A Winnetka daycare center remains open nearly two years after multiple children tested positive for drugs, according to a state investigation that found serious safety violations at the facility. The case has raised concerns among parents and advocates about oversight, transparency, and how probationary childcare licenses are handled in California.
The facility, Rainbow Early Learning Center, came under investigation after two young girls were hospitalized in May 2024 following abnormal behavior at home. Medical tests later showed both children had drugs in their systems.
Initial Incident
According to parents, the first warning signs appeared when children returned home from daycare exhibiting unusual symptoms. Jose Aguilar said his then 4-year-old daughter was vomiting, unable to sleep, and unusually restless after attending the Winnetka center.
Hospital testing showed she was positive for amphetamine. Around the same time, a 2-year-old girl who attended the same daycare tested positive for methamphetamine, a type of amphetamine. The families say the children had no contact outside of daycare.
State Findings
A California Department of Social Services investigation completed in July 2024 concluded that an employee at the daycare had placed a small bag containing methamphetamine inside a bathroom cubby. The report stated that three children were exposed to and allowed to ingest substances containing amphetamine or methamphetamine.
Despite the findings, the daycare was not immediately shut down.
Licensing Decision
In February 2026, the daycare’s owner, Tampe Management, reached an agreement with CDSS that included revoking the facility’s license. However, that revocation was placed on hold for three years, allowing the center to continue operating under probationary conditions.
As part of probation, state rules require the facility to inform all current and prospective parents of its status.
Parent Awareness
CBS California Investigates reported that several parents currently using the daycare said they were not informed of the probation. When reporters visited the facility in April, staff declined to answer questions and closed the gate.
One parent, Dominic Gamali, said he believes probation is not sufficient given the seriousness of the allegations and that facilities involved in incidents like this should be shut down.
Employee Action
The daycare’s director told investigators that the employee involved in the incident was fired. CDSS confirmed that the employee is now prohibited from working in or being present at any facility licensed by the department.
Legal Action
Attorney Ese Omofoa, who represents one of the affected families, said the children’s symptoms were not taken seriously at the time and that parents were not notified promptly. A lawsuit has been filed against the daycare on behalf of one family.
The Aguilar family is not part of the lawsuit, but they say the effects continue. Aguilar said his daughter, now 6, still struggles with focus and sleep, requiring her parents to monitor her throughout the night.
Broader Context
Data obtained from CDSS shows that between 2020 and 2025, hundreds of childcare facilities across California were placed on probation for health and safety violations.
| County | Facilities on Probation |
|---|---|
| Los Angeles | 132 |
| Orange | 19 |
| Riverside | 23 |
| San Bernardino | 26 |
CDSS declined to release the names or addresses of facilities on probation, citing public records exemptions and system limitations. The department also said it could not provide reasons for individual probation decisions.
Additional Investigation
CDSS confirmed it is also investigating another Tampe Management facility after a lawsuit alleged a child was left in a locked vehicle for approximately an hour. Staff at that location declined to comment.
What Parents Can Check
CDSS maintains an online search tool that allows parents and caregivers to check whether a childcare facility is on probation or has other licensing issues.
The case has renewed questions about how probationary licenses are monitored and how much information parents receive when serious violations occur.
FAQs
What happened at the Winnetka daycare?
Children tested positive for amphetamine-related drugs.
Did the state confirm drug exposure?
Yes, CDSS found children were exposed to meth.
Why is the daycare still open?
Its license revocation was paused under probation.
Were parents notified of probation?
Several parents said they were not informed.
Can parents check daycare probation status?
Yes, through a CDSS online search tool.
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