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During the investigation, LPA interviewed four staff, obtained staff timecards, children attendance sheets, reviewed staff files, retrieved transcripts, and obtained the facility roster.
Reporting Party (RP) alleges Unqualified staff providing care and supervision to daycare children. RP alleges ongoing staffing concerns in the Pre-Primary (Orange Group) classroom at the Montessori preschool. RP mention staff #3 (S3) and staff #4 (S4) are aides who were caring for the children without a qualified teacher present. RP stated they became aware that there was no qualified teacher assigned to the classroom after the previous qualified teacher left in March. Since that time, at both drop-off and pick-up, they have not observed a replacement teacher. Instead, RP consistently saw only the aides and sometimes the Director.
On 07/07/2026, LPA interviewed four staff including S3 and S4 who the RP stated were not qualified to be left alone with children. Staff #1 (S1) and staff #2 (S2) both stated S3 was hired in May 2026 as an assistant and has never cared for children alone. Records reviewed by LPA confirmed S# was hired in May 2026. S1 and S2 both stated S4 is a qualified staff who has the required 12 units but was hired as an assistant. Both S1 and S2 mentioned when the original teacher left in March, S4 was placed in charge of Pre-Primary (Orange Group) classroom until a teacher was hired. On 07/07/2026, LPA reviewed S4 file and reviewed S4 college transcripts. Based on records reviewed, S4 met the qualifications to be a preschool teacher and has the required 12 units to care for preschool age children alone. During the interview with S1, S2, and S4, all stated S3 has never been left alone with children. During the interview with S3, S3 stated they have never cared for children alone.
On 07/08/2026, LPA contacted seven parents via phone call. Out of seven parents called, LPA was able to interview three parents. Parents interviewed did not divulge any information pertaining to the allegation.
Based on records, interviews with staff and parents, there was not enough evidence to substantiate the allegation.
The Orange County Child Care Office has investigated the complaint alleging (1) Unqualified staff providing care and supervision to daycare children: although the allegation may have happened or is valid, there is not enough preponderance of evidence to prove the alleged violation did or did not occur, therefore the allegation is UNSUBSTANTIATED.
In the areas that were evaluated, no deficiencies were observed of the California Code of Regulations, Title 22, Division 12 at the time of the visit. Exit interview conducted and report was reviewed with licensee Nayna Patel. A notice of site visit was given and must remain posted for 30 days.
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