California daycare remains open after children test positive for drugs, investigation finds
Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- A California daycare center remains open despite a state investigation finding children were exposed to drugs.
- An employee reportedly placed a bag of methamphetamine in a bathroom cubby, leading to exposure for three children.
- The daycare owner reached an agreement for license revocation but it has been put on hold for three years under probationary conditions.
Rainbow Early Learning Center in Winnetka, California, continues to operate despite a state investigation confirming that children were exposed to drugs. The facility's license was slated for revocation, but this action has been suspended for three years as the owner operates under probationary conditions.
placed a small bag (containing meth) in a bathroom cubby.
The California Department of Social Services (CDSS) investigation in July 2024 found that an employee had placed a bag containing methamphetamine in a bathroom cubby. The CDSS report stated that three children were "exposed to and allowed to ingest substances containing amphetamine and/or methamphetamine."
In May 2024, two young girls exhibited abnormal behavior after returning home from the daycare. Hospital visits confirmed they tested positive for amphetamine. One parent, Jose Aguilar, described his daughter's symptoms as vomiting, sleeplessness, constant talking, and an inability to stay still. Shorouq Bekir's 2-year-old daughter also tested positive for methamphetamine.
exposed to and allowed to ingest substances containing amphetamine and/or methamphetamine.
Ese Omofoa, representing the Bekir family in a lawsuit against the daycare, noted that the children had no contact outside of daycare. He criticized the staff for not taking the situation seriously and for failing to notify parents or contact medical personnel.
positive for amphetamine.
Tampe Management, the owner of Rainbow Early Learning Center, agreed to license revocation in February 2026. However, CBS California Investigates learned this action is on hold for three years. The state requires the facility to inform all current and prospective parents of its probationary status, but about half a dozen parents told CBS California Investigates they had not been notified.
There were symptoms that these children were exposed to dangerous drugs, and you know, staff, no one really took it seriously. Parents weren't notified. Medical personnel wasn't contacted to look into this.
Originally published by CBS News. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.