197493482-2-19-2020-30-CC-VBAA-BM5TZQ-20200225141043

Community Care Licensing

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT

Facility Number: 197493482
Report Date: 02/19/2020
Date Signed: 02/19/2020 10:01:45 AM

STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT

CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
CCLD Regional Office, 300 CONTINENTAL BLVD. STE 290A
EL SEGUNDO, CA 90245

This is an official report of an unannounced visit/investigation of a complaint received in our office on
11/22/2019 and conducted by Evaluator Claudia Escobedo

PUBLIC

COMPLAINT CONTROL NUMBER: 30-CC-20191122142300

FACILITY NAME:	WEST HILLS MONTESSORI		FACILITY NUMBER:	197493482
ADMINISTRATOR:	SINGH, JAGDEEP		FACILITY TYPE:	850
ADDRESS:	24373 VANOWEN STREET		TELEPHONE:	(818) 702-0818
CITY:	WEST HILLS	STATE: CA	ZIP CODE:	91302
CAPACITY:	57	CENSUS: 29	DATE:	02/19/2020
		UNANNOUNCED	TIME BEGAN:	09:15 AM
MET WITH:	Director-Rena Singh		TIME COMPLETED:	10:20 AM

ALLEGATION(S):

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Facility has mold.
Facility is in disrepair.
Facility is unclean.
Outlets are not covered.

INVESTIGATION FINDINGS:

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On 02/19/2020 at 9:15 a.m., Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Escobedo arrived at the facility to deliver the findings of the complaint received on 11/22/2019. LPA met with the Director, Jagdeep Singh, for the purpose of concluding the investigation regarding the above allegations.

-Allegation 1: “Facility has mold”

On 11/25/2019, LPA Escobedo contacted the Los Angeles (L.A.) County Health Department to cross report the allegation of mold being present at the facility. LPA Escobedo was informed by the L.A. County Health Department that their agency has no jurisdiction over child care facilities and the presence of mold. The L.A. County Health Department further states that any allegations of mold at child care facilities are referred to Community Care Licensing.

Continued on LIC 9099-C

Unsubstantiated

Estimated Days of Completion:

SUPERVISOR'S NAME: Victor Bautista	TELEPHONE: (424) 301-3008
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Claudia Escobedo	TELEPHONE: (424) 301-3044
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:	DATE: 02/19/2020

I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.

FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 02/19/2020

This report must be available at Child Care and Group Home facilities for public review for 3 years.

LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)

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Control Number 30-CC-20191122142300

STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT (Cont)

CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
CCLD Regional Office, 300 CONTINENTAL BLVD. STE 290A
EL SEGUNDO, CA 90245

FACILITY NAME: WEST HILLS MONTESSORI	FACILITY NUMBER: 197493482
	VISIT DATE: 02/19/2020

NARRATIVE

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During the initial complaint visit on 11/26/2019, Director stated that on 11/19/2019 or 11/20/2019, a child kicked and made a hole on a wall located in Preschool Room-Ages3-4. Director stated that the hole was repaired on 11/23/2019. Director provided an invoice for the repair to the drywall dated 11/23/2019. This invoice notes that the drywall was repaired, and no evidence of mold or dampness was detected. This complaint alleges that 2 of possible 25 children in care are regularly sick. However, there is no evidence that the illnesses are directly caused by the facility’s environment.

-In regards to the following allegations, Allegation 2-4: “Facility is in disrepair,” “Facility is unclean,” and “Outlets are not covered”

On 11/26/2019 at 10:20 a.m., Licensing Program Analysts (LPAs) Castellanos, Hill and Escobedo conducted an unannounced 10-day complaint investigation visit. LPAs observed brown spots on the ceiling above the Activity/Napping area that measured 8”-12” in diameter. LPAs also observed brown spots measuring 6”-8” in diameter on the ceiling above the children’s restroom and black foam insulation at the top of the vertical beam connected to the ceiling. Director informed LPAs that when she acquired the child care center the ceiling tiles already had the brown spots on them and she further stated that the black foam was used to patch a hole. During this visit, LPAs observed all outlets in the Preschool Rooms to have safety covers. It is to be noted that dates when outlets were uncovered were not provided by the complainants. However, ensuring that outlets are covered were discussed with the director, as a matter of safety for children in care. Based on the interviews with the Director, Staff #2, and Staff #3 the facility is cleaned daily by a maintenance crew. LPA obtained an invoice dated 04/12/2019 for work completed to replace the roof and installation of new shingles. LPA also received a second invoice dated 12/09/2019 for repair of leaks on the roof.

Based on LPAs facility observations, interviews and a preponderance of evidence gathered, the allegations investigated above were found to be unsubstantiated. 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.

Upon receipt of this report, the Licensee shall post the Notice of Site Visit for 30 consecutive days. Failure to maintain posting as required, will result in an immediate $100 civil penalty.

An exit interview was conducted and discussed with Director, Jagdeep Singh. A copy of this report and Notice of Site Visit were provided to Licensee.

SUPERVISOR'S NAME: Victor Bautista	TELEPHONE: (424) 301-3008
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Claudia Escobedo	TELEPHONE: (424) 301-3044
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:	DATE: 02/19/2020

I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.

FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 02/19/2020

LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)

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