<meta name="robots" content="noindex">
Department of
SOCIAL SERVICES

Community Care Licensing


FACILITY EVALUATION REPORT

Facility Number: 198013166
Report Date: 04/17/2025
Date Signed: 04/17/2025 01:52:12 PM

Document Has Been Signed on 04/17/2025 01:52 PM - It Cannot Be Edited

STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

FACILITY EVALUATION REPORT
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:MONTESSORI ACADEMY OF LA PUENTEFACILITY NUMBER:
198013166
ADMINISTRATOR/
DIRECTOR:
MEGHA SAHNIFACILITY TYPE:
850
ADDRESS:846 N. ORANGE AVENUETELEPHONE:
(626) 917-3638
CITY:LA PUENTESTATE: CAZIP CODE:
91744
CAPACITY: 138TOTAL ENROLLED CHILDREN: 138CENSUS: DATE:
04/17/2025
TYPE OF VISIT:Required - 3 YearUNANNOUNCEDTIME VISIT/
INSPECTION BEGAN:
09:20 AM
MET WITH:Melissa VillarealTIME VISIT/
INSPECTION COMPLETED:
02:00 PM
NARRATIVE
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
On 4/17/2025 Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Carolyn Tuba conducted an unannounced required inspection visit. LPA met with Director, Melissa Villareal. Director then guided LPA on a tour of the facility indoors and outdoors. This is a preschool age program (2-5 years old) licensed for 138 children, which operates Monday through Friday from 6:30AM to 6:00 PM. Per the Director, there are 113 children enrolled at this time. This facility follows Title 5 as well as Title 22. LPA obtained a census of 66 children with 12 staff present and additional adults (therapists & subs).

The facility is located on their own separate grounds connected to a Community Church which is only occupied on the weekends and during the non-operating hours of the preschool program. The facility also has an infant program which is in a separate building across the parking lot.

The isolation room used for sick children is the Director’s office, and a staff bathroom located near the covered patio is used should a child be sick. According to Director the staff restroom would be sanitized, and there would be adult supervision and no other adults would use the restroom during that time. There is another staff restroom located near the Tulip classroom for staff to use. There is a full-size kitchen with 2 refrigerators one for the children’s food storage and the other for the staff. There is a stove, microwave and it is used to prepare the meals. The facility provides all meals to children in care, which include Breakfast, AM/PM/Evening Snacks and Lunch. There are Meal Menus posted for parents to observe. The kitchen was inspected for safety, and cleanliness. All kitchen equipment was found to be kept safe, and children do not have access to this area. There is also a staff lounge for breaks.
page 1 of 4
NAME OF LICENSING PROGRAM MANAGER: Katrina Chicote
NAME OF LICENSING PROGRAM ANALYST: Carolyn Tuba
LICENSING PROGRAM ANALYST SIGNATURE: DATE: 04/17/2025
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE: DATE: 04/17/2025
This report must be available at Child Care and Group Home facilities for public review for 3 years.

LIC809 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 1 of 5
California Health & Human Services Agency
California Department of Social Services

FACILITY EVALUATION REPORT California law requires a public report of each licensing visit/inspection. This report is a record for the facility and the licensing agency. This report is available for public review; therefore, care is taken not to disclose personal or confidential information. Inquiries concerning the location, maintenance, and contents of these reports may be directed to the Licensing Program Analyst or Regional Office whose address and telephone number are listed on the front of this form.

DEFICIENCIES A deficiency is an instance of noncompliance with licensing requirements, including applicable statutes, regulations, interim licensing standards, operating standards, and written directives. Applicants/ licensees must be notified in writing of all licensing deficiencies. Deficiencies are listed on the left side of this form, and the applicable licensing requirement upon which the deficiency is identified. There are two types of deficiencies:
  • Type A deficiencies are violations of licensing requirements that, if not corrected, have a direct and immediate risk to the health, safety, or personal rights of persons in care.
  • Type B deficiencies are violations of licensing requirements that, without correction, could become a risk to the health, safety, or personal rights of persons in care, a recordkeeping violation that could impact the care of said persons and/or protection of their resources, or a violation that could impact those services required to meet the needs of persons in care.

PLANS OF CORRECTION (POCs) The licensing agency is required to establish a reasonable length of time to correct a deficiency. In order to set the time, the licensing agency must take into consideration the seriousness of the violation, the number of persons in care involved, and the availability of equipment and personnel necessary to correct the violation. Applicants/licensees are requested to provide a specific plan for each violation on the right side of the form across from each deficiency. The more specific the plan, the less chance exists for any misunderstanding in setting time limits and reviewing corrections. The applicant/licensee who encounters problems beyond their control in completing the corrections within the specified time frame may request and may be granted an extension of the correction due date by the licensing agency.

CORRECTION NOTIFICATION The applicant/licensee is responsible for completing all corrections and promptly notifying the licensing agency of corrections. Applicants/licensees are advised to keep a dated copy of any correspondence sent to the licensing agency concerning corrections, or if corrections are telephoned to the licensing agency, the date, person contacted, and information given.

CIVIL PENALTIES The licensing agency is required by law to issue a Penalty Notice, when applicable, to all facilities holding a license issued by the licensing agency, or subject to licensure, except Certified Family Homes, Resource Families, and Foster Family Homes, or any governmental entity.

PENALTY NOTICE GIVEN The statement concerning civil penalties serves as a penalty notice on this Licensing Report and failure to correct cited licensing deficiencies will result in civil penalties. Applicants/ licensees are required to pay civil penalties when administrative appeals have been exhausted and in accordance with any payment arrangements made with the licensing agency.

APPEAL RIGHTS The applicant/licensee has a right without prejudice to discuss any disagreement in this report with the licensing agency concerning the proper application of licensing requirements. The applicant/ licensee may request a formal review by the licensing agency to amend or dismiss the notice of deficiency and/ or civil penalty. Requests for review shall be made in writing within 15 business days of receipt of a deficiency notification or civil penalty assessment. Licensing deficiencies may be appealed pursuant to the procedures in the LIC 9058 Applicant/Licensee Rights.

AGENCY REVIEW The licensing agency review of an appeal may be conducted based upon information provided in writing by the applicant/licensee. The applicant/licensee may request an office meeting to provide additional information. The applicant/licensee will be notified in writing of the results of the agency review within 60 business days of the date when all necessary information has been provided to the licensing agency.

EMAIL REQUIREMENT Adult Community Care Facilities, Residential Care Facilities for the Chronically Ill, and Residential Care Facilities for the Elderly are required to provide and maintain an active email address of record with the licensing agency.

LIC809 (FAS) - (09/23)
Page: 2 of 5
STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

FACILITY EVALUATION 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: MONTESSORI ACADEMY OF LA PUENTE
FACILITY NUMBER: 198013166
VISIT DATE: 04/17/2025
NARRATIVE
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
The following classrooms were inspected: daffodils room (3-5 years old): 16 children with 2 staff; lily room (3 -5 years old): 21 children with 3 staff; daisies room (2-3 years old): 6 children with 2 staff; roses room (2-3 years old): 15 children with 3 staff and 1 sub and tulips room (3-5 years old): 8 children with 2 staff and 3 additional adults (therapists). Teacher - child ratios were observed to be in accordance with Title 22 Regulations. Staff names were recorded. All children were observed to be under supervision, including visual supervision. Licensed facility is within the conditions, limitations, and capacity specified on the license.

Per Director the Sunflower classroom which is located next to the infant classroom is not in use at this time. LPA inspected the Sunflower classroom during the infant program annual visit on 3/5/2025. Director has expressed that they may be looking to switch the Sunflower classroom from the preschool license to the infant license and will notify the LPA of any changes.

The classroom furniture and equipment were inspected for good repair, free of sharp, loose, or pointed parts. All indoor classrooms were inspected to ensure that the floors have a surface that is safe and clean. All toilets and washing facilities are in safe and sanitary operating conditions. All materials and surfaces accessible to children are toxic free. LPA did observe that the tulip room has 2 toilets and 1 sink that is designated for the children’s use according to Director. LPA suggested for best practice that since they are adult size toilets they can be transformed by installing children size seats to the existing toilet seats and to allow ease for children to use without falling into the bigger size hole of the adult toilet.

LPA observed smoke and carbon monoxide detectors located inside each classroom. Director stated that the Fire Marshalls last conducted a visit in October 2024 and serviced all fire extinguishers. Emergency disaster drill was last conducted and documented in April 2025 and located inside each classroom. There are First Aid kits inside of backpacks available in each classroom, and supplies were inventoried and found to be complete including surgical scissors, tweezers and emergency booklet.

LPA observed 3 outdoor playgrounds and play equipment is in safe condition, free of sharp, loose, or pointed parts, however LPA did observe two metals poles that can be used to play thither ball. LPA advised Director that best practice would be to cover with a foam material so that it can be safe for children when running in the grass areas and would avoid potential injuries. The surface of the outdoor activity space is
page 2 of 4
NAME OF LICENSING PROGRAM MANAGER: Katrina Chicote
NAME OF LICENSING PROGRAM ANALYST: Carolyn Tuba
LICENSING PROGRAM ANALYST SIGNATURE:

DATE: 04/17/2025
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 04/17/2025
LIC809 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 3 of 5
STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

FACILITY EVALUATION 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: MONTESSORI ACADEMY OF LA PUENTE
FACILITY NUMBER: 198013166
VISIT DATE: 04/17/2025
NARRATIVE
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
maintained in a safe condition and is free of hazards. All areas around or under climbing equipment, slides, and similar equipment are cushioned with a soft foam material to absorbs falls, as well as grass areas. LPA reminded the Director that any areas with sand should be inspected daily and have staff rake and/or sift and inspect for animal feces and or any unsafe objects. There are a variety of trees and awnings to provide adequate shade in the outdoor play yard. LPA observed water and disposal cups for children to drink. There are tricycles stored in the shed near the play yard. Area is gated with high iron gates and there is a main entrance that parents use, that require a code to enter.

According to Director children are provided water inside each classroom with disposal cups and children are allowed to bring water from home provided that parents sign a waiver.

Sign-in and out is done electronically with a computer pad and is done on an app called Care Connect. Director stated that a report can be printed if needed. LPA observed name to face sheets used by staff for attendance.

LPA reviewed staff records and were found to be complete. Clearance for adults and verification of CPR/First Aid and health preventative practices documentation was reviewed. Children’s records were reviewed to ensure that Identification and Emergency form and a medical assessment are on file.

LPA observed that the medication is kept in the classroom in a cupboard out of reach of children and is locked. LPA reviewed children’s paperwork, as well as the medication and found that it was not expired, and listed the child’s name and dosages with the original packaging. Director was reminded that should a child leave the facility or medication expires, it should be returned to the parent.

AB1207 Mandated Child Abuse Reporting – On or before March 30, 2018, any person who works in a childcare facility shall complete the training and renew the training every 2 years. Website provided: https://www.mandatedreporterca.com/training/child-care-providers. LPAs advised the licensee to access forms, regulations and quarterly updates on the Child Care Licensing website at: www.ccld.ca.gov.

To improve the quality and value of the new inspection process, a survey may be sent to the email address provided. Please complete the survey and share your inspection experience. If you have any questions
page 3 of 4
NAME OF LICENSING PROGRAM MANAGER: Katrina Chicote
NAME OF LICENSING PROGRAM ANALYST: Carolyn Tuba
LICENSING PROGRAM ANALYST SIGNATURE:

DATE: 04/17/2025
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 04/17/2025
LIC809 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 4 of 5
STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

FACILITY EVALUATION 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: MONTESSORI ACADEMY OF LA PUENTE
FACILITY NUMBER: 198013166
VISIT DATE: 04/17/2025
NARRATIVE
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
regarding the process or CARE tools, please send email inquiries to inspectionprocess@dss.ca.gov. For additional information regarding the inspection and its tools and methods, please visit the Program website at www.cdss.ca.gov/inforesources/community-care-licensing/inspection-process.

Director was reminded that all adults 18 and over, including employees and volunteers, except as specified in Health and Safety Code section 1596.871, must obtain a criminal record clearance or exemption, or transfer their existing clearance or exemption, prior to initial presence in a Child Care Center. A civil penalty of $100.00 minimum/day for a maximum of 5 days or, if the penalty is for a repeat violation, for a maximum of 30 days per person will be assessed if this regulation is violated.

Assembly Bill (AB) 2370, Chapter 676, Statutes of 2018, requires all licensed Child Care Centers (CCCs) constructed before January 1, 2010, to test their water (used for drinking and food preparation) for lead contamination before January 1, 2023, and then every 5-years after the date of the first test.

This facility provides Incidental Medical Services – IMS. LPA reviewed storage of “medication and equipment/supplies, and reviewed children’s, personnel, and administrative records.
For IMS information see PIN 22-02-CCP. The following information regarding ADA was provided: US Department of Justice (USDOJ) toll-free ADA Information Line at (800) 514-0301 (voice) or (800) 514-0383 (TTY) and link to publication. Commonly Asked Questions about Child Care Centers and the ADA are available at: https://www.ada.gov/resources/child-care-centers/.

Director was informed of the MyChildCarePlan.org website; a consumer education website that helps families obtain childcare by connecting them to childcare providers and Resource and Referral Agencies (R&Rs) throughout California.

At this time, the licensee is in compliance with California Title 22 Regulations. Therefore, there are no citations being issued today.

A notice of site visit was given and must remain posted for 30 days. Exit interview conducted and report was reviewed with the Director, Melissa Villareal.
page 4 of 4
NAME OF LICENSING PROGRAM MANAGER: Katrina Chicote
NAME OF LICENSING PROGRAM ANALYST: Carolyn Tuba
LICENSING PROGRAM ANALYST SIGNATURE:

DATE: 04/17/2025
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 04/17/2025
LIC809 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 5 of 5