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Department of
SOCIAL SERVICES

Community Care Licensing


COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT

Facility Number: 198016985
Report Date: 07/09/2026
Date Signed: 07/09/2026 03:27:50 PM

Substantiated


STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT		CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
MONTEREY PARK CC RO, 1000 CORPORATE CNTR DR. 200-B
MONTEREY PARK, CA 91754
This is an official report of an unannounced visit/investigation of a complaint received in our office on
04/13/2026 and conducted by Evaluator Diana Ortiz
PUBLIC
COMPLAINT CONTROL NUMBER: 33-CC-20260413143020
FACILITY NAME:INTERNATIONAL MONTESSORI SCHOOL OF CLAREMONTFACILITY NUMBER:
198016985
ADMINISTRATOR:MITCHELL, WENDYFACILITY TYPE:
850
ADDRESS:341 W. SAN JOSE AVENUETELEPHONE:
(909) 621-1313
CITY:CLAREMONTSTATE: CAZIP CODE:
91711
CAPACITY:64CENSUS: 11DATE:
07/09/2026
UNANNOUNCEDTIME BEGAN:
12:15 PM
MET WITH:Director, Ulyssa Baham PrenticeTIME COMPLETED:
03:45 PM
ALLEGATION(S):
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Staff are not qualified to provide care
INVESTIGATION FINDINGS:
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On 07/09/26 at 12:15pm, Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Diana Ortiz conducted an unannounced site inspection to deliver the findings regarding the above complaint allegation. LPA met with Director, Ulyssa Baham Prentice, who was informed of the purpose of the visit. LPA was guided on a tour of the facility, and a census was taken, during which 11 children and three (3) staff were observed present. Per facility director there are currently 31 children enrolled.

The allegation stated that staff are not qualified to provide care.

As part of the investigation, LPA conducted interviews with the facility Owner, five (5) staff members, Reporting Party (RP), and four (4) daycare parents. LPA obtained a copy of the Personnel Report, Facility Roster, Employee handbook, and copies of staff files. LPA performed a random sample review of children and staff files.

Page 1 of 3
Substantiated
Estimated Days of Completion:
SUPERVISORS NAME: Brandi VanOosten
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Diana Ortiz
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 07/09/2026
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 07/09/2026
This report must be available at Child Care and Group Home facilities for public review for 3 years.
LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 1 of 6
Control Number 33-CC-20260413143020
STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT (Cont)		CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
MONTEREY PARK CC RO, 1000 CORPORATE CNTR DR. 200-B
MONTEREY PARK, CA 91754
FACILITY NAME: INTERNATIONAL MONTESSORI SCHOOL OF CLAREMONT
FACILITY NUMBER: 198016985
VISIT DATE: 07/09/2026
NARRATIVE
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The Reporting Party alleged that certain facility staff may not meet teacher qualification or fingerprint clearance requirements.

Staff #1 (S#1) stated to have worked at the facility for approximately 15 years and is currently responsible for day-to-day operations while the current director is on leave. S#1 reported that another teacher from a sister facility occasionally assists and that Staff #3 primarily performs administrative duties, including greeting families, assisting with enrollment, and cleaning, but has become more involved in operations as a prospective owner. S#1 stated that staff are fully qualified; however, Staff #3 had indicated completion of required course work but had not yet provided transcripts. S#1 further explained that newly hired staff are required to submit transcripts, a resume, and reference letters prior to employment for verification of qualifications.

Staff #2 stated that when the director is not present, Staff #3 is on-site and assists with children, including covering staff breaks and helping with nap time. Staff #2 reported that Staff #3 has been working at the facility since approximately September of 2025 and confirmed that Staff #3 is left alone with children at times. Staff #2 further stated that she does not know whether Staff #3 meets the required qualifications to work with children.

Staff #3 stated that they are an administrative staff member at the facility who has worked there since September 2025, typically working daily from about 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM and occasionally arriving earlier before the facility opens. S#3 stated that their role is strictly administrative, focused on facility familiarity and cleanliness, and that S#3 does not assist with children, even during staff shortages or break coverage. S#3 stated that they have over 10 years of experience operating a private home daycare and currently runs a childcare program with approximately 15 children enrolled on varying schedules from 5:00 AM to 6:00 PM Monday through Friday, supported by two assistants. S#3 stated they are not aware of any unqualified staff working at the facility. S#3 also stated that they are not currently qualified to work directly with children at the facility due to incomplete required training units but reported that fingerprints were transferred from their existing childcare business. LPA observed in Guardian that the permanent association date for S#3's fingerprints with the facility was January 8, 2026.

Page 2 of 3
SUPERVISORS NAME: Brandi VanOosten
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Diana Ortiz
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 07/09/2026
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 07/09/2026
LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 2 of 6
Control Number 33-CC-20260413143020
STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT (Cont)		CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
MONTEREY PARK CC RO, 1000 CORPORATE CNTR DR. 200-B
MONTEREY PARK, CA 91754
FACILITY NAME: INTERNATIONAL MONTESSORI SCHOOL OF CLAREMONT
FACILITY NUMBER: 198016985
VISIT DATE: 07/09/2026
NARRATIVE
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Staff #4 and Staff #5 reported that, they observed, S#3 present in the mornings and was at times the only person supervising a small number of children before additional staff arrived. They also stated they were not aware of whether that staff member met the required teacher qualifications.

Parent #1 and Parent #2 stated that during morning drop-off (did not provide a specific time), Staff #3 is present at the facility and is sometimes the only staff member available at check-in.

During the course of the investigation, LPA obtained copies of selected staff timesheets for the months of January and March, as well as randomly selected children’s sign-in and sign-out records.

This agency has investigated the complaint alleging that staff are not qualified to provide care. Based on LPA’s interviews conducted, the preponderance of evidence standard has been met; therefore, the allegations are found to be SUBSTANTIATED. California Code of Regulations, Title 22, Division 12 & Chapter 1, are being cited on the attached LIC 9099D page. Deficiencies cited must be cleared to protect the health and safety of children in care.

LPA informed Director that this report dated 07/09/26 document(s) one (1) Type A citation(s) which shall be posted for 30 consecutive days as there is an immediate risk(s) to the health, safety, or personal rights of children in care.

LPA informed Director, Ulyssa Baham Prentice to provide a copy of this licensing report dated 07/09/26 that documents any Type A citation(s) to parents/guardians of all children currently enrolled by the next business day or the next day the children are in care, and to any newly enrolled parents/guardians for 12 months from the date of this report. A signed Acknowledgement of Receipt of Licensing Report (LIC 9224), or other written statement, must be placed in the child's file for verification. A copy of the LIC 9224 was provided to the director on this date.

A notice of site visit was given and must remain posted for 30 days. Failure to comply with posting requirements shall result in an immediate civil penalty of $100.

Exit interview conducted and report was reviewed with Director, Ulyssa Baham Prentice.
Page 3 of 3
SUPERVISORS NAME: Brandi VanOosten
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Diana Ortiz
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 07/09/2026
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 07/09/2026
LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 3 of 6
STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT		CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
MONTEREY PARK CC RO, 1000 CORPORATE CNTR DR. 200-B
MONTEREY PARK, CA 91754
This is an official report of an unannounced visit/investigation of a complaint received in our office on
04/13/2026 and conducted by Evaluator Diana Ortiz
PUBLIC
COMPLAINT CONTROL NUMBER: 33-CC-20260413143020

FACILITY NAME:INTERNATIONAL MONTESSORI SCHOOL OF CLAREMONTFACILITY NUMBER:
198016985
ADMINISTRATOR:MITCHELL, WENDYFACILITY TYPE:
850
ADDRESS:341 W. SAN JOSE AVENUETELEPHONE:
(909) 621-1313
CITY:CLAREMONTSTATE: CAZIP CODE:
91711
CAPACITY:64CENSUS: 11DATE:
07/09/2026
UNANNOUNCEDTIME BEGAN:
12:15 PM
MET WITH:Director, Ulyssa Baham PrenticeTIME COMPLETED:
03:45 PM
ALLEGATION(S):
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9
Staff are not fingerprinted
INVESTIGATION FINDINGS:
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On 07/09/26, Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Diana Ortiz conducted an unannounced site inspection to deliver the findings regarding the above complaint allegation. LPA met with Director, Ulyssa Baham Prentice, who was informed of the purpose of the visit. LPA was guided on a tour of the facility, and a census was taken, during which 11children and three (3) staff were observed present. Per facility director there are currently 31 children enrolled.

The allegation stated that staff are not fingerprinted.

As part of the investigation, LPA conducted interviews with the facility Owner, five (5) staff members, Reporting Party (RP), and four (4) daycare parents. LPA obtained a copy of the Personnel Report, Facility Roster, Employee handbook, and copies of staff files. LPA performed a random sample review of children and staff files.
Page 1 of 2
Unsubstantiated
Estimated Days of Completion:
SUPERVISORS NAME: Brandi VanOosten
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Diana Ortiz
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 07/09/2026
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 07/09/2026
This report must be available at Child Care and Group Home facilities for public review for 3 years.
LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 4 of 6
Control Number 33-CC-20260413143020
STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT (Cont)		CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
MONTEREY PARK CC RO, 1000 CORPORATE CNTR DR. 200-B
MONTEREY PARK, CA 91754
FACILITY NAME: INTERNATIONAL MONTESSORI SCHOOL OF CLAREMONT
FACILITY NUMBER: 198016985
VISIT DATE: 07/09/2026
NARRATIVE
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The Reporting Party alleged that certain facility staff may not meet fingerprint clearance requirements.

Staff #1 (S#1) stated that all newly hired staff are required to complete fingerprint clearance prior to employment and denied allowing any staff to work without clearance.

Staff #2-staff #6 stated that they obtained fingerprint clearance prior to beginning employment at the facility.

Parents interviewed did not provide any information or express concerns regarding staff fingerprint clearance.

During the course of the inspection, LPA printed the facility roster from Guardian. Review of the roster and verification of staff present at the time of inspection confirmed that all individuals observed working in the facility were fingerprint cleared and associated to the facility.

Based on interviews conducted, documentation reviewed, and LPA’s direct observations, there was no indication or evidence to support the allegation that Staff are not fingerprinted. Based upon the evidence as presented above, the allegation has been determined to be UNSUBSTANTIATED. A finding of Unsubstantiated means that although the allegation may have happened or is valid, there is not a preponderance of evidence to prove alleged violation(s) did or did not occur, therefore at this time the above allegation is unsubstantiated.

A notice of site visit was given and must remain posted for 30 days. Failure to comply with posting requirements shall result in an immediate civil penalty of $100.

Exit interview conducted and report was reviewed with Director, Ulyssa Baham Prentice.








Page 2 of 2
SUPERVISORS NAME: Brandi VanOosten
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Diana Ortiz
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 07/09/2026
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 07/09/2026
LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 5 of 6
Control Number 33-CC-20260413143020
STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT (Cont)		CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
MONTEREY PARK CC RO, 1000 CORPORATE CNTR DR. 200-B
MONTEREY PARK, CA 91754

FACILITY NAME: INTERNATIONAL MONTESSORI SCHOOL OF CLAREMONT
FACILITY NUMBER: 198016985
DEFICIENCY INFORMATION FOR THIS PAGE:
VISIT DATE: 07/09/2026
Deficiency Type
POC Due Date /
Section Number
DEFICIENCIES
PLAN OF CORRECTIONS(POCs)
Type A
07/09/2026
Section Cited
CCR
101216.1(c)(1)
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101216.1(c)(1) Teacher Qualifications
To be a fully qualified teacher...(1) Twelve post-secondary semester or equivalent quarter units in early childhood education or child development completed...
This regulation was not met as evidenced by:
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Per Director, only qualified staff will provide care and supervision to children in care. S#3 will only be present to conduct administrative work and they will ensure there is a qualified staff available in the morning during drop off and pick up.
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Based on interviews and record review, S#3 does not possess the required qualifying semester or quarter units to provide care and supervision to children. This poses an immediate risk to the health, safety or personal rights to children in care.
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Failure to correct the cited deficiency(ies), on or before the Plan of Correction (POC) due date, may result in a civil penalty assessment.
SUPERVISORS NAME: Brandi VanOosten
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Diana Ortiz
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 07/09/2026
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 07/09/2026
LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 6 of 6