<meta name="robots" content="noindex">
Department of
SOCIAL SERVICES

Community Care Licensing


COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT

Facility Number: 566215637
Report Date: 03/07/2023
Date Signed: 04/24/2023 09:56:42 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, 6500 HOLLISTER AVE., SUITE 200
GOLETA, CA 93117
This is an official report of an unannounced visit/investigation of a complaint received in our office on
03/03/2023 and conducted by Evaluator Susana Martinez
PUBLIC
COMPLAINT CONTROL NUMBER: 17-CC-20230303105809
FACILITY NAME:LITTLE SCHOLARS MONTESSORIFACILITY NUMBER:
566215637
ADMINISTRATOR:SARANGI WETHTHASINGHAFACILITY TYPE:
850
ADDRESS:1915 LAS POSAS ROADTELEPHONE:
(805) 322-7084
CITY:CAMARILLOSTATE: CAZIP CODE:
93010
CAPACITY:196CENSUS: 102DATE:
03/07/2023
UNANNOUNCEDTIME BEGAN:
09:15 AM
MET WITH:Samudra Liyanage & Beth GardnerTIME COMPLETED:
12:45 PM
ALLEGATION(S):
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
Staff does not ensure food served is free of peanuts.
Facility is advertising misleading information.
INVESTIGATION FINDINGS:
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
On 04/03/23, LPA amended LIC9099 in order to uncheck the Confidential button.
On March 7, 2023 at 9:30 AM, Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Susana Martinez conducted an unannounced inspection for the purpose of initiating a complaint regarding the above allegations. LPA met with directors Samudra "Sam" Liyanage & Beth Gardner and advised them for the purpose of the inspection. Together with assistant director Sam, LPA toured the facility inside and outside. At the time of inspection there were 102 children in care along with 13 adults. LPA conducted staff interviews, requested a copy of children’s roster, and parent handbook along with March Newsletter.

LPA interviewed director Beth Gardner who stated the complaint might be from a parent whose child (C1) has a peanut allergy. The parent recently approached the center regarding chocolate coins that will be used for the upcoming St. Patrick's Day event. Director states the parents are asked to donate chocolate coins that do not contain nuts or plastic coins. LPA asked for a copy of the March newsletter. LPA observed the newsletter does ask for chocolate coins but does not mention anything about being nut-free. At the entrance, LPA observed a poster stating this is a nut free campus.

Continued on 9099-C
Substantiated
Estimated Days of Completion:
SUPERVISOR'S NAME: George MingleTELEPHONE: (805) 562-0411
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Susana MartinezTELEPHONE: 805-689-4212
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 03/07/2023
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 03/07/2023
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 3
Control Number 17-CC-20230303105809
STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT (Cont)		CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
CCLD Regional Office, 6500 HOLLISTER AVE., SUITE 200
GOLETA, CA 93117
FACILITY NAME: LITTLE SCHOLARS MONTESSORI
FACILITY NUMBER: 566215637
VISIT DATE: 03/07/2023
NARRATIVE
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
LPA reviewed the Parent Handbook and found that on page 12 under section labeled "Birthdays", it states Please note that all treats brought into school must be store bought, sealed and ingredient label attached. Towards the bottom of page 12 it also states in bold: All food needs to be nut free.

LPA also interviewed assistant director who states the classroom where C1 is enrolled recently had a party celebration. Assistant director states a parent brought in cupcakes that did not contain an ingredient label. LPA asked if she knew whether the cupcakes contained nuts or not, assistant director stated No. LPA asked if C1 consumed the cupcake, assistant director states C1 did not consume the cupcake and was the only child who did not participate in eating a cupcake. LPA brought up the Parent Handbook and advised that on page 12 it strictly states that all treats must contain an ingredient label. Assistant director had no comment. Assistant director also states the center plans on checking every treat bag that is brought from parent's to share going forward.

The teacher (S3) in C1's classroom was also interviewed. S3 mentioned there was a birthday celebration last week and also states cupcakes containing no ingredient label was brought into the classroom.

Based on LPA's observations, interviews which were conducted, documents gathered and record review, the preponderance of evidence standard has been met, therefore the above allegations are found SUBSTANTIATED. California Code of Regulations, Title 22, Division 12 are being cited on the attached LIC 9099-D.

Two Type B citations were issued on today's inspection. Written plan of correction is due to the Department by 3/21/2023.

A notice of site visit was given and must remain posted for 30 days. Failure to comply with posting requirements shall result in an immediate civil penalty of $100.

Exit interview conducted, appeal rights were given, and report was reviewed with director Beth Gardner and assistant director Samudra Liyanage.

SUPERVISOR'S NAME: George MingleTELEPHONE: (805) 562-0411
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Susana MartinezTELEPHONE: 805-689-4212
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 03/07/2023
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 03/07/2023
LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 3 of 3
Control Number 17-CC-20230303105809
STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT (Cont)		CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
CCLD Regional Office, 6500 HOLLISTER AVE., SUITE 200
GOLETA, CA 93117

FACILITY NAME: LITTLE SCHOLARS MONTESSORI
FACILITY NUMBER: 566215637
DEFICIENCY INFORMATION FOR THIS PAGE:
VISIT DATE: 03/07/2023
Deficiency Type
POC Due Date /
Section Number
DEFICIENCIES
PLAN OF CORRECTIONS(POCs)
Type B
03/21/2023
Section Cited
CCR
101219(f)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Admission Agreement (f) The licensee shall comply with all terms and conditions set forth in the admission agreement.
This requirement was not met by evidence by:
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Licensee is to submit a written plan indicating what steps will be taken in order to prevent parents from bringing treats that may contain nuts. Licensee is also to update the March Newletter to contain "nut-free" wording and submit proof to LPA by 3/21/23
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
Based on observation, interviews conducted, and record review, Licensee did not comply with the deficiency cited above as assistant director states a non-labled treat was allowed in a classroom which poses a potential risk to the health, safety and or personal rights of children in care.
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
Type B
03/21/2023
Section Cited
CCR
101227(a)(7)(B)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Food Services(7)Modified diets prescribed by a child's physician...shall be provided. (B) A child shall not be served any food to which the child's record indicates he/she has an allergy.
This requirement was not met by evidence by:
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Licensee is to submit a written plan on how they will approach parents who bring treats that contain peanuts. The plan shall be submitted to the Department by 3/21/2023.
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
Based on observation, interviews conducted, and record review, Licensee did not comply with the deficiency cited above as assistant director states the goddie bags were not checked prior to this to ensure all treats were nut free which poses a potential risk to the health, safety and or personal rights of children in care.
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
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: George MingleTELEPHONE: (805) 562-0411
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Susana MartinezTELEPHONE: 805-689-4212
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 03/07/2023
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 03/07/2023
LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 2 of 3