Click on the GREEN HIGHLIGHT to view official documents and reports.   Click on the Comments, above and read the issues raised and responses. 

CURRENT STATUS

The Office of Zoning Administration has scheduled a public hearing for June 8, 2023.  The public notice is viewable on the Department of City Planning website Case No. ZA-2021-9975-CU.

On May 16, 2023,  Maha Montessori Preschool presented at the Encino Planning and Land Use Meeting.  Committee members did not vote due to the lack of a 500-foot mail notice to the public.  Maha Montessori Preschool was invited to the Council Meeting on May 24, 2023, after proper notice.

See below the documents Maha Montessori Preschool submitted at Encino Planning and Land Use Meeting.

Please provide your comments and ask questions. All questions will be answered within 48 hours.  Click on “Leave a Comment” above or navigate to the bottom. 

PROJECT 

The applicants,  Maha Alali and Imsharaf Minahi, owners and operators of Maha Montessori Preschool, have operated a three classroom Large Family Day Care since 2018 for up to 14 children in a 1,528-square-foot single-family dwelling.  Upon approval of the requested Conditional Use Permit, the applicants intend to expand the number of children to 32. No new construction is proposed.

REQUESTED ENTITLEMENT

A Conditional Use Permit, pursuant to Section 12.24-W, 51 of the Los Angeles Municipal Code, to expand an existing Large Family Child Care currently serving a maximum of 14 children to 32 children between the ages of infant to school age with hours of operation 7:00 am – 8:00 pm, Monday-Friday including providing required parking in the front yard pursuant to Section 12.24-F of the Los Angeles Municipal Code.

BACKGROUND

Licensed Family Child Care Homes (FCCH) have been steadily declining since 2008 throughout the state. In 2008 there were 39,000 family child care homes; eleven years later, that number declined to 25,900. The state’s biggest county, Los Angeles, has also experienced significant decreases, losing almost 4,200 FCCHs. This reduction in the number of FCCHs resulted in a 29% decrease in spaces, meaning over 109,000 children will not have access to early learning programs.  The most recent Needs Assessment Report determined that zip code 91403 has a shortfall of 27 Licensed Family Child Care Homes spaces and 87 Center spaces.

The Department of City Planning realizes the benefit of childcare in that “[s]tudies have found that high-quality early childcare and education improves educational achievement among children and contributes to their long-term success. These academic gains are particularly significant for children of low-income families.”

Furthermore, the Cornell Linking Economic Development and Child Care Project determined that childcare benefits the economy, parents, and children.    In regards to the economy, childcare is an “economic driver” within our City in that it.”

• • supports a robust future economy by preparing children to enter K-12 education ready to learn the skills necessary to succeed in school and become productive workers;
  • enables employers to attract and retain employees and increase their productivity, and
  • provides many jobs that generate considerable revenue.

PROPERTY

The subject Property (Property)  is a 6,026.7-size parcel, 47.30 feet in width by 153 feet in depth, fronting on a local street. Improvements include a 1,528 square-foot single-family dwelling (residential with accessary use Large Family Day Care), built in 1956, 457.2 square-foot detached structure used as a detached 360 square-foot carport, attached 170 square-foot carport, and located at the rear of the Property.

The Los Angeles County Assessor Use Code is 0100 – Residential – Single Family Residence. According to Section 12.22-A.3(b) of the Los Angeles Municipal Code, the dwelling is currently used as a Large Family Day Care.

SURROUNDINGS

• • Generally, the Property is bordered by single-family dwellings in the R1-1 zone classification.
  • North: (Adjoining) Parcel 12,0774 square feet in size, in R1-1 zone category with 1,666 single-family-dwelling, built-in 1953.
  • South: (Abutting) Parcel 11,718 square feet, in R1-1 zone category with 2,736 single-family-dwelling, built-in 1940.
  • East: (Adjoining) Parcel 6,027.7 square feet in size, in R1-1 zone category with 1,528 single-family-dwelling, built-in 1956.
  • West: (Adjoining) Parcel 6,300.9 square feet in size, in R1-1 zone category with 2,116 single-family-dwelling, built-in 1946.

CODE, CONTEXT, AND GUIDING LAND USE POLICY

The Los Angeles Municipal Code has a by-right process for Small and Large Family Day Care facilities (Section 12.22-A,3 of the LAMC).    Operations with more than 14 children currently require a Conditional Use Permit.  Section 12.24-W,51 of the LAMC states, childcare facilities or nursery schools in the A, RE, RS, R1, RU, RZ, RMP, RW, R2, R3, RAS3, or RD Zones …”

In 2020 and 2021, City Council adopted several motions regarding childcare.  One Motion CF 20-0652 is to create an administrative approval “By-Right” process for childcare facilities if the applicant complies with licensing requirements and agrees to standard conditions, such as the proposed standard conditions detailed in the Council Motion.

American Planning Association PAS Report No. 521/522 states, “[a] common fault of zoning codes is to treat all child care facilities as if they were large commercial operations. Zoning definitions of childcare facilities should distinguish between home-based and larger childcare centers.”

The importance of distinguishing childcare facilities from commercial ones because not doing so would characterize many childcare facilities as an intrusion into residential areas. On the contrary, proper planning is to locate specific childcare in or close to residential areas.

Planning 101 – Relevant Land Use and Planning Tools

• • Concept of Conditional Use Permit (Read a comprehensive discussion on CUP)
  • Concept of imposing Conditions (Read a comprehensive discussion on Conditions of Approval)
  • Concept of Findings (Read a comprehensive discussion on Findings)

ADDRESSING POTENTIAL IMPACTS

There are typically three potential impacts common to childcare: visual, noise, and traffic/parking. Regarding visual impact, the building will continue to appear as a single-family dwelling, and no alternations will occur, hampering future conversion to a single-family dwelling, if so desired.

Regarding noise, it is first noted that the existing childcare has operated since 2018 and has not received a noise complaint. The playground and open space activities will continue in the rear yard, surrounded by fencing and landscape with a detached structure providing a noise buffer. Outdoor playtime is limited to three hours with no more the 14 children at any one time. The facility will not operate in the evening hours when most residents are home, nor will it be open Saturday and Sunday. Lastly, the ambient noise from the street and nearby highway help reduce the sound of children when they are outdoors.

Regarding traffic, the applicant obtained an unofficial assessment from the Los Angeles Department of Transportation (LADOT) that a traffic study would not be necessary and, therefore, not have a significant impact. The applicant has applied to LADOT for a green curb for exclusive use by the facility during peak dropoff/pickup times. The existing facility has operated since 2018 with no safety incidents, reported complaints, or inconveniences to neighbors. Lastly, the applicant has designed an operational plan using staff and parent volunteers to expedite dropoff and pickup onsite and curbside.

In conclusion, the applicant will continue to comply with Large Family Day Care conditions, which are minimum standards for childcare, and at the public hearing, will present “Voluteered Conditions” to ensure the Project will not adversely affect or further degrade adjacent properties, the surrounding neighborhood, or the public health, welfare, and safety due to its design and conditions imposed on its operation.

COMMUNITY SUPPORT

Johanna and Andre Petropoulos,  April 24, 2023

We are writing as parents of a child currently enrolled at Maha Montessori. Before finding Maha Montessori, we had visited dozens of other childcare programs, but none met the expected standards or felt like the right fit for our daughter. During our visits, we were shocked by the lack of hygiene, clean toys, educational curriculum, or child-appropriate outdoor space offered by some other facilities. After visiting numerous programs from Studio City to Encino, finding a satisfactory childcare option felt hopeless until we found Maha Montessori. Maha Montessori delivered above and beyond everything we expected from the quality of the program, the facility, and the staff.

We waited one year for an available spot to open for our daughter, Ellie. When Ellie enrolled in Maha Montessori two years ago, she had a quiet and reserved demeanor, but due to the outstanding program offered by Maha Montessori, she has developed into a bright, confident, outspoken little girl. We know that Maha Montessori positively impacted our daughter’s personal and academic development. Mrs. Alali, the School Director, demonstrates an unrivaled passion for her students and staff. A year ago, our family relocated 20 miles away, but that did not stop us from remaining committed to Maha Montessori because of the fantastic work that Mrs. Alali and her staff accomplish. So much so, that we have our son, Sebastian, on the current waitlist! Every family should have the opportunity for their child to experience a program as passionate, committed, safe, fun, and educational as Maha Montessori.

We are in full support of Maha Montessori opening its doors for the benefit of the children in the community.

Mandana Rastegar and Kanwar Kahlon, April 25, 2023

Maha Montessori School is a spectacular neighborhood school that has profoundly impacted the lives of our children since 2020. We are extremely fortunate to have MMS be in this neighborhood, enriching the lives of the local children, elevating the neighborhood, and having provided consistency for our children and as working parents during the unpredictable and stressful peak pandemic years. The school is run immaculately with great regard to its neighbors. The parents all take great care to drop off our children right in front of the school and/or the school’s driveway, without ever blocking another neighbor’s driveway. Furthermore, in the last 3 years that we have been able to send two of our children to MMS, we can attest to the fact that there has never been a time that all the parents drop-off or pick-up their kids at exactly the same time and therefore there is no legitimate traffic burden as parents typically are staggered in arriving and there is an extremely quick policy at the front gate to check in our child and then we leave. Additionally, some families just walk to MMS as they live around the corner, providing an example of how the school is truly meeting its mission to serve the neighborhood without disrupting the nature of the residential area. With regards to concerns about noise, our experience is even when in the front yard waiting to pick up our child, we cannot hear the children as the windows facing the street are always closed for the safety of the kids. The school, its director, and its mission are wonderful and having more children benefit from attending MMS would be a great service to the neighborhood.

Chirag Deshpande,  April 26, 2023

Our son, Arin, has been at this school for the past two years and we have seen him learn, grow and build strong friendships at Maha Montessori. I understand there are expansion concerns but as a parent who has been on multiple school waitlists, having finally been called on to send our son to a well rounded and truly great early education center like Maha Montessori has been a blessing. The school is well loved by all the children attending it and this is reflected in the excitement our son has shown every day to go to this school. He is well cared for and we truly feel safe and comfortable knowing he is in good hands at Maha Montessori.

It would be of great help to the growing families in the neighbourhood if Maha Montessori is given an opportunity to expand and serve a larger number of families to also be able to be part of a strong and foundational early learning experience provided by Maha Montessori for children.

Please do consider the request to support the school expansion plans and better serve the neighborhood. The waitlists are an extremely anxious time for all families and to be able to have more opportunities to send our children to school’s like Maha Montessori will have a lasting impact on their lives.

Sheila Mehr Rawi,  April 26, 2023

Our daughter started at Maha Montessori almost 2 years ago now and she has just flourished from the beginning. Her communication, problem solving and social skills have come so far – all due to Ms. Alali and her wonderful team of teachers. The curriculum here is unmatched — the way complex subjects are broken down and taught to these little minds is exceptional.

What sets Ms. Alali apart from the other Montessori schools is her drive to personally see that each of her kids is reaching their potential, working with them on their course work (i.e., individual lesson plans for each kid to work on their practical life skills, phonetics, writing, math, etc.) ensuring they’re engaged and fostering their focus all of which is balanced with play, music, yoga, themed holiday activities, and the like.

Ms. Alali ensures that all kids and families are respectful of the neighborhood – pick-ups and drop-offs are very swift, parents typically either pull into the driveway or park on the side of the street, and rarely are there more than 2-3 parents/cars picking up their child at a time. Ms. Alali discourages any lingering during pick-up so that we do not disturb the neighbors and families honor those wishes.

This place has been an absolute gem and the families that have had the opportunity to be part of this little community feel so lucky to have found Maha Montessori. To think that more families could have the opportunity to see their children flourish the way we’ve seen our kids have, would be absolutely wonderful.

Ethan Cushing, April 27, 2023

The teachers at Maha Montessori are exceptional, and they provide an amazing curriculum for the students enrolled. I have seen firsthand the positive impact that this school has had on my child’s development, and I believe that expanding its capacity would benefit more children and families in the area.

I understand that some residents in the area may have concerns about the expansion of the preschool. However, I can assure you that the parents at Maha are very cognizant of parking, pickup, and dropoff so as not to disrupt our neighbors. We are committed to being good neighbors and ensuring that our children’s education does not come at the expense of the community.

Moreover, it is worth noting that the school currently has a long waitlist, which is a testament to the demand for quality preschools in the area. Expanding their capacity would allow more families to access high-quality early childhood education, which is critical to a child’s future success.

I strongly urge you to support the expansion of Maha Montessori. This school is a vital resource for families in the area, and expanding its capacity would benefit the entire community.

Philip Miller,  April 28, 2023

We live locally in the neighborhood just one street over on Camarillo St. We’ve loved having the ability to walk our children to school everyday. It took months of waiting to obtain spaces at the school, unfortunately not many other children in the neighbourhood are able to attend due to the schools limited capacity and wait times. We believe offering more places will only encourage the sense of community in the area, it would have been better if our children could have bonded with other children in our area even before they attend Hesby oaks. I understand the other neighbours’ concerns around the extra traffic but you’re talking about 2 short 30 minute windows daily which are during the average person’s work day. The street is very quiet, there is never a shortage of street parking so I don’t foresee there being a problem. Maha is truly a wonderful school with teachers that truly care about their students and something that could benefit so many more children. I hope you can help in making that happen.

Julia Bedanova, April 28, 2023

We have attended the school for two years and have observed what a profoundly positive impact it is making on our community. It is a much needed early education center that does everything thoughtfully and intentionally. We personally know of many families on the waitlist as there are very limited Montessori options in the Encino and Sherman Oaks areas. Maha Montessori is a top tier institution and is providing an incredible learning environment for the children of our community.

We have observed the pick up and drop off operations and the parents and school are very cognizant of not inconveniencing the neighbors and minimizing the impact.

Widmar Hernandez, April 28, 2023

Maha Montessori is one of a handful of Montessori options in the Valley, but arguably one of the most well run. By expanding its enrollment, it will allow for more children from our community to have access to an outstanding level of education and set them up for success.

DOCUMENTS AVAILABLE FOR REVIEW AND DOWNLOAD

• • Application   CP-7771.1
  • Background Report and Justifications
  • Supplemental Questions
  • Environmental Assessment
  • Vicinity Map
  • ZIMAS Report
  • Surrounding Photos and Map
  • Plans
  • Department of City Planning PCTS 
  • Documents Maha Montessori Preschool submitted at Encino Planning and Land Use Meeting.
    • Regulatory Framework and Need for Childcare
    • City Council Motion instructing to make childcare by-right
    • Applicant’s Volunteered Conditions addressing potential impacts