Routine inspection·August 15, 2025

On 08/15/2025 at 1:45 PM, Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Kayla Merchant conducted an Unannounced Annual/Random and Capacity Increase inspection for Elena Zalazaeva\342\200\231s small family child care home. LPA met with licensee and analyst was guided on a tour of the facility. During today's inspection, there were 5 children in care (1 infant and 4 preschoolers) and 5 children enrolled. Family members residing in the home are licensee, licensee\342\200\231s spouse and 2 minor children. All adults in the home have Criminal Record Clearancse. Facility hours of operations are Monday -Friday from 7:30 am \342\200\223 5:45 pm. Licensee states she cares for children ages 3 months - 10 years old. This home is a single-story home consisting of 3 bedrooms, two bathrooms, a living room, dining room, kitchen, garage, and playroom. There is also a large fully fenced backyard. On-limit Areas : The sleeping room to the right of the front door, the bathroom across from the sleeping room, and the playroom at the rear of the home next to the rear exit of the home. The licensee requested to add the master bedroom and eat in portion of the kitchen to the on-limit areas during today\342\200\231s visit. The areas were inspected and added. Off-limit Areas : The living room, dining room, kitchen, 3 rd bedroom down and its large closet the next to the sleeping room, master bathroom, and the backyard portion that is not contained in the fenced off play area. Outdoor Play Area : Large fenced off play area for children in the back yard, fenced off with a small white fence. Isolation Area: In the corner of the sleeping room away from other children in care. **Page 2** The LPA toured all areas used by children during this visit. Areas accessible to children were inspected to ensure that they are clean and orderly with heating and ventilation for the safety and comfort of children in care. There were safe toys, play equipment and materials observed for children. There is a working telephone in the home. Detergents, poisons, cleaning compounds, medications, and other items which can pose a danger to children are made inaccessible in the home. Per Applicant there is a firearm in the home the weapon is properly stored per regulations . Licensee has an up to code 2A10BC fire extinguisher and working smoke/carbon monoxide detectors on the premises. LPA observed a screened fireplace in the living room. Licensee last conducted fire drill was on 7/12/2025. LPAs inspected the backyard and observed a fenced and safe backyard for children in care. LPAs discussed with that there needs to be 100% supervision when children are playing in the backyard. LPA did not observe any bodies of water. LPA reminded applicant when outside of facility, 100% supervision of children in care is required. Facility does not provide transportation for children, but Licensee understands that children cannot be left alone, unattended in parked vehicles Children\342\200\231s records were reviewed to ensure that each child has an Identification and Emergency form. The licensee Pediatric First Aid and CPR certificate will expire in 04/2027. The facility roster was reviewed, and a copy obtained. Required postings were observed near the entrance. LPA reminded licensee day care needs to be operated within the limitations and capacity of a Large Family Child Care Home with regards to ratios and that Licensee must be present in the day care for 80% of the operation hours each day. Because the licensee rents/leases the home, proof of landlord notification is required. The LPA observed the Property Owner/Landlord Notification form (LIC9151) that the applicant confirms was provided to the property owner/landlord. Also, the licensee obtained a signed Property Owner/Landlord Consent form (LIC 9149). LPA reminded licensee that when care for more than twelve and up to fourteen is provided, licensee must notify parents using LIC 9150 Parent Notification \342\200\223 Additional Children in Care form. Licensee will use the Affidavit Regarding Liability Insurance form to inform parents they do not carry a day care insurance. Fire Safety Clearance was given to this facility on 08/7/2025 by Contra Costa County Fire Protection District. **Page 3** LPA provided the main office number for the Oakland Regional Child Care office (510) 622-2602. Licensees are to call and report injuries or unusual incidents within 24 hours of knowledge of occurrence. Licensees are to submit the form (LIC 624B) to follow up in writing within 7 days of the injury/unusual incident. LPA discussed the safe sleep regulations with licensee and discussed the Child Care Licensing Safe Sleep webpage at https://www.cdss.ca.gov/inforesources/child-care-licensing/public-information-andresources/safe-sleep as an additional resource. LPA also informed licensee of the importance of checking for recalled infant devices on the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) website at https://www.cpsc.gov/ and recommended they register all infant devices with the CPSC to be notified of any recalls on their purchased equipment. Incidental Medical Services (IMS) policy was discussed. For IMS information see PIN 22-02CCP. When any IMS is provided, a Plan for Providing 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: https://www.ada.gov/resources/child-care-centers/ . On or before March 30, 2018, any person who works in a child care facility shall complete Mandated Reporter training and renew the training every 2 years. Website provided: https://www.mandatedreporterca.com/training/child-care-providers . Licensee has provided Mandated Reporter certificate and the certificate will expire 06/2027. Licensee was reminded that all adults 18 and over living or working in the home, 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 licensed Family Child Care Home. 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. MyChildCarePlan.org \342\200\223 Centers and Family Child Care Homes Licensee 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. **Page 4** Megan\342\200\231s Law - Family Child Care Homes During the exit interview, the LICENSEE, Elena Zalazaeva, confirmed that there are no Registered Sex Offenders living in the facility and LPA completed the RSO profile in FAS. 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, there were no violations observed. Effective as of 08/15/2025, the change of capacity application has been approved. Exit interview conducted and report was reviewed with the licensee, Elena Zalazaeva. A Notice of Site Visit was given and must remain posted for 30 consecutive days.