Inspector’s narrative
What the inspector wrote
On 4/28/2025 at 10:00 am, Licensing Program Analyst (LPA), Crystal Green conducted an announced Pre-Licensing inspection for a Change of Ownership. Upon arrival, LPA met with Applicant Representatives, Sheela Deraniyagala and Dimanthi Deraniyagala.
This location is currently licensed as Children’s Montessori Center under (2) separate licenses; an Infant Program (198012252) with a capacity of 16 children from ages 0 to 24 months and a Preschool Program (198012250) with a capacity of 105 children from ages 2 until entry into first grade.
Applicant, Children's Montessori Center LLC., is requesting to be licensed for 120 children: (30) Infants from ages 0 to 24 months in Rooms #1, 6 (Nap Room), and 7; and (90) preschoolers from ages 2 to 6 years old in Rooms # 2, 3, 4, 5, and 8. Hours of operation will be Monday to Friday from 7am to 6pm.
Present during today’s inspection were (46) children with (8) staff. Appropriate ratios and supervision were observed. All indoor and outdoor activity space utilized for the children was inspected today.
All indoor and outdoor activity space utilized for the children was inspected today. LPA informed applicant representatives that staff are required to maintain direct visual supervision of the children at all times during indoor and outdoor activities. When medications are on site, Mrs. Dimanthi stated that they will be in a higher cabinet located in the Director office. A fully equipped first aid kit is located within each classroom. There is an operational carbon monoxide detector on site located within every classroom. All required licensing documents were observed posted in the hallway near the entrance. Children will be signed in and out near the entrance.
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The facility currently has a fully fenced playground area. Fencing was made of wrought and wood, which is at least four feet high. The total square footage for preschool outdoor activity space is 6,989.81 square footage, which is sufficient to accommodate the requested preschool capacity. The total square footage for infant outdoor activity space is 2,277.21 square footage, which is sufficient to accommodate the requested infant capacity. LPA observed and measured the new infant outdoor space that will be added to the existing infant yard. This area will be located outside of Room #7 and #6. LPA did not observe the area to have a physically separate fencing to prevent commingling between programs. Per Mrs. Dimanthi, the facility will install new fencing to surround the proposed additional Infant outdoor space.
Shade is provided via fixed shade structures. There are sufficient outdoor age-appropriate toys and play equipment available on the playground. There is a climbing structure on the preschool playground for children ages 2 to 6 years old which is properly anchored. There is adequate cushioning in fall zones of climber provided by sand. Drinking water is available via filter water jug. LPA observed all hazardous items on the playground to be inaccessible to children. Applicant Representatives was reminded that any changes to the facility must be reported to and approved by Community Care Licensing.
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 discussed the safe sleep regulations with applicant representative and discussed the Child Care Licensing Safe Sleep webpage at:
https://www.cdss.ca.gov/inforesources/child-care-licensing/public-information-and-resources/safe-sleep
, as an additional resource. LPA also informed [applicant, licensee, or facility representative] of the importance of checking for recalled infant devices on the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) website at:
https://www.cpsc.gov/
, and recommended they register all infant devices with the CPSC to be notified of any recalls on their purchased equipment.
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Applicant representatives was reminded that all adults 18 and over responsible for administration or direct supervision of staff, persons who provides care and supervision to children, and staff who have contact with children, 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.
Incidental Medical Services (IMS) policy was discussed. For IMS information see PIN 22-02-CCP. When any IMS is provided, an updated Plan of Operation that includes IMS must be submitted to the Department. 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: Commonly Asked Questions about Child Care Centers and the ADA, available at:
http://www.ada.gov/childqanda.htm
Applicant was informed of the MyChildCarePlan.org site, 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.
The following corrections are needed prior to the issuance of the license:
Applicant will need to obtain 4 feet high fencing for the new additional infant designated outdoor space.
Applicant will need to provide proof of the new additional infant outdoor space with age- appropriate play equipment.
Applicant will need to submit proof of the infant cribs relocated and setup within Room #6
Applicant will need to submit an updated facility sketch of the facility areas both indoor and outdoor.
Applicant Representatives understands that the facility may be issued a provisional license while pending completion of the above corrections. Once all corrections are received and reviewed a license will be issued for 106 children: (30) Infants from ages 0 to 24 months in Rooms 1, 6, and 7; and (76) Preschoolers from ages 2 to 6 years old in Rooms 2, 3, 4, 5, and 8.
Exit interview conducted and report was reviewed with the Applicant Representatives, Sheela Deraniyagala and Dimanthi Deraniyagala.
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LPA continued to tour the facility and measured all indoor and outdoor activity space. Total Infant indoor activity space measured 1,621.94 square footage, which is sufficient to accommodate the requested capacity of 30 infant children. Total preschool indoor activity space measured 2,668.74 square footage, which is insufficient to accommodate the requested capacity of preschool children. LPA observed all indoor activity space to be complete with safe, age-appropriate furniture and equipment, including tables, chairs, cubbies, napping cots/mats, bookshelves, and other activity supplies for the children. Drinking water is available in the classrooms via filter water jug. LPA observed all hazardous items to be inaccessible to children. There are no bodies of water or weapons on the property. Fire clearance was granted on 1/14/2025.
Highchairs and feeding tables have broad-based legs, plastic seats are in good repair and trays lock onto chairs. Highchairs are made of washable, moisture-resistant material. Changing tables have at least 1” padding covered with moisture-resistant, washable material. Sides of the changing table are at least 3” high and the changing table is within arm’s reach of a sink. Diapering sink is not used for meal preparation or dishwashing. Cribs meet regulatory requirements. LPA observed 12 cribs within Room #7 which did not have a physical separation from the infant activity area. LPA discussed with Mrs. Dimanthi options available to meet the crib/napping area requirements. Per Mrs. Dimanthi, she will move the cribs to Room #6, which will be the Infant Nap Room. Crib area will be separated from activity space via a separate room with walls. This barrier is at least four feet high, made of sound absorbing material and allows for supervision of napping children. Sleep logs will be kept in Room #6. Needs and Services Plans and Sleep Plans are kept in Room #6.
There is at least one potty chair or toilet for every five infants. LPA observed a total of 6 sinks and 3 toilets available for infant children’s use. The older infants will use the bathroom next to Room #1. These are sufficient to accommodate the requested capacity of infant children. LPA observed a total of 11 sinks and 8 toilets available for preschool children’s use. These are sufficient to accommodate the requested capacity of preschool children. There is a separate staff restroom equipped with a toilet and a sink. The isolation area for children who are ill will be the Director’s Office.
Parents will provide snack and lunch for their child. There is a kitchen area on site however it is currently not in use.