198020312-3-5-2025-33-CC-CTUA-DEGTPV-20250305135457

Community Care Licensing

FACILITY EVALUATION REPORT

Facility Number: 198020312
Report Date: 03/05/2025
Date Signed: 03/05/2025 01:55:10 PM

Document Has Been Signed on 03/05/2025 01:55 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 PUENTE/W.COVINA		FACILITY NUMBER:	198020312
ADMINISTRATOR/ DIRECTOR:	ISMAT ARASTU		FACILITY TYPE:	830
ADDRESS:	846 N. ORANGE AVE		TELEPHONE:	(626) 917-3638
CITY:	LA PUENTE	STATE: CA	ZIP CODE:	91744
CAPACITY: 29	TOTAL ENROLLED CHILDREN: 29	CENSUS: 17	DATE:	03/05/2025
TYPE OF VISIT:	Required - 3 Year	UNANNOUNCED	TIME VISIT/ INSPECTION BEGAN:	09:15 AM
MET WITH:	Yolanda Vela		TIME VISIT/ INSPECTION COMPLETED:	02:05 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 03/05/2025, at 9:15 am, Licensing Program Analysts (LPAs) Carolyn Tuba and Diana Ortiz conducted an unannounced Required inspection visit. LPAs entered the facility through a code access iron gate and met with Preschool Director, Melissa Villareal. The infant program is in a separate building from the preschool program and also has a code access iron gate. When LPAs entered the infant program Infant Director, Yolanda Vela greeted LPAs and provided a tour of the infant facility. LPAs observed a census of 17 children with 6 staff members. This is an infant program licensed for 29 children. The center's days and hours of operation are Monday - Friday 6:30 AM. to 6:00 PM. The Preschool Director stated there are 28 children currently enrolled. During the initial tour at approximately 9:40 am LPAs observed that children were waiting after their mealtimes in the chairs used for eating, which have a tray that does not allow children to move freely. The children were observed to be waiting to have their diaper change by the teachers. LPAs advised Infant Director that they should be moved to the play areas after they are done eating, instead of being kept confined and not allowed to move freely. It was advised that the children can then be brought to the changing tables one-by-one. (Technical Violation issued) The following classrooms were inspected: Infant Room which accommodates birth – 24 months. The Toddler Room does not have any children in care and is being used for storage. The program has a separate napping room with cribs and children over 12 months use cots. Infant Director stated that cribs are disinfected after the use of the child napping and staff change sheets every day. LPAs suggested that the cribs be labeled with each child’s name. Page 1 of 5

SUPERVISORS NAME: Katrina Chicote
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Carolyn Tuba
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:	DATE: 03/05/2025

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

FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 03/05/2025

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

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/W.COVINA	FACILITY NUMBER: 198020312
	VISIT DATE: 03/05/2025

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 infant room has 2 changing tables with 2 sinks that are arm’s length away and 1 child-size toilet with 1 sink. The toddler classroom has 2 child-size toilets with 2 sinks. There is also a staff restroom with a changing table. LPAs observed gloves, diapers, documentation of each child of daily diapering, feeding, and napping as it occurs. The diapers and wipes are provided; however, parents have a choice to decline and bring their own. LPAs observed the 15-minute sleep log for children 24 months and younger.

There is a staff lounge with a kitchen that is used to prepare meals. The infant room has a refrigerator that is used to store milk and breast milk. According to the Infant Director the breast milk is labeled with child’s name and the date. The parent is required to bring new breast milk in pouches each day for their child. LPAs were told by the infant Director that formula is provided by the facility, as well as baby food and infant snacks for children 6 months and older.

The facility also utilizes the preschool kitchen to prepare meals and LPAs observed that the full kitchen with refrigerator, stove and microwave are kept cleaned. Meals are prepared and distributed to the infant program. Food preparation areas were toured for safety, cleanliness, and proper equipment. The Menu is posted for parents and the meals provided are Breakfast, Lunch, PM Snack and Evening Snack for children 1 year to 2 years old. Birth to 5 months old children receive formula or breast milk. Children 6 to 11 months receive Breakfast, AM, PM & Evening Snacks. Infant Director stated that they will look at when the child last ate and according to when they arrive to the center, the child may be giving a snack as soon as they arrive. Meal menus were provided to the LPAs for their reference.

All staff members are fingerprint cleared. Licensed facility is within the conditions, limitations, and capacity specified on the license. The facility has additional staff members to support and assist with the needs of staff and infants.

The classroom furniture and equipment were inspected for good repair, free of sharp, loose, or pointed parts. Indoor infant classroom was inspected to ensure that the floors have a surface that is safe and clean. Telephone service, heating, lighting, and ventilation were evaluated. There is storage for children’s belongings. Napping cots were available, and Infant Director advised that fitted sheets and blankets are supplied by the facility and laundered each day. Availability of drinking water was reviewed and per Director

page 2 of 5

SUPERVISORS NAME: Katrina Chicote
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Carolyn Tuba
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:	DATE: 03/05/2025

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

FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 03/05/2025

LIC809 (FAS) - (06/04)

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/W.COVINA	FACILITY NUMBER: 198020312
	VISIT DATE: 03/05/2025

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

water and sippy cups with child’s name and refills are available by the use of filtered water. Toys and surfaces are observed to be safe and clean.

Combination carbon monoxide and smoke detectors were present in each classroom throughout the facility. Fire extinguishers were last serviced on October 7, 2024. Storage cabinets in classrooms were inspected and no hazardous items were found, cleaning items are kept inaccessible to children in care. No poisonous cleaning compounds were found in the childcare center. Emergency disaster drill was last conducted and documented on February 21, 2025. There is a First Aid kit available in the classroom and supplies were inventoried and found to be in good condition.

LPAs were informed that there are currently no children on medication at this time, however the Infant Director has an IMS plan and LPAs reviewed and provided consultation. Infant Director stated that medication would be kept in her office which is located between the two classrooms and all staff are aware of the location. LPAs advised that medication should be given back to parents/guardians when child leaves the facility or medication expires. Documentation is filled out by parents or the physician for medication administration.

Outdoor playground equipment is in safe condition, free of sharp, loose, or pointed parts. There are 2 playgrounds which are surrounded by a cement wall at least 5 feet and separating the areas are also iron gates. There is a lattice secured on the cement wall for privacy. The surface of the outdoor activity space is maintained in a safe condition and is free of hazards. The infant playground has an age-appropriate equipment with a cushion surface for falls of artificial grass. There is adequate shade in the play yard with awnings and gazebos over the play equipment. There is enough trikes, child-size cars and toys for the children to use in the play yard. There is also age-appropriate play structures. There is a back gate that leads into the parking lot but is not used by staff or parents and only during an emergency.

Sign in/out is done electronically and each parent uses a different code. A report is available with signatures and can be provided.

LPAs reviewed 5 staff files and records were found to be complete, however the Infant Director had an expired Mandated Reporter Training Certificate. (Technical Advisory was issued). Clearance for adults and
Page 3 of 5

SUPERVISORS NAME: Katrina Chicote
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Carolyn Tuba
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:	DATE: 03/05/2025

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

FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 03/05/2025

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/W.COVINA	FACILITY NUMBER: 198020312
	VISIT DATE: 03/05/2025

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

verification of CPR/First Aid, educational requirements, immunization records 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. LPAs observed Infant Sleep Plan for children who were enrolled prior to their first birthday. There is also a Needs and Service Plan conducted when entering the program and updated as needed. LPAs observed that the Infant Director had completed the 8-hour Health, Safety, Nutrition and Lead training.

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 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.

LPA discussed the safe sleep regulations with Director and discussed the Child Care Licensing Safe Sleep webpage at https://www.cdss.ca.gov/inforesources/child-care-licensing/public-information-and-resources/safe-sleep as an additional resource. LPA also informed licensee [or facility representative] of the importance of checking for recalled infant devices on the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) website at https://www.cpsc.gov/ and recommended they register all infant devices with the CPSC to be notified of any recalls on their purchased equipment.
Page 4 of 5

SUPERVISORS NAME: Katrina Chicote
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Carolyn Tuba
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:	DATE: 03/05/2025

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

FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 03/05/2025

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/W.COVINA	FACILITY NUMBER: 198020312
	VISIT DATE: 03/05/2025

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

Incidental Medical Services (IMS) policy was discussed. For IMS information see PIN 22-02-CCP. When any IMS is provided, an updated Plan of Operation that includes IMS must be submitted to the Department. 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 child care by connecting them to child care providers and Resource and Referral Agencies (R&Rs) throughout California.

A notice of site visit was given and must remain posted for 30 days. Exit interview conducted and report was reviewed with the Infant Director, Yolanda Vela.
Page 5 of 5

SUPERVISORS NAME: Katrina Chicote
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Carolyn Tuba
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:	DATE: 03/05/2025

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

FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 03/05/2025

LIC809 (FAS) - (06/04)

Page: 5 of 5