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Department of
SOCIAL SERVICES

Community Care Licensing


FACILITY EVALUATION REPORT

Facility Number: 376701526
Report Date: 07/30/2025
Date Signed: 07/30/2025 02:22:30 PM

Document Has Been Signed on 07/30/2025 02:22 PM - It Cannot Be Edited

STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

FACILITY EVALUATION REPORT		CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
CCLD Regional Office, 7575 METROPOLITAN DR., STE 110
SAN DIEGO, CA 92108
FACILITY NAME:TAPROOT MONTESSORI PRESCHOOLFACILITY NUMBER:
376701526
ADMINISTRATOR/
DIRECTOR:		ELVIA MAHERFACILITY TYPE:
850
ADDRESS:13801 HIGHWAY 94TELEPHONE:
(619) 669-3944
CITY:JAMULSTATE: CAZIP CODE:
91935
CAPACITY: 59TOTAL ENROLLED CHILDREN: 37CENSUS: 35DATE:
07/30/2025
TYPE OF VISIT:Annual/RandomUNANNOUNCEDTIME VISIT/
INSPECTION BEGAN:
10:20 AM
MET WITH:Lizette TapiaTIME VISIT/
INSPECTION COMPLETED:
02:30 PM
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On July 30, 2025, at 10:20 a.m.,  Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Gloria Gonzalez, conducted an unannounced Annual/Random Inspection and met with Lead Teacher,  Lizette Tapia.  LPA disclosed the purpose of the inspection and toured the facility indoors and outdoors.  Licensee (interim Director), Nicole Hall arrived at the facility on or about 10:50 am and continued with the inspection. This is a full day program which operates year around schedule.  Days and hours of operation are Monday-Friday 7:00am-6:00pm.  There are currently two (2) classroom in operation.  The following ratios were observed:

Pine Classroom: 2 staff members and 9 daycare children
Palm Classroom: 3 staff members and 26 daycare children

There is a body of water, which is a creek, behind the facility on the street side. There is a fence surrounding the facility, (pending further review). There are no firearms or ammunition allowed or stored on the premises.  Disinfectants, cleaning solutions, medication are made inaccessible.  There were two knives found in the kitchen drawer accessible to children. No poisons were observed during the inspection.

Furniture and equipment are in good condition, free of sharp, loose or pointed parts.  Playground equipment is in safe condition, free of sharp, loose or pointed parts.  The surface of the outdoor activity space is maintained in a safe condition and is free of hazards.  All toilets and handwashing facilities are in safe and sanitary operating condition.  Floors in the facility are clean and safe. Solid waste storage containers have tight-fitting covers and are in good repair.  Drinking water is available both indoors and outdoors. Areas around high climbing equipment, swings and slides have cushioning material to absorb falls.  The facility is free of flies and insects. 
NAME OF LICENSING PROGRAM MANAGER: Tulam Vu
NAME OF LICENSING PROGRAM ANALYST: Gloria Gonzalez
LICENSING PROGRAM ANALYST SIGNATURE: DATE: 07/30/2025
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE: DATE: 07/30/2025
This report must be available at Child Care and Group Home facilities for public review for 3 years.

LIC809 (FAS) - (06/04)
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California Health & Human Services Agency
California Department of Social Services

FACILITY EVALUATION REPORT California law requires a public report of each licensing visit/inspection. This report is a record for the facility and the licensing agency. This report is available for public review; therefore, care is taken not to disclose personal or confidential information. Inquiries concerning the location, maintenance, and contents of these reports may be directed to the Licensing Program Analyst or Regional Office whose address and telephone number are listed on the front of this form.

DEFICIENCIES A deficiency is an instance of noncompliance with licensing requirements, including applicable statutes, regulations, interim licensing standards, operating standards, and written directives. Applicants/ licensees must be notified in writing of all licensing deficiencies. Deficiencies are listed on the left side of this form, and the applicable licensing requirement upon which the deficiency is identified. There are two types of deficiencies:
  • Type A deficiencies are violations of licensing requirements that, if not corrected, have a direct and immediate risk to the health, safety, or personal rights of persons in care.
  • Type B deficiencies are violations of licensing requirements that, without correction, could become a risk to the health, safety, or personal rights of persons in care, a recordkeeping violation that could impact the care of said persons and/or protection of their resources, or a violation that could impact those services required to meet the needs of persons in care.

PLANS OF CORRECTION (POCs) The licensing agency is required to establish a reasonable length of time to correct a deficiency. In order to set the time, the licensing agency must take into consideration the seriousness of the violation, the number of persons in care involved, and the availability of equipment and personnel necessary to correct the violation. Applicants/licensees are requested to provide a specific plan for each violation on the right side of the form across from each deficiency. The more specific the plan, the less chance exists for any misunderstanding in setting time limits and reviewing corrections. The applicant/licensee who encounters problems beyond their control in completing the corrections within the specified time frame may request and may be granted an extension of the correction due date by the licensing agency.

CORRECTION NOTIFICATION The applicant/licensee is responsible for completing all corrections and promptly notifying the licensing agency of corrections. Applicants/licensees are advised to keep a dated copy of any correspondence sent to the licensing agency concerning corrections, or if corrections are telephoned to the licensing agency, the date, person contacted, and information given.

CIVIL PENALTIES The licensing agency is required by law to issue a Penalty Notice, when applicable, to all facilities holding a license issued by the licensing agency, or subject to licensure, except Certified Family Homes, Resource Families, and Foster Family Homes, or any governmental entity.

PENALTY NOTICE GIVEN The statement concerning civil penalties serves as a penalty notice on this Licensing Report and failure to correct cited licensing deficiencies will result in civil penalties. Applicants/ licensees are required to pay civil penalties when administrative appeals have been exhausted and in accordance with any payment arrangements made with the licensing agency.

APPEAL RIGHTS The applicant/licensee has a right without prejudice to discuss any disagreement in this report with the licensing agency concerning the proper application of licensing requirements. The applicant/ licensee may request a formal review by the licensing agency to amend or dismiss the notice of deficiency and/ or civil penalty. Requests for review shall be made in writing within 15 business days of receipt of a deficiency notification or civil penalty assessment. Licensing deficiencies may be appealed pursuant to the procedures in the LIC 9058 Applicant/Licensee Rights.

AGENCY REVIEW The licensing agency review of an appeal may be conducted based upon information provided in writing by the applicant/licensee. The applicant/licensee may request an office meeting to provide additional information. The applicant/licensee will be notified in writing of the results of the agency review within 60 business days of the date when all necessary information has been provided to the licensing agency.

EMAIL REQUIREMENT Adult Community Care Facilities, Residential Care Facilities for the Chronically Ill, and Residential Care Facilities for the Elderly are required to provide and maintain an active email address of record with the licensing agency.

LIC809 (FAS) - (09/23)
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STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

FACILITY EVALUATION REPORT (Cont)		CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
CCLD Regional Office, 7575 METROPOLITAN DR., STE 110
SAN DIEGO, CA 92108
FACILITY NAME: TAPROOT MONTESSORI PRESCHOOL
FACILITY NUMBER: 376701526
VISIT DATE: 07/30/2025
NARRATIVE
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Facility has one or more functioning carbon monoxide detectors that meet statutory requirements.  The last fire and disaster drills were conducted and documented on 6/24/25.

A review of staff records on this date indicates that all facility staff or other individuals who require caregiver background checks have received criminal record and child abuse clearances or exemptions. Upon notification from the Department, the licensee will comply and act immediately to terminate the employment of, remove from the facility or bar from entering the facility for any person it is deemed necessary while the Department considers granting or denying an exemption. Capacity and limitations as specified on the license are being maintained.  At least one person trained in CPR and Pediatric First Aid is present when children are at the facility or at offsite activities.  The name of the child care center director or fully-qualified teacher designated to act in the director’s absence has been reported to the Department.  Which is currently the Interim Director/Owner until a new Director begins employment. The person who signs the child in/out of the facility shall use their full legal signature and record the time of day.  All children are under supervision, including visual supervision, of a teacher at all times.  Facility maintains a ratio of one teacher supervising no more than 12 children in care.  LPA reviewed a sample of children’s files and observed files were complete with contact information for authorized representative and or relatives or others who can assume responsibility for the child and medical assessment.  LPA reviewed a sample of staff files and observed files were not complete with health screening, immunization records for influenza, pertussis and measles and current documentation of completed mandated reporter training. 1 out of 5 staff did not have a negative TB test result at the time of this inspection. Menus are posted at least one week in advance where an authorized representative can view them.

Licensee was reminded that all adults 18 and over, including employees and volunteers, except as specified in Health and Safety Code section 1596.871, must obtain a criminal record clearance or exemption, or transfer their existing clearance or exemption, prior to initial presence in a Child Care Center. A civil penalty of $100.00 minimum/day for a maximum of 5 days or, if the penalty is for a repeat violation, for a maximum of 30 days per person will be assessed if this regulation is violated.

This facility provides Incidental Medical Services – IMS. LPA reviewed storage of “medication and equipment/supplies, and reviewed children’s, personnel, and administrative records. For IMS information see PIN 22-02-CCP. The following information regarding ADA was provided: US Department of Justice (USDOJ) toll-free ADA Information Line at (800) 514-0301 (voice) or (800) 514-0383 (TTY) and link to publication.
NAME OF LICENSING PROGRAM MANAGER: Tulam Vu
NAME OF LICENSING PROGRAM ANALYST: Gloria Gonzalez
LICENSING PROGRAM ANALYST SIGNATURE:

DATE: 07/30/2025
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 07/30/2025
LIC809 (FAS) - (06/04)
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STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

FACILITY EVALUATION REPORT (Cont)		CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
CCLD Regional Office, 7575 METROPOLITAN DR., STE 110
SAN DIEGO, CA 92108
FACILITY NAME: TAPROOT MONTESSORI PRESCHOOL
FACILITY NUMBER: 376701526
VISIT DATE: 07/30/2025
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Commonly Asked Questions about Child Care Centers and the ADA are available at: https://www.ada.gov/resources/child-carecenters/.

LPA and Licensee discussed the Community Care Licensing website www.ccld.ca.gov which will provide access to Provider Information Notices (PINs), Quarterly Updates, COVID-19 Information and Resources, Mandated Reporter Training, Safe Sleep in Child Care, California Megan’s Law (www.meganslaw.ca.gov), Lead Poisoning Facts, Forms and Regulations.

LPA advised the Director of the following reporting requirements: prior to construction or alterations, the licensee shall notify the Department of the proposed changes, a change in child care center director shall be reported within 10 days of a change of child care center director or designee(s), report Unusual Incidents within 24 hours followed by an LIC624 within 7 days, including any facility closures for any reason.

Licensee was informed of the MyChildCarePlan.org website; a consumer education website that helps families obtain child care by connecting them to child care providers and Resource and Referral Agencies (R&Rs) throughout California.

Assembly Bill (AB) 2370, Chapter 676, Statutes of 2018, requires all licensed Child Care Centers (CCCs) constructed before January 1, 2010, to test their water (used for drinking and food preparation) for lead contamination before January 1, 2023, and then every 5-years after the date of the first test. For child care center licenses issued after July 1, 2022, the licensee shall test their water for lead within 180 days of licensure pursuant to Written Directives section 101700 (PIN 21-21.1- CCP). LPA verified that the lead testing was completed in accordance to the Written Directives outlined in PIN 21-21.1-CCP.

Type B deficiencies cited.

A copy of this report and a Notice of Site Visit (LIC 9213) was given to Licensee and must remain posted on, or immediately adjacent to, the interior side of the main door for 30 days. LPA observed LIC 9213 was posted. Appeal Rights (LIC 9058) was provided. Failure to comply with posting requirements shall result in an immediate civil penalty of $100.

An exit interview was conducted and the report was reviewed with Licensee, Nicole Hall.
NAME OF LICENSING PROGRAM MANAGER: Tulam Vu
NAME OF LICENSING PROGRAM ANALYST: Gloria Gonzalez
LICENSING PROGRAM ANALYST SIGNATURE:

DATE: 07/30/2025
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 07/30/2025
LIC809 (FAS) - (06/04)
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Document Has Been Signed on 07/30/2025 02:22 PM - It Cannot Be Edited


Created By: Gloria Gonzalez On 07/30/2025 at 01:53 PM
Link to Parent Document Below:
STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

FACILITY EVALUATION REPORT (Cont)		CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
, 7575 METROPOLITAN DR., STE 110
SAN DIEGO, CA 92108

FACILITY NAME: TAPROOT MONTESSORI PRESCHOOL
FACILITY NUMBER: 376701526

DEFICIENCY INFORMATION FOR THIS PAGE:
VISIT DATE: 07/30/2025

DEFICIENCIES & PLANS OF CORRECTION (POCs)
Type B
Section Cited
CCR
101238(g)
Buildings and Grounds
(g) Disinfectants, cleaning solutions, poisons and other items that could pose a danger if readily available to children shall be stored where inaccessible to children.

This requirement is not met as evidenced by:
Deficient Practice Statement
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Based on observation, the licensee did not comply with the section cited above in having two knives in the kitchen cabinet accessible to children, which posed a potential health, safety or personal rights risk to persons in care.
POC Due Date: 08/01/2025
Plan of Correction
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Licensee removed the knives and put them in an inaccessible area at the time of this inspection. Licensee stated she will put them in a closed tub above the refrigerator. Licensee stated she will communicate with staff to advise of dangearous items made inaccessible. Licensee stated she will submit a written statement of her understanding of this regulation by email by 8/1/125.
Type B
Section Cited
CCR
101216(g)(1)
Personnel Requirements
(1) Except as specified in (3) below, good physical health shall be verified by a health screening, including a test for tuberculosis, performed by or under the supervision of a physician not more than one year prior to or seven days after employment or licensure.

This requirement is not met as evidenced by:
Deficient Practice Statement
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Based on record review, the licensee did not comply with the section cited above in [count] out of1 out 5 staff did not have a TB negative test available for review, which poses a potential health, safety or personal rights risk to persons in care.
POC Due Date: 08/08/2025
Plan of Correction
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Licensee stated she will send the department a copy of the TB negative test for Staff #1 by email by 8/8/25 and a written statement of her understanding of this regulation.
Failure to correct the cited deficiency(ies), on or before the Plan of Correction (POC) due date, may result in a civil penalty assessment.
Tulam Vu
NAME OF LICENSING PROGRAM MANAGER:
Gloria Gonzalez
NAME OF LICENSING PROGRAM ANALYST:
LICENSING PROGRAM ANALYST SIGNATURE:
DATE: 07/30/2025
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:
DATE: 07/30/2025


LIC809 (FAS) - (06/04)
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