304371527-12-8-2023-06-CC-PMAA-CYE74N-20231210202013

Community Care Licensing

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT

Facility Number: 304371527
Report Date: 12/08/2023
Date Signed: 12/08/2023 09:54:39 AM

Unsubstantiated

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
09/12/2023 and conducted by Evaluator Romelia M Castanon

PUBLIC

COMPLAINT CONTROL NUMBER: 06-CC-20230912145618

FACILITY NAME:	HERITAGE MONTESSORI SCHOOL		FACILITY NUMBER:	304371527
ADMINISTRATOR:	LEE,M SHALANE		FACILITY TYPE:	850
ADDRESS:	15881 GOLDENWEST STREET		TELEPHONE:	(714) 891-9921
CITY:	HUNTINGTON BEACH	STATE: CA	ZIP CODE:	92647
CAPACITY:	59	CENSUS: 25	DATE:	12/08/2023
		UNANNOUNCED	TIME BEGAN:	08:45 AM
MET WITH:	Director Shalene Seymour		TIME COMPLETED:	10:30 AM

ALLEGATION(S):

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Staff mishandled a daycare child while in care

INVESTIGATION FINDINGS:

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On 12/08/2023, Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Romy Castanon made an unannounced visit to the facility to deliver findings of a complaint that was received at the Orange County Regional Child Care Program Office. LPA met with Director Shalane Seymour and explained the reason for today’s visit. Observed at the time of the visit was a total of 25 children and 4 staff members.
A review of the Facility Personnel Report Summary on 12/08/2023 indicates all facility staff or other individuals who require caregiver background checks have received criminal record and child abuse index clearances or exemptions.

On 09/12/2023, the Regional Office received a complaint report alleging staff mishandled a daycare child while in care. The Reporting Party (RP) in the complaint states Child #1 (C1) was newly enrolled at the facility. On 09/11/2023, while RP and Adult #1 (A1) Witness were waiting in the facility lobby, they overheard C1 crying which prompted them to enter C1’s classroom.
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Unsubstantiated

Estimated Days of Completion:

SUPERVISORS NAME: Patricia Magana
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Romelia M Castanon
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:	DATE: 12/08/2023

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

FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 12/08/2023

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 06-CC-20230912145618

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: HERITAGE MONTESSORI SCHOOL	FACILITY NUMBER: 304371527
	VISIT DATE: 12/08/2023

NARRATIVE

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C1 was observed crying while sitting on a chair and Staff #1 (S1) had their hands on C1 as a method of forcefully keeping C1 sitting down. RP stated upon entry a staff member mentioned that parents were not allowed in the classroom.

LPA interviewed RP on 09/13/2023 and 09/14/2023. LPA attempted to schedule an interview with A1, but they were unavailable for interview. LPA sent questions via email and RP was able to provide LPA with statement information witnessed by A1. RP further explained that S1 used their whole left arm; (from fist, forearm to elbow) to push against C1’s chest to keep C1 sitting on a chair. RP stated they disenrolled C1 from the facility.

LPA attempted to schedule interview with C1 and peers in Classroom 1, but due to the age and limited language development, LPA was unable to interview children.

LPA conducted a visit on 09/15/2023 and interviewed Acting Director (AD) Rehanna Eaton and 6 staff members including S1. AD explained the half day schedule which ends after the children finish their lunch. The full day students transition to their rest period while the half day students are picked up by their families. There are two staff members that assist with diaper changes and washing hands before escorting the children to the facility lobby for dismissal. The restroom is located in the middle of two classrooms. There is no partition to separate the classrooms except a carpet and chairs directly in front of the restroom that the children use to sit on as they wait their turn. AD did not witness the incident. The interim Assistant Director was immediately notified by RP after the incident. AD was then informed of the incident by staff. AD stated the facility had their annual CPR training August 2023 that covered school safety, personal rights and how to manage difficult behaviors.

During the interview with S1, they denied ever using physical force to keep C1 in their chair. S1 stated that C1 was new and was not accustomed to the schedule. S1 stated during transition on 09/11/2023, C1 walked away from their group two separate times and S1 picked them up using both hands under C1’s armpit.S1 stated C1 was not a danger to themselves or others so there was no need to apply any type of force toward C1. During the interview with staff, all 6 staff members mentioned they have attended a training or meeting relating to the personal rights of children. 6 out of 6 staff were able to provide examples and understanding regarding the personal rights of children. 6 out of 6 staff stated they understand parents and/or legal guardians are allowed in the classroom without advance notice. (Continue to page 3)

SUPERVISORS NAME: Patricia Magana
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Romelia M Castanon
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:	DATE: 12/08/2023

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

FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 12/08/2023

LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)

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Control Number 06-CC-20230912145618

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: HERITAGE MONTESSORI SCHOOL	FACILITY NUMBER: 304371527
	VISIT DATE: 12/08/2023

NARRATIVE

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LPA was provided the facility’s Enrollment Packet, Class Manual, Parent Handbook and signed attendance sheets of recent staff training. School and classroom transitions for new students are explained, specifically for children and their first experience with school. On 08/28/2023, the facility held an Inservice for staff concerning new students and successful ways in assisting them become acclimated with school as well as parent visitation guidelines. Staff are trained using facility-specific policies and procedures as to how to treat and communicate with children while in their care.

LPA interviewed 4 out of 4 parents regarding the facility and did not provide any pertinent information regarding the allegations of this complaint.

Based on LPA’s interviews with RP and facility staff and record review the allegation staff mishandled a daycare child while in care may have happened or is valid, there is not a preponderance of evidence to prove the alleged violation did or did not occur, therefore the allegation is unsubstantiated.

Exit interview was conducted with Shalene Seymour. The Notice of Site Visit was posted. Facility representative was informed that the Notice of Site Visit must be posted for 30 consecutive days. Failure to post will result in civil penalty of $100. Licensee was provided a copy of their 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.

End of Report

SUPERVISORS NAME: Patricia Magana
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Romelia M Castanon
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:	DATE: 12/08/2023

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

FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 12/08/2023

LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)

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