Routine inspection·June 9, 2022

On 06/09/2022 at 1:45 PM, Licensing Program Analysts (LPAs) Christina Watts and Monica Mathur conducted an unannounced Annual Inspection at Contra Costa County Head Start-Lavonia Allen Center. LPAs met with Director, Alexis Rogers and Assistant Director, Jessie Black and explained the purpose of today's inspection. Facility's operating days and hours are Monday to Friday from 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM in Rooms 1 and 2. Currently, there are 8 children in care and 4 staff including the Director at today's inspection. The facility has 31 children enrolled. There is an active waiver on file for associating all staff to one central file for criminal record purposes. Facility is operated by the county of Contra Costa and follows Title 5 regulations. Facility has not an annual inspection since 02/2017. The physical plant was inspected. LPA toured the premises with the Director. Indoor space: Rooms 1 and 2, restrooms, kitchen, and office area were inspected. Facility was observed to be in compliance with teacher to children ratio requirement during inspection. Children were napping and then engaged in various activities under the visual supervision of the teachers. Disinfectants, cleaning solutions, and other items that are dangerous to the health and safety of children were stored in places inaccessible to them. 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 to be in safe, sanitary, and functioning condition. Floors were clean and free from tripping hazard. Foods and beverages were stored safely. Food storage area were clean, free of litter, rubbish, and rodents/vermin. Trash cans for solid waste had tight-fitting covers on and were in good repair. LPA observed fish tanks in both Room 1 and Room 2. LPA observed a working fire extinguisher, Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors. Log shows that the last Fire Drill was conducted on 05/20/2022. Facility does not provide transportation for children, but Director understands that children cannot be left alone, unattended in parked vehicles. Facility\342\200\231s License, Parents\342\200\231 Rights Poster PUB393, Personal Rights, Activity Schedules, and Menus were observed to be posted. Outdoor Space: Outdoor playground was inspected and observed to be fenced and safe. The play equipment was maintained in good condition and free of hazards. Areas around and under high climbing equipment and slides were cushioned with material that absorbs falls. Shade is provided by trees and a tent covering play structure. There were no large bodies of water observed. Drinking water is arranged to be readily available to children during indoor and outdoor activities. Observed two sheds which were locked. File Review: Children sign in and out procedures and logs were reviewed. Facility uses electronic sign in/sign out called Clouds. A sampling of Children and Staff files was taken for review. All files contained required documents. There was at least one Teacher with current certification in Pediatric CPR/First Aid present at the facility during inspection. Children's Roster was reviewed, and a copy obtained. Incidental Medical Services (IMS) policy was discussed. For IMS information see Evaluator Manual - 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 Director was reminded that all adults 18 and over, including employees and volunteers, 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 up to $500.00 maximum per day/per person will be assessed if this regulation is violated. To improve the quality and value of the new inspection process, a survey will 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 tools, please send them by email 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/process . In the areas that were evaluated, no regulatory violations were observed. At 4:00 PM, Exit interview was conducted and report was reviewed with the Director, Alexis Rogers and Assistant Director Jessie Black. A Notice of Site Visit was given and must remain posted for 30 days.