complaint·May 22, 2025

Page 2 On 03/13/2025, the Orange County Child Care Office received a complaint alleging: 1) Facility staff treat children in a rough manner, aggressively grabbing and poking. Reporting Party (RP) stated they were standing through the window looking into classroom and witnessed a child being treated in a rough manner. RP stated a teacher was observed to have poked and forcibly turned a child’s body around so the child would follow directions. During the investigation, LPA toured the facility on 03/18/2025 and 4/08/2025, conducted 6 staff interviews, attempted 5 children’s interviews (C1-C5) and 2 of the 5 qualified to be interviewed, and obtained a copy of Foothill Montessori Parent Directory, and email correspondences. On 3/18/2025 and 4/08/2025 LPA spent time in the classrooms observing staff/child interactions. During observations LPA observed staff engaged and supporting children with different needs and work activities. 4 (four) of 6 (six) staff interviews conducted described personal rights of children by giving children respect, value, and a safe environment. During 6 (six) staff interviews, 3 (three) of 6 (six) staff stated they have patted a child’s shoulder to get their attention when the child did not respond to their name. 6 (six) staff interviewed stated they have not witnessed a staff poke a child. 2 (two) qualified children interviewed stated they have not seen a staff poke a child. S4 stated that they have witnessed staff turn children’s bodies around physically by staff members so that the children would follow the teachers’ directions on what was being asked. S4 stated that the children would respond with a cry and that they do not see staff doing this anymore. 6 (six) of 6 (six) staff interviewed stated that when they need to redirect a child’s behavior that staff will hold a child’s hand and take them for walks, provide an activity that interest the child, or have the child sit down for a few minutes if needed. During parent interviews. LPA called 5 parents, and LPA was able to interview 1 parent. The 1 interviewed parent did not divulge any information pertaining to the allegation. Continue to page 2. Page 3 Based on LPAs staff interviews, the preponderance of evidence has been met; therefore, the allegations of, Facility staff treat children in a rough manner, aggressively grabbing and poking is substantiated. California Code of Regulations, Title 22, Division 12, Chapter 1 Section 101223 Personal Rights is being cited. See LIC9099D for deficiency cited. 1 Type A violation is being cited. The director shall post and provide copies of the report to parents/guardians of the children in care at the facility by the next business day and shall provide to the parents/guardians of children newly enrolled at the facility during the next 12 months. In addition, the director shall immediately post upon receipt the Proof of Correction for 30 consecutive days and provide a copy to current and enrolling parents. The director is to keep Acknowledgement Receipt (LIC 9224) signed by parents in each child’s file . Failure to post Type A reports for 30 days will result in a Civil Penalty of $100.00 Exit interview conducted and report was reviewed with Director Jarnail, Mudan. The Director 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. End of Report. Page 2 During the investigation, LPA toured the facility on 03/18/2025 and 4/08/2025, conducted 6 staff interviews, attempted 5 (five) children’s interviews (C1-C5) and 2 (two) of the 5 (five) children qualified to be interviewed, and obtained a copy of Foothill Montessori Parent Directory, and email correspondences. On 3/18/2025 and 4/08/2025 LPA spent time in the classrooms observing staff/child interactions. During observations LPA observed staff engaged and supporting children with different needs and work activities. 4 (four) of 6 (six) staff interviews conducted described personal rights of children by giving children respect, value, and a safe environment. During 6 (six) staff interviews, 6 (six) of 6 (six) staff stated they have not heard a staff yell at a child or use inappropriate language towards a child. 4 (four)of 6 (six) staff interviews stated that during classroom/playground time the noise level can get loud. 6 (six) of 6 (six) staff interviewed stated that when they need to redirect a child’s behavior that staff will hold a child’s hand and take them for walks, provide an activity that interest the child, or have the child sit down for a few minutes if needed. 2 (two) qualified children interviewed stated they like to come to school. During parent interviews. LPA called 5 (five) parents, and LPA was able to interview 1 (one) parent. The 1 (one) interviewed parent did not divulge any information pertaining to the allegation. Based on LPA observations and interviews, the preponderance of evidence standard has not been met. Although the allegation s may have happened or is valid, there is not a preponderance of evidence to prove the alleged violations of Facility staff yell/speak inappropriately to children in care did or did not occur; therefore, the allegations is UNSUBSTANTIATED. Exit interview conducted and report was reviewed with Director Jarnail, Mudan. The Director 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. End of Report.