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Inspection visit

Routine inspection

LAKE FOREST MONTESSORI SCHOOLLicense 3043710622 citations on this visit
2 citations recorded

Inspector’s narrative

What the inspector wrote

On 1/31/2025, Licensing Program Analyst (LPA), Christine Jung, conducted an onsite inspection for the purpose of an Annual Inspection. Upon arrival at 8:50AM, LPA was led on a tour by facility representative, Jalpa Amin. The overall census observed was six (6) preschool staff and 47 preschool children. Facility hours are 6:30AM – 6:00PM, Monday through Friday. The Facility Personnel Report Summary reviewed 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. Director 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. During the inspection, items which could pose a danger to children (detergents, cleaning compounds, and medications) were observed to be inaccessible to children. Poisons/hazardous items were not observed on the premises. Food is prepared on site; lunch and afternoon snacks are provided. Food prep areas were clean and sanitary; food was properly stored. Menus were posted where they could be reviewed by authorized representatives. Floors, children’s equipment, and furniture were clean, observed to be in good repair, and free of sharp edges. All storage containers for solid waste, including moveable bins, had tight fitting covers that were kept on and in good repair. There was drinking water available, both indoors and outdoors, to children by refillable bottles labeled with the children’s names. The children's restrooms were clean and sanitary. Children nap on mats, and bedding was stored individually. The facility conducted an emergency drill on 12/16/24. The facility had a working carbon monoxide detector. Facility met all posting requirements. (Go to Page 2) (Page 2) Five (5) staff files were reviewed and found to be in full compliance. Five (5) children files were reviewed. There was a separate, complete, and current record for each child. Sign in/out procedure was reviewed for compliance. 4 out of 9 children in Room 4 were not signed in; see LIC 809D. The outdoor activity space was inspected for compliance and was enclosed by a fence. The gate of the gardening outdoor activity space was in disrepair; see LIC 809D for deficiency. The cushioning material made of artificial grass around the climbing equipment, slides, and other similar equipment was sufficient to absorb falls. The outdoor equipment and toys were in good repair. Director stated there are no bodies of water present at the facility. LPA discussed the safe sleep regulations with director 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 director 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. 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). Facility completed lead testing on 7/14/2022. LPA referred director to the Department website for lead: Lead Toxicity Prevention and Water Testing Information. (Go to Page 3) (Page 3) LPA reviewed storage of medication and equipment/supplies, and reviewed children’s, personnel, and administrative records. For IMS information see Evaluator Manual - Regulation Interpretations and Procedures for Child Care Centers Sections 101173 and 101226. The following information regarding ADA was provided: US Department of Justice (USDOJ) toll-free ADA Information Line at (800) 514-0301 (voice)/ (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 The director was informed that Licensing Quarterly Updates are available at www.ccld.ca.gov Director may request to be added to an email list to receive a Quarterly Update by contacting the Child Care Advocate at childcareadvocatesprogram@dss.ca.gov or at www.ccld.ca.gov LPA provided Guardian Information and website info: https://www.cdss.ca.gov/inforesources/cdss-programs/community-care-licensing/caregiver-background-check/guardian Based on LPAs observations, record reviews, and interviews, the following violations were observed and are being cited in accordance with California Code of Regulations, Title 22, Division 12, Chapter 1. See LIC 809D for violations cited: 2 Type B. To improve the quality and value of the new inspection process, a survey may be sent to the email address provided. Please complete the survey and share your inspection experience. If you have any questions regarding the process or CARE tools, please send email inquiries to inspectionprocess@dss.ca.gov. For additional information regarding the inspection and its tools and methods, please visit the Program website at www.cdss.ca.gov/inforesources/community-care-licensing/inspection-process . A notice of site visit was given and must remain posted for 30 days. Exit interview conducted and report was reviewed with the Director, Richa Sharma. End of report.

Citations

2 citations recorded*CCLD

What does Type A vs Type B mean?

Type A. Serious citation. Imminent or substantial risk to children. The regulator requires corrective action immediately and may impose a civil penalty.

Type B. Lower-severity citation. Corrective action required, no imminent risk. The regulator monitors compliance on the next visit.

  • 101238(a)Type B

    BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS

    Based on observation, the licensee did not comply with the section cited above in that, at 9:19AM LPA observed two areas of the outdoor gate in disrepair, which poses a potential health, safety or personal rights risk to persons in care.

  • SIGN IN AND SIGN OUT

    Based on record review, the licensee did not comply with the section cited above in that, assistant director confirmed during record review that 4 out of 9 children from Room 4 were not signed in, which poses a potential health, safety or personal rights risk to persons in care.

FAQ · About this visit

Common questions about this visit

What happened during the January 31, 2025 inspection of LAKE FOREST MONTESSORI SCHOOL?

This was an inspection of LAKE FOREST MONTESSORI SCHOOL on January 31, 2025. 2 citations were issued: 2 Type B.

Were any citations issued to LAKE FOREST MONTESSORI SCHOOL on January 31, 2025?

Yes, 2 citations were issued (0 Type A, 2 Type B). The first citation was for: "Based on observation, the licensee did not comply with the section cited above in that, at 9:19AM LPA observed two areas..."

What type of inspection was this?

This was an inspection. Inspections are conducted by CCLD as part of their licensing oversight.

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