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Department of
SOCIAL SERVICES

Community Care Licensing


COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT

Facility Number: 283010096
Report Date: 06/08/2022
Date Signed: 06/08/2022 03:33:06 PM

Substantiated


STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT		CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
CCLD Regional Office, 1450 NEOTOMAS AVENUE, STE. 100
SANTA ROSA, CA 95405
This is an official report of an unannounced visit/investigation of a complaint received in our office on
03/10/2022 and conducted by Evaluator Kevin O'Connell
COMPLAINT CONTROL NUMBER: 01-CC-20220310110217
FACILITY NAME:NATURE'S WAY MONTESSORIFACILITY NUMBER:
283010096
ADMINISTRATOR:SARAH KIRKPATRICKFACILITY TYPE:
830
ADDRESS:3051 BROWNS VALLEY ROADTELEPHONE:
(707) 226-5437
CITY:NAPASTATE: CAZIP CODE:
94558
CAPACITY:18CENSUS: 11DATE:
06/08/2022
UNANNOUNCEDTIME BEGAN:
10:00 AM
MET WITH:Sarah Kirkpatrick, DirectorTIME COMPLETED:
11:15 AM
ALLEGATION(S):
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Unqualified staff are left alone with day care children
Facility is out of ratio
Facility furniture is not properly secured
INVESTIGATION FINDINGS:
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Licensing Program Analyst, Kevin O’Connell made a subsequent complaint investigation on 6/8/2022 at 9:30am and met with the Licensee, Monica MacDonald (S1), to deliver the findings regarding the allegations above.
LPA O’Connell previously met with S1 on 3/16/2022 to initiate the investigation by discussing the purpose of the visit, conducting interviews, reviewing files, obtaining facility roster and making observations.
It is alleged that unqualified staff are left alone with day care children, facility is out of ratio, and furniture is not properly secured.
S1 denied the allegations at 10:40am on 3/16/22, stating that there is no one unqualified that is left alone with the children, we have not been out of ratio and always have enough qualified teachers, and everything is secured.
Substantiated
Estimated Days of Completion:
SUPERVISOR'S NAME: Leslie LeporiTELEPHONE: (707) 588-5060
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Kevin O'ConnellTELEPHONE: (707) 588-5026
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 06/08/2022
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 06/08/2022
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 6
Control Number 01-CC-20220310110217
STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT (Cont)		CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
CCLD Regional Office, 1450 NEOTOMAS AVENUE, STE. 100
SANTA ROSA, CA 95405
FACILITY NAME: NATURE'S WAY MONTESSORI
FACILITY NUMBER: 283010096
VISIT DATE: 06/08/2022
NARRATIVE
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S1 also noted that she has not been at the facility much the last few months because of medical issues and staffing has been a challenge as a result of Covid.
Staff (S1- S8) were interviewed, staff files were reviewed, observations were made on 3/16/22 and parents (P1- P5) were interviewed on 6/6/22.

Regarding unqualified staff are left alone with day care children, multiple interviewed staff (3) had observed that this occurred multiple times both involving unqualified staff left alone with children, once with staff changing a diaper alone and another time with staff supervising four children alone at the playground with no one else around.
LPA reviewed staff records showing that both staff were not qualified but one since then has enrolled for the qualifying units.
Regarding facility is out of ratio, although parents interviewed did not observe this, multiple staff interviewed (4) observed this happen on multiple occasions involving different staff. At times two staff were supervising 11 and 12 children.
Regarding furniture is not properly secured, Multiple staff interviewed (5) observed that multiple pieces of furniture were not secure, LPA observed multiple pieces of furniture not secured leaving one top heavy and another wobbly.
Based on statements from interviews and LPA observations, the preponderance of evidence standard has been met; therefore the above allegations are found to be substantiated.
California Code of Regulations, Title 22, is being cited on the attached LIC 9099-D. Appeal rights were provided. An exit interview was conducted, and this report as well as the deficiencies page was read and discussed in detail with the Licensee, Monica MacDonald. The Notice of Site Visit shall be posted for 30 days.
Reports citing Type A violations are to be provided to parents/guardians of children currently enrolled and to parents/guardians of children newly enrolled at the facility during the next twelve months. Parents/guardians must sign form LIC9224 to be kept in each child’s file.
SUPERVISOR'S NAME: Leslie LeporiTELEPHONE: (707) 588-5060
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Kevin O'ConnellTELEPHONE: (707) 588-5026
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 06/08/2022
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 06/08/2022
LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 2 of 6
Control Number 01-CC-20220310110217
STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT (Cont)		CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
CCLD Regional Office, 1450 NEOTOMAS AVENUE, STE. 100
SANTA ROSA, CA 95405

FACILITY NAME: NATURE'S WAY MONTESSORI
FACILITY NUMBER: 283010096
DEFICIENCY INFORMATION FOR THIS PAGE:
VISIT DATE: 06/08/2022
Deficiency Type
POC Due Date /
Section Number
DEFICIENCIES
PLAN OF CORRECTIONS(POCs)
Type B
06/22/2022
Section Cited
CCR
101416.3(b)
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Infant Care Aide Qualifications and Duties.
(b) An infant care aide shall work under the direct supervision of the director,
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Director states that she will have more qualified staff available to step in and help when needed and staff training on Aide and
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This requirement is not met as evidenced by: Based on statements corroborating that unqualified staff were left alone with children on multiple occasions. This poses a potential health, safety, and personal rights risk to children in care.
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qualified teacher regulations and send a staff meeting agenda and roster of signatures to CCL by 6/22/22.
kevin.oconnell@dss.ca.gov
Type B
06/22/2022
Section Cited
CCR
101416.5(b)
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Staff- Infant Ratios
(b) There shall be a ratio of one teacher for every four infants in attendance.
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Director states that she will hold stff meeting reviewing the ratio regulations and proving an agenda and roster of signatures to CCL by 6/22/22.
kevin.oconnell@dss.ca.gov
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This requirement is not met as evidenced by:
statements from multiple staff observing staff out of ratio on mulriple occasions. This poses a potential health, safety, and personal rights risk to children in care.
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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.
SUPERVISOR'S NAME: Leslie LeporiTELEPHONE: (707) 588-5060
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Kevin O'ConnellTELEPHONE: (707) 588-5026
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 06/08/2022
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 06/08/2022
LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 5 of 6
Control Number 01-CC-20220310110217
STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT (Cont)		CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
CCLD Regional Office, 1450 NEOTOMAS AVENUE, STE. 100
SANTA ROSA, CA 95405

FACILITY NAME: NATURE'S WAY MONTESSORI
FACILITY NUMBER: 283010096
DEFICIENCY INFORMATION FOR THIS PAGE:
VISIT DATE: 06/08/2022
Deficiency Type
POC Due Date /
Section Number
DEFICIENCIES
PLAN OF CORRECTIONS(POCs)
Type B
06/22/2022
Section Cited
CCR
101439(g)
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Infant Care Center Fixtures, Furniture, Equipment and Supplies.
(g) Furniture shall be maintained in good repair and safe condition.
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Director states that she will secure furniture and send a picture of proof to CCL by 6/22/22.Some furniture has been secured
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This requirement is not met as evidenced by:
Based on statements from staff interviews and LPA observations, multiple pieces of furniture were unsecured leaving one wobbly and one top heavy.
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kevin.oconnell@dss.ca.gov
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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.
SUPERVISOR'S NAME: Leslie LeporiTELEPHONE: (707) 588-5060
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Kevin O'ConnellTELEPHONE: (707) 588-5026
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 06/08/2022
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 06/08/2022
LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 6 of 6
STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT		CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
CCLD Regional Office, 1450 NEOTOMAS AVENUE, STE. 100
SANTA ROSA, CA 95405
This is an official report of an unannounced visit/investigation of a complaint received in our office on
03/10/2022 and conducted by Evaluator Kevin O'Connell
COMPLAINT CONTROL NUMBER: 01-CC-20220310110217

FACILITY NAME:NATURE'S WAY MONTESSORIFACILITY NUMBER:
283010096
ADMINISTRATOR:SARAH KIRKPATRICKFACILITY TYPE:
830
ADDRESS:3051 BROWNS VALLEY ROADTELEPHONE:
(707) 226-5437
CITY:NAPASTATE: CAZIP CODE:
94558
CAPACITY:18CENSUS: 11DATE:
06/08/2022
UNANNOUNCEDTIME BEGAN:
10:00 AM
MET WITH:Sarah Kirkpatrick, DirectorTIME COMPLETED:
11:15 AM
ALLEGATION(S):
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
Staff are not properly sanitizing between diaper changes
INVESTIGATION FINDINGS:
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
Licensing Program Analyst, Kevin O’Connell made a subsequent complaint investigation on 6/8/2022 at 9:30am and met with the Licensee, Monica MacDonald (S1), to deliver the findings regarding the allegations above.
LPA O’Connell previously met with S1 on 3/16/2022 to initiate the investigation by discussing the purpose of the visit, conducting interviews, reviewing files, obtaining facility roster and making observations. It is alleged that staff are not properly sanitizing between diaper changes .
S1 denied the allegations at 10:40am on 3/16/22, stating that we have trained everyone about the diaper procedure. S1 also noted that she has not been at the facility much the last few months because of medical issues and staffing has been a challenge as a result of Covid.

Unsubstantiated
Estimated Days of Completion:
SUPERVISOR'S NAME: Leslie LeporiTELEPHONE: (707) 588-5060
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Kevin O'ConnellTELEPHONE: (707) 588-5026
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 06/08/2022
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 06/08/2022
This report must be available at Child Care and Group Home facilities for public review for 3 years.
LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 3 of 6
Control Number 01-CC-20220310110217
STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT (Cont)		CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
CCLD Regional Office, 1450 NEOTOMAS AVENUE, STE. 100
SANTA ROSA, CA 95405
FACILITY NAME: NATURE'S WAY MONTESSORI
FACILITY NUMBER: 283010096
VISIT DATE: 06/08/2022
NARRATIVE
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Staff (S1-S8) were interviewed, staff files were reviewed and observations were made on 3/16/22
Regarding staff are not properly sanitizing between diaper changes;
Although it was reported that staff were not properly sanitizing between diaper changes, one staff interviewed had heard that this had happened but other staff could not corroborate the allegation. LPA did not observe this on 3/16/22 & 6/8/22 while at the facility.
Based on staff interviews and observations although the allegation may have happened or is valid, there is not a preponderance of the evidence to prove the alleged violation occurred, therefore the allegation is unsubstantiated.
An exit interview was conducted, and this report as well as the deficiencies page was read and discussed in detail with the Licensee, Monica MacDonald. Appeal rights were provided. Notice of Site Visit must be posted for 30 days from today.
SUPERVISOR'S NAME: Leslie LeporiTELEPHONE: (707) 588-5060
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Kevin O'ConnellTELEPHONE: (707) 588-5026
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 06/08/2022
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 06/08/2022
LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 4 of 6