Skip to main content

Inspection visit

Routine inspection

GAOWA MONTESSORI SCHOOLLicense 3043714381 citation on this visit
1 citation recorded

Inspector’s narrative

What the inspector wrote

On 03/04/2025 at 12:40pm, Licensing Program Analyst (LPA), Sarah Garcia and Licensing Program Manager (LPM) Martha Malane conducted an onsite inspection for the purpose of an Annual Random. LPA met with director, Donna Koontz and owner, Alejandro Moreno . LPA conducted a walk-through of the facility inside and outside and the floor and yard plan were verified. Census was taken in individual classrooms. The overall census observed was 85 preschool children and 8 staff. During the inspection, it was determined the facility is operating within its licensed capacity and within compliance of staffing ratios. Facility hours are 7a.m.- 5:30p.m., Monday through Friday. A review of the Facility Personnel Report Summary 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. During the inspection of the indoor activity space, items which could pose a danger to children (detergents, cleaning compounds, and medications) were observed to be stored out of the reach of children. Poisons/Hazardous Items are not kept on the premises. Snacks are prepared by the school. Food prep areas were clean and sanitary. Lunches are provided by parents. Food is properly stored. Menus were posted where they could be reviewed by parents. Floors, equipment, and furniture were clean and were observed to be in good repair and free of sharp edges. There is drinking water available to children indoors by sports bottle with the child\342\200\231s name on it. The children's bathrooms are clean and sanitary. Children nap on cots, and bedding is stored individually and is taken home weekly to be washed by parents or facility washes blankets at end of week. The facility has conducted an emergency drill within the past six months. The facility has a working smoke detector, carbon monoxide detector and fire extinguisher. Facility met all posting requirement. The California Child Passenger Safety Law was posted by the entrance of the facility. Continued on Page 2 Page 2 The outdoor activity space was inspected for compliance. 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, 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 sports bottles with the child\342\200\231s name on it. The outdoor equipment and toys were in good repair and free of sharp edges. There are no bodies of water present at the facility. The facility grounds were safe, sanitary and in good repair. Staff files were reviewed for staff present during the facility inspection on this date, 5 out of 8 staff files were reviewed. Health screening and immunizations as required were reviewed. Beginning September 1, 2016, Health and Safety (H&S) 1596.7995 states, a person shall not be employed or volunteer at a day care center if he or she has not been immunized against influenza, pertussis, and measles. Proof of immunization against pertussis, measles for staff were reviewed and within compliance. Beginning March 31, 2018, H&S Code 1596.8662 requires all directors and employees to complete mandated reporting training, and to renew the training every two years. Children's records were reviewed, and there was a separate, complete and current record for each child. A random sample of (10) of children's files were reviewed for documentation of the child\342\200\231s name, address, and telephone number of the child\342\200\231s authorized representative and of relatives or others that can assume responsibility for the child if the authorized representative cannot be reached when necessary (LIC 700) and a medical assessment. In the areas reviewed the children\342\200\231s files were found to be in full compliance. Sign in/out procedure was reviewed for compliance. The person who signs the child in and out uses their full legal signature and records the time of the day. 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. Continued on Page 3 Page 3 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). The facility building was constructed after 2010 therefore the lead testing is not required. PIN 22-05-CCP Page Four LPA referred director to the Department website for lead: Lead Toxicity Prevention and Water Testing Information . The director 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. 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 Information on the additional nutrition training, immunization requirements for children, and Health Schools Act ( http://www.cdpr.ca.gov/docs/pestmgt/schoolipm.htm ) were provided. The director was informed, and website given, about the California Child Care Disaster Plan has been posted to the UCSF 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 A copy of the California Department of Social Services Lead Information Brochure was explained and provided to the facility representative. 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. Continued on Page 4 Page 4 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. 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 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/ . Director 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. Based on LPAs observations and record reviews the following violation (s) was observed is being cited in accordance with California Code of Regulations, Title 22, Division 12, Chapter 3, Section 101226(e)(2) Health-Related Services , is being cited on the attached LIC 809D. Exit interview conducted and report was reviewed with the director, Donna Koontz and owner, Alejandro Moreno. A notice of site visit was given and must remain posted for 30 days. 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

4 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.

  • 101212(d)Type B

    REPORTING REQUIREMENTS

    CCR 101212(d) Reporting Requirements...During the operation of the childcare center... a report shall be made to the Department by... next working day...In addition, a written report containing the information specified...This requirement was not met as evidenced by: Based on interviews and record review, the facility did not report 11/8/24 incident to the Department in a timely manner. This is a potential health and safety risk to the children in care.

  • PERSONAL RIGHTS

    101223 (a)(2) Personal Rights(a) The licensee shall ensure that each child is accorded the following personal rights: (2) To be accorded safe, healthful and comfortable accommodations, furnishings and equipment to meet his/her needs.This requirement was not met as evidenced by: Based on interviews, the licensee did not ensure the children were provided a safe environment due to amphetamines and Fentanyl discovered in facility restroom accessed by staff and parents which poses an immediate risk to the personal rights of the children in care.

  • HEALTH AND SAFETY CODE SECTION

    1596.885(c): Conduct Inimical(c) Conduct which is inimical to the health, morals, welfare, or safety of either an individual in or receiving services from the facility or the people of this state.This requirement was not met as evidenced by: Based on interviews and record review, amphetamines and Fentanyl were discovered in facility restroom accessed by staff and parents which poses an immediate risk to the health of the children in care.

  • HEALTH-RELATED SERVICES

    Based on observation and record review, the licensee did not comply with the section cited above in 4 medications were expired which poses/posed 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 March 4, 2025 inspection of GAOWA MONTESSORI SCHOOL?

This was an inspection of GAOWA MONTESSORI SCHOOL on March 4, 2025. 1 citation were issued: 1 Type B.

Were any citations issued to GAOWA MONTESSORI SCHOOL on March 4, 2025?

Yes, 1 citation was issued (0 Type A, 1 Type B). The first citation was for: "CCR 101212(d) Reporting Requirements...During the operation of the childcare center... a report shall be made to the Dep..."

What type of inspection was this?

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

Share this reportEmail

Next steps

If this is your facility,claim this pageand correct anything the record gets wrong. Free.

Researching this visit professionally?Book a 15-minute calland we will walk through what we have on file.

Data from CCLD public records. Last updated . If you believe any information is inaccurate, report it here.