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Department of
SOCIAL SERVICES

Community Care Licensing


COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT

Facility Number: 336300575
Report Date: 01/30/2026
Date Signed: 07/21/2026 09:25:26 AM

Substantiated


STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT		CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
RIVERSIDE SE CC RO, 3737 MAIN STREET, STE 700
RIVERSIDE, CA 92501
This is an official report of an unannounced visit/investigation of a complaint received in our office on
11/03/2025 and conducted by Evaluator Sandra Pulido
PUBLIC
COMPLAINT CONTROL NUMBER: 10-CC-20251103143958
FACILITY NAME:BRIGHT MINDS MONTESSORI, INC.FACILITY NUMBER:
336300575
ADMINISTRATOR:LESLIE MARQUEZFACILITY TYPE:
850
ADDRESS:17159 GRAND AVENUETELEPHONE:
(951) 501-2590
CITY:LAKE ELSINORESTATE: CAZIP CODE:
92530
CAPACITY:48CENSUS: 20DATE:
01/30/2026
UNANNOUNCEDTIME BEGAN:
10:46 AM
MET WITH:Nam De SilvaTIME COMPLETED:
11:46 AM
ALLEGATION(S):
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Staff handled day care child in a rough manner
Staff spoke aggressively towards day care child
Staff are commingling day care children
Staff did not ensure the facility was free of pests
Staff are not following the facility menu
Staff did not maintain proper teacher-child ratios
INVESTIGATION FINDINGS:
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On 1/30/26 at 10:46 a.m., Licensing Program Analysts (LPAs) Sandra Pulido and Courtnee Peebles arrived unannounced at Bright Minds Montessori, Inc. and met with Licensee Nam De Silva to deliver the investigative findings for the above stated allegations received on 11/03/25 and are identified above. As part of the investigation, LPA Pulido conducted interviews, collected relevant documentation, completed a health and safety inspection of the child care center where observations were made on 11/5/2026 and again on 12/17/2026.

On November 3, 2026, Community Care Licensing (CCL) received a report alleging that staff handled a child roughly and spoke to the child in an aggressive manner. Reports stated that staff forcefully instructed a child to put their chair away and, when the child did not comply, grabbed the child by the arm. Interviews revealed that on the day of the incident, the child hid under a table. Staff directed the child to come out and, when the child did not respond, staff grabbed the child by the arm. Additional concerns were raised that staff placed children in highchairs when frustrated with their behavior. Interviews indicated that staff strapped
Substantiated
Estimated Days of Completion: 88
SUPERVISORS NAME: Pauline Beschorner
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Sandra Pulido
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 01/30/2026
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 01/30/2026
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 5
Control Number 10-CC-20251103143958
STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT (Cont)		CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
RIVERSIDE SE CC RO, 3737 MAIN STREET, STE 700
RIVERSIDE, CA 92501
FACILITY NAME: BRIGHT MINDS MONTESSORI, INC.
FACILITY NUMBER: 336300575
VISIT DATE: 01/30/2026
NARRATIVE
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children into highchairs as a way to manage behavior. Although this was not standard practice by all staff and is no longer occurring, the practice was confirmed during interviews and contributed to the findings in this investigation.

Additionally, it was reported that staff are commingling children and staff do not maintain teacher-child ratios. Six of ten Interviews revealed that staff were left alone with more than twelve children and that children from toddler, preschool, and school age groups were frequently combined, especially in the mornings when staffing was limited and until additional staff arrived. A review of records showed inconsistencies in classroom rosters and sign in/sign out documentation including instances where toddlers enrolled in the toddler program were present in the preschool classroom and children attending transitional kindergarten were picked up from school and placed in the preschool/Montessori classroom.

Additional allegations alleged that staff did not ensure the facility was free of pests, specifically mosquitoes and spiders. Interviews and observations confirmed ongoing mosquito activity, the presence of spider webs and dead insects around Building 3. Additional interviews and documentation reviewed indicated that vector control had been contacted and confirmed mosquito activity in the area; however, pest control services were not called to address the issue, and no mosquito specific treatment was conducted after reports of children being bitten by mosquitos.

Allegations also alleged that staff are not following the facility menu. Specifically, it was reported that children were fed cereal daily for breakfast even though it was not listed on the posted menu provided to parents. Interviews confirmed that the facility frequently substituted food items without notifying parents. Additional concerns included reports of spoiled or curdled milk, mold on berries, and periods when milk was unavailable. During the inspection on 11/5/25, LPA observed a toddler eating cereal on a day when cereal was not listed on the menu for afternoon snack.

Based on interviews, observations, and documentation, the preponderance of evidence standard has been met, and the allegations are substantiated. Violations of the California Code of Regulations are cited on the attached LIC 9099D. An exit interview was conducted, appeal rights were provided, and a Notice of Site Visit was issued and must remain posted for 30 days.
SUPERVISORS NAME: Pauline Beschorner
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Sandra Pulido
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 01/30/2026
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 01/30/2026
LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 2 of 5
Control Number 10-CC-20251103143958
STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT (Cont)		CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
RIVERSIDE SE CC RO, 3737 MAIN STREET, STE 700
RIVERSIDE, CA 92501

FACILITY NAME: BRIGHT MINDS MONTESSORI, INC.
FACILITY NUMBER: 336300575
DEFICIENCY INFORMATION FOR THIS PAGE:
VISIT DATE: 01/30/2026
Deficiency Type
POC Due Date /
Section Number
DEFICIENCIES
PLAN OF CORRECTIONS(POCs)
Request Denied
Type B
01/30/2026
Section Cited
CCR
101223(a)(3)
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To be free from corporal or unusual punishment, infliction of pain, humiliation, intimidation, ridicule, coercion, threat, mental abuse or other actions of a punitive nature...

This requirement is not met as evidenced by:
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Licensee will conduct a staff meeting, including personal rights training, and send LPA the training material and staff sign-in sheet by COB 3/13/26.
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Based on interviews, the licensee did not comply with the section cited above in having staff handle children in a rough manner, which posed a potential health, safety or personal rights risk to persons in care.
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Request Denied
Type B
01/30/2026
Section Cited
CCR
101216.3(a)
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There shall be a ratio of one teacher visually observing and supervising no more than 12 children in attendance, ….

This requirement is not met as evidenced by:
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Licensee will hire a teacher -aide to assist in the classrooms as a floater. Licensee will inform LPA of the hired aide by COB 3/31/26.
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Based on interviews, the licensee did not comply with the section cited above in ensuring staff are not supervising more than 12 children without additional staff present, which poses a potential health, safety or personal rights risk to persons 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.
SUPERVISOR'S NAME: Pauline Beschorner
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Sandra Pulido
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 01/30/2026
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 01/30/2026
LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 3 of 5
Control Number 10-CC-20251103143958
STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT (Cont)		CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
RIVERSIDE SE CC RO, 3737 MAIN STREET, STE 700
RIVERSIDE, CA 92501

FACILITY NAME: BRIGHT MINDS MONTESSORI, INC.
FACILITY NUMBER: 336300575
DEFICIENCY INFORMATION FOR THIS PAGE:
VISIT DATE: 01/30/2026
Deficiency Type
POC Due Date /
Section Number
DEFICIENCIES
PLAN OF CORRECTIONS(POCs)
Request Denied
Type B
01/30/2026
Section Cited
CCR
101223(a)(1)
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The licensee shall ensure that each child is accorded the following personal rights (1) To be accorded dignity in his/her personal relationships with staff and other persons.

This requirement is not met as evidenced by:
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Licensee will conduct a staff meeting, including personal rights training, and send LPA the training material and staff sign-in sheet by COB 3/13/26.
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Based on interviews, the licensee did not comply with the section cited above in having staff speak aggressively towards children, which posed a potential health, safety or personal rights risk to persons in care.
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Request Denied
Type B
01/30/2026
Section Cited
CCR
101538.3(b)
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In combination programs, indoor activity space provided for school-age child care center children shall be physically separated from space provided for infant care and child care center children.

This requirement is not met as evidenced by:
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Licensee will write a statement of understanding regarding comingling and submit to LPA by COB 3/6/26.
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Based on interviews, the licensee did not comply with the section cited above in comingling children across age groups, which poses a potential health, safety or personal rights risk to persons 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.
SUPERVISOR'S NAME: Pauline Beschorner
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Sandra Pulido
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 01/30/2026
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 01/30/2026
LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 4 of 5
Control Number 10-CC-20251103143958
STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT (Cont)		CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
RIVERSIDE SE CC RO, 3737 MAIN STREET, STE 700
RIVERSIDE, CA 92501

FACILITY NAME: BRIGHT MINDS MONTESSORI, INC.
FACILITY NUMBER: 336300575
DEFICIENCY INFORMATION FOR THIS PAGE:
VISIT DATE: 01/30/2026
Deficiency Type
POC Due Date /
Section Number
DEFICIENCIES
PLAN OF CORRECTIONS(POCs)
Request Denied
Type B
01/30/2026
Section Cited
CCR
101238(a)(1)
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The child care center shall be clean,safe... at all times to ensure the safety and well-being of children, employees and visitors.(1)The licensee shall take measures to keep the center free of flies, other insects, and rodents.
This requirement is not met as evidenced by:
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Licensee will obtain additional pest control services that will also include spraying for mosquitoes and send proof of scheduled visits to LPA by 3/6/26.
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Based on observations, record review, and interviews, the licensee did not comply with the section cited above not ensuring the facility is free of spider webs, insects, and mosquitoes, which posed a potential health, safety or personal rights risk to persons in care.
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Request Denied
Type B
01/30/2026
Section Cited
CCR
101227(a)(1)
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All food shall be safe and of the quality and in the quantity necessary to meet the needs of the children.... All food shall be selected, stored, prepared and served in a safe and healthful manner

This requirement is not met as evidenced by:
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Licensee will write a statement of understanding regarding food regulations and will provide to LPA by COB 3/6/26.
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Based on observations, record review, and interviews, the licensee did not comply with the section cited above by not consistently following the posted menu, running out of milk, and complaints of spoiled food and milk which posed a potential health, safety or personal rights risk to persons 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.
SUPERVISOR'S NAME: Pauline Beschorner
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Sandra Pulido
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 01/30/2026
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 01/30/2026
LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 5 of 5