Lead safety check·January 8, 2026

On 1/8/2026 Licensing Program Analysts (LPAs) Dana Santiago and Tasha Alexander arrived unannounced at Joyful Kids Academy to conduct a Case Management inspection for the Lead Testing results at the Center. The Department received notice that outlet B exceeded 5.5 ppb. The facility has also failed to submit to the department the necessary documents within the required time limit. LPAs met with Lead Teacher Melissa Kaiser. Director Karen Garrity arrived at the facility shortly after. LPAs conducted an inspection and toured the premises with Director. It was indicated that there was one outlet (B) that exceeded the Action Level established by the State for exposure. Outlet B is located in the Caterpillars classroom. During today’s inspection LPAs observed the outlet to be accessible to children in care. Per director no corrections have been made and the outlet is currently being used for handwashing. Children bring their own water bottles and the facility is using the outlet in the kitchen for drinking and food prep. Director was instructed to discontinue use of Outlet B immediately and make inaccessible to children in care. Lead exceedance poses a potential risk to health and safety of children in care. Deficiency is being cited today from the California Code of Regulations, Title 22 ( see 809D ) . LPAs discussed a Plan of Correction. Exit interview conducted and report was reviewed with the Director Karen Garrity. A Notice of Site Visit was given and must remain posted for 30 days.