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Department of
SOCIAL SERVICES

Community Care Licensing


COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT

Facility Number: 304371475
Report Date: 02/05/2025
Date Signed: 02/05/2025 02:00:55 PM

Substantiated


STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT		CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
, 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
10/29/2024 and conducted by Evaluator Giselle Lucero
PUBLIC
COMPLAINT CONTROL NUMBER: 06-CC-20241029162024
FACILITY NAME:BUENA PARK MONTESSORI ACADEMYFACILITY NUMBER:
304371475
ADMINISTRATOR:AMY DE SOUZAFACILITY TYPE:
830
ADDRESS:6221 LINCOLN AVENUETELEPHONE:
(714) 821-7800
CITY:BUENA PARKSTATE: CAZIP CODE:
90620
CAPACITY:27CENSUS: 0DATE:
02/05/2025
ANNOUNCEDTIME BEGAN:
01:00 PM
MET WITH:Licensee Harshi Gunasekara TIME COMPLETED:
01:40 PM
ALLEGATION(S):
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Facility is not adhering to the Limitations on capacity
INVESTIGATION FINDINGS:
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Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Giselle Lucero and Licensing Program Manager (LPM) Martha Malane conducted a meeting virtually on 02/05/2025 at 1 PM to deliver the findings for the above complaint allegation. LPA and LPM met with Licensee Harshi Gunasekara and Licensee Sali Gunasekara along with Attorney Dimuth Amarathunga and Attorney Yasangi Edirisinghe. This is a continuation of the investigation initiated on 11/05/2024.

The Department received a complaint on 10/29/2024 repoting the facility is not adhering to the Limitations on capacity.

(continue to page 2)
Substantiated
Estimated Days of Completion:
SUPERVISORS NAME: Judy Hanson
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Giselle Lucero
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 02/05/2025
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 02/05/2025
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 6
Control Number 06-CC-20241029162024
STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT (Cont)		CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
ORANGE COUNTY CC RO, 750 THE CITY DRIVE, SUITE 250
ORANGE, CA 92868
FACILITY NAME: BUENA PARK MONTESSORI ACADEMY
FACILITY NUMBER: 304371475
VISIT DATE: 02/05/2025
NARRATIVE
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(page 2)
RP reported C1 toddler was moved into the infant room on 10/28/2024 to meet ratios. RP stated toddlers are being moved without parent’s consent.

During the investigation, LPA Lucero interviewed 11 staff.

During staff interviews, 6 out of 11 staff interviewed stated they have observed toddlers being put in the infant classroom. Staff stated the reason toddlers are moved to another class is either for ratio purposes or when a teacher is on their lunch or when a toddler wakes up from their nap. Staff disclosed parents are not notified regarding their child being moved.

LPA interviewed 4 parents. Parents interviewed made no disclosures.



Based on LPA’s interviews, it has been determined the facility is not adhering to the Limitations on capacity. Therefore, the preponderance of evidence standard has been met, therefore the above allegation is found to be Substantiated. California Code of Regulations, Title 22, 101161(a) Limitations on Capacity is being cited on the attached LIC 9099D.

LPA Giselle Lucero informed Licensee, that this report dated 1/28/2025 documents 1 Type A citation.

Exit interview conducted and report was reviewed with Licensee Harshi Gunasekara and Licensee Sali Gunasekara along with Attorney Dimuth Amarathunga and Manger Deyon Hettiarachchi.

A copy of the report along with Appeal Rights was emailed during this meeting to the Licensee with a Read Receipt requested to acknowledge report was received. Licensee responded via email by copying and pasting “I have read and received the Report and Appeal Rights, I acknowledge receipt."

End of Report.
SUPERVISORS NAME: Martha Malane
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Giselle Lucero
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 02/05/2025
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 02/05/2025
LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 2 of 6
Control Number 06-CC-20241029162024
STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

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

FACILITY NAME: BUENA PARK MONTESSORI ACADEMY
FACILITY NUMBER: 304371475
DEFICIENCY INFORMATION FOR THIS PAGE:
VISIT DATE: 02/05/2025
Deficiency Type
POC Due Date /
Section Number
DEFICIENCIES
PLAN OF CORRECTIONS(POCs)
Type A
02/05/2025
Section Cited
CCR
101161(a)
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101161 Limitations on Capacity (a) A licensee shall not operate a child care center beyond the conditions and limitations specified on the license, including the capacity limitation.This requirement was not met: Based on staff interviews it has been
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There is no plan of correction due to the license being closed effective 11/19/2024.
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determined toddlers were being placed into the infant room to meet ratios. This poses/posed 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: Martha Malane
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Giselle Lucero
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 02/05/2025
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 02/05/2025
LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 3 of 6
STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT		CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
ORANGE COUNTY CC RO, 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
10/29/2024 and conducted by Evaluator Giselle Lucero
PUBLIC
COMPLAINT CONTROL NUMBER: 06-CC-20241029162024

FACILITY NAME:BUENA PARK MONTESSORI ACADEMYFACILITY NUMBER:
304371475
ADMINISTRATOR:AMY DE SOUZAFACILITY TYPE:
830
ADDRESS:6221 LINCOLN AVENUETELEPHONE:
(714) 821-7800
CITY:BUENA PARKSTATE: CAZIP CODE:
90620
CAPACITY:27CENSUS: 0DATE:
02/05/2025
ANNOUNCEDTIME BEGAN:
01:00 PM
MET WITH:Licensee Harshi Gunasekara TIME COMPLETED:
01:40 PM
ALLEGATION(S):
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Facility is not abiding by Admission's Agreement
INVESTIGATION FINDINGS:
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Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Giselle Lucero and Licensing Program Manager (LPM) Martha Malane conducted a meeting virtually on 1/28/2025 at 1 PM to deliver the findings for the above complaint allegations. LPA and LPM met with Licensee Harshi Gunasekara and Licensee Sali Gunasekara along with Attorney Dimuth Amarathunga and Attorney Yasangi Edirisinghe.This is a continuation of the investigation initiated on 11/05/2024.

The Department received a complaint on 10/29/2024 alleging the facility is not abiding by Admission's Agreement. RP stated the books and materials fee doesn't match what is stated in the parent handbook or on the contract.

(continue to page 2)
Unsubstantiated
Estimated Days of Completion:
SUPERVISORS NAME: Martha Malane
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Giselle Lucero
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 02/05/2025
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 02/05/2025
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 6
Control Number 06-CC-20241029162024
STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT (Cont)		CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
ORANGE COUNTY CC RO, 750 THE CITY DRIVE, SUITE 250
ORANGE, CA 92868
FACILITY NAME: BUENA PARK MONTESSORI ACADEMY
FACILITY NUMBER: 304371475
VISIT DATE: 02/05/2025
NARRATIVE
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(page 2)
During the investigation, LPA Lucero interviewed 12 staff, obtained a copy of the parent handbook, a copy of “Parents’/Authorized Representative Financial Responsibility Acknowledgement” form, a copy of “Promotional Rate schedule for the school year 2024-2025”.

During staff interviews, staff stated parents have not expressed concerns regarding fees. 2 staff disclosed even though the facility charges a book and material fee, they have not observed an increase in books or materials in their classrooms and disclosed they often find it hard to access materials or have bought their own materials.

LPA reviewed copies of the parent handbook, “Parents’/Authorized Representative Financial Responsibility Acknowledgement” form, and the “Promotional Rate schedule for the school year 2024-2025”. LPA observed the summer fees, earthquake kit fee, book and materials fee, kinder testing fee, and potty-training fee are listed on the “Promotional Rate schedule for the school year 2024-2025”. However, LPA did not observe the parent handbook to provide information regarding those fees. On the “Parents’/Authorized Representative Financial Responsibility Acknowledgement” form that contains parent/guardian signature, LPA observed certain fees are not listed in the form such as the book and material fee, kinder testing fee, and potty-training fee. As well as certain fees on the “Parents’/Authorized Representative Financial Responsibility Acknowledgement” form differ from the “Promotional Rate schedule for the school year 2024-2025” form.

LPA interviewed 4 parents. Parents interviewed made no disclosures.



Based on LPA's interviews and records reviewed, it has been determined there was insufficient evidence that facility is not abiding by Admission's Agreement. Although the allegation may have happened or is valid, there is not a preponderance of evidence to prove the alleged violation did or did not occur, therefore the allegation is Unsubstantiated.

Exit interview conducted and report was reviewed with Licensee Harshi Gunasekara and Licensee Sali Gunasekara along with Attorney Dimuth Amarathunga and Manger Deyon Hettiarachchi.

(continue to page 3)
SUPERVISORS NAME: Martha Malane
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Giselle Lucero
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 02/05/2025
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 02/05/2025
LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 5 of 6
Control Number 06-CC-20241029162024
STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT (Cont)		CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
ORANGE COUNTY CC RO, 750 THE CITY DRIVE, SUITE 250
ORANGE, CA 92868
FACILITY NAME: BUENA PARK MONTESSORI ACADEMY
FACILITY NUMBER: 304371475
VISIT DATE: 02/05/2025
NARRATIVE
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(Page 3)
A copy of the report along with Appeal Rights was emailed during this meeting to the Licensee with a Read Receipt requested to acknowledge report was received. Licensee responded via email by copying and pasting “I have read and received the Report and Appeal Rights, I acknowledge receipt."

End of Report.
SUPERVISORS NAME: Martha Malane
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Giselle Lucero
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 02/05/2025
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 02/05/2025
LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 6 of 6