Routine inspection·July 26, 2023

On 7/26/23 Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Monica Mathur conducted an unannounced Required Inspection at Kindercare Learning Center. LPA met with Director, Grace Ewing and explained the purpose of today's inspection. Facility's operating days/hours are Monday - Friday from 6:45AM-6:00PM. There were 30 children (napping) with 4 staff present in the facility during inspection. Facility was in compliance with teacher child ratios during inspection. The physical plant was inspected, and LPA toured the premises with the Director. INDOOR SPACE: Classrooms and restrooms were inspected. Disinfectants, cleaning solutions, and other items dangerous to the health and safety of children were stored in places inaccessible to them. 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. Trash cans for solid waste had tight-fitting covers on and were in good repair. LPA observed a working Fire extinguisher, Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors. Log shows that the last Fire Drill was conducted in July 2023. Facility does not provide transportation for children, but Director understands that children cannot be left alone, unattended in parked vehicles. Required postings were observed to be posted. OUTDOOR SPACE was inspected and observed to be fenced and safe. Play equipment was maintained in good condition and free of hazards. Areas around and under high climbing equipment were cushioned with material that absorbs falls. Shade is provided and there were no bodies of water observed. Drinking water is readily available to children. FILE REVIEW: Children sign in/out procedures and logs were reviewed. Sample of children, staff files and facility roster was taken for review. Director and all staff present today did not have current certification in Pediatric CPR/First Aid. Mandated Reporter training certificates for all staff were expired. 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 21-21.1CCP). LPA verified that the lead testing was completed in accordance to the Written Directives outlined in PIN 21-21.1-CCP. During inspection a newly hired staff MEENU SINGH was present who was not associated to this facility or any other Kindercare facility owned by same licensee . Director stated she started working on 7/24/23, is in training and not helping out in the classrooms yet. LPA verified with CCLD office staff and Guardian Background showed person had working eligible association to another licensed childcare facility. During inspection, her clearance was transferred and associated to this license and Fingerprint Transfer Request form LIC9182 was faxed to CCLD office. Licensee 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. Incidental Medical Services (IMS) policy was discussed. For IMS information see PIN 22-02CCP. 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) 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-care-centers/ . 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 . In the areas that were evaluated, regulatory violations were observed. See page 809D. Citation for Criminal Record Clearance was cleared today and Letter of Clearance provided. A notice of site visit was given and must remain posted for 30 days. Exit interview conducted and report was reviewed with Director, Grace Ewing.