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Department of
SOCIAL SERVICES

Community Care Licensing


COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT

Facility Number: 013423129
Report Date: 11/12/2025
Date Signed: 11/21/2025 10:03:53 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, 1515 CLAY STREET, SUITE 1102
OAKLAND, CA 94612
This is an official report of an unannounced visit/investigation of a complaint received in our office on
10/27/2025 and conducted by Evaluator Indira Loza
PUBLIC
COMPLAINT CONTROL NUMBER: 02-CC-20251027125919
FACILITY NAME:GROWING LIGHT MONTESSORI SCHOOL OF OAKLANDFACILITY NUMBER:
013423129
ADMINISTRATOR:GAYE, AWAFACILITY TYPE:
850
ADDRESS:4700 LINCOLN AVENUETELEPHONE:
(510) 336-9897
CITY:OAKLANDSTATE: CAZIP CODE:
94602
CAPACITY:72CENSUS: 61DATE:
11/12/2025
UNANNOUNCEDTIME BEGAN:
11:45 AM
MET WITH:Rachel LaFieldTIME COMPLETED:
12:00 PM
ALLEGATION(S):
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Staff had an altercation in the presence of children
INVESTIGATION FINDINGS:
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This is an amended report
On November 12, 2025 Licensing Program Analysts (LPAs) Indira Loza and Catherine Fernandes arrived at the center to complete the investigation for the above allegation. LPAs met with Licensee/Owner Rachel LaField. Present during today's visit were 61 children and 14 staff. During the course of the investigation LPAs toured the center, collected documents related to the allegation, and conducted interviews.

Based on interviews conducted and records reviewed it was determined that Licensee/Owner Rachel LaField and a teacher had a verbal altercation in the presence of children while transitioning outside. The preponderance of evidence standard has been met, therefore the allegation is SUBSTANTIATED. Title 22, California Code of Regulations is being cited on the attached LIC 9099 D.Exit Interview conducted with Licensee/Owner Rachel LaField. Report reviewed and a copy provided. Notice of Site Visit provided and must remain posted for 30 days.
Substantiated
Estimated Days of Completion:
SUPERVISORS NAME: Mayla Mendoza
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Indira Loza
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 11/12/2025
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 11/12/2025
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 02-CC-20251027125919
STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT (Cont)		CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
CCLD Regional Office, 1515 CLAY STREET, SUITE 1102
OAKLAND, CA 94612

FACILITY NAME: GROWING LIGHT MONTESSORI SCHOOL OF OAKLAND
FACILITY NUMBER: 013423129
DEFICIENCY INFORMATION FOR THIS PAGE:
VISIT DATE: 11/12/2025
Deficiency Type
POC Due Date /
Section Number
DEFICIENCIES
PLAN OF CORRECTIONS(POCs)
Type B
12/05/2025
Section Cited
CCR
101223(a)(1)
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(a) (1) To be accorded dignity in his/her personal relationships with staff and other persons. This requirement was not met as evidenced by:
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The Licensee/Owner Rachel LaField will review the negative effects of engaging in altercations in the presence of children and how it violates the children's personal rights and send CCL a letter stating what was learned no later than 12/5/25.
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Based on interviews and documents, Owner/Licensee Rachel LaField and a staff engaged in a verbal altercation in the presence of children. This poses a potential risk to the health, safety, and personal rights of 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.
SUPERVISORS NAME: Mayla Mendoza
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Indira Loza
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 11/12/2025
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 11/12/2025
LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)
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