Inspector’s narrative
What the inspector wrote
On August 6, 2025, at 8:35am, Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Randy Miranda arrived unannounced for an annual inspection for compliance to Health and Safety. LPA was greeted by staff members and granted entry into the facility. Shortly thereafter, Director Anupama Malhotra arrived and accompanied LPA during the inspection. Present during the inspection were the Director, three (3) teachers, and twenty-one (21) children in care. The center currently operates Monday\342\200\223Friday, from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
The facility consists of 3 classrooms, the director\342\200\231s office, children\342\200\231s bathroom (5 toilets, 5 sinks, and one changing table), separate staff bathroom, kitchen (gated and off-limits to children in care), patio play area, and primary playground area. Heating and ventilation are acceptable.
During today\342\200\231s inspection, LPA was informed that two teachers escorted one child in care to the neighboring elementary school for class. Later, four children from the elementary school were escorted to the child day care facility. All children were signed in and out on the manual sign-in sheets. LPA was not present during the walk to or from elementary school.
Children have access to both the patio play area and the playground, which are free of sharp, loose, or pointed parts. The outdoor play structure, including the swing set, is securely anchored to the ground. Shade is provided by trees, building eaves, and the sandbox play area. Fresh drinking water is readily available, and teachers consistently provide supervision.
All documents required to be posted were appropriately posted on the walls: License; Emergency Disaster Plan; Earthquake Preparedness checklist; Notification of Parents Rights; Personal rights; Child Seatbelt laws; menus; and daily activity schedules. There are no waivers for this facility.
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There are two fully charged 2A10BC fire extinguishers and one fully charged 3A40BC fire extinguisher located throughout the facility. The last annual fire extinguisher inspection was conducted on 03/17/2025. The carbon monoxide detector was tested and found to be fully functional. Disaster drills are conducted at least once a month, with the most recent fire drill held on 07/14/25, and the latest earthquake drill on 06/30/25.
The facility is clean, well-organized, and equipped with ample age-appropriate furnishings, equipment, and storage for children\342\200\231s belongings. All surfaces, including floors and countertops, are clean and free of toxins. Hazardous items and substances are securely stored in a locked cabinet. The children\342\200\231s bathrooms contain an ample supply of soap and paper towels. Classrooms are equipped with trash cans that have tight-fitting lids for the disposal of solid waste. According to the director, there are no firearms on the premises. There are no bodies of water accessible to children in care.
The center provides snacks, and children bring their own lunches from home. Dry goods and canned foods were checked, and all items were within their expiration dates.
Children\342\200\231s records were reviewed, and all selected files were complete and up to date. Staff files were also examined, confirming that all individuals required to undergo criminal background checks have been cleared and appropriately associated with the facility. At least one opening/closing staff member has a current Pediatric CPR/First-Aid Certification. Mandated Reporter certificates were reviewed. Director was reminded of their responsibility to renew CPR/First Aid and Mandated Reporter certificates every two years. Sign in and out procedure was observed and documents reviewed.
Site Director 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.
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Assembly Bill (AB) 2370, Chapter 676, Statutes of 2018, requires all licensed Child Care Centers (CCCs) constructed before January 1, 2010, to test their water (used for drinking and food preparation) for lead contamination before January 1, 2023, and then every 5-years after the date of the first test. For childcare center licenses issued after July 1, 2022, the licensee shall test their water for lead within 180 days of licensure pursuant to Written Directives section 101700 (PIN 21-21.1-CCP).
Lead testing is complete and documented.
Incidental Medical Services (IMS) policy was discussed. For IMS information see Evaluator Manual \342\200\223 Regulation Interpretations and Procedures for Child Care Centers Sections 101173 and 101226. When any IMS is provided, an updated Plan of Operation that includes IMS must be submitted to the Department. The following information regarding ADA was provided: US Department of Justice (USDOJ) toll-free ADA Information Line at (800) 514-0301 (voice)/ (800) 514-0383 (TTY) and link to publication: Commonly Asked Questions about Child Care Centers and the ADA, available at:
http://www.ada.gov/childqanda.htm
Effective August 1, 2003 California Law requires Child Care Licensees to report unusual incidents or injuries to children in care to child\342\200\231s parents and to the Department of Social Services using the Unusual Incident/Injury Form (LIC 624). Incidents must be reported within 24 hours to the regional office by phone and the written report, LIC 624, within 7 business days.
Site Director was informed of the MyChildCarePlan.org website; a consumer education website that helps families obtain child care by connecting them to child care providers and Resource and Referral Agencies (R&Rs) throughout California.
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
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No deficiencies were issued during today\342\200\231s inspection. This report will remain on file for three years.
A notice of site visit was given and must remain posted for 30 days. Appeal Rights provided.
Exit interview conducted and report was reviewed with the director, Anupama Malhotra.
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