198015235-4-30-2026-33-CC-BVON-DTNRER-20260501125759

Community Care Licensing

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT

Facility Number: 198015235
Report Date: 04/30/2026
Date Signed: 04/30/2026 12:02:48 PM

Substantiated

STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT

CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
MONTEREY PARK CC RO, 1000 CORPORATE CNTR DR. 200-B
MONTEREY PARK, CA 91754

This is an official report of an unannounced visit/investigation of a complaint received in our office on
01/29/2026 and conducted by Evaluator Shushanik Safaryan

PUBLIC

COMPLAINT CONTROL NUMBER: 33-CC-20260129101232

FACILITY NAME:	PENNSYLVANIA AVENUE MONTESSORI PRESCHOOL		FACILITY NUMBER:	198015235
ADMINISTRATOR:	SONDRA WISE		FACILITY TYPE:	850
ADDRESS:	3966 PENNSYLVANIA AVENUE		TELEPHONE:	(818) 231-5605
CITY:	LA CRESCENTA	STATE: CA	ZIP CODE:	91214
CAPACITY:	56	CENSUS: 26	DATE:	04/30/2026
		UNANNOUNCED	TIME BEGAN:	08:30 AM
MET WITH:	Sondra Wise		TIME COMPLETED:	12:20 PM

ALLEGATION(S):

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Staff handled day care child(ren) in a physically inappropriate manner.
Licensee did not ensure staff met required qualifications.
Licensee did not ensure required records were maintained for day care children.

INVESTIGATION FINDINGS:

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On 04/30/2026, at 8:30 am, Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Shushanik Safaryan conducted an unannounced inspection to deliver complaint findings. Upon arrival, Licensing Program Analyst met with facility staff. Facility Director, Sondra Wise came in later , to whom the reason for the visit was explained. Tour was provided. During the tour, 26 children were present with 4 staff members.

Allegation states: Staff handled a day care child in a physically inappropriate manner.
Per Reporting Party (RP) statements on 02/13/2025, child 1 (C1) was picked up by their arm by the staff member and forced to sit by slumming them down on their butt. Video footage of the incident was provided to LPA for review. Per RP C1, attended the facility until 01/27/2026.

During the investigation, LPA interviewed the director, staff members, former staff, parents, and children.
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Substantiated

Estimated Days of Completion:

SUPERVISORS NAME: Brandi VanOosten
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Shushanik Safaryan
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:	DATE: 04/30/2026

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

FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 04/30/2026

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 7

Control Number 33-CC-20260129101232

STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT (Cont)

CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
MONTEREY PARK CC RO, 1000 CORPORATE CNTR DR. 200-B
MONTEREY PARK, CA 91754

FACILITY NAME: PENNSYLVANIA AVENUE MONTESSORI PRESCHOOL	FACILITY NUMBER: 198015235
	VISIT DATE: 04/30/2026

NARRATIVE

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The director confirmed that the incident happened on 02/13/25. Per the Director, she was notified by the parent of C1, who observed the video through the facilities communication platform (Class Dojo). Per the director, upon notification, she immediately addressed the incident with the staff member involved to mitigate any risk of recurrence. Staff involved were required to complete appropriate training and were permitted to continue employment under continued expectations of compliance. Proof of training dated 02/18/2025 was provided to LPA for review. The director also disclosed that no further concerns were raised by the parent of C1 regarding the incident that happened on 02/13/25, and the child continued attending the facility until January of 2026.
Additionally, LPA interviewed staff members S2, S3, and former staff member #5 (FS5), present during the incident. Per S2, it was circle time when they were recording the video to place on class Dojo when C1 was crying and standing in the middle, and did not want to move. Per S2, they observe that S3 moved C1 from the middle to the side, since they did not want to move. Per S3, they moved the child and placed him to sit since C1 was interrupting the circle time. Per FS5, they identified S2 recording the video and S3 pulling C1 and forcing them to sit.
LPA watched the video footage for the incident that happened on 02/13/2025 and observed C1 standing in front of peers when staff member S3 pulled C1 from the shoulder to the side and forced him into a seated position. LPA observed C1 putting their head down and closing their face with both hands.

Allegation states: Licensee did not ensure required records were maintained for daycare children.
Reporting Party (RP) stated that a child 1 (C1) attended preschool over the year without being asked to complete a physician form.

During the interview, the Director stated that a physician form for C1 was requested from the parent multiple times. LPA reviewed the C1 file provided by the facility and observed that C1 did not have a physician form in the package. However, consent for medical treatment and preadmission health history were completed by the parents, as observed in the file.
Additionally, concerns were raised by RP that other children may have missing forms. LPA reviewed 12 children's files and observed files were completed.

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SUPERVISORS NAME: Brandi VanOosten
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Shushanik Safaryan
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:	DATE: 04/30/2026

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

FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 04/30/2026

LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)

Page: 2 of 7

Control Number 33-CC-20260129101232

STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT (Cont)

CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
MONTEREY PARK CC RO, 1000 CORPORATE CNTR DR. 200-B
MONTEREY PARK, CA 91754

FACILITY NAME: PENNSYLVANIA AVENUE MONTESSORI PRESCHOOL	FACILITY NUMBER: 198015235
	VISIT DATE: 04/30/2026

NARRATIVE

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Allegation states: Licensee did not ensure staff met required qualifications.

Per the reporting Party (RP) statements, they believe S2 is not qualified since they earned their 12 ECE units by attending one weekend class. Additionally, concerns were raised if the units issued meet state licensing requirements.

During the interview, the Director stated S2 was employed as a teacher, which was confirmed by S2. During this investigation, the Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) reviewed S2 files and identified 12 Early Childhood Education (ECE) units issued between 4 months.

LPA contacted the institution where the ECE units were completed. The institution provided documentation confirming school status approval and effective date. Additionally, school disclosed that it had previously operated under exempt status prior to receiving approval. However, LPA observed that 12 ECE units were issued to S2 before the school obtained approved status, which was confirmed by the overseeing department. According to the Director, she was not aware that the school had issued ECE units before obtaining approval and stated she will ensure the issue is corrected moving forward.

Based on LPAs observations and interviews, which were conducted and a record review, the preponderance of evidence standard has been met, the above allegation(s) are found to be SUBSTANTIATED. California Code of Regulations, (Title 22, Division 12, Chapter 1) is cited on the attached LIC 9099D.

A notice of site visit was given and must remain posted for 30 days. The Notice of Site Visit (LIC 9213) – must remain posted for 30 days during the hours of operation after each site visit by a licensing representative.

An exit Interview was conducted, a copy of this report, along with Notice of Site visit, Deficiency pages, and Appeal Rights were explained and provided to the Facility Representative, Sondra Wise, on 04/30/2026.

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SUPERVISORS NAME: Brandi VanOosten
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Shushanik Safaryan
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:	DATE: 04/30/2026

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

FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 04/30/2026

LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)

Page: 3 of 7

STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT

CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
MONTEREY PARK CC RO, 1000 CORPORATE CNTR DR. 200-B
MONTEREY PARK, CA 91754

This is an official report of an unannounced visit/investigation of a complaint received in our office on
01/29/2026 and conducted by Evaluator Shushanik Safaryan

PUBLIC

COMPLAINT CONTROL NUMBER: 33-CC-20260129101232

FACILITY NAME:	PENNSYLVANIA AVENUE MONTESSORI PRESCHOOL		FACILITY NUMBER:	198015235
ADMINISTRATOR:	SONDRA WISE		FACILITY TYPE:	850
ADDRESS:	3966 PENNSYLVANIA AVENUE		TELEPHONE:	(818) 231-5605
CITY:	LA CRESCENTA	STATE: CA	ZIP CODE:	91214
CAPACITY:	56	CENSUS: 26	DATE:	04/30/2026
		UNANNOUNCED	TIME BEGAN:	08:30 AM
MET WITH:	Sondra Wise		TIME COMPLETED:	12:20 PM

ALLEGATION(S):

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Staff did not prevent a day care child from being injured by another child.
Staff handled day care child(ren) in a physically inappropriate manner.

INVESTIGATION FINDINGS:

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On 04/30/2026, at 8:30 am, Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Shushanik Safaryan conducted an unannounced inspection to deliver complaint findings. Upon arrival, Licensing Program Analyst met with Facility Representative, Sondra Wise, Director, to whom the reason for the visit was explained. Tour was provided. During the tour, 26 children were present with 4 staff members.

Allegations: Staff did not prevent a day care child from being injured by another child.
Per the Reporting Party (RP) on 10/10/2025, Child 2 hit Child 1 in the face, causing a cut near the corner of C1`s eye. The picture was provided. RP also stated that they heard from staff members that C2 had a history of hurting other children.

During the investigation, LPA interviewed the Director, current staff, former staff, and children.
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Unsubstantiated

Estimated Days of Completion:

SUPERVISORS NAME: Brandi VanOosten
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Shushanik Safaryan
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:	DATE: 04/30/2026

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

FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 04/30/2026

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

LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)

Page: 4 of 7

Control Number 33-CC-20260129101232

STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT (Cont)

CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
MONTEREY PARK CC RO, 1000 CORPORATE CNTR DR. 200-B
MONTEREY PARK, CA 91754

FACILITY NAME: PENNSYLVANIA AVENUE MONTESSORI PRESCHOOL	FACILITY NUMBER: 198015235
	VISIT DATE: 04/30/2026

NARRATIVE

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According to the Director, the incident occurred while the children were outside under the supervision of FS5 and FS6. LPA confirmed with FS5 that staffing ratios and supervision were maintained at the time. It was reported that C2 threw a block, which struck C1 and caused a cut near the corner of C1’s eye. FS5 stated that the incident happened quickly and could not have been prevented. First aid was administered immediately, and the parents were notified.
The Director confirmed that appropriate care was provided following the incident. The director further stated that video footage from the date of the incident was not available due to limited hard drive storage. As a corrective measure, blocks were removed from the play area to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Per FS5 and FS6 statements, C2 has a history of throwing toys at teachers and children. However, upon LPA`s request for information on any additional incidents or documentation, no information was provided. A review of facility records also did not identify any documented incidents involving C2.
During the interviews, staff members stated they have not observed C2 engaging in behavior that caused harm to other children. Additional parents and children were interviewed, and no disclosures were made that would support allegations.

Allegation states: Staff handled a day care child in a physically inappropriate manner.
Per the Reporting Party (RP) on 11/05/2025, they observed S3 dangling a child by both arms, who was screaming and kicking.
LPA conducted interviews with the director and with staff members present during the incident. Per the Director, she did not observe the incident, but it was brought to her attention by a parent. Per the Director, no video footage is available for the incident mentioned, and as a precaution, the Director addressed the incident with the staff member involved, and training was provided to the staff involved. Records of the training were provided to LPA for review.

S2 confirmed observing S3 attempting to take C3 for a diaper change when C3 did not want to go and was lying on the floor. S2 stated they did not observe any violation of personal rights during the incident. FS5 reported witnessing the situation while speaking with a parent at the door, which the parent also confirmed. According to FS5, S3 was trying to take C3 for a diaper change, and C3 was crying and resisting. FS5 stated that it appeared that S3 grabbed C3 by both hands.
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SUPERVISORS NAME: Brandi VanOosten
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Shushanik Safaryan
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:	DATE: 04/30/2026

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

FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 04/30/2026

LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)

Page: 5 of 7

Control Number 33-CC-20260129101232

STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT (Cont)

CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
MONTEREY PARK CC RO, 1000 CORPORATE CNTR DR. 200-B
MONTEREY PARK, CA 91754

FACILITY NAME: PENNSYLVANIA AVENUE MONTESSORI PRESCHOOL	FACILITY NUMBER: 198015235
	VISIT DATE: 04/30/2026

NARRATIVE

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S3 reported that it was diaper change time and that they observed C3 attempting to bite another child. S3 stated they placed their hands under C3’s arms to lift C3 to prevent the biting incident and to attend to C3’s needs. Two of four interviewees stated one version of events, while the other two provided a different version. The statements obtained were inconsistent.

Based on the investigation, 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 allegation is unsubstantiated.

The Notice of Site Visit (LIC 9213) – must remain posted for 30 days during the hours of operation after each site visit by a licensing representative.

An exit Interview was conducted, a copy of this report, along with Notice of Site visit, Deficiency pages, and Appeal Rights were explained and provided to the Facility Representative, Sondra Wise, on 04/30/2026.

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SUPERVISORS NAME: Brandi VanOosten
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Shushanik Safaryan
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:	DATE: 04/30/2026

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

FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 04/30/2026

LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)

Page: 6 of 7

Control Number 33-CC-20260129101232

STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT (Cont)

CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
MONTEREY PARK CC RO, 1000 CORPORATE CNTR DR. 200-B
MONTEREY PARK, CA 91754

FACILITY NAME: PENNSYLVANIA AVENUE MONTESSORI PRESCHOOL	FACILITY NUMBER: 198015235
DEFICIENCY INFORMATION FOR THIS PAGE:	VISIT DATE: 04/30/2026

Deficiency Type POC Due Date / Section Number	DEFICIENCIES		PLAN OF CORRECTIONS(POCs)
Type B 05/14/2026 Section Cited CCR 101223(a)(3)	1 2 3 4 5 6 7	Personal Rights:(a)The licensee shall ensure that each child is accorded...personal rights:(3)To be free from corporal or unusual punishment,... humiliation, intimidation... threat... or other actions of a punitive nature …This requirement is not met evidenced by:	1 2 3 4 5 6 7	Per Facility Representative, she will conduct training with all staff members. In the training she will discuss children`s personal rights, supervision, handling chalenging behaviours, safe enviroment. Agenda will be sent to LPA by POC date.
	8 9 10 11 12 13 14	Per video footage provided to LPA on 02/13/25, S3 pulled the child from the shoulder and forced them to sit in rough manner, which poses/posed a potential health, safety or personal rights risk to persons in care.	8 9 10 11 12 13 14	Additionally, Director stated she will conduct the meetings every months or often , when new staff member joins. Director statted they will follow up with Technical Support Program for additional resources and trainings.
Type B 05/14/2026 Section Cited CCR 101216.1(b)(1)	1 2 3 4 5 6 7	101216.1Teacher Qualifications and Duties.(b)Prior to employment, a teacher shall meet the requirements of (b)(1) or (b)(2) below:(1)A teacher shall have completed... at least six postsecondary semester or equivalent quarter units This requirement is not met evidenced by:	1 2 3 4 5 6 7	Director statted , she will make sure she has fully qualified teacher in each class.Director statted , S2 will obtain approved units .Per Facility Representative , she will send updated LIC 500 for staff members employed.
	8 9 10 11 12 13 14	S2 records were reviewed and observed 12 ECE units were not issued from approved or accredited school, which poses a potential health, safety or personal rights risk to persons 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.

SUPERVISORS NAME: Brandi VanOosten
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Shushanik Safaryan
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:	DATE: 04/30/2026

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

FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 04/30/2026

LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)

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