complaint·May 6, 2025

7 Parents were interviewed on 03/28/2025 and 04/21/2025 and 5 out of the 7 parents stated the home is cluttered with stacks of random things everywhere. 3 out of the 7 parents believe the home to dirty, needing improvement. Specifically, that the clutter inside and outside of the home could be organized and gone through and that out front the trash and debris leading up to the home could be cleaned up to be more welcoming. An additional witness (W1) was interviewed on 03/28/2025 and stated they have observed excess clutter in the home crowding the space used for daycare children. During the inspection conducted at the facility on 03/20/2025 several areas throughout the home, accessible to children were observed in a state that does not meet a standard of clean and orderly - which requires that areas within the home, accessible to children be clean, orderly, and free of hazards whenever daycare children are present. Specifically, the counter tops used to prepare food for children were scattered with miscellaneous items with no apparent system of organization, further impeding onto food preparation and cooking surfaces making the areas unusable for their intended purposes. The stove surface and floors were heavily cluttered with miscellaneous items crowding space and creating potential tripping hazards for children. A significant number of dirty dishes were observed piled in the sink and on counter making it unclear as to what was clean or dirty, indicating a lack of routine cleaning and sanitation practices. Additionally, two tables designated for meals and child activities were observed not usable for their intended purposes. One table was completely covered with a mix of opened and unopened food items, laundry supplies, papers, and various miscellaneous objects. The second table was similarly cluttered, primarily with food and activity items, severely limiting or entirely preventing children's use of these surfaces. The storage cubbies intended for child use were overfilled with a mix of activity materials and unrelated household items. Some items appeared to have been there long-term, creating potential hazards if accessed or pulled down by a child. Lastly, the area adjacent to the eating and activity space also accessible to children, which includes additional counter tops and a washer/dryer, was observed to be heavily cluttered with laundry, boxes, and miscellaneous items both on the floor and on top of the machines and counters. This creates potential tripping hazards and sanitation concerns. The area designated for the household cats’ food and water was unsanitary, with food scattered around the dishes and on the floor, posing both cleanliness and contamination risks within the childcare environment. The level of clutter and disorganization observed poses a risk to the health and safety of children in care. The front yard of the home is used as the outdoor play area for the children and during the inspection it was observed to have old broken boxes/containers, trash, and/or debris from broken toys and their packings throughout the play area and walkway accessible to children. During todays inspection LPA noticed a strong odor of cat urine throughout the home in the on-limits area of the family child care home. LPA observed a cat and kittens in the main living room of the home. Licensee stated they foster cats. LPA observed a water dish and cat food dish on top of a cardboard box with cat food scattered around the dishes. The dishes are located in the on-limits area adjacent to the eating area, posing both cleanliness and contamination risks within the childcare environment. Based on the evidence obtained, the preponderance of evidence standard has been met, therefore the above allegation is found to be substantiated. California Code of Regulations, (Title 22), is being cited on the attached LIC 9099D. LPA Danielson informed licensee Rebecca Stafford that this report dated 05/06/2025 documents 1 Type A citation. Type A citation which shall be posted for 30 consecutive days as there is an immediate risk to the health, safety, or personal rights of children in care. Also, LPA Danielson informed the licensee to provide a copy of this licensing report dated [date] that documents any Type A citation(s) to parents/guardians of all children currently enrolled by the next business day or the next day the children are in care, and to any newly enrolled parents/guardians for 12 months from the date of this report. A signed Acknowledgement of Receipt of Licensing Report (LIC 9224), or other written statement, must be placed in the child's file for verification. Exit interview conducted and report was reviewed with the licensee Rebecca Stafford. Appeal rights provided. A notice of site visit was given and must remain posted for 30 days. Failure to comply with posting requirements shall result in an immediate civil penalty of $100.