<meta name="robots" content="noindex">
Department of
SOCIAL SERVICES

Community Care Licensing


COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT

Facility Number: 344500189
Report Date: 03/10/2025
Date Signed: 03/10/2025 04:30:27 PM

Substantiated


STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT		CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
SACRAMENTO S. CC RO, 9835 GOETHE ROAD, SUITE 100
SACRAMENTO, CA 95827
This is an official report of an unannounced visit/investigation of a complaint received in our office on
02/24/2025 and conducted by Evaluator Corina Beckby
COMPLAINT CONTROL NUMBER: 53-CC-20250224124634
FACILITY NAME:ART OF MONTESSORIFACILITY NUMBER:
344500189
ADMINISTRATOR:MENDOZA, CHRISTINEFACILITY TYPE:
850
ADDRESS:8930 SIERRA STREETTELEPHONE:
(916) 686-5800
CITY:ELK GROVESTATE: CAZIP CODE:
95624
CAPACITY:83CENSUS: 46DATE:
03/10/2025
UNANNOUNCEDTIME BEGAN:
08:45 AM
MET WITH:Christine MendozaTIME COMPLETED:
12:45 PM
ALLEGATION(S):
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
1. Child sustained multiple injuries due to lack of care and supervision from staff - Lack of Supervision
INVESTIGATION FINDINGS:
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
On 03/10/25, Licensing Program Analyst’s (LPA’s) Corina Beckby and Deborah Khashe, conducted an unannounced field visit to deliver the findings for the above allegations. LPA’s arrived at the facility and was met by Director, Christine Mendoza. LPA’s disclosed the purpose of the inspection and were granted entrance into the facility. Throughout the course of the investigation, LPA’s Beckby and Khashe conducted physical plant inspections, on-site observations, collected documentation, conducted interviews, and reviewed staff and children files.

It was alleged that Child1 sustained multiple injuries due to lack of care and supervision from staff. Child1 received injuries to the face on February,14, 2025, February 19, 2025, February 20, 2025 and February 21, 2025. Staff stated in interviews, they do know what happened in any of the incidents. Staff stated in text, C1 “…was scratched again, and unfortunately, we did not see the exact moment again.”

Continued on 9099-C...
Substantiated
Estimated Days of Completion:
SUPERVISORS NAME: Bettina Engelman
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Corina Beckby
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 03/10/2025
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 03/10/2025
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 6
STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT		CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
SACRAMENTO S. CC RO, 9835 GOETHE ROAD, SUITE 100
SACRAMENTO, CA 95827
This is an official report of an unannounced visit/investigation of a complaint received in our office on
02/24/2025 and conducted by Evaluator Corina Beckby
PUBLIC
COMPLAINT CONTROL NUMBER: 53-CC-20250224124634

FACILITY NAME:ART OF MONTESSORIFACILITY NUMBER:
344500189
ADMINISTRATOR:MENDOZA, CHRISTINEFACILITY TYPE:
850
ADDRESS:8930 SIERRA STREETTELEPHONE:
(916) 686-5800
CITY:ELK GROVESTATE: CAZIP CODE:
95624
CAPACITY:83CENSUS: 46DATE:
03/10/2025
UNANNOUNCEDTIME BEGAN:
08:45 AM
MET WITH:Christine MendozaTIME COMPLETED:
12:45 PM
ALLEGATION(S):
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
Staff did not inform child's authorized person that child was injured - Reporting Requirements
INVESTIGATION FINDINGS:
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
On 03/10/25, Licensing Program Analyst’s (LPA’s) Corina Beckby and Deborah Khashe, conducted an unannounced field visit to deliver the findings for the above allegations. LPA’s arrived at the facility and was met by Director, Christine Mendoza. LPA’s disclosed the purpose of the inspection and were granted entrance into the facility. Throughout the course of the investigation, LPA’s Beckby and Khashe conducted physical plant inspections, on-site observations, collected documentation, conducted interviews, and reviewed staff and children files.

It was alleged staff did not inform child's authorized person that child was injured on February 14, 2025. C1’s parents picked up C1 and noticed a bite mark on the forehead. Parent was not notified verbally nor in writing of the child’s injury. Staff interviews stated they did not see how the injury occurred.

Continued on LIC 9099-C...
Substantiated
Estimated Days of Completion:
SUPERVISORS NAME: Bettina Engelman
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Corina Beckby
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 03/10/2025
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 03/10/2025
This report must be available at Child Care and Group Home facilities for public review for 3 years.
LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 3 of 6
Control Number 53-CC-20250224124634
STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT (Cont)		CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
SACRAMENTO S. CC RO, 9835 GOETHE ROAD, SUITE 100
SACRAMENTO, CA 95827
FACILITY NAME: ART OF MONTESSORI
FACILITY NUMBER: 344500189
VISIT DATE: 03/10/2025
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
page 2...

Based on interviews and documentation gathered, the preponderance of evidence standard has been met, therefore the above allegation is found to be SUBSTANTIATED.
LPA’s informed Director, Christine Mendoza, that this report dated 03/10/25, documents a Type B citation that is a potential Health and Safety, or Personal Rights risk to persons in care. An 809D is issued for the deficiency.

An Exit interview was conducted, and the report was reviewed with Director, Christine Mendoza. LPA’s posted a notice of site visit. Licensee understands the Notice must remain posted for 30 days and that a failure to comply with posting requirements shall result in an immediate civil penalty of $100. Appeal Rights were provided. A copy of this report will remain on file for a period of three years for public review upon request. The licensee's signature on this form acknowledges receipt of this form.
SUPERVISORS NAME: Bettina Engelman
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Corina Beckby
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 03/10/2025
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 03/10/2025
LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 4 of 6
Control Number 53-CC-20250224124634
STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT (Cont)		CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
SACRAMENTO S. CC RO, 9835 GOETHE ROAD, SUITE 100
SACRAMENTO, CA 95827

FACILITY NAME: ART OF MONTESSORI
FACILITY NUMBER: 344500189
DEFICIENCY INFORMATION FOR THIS PAGE:
VISIT DATE: 03/10/2025
Deficiency Type
POC Due Date /
Section Number
DEFICIENCIES
PLAN OF CORRECTIONS(POCs)
Type B
04/10/2025
Section Cited
CCR
101226(a)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
101226(a) Health Related Services: The licensee shall immediately notify the child's authorized representative if the child...sustains an injury more serious than a minor cur or scratch.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
During the staff meeting on March 14, 2025, Director will discuss the importance of doing healthy checks for each child at time of arrival and dismissal. If staff notices a mark, the teacher will notify parent with the
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
This regulation was not met as evidenced by:
Interviews revealed that Staff did not verbally or in writing notify parent of a bite on C1's forhead. This poses an immediate health, safety, or personal rights risk to children in care.
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
Brightwheel app. A mirror will be installed on the wall in the toddlers changing corner for added visual of health checks during diapering.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
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: Bettina Engelman
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Corina Beckby
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 03/10/2025
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 03/10/2025
LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 5 of 6
Control Number 53-CC-20250224124634
STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT (Cont)		CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
SACRAMENTO S. CC RO, 9835 GOETHE ROAD, SUITE 100
SACRAMENTO, CA 95827
FACILITY NAME: ART OF MONTESSORI
FACILITY NUMBER: 344500189
VISIT DATE: 03/10/2025
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
page 2...

During today’s visit, LPA’s observed lack of supervision when children from PreK 1, were allowed to go to the bathrooms, unsupervised. Staff did not have visual of children in the bathroom, and stated “children have a pass and go in by themselves during lesson time…(while outside) we stand in the doorway between the outside door and classroom and the children use the bathroom by themselves.” A pattern of lack of supervision is occurring throughout the facility.

Based on interviews, documentation and observations conducted, the preponderance of evidence standard has been met, therefore the above allegation is found to be SUBSTANTIATED.

LPA informed Director, Christine Mendoza, that this report dated 03/10/25, documents a Type A citation that is an immediate Health and Safety, or Personal Rights risk to persons in care. An 809D is issued for the deficiency. Upon receipt of a Type A deficiency licensee shall post the report for 30 days in addition to the Notice of Site Visit and provide copies of the licensing report to parents/guardians of children in care at the facility. LPA Beckby informed the licensee to provide a copy of this licensing report dated 03/10/25, that documents any Type A citation to parents/guardians of all children currently enrolled by the next business day or the next day the children are in care, and to any newly enrolled parents/guardians for 12 months from the date of this report. A signed Acknowledgement of Receipt of Licensing Report (LIC 9224), or other written statement, must be placed in the child's file for verification. If these requirements are not met, civil penalties will be assessed.

An Exit interview was conducted, and the report was reviewed with Director, Christine Mendoza. LPA posted a notice of site visit. Licensee understands the Notice must remain posted for 30 days and that a failure to comply with posting requirements shall result in an immediate civil penalty of $100. Appeal Rights were provided. A copy of this report will remain on file for a period of three years for public review upon request. The licensee's signature on this form acknowledges receipt of this form.
SUPERVISORS NAME: Bettina Engelman
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Corina Beckby
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 03/10/2025
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 03/10/2025
LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 2 of 6
Control Number 53-CC-20250224124634
STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT (Cont)		CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
SACRAMENTO S. CC RO, 9835 GOETHE ROAD, SUITE 100
SACRAMENTO, CA 95827

FACILITY NAME: ART OF MONTESSORI
FACILITY NUMBER: 344500189
DEFICIENCY INFORMATION FOR THIS PAGE:
VISIT DATE: 03/10/2025
Deficiency Type
POC Due Date /
Section Number
DEFICIENCIES
PLAN OF CORRECTIONS(POCs)
Type A
03/12/2025
Section Cited
CCR
101229(a)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Responsibility for providing care and supervision-The licensee shall provide care and supervision as necessary to meet the children's needs.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Staff will continue shadowing children with behavioral concerns; offering appropriate materials for biters; Director will have staff meeting to brainstorm ideas to prevent injuries,meet the needs of the children, and collectively agreeing on supervision standards definitions and processes,
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
This regulation was not met as evidenced by:
Interviews and observations where staff did not supevise children to prevent injuries and children are not being supervised while going to the bathrooom, which causes and immediate health and safety risk to children in care.
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
offer alternative shorter scheduled activities; eliminate cell phone distractions; new bathroom policy will be submitted. Director will have staff meeting on Friday, March 14, and will submit new supervision and bahtroom policy by March 18, 2025.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
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: Bettina Engelman
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Corina Beckby
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 03/10/2025
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 03/10/2025
LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 6 of 6