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Department of
SOCIAL SERVICES

Community Care Licensing


COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT

Facility Number: 283010138
Report Date: 02/15/2024
Date Signed: 03/05/2024 12:49:59 PM

Substantiated


STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT		CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
SANTA ROSA RO, 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
11/15/2023 and conducted by Evaluator Melinda Mohr
PUBLIC
COMPLAINT CONTROL NUMBER: 01-CC-20231115105236
FACILITY NAME:HOPPER CREEK MONTESSORIFACILITY NUMBER:
283010138
ADMINISTRATOR:ELIZABETH FOSTERFACILITY TYPE:
850
ADDRESS:2141 2ND STREETTELEPHONE:
(707) 231-8768
CITY:NAPASTATE: CAZIP CODE:
94559
CAPACITY:35CENSUS: 15DATE:
02/15/2024
UNANNOUNCEDTIME BEGAN:
09:53 AM
MET WITH:Brenna RothTIME COMPLETED:
01:52 PM
ALLEGATION(S):
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7
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9
 Staff do not report incidents involving day care children in care as required.
Staff allowed day care child with obvious signs of illness to attend the facility.
Staff handle day care children in a rough manner while in care.
Staff speak inappropriately to day care children while in care.
INVESTIGATION FINDINGS:
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5
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10
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13
**This is an amended report to document that the administrator listed above left the facility on 04/29/2022 and did not work at the facility during the time of the incidents listed in this report.**
Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Mindy Mohr made an unannounced complaint investigation visit today, and met with Licensee, Brenna Roth, for the purpose of delivering findings of the above allegations. LPA Mindy Mohr previously met with Brenna on 11/16/2023 to open the complaint. Subsequent visits were made on 01/25/2024 and 01/29/2024 to further investigate the complaint. During the course of the investigation, LPA Mohr conducted interviews, received documents, and made observations. From 11/16/2023 through 01/29/2024, interviews were conducted with four staff (S1-S4), four children (C1-C4), and 10 adults (A1-A10).
Licensee stated they only report to Community Care Licensing (CCL) if it affects more than four students and have never had to report as there have not been any times a child has had to go to the doctor. Licensee also acknowledged a child did faint in the classroom on one occasion. S4 specifically stated they send CCL notifications when a child requires medical attention.
(Continued on LIC9099-C)
Substantiated
Estimated Days of Completion:
SUPERVISORS NAME: Leslie Lepori
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Melinda Mohr
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 03/05/2024
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 03/05/2024
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 01-CC-20231115105236
STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT (Cont)		CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
SANTA ROSA RO, 1450 NEOTOMAS AVENUE, STE. 100
SANTA ROSA, CA 95405
FACILITY NAME: HOPPER CREEK MONTESSORI
FACILITY NUMBER: 283010138
VISIT DATE: 02/15/2024
NARRATIVE
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 A1, A2, A4, A5, A7 & A9 all reported that incidents have occurred at the facility in which their children sustained minor injuries such as scratches and/or bruises or unexplained injuries but they were not informed. Additionally, multiple incidents required their child to be taken for medical attention. CCL has not received any incident reports in 2022 or 2023. Regulation requires Licensee to report unusual incidents that threaten the physical or emotional health of safety of any child to the Department and the authorized representatives.

S4 stated that if a child has a runny nose, a cough that is not persistent, or a fever over 100.4 they are allowed to be at school. S1 and S2 both confirmed children have been at school while they are ill. A1, A5 – A10 all stated they have observed children in care while sick with A1 and A9 specifically stating they are allowed to bring and have brought their children to school while they are sick. LPA has observed on multiple visits children are sick while in care. Children had constant deep 'wet' coughs and thick yellow and green mucus running from their noses. One child was observed to have a rash on their face and hands.
Licensee stated she has never handled a child in a rough manner, and neither have any staff. According to two staff statements, S4 and Licensee were observed grabbing and pulling children in an aggressive manner on multiple occasions and the Licensee was observed spanking a child in care. In addition, S4 was observed slapping a child for biting another child. S4 also stated they do grab and hold children by their arms to tell them “no” in order to stop certain behavior. Furthermore, LPA observed S4 grab a child by the back of their clothing while in circle time and pull the child back into their designated spot as the child was trying to crawl away. According to two children’s statements (C3, C4), Licensee grabs and pulls children’s arms when they are being bad and Licensee hits kids at school. In addition, A3 and A10 have observed both Licensee and S4 grab children’s arms to tell them no or grab them in an annoyed manner.
According to staff interviews, Licensee has been observed telling a child she does not like them as well as telling other children that a specific child is not a nice friend. Both Licensee and S4 have been observed taking children into another room and then yell at them. Children interviews (C1-C3) revealed that Licensee and S4 yell a lot at the children in care. A5 stated they have heard staff raise their voices at the children while, A7’s spouse has heard the Licensee speak negatively about a child in front of the child on multiple occasions. LPA observed Licensee speaking negatively to staff with a frustrated tone and told a child to keep their mouth shut while in the Kindergarten room. LPA also observed Licensee and S4 talking about staff on multiple occasions in a negative way while children were present.
(Continued on LIC9099-C)
SUPERVISORS NAME: Leslie Lepori
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Melinda Mohr
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 02/15/2024
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 02/15/2024
LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 6 of 7
Control Number 01-CC-20231115105236
STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT (Cont)		CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
SANTA ROSA RO, 1450 NEOTOMAS AVENUE, STE. 100
SANTA ROSA, CA 95405
FACILITY NAME: HOPPER CREEK MONTESSORI
FACILITY NUMBER: 283010138
VISIT DATE: 02/15/2024
NARRATIVE
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Based on the investigation, the preponderance of evidence standard has been met. Therefore, the above allegations are found to be substantiated. The following violations of the California Code of Regulations, Title 22; Division 12: see LIC 9099D. Appeal rights were provided.

LPA Mohr informed Licensee, Brenna Roth that this report dated 02/15/2024 documents two Type A citations. Type A citations shall be posted for 30 consecutive days as there is an immediate risk to the health, safety, or personal rights of children in care.

LPA Mohr informed Licensee to provide a copy of this licensing report dated 02/15/2024 that documents any Type A citation to parents/guardians of all children currently enrolled by the next business day or the next day the children are in care, and to any newly enrolled parents/guardians for 12 months from the date of this report. A signed Acknowledgement of Receipt of Licensing Report (LIC 9224), or other written statement, must be placed in the child's file for verification.
SUPERVISORS NAME: Leslie Lepori
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Melinda Mohr
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 02/15/2024
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 02/15/2024
LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 5 of 7
Control Number 01-CC-20231115105236
STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

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

FACILITY NAME: HOPPER CREEK MONTESSORI
FACILITY NUMBER: 283010138
DEFICIENCY INFORMATION FOR THIS PAGE:
VISIT DATE: 02/15/2024
Deficiency Type
POC Due Date /
Section Number
DEFICIENCIES
PLAN OF CORRECTIONS(POCs)
Type B
02/15/2024
Section Cited
CCR
101212(d)(1)(C)
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101212(d)(1)(C) … during the operation of the child care center of any of the events specified in (d)(1) below, a report shall be made to the Department by… next working day... In addition…a written report shall be submitted to the Department within seven days…(1)Events reported shall include the following(C)Any unusual incident…that threatens the physical or emotional health or safety of any child. This requirement is not met as evidenced by:
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LIcensee stated she will submit all Unusual Incident Reports (UIR) LIC624 within 7 days and will call in the UIR within 24 hrs of the incident occurring. Licensee was reminded to call the OD line. LPA and Licensee reviewed the LIC624 and how to fill out and submit.
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 Based on interview facility has not reported any incident’s to CCL involving children. CCL has not received any reports in 2022 or 2023, and there have been incident’s that children have gotten injured and required medical attention. This poses a potential health, safety or personal rights risk to persons in care.
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Type B
02/15/2024
Section Cited
CCR
101226.3(b)
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Any unusual behavior, any injury or signs of illness requiring assessment and/or administration of first aid by staff shall be reported to the child's authorized representative and recorded in the child's record. This requirement is not met as evidenced by:
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Licensee will create an injury report to use to notify parents of injuries while in care. Licensee will email the injury report they are going to use to Melinda.Mohr@dss.ca.gov.
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Based on adult interviews incidents have occurred at the facility in which their children sustained minor or unexplained injuries and were not informed. This poses a potential health, safety or personal rights risk to persons 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: Leslie Lepori
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Melinda Mohr
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 02/15/2024
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 02/15/2024
LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 2 of 7
Control Number 01-CC-20231115105236
STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

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

FACILITY NAME: HOPPER CREEK MONTESSORI
FACILITY NUMBER: 283010138
DEFICIENCY INFORMATION FOR THIS PAGE:
VISIT DATE: 02/15/2024
Deficiency Type
POC Due Date /
Section Number
DEFICIENCIES
PLAN OF CORRECTIONS(POCs)
Type A
02/16/2024
Section Cited
CCR
101223(a)(2)
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101223(a)(2) To be accorded safe, healthful and comfortable accommodations, furnishings and equipment to meet his/her needs. This requirement is not met as evidenced by:
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Licensee and staff will watch: Personal rights video on CCLD:
https://ccld.childcarevideos.org/parents-and-families/childrens-personal-rights-in-child-care/. Licensee with email LPA @ Melinda.Mohr@dss.ca.gov a signed letter from each staff they have watched and understood the video.
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Based on interview and observation children have been allowed to attend the facility while ill. Interviews with staff, children and adults all revealed that the Licensee and S4 speak to children inappropriately. This poses a potential health, safety or personal rights risk to persons in care.

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Type A
02/16/2024
Section Cited
HSC
101223(a)(3)
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101223(a)(3) The licensee shall ensure that each child is accorded the following personal rights: (3)To be free from corporal or unusual punishment, infliction of pain, humiliation, intimidation, ridicule, coercion, threat, mental abuse or other actions of a punitive nature …
This requirement is not met as evidenced by:
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Licensee and staff will receive "Tell Me What To Do Instead" handout. Licensee also agrees to accept referral to CCL’s Technical Support Program (TSP) to focus on personal rights.
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Based on interview and observations Licensee and S4 have been observed handling children in a rough manner. This poses a potential health, safety or personal rights risk to persons 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: Leslie Lepori
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Melinda Mohr
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 02/15/2024
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 02/15/2024
LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 3 of 7
Control Number 01-CC-20231115105236
STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

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

FACILITY NAME: HOPPER CREEK MONTESSORI
FACILITY NUMBER: 283010138
DEFICIENCY INFORMATION FOR THIS PAGE:
VISIT DATE: 02/15/2024
Deficiency Type
POC Due Date /
Section Number
DEFICIENCIES
PLAN OF CORRECTIONS(POCs)
Type B
02/29/2024
Section Cited
CCR
101226.1(a)
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101226.1(a)The licensee shall be responsible for ensuring that children with obvious symptoms of illness including, but not limited to, fever or vomiting, are not accepted. This requirement is not met as evidenced by:
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Licensee will do daily illness checks on the children at time of acceptance into the facility. Licensee will create a wellness check sheet to use daily and will email a copy to LPA @ Melinda.Mohr@dss.ca.gov
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Based on interview and observation children are attending the facility while ill. The facility is not checking the children daily for obvious signs of illness. This poses a potential health, safety or personal rights risk to persons 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: Leslie Lepori
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Melinda Mohr
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 02/15/2024
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 02/15/2024
LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 4 of 7
STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT		CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
SANTA ROSA RO, 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
11/15/2023 and conducted by Evaluator Melinda Mohr
COMPLAINT CONTROL NUMBER: 01-CC-20231115105236

FACILITY NAME:HOPPER CREEK MONTESSORIFACILITY NUMBER:
283010138
ADMINISTRATOR:ELIZABETH FOSTERFACILITY TYPE:
850
ADDRESS:2141 2ND STREETTELEPHONE:
(707) 231-8768
CITY:NAPASTATE: CAZIP CODE:
94559
CAPACITY:35CENSUS: DATE:
02/15/2024
UNANNOUNCEDTIME BEGAN:
09:53 AM
MET WITH:Brenna RothTIME COMPLETED:
01:52 PM
ALLEGATION(S):
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
Staff inappropriately disciplined day care child.
INVESTIGATION FINDINGS:
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3
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5
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12
13
**This is an amended report to document that the administrator listed above left the facility on 04/29/2022 and has not worked in the facility since that date.**
Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Mindy Mohr made an unannounced complaint investigation visit today, and met with Licensee, Brenna Roth, for the purpose of delivering findings of the above allegations. LPA Mindy Mohr previously met with Brenna on 11/16/2023 to open the complaint. Subsequent visits were made on 01/25/2024 and 01/29/2024 to further investigate the complaint.
During the course of the investigation, LPA Mohr conducted interviews, received documents, and made observations. From 11/16/2023 through 01/29/2024, interviews were conducted with four staff (S1-S4), four children (C1-C4), and 10 adults (A1-A10).
Licensee stated that she has never seen any staff discipline a child in an inappropriate way, while S4 stated the discipline policy is to re-direct the children. One staff stated children take a break and sit in a chair in another location. Children interviews (C1, C3) revealed that children go to time out. Adult interviews (A3, A4, A6, A7) all state they are unsure of the discipline policy at the facility, but A4 and A7 have both witnessed children sitting in a chair while in trouble.
Based on the information gathered during this investigation, although the allegation may have happened or is valid, there is not a preponderance of evidence to prove that the allegation occurred and therefore is determined to be unsubstantiated. There were no Title 22 deficiencies cited. This report was reviewed and discussed with the Licensee, Brenna Roth. Appeal rights were provided. Notice of Site Visit shall be posted for 30 days from today's visit. Failure to comply with posting requirements shall result in an immediate civil penalty of $100.
Unsubstantiated
Estimated Days of Completion:
SUPERVISORS NAME: Leslie Lepori
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Melinda Mohr
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 03/05/2024
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 03/05/2024
This report must be available at Child Care and Group Home facilities for public review for 3 years.
LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 7 of 7