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Department of
SOCIAL SERVICES

Community Care Licensing


COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT

Facility Number: 376701588
Report Date: 09/04/2026
Date Signed: 09/04/2026 01:27:18 PM

Substantiated


STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT		CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
SAN DIEGO CC RO, 7575 METROPOLITAN DR., STE 110
SAN DIEGO, CA 92108
This is an official report of an unannounced visit/investigation of a complaint received in our office on
06/11/2026 and conducted by Evaluator Oscar Picazo
PUBLIC
COMPLAINT CONTROL NUMBER: 20-CC-20260611115937
FACILITY NAME:KINDERLAND MONTESSORI SCHOOLFACILITY NUMBER:
376701588
ADMINISTRATOR:CAROLINA VALENCIAFACILITY TYPE:
860
ADDRESS:625 OTAY LAKES ROADTELEPHONE:
(858) 294-3730
CITY:CHULA VISTASTATE: CAZIP CODE:
91913
CAPACITY:180CENSUS: 72DATE:
09/04/2026
UNANNOUNCEDTIME BEGAN:
08:30 AM
MET WITH:Carolina ValenciaTIME COMPLETED:
11:00 AM
ALLEGATION(S):
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Facility is operating out of ratio.
Unqualified staff are providing care and supervision to daycare children.
INVESTIGATION FINDINGS:
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On September 4, 2026, at 8:30 AM, Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Oscar Picazo conducted an unannounced inspection to conclude the complaint investigation and deliver findings regarding the above allegations. LPA met with Facility representatives, Carolina Valencia and Liza Valencia. There were 72 children in attendance being supervised by 14 staff members.

During the investigation, interviews were conducted with the facility representatives, facility staff, day care children and day care parents. The facility roster, personnel report, sign in/sign out sheets, staff timecards and staff qualification records were obtained and reviewed.

It was alleged that the facility is operating out of ratio and unqualified staff are providing care and supervision to children. During the interview, the facility representatives and staff denied the allegations and stated that they consistently ensure all classrooms remain within the required teacher-to-child ratio. They stated that the facility adheres to the 1-4 ratio for infants, 1-12 ratio for preschool, and 1-14 for school age.
Substantiated
Estimated Days of Completion:
SUPERVISORS NAME: Tulam Vu
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Oscar Picazo
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 09/04/2026
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 09/04/2026
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 5
STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT		CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
SAN DIEGO CC RO, 7575 METROPOLITAN DR., STE 110
SAN DIEGO, CA 92108
This is an official report of an unannounced visit/investigation of a complaint received in our office on
06/11/2026 and conducted by Evaluator Oscar Picazo
PUBLIC
COMPLAINT CONTROL NUMBER: 20-CC-20260611115937

FACILITY NAME:KINDERLAND MONTESSORI SCHOOLFACILITY NUMBER:
376701588
ADMINISTRATOR:CAROLINA VALENCIAFACILITY TYPE:
860
ADDRESS:625 OTAY LAKES ROADTELEPHONE:
(858) 294-3730
CITY:CHULA VISTASTATE:CAZIP CODE:
91913
CAPACITY:180CENSUS: 72DATE:
09/04/2026
UNANNOUNCEDTIME BEGAN:
08:30 AM
MET WITH:Carolina ValenciaTIME COMPLETED:
11:00 AM
ALLEGATION(S):
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9
Staff do not provided a comfortable temperature for the children in care.
INVESTIGATION FINDINGS:
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On September 4, 2026, at 8:30 AM, Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Oscar Picazo conducted an unannounced inspection to conclude the complaint investigation and deliver findings regarding the above allegations. LPA met with Facility representatives, Carolina Valencia and Liza Valencia. There were 72 children in attendance being supervised by 14 staff members.

During the investigation, interviews were conducted with the facility representatives, facility staff, day care children and day care parents.

It was alleged that staff do not provide a comfortable temperature for the children in care. During the interview, the facility representatives denied the allegation and stated that all the classrooms had either received replacement A/C units, had their A/C units serviced or were provided with cooling fans. The facility representatives stated that a couple of the A/C's units had broken down earlier in the year and were replaced in March 2026.
Unsubstantiated
Estimated Days of Completion:
SUPERVISORS NAME: Tulam Vu
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Oscar Picazo
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 09/04/2026
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 09/04/2026
This report must be available at Child Care and Group Home facilities for public review for 3 years.
LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 3 of 5
Control Number 20-CC-20260611115937
STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT (Cont)		CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
SAN DIEGO CC RO, 7575 METROPOLITAN DR., STE 110
SAN DIEGO, CA 92108
FACILITY NAME: KINDERLAND MONTESSORI SCHOOL
FACILITY NUMBER: 376701588
VISIT DATE: 09/04/2026
NARRATIVE
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Staff interviewed stated that the temperature in their respective classrooms were not at uncomfortable levels of either hot or cold. Staff reported that cooling was addressed either by opening windows and doors or turning on the A/C when necessary. Several staff stated that the A/C units had been replaced in their classrooms while others stated that the A/C's were serviced earlier in the year. Staff also stated cooling fans were provided during periods when the A/C units were being replaced.

Children interviewed reported that their classrooms were neither too hot or too cold.

Daycare parents interviewed stated to have not noticed their child's classroom being at an uncomfortable temperature during drop-off or pick-up.

Based on interviews conducted and information gathered, there were conflicting statements and no disclosures that corroborated the allegation that staff do not provide a comfortable temperature for the children in care. Therefore the allegation is found to be UNSUBSTANTIATED. 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.

No deficiencies cited.

A Notice of Site Visit (LIC 9213) was given to facility representative Carolina Valencia and must remain posted for 30 days.

An exit interview was conducted, and report was reviewed with facility representative, Carolina Valencia.

SUPERVISORS NAME: Tulam Vu
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Oscar Picazo
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 09/04/2026
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 09/04/2026
LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 4 of 5
Control Number 20-CC-20260611115937
STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT (Cont)		CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
SAN DIEGO CC RO, 7575 METROPOLITAN DR., STE 110
SAN DIEGO, CA 92108
FACILITY NAME: KINDERLAND MONTESSORI SCHOOL
FACILITY NUMBER: 376701588
VISIT DATE: 09/04/2026
NARRATIVE
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The facility representatives stated that company policy requires staff to report emergency absences at least 24 hours in advance or as soon as possible so that they can arrange for a substitute or adequate coverage.

Children interviewed stated that there are always at least two teachers in the classroom.

Parents interviewed stated they observed at least two (2) teachers in the classroom during drop-off and pick up.

LPA reviewed qualifications of all staff and interns and determined that the three staff members assigned to infant classroom 2 do not meet the requirements to be infant teachers. Upon review, staff #1’s transcripts could not be verified under Title 22 regulation accreditation requirements. Staff #2 and #3 are both missing the required 3-unit infant courses needed to meet the qualifications for fully qualified infant teachers.

On June 16, 2026, during the facility tour and classroom inspections, LPA observed and identified staff #1, 2, & 3 as the assigned staff members to infant classroom 2.

Based on LPA‘s observations and records review, the preponderance of evidence standard has been met and the allegations that the facility is operating out of ratio and that unqualified staff are providing care and supervision to daycare children are SUBSTANTIATED.

Per California Code of Regulations, Title 22, Division 12, Chapter 1, two (2) Type B deficiencies are being cited on the attached LIC 9099D.

A Notice of Site Visit (LIC 9213) was given to facility representative Carolina Valencia and must remain posted for 30 days.

An exit interview was conducted, and report was reviewed with facility representative Carolina Valencia.

SUPERVISORS NAME: Tulam Vu
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Oscar Picazo
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 09/04/2026
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 09/04/2026
LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 5 of 5
Control Number 20-CC-20260611115937
STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT (Cont)		CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
SAN DIEGO CC RO, 7575 METROPOLITAN DR., STE 110
SAN DIEGO, CA 92108

FACILITY NAME: KINDERLAND MONTESSORI SCHOOL
FACILITY NUMBER: 376701588
DEFICIENCY INFORMATION FOR THIS PAGE:
VISIT DATE: 09/04/2026
Deficiency Type
POC Due Date /
Section Number
DEFICIENCIES
PLAN OF CORRECTIONS(POCs)
Type B
09/18/2026
Section Cited
CCR
101416.2(c)(1)(A)
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101416.2(c)To be a fully qualified infant care teacher... (1) Completion... of 12 postsecondary semester... (A) At least three of the units required in (c)(1) above shall be related to the care of infants or shall contain instruction specific to infants.
This requirement is not met as evidenced by:
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The facility representative states she will go back and review all staff qualifications, re-assess staffing and will place fully qualified infant teachers and assistance in classroom 2 who meet or exceed the regulation requirement. A staff roster indicating staff positions and classroom placement will be
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Based on LPA‘s observations and records review, the licensee did not comply with the section cited above in that staff 1, 2, & 3 assigned to infant classroom 2 do not meet the requirements to be infant teachers which poses a potential health, safety, or personal rights risk to persons in care.
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emailed to department by 09/18/26.
Type B
09/18/2026
Section Cited
CCR
101416.5(b)
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101416.5(b) There shall be a ratio of one teacher for every four infants in attendance.

This requirement is not met as evidenced by:
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 The facility representative states she will develop a staff placement plan based on staff qualifications to determine where staff can be placed and or cover to ensure ratio. The plan and staff roster indicating staff positions and classroom placement will be emailed to the department by 09/18/26.
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Based on LPA ‘s observations and records review, the licensee did not comply with the section cited above, as there is no qualified infant teacher assigned to room 2, resulting in the room being out of ratio. 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.
SUPERVISOR'S NAME: Tulam Vu
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Oscar Picazo
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 09/04/2026
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 09/04/2026
LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 2 of 5