376300873-6-25-2026-10-CC-PBER-DVUM9A-20260710092423

Community Care Licensing

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT

Facility Number: 376300873
Report Date: 06/25/2026
Date Signed: 06/25/2026 10:25:20 AM

Unsubstantiated

STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT

CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
RIVERSIDE SE CC RO, 3737 MAIN STREET, STE 700
RIVERSIDE, CA 92501

This is an official report of an unannounced visit/investigation of a complaint received in our office on
04/09/2026 and conducted by Evaluator Sandra Pulido

PUBLIC

COMPLAINT CONTROL NUMBER: 10-CC-20260409154318

FACILITY NAME:	LILAC MONTESSORI		FACILITY NUMBER:	376300873
ADMINISTRATOR:	HEATHER ZOLZER		FACILITY TYPE:	860
ADDRESS:	230 E. 5TH AVENUE		TELEPHONE:	(442) 999-4969
CITY:	ESCONDIDO	STATE: CA	ZIP CODE:	92025
CAPACITY:	29	CENSUS: 27	DATE:	06/25/2026
		UNANNOUNCED	TIME BEGAN:	09:50 AM
MET WITH:	Director Heather Zolzer		TIME COMPLETED:	10:45 AM

ALLEGATION(S):

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Staff are operating out of ratio

INVESTIGATION FINDINGS:

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On June 25, 2026, Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Sandra Pulido arrived unannounced at Lilac Montessori and met with Director Heather Zolzer to discuss the findings related to the above referenced allegation. On April 15, 2026, LPA Pulido conducted a facility tour, completed a census, conducted confidential interviews with four staff members and four children, and obtained relevant documentation.

The complaint, received on April 9, 2026, alleged that staff were operating out of ratio, particularly when staff members left the classroom to use the restroom. Interviews with all four staff members indicated that the director provides coverage during staff breaks when needed. However, staff also reported that breaks may not always occur as scheduled to prevent classrooms from falling out of ratio. Staff interviews further revealed that, on at least one occasion, a staff member supervised seven toddlers at once, exceeding the required staff to child ratio of one staff member for every five toddlers. Children’s interviews also indicated that preschool children had entered the toddler classroom on multiple occasions, which could have

Unsubstantiated

Estimated Days of Completion: 77

SUPERVISORS NAME: Pauline Beschorner
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Sandra Pulido
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:	DATE: 06/25/2026

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

FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 06/25/2026

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 10-CC-20260409154318

STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT (Cont)

CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
RIVERSIDE SE CC RO, 3737 MAIN STREET, STE 700
RIVERSIDE, CA 92501

FACILITY NAME: LILAC MONTESSORI	FACILITY NUMBER: 376300873
	VISIT DATE: 06/25/2026

NARRATIVE

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temporarily placed staff out of ratio. During the inspection, LPA Pulido observed the facility to be within ratio.

Due to conflicting statements, LPA Pulido was unable to corroborate the allegation that staff were operating out of ratio. After completing interviews, observations, and a review of records, the Department determined that the allegation is unsubstantiated. An unsubstantiated finding means that although the allegation may have occurred or may be credible, there is insufficient evidence to prove or disprove the alleged violation.

An exit interview was conducted with Director Heather Zolzer. A copy of the report and Appeal Rights was provided. A Notice of Site Visit was issued and must remain posted at the facility for 30 days.

SUPERVISORS NAME: Pauline Beschorner
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Sandra Pulido
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:	DATE: 06/25/2026

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

FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 06/25/2026

LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)

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