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Department of
SOCIAL SERVICES

Community Care Licensing


COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT

Facility Number: 300610644
Report Date: 07/30/2026
Date Signed: 07/30/2026 05:17:38 PM

Unsubstantiated


STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT		CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
ORANGE COUNTY CC RO, 750 THE CITY DRIVE, SUITE 250
ORANGE, CA 92868
This is an official report of an unannounced visit/investigation of a complaint received in our office on
05/11/2026 and conducted by Evaluator Aiddee Nunez
PUBLIC
COMPLAINT CONTROL NUMBER: 06-CC-20260511104423
FACILITY NAME:WESTPARK MONTESSORI SCHOOL OF IRVINE, INC.FACILITY NUMBER:
300610644
ADMINISTRATOR:JENNIFER EADYFACILITY TYPE:
850
ADDRESS:11 SAN LEANDROTELEPHONE:
(949) 262-0500
CITY:IRVINESTATE: CAZIP CODE:
92614
CAPACITY:135CENSUS: 70DATE:
07/30/2026
UNANNOUNCEDTIME BEGAN:
04:00 PM
MET WITH:Jennifer Eady TIME COMPLETED:
04:40 PM
ALLEGATION(S):
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Staff inappropriately licked a daycare child.
Staff is interrupting daycare children while napping.
Staff demonstrated inappropriate forms of discipline.
INVESTIGATION FINDINGS:
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Licensing Program Analysts (LPAs) Nunez and Valdez-Santana conducted an unannounced complaint investigation. This is a continuation of the investigation initiated on 5/13/2026. Upon arrival, LPA met with Facility Representative Jennifer Eady Facility Representative, Owner Cheryll Ruszat, and Associate Director, Rayann Palazzolo and informed them the purpose of the visit is to deliver complaint findings. Census was taken and observed a total of 70 preschool age children and 10 staff members.

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 today’s inspection the facility was operating within its licensed capacity and within compliance of staffing ratios.


Page 1 of 3
Unsubstantiated
Estimated Days of Completion:
SUPERVISORS NAME: Tina Nguyen
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Aiddee Nunez
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 07/30/2026
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 07/30/2026
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 7
Control Number 06-CC-20260511104423
STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT (Cont)		CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
ORANGE COUNTY CC RO, 750 THE CITY DRIVE, SUITE 250
ORANGE, CA 92868
FACILITY NAME: WESTPARK MONTESSORI SCHOOL OF IRVINE, INC.
FACILITY NUMBER: 300610644
VISIT DATE: 07/30/2026
NARRATIVE
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On 5/11/26, the Orange County Child Care Office received a complaint alleging (1) Staff inappropriately licked a daycare child (2) Staff is interrupting daycare children while napping and (3) Staff demonstrated inappropriate forms of discipline. The Reporting Party (RP) stated the following: Child #1 (C1) reported that Staff #1 (S1) licked C1 on the cheek. Additionally, S1 takes children outside during nap time when they are supposed to be sleeping. Child #2 (C2), Child #3 (C3), and Child #4 (C4) were removed from the Bubble Fest event for not listening and were instructed to sit under the canopy for at least 10 minutes.

During the investigation, the LPA interviewed staff members, children, and parents, and obtained pertinent documents.

Regarding allegation (1) Staff inappropriately licked a daycare child.

During the investigation, the LPA interviewed Staff #1 (S1), who denied licking Child #1 (C1) on the cheek. Staff #2 (S2) and Staff #3 (S3) who are in the classroom with S1 stated that they had not observed S1 lick any children on the cheek. The LPA was unable to interview C1 because C1 no longer attends the facility.

Regarding allegation (2) Staff is interrupting daycare children while napping.

During the investigation, LPA interviewed nine staff members. All nine staff members stated that they do not interrupt children during nap time or take children outdoors while they are napping. Five staff members stated that if a child does not want to nap, the child is brought back to the classroom. Staff #8 (S8) stated that the Kindergarten classroom is the only class that goes outside during that time. LPA attempted to interview five children and was able to interview three. The three children interviewed did not disclose any concerns related to the allegation.


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SUPERVISORS NAME: Tina Nguyen
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Aiddee Nunez
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 07/30/2026
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 07/30/2026
LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 2 of 7
Control Number 06-CC-20260511104423
STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT (Cont)		CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
ORANGE COUNTY CC RO, 750 THE CITY DRIVE, SUITE 250
ORANGE, CA 92868
FACILITY NAME: WESTPARK MONTESSORI SCHOOL OF IRVINE, INC.
FACILITY NUMBER: 300610644
VISIT DATE: 07/30/2026
NARRATIVE
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Regarding allegation (3) Staff demonstrated inappropriate forms of discipline.

During the investigation, LPA interviewed nine staff members. None of the nine staff members disclosed using inappropriate forms of discipline with children. Staff #3 (S3) stated that several children were very excited during the Bubble Fest event and were repeatedly getting up, creating a concern that they could get hurt. S3 stated that those children were moved to the area underneath the gazebo. S3 further stated that the sun was very bright and the children were placed in a shaded area. Staff #1 (S1) stated that S1 was on a break during the event. When S1 returned from break, some children reported that they were hot. S1 stated that the children were moved to the gazebo area so they could sit together while still being able to see the show. LPA attempted to interview five children and was able to interview three. The three children interviewed did not disclose any concerns related to the allegation.

During parent interviews, one of the three parents interviewed provided information related to one of the allegations. The other parents did not provide information related to the allegation and did not express any concerns regarding the care of the children.

Based on information gathered from LPA’s interviews with nine staff members and parents, the preponderance of evidence has not been met. Although the allegations may have happened or are valid, there is not a preponderance of evidence to prove the alleged violations (1) Staff inappropriately licked a daycare child, (2) Staff is interrupting daycare children while napping, and (3) Staff demonstrated inappropriate forms of discipline; therefore, the allegations are UNSUBSTANTIATED.



Exit interview was conducted with Facility Representative, Jennifer Eady . The Notice of Site Visit was posted. The Facility Representative was informed that the Notice of Site Visit must be posted for 30 consecutive days. The Facility Representative was provided with a copy of their appeal rights (LIC 9058) and their signature on this form acknowledges receipt of these rights. First level appeals should be sent to the regional manager at the address listed above.

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SUPERVISORS NAME: Tina Nguyen
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Aiddee Nunez
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 07/30/2026
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 07/30/2026
LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 3 of 7
STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT		CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
ORANGE COUNTY CC RO, 750 THE CITY DRIVE, SUITE 250
ORANGE, CA 92868
This is an official report of an unannounced visit/investigation of a complaint received in our office on
05/11/2026 and conducted by Evaluator Aiddee Nunez
PUBLIC
COMPLAINT CONTROL NUMBER: 06-CC-20260511104423

FACILITY NAME:WESTPARK MONTESSORI SCHOOL OF IRVINE, INC.FACILITY NUMBER:
300610644
ADMINISTRATOR:JENNIFER EADYFACILITY TYPE:
850
ADDRESS:11 SAN LEANDROTELEPHONE:
(949) 262-0500
CITY:IRVINESTATE:CAZIP CODE:
92614
CAPACITY:135CENSUS: 70DATE:
07/30/2026
UNANNOUNCEDTIME BEGAN:
04:00 PM
MET WITH:Jennifer Eady TIME COMPLETED:
04:40 PM
ALLEGATION(S):
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Staff did not ensure children were supervised at all times.
INVESTIGATION FINDINGS:
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Licensing Program Analysts (LPAs) Nunez and Valdez-Santana conducted an unannounced complaint investigation. This is a continuation of the investigation initiated on 5/13/2026. Upon arrival, LPA met with Facility Representative Jennifer Eady Facility Representative, Owner Cheryll Ruszat, and Associate Director, Rayann Palazzolo and informed them the purpose of the visit is to deliver complaint findings. Census was taken and observed a total of 70 preschool age children and 10 staff members.

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 today’s inspection the facility was operating within its licensed capacity and within compliance of staffing ratios.

Page 1 of 3
Substantiated
Estimated Days of Completion:
SUPERVISORS NAME: Tina Nguyen
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Aiddee Nunez
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 07/30/2026
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 07/30/2026
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 7
Control Number 06-CC-20260511104423
STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT (Cont)		CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
ORANGE COUNTY CC RO, 750 THE CITY DRIVE, SUITE 250
ORANGE, CA 92868
FACILITY NAME: WESTPARK MONTESSORI SCHOOL OF IRVINE, INC.
FACILITY NUMBER: 300610644
VISIT DATE: 07/30/2026
NARRATIVE
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On 5/11/26, the Orange County Child Care Office received a complaint alleging staff did not ensure children were supervised at all times. The Reporting Party (RP) stated the following: a child was left outside alone.

During the investigation, the LPA interviewed staff members, children, and parents, and obtained pertinent documents.

During staff interviews, it was disclosed that on April 6, 2026, Child #1 (C1) was left on the playground during the transition from outdoor play to the indoor area. Staff #6 (S6) stated that when the children came inside for lunch after outdoor play, S6 noticed that C1 was not present. S6 immediately went outside to check and observed C1 sitting alone in the grass area, dumping sand out of C1’s shoe. S6 estimated that C1 had been outside alone for approximately 2 to 3 minutes. Three staff members that were present confirmed that no teachers were present outside when C1 was outside alone.

During parent interviews, one of the three parents interviewed provided information related to one of the allegations. The other parent did not provide information related to the allegation and did not express any concerns regarding the care of the children.

Based on information gathered from LPA’s staff members and parent interviews, the preponderance of evidence has been met; therefore, the allegation of staff did not ensure children were supervised at all times is SUBSTANTIATED. California Code of Regulations, Title 22, Division 12, Chapter 1 Section are being cited on the attached LIC9099D. Please refer to attached 9099D for documentation of deficiencies.

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SUPERVISORS NAME: Tina Nguyen
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Aiddee Nunez
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 07/30/2026
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 07/30/2026
LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 5 of 7
Control Number 06-CC-20260511104423
STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT (Cont)		CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
ORANGE COUNTY CC RO, 750 THE CITY DRIVE, SUITE 250
ORANGE, CA 92868
FACILITY NAME: WESTPARK MONTESSORI SCHOOL OF IRVINE, INC.
FACILITY NUMBER: 300610644
VISIT DATE: 07/30/2026
NARRATIVE
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LPA informed the Facility Representative that this report dated 7/30/2026 document a Type A citation, which shall be posted for 30 consecutive days as there is an immediate risk to the health, safety, or personal rights of children in care. Also, LPA informed the Director to provide a copy of this licensing report dated 7/30/2026 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.

Exit interview was conducted with Facility Representative,Jennifer Eady Owner Cheryll Ruszat, and Associate Director, Rayann Palazzolo. The Notice of Site Visit was posted. Facility Representative was informed that the Notice of Site Visit must be posted for 30 consecutive days. Facility Representative was provided with a copy of their appeal rights (LIC 9058) and their signature on this form acknowledges receipt of these rights. First level appeals should be sent to the regional manager to the address listed above.

Page 3 of 3

SUPERVISORS NAME: Tina Nguyen
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Aiddee Nunez
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 07/30/2026
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 07/30/2026
LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 6 of 7
Control Number 06-CC-20260511104423
STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT (Cont)		CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
ORANGE COUNTY CC RO, 750 THE CITY DRIVE, SUITE 250
ORANGE, CA 92868

FACILITY NAME: WESTPARK MONTESSORI SCHOOL OF IRVINE, INC.
FACILITY NUMBER: 300610644
DEFICIENCY INFORMATION FOR THIS PAGE:
VISIT DATE: 07/30/2026
Deficiency Type
POC Due Date /
Section Number
DEFICIENCIES
PLAN OF CORRECTIONS(POCs)
Type A
07/31/2026
Section Cited
CCR
101229(a)(1)
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Responsibility for Providing Care and Supervision 101229 (a) The licensee shall provide care and supervision as necessary to meet the children's needs. (1) No child(ren) shall be left without the supervision of a teacher at any time
This requirement is not met as evidence by:
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They reinstated head count of the children before leaving the playground. They provided a meeting to all the staff regarding supervision. They also had a conference meeting w/S1 regarding doing a visual sweeping before leaving the outside play area.
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Based on staff interviews, C1 was alone in the outdoor play area without supervision. This is an immediate risk to the safety of the children in care.

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A written statement plan will be provided to LPA Nunez
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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.
SUPERVISOR'S NAME: Tina Nguyen
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Aiddee Nunez
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 07/30/2026
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 07/30/2026
LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 7 of 7