Routine inspection·April 23, 2024

On 4/23/24 at 02:30 PM Licensing Program Analysts (LPA's) Brindha Govindasamy and Diana Campos conducted an unannounced 3 Year Required Inspection at Ala Costa Center for the Developmentally Disabled. LPA's met with Center Director's Kelly Copeland and Michael Pereira and explained the purpose of today's inspection. LPA's were granted inspection authority to enter the facility. The facility was toured to conduct a Health and Safety Inspection. Facility's operating days and hours are Monday thru Friday 2:00PM-6:00PM. The physical plant was inspected. LPA toured the premises with the Director. Indoor space: Facility operates in 3 Rooms where children rotate based on activities. With 1 fully qualified teacher and 7 paraprofessionals with 9 children Facility was observed to be in compliance with teacher to children ratio requirement during LPA’s inspection. The classrooms, restrooms, food storage areas and spaces accessible to children were inspected. Disinfectants, cleaning solutions, poisons and other items that are dangerous to the health and safety of children in care were stored in places inaccessible to them during today's inspection. Storage areas for poisons were locked and medications were kept in a safe place inaccessible to day care children. Cabinets, drawers, and rooms used for storage were locked. Furniture and equipment were age appropriate and in good condition, free of sharp, loose, or pointed parts. Restrooms for children were observed, all toilets, and hand washing sink are observed to be in safe and sanitary operating condition. All floors were clean and safe. Foods and beverages were stored safely. Food storage areas are observed to be clean, free of litter, rubbish, and free of rodents and other vermin during today's inspection. Trash cans for solid waste had tight-fitting covers on and were in good repair. LPA observed Fire extinguisher, Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors. All materials and surfaces accessible to children appeared to be toxic free. The facility provides snacks and menus were observed to be posted at least 1 week in advance in a place visible by the child’s authorized representative, dated and kept on file for 30 days and made available upon request. Outdoor Space: Outdoor playground used by children is the public park which is directly adjacent to the facility and observed to be safe. The play equipment was maintained in good condition and free of hazards during today's inspection. Surface of the outdoor activity space was observed to be in safe condition and free of hazards during today's inspection. Areas around and under high climbing equipment and slides were cushioned with material that absorbs falls. There were no bodies of water observed. Drinking water is readily available to children during indoor and outdoor activities via personal water bottles or paper cups and electric water dispenser. File Review : Children sign in/out procedures and logs were reviewed. All children were signed in by their authorized representative with full legal signatures. A sample of five (5) Children's files and all Staff files were taken for review. To improve the quality and value of the new inspection process, a survey may be sent to the email address provided. Please complete the survey and share your inspection experience. If you have any questions regarding the process or CARE tools, please send email inquiries to inspectionprocess@dss.ca.gov. For additional information regarding the inspection and its tools and methods, please visit the Program website at www.cdss.ca.gov/inforesources/community-care-licensing/inspection-process . Facility was reminded that all adults 18 and over, including employees and volunteers, except as specified in Health and Safety Code section 1596.871, must obtain a criminal record clearance or exemption, or transfer their existing clearance or exemption, prior to initial presence in a Child Care Center. A civil penalty of $100.00 minimum/day for a maximum of 5 days or, if the penalty is for a repeat violation, for a maximum of 30 days per person will be assessed if this regulation is violated. CCC COMPLETED TESTING AND IS IN THE PROCESS OF REMEDIATING LEAD EXCEEDANCES This facility provides Incidental Medical Services – IMS. LPA reviewed storage of “medication and equipment/supplies, and reviewed children’s, personnel, and administrative records. For IMS information see PIN 22-02-CCP. The following information regarding ADA was provided: US Department of Justice (USDOJ) toll-free ADA Information Line at (800) 514-0301 (voice) or (800) 514-0383 (TTY) and link to publication. Commonly Asked Questions about Child Care Centers and the ADA are available at: https://www.ada.gov/resources/child-carecenters/ . No deficiencies cited during today's inspection. A notice of site visit was given and must remain posted for 30 days. Exit interview conducted and report was reviewed with the center Director's Kelly Copeland and Michael Pereira.