Step by Step Montessori

ALLEGATION(S): Staff hit day care child Staff handled day care child in a rough manner INVESTIGATION FINDINGS: On 4/2/2026 at 9:20 AM, Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) K.M. conducted an unannounced Subsequent Complaint Investigation at Step By Step Montessori. LPA met with Owner M.H. and Director R.W. and explained the purpose of today’s inspection. The finding for the above allegation was delivered during the inspection. The facility is closed for staff inservice and no children were present during this visit. During course of investigation LPA conducted facility inspection, observations, record review, interviews and obtained documents. It was determined that the RP provided some statements to the LPA that conflicted with the statement in the complaint and statements provided by facility staff. No children that were interviewed stated that they observed any incidents of hitting or that they were hit by any staff. However, there is no evidence to prove that the incident did not occur. Based on the interviews and information obtained throughout the investigation, the allegation is UNSUBSTANTIATED which means although the allegation may have happened or is valid, there is not a preponderance of evidence to prove the alleged violation did or did not occur. No Deficiency has been cited for this allegation. Exit interview conducted with Director R.W. A NOTICE OF SITE VISIT WAS ISSUED AND MUST BE POSTED FOR 30 DAYS. Unsubstantiated Estimated Days of Completion: On 4/2/2026 at 9:20 AM, Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) K.M. conducted an unannounced Subsequent Complaint Investigation at Step By Step Montessori. LPA met with Owner M.H. and Director R.W. and explained the purpose of today’s inspection. The finding for the above allegation was delivered during the inspection. The facility is closed for staff inservice and no children were present during this visit. During course of investigation LPA conducted facility inspection, observations, record review, interviews and obtained documents. It was determined that the RP provided some statements to the LPA that conflicted statements provided by facility staff. No children that were interviewed stated that they observed any incidents of staff being rough or that they were handled roughly by any staff. However, there is no evidence to prove that the incident did not occur. Based on the interviews and information obtained throughout the investigation, the allegation is UNSUBSTANTIATED which means although the allegation may have happened or is valid, there is not a preponderance of evidence to prove the alleged violation did or did not occur. No Deficiency has been cited for this allegation. Exit interview conducted with Director A NOTICE OF SITE VISIT WAS ISSUED AND MUST BE POSTED FOR 30 DAYS. Unsubstantiated Estimated Days of Completion:

CCR 101216.3(a) · Type A

101216.3 Teacher-Child Ratio (a)There shall be a ratio of one teacher visually observing and supervising no more than 12 children in attendance, except as specified in (b) and (c) below. (1) The number of children in attendance shall not exceed licensed capacity (2) Whenever children are engaged in activities away from the center, no teacher shall be in charge of a group of more than 12 children. This requirement was not met as evidenced by: On at least one ocassion a teacher has been observed supervising more than 12 children alone. This poses an immediate risk to the health and safety of children in care.