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Department of
SOCIAL SERVICES

Community Care Licensing


COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT

Facility Number: 304371685
Report Date: 03/05/2026
Date Signed: 03/05/2026 09:40:52 AM

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
01/16/2026 and conducted by Evaluator Kathy Trinh
PUBLIC
COMPLAINT CONTROL NUMBER: 06-CC-20260116095313
FACILITY NAME:MONTESSORI SCHOOL OF SAN CLEMENTEFACILITY NUMBER:
304371685
ADMINISTRATOR:GJERTSON, MICHELLEFACILITY TYPE:
860
ADDRESS:1141 PUERTA DEL SOLTELEPHONE:
(949) 276-4160
CITY:SAN CLEMENTESTATE: CAZIP CODE:
92673
CAPACITY:189CENSUS: 21DATE:
03/05/2026
UNANNOUNCEDTIME BEGAN:
07:00 AM
MET WITH:Director, Michelle GjertsonTIME COMPLETED:
09:45 AM
ALLEGATION(S):
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9
Staff are commingling day care children.
INVESTIGATION FINDINGS:
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10
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13
On 03/05/2026, 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 1/22/2026. Upon arrival, LPA met with Staff 16 (S16) and was led on a tour of the facility. The Director arrived at approximately 7:49AM. LPA observed a total of 8 infants with 3 infant staff, and 13 preschool children with 2 preschool 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 1/16/2026, the Orange County Regional Child Care Licensing Office received a complaint with allegation: Staff are commingling day care children.
(Go to page 2)
Substantiated
Estimated Days of Completion: 90
SUPERVISORS NAME: Tina Nguyen
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Kathy Trinh
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 03/05/2026
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 03/05/2026
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 8
Control Number 06-CC-20260116095313
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 SCHOOL OF SAN CLEMENTE
FACILITY NUMBER: 304371685
VISIT DATE: 03/05/2026
NARRATIVE
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(Page 2)
Regarding allegation (1) Staff are commingling day care children.

During investigation, LPA conducted interviews with twenty (20) staff, two (2) parents, and obtained pertinent documents.

LPA reviewed the facility record; Room 1 and Room 2 are licensed for infants (6WKS-18MO); Room 3 is licensed for toddlers (18MO-36MO).

During staff interviews, ten (10) staff members who work in the infant/toddler program stated that during opening and closing times, the children in Room 2 (6WKS-18MO) and Room 3 (18MO-36MO) combine. The remaining interviewed staff members work in the preschool program and reported that they did not witness the allegation “Staff are commingling day care children.” Staff 1 (S1) shared that if there are children that visit the toddler option before turning 18 months, they have additional staff and lower the ratio with 1 staff for every 4 children present. The facility provides parents with notices as the infants begin to visit and transition over to the toddler option.

On 02/28/2026, 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.

Based on LPA’s interviews, the preponderance of evidence has been met; therefore, the allegation of Staff are commingling day care children was found to be Substantiated. California Code of Regulations, Title 22, Division 12, Chapter 1, Article 02, 101161 (a) Limitations on Capacity is being cited. See LIC9099D for deficiency cited.

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

DATE: 03/05/2026
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 03/05/2026
LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 2 of 8
Control Number 06-CC-20260116095313
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 SCHOOL OF SAN CLEMENTE
FACILITY NUMBER: 304371685
VISIT DATE: 03/05/2026
NARRATIVE
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(Page 3)

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 01/16) 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: 03/05/2026
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 03/05/2026
LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 3 of 8
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
01/16/2026 and conducted by Evaluator Kathy Trinh
PUBLIC
COMPLAINT CONTROL NUMBER: 06-CC-20260116095313

FACILITY NAME:MONTESSORI SCHOOL OF SAN CLEMENTEFACILITY NUMBER:
304371685
ADMINISTRATOR:GJERTSON, MICHELLEFACILITY TYPE:
860
ADDRESS:1141 PUERTA DEL SOLTELEPHONE:
(949) 276-4160
CITY:SAN CLEMENTESTATE: CAZIP CODE:
92673
CAPACITY:118CENSUS: 21DATE:
03/05/2026
UNANNOUNCEDTIME BEGAN:
07:00 AM
MET WITH:Director, Michelle GjertsonTIME COMPLETED:
09:45 AM
ALLEGATION(S):
1
2
3
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9
(1) Staff do not ensure day care children are supervised during naps
(2) Unqualified staff are supervising children
(3) Facility is operating out of ratio
INVESTIGATION FINDINGS:
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On 03/05/2026, 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 01/22/2026. Upon arrival, LPA met with Staff 16 (S16) and was led on a tour of the facility. The Director arrived at approximately 7:49AM. LPA observed a total of 8 infants with 3 infant staff, and 13 preschool children with 2 preschool 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 1/16/2026, the Orange County Regional Child Care Licensing Office received a complaint with the following allegations: (1) Staff do not ensure day care children are supervised during naps (2) Unqualified staff are supervising children, and (3) Facility is operating out of ratio. (Go to page 2)
Unsubstantiated
Estimated Days of Completion: 90
SUPERVISORS NAME: Tina Nguyen
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Kathy Trinh
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 03/05/2026
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 03/05/2026
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 8
Control Number 06-CC-20260116095313
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 SCHOOL OF SAN CLEMENTE
FACILITY NUMBER: 304371685
VISIT DATE: 03/05/2026
NARRATIVE
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(Page 2)
Regarding allegation (1) Staff do not ensure day care children are supervised during naps
During investigation, LPA conducted interviews with twenty (20) staff and two (2) parents, observations, and obtained pertinent documents.

During staff interviews, all the staff stated that they had not observed or heard about staff not supervising children during nap time. Staff 1 (S1) reaffirmed that the facility ensures that qualified staff are supervising children when the children are awake, and that aides assist in supervising the children when they are all down for nap.

During observations, LPA toured the classrooms at approximately 12:53PM on 01/22/2026 to take census and observe how the staff provide care and supervision during nap time. LPA observed Room 1 with 6 infants and 3 staff, Room 2 with 9 infants and 1 staff, Room 3 with 8 toddlers and 1 staff, Room 5 with 8 children and 1 staff, Room 7 with 9 children and 1 staff, Room 9 with 22 preschoolers and 1 staff, Room 11 with 14 preschoolers and 1 staff. Room 12 had 11 children with 2 staff. The children in Room 12 are older and typically do not take naps according to Staff 8 (S8). LPA observed that all staff were visually supervising the children during nap time.

On 02/28/2026, 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.

Regarding allegation (2) Unqualified staff are supervising children.
During investigation, LPA conducted interviews with twenty (20) staff, two (2) parents and obtained pertinent documents.

During staff interviews, all staff stated that they had not observed or heard about unqualified staff supervising children. S1 shared that unqualified staff are not allowed to be with the children by themselves unless it is during nap time. Staff 7 (S7) stated that the preschool classrooms always have a lead and/or an assistant teacher present. Lead and assistant teachers are both fully qualified.

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

DATE: 03/05/2026
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 03/05/2026
LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 5 of 8
Control Number 06-CC-20260116095313
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 SCHOOL OF SAN CLEMENTE
FACILITY NUMBER: 304371685
VISIT DATE: 03/05/2026
NARRATIVE
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(Page 3)
On 02/28/2026, 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 reviewed all the staff’s transcripts to confirm whether they are aides, qualified aides, or qualified teachers. LPA did not observe aides providing care to children without the presence of a qualified teacher during activity time.

Regarding allegation (3) Facility is operating out of ratio
During investigation, LPA conducted interviews with twenty (20) staff, two (2) parents, and obtained pertinent documents.

During staff interviews, all staff stated that they had not observed or heard about the facility operating out of ratio. Staff 10 (S10) shared that the staff communicate with each other via walkie talkies, and there are floaters/breakers that are available to step in if needed.

During record review, LPA reviewed all the facility’s sign in/out sheet from 12/22/2025 to 1/21/2026. Based on the overall census, the children and staff sign in/out sheets do not indicate that the facility was operating out of ratio.

On 02/28/2026, 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.

Based on LPA’s observations, interviews which were conducted, and records reviewed, the preponderance evidence of (1) Staff do not ensure day care children are supervised during (2) Unqualified staff are supervising children, and (3) Facility is operating out of ratio, 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.

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

DATE: 03/05/2026
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 03/05/2026
LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 6 of 8
Control Number 06-CC-20260116095313
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 SCHOOL OF SAN CLEMENTE
FACILITY NUMBER: 304371685
VISIT DATE: 03/05/2026
NARRATIVE
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(Page 4)

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: 03/05/2026
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 03/05/2026
LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 7 of 8
Control Number 06-CC-20260116095313
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 SCHOOL OF SAN CLEMENTE
FACILITY NUMBER: 304371685
DEFICIENCY INFORMATION FOR THIS PAGE:
VISIT DATE: 03/05/2026
Deficiency Type
POC Due Date /
Section Number
DEFICIENCIES
PLAN OF CORRECTIONS(POCs)
Type B
03/19/2026
Section Cited
CCR
101161
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101161 Limitations on Capacity
(a) A licensee shall not operate a child care center beyond the conditions and limitations specified on the license, including the capacity limitation.
This requirement was not met as evidenced by:
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Director stated that they will combine Rooms 1 and 2 as needed while keeping Room 3 open during opening and closing times. Director will submit a waiver request to commingle children during the facility's opening/closing times and submit it to LPA by due date.
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Based on observations, interviews conducted, and record review it was determined that during opening and closing times, the children in Room 2 and Room 3 combine which poses a potential risk to children 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: 03/05/2026
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 03/05/2026
LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 8 of 8