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Department of
SOCIAL SERVICES

Community Care Licensing


COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT

Facility Number: 304371208
Report Date: 05/11/2022
Date Signed: 05/11/2022 09:26:28 AM

Substantiated


STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT		CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
CCLD Regional Office, 750 THE CITY DRIVE, SUITE 250
ORANGE, CA 92868
This is an official report of an unannounced visit/investigation of a complaint received in our office on
02/22/2022 and conducted by Evaluator Pat Rivas
PUBLIC
COMPLAINT CONTROL NUMBER: 06-CC-20220222141237
FACILITY NAME:MONTESSORI ACADEMY AT THE RANCHFACILITY NUMBER:
304371208
ADMINISTRATOR:KIM, TAMARA LEWFACILITY TYPE:
850
ADDRESS:74 ESENCIA DRTELEPHONE:
(949) 234-6136
CITY:RANCHO MISSION VIEJOSTATE: CAZIP CODE:
92694
CAPACITY:178CENSUS: 46DATE:
05/11/2022
UNANNOUNCEDTIME BEGAN:
08:27 AM
MET WITH:Tamara Lew Kim, DirectorTIME COMPLETED:
09:15 AM
ALLEGATION(S):
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Unqualified assistant teacher working at day care
INVESTIGATION FINDINGS:
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Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) P Rivas conducted an unannounced complaint visit to render findings on the above allegations. LPA was assisted by Director Kim. The Covid-19 Emergency Response questionnaires were asked. A toured the facility was conducted, and a census was taken. Observed at the time of the visit 46 children and 12 teachers throughout the facility.
A review of staff criminal record clearances on this date indicates all staff, or other individuals who require caregiver background checks have received criminal record and child abuse index clearances or exemptions.
On 02/02/22, the Department received a complaint alleging that Unqualified assistant teacher working at day care.
The investigation consisted of interview with Seven (7) parents; 5 staff ; Review of facility files.
The investigation found that Staff #1 (S1) was hired as a Teacher’s assistant and was allowed to work without having the required 12 ECE units. Interview with Director Kim indicates they had been in communication with Orange County Regional Manager about the need for finding qualified staff, through the Emergency Child Care Task Force.
Substantiated
Estimated Days of Completion:
SUPERVISOR'S NAME: Rina LopezTELEPHONE: (714) 703-2808
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Pat RivasTELEPHONE: 714-703-2800
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 05/11/2022
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 05/11/2022
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 5
Control Number 06-CC-20220222141237
STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT (Cont)		CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
CCLD Regional Office, 750 THE CITY DRIVE, SUITE 250
ORANGE, CA 92868
FACILITY NAME: MONTESSORI ACADEMY AT THE RANCH
FACILITY NUMBER: 304371208
VISIT DATE: 05/11/2022
NARRATIVE
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However, it is noted that Regional Manager, Bertha Manzanares had advised to request a waiver but they must contact their analyst. Director Kim did not contact their analyst because she states she did not know how the waiver needed to be approved before hiring S1. Review of S1’s file found that S1 had advised Director that s/he had enrolled in 12 units and was able to work alone. Director Kim was not provided with verification of enrollment before allowing S1 to work for two days on 02/16 and 02/17/22 from 3:30-5;45pm and nap time.


Based on LPA’s observations, interview, review of staff transcripts, the preponderance of evidence was met, therefore the above allegation is found to be SUBSTANTIATED. California Code of Regulations, Title 22 101216.1 (b) is being cited on the attached LIC 9099D.

Exit interview was conducted with Interim Director, Tamara Kim. Report reviewed and discussed. Notice of Site Visit was posted during the visit. Director was informed that the notice of site visit must be posted for 30 consecutive days. Failure to post will result in civil penalties of $100. Appeal rights provided and explained. The director/licensee was provided a copy of their appeal rights (LIC 9058 12/16) and their signature on this form acknowledges receipt of these rights.
SUPERVISOR'S NAME: Rina LopezTELEPHONE: (714) 703-2808
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Pat RivasTELEPHONE: 714-703-2800
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 05/11/2022
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 05/11/2022
LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 2 of 5
Control Number 06-CC-20220222141237
STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT (Cont)		CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
CCLD Regional Office, 750 THE CITY DRIVE, SUITE 250
ORANGE, CA 92868

FACILITY NAME: MONTESSORI ACADEMY AT THE RANCH
FACILITY NUMBER: 304371208
DEFICIENCY INFORMATION FOR THIS PAGE:
VISIT DATE: 05/11/2022
Deficiency Type
POC Due Date /
Section Number
DEFICIENCIES
PLAN OF CORRECTIONS(POCs)
Type B
05/20/2022
Section Cited
CCR
101216.1(b)
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Teacher Qualifications and Duties. (b) Prior to employment, a teacher shall meet the requirements. This requirement is not met as evidenced by:

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In the future Director will request exception prior hiring a teacher that does not have the required ECE units. Director will send in written certification that she understand the regulation and will comply
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Based on the staff interview, review of staff file, S1 doesn’t have the ECE units and was left alone during nap time and in the afternoon for a couple of hours for 2 days due to Director believing S1 had enrolled in the required ECE units but without any written verification. This poses a potential safety risk to the 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: Rina LopezTELEPHONE: (714) 703-2808
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Pat RivasTELEPHONE: 714-703-2800
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 05/11/2022
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 05/11/2022
LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 5 of 5
STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT		CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
CCLD Regional Office, 750 THE CITY DRIVE, SUITE 250
ORANGE, CA 92868
This is an official report of an unannounced visit/investigation of a complaint received in our office on
02/22/2022 and conducted by Evaluator Pat Rivas
COMPLAINT CONTROL NUMBER: 06-CC-20220222141237

FACILITY NAME:MONTESSORI ACADEMY AT THE RANCHFACILITY NUMBER:
304371208
ADMINISTRATOR:KIM, TAMARA LEWFACILITY TYPE:
850
ADDRESS:74 ESENCIA DRTELEPHONE:
(949) 234-6136
CITY:RANCHO MISSION VIEJOSTATE: CAZIP CODE:
92694
CAPACITY:178CENSUS: 46DATE:
05/11/2022
UNANNOUNCEDTIME BEGAN:
08:27 AM
MET WITH:Tamara Lew Kim, DirectorTIME COMPLETED:
09:15 AM
ALLEGATION(S):
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Day care children are not allowed to use the restroom during nap time
Day care children are not allowed to have snacks
INVESTIGATION FINDINGS:
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Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) P Rivas conducted an unannounced complaint visit to render findings. LPA was assisted by . Director The Covid-19 Emergency Response questionnaires were asked. A toured the facility was conducted, and a census was taken. Observed at the time of the visit 46 children and 12 teachers throughout the facility.
A review of staff criminal clearance records on this date indicates all facility residents, staff, or other individuals who require caregiver background checks have received criminal record and child abuse index clearances or exemptions.

On 02/02/22, the Department received a complaint alleging that 1) Day Care Children are not allowed to use the restroom during nap time and 2) Day care children are not allowed to have snacks.

The investigation consisted of interview with Seven(7) parents; 5 staff and 1 qualified child; review of facility files
Unsubstantiated
Estimated Days of Completion:
SUPERVISOR'S NAME: Rina LopezTELEPHONE: (714) 703-2808
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Pat RivasTELEPHONE: 714-703-2800
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 05/11/2022
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 05/11/2022
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 5
Control Number 06-CC-20220222141237
STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT (Cont)		CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
CCLD Regional Office, 750 THE CITY DRIVE, SUITE 250
ORANGE, CA 92868
FACILITY NAME: MONTESSORI ACADEMY AT THE RANCH
FACILITY NUMBER: 304371208
VISIT DATE: 05/11/2022
NARRATIVE
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In Reference to the allegation that children are not allowed to use the restroom during nap time the investigation found; Five out of five teachers interviewed that children are allowed to use restroom during nap time.Interviews with seven out of seven parents indicated there were no issues with nap time and or restroom use. One qualified child was interviewed who indicated s/he could use restroom at any time. LPA was unable to qualify other children. LPA toured classrooms and noted where teacher is seated during nap time is directly outside the restroom where teacher has line of site on children napping and any children who may need to use restroom. LPA was unable to corroborate the allegation

In reference to the allegation that day care children are not allowed to have snacks the investigation found; Five out of five teachers interviewed that all children can have snacks, there is scheduled time for snacks and no child is denied any snacks, parents are free to bring snacks; Seven out of Seven parents indicated the children are provided with snacks and can bring snacks if they choose to bring snacks and also they did not indicate that children were denied snacks. Review of menus show snack menu. Classroom daily schedules have time slots for snacks to be served. Parent handbook under nutrition advises parents of snack policy which includes “parents can sign up for a day to host snack for the classroom.” LPA was unable to corroborate the allegation.

Although the allegations may have happened or are valid, there is not a preponderance of evidence to prove, the alleged violation(s) did or did not occur, therefore the allegations are unsubstantiated.

Notice of Site Visit was posted. The notice of site visit must be posted for 30 consecutive days. Failure to post will result in civil penalties of $100. The licensee was provided a copy of their appeal right (LIC 9058 1/16) and their signature on this form acknowledges receipt of these rights. Exit interview was conducted.


No deficiencies cited for these allegations.

Reports end here.
SUPERVISOR'S NAME: Rina LopezTELEPHONE: (714) 703-2808
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Pat RivasTELEPHONE: 714-703-2800
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 05/11/2022
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 05/11/2022
LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 4 of 5