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Department of
SOCIAL SERVICES

Community Care Licensing


COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT

Facility Number: 304371545
Report Date: 10/23/2024
Date Signed: 10/23/2024 12:05:14 PM

Substantiated


STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT		CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
ORANGE CO CHILD CARE, 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
08/29/2024 and conducted by Evaluator Karen Navar
PUBLIC
COMPLAINT CONTROL NUMBER: 06-CC-20240829100530
FACILITY NAME:DANA MONTESSORI SCHOOLFACILITY NUMBER:
304371545
ADMINISTRATOR:GOVINDASWAMY, M.FACILITY TYPE:
850
ADDRESS:34052 ST.OF THE VIOLET LANTERNTELEPHONE:
(949) 240-7271
CITY:DANA POINTSTATE: CAZIP CODE:
92629
CAPACITY:34CENSUS: 17DATE:
10/23/2024
UNANNOUNCEDTIME BEGAN:
09:50 AM
MET WITH:Teacher Elizabeth PeraltaTIME COMPLETED:
12:15 PM
ALLEGATION(S):
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Admission Policies
INVESTIGATION FINDINGS:
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On 10/23/2024 at 9:50 AM, Licensing Program Analyst (LPA), Karen Navar conducted an unannounced complaint inspection for the purpose of delivering findings. This is a continuation of a complaint inspection initiated on 09/05/2024.

Upon arrival LPA met with Teacher Elizabeth Peralta and was led on a tour of the facility inside and outside. At 10:00AM, LPA observed a total of 17 preschool age children and 3 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.

Continue to page 2.
Substantiated
Estimated Days of Completion:
SUPERVISORS NAME: Judy Hanson
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Karen Navar
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 10/23/2024
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 10/23/2024
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-20240829100530
STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT (Cont)		CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
ORANGE CO CHILD CARE, 750 THE CITY DRIVE, SUITE 250
ORANGE, CA 92868
FACILITY NAME: DANA MONTESSORI SCHOOL
FACILITY NUMBER: 304371545
VISIT DATE: 10/23/2024
NARRATIVE
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Page 2
On 08/29/2024, the Orange County Child Care Office received a complaint alleging: 1) Food not served safely.

During the investigation, LPA toured the facility on 09/05/2024, obtained Children’s Roster, updated Personal Roster LIC500, incident reports, Dana Montessori School (Prodigy Montessori) Policy Parent Handbook, facility lead testing reports, pictures, reviewed staff files, staff, parents, and children.

On 09/05/2024 at 9:50AM, LPA conducted an on site inspection for the purpose of investigating a complaint received on 08/29/2024 in the Orange County Child Care Office and toured the facility with Director Priya Anand. During the inspection LPA toured classrooms, playground, kitchen, and bathroom areas. LPA observed children lunch pails, microwave, and child’s thermos food storage container. Dana Montessori School (Prodigy Montessori) Policy Handbook states in section titled Meals/Snacks/Storage Policy under title Lunch/Other food from home: “Lunch container: Please obtain a lunch container that maintains the food warm/cold (Thermos). We do not microwave/warm-up the food for children before serving.” Then under title: When packing lunch please note the following: “Lunch should be packed in thermos as we do not microwave food in school.” LPA interviewed 3 staff (S1-S3). 2 of 3 staff stated they will warm up food if parent requests for it to be warmed up. Staff warming up food per parent request conflicts with Dana Montessori School (Prodigy Montessori) Policy Parent Handbook: Meals/Snacks/Storage Policy. As this can pose a health, safety, or personal rights risk to persons in care and a Type B citation is issued: 101218(a)(7) Admission Policies (a) Every childcare center shall have all admission policies in writing…The policies shall coincide with…(7)Food Service Provisions.

LPA called 8 parents on 10/14/2024 and 2 of the parents called were able to be interviewed. Parents interviewed did not disclose any information pertaining to the allegations.

On 10/23/2024 LPA attempted to interview 3 children. 2 of the 3 children attempted to interview did not qualify to interview. 1 child did but did not divulge any information pertaining to the allegations.

Continue to page 3.
SUPERVISORS NAME: Judy Hanson
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Karen Navar
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 10/23/2024
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 10/23/2024
LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 2 of 7
Control Number 06-CC-20240829100530
STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT (Cont)		CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
ORANGE CO CHILD CARE, 750 THE CITY DRIVE, SUITE 250
ORANGE, CA 92868
FACILITY NAME: DANA MONTESSORI SCHOOL
FACILITY NUMBER: 304371545
VISIT DATE: 10/23/2024
NARRATIVE
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Page 3
Based on LPA observations, and interviews with staff, parents, and children, the preponderance of evidence has been met; Staff warming up food per parent request conflicts with Dana Montessori School (Prodigy Montessori) Policy Parent Handbook: Meals/Snacks/Storage Policy. Therefore, Title 22, Division 12 Chapter 1 Article 06.101218(a)(7) Admission Policies is substantiated. See LIC9099D for deficiency cited.

Exit interview conducted and report was reviewed with Teacher Elizabeth Peralta. The Teacher was informed that the “Notice of Site Visit” must be posted on or adjacent to the door for 30 days. Failure to post will result in a Civil Penalty of a $100.00. Appeal Rights and deficiencies were discussed. Teacher 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.
SUPERVISORS NAME: Judy Hanson
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Karen Navar
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 10/23/2024
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 10/23/2024
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 CO CHILD CARE, 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
08/29/2024 and conducted by Evaluator Karen Navar
PUBLIC
COMPLAINT CONTROL NUMBER: 06-CC-20240829100530

FACILITY NAME:DANA MONTESSORI SCHOOLFACILITY NUMBER:
304371545
ADMINISTRATOR:GOVINDASWAMY, M.FACILITY TYPE:
850
ADDRESS:34052 ST.OF THE VIOLET LANTERNTELEPHONE:
(949) 240-7271
CITY:DANA POINTSTATE: CAZIP CODE:
92629
CAPACITY:19CENSUS: 17DATE:
10/23/2024
UNANNOUNCEDTIME BEGAN:
09:50 AM
MET WITH:Teacher Elizabeth PeraltaTIME COMPLETED:
12:15 PM
ALLEGATION(S):
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9
Ratio
Reporting Requirements
Fixtures
INVESTIGATION FINDINGS:
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On 10/23/2024 at 9:50AM, Licensing Program Analyst (LPA), Karen Navar conducted an unannounced complaint inspection for the purpose of delivering findings. This is a continuation of a complaint inspection initiated on 08/26/2024.

Upon arrival LPA met with Teacher Elizabeth Peralta and was led on a tour of the facility inside and outside. At 10:00AM, LPA observed a total of 17 preschoolers and 3 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.

Continue to page 2.
Unsubstantiated
Estimated Days of Completion:
SUPERVISORS NAME: Judy Hanson
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Karen Navar
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 10/23/2024
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 10/23/2024
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-20240829100530
STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT (Cont)		CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
ORANGE CO CHILD CARE, 750 THE CITY DRIVE, SUITE 250
ORANGE, CA 92868
FACILITY NAME: DANA MONTESSORI SCHOOL
FACILITY NUMBER: 304371545
VISIT DATE: 10/23/2024
NARRATIVE
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Page 2
On 08/29/2024, the Orange County Child Care Office received a complaint alleging: 1) Day-care is operating out of Ratio. 2) Staff do not notify authorized representatives of incident reports. 3) Outside drinking water not sanitary.

During the investigation, LPA toured the facility on 09/05/2024, obtained Children’s Roster, updated Personal Roster LIC500, incident reports, Dana Point Montessori School (Prodigy Montessori Policy) Parent Handbook, facility lead testing reports, pictures, reviewed staff files, sign in and out sheets, and conducted interviews with the staff, parents, and children.

On 09/05/2024 at 9:50AM, LPA conducted an on site inspection for the purpose of investigating a complaint received on 08/29/2024 in the Orange County Child Care Office and toured the facility with Director Priya Anand. During inspection LPA toured classrooms, playground, bathrooms, and kitchen areas. Census was taken on this date 17 preschool children and 2 staff were present in the classroom at the time of inspection.

LPA interviewed 3 staff (S1-S3) that stated ratio is 1 staff-per 12 children when providing care and that they have not have been left out of ratio before. 3 staff stated that if they need support and are not in ratio that they will call for back up. LPA reviewed staff files for S1-S3 and found staff were in compliance for qualifications.

LPA observed children’s water cups labeled with their names stored on a table in the classroom. During interviews 3 staff stated they refill cups with water as needed throughout the day and that there is a water jug stored in the fridge that they use to refill cups. 3 staff stated during playground time there is a faucet that they will use to refill children water cups when needed. LPA toured playground and observed the water faucet on playground to be clean and free from debris. 1 of 3 staff stated they inform parents at time of the tour that water is provided through a faucet. LPA reviewed lead testing records and found the facility to be in compliance with lead testing requirements.

During staff interviews 3 staff stated they write incident reports for any minor injuries that happen at school and give the incident report to parent at pick up time. 2 of 3 staff stated if it is a major injury parents are called. LPA reviewed incident reports on file at the facility.

Continue to page 3.

SUPERVISORS NAME: Judy Hanson
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Karen Navar
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 10/23/2024
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 10/23/2024
LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 5 of 7
Control Number 06-CC-20240829100530
STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT (Cont)		CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
ORANGE CO CHILD CARE, 750 THE CITY DRIVE, SUITE 250
ORANGE, CA 92868
FACILITY NAME: DANA MONTESSORI SCHOOL
FACILITY NUMBER: 304371545
VISIT DATE: 10/23/2024
NARRATIVE
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Page 3.
LPA called 8 parents on 10/14/2024 and 2 of the parents called were able to be interviewed. Parents interviewed did not disclose any information pertaining to the allegations.

On 10/23/2024 LPA attempted to interview 3 children. 2 of the 3 children attempted to interview did not qualify to interview. 1 child did not divulge any information pertaining to the allegations.

Based on LPA observations, interviews with staff, children and parents, there was not enough evidence to substantiate the allegations:1) Day-care is operating out of ratio. 2) Staff do not notify authorized representatives of incident reports. 3) Outside drinking water not sanitary. Although the allegations may have happened or is valid the preponderance of evidence has not been met; therefore, the allegations are found to be UNSUBSTANTIATED. No deficiency cited.

Exit interview conducted and report was reviewed with Teacher Elizabeth Peralta. Teacher was informed that the “Notice of Site Visit” must be posted on or adjacent to the door for 30 days. Failure to post will result in a Civil Penalty of a $100.00. Site Supervisor 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.

SUPERVISORS NAME: Judy Hanson
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Karen Navar
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 10/23/2024
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 10/23/2024
LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 6 of 7
Control Number 06-CC-20240829100530
STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT (Cont)		CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
ORANGE CO CHILD CARE, 750 THE CITY DRIVE, SUITE 250
ORANGE, CA 92868

FACILITY NAME: DANA MONTESSORI SCHOOL
FACILITY NUMBER: 304371545
DEFICIENCY INFORMATION FOR THIS PAGE:
VISIT DATE: 10/23/2024
Deficiency Type
POC Due Date /
Section Number
DEFICIENCIES
PLAN OF CORRECTIONS(POCs)
Type B
10/30/2024
Section Cited
CCR
101218(a)(7)
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101218(a)(7) Admission Policies (a) Every childcare center shall have all admission policies in writing…The policies shall coincide with…(7)Food Service Provisions.
This requirement is not met as evidenced by:
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Director will meet with staff and explain that the policy states the facility does not warm up food and that they must follow the policy. Director will have staff sign the document and email to LPA by 10/30/2024.
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Based on records review and interview;Policy Handbook states in section titled Meals/Snacks/Storage... We do not microwave/warm-up the food. LPA interviewed 3 staff (S1-S3). 2 of 3 staff stated they will warm up food if parent requests for it to be warmed up.
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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: Judy Hanson
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Karen Navar
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 10/23/2024
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 10/23/2024
LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 7 of 7