there were at least 3 confirmed cases of preschool children who were infected with pick eye or conjunctivitis. The Department was not notified of th outbreak. This is potential risk to health safety of children in care. 8
Plan of correction due Jun 9, 2025
Type B May 7, 2025 Complaint investigation Training & qualifications
Staff health screening and personnel requirements §101216(a)
Based on interview and record review, there was a warning notice on S7’s file about drug and alcohol use that violated their employee handbook. Based on interview, adult 1 stated they could smell in the room and S7 like cannabis. Based on S7 interview, they will ensure this situation will not happen again. This is potential risk to health safety of children in care.
Plan of correction due Jun 9, 2025
Type B Feb 19, 2025 Inspection Health & medication
Health-related services §101226(e)(3)(A)
Based on observation, interview, record review, the licensee did not comply with the section cited above. 1 child's presciption has no proper label and has expired on 06/2024, which poses a potential health, safety or personal rights risk to persons in care.
Plan of correction due Mar 19, 2025
Type B Jan 16, 2024 Case management visit (legal/non-compliance) Training & qualifications
Mandated reporter training §1596.8662(b)(1)
Based on interview and record review, the licensee did not comply with the section cited above, 2 out of 6 staff members did not have current Mandated reporter training certificates which poses a potential health, safety or personal rights risk to persons in care.
Plan of correction due Jan 22, 2024
Type B Apr 26, 2023 Case management visit (other) Records & paperwork
Reporting requirements §101212(d)(1)
101212 Reporting Requirements...(d) Upon the occurrence... a report shall be made to the Department by telephone or fax within the Department's next working day and during its normal business hours... In addition, a written shall be submitted to the Department within seven days. 1 Director states that she will submit a statment of understanding of the Reporting Requirement regulation to LPA by due date. This requirement is not met evidenced by: Based on LPA's record review and interview, facility failed to submit an unusual incident report to Community Care Licensing Department regarding this incident, this poses a potential risk to the health, safety and personal rights of persons in care. 8
Plan of correction due Apr 26, 2023
Type A Apr 6, 2023 Complaint investigation Supervision
Care and supervision §101229(a)(1)
101229 Responsibility for Providing Care and Supervision (a) The licensee shall provide care and supervision as necessary to meet the children's needs. (1) No child(ren) shall be left without the supervision of a teacher at any time. This requirement is not met evidenced by: 1 Director stated she had put in supervision plan in place immediately after the incident: The staff was instructed that the children are no longer allowed on the treeline area. Staff will be stationed in specific spots on the playground to be vigilant on children's activities on the playground. Based on LPAs' interviews, 2 interviewed staff were informed by a non-client child about 3 children were playing with a dying rat and the staff were not aware, and child #1 confirmed about the incident. This poses an immediate risk to health and safety of persons in care. 8 Director will submit the detailed plan to LPA by 04/10/2023. CCR
Plan of correction due Apr 10, 2023
Type B Apr 6, 2023 Complaint investigation Health & medication
Health and Safety Code Section §1596.8595(a)(3)
LPAs observed the LIC 809 and LIC 809D report from 03/29/2023 were not posted, in the facility's front entrance and Director admitted she did not know about posting requirements for the type A citation.
Plan of correction due Apr 6, 2023
Type B Apr 6, 2023 Complaint investigation Health & medication
Health and Safety Code Section §1596.8595(c)(1)
1596.8595 (c)(1) A licensed child day care facility shall provide to the parents ...copies of any licensing report that documents any Type A citation... This requirement is not met evidenced by: 1 Director states that she will obtain LIC9224 from parents by 04/10/2023. Based on record review, 7 out of 7 reviewed children's files, did not have the Acknowledgement of Receipt of Licensing Reports LIC 9224 on file. 8
Plan of correction due Apr 10, 2023
Type A Mar 29, 2023 Case management visit (incident) Supervision
Care and supervision §101229(a)(1)
of 3 staff who were present during the incident admitted absence of supervision for C#1 on 03/22/23 and LPAs observed C#2 left unsupervised in classroom #3 on 03/29/2023, this poses an immediate risk to health and safety of persons in care. 8 and kept all hazadous items in the office inaccessible for the children.
Plan of correction due Mar 30, 2023
Type B Mar 9, 2023 Case management visit (incident) Supervision
Care and supervision §101229(a)(1)
101229 Responsibility for Providing Care and Supervision (a) The licensee shall provide care and supervision as necessary to meet the children's needs. (1) No child(ren) shall be left without the supervision of a teacher at any time... Supervision shall include visual observation. The director locked the restroom doors to make the restroom inaccessible to the children without adult supervision. The restrooms will be accessible with a key that will be provided to each staff at the facility. This citation will be cleared during today's inspection. During today's inspection it was revealed and observed that a child was without adult supervision on 03/03/3023 in the restroom at the facility. The restroom is a jack n Jill style restroom that is accessible by the children which leads to the exit of the facility and a busy street where cars speed limit is 45 MPH. This poses a potential risk of the children in care. 8
Plan of correction due Mar 9, 2023
Type B Feb 15, 2023 Complaint investigation Building & playground safety
Outdoor activity space §101238.2(d)(2)
101238.2 Outdoor Activity Space(d) The surface of the outdoor activity space shall be maintained: (1) In a safe condition for the activities planned. 1 The director has since then removed the debris from the playground area. The director agrees as a plan of correction to order and place the cushioned material around the metal poles installed on the playground. The director is also going to provide pictures the that the padding was installed on all 8 poles via email to stella.gutierrez@dss.ca.gov This requirement was not meant as evidence by statements and obervations. During today's visit LPA observed no podding on the metal poles installed and the director stated that there was debris the children were throwing at each other. This poses a potential threat to the health and safety of children in care. 8
Plan of correction due Feb 22, 2023
Type B Feb 15, 2023 Complaint investigation Other standards
Alterations to Existing Buildings or New Facilities §101237(a)
Observation and statements that the director did not notify the department of adding the 08 metal poles and an order that they were properly installed. This poses a potential threat to the health and safety of children in care.
Plan of correction due Feb 16, 2023
Type B Jan 23, 2023 Complaint investigation Caregiver conduct
Personal rights §101223(a)(2)
101223 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 statements and documents reviewed. 1 C1 contract was terminated due to the incidents that occurred at the facility. Since then the facility director has a meeting on today, 01/23/2023 in the PM hours with Child Care TSP Analyst, Susan Du that was organized by the director for personal rights support. The facility director did not provide a safe environment for the children in care by not develping a plan for C1 sooner to avoid the personal rights of the children in care having to witness the incidents and getting injured by C1 during the months of July-September 2022. This a risk to the children in care. 8 The director provided the email from the TSP Analyst, Susan Du and by 02/01/2023 the director will update the LPA with a plan of action to ensure the personal rights of all children at the facility are in accordance…
Plan of correction due Feb 1, 2023
Type B Jan 23, 2023 Complaint investigation Records & paperwork
Reporting requirements §101212(d)(1)
(d) Upon the occurrence, during the operation of the child care center… (1) Events reported shall include the following: (C)Any unusual incident The director agrees to call their local licensing agency immediately reporting the incidents all in one report that involved C1 and the outcome of the child no longer present at the facility. LPA is asking this to be done immediately and a written report (LIC 624) be provided to LPA by the specified date of 01/30/2023. This requirement was not met as evidence by records review that the incidents were not reported to the CCLD and is a potential risk to the children in care. 8
Plan of correction due Jan 30, 2023
Type B Jan 23, 2023 Complaint investigation Records & paperwork
Reporting requirements §101212(f)
f) The items specified in (d)(1)(A) through (H) above shall also be reported to the child's authorized representative. This requirement was not met as evidence by statements received. 1 The director agrees that she will move forward and provide the authorized representatives a verbal and written report of any incidents involving their children at the facility. The director will send out an email to all parents at the facility of the importance of this requirement ensuring the effective communication will be followed through to meet this regulation. The facility director did not endure that teh authorized representative were communicated of the incidents that invovled their children at teh facility. 8 The director will forward this communication to all representatives of the facility by the specified date on 02/01/2023 via email to stella.gutierrez@dss.ca.gov
Plan of correction due Feb 1, 2023
Type B Jan 23, 2023 Complaint investigation Caregiver conduct
Personal rights §101223(a)(2)
(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 page was amended on 01/24/2023. The director is meeting with the TSP Analyst, Susun Du today, 01/23/2023 in the PM hours to develop a plan and seek further support from their local licensing agency. A written declaration was provided by the director today to start the process of implementing a plan of action to ensure this personal rights of this children enrolled at the facility. This requirement was not met as evidence by statements from several staff and parents. The chidlren were not being clearend properly and left in feces that resulted in rashes. This is a health risk that violates the personal rights of the children in care. 8 The director will provided the LPA with this plan of action to be taken by 01/30/2023 via email to stella.gutierrez@dss.ca.gov and the completed action thereafter when available. This is a repeat violation and there will be no civil penalty…
Plan of correction due Jan 30, 2023
Type A Nov 22, 2022 Complaint investigation Other standards
Rule §101215(b)(2)(5)
101215 Administrator Qualifications and Duties- (b) The administrator shall have the following qualifications: (2)Knowledge of and ability to comply with applicable laws and regulations.(5) Ability to recruit, employ, train, direct... This requirement was not met as evidence by statements and records. The facility staff stated they 1 Staff #2 stated the staff at the facility will be provided a training on the LIC 9106 and the importance of the reporting requirements to all agencies. The LPA will be provided with a meeting agenda and role sheet signed by each staff present working at the facility attending the meeting by the specified date of 12/02/2022. were unaware of the mandated reporter timely requirement. Suspected child abuse that was made verbally from child and evidence of bruising is sufficient evidence that the staff should have immediately Reporter the incident and did not until day 5. This poses a risk to the children in care 8
Plan of correction due Dec 2, 2022
Type A Aug 26, 2022 Complaint investigation Caregiver conduct
Personal rights §101223(a)(3)
101223(a)(3) Personal Rights (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 including but not limited to: interference with functions of daily living including... This requirement was not met evidence by: Director stated S3 no longer works at the childcare center as of July 2022. New employment 90 day policies have been implemented and they have also implemented coaching plan for staff. On 9/1/22 and 9/2/22 staff will have an inservice training that will cover policies and procedures, title 22 and curriculum. Director requested to be referred Based on interviews with staff and children, S3 would speak to the children in a mean and intimidating manner. S3 would yell at children and place them on time out for longer than 10 minutes. This is an immediate Health and Safety risk to the children in care. 8 to the TSP program. Director will submit a written plan of correction within 24 hours.
Plan of correction due Aug 26, 2022

Complaint investigations

Not substantiated Oct 22, 2025 Complaint investigation received Aug 29, 2025
The state did not substantiate this complaint, so its allegations are not shown.
Substantiated Oct 17, 2025 Complaint investigation received Aug 25, 2025
Substantiated allegation:
Staff left child unattended.
1 citation issued during this investigation, listed under Citations.
Not substantiated Aug 14, 2025 Complaint investigation received May 27, 2025
The state did not substantiate this complaint, so its allegations are not shown.
Substantiated Aug 6, 2025 Complaint investigation received May 27, 2025
Substantiated allegation:
Reporting Requirement/LIC9224
1 citation issued during this investigation, listed under Citations.
Substantiated Jul 15, 2025 Complaint investigation received May 27, 2025
At least one allegation was substantiated. The state’s report lists which.
1 citation issued during this investigation, listed under Citations.
Substantiated May 27, 2025 Complaint investigation received May 23, 2025
Substantiated allegation:
Daycare child was unattended
1 citation issued during this investigation, listed under Citations.
Substantiated May 7, 2025 Complaint investigation received Feb 28, 2025
Substantiated allegations:
Buildings and Grounds (Safety)
Daily Inspection for Illness
Staff smelled like cannabis or marijuana while children are in care.
3 citations issued during this investigation, listed under Citations.
Not substantiated Mar 8, 2024 Complaint investigation received Jan 18, 2024
The state did not substantiate this complaint, so its allegations are not shown.
Not substantiated Jun 20, 2023 Complaint investigation received May 23, 2023
The state did not substantiate this complaint, so its allegations are not shown.
Not substantiated Jun 20, 2023 Complaint investigation received May 18, 2023
The state did not substantiate this complaint, so its allegations are not shown.
Not substantiated Jun 20, 2023 Complaint investigation received May 18, 2023
The state did not substantiate this complaint, so its allegations are not shown.
Not substantiated Jun 1, 2023 Complaint investigation received May 9, 2023
The state did not substantiate this complaint, so its allegations are not shown.
Not substantiated May 17, 2023 Complaint investigation received Apr 19, 2023
The state did not substantiate this complaint, so its allegations are not shown.
Not substantiated May 17, 2023 Complaint investigation received Apr 17, 2023
The state did not substantiate this complaint, so its allegations are not shown.
Not substantiated Apr 21, 2023 Complaint investigation received Apr 18, 2023
The state did not substantiate this complaint, so its allegations are not shown.
Not substantiated Apr 21, 2023 Complaint investigation received Apr 14, 2023
The state did not substantiate this complaint, so its allegations are not shown.
Not substantiated Apr 13, 2023 Complaint investigation received Apr 3, 2023
The state did not substantiate this complaint, so its allegations are not shown.
Substantiated Apr 6, 2023 Complaint investigation received Apr 5, 2023
Substantiated allegation:
Facility did not provide type A violation report to children's representatives.
2 citations issued during this investigation, listed under Citations.
Substantiated Apr 6, 2023 Complaint investigation received Apr 5, 2023
Substantiated allegation:
Daycare child was bitten by a rat due to lack of supervision.
1 citation issued during this investigation, listed under Citations.
Substantiated Feb 15, 2023 Complaint investigation received Feb 8, 2023
Substantiated allegations:
Physical Plant -Facility does not provide a safe environment for children in care.
Physical Plant - Staff did not ensure that facility is free of trash.
Reporting requirements- Facility did not report physical plant changes of the play yard area of the addition of metal poles.
2 citations issued during this investigation, listed under Citations.
Not substantiated Jan 24, 2023 Complaint investigation received Oct 27, 2022
The state did not substantiate this complaint, so its allegations are not shown.
Substantiated Jan 23, 2023 Complaint investigation received Oct 27, 2022
Substantiated allegations:
Reprting requirements- Staff did not report injuries to child's auhtorized representative
Personal Rights- Staff leave daycare child soiled in feces
2 citations issued during this investigation, listed under Citations.
Substantiated Jan 23, 2023 Complaint investigation received Oct 25, 2022
Substantiated allegation:
Personal Rights -Facility not providing a safe environment for day-care children.
2 citations issued during this investigation, listed under Citations.
Substantiated Nov 22, 2022 Complaint investigation received Nov 18, 2022
Substantiated allegation:
Administrator Qualifications and Duties - Facility staff did not immediately report child abuse as required.
1 citation issued during this investigation, listed under Citations.
Not substantiated Aug 26, 2022 Complaint investigation received Jul 14, 2022
The state did not substantiate this complaint, so its allegations are not shown.
Substantiated Aug 26, 2022 Complaint investigation received Jun 20, 2022
Substantiated allegation:
Staff does not treat daycare child with dignity and respect.
1 citation issued during this investigation, listed under Citations.

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About this center

Licensed capacity 78 children
License type Child care center (preschool)
License status Licensed
Licensed since Dec 12, 1983
Licensee First Baptist Church Of Tustin
Administrator Cynthia Estep
Phone (714) 544-4431
State facility # 300603522
Parent reviews Google Maps reviews
Not checked by Daycare Record

Other licenses at this address

Common questions

Does Grace Harbor Church and School take infants?

Not under this license, which covers preschool-age children. An infant center is licensed separately at the same address (listed below).

Has Grace Harbor Church and School had any serious violations?

California issued 6 Type A citations since 2021, its most serious category. The most recent was on Oct 17, 2025, for care and supervision. Each citation is listed in full above.

Have there been complaints about Grace Harbor Church and School?

California investigated 26 complaints since 2021 and substantiated 12. Allegations are shown only for substantiated complaints.

How does Grace Harbor Church and School compare with other daycares in Tustin?

It is #39 of 39 centers in Tustin by weighted citations per inspection, and has more citations per inspection than 99% of California licensed centers with enough inspection history to compare.

When was Grace Harbor Church and School last inspected?

Jan 30, 2026. No citations were issued during that visit.

How much does Grace Harbor Church and School cost?

California does not publish individual centers’ prices, so ask Grace Harbor Church and School for its current tuition. For comparison, the median full-time price at licensed centers in Orange County, which includes Tustin, was $1,098 a month for preschoolers (about $1,390 today) in the state’s 2021 Regional Market Rate Survey.

Who runs Grace Harbor Church and School?

The licensee is First Baptist Church Of Tustin, and the administrator listed with the state is Cynthia Estep.

Licensed centers nearby

Citations are quoted from California Department of Social Services inspection and complaint reports. Type A citations are the state’s most serious category (an immediate risk to children’s health, safety or personal rights); Type B citations are a potential risk. A citation is a finding about one rule, not a judgment about a center overall. Complaint allegations appear here only when the state substantiated them.

To read the full state reports, search facility number 300603522 on the California Care Facility Search. Data refreshed Oct 3, 2026.

Comparing centers? See how to choose a daycare: 30 questions to ask and a printable checklist.