complaint1 citation

March 5, 2026

MONTESSORI SCHOOL OF SAN CLEMENTE

What Happened

Complaint investigation with mixed findings. Allegation of staff commingling children in rooms 2 and 3 during opening/closing SUBSTANTIATED - citation issued. Three other allegations (inadequate nap supervision, unqualified staff, operating out of ratio) UNSUBSTANTIATED based on interviews, observations, and records review.

Observations

  • Room 2 (6 weeks-18 months) and Room 3 (18-36 months) children combine during opening and closing times
  • When infants visit toddler option before 18 months, additional staff provided and ratio lowered to 1:4
  • Facility provides parents with notices when infants transition to toddler option
  • Nap time observations: Room 1 (6 infants, 3 staff), Room 2 (9 infants, 1 staff), Room 3 (8 toddlers, 1 staff), Room 5 (8 children, 1 staff), Room 7 (9 children, 1 staff), Room 9 (22 preschoolers, 1 staff), Room 11 (14 preschoolers, 1 staff), Room 12 (11 children, 2 staff)
  • All staff visually supervising during nap time
  • Preschool classrooms always have lead and/or assistant teacher present
  • Staff communicate via walkie talkies
  • Floaters/breakers available to step in as needed
  • Sign in/out sheets (12/22/2025-1/21/2026) show facility within ratio

Inspector Focus

Supervision/RatiosChild RecordsStaff Records

Citations Issued

Type B101161

101161 Limitations on Capacity(a) A licensee shall not operate a child care center beyond the conditions and limitations specified on the license, including the capacity limitation.This requirement was not met as evidenced by: Based on observations, interviews conducted, and record review it was determined that during opening and closing times, the children in Room 2 and Room 3 combine which poses a potential risk to children in care.

Data sourced from California Department of Social Services (CDSS) public records. Updated weekly. If you believe any information is inaccurate, report it here.