Inspector’s narrative
What the inspector wrote
On 07/23/2025 at 08:15 AM, Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Elicia Calvillo conducted an unannounced Required 3 Year Annual Inspection. The facility is located at 18343 Plummer, Northridge, CA. 91325. LPA identified self and met with Lena Blakeney, Director. LPA identified the reason for the visit and provided an Entrance Checklist -Child Care Centers (LIC 125) to help facilitate the inspection. There were 24 children and 8 staff present at the time of arrival.
Facility Representative (FR) Lena Blakeney, Director allowed entry to facility and provided LPA with a guided tour of inside and outside of the facility. The facility is currently licensed for a capacity of 136, per FR they currently have 67 enrolled. The facility hours of operation are currently Monday to Friday from 07:30 AM to 05:30 PM.
Required postings were observed posted in the main reception area near the entrance to the day care classrooms.
The facility is made up of six (6) classrooms. Classroom #120 for 2 year olds with 2 staff, Classroom #130 for 2 year olds with 4 staff, Classroom #140 for 2-3 year olds -this classroom is not currently being used due to low attendance, Classroom #150 for 3-4 year olds with 2 staff, Classroom #160 3-4 year olds -this classroom is not currently being used due to low attendance, and Classroom #170 -this classroom is currently being used as a storage area.
Beginning at 08:15 AM, LPA observed the following in all the classrooms. The furniture, toys, and equipment were inspected for age appropriateness and were in good repair. There were cubbies used for
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each child to store their belongings. Drinking water was readily available with a 4 Gallon Water Jug and individual disposable cups in each classroom. There is a restroom located in each classroom; LPA observed there are age-appropriate sinks and toilets, water was available, water temperature was appropriate, toilet paper was provided and were inspected for safety and sanitation. All classrooms are equipped with a telephone and heating, lighting, and ventilation were evaluated for safety and comfort.
LPA observed first aid kits located in each classroom and an inventory for necessary supplies
.
LPA observed that the cabinets where the first aid kits are stored is labeled. LPA observed devices on the classroom ceiling in each classroom; per FR the devices are a carbon monoxide detector. LPA observed devices in each classroom; per FR they are fire alarms. Disaster drill log was available, and the last disaster drill was conducted on 06/19/2025. Per FR, isolation area for sick children is Isolation Room located by the receptionist desk. Hazardous items including poisonous cleaning compounds were stored inaccessible to children. LPA observed cleaning solutions stored in a high cabinet in each classroom with a child proof latch on the door.
Beginning at 08: 45 AM, LPA toured the outdoor play area and observed playground equipment in safe conditions, free of sharp, loose, or pointed parts, in good repair and age appropriate. The surface of the outdoor activity space is maintained and is free of hazards. Children have access to two (2) climbing structures located in the play area and there is rubber material underneath and surrounding both structures to absorb falls. There is adequate shade in the play yard. The children have access to water jugs and disposable cups that are taken from the classroom to the outdoor play and used for drinking water during outdoor play. LPA advised that no children shall be left without supervision at any time.
LPA did not observe any pools, spas, hot tubs, fish ponds, or similar bodies of water during the inspection on the property.
Beginning at 09:15 AM, LPA did observe the kitchen area/ food preparation area, per FR snacks and meals are provided by the facility. Snack and meal menus are posted in each classroom and the main lobby. LPA did not observe any open containers in the refrigerator. Food preparation was inspected for safety and sanitation, hazardous items including poisonous cleaning compounds were stored inaccessible to children with the use of door lock to the kitchen area.
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Beginning at 10:00 AM, staff and children’s records were reviewed for completeness. An inspection of the required forms was made and documented on LIC 857 for children and LIC 859 for staff.
Criminal Record Clearances were reviewed for adults. CPR card expires on 08/2025 for Designated Teacher. Inspection of required forms were discussed.
LPA observed that teacher-child ratios were maintained, and staff names were recorded. Care and supervision were evaluated to determine if the basic needs of children are met and appropriate. Sign-in and out sheets and procedures were reviewed. LPA observed 24 of 24 children signed in at time of inspection. Personal Rights of children were observed by LPA.
Per the FA, Lena Blakeney, Director there are currently no children who require Incidental Medical Services. Incidental Medical Services (IMS) policy was discussed. For IMS information see PIN 22-02- CCP. 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/
.
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 child care 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 21-21.1- CCP).
LPA verified that the lead testing was completed in accordance to the Written Directives outlined in
PIN 21-21.1-CCP
.
Facility Representative 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.
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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 inspection process @dss.ca.gov
.
For additional information regarding the inspection and its tools and methods, please visit the Program website at
http://www.cdss.ca.gov/inforesources/community-care-licensing/inspection-process
www.cdss.ca.gov/inforesources/community
-care-licensing /inspection-process.
Community Care Licensing Division (CCLD) regularly sends information to licensed facilities, providers, and stakeholders by way of Provider Information Notices (PIN), Program Quarterly Update Newsletters and other important information communication platforms.
To receive important licensed related information to licensed facilities, visit the CCLD Important Information website at https://www.cdss.ca.gov/inforesources/community-care licensing/subscribe and select the Child Care option to receive email communication.
Per Title 22, Division 12, Chapter 1, of the California Code of Regulations, there are no citations issued today.
A Notice of Site Visit was given and must remain posted for 30 days during the hours of operation after each site visit by a licensing representative. Failure to comply with posting requirement will result in an immediate civil penalty of $100.00.
An Exit interview was conducted with Lena Blakeney, Director, but not limited to Provider Rights, Appeal Procedures and Agencies Consultative Role.
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