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Inspection visit

Routine inspection (multi-day)

MONTESSORI HARBOR MESA SCHOOLLicense 3043714313 citations on this visit
3 citations recorded

Inspector’s narrative

What the inspector wrote

Page 1 On 10/13/2025, Licensing Program Analyst (LPA), Deschampe conducted an on-site inspection for the purpose of an Unannounced Annual Random-Case Management/Annual Continuation inspection which began on 10/09/2025. LPA completed the physical plant and partial staff record review on 10/09/2025 but due to time constraints had to continue the inspection today. LPA arrived at the Child Care Center (CCC) at 12:12 PM and was granted entry by the teacher, Susana Mayer. Facility Representative/Director (FR), Samantha Gonzalez guided LPA on the inspection of the inside and outside of the CCC\342\200\231s grounds. LPA took the following census: Room 2 had 6 children with 2 staff and Room 3 with 12 children and 2 staff. During the inspection it was determined the facility is operating within its licensed capacity and within compliance of staffing ratios. Facility hours are 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM, Monday through Friday. A review of the Facility Personnel Report Summary on this date, 10/13/2025 indicates all facility staff or other individuals who require caregiver background checks have received criminal record and child abuse index clearances or exemptions. Facility Representative was reminded that all adults 18 and over responsible for administration or direct supervision of staff, persons who provide care and supervision to children, and staff who have contact with children, including employees and volunteers, except as specified in Health and Safety Code (HSC) 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. Page 2 During the inspection of the indoor activity space, items which could pose a danger to children (detergents and cleaning compounds) were observed to be stored and out of reach of children. Poisons are not kept on the premises. Firearms and other weapons are not allowed on or stored on the premises. Medications are centrally stored and inaccessible to children. First-aid supplies (checked regularly) were complete and stored in a location in each classroom that is accessible to staff but inaccessible to children. Food is primarily brought from the family home, however, there is food available if necessary. Snacks and milk/water are prepared and provided on-site. Food is properly stored. Food preparation areas were clean and sanitary. A snack menu is posted where they could be reviewed by parents/authorized representatives. Children have access to drinking water via personal labeled water bottles, with additional water supplied by water bottles. Fixtures, furniture, equipment, and supplies were clean and observed to be in good repair, free of sharp edges, and age appropriate for all children enrolled in care. The children's and staff bathrooms are safe and in sanitary operating condition. Children nap on mats which are properly stored. Children's personal items, including bedding is clean, stored separately and individually, and in a labeled compartment. Personal bedding is brought home every Friday to be laundered by family. The facility has conducted an emergency drill within the past six months (09/08/2025). LPA observed testing of the carbon monoxide/smoke detectors throughout the facility. City of Costa Mesa Fire and Rescue Department is scheduled for an annual inspection on 10/26/2025. There are 2 fire extinguishers on site. The facility maintains an indoor temperature within regulation (minimum of 68 degrees and maximum of 85 degrees, in extreme heat a maximum of 20 degrees less than the outside temperature.) Facility met all waiver, exceptions, and posting requirements , including the California Child Passenger Safety Law, posted by the entrance of the facility. The outdoor activity space was inspected for compliance. The facility grounds were safe, sanitary and in good repair. The playground was enclosed by a fence at least four feet in height. The surface of the outdoor activity space was well maintained and free of hazards. The cushioning material (rubber) around the climbing equipment, slides and other similar equipment appeared to be enough to absorbs falls. Drinking water in the outdoor activity space is provided by personal water bottles, disposable cups and water bottles. The outdoor equipment and toys were in good repair and free of sharp edges. There are no bodies of water on the facility grounds. Facility is a smoke free. Page 3 California Childcare Health Program website: cchp.ucsf.edu/content/disaster-preparedness . Also provided was information about the E-Learning Modules available at https://ccld.childcarevideos.org . California Department of Social Services Lead Information Brochure was explained to the facility representative. 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 facility representative 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. Water Lead Testing was completed by Enthalpy Analytical per report dated 06/20/2023. LPA referred facility representative to the Department website for lead: Lead Toxicity Prevention and Water Testing Information This facility provides Incidental Medical Services \342\200\223 IMS. LPA reviewed storage of \342\200\234medication and equipment/supplies, and reviewed children\342\200\231s, personnel, and administrative records. For IMS information see PIN 22-02-CCP. The following information regarding American with Disabilities Act (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 are available at: https://www.ada.gov/resources/child-care-centers/ . Staff files were reviewed for staff present during the facility inspection on this date, 5 out of 5 staff files were reviewed. Health screening and immunization as required were reviewed. Beginning September 1, 2016, Health and Safety (HSC) 1597.622 states, a person shall not be employed or volunteer at a child care center if he or she has not been immunized against influenza, pertussis, and measles. Proof of immunization against pertussis and measles for staff were reviewed and within compliance. Beginning March 31, 2018, HSC 1596.8662 requires all directors and employees to complete mandated reporting training, and to renew the training every two years. At least one staff member present possesses current EMSA approved Pediatric CPR/First Aid certification. Page 4 A random sample of 7 children's records were reviewed. There was a separate, complete and current record for each child. In the areas reviewed 6 out of 7 children\342\200\231s files were found to be in full compliance. California Code of Regulations (CCR) Section 101221 Child's Records (10) Record of current medications, including the name of the prescribing physician, and instructions, if any, regarding control and custody of medications. CCR Section 101226 Health-Related Services (e)(2) All prescription...medication shall be maintained with child's name and shall be dated. (e)(B) For each prescription medication,...approval and instructions from the child's authorized representative for the administration of the medication to the child. LPA completion of children's record review confirmed 1 out of 7 children's files did not meet these requirements. At 3:43 PM, LPA observed facility representative received document LIC 9221 Parent Consent for Administration of Medications and Medication Chart completed by authorized representative and placed in child's file. This poses a potential risk to children in care. Sign in/out is completed on paper by children's authorized representative. LPA discussed the safe sleep regulations with facility 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 facility representative of the importance of checking for recalled children devices on the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) website at https://www.cpsc.gov/ and recommended they register all devices with the CPSC to be notified of any recalls on purchased equipment. The facility representative was informed that Licensing Quarterly Updates are available at www.ccld.ca.gov and may request to be added to an email list to receive a Quarterly Update from www.ccld.ca.gov and select Receive Important Updates link. LPA provided Guardian Information and website info: https://www.cdss.ca.gov/inforesources/cdss-programs/community-care-licensing/caregiver-background-check/guardian Page 5 In the areas that were evaluated, Type B deficiencies were observed of the California Code of Regulations, Title 22, Division 12 at the time of the visit. For further detail, refer to 809-D. CCR 101221 Child's Records CCR 101226 Health-Related Services Exit interview conducted and report was reviewed with the facility representative/director, Samantha Gonzalez. Appeal Rights were discussed with facility representative. The facility representative was provided a copy of the appeal rights (LIC 9058 ) and their signature on this form acknowledges receipt of these rights. All appeals must be in writing and received by the Regional Office within 15 business days. A notice of site visit was given and must remain posted for 30 consecutive days. The \342\200\234Notice of Site Visit\342\200\235 must be posted on, or immediately adjacent to, the interior side of the main door to the facility. Failure to post will result in Civil Penalties of $100.00. 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 . End of Report

Citations

3 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.

FAQ · About this visit

Common questions about this visit

What happened during the October 13, 2025 inspection of MONTESSORI HARBOR MESA SCHOOL?

This was a other inspection of MONTESSORI HARBOR MESA SCHOOL on October 13, 2025. 3 citations were issued: 3 Type B.

Were any citations issued to MONTESSORI HARBOR MESA SCHOOL on October 13, 2025?

Yes, 3 citations were issued (0 Type A, 3 Type B).

What type of inspection was this?

This was a other inspection. other inspections are conducted by CCLD as part of their licensing oversight.

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