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Department of
SOCIAL SERVICES

Community Care Licensing


COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT

Facility Number: 304270911
Report Date: 01/06/2026
Date Signed: 01/08/2026 05:24:22 PM

Substantiated


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
10/28/2025 and conducted by Evaluator Kathy Trinh
PUBLIC
COMPLAINT CONTROL NUMBER: 06-CC-20251028084339
FACILITY NAME:MONTESSORI OF LADERA RANCHFACILITY NUMBER:
304270911
ADMINISTRATOR:SCOTT, MELISSAFACILITY TYPE:
850
ADDRESS:2101 CORPORATE DRIVETELEPHONE:
(949) 218-6990
CITY:LADERA RANCHSTATE: CAZIP CODE:
92694
CAPACITY:120CENSUS: 96DATE:
01/06/2026
UNANNOUNCEDTIME BEGAN:
09:20 AM
MET WITH:Director, Melissa ScottTIME COMPLETED:
11:20 AM
ALLEGATION(S):
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Staff did not report health incident to CCL
INVESTIGATION FINDINGS:
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On 01/06/2026, Licensing Program Analyst (LPA), K. Trinh conducted an unannounced subsequent complaint inspection for the purpose of delivering findings for the complaint investigation that was initiated on 11/03/2025. Upon arrival, LPA met with Director Melissa Scott and was led on a tour of the facility. LPA observed a total of 96 preschool children along with 11 staff. A review of the Facility Report Summary on this date indicates all facility staff or other individuals who require caregiver background checks have received criminal record and child abuse index clearances or exemptions. During today’s inspection the facility was operating within its licensed capacity and within compliance of staffing ratios.

On 10/28/2025, the Orange County Regional Child Care Licensing Office received a complaint with the following allegation: Staff did not report health incident to CCL (Community Care Licensing). Reporting Party (RP) stated that Child 1 (C1) experienced an allergic reaction on 04/03/2025, and the facility did not report the incident to CCL. (Continue to page 2)
Substantiated
Estimated Days of Completion: 90
SUPERVISORS NAME: Tina Nguyen
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Kathy Trinh
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 01/06/2026
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 01/06/2026
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 7
Control Number 06-CC-20251028084339
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: MONTESSORI OF LADERA RANCH
FACILITY NUMBER: 304270911
VISIT DATE: 01/06/2026
NARRATIVE
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(Page 2)

During investigation, LPA conducted interviews with seven (7) staff, two (2) parents, and obtained pertinent documents.

During staff interviews, the director stated that the incident that occurred on 04/03/2025 was not reported to CCL. In addition, Staff 1 (S1) stated C1 was picked up by their authorized representative soon after the incident had occurred and was taken to the hospital that same day.

On 11/24/2025, LPA conducted parent interviews. The interviewed parents did not divulge any information pertaining to the allegation or express any concerns regarding care of the children.  

During record review, the facility did not have an Unusual Incident/Injury Report (LIC 624) available for investigative review. LPA also received an email from the director sharing that to their understanding, unusual incident reports are only required if a child receives treatment, and they felt they did not have sufficient information to complete the report.

Based on LPA’s interviews which were conducted, and records reviewed, the preponderance of evidence has been met; therefore, the allegation of: Staff did not report health incident to CCL was found to be Substantiated. California Code of Regulations, Title 22, Division 12, Chapter 101212(d)(1)(B) is being cited. See LIC9099D for deficiency.

Exit interview was conducted. Notice of Site Visit was posted during the visit. Facility representative was informed that the notice of site visit must be posted for 30 consecutive days. Failure to post will result in civil penalties of $100.

Appeal Rights were explained. The Director was provided with a copy of the appeal rights (LIC 9058) and their signature on this form acknowledges receipt of these rights. All appeals must be in writing and received by the Regional Office within 15 business days. First level appeals should be sent to the regional manager to the address listed above.

End of report.
SUPERVISORS NAME: Tina Nguyen
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Kathy Trinh
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 01/06/2026
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 01/06/2026
LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 2 of 7
Citations on this Visit Report are Under Appeal!

Control Number 06-CC-20251028084339
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: MONTESSORI OF LADERA RANCH
FACILITY NUMBER: 304270911
DEFICIENCY INFORMATION FOR THIS PAGE:
VISIT DATE: 01/06/2026
Deficiency Type
POC Due Date /
Section Number
DEFICIENCIES
PLAN OF CORRECTIONS(POCs)
Under Appeal
Type B
01/20/2026
Section Cited
CCR
101212
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101212 Reporting Requirements (d)... a report shall be made to the Department... a written report…shall be submitted... (1) Events... include… (B) Any injury to any child that requires medical treatment.
This requirement is not met as evidenced by:
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Director stated they will submit a statement of understanding the regulation re: Reporting Requirements to LPA via email by due date.
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Based on interviews and record review, the facility did not comply with the section cited above in that the 04/03/2025 incident where C1 had an allergic reaction was not reported to the Department, posing 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: Tina Nguyen
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Kathy Trinh
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 01/06/2026
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 01/06/2026
LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 3 of 7
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
10/28/2025 and conducted by Evaluator Kathy Trinh
PUBLIC
COMPLAINT CONTROL NUMBER: 06-CC-20251028084339

FACILITY NAME:MONTESSORI OF LADERA RANCHFACILITY NUMBER:
304270911
ADMINISTRATOR:SCOTT, MELISSAFACILITY TYPE:
850
ADDRESS:2101 CORPORATE DRIVETELEPHONE:
(949) 218-6990
CITY:LADERA RANCHSTATE: CAZIP CODE:
92694
CAPACITY:120CENSUS: 96DATE:
01/06/2026
UNANNOUNCEDTIME BEGAN:
09:20 AM
MET WITH:Director, Melissa ScottTIME COMPLETED:
11:20 AM
ALLEGATION(S):
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
Staff do not ensure that daycare child's dietary needs are being met
Staff did not obtain medical attention for child in a timely manner
INVESTIGATION FINDINGS:
1
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3
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5
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On 01/06/2026, Licensing Program Analyst (LPA), K. Trinh conducted an unannounced subsequent complaint inspection for the purpose of delivering findings for the complaint investigation that was initiated on 11/03/2025. Upon arrival, LPA met with Director Melissa Scott and was led on a tour of the facility. LPA observed a total of 96 preschool children along with 11 staff. A review of the Facility Report Summary on this date indicates all facility staff or other individuals who require caregiver background checks have received criminal record and child abuse index clearances or exemptions. During today’s inspection the facility was operating within its licensed capacity and within compliance of staffing ratios.

On 10/28/2025, the Orange County Regional Child Care Licensing Office received a complaint with two allegations: (1) Staff do not ensure that daycare child's dietary needs are being met, and (2) Staff did not obtain medical attention for child in a timely manner. Reporting Party (RP) stated that Child 1 (C1) experienced an allergic reaction during morning snack time. (Continue to page 2)
Unsubstantiated
Estimated Days of Completion: 90
SUPERVISORS NAME: Tina Nguyen
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Kathy Trinh
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 01/06/2026
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 01/06/2026
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 7
Control Number 06-CC-20251028084339
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: MONTESSORI OF LADERA RANCH
FACILITY NUMBER: 304270911
VISIT DATE: 01/06/2026
NARRATIVE
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(Page 2)

The facility staff did not provide medical attention until after contacting C1’s authorized representative. The authorized representative instructed the facility staff to end the call and immediately provide the child with allergy medication.

Regarding allegation (1) Staff do not ensure that daycare child’s dietary needs are being met.

During investigation, LPA conducted interviews with seven (7) staff, two (2) parents, and obtained pertinent documents.

During staff interviews, five (5) out of seven (7) staff stated that they had observed or heard about an incident where C1 experienced an allergic reaction during snack time. Staff 6 (S6) and Staff 7 (S7) were present during the incident and shared that the C1 began showing symptoms of an allergic reaction after touching their allergen from a shared classroom snack. Both staff stated that C1 did not consume the shared classroom snack that day. S6 shared that C1 ate their snack from home while the other children ate the snack that contained C1’s allergen. Staff 1 (S1) shared that C1 was brought to the office after showing allergy symptoms and the facility administered allergy medication after obtaining permission from C1’s authorized representative. C1 was then picked up by their authorized representative and taken to the emergency room.

On 11/24/2025, LPA conducted parent interviews. The interviewed parents did not divulge any information pertaining to the allegation or express any concerns regarding care of the children.  

During record review, C1’s file indicated a list of allergens was provided to the facility from C1’s physician; however, the list did not indicate specifically how C1 would be affected by the allergens, via airborne, contact, or ingestion. LPA reviewed a random sample of five (5) other children’s files with allergies. All files included a list of the children’s allergies. The facility also has an allergy list posted in each classroom, indicating which children have allergies, and what they are allergic to. The facility did not have a record of the incident occurring on 04/03/2025.

(Continue to page 3)
SUPERVISORS NAME: Tina Nguyen
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Kathy Trinh
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 01/06/2026
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 01/06/2026
LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 5 of 7
Control Number 06-CC-20251028084339
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: MONTESSORI OF LADERA RANCH
FACILITY NUMBER: 304270911
VISIT DATE: 01/06/2026
NARRATIVE
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(Page 3)

Regarding allegation (2) Staff did not obtain medical attention for child in a timely manner.

During investigation, LPA conducted interviews with seven (7) staff, two (2) parents, and obtained pertinent documents.

During staff interviews, two (2) staff were present during the incident, and stated that they called the office to provide medication for C1. S1 shared that the facility provided C1 an allergy medication after informing C1’s authorized representatives of C1’s allergic reaction. S1 added that C1 was picked up by their authorized representative soon after and was taken to the hospital later that day.

On 11/24/2025, LPA conducted parent interviews. The interviewed parents did not divulge any information pertaining to the allegation or express any concerns regarding care of the children.  

During record review, LPA observed that the facility had email correspondence with C1’s authorized representative which indicated that the facility was informed that C1 was taken to the hospital after being exposed to C1’s allergen.

Based on LPA’s interviews which were conducted, and records reviewed, the preponderance evidence of (1) Staff do not ensure that daycare child's dietary needs are being met, and (2) Staff did not obtain medical attention for child in a timely manner, have not been met. Although the allegations may have happened or is valid, there is not a preponderance of evidence to prove the alleged violations did or did not occur, therefore the allegations are unsubstantiated.

Exit interview was conducted. Notice of Site Visit was posted during the visit. Facility representative was informed that the notice of site visit must be posted for 30 consecutive days. Failure to post will result in civil penalties of $100.

(Continue to page 4)
SUPERVISORS NAME: Tina Nguyen
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Kathy Trinh
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 01/06/2026
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 01/06/2026
LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 6 of 7
Control Number 06-CC-20251028084339
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: MONTESSORI OF LADERA RANCH
FACILITY NUMBER: 304270911
VISIT DATE: 01/06/2026
NARRATIVE
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(Page 4)

Appeal Rights were explained. The Director was provided with a copy of the appeal rights (LIC 9058) and their signature on this form acknowledges receipt of these rights. All appeals must be in writing and received by the Regional Office within 15 business days. First level appeals should be sent to the regional manager to the address listed above.

End of report.
SUPERVISORS NAME: Tina Nguyen
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Kathy Trinh
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 01/06/2026
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 01/06/2026
LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 7 of 7