Routine inspection·November 19, 2024

On Tuesday, November 19, 2024, Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Staicy Perry conducted an unannounced annual inspection and met with teacher Patricia Cornejo who guided LPA Perry on a tour of the facility. Shortly after Director Pam Rasmussen arrived and took over the inspection. This is a preschool program that serves children ages 2 to 5 years. This program operates Monday to Friday 7:00 a.m. \342\200\223 6:30 p.m. Sign in and out takes place at the main entrance area. All areas identified on the facility sketch were toured and inspected both indoors and outdoors. Teacher and child ratio were observed during initial inspection, and present staff are fingerprinted cleared. This facility currently has 5 classrooms: Ms. Martha classroom (3\342\200\2234-year-old), Ms. Pat classroom (4-year-olds), Ms. Chablis classroom (3 year olds) and Dance classroom and Ms. Amy classroom (2 year olds). Census was taken and LPA observed 32 children and 6 staff. LPA Perry entered all classrooms. LPA observed age-appropriate furniture and equipment and were observed free of sharp, not loose, or pointed parts and age-appropriate toys accessible to children. LPA observed a cubby for children to store their personal belongings. At approximately 9:00am, LPA observed cleaning solutions accessible to the children in care which poses an immediate risk to the health and safety of the children in care. LPA Perry observed a Lysol bottle stored in a bottom cabinet that was open in Ms. Chablis classroom, at 9:05am, Tums medication stored in an accessible area in Ms. Amys classroom as well as at approximately 9:08am, detergents, cleaning compounds, glad scented sprays and a dry shampoo that was stored in the bottom sink cabinet in My Amys classroom, which is made accessible to the children in care. LPA Perry observed Lysol bottles and Clorox wipes throughout the classrooms which were made accessible to the children in care. Director was observed to immediately remove the items. At approximately 9:12am LPA Perry observed a portable AC/Heater accessible to the children. LPA touched the unit and it was observed to be hot to the touch which can potentially pose a danger to the children in care. At approximately 9:25am, LPA Perry did not observe step trash bin with a lid or trash bins in the classrooms with tight fitting lids to dispose of food. Per teacher Vanessa, she stated that during mealtimes food is disregarded outside in the outside trash cans which have tight fitting lids. Vanessa stated that one teacher will discard the food outside while the other teacher stays inside with the children. LPA Perry observed food particles and wrappers disposed inside the classroom, Ms. Amys classroom trash which does not have a lid, which poses a potential risk to the children in care. LPA Perry observed at approximately 9:06am, Ms. Amy classroom to have a diaper changing table which was observed to be unsanitary. LPA observed a ripped vinyl diapering mat in the changing table in the classroom to have rips and visible soil marks. To cover the damage, LPA observed several layers of cloth sheets were placed on top of the vinyl mat. Additionally, a pile of transparency paper sheets were stacked one under another on the mat. Per teachers, it was stated that the children are placed on the paper then once done they will disregard the paper and sanitized the area around the changing table and not necessarily the mat since it has cloth. LPA advised director Pam as well as teacher Vanessa and Amy that the condition of the diaper changing area raises concerns about the overall sanitation, hygiene, and overall safety for the children. LPA informed director to replace vinyl diapering mat and that the diaper changing area be maintained in more sanitary manner to ensure the health and safety of all children. Heating, lighting, and ventilation were evaluated by LPA Perry. LPA observed wall AC\342\200\231s in all classrooms as well as wall heater which were observed to be barricaded. LPA observed the fire extinguishers located in classroom and the valve on the required 2A10BC fire extinguishers indicating fully charged and serviced on March 13, 2024. Smoke detector was tested during this visit and Carbon monoxide detectors LPA Perry tested and are operable. The last emergency drill was conducted on November 6,2024. At approximately 9:09am, LPA observed napping equipment to be in the form of cots to have sheets and blankets attached to them and were observed to be touching, which poses a potential risk to the health and safety of the children in care. Cots were observed to be stored in the classrooms. First aid kit supplies are kept inside the classrooms and LPA Perry observed the kits to be fully equipped. During this visit, per Director, she stated that the facility currently has no children with medication or severe food allergies. LPA Perry asked if there were any poisons, firearms, weapons, or bodies of water. Director stated that there are no firearms, weapons, nor poisons. LPA did observe a spider spray (poison) in the restroom in Ms. Pats classroom not stored under lock and key which poses an immediate risk to the health and safety to the children in care. LPA did not observe firearms or weapons. LPA did observe poisons, which was called Terro Spider Killer. Director stated the ill isolation area takes place in the director\342\200\231s office and children will utilize staff restroom. At . approximately 12:30pm in Ms. Martha classroom LPA observed 1 teacher (Martha Arellano) was observed to be alone with 16 children while 7 children were still awake, which poses a potential risk to the health and safety of the children. LPA was in Ms. Martha classroom conducting the report when LPA Perry observed that teacher Martha was out of ratio. Given the number of children and the staffing requirements, LPA Perry stepped out to locate someone who can assist. LPA walked out to the play yard and observed Director Pam, LPA informed her of the situation and asked if anyone was available to step in and assist Ms. Martha classroom. Director Pam stated it would be her to step in. LPA Perry advised Director Pam about the importance of ratios and providing proper coverage and staffing to ensure compliance with staff to child ratios especially during napping times. LPA then again at approximately 1:14pm, LPA Perry observed teacher Martha step out to use the restroom and left teacher Pat with 16 children while 6 were still awake. LPA informed and reviewed ratios with director and staff. LPA Perry did observe at approximately 9:14am, a body of water. Facility does have a pond for 2 ducks that are on the school premises. Per director ducks stay in the pond area. LPA observed the pond to be enclosed by a makeshift orange safety netting gate which is not secure and is accessible to the children. This gate poses an immediate danger as it could be easily opened by children, a section of the makeshift orange safety netting gate and is about 3 feet in height and has on the right side has a gap about 2 feet of the makeshift orange safety netting gate is missing and open and wide enough for a child to go through allowing the children access to the pond area. LPA also observed the classroom door from Ms. Amys classroom to be open which gives a child immediate access to the pond area, which poses an immediate danger to the children in care, LPA informed director to have door locked until pond is made fully inaccessible to the children. A gate that leads to the pond area was observed not to have the lock in place. Per director it was stated that the ducks have been on the facility premises for 2.5 years. Per director the door in Ms. Amys classroom will be immediate locked and kept locked at all times as well as a child proof lock on handle. Pictures were obtained. LPA Perry also observed another body of water on premises, a swimming pool on the facility premises which is located towards the back of the premises next to Ms. Amys classroom. The pool is stated to be 3ft and goes all the way to 8ft deep. Pictures with measurements were obtained. LPA observed the self-latching gate, to swing away from the pool, and the latch measured no more than one (1) inch from the top of the gate. The chain link fence measures five (5) feet in height with no noticeable gaps or openings exceeding more than four (4) inches. The bottom of the chain link fence has c enter block wall about 2 feet high and then chain-link fencing was observed to be 5 feet in height on top of the center block. LPA did inform Director Pam to submit to the department her plan with swimming pool. LPA also advised Director Pam that a Pool policy should be in place in their parent handbook. Director stated she will submit plan to department in a timely manner. LPA Perry observed the restrooms not to be in good condition. At approximately 9:01am, LPA observed one out of service toilet in Ms. Pats classroom as well as one sink out of use and no water coming out. Per director, toilet was leaking, and it was shut off until it gets fixed. Per Director it will get fixed. LPA observed sinks, hand soap dispensers and paper towels available for the children. LPA also observed a staff restroom located in Ms. Marthas classroom which is used for adults only. LPA Perry entered the outdoor play area. LPA Perry observed 1 shed closed and locked with a keypad lock. LPA Perry observed the equipment to be in a safe condition, free of sharp, no lose or pointed parts. The surface of the outdoor activity space is maintained in a safe condition and is free of hazards. LPA Perry observed play structure equipment to be age appropriate and areas around or under high climbing equipment, are cushioned with granulated rubber mat that may absorb a fall. For adequate shade, LPA Perry canopy structure. LPA observed the playground yard to be fenced and the side gates closed and locked with a keypad lock. LPA observed trash bins with tight lids. For outdoor water drinking, staff bring out the children\342\200\231s water bottles. This program provides am and pm snack. Lunch is provided by an outside vendor, parents are able to bring lunch for their children and or they can order from Dave\342\200\231s deli catering which gets delivered to facility daily. Per director, some children bring their own lunches and LPA Perry informed director that any food brought from the children's homes, the container shall be labeled with the child's name and properly stored or refrigerated. LPA did not observe the children\342\200\231s lunches that were brought from home to have proper names and dates on them. LPA advised director to ensure the name and dates are on all food from home. For water drinking, LPA Perry observed filtered water gallons. LPA observed the food preparation area to be clean and free of litter, rubbish, rodents, and/or any other vermin and storage containers for solid waste, including movable bins with tight-fitting covers that are kept on, and in good repair. The facility was observed to be free of flies, other insects, and rodents. Lead testing was conducted on 3/28/23 and did have an exceedance on a faucet, which is the water fountain in Ms. Pat\342\200\231s classroom. LPA Perry observed during today\342\200\231s inspection that drinking faucet was permantly removed. The following documents were posted in a prominent, publicly accessible area at the facility: Facility License, Notification of Parents' Rights (PUB 393), Personal Rights (LIC 613A), Menu, and Earthquake Preparedness (LIC 9148). PUB 269 Child Passenger System Poster, and Daily Schedule. LPA Perry observed sign in/out sheets. LPA informed director to post lead results. LPA observed facility director to post lead results in a prominent accessible arear at then facility. LPA Perry was not able to review the children\342\200\231s roster. Director stated that she does not have that form. LPA informed director of form. LPA reviewed children\342\200\231s files and were observed to be complete. LPA Perry observed staff files and observed the files to be incomplete. LPA observed 6 out of 6 staff files not to have a current Mandated Reporter Training on file. LPA observed 6 out of 6 staff files did not have Pediatric First Aid/CPR certification current which poses a potential risk to the health and safety of the children in care. LPA advised Director Pam the importance of CPR training for staff or for at least 1 staff to have a current CPR on file which if not in compliance can potentially cause a risk of a delayed response in the event of an emergency. LPA Perry observed Director Pam Rasmussen Pediatric First Aid/CPR certification which expired on 11/18/2024. LPA Perry did not observe Preventative Health and Safety certification on file for director. Per director she did not complete that course. LPA Perry did not observe CCLD orientation certification on file for Director. Per director Pam she does not have that on file. Director Pam did have proof of immunization against Pertussis and MMR. Director Pam has completed the mandated reporter (AB 1207) training and it expired on 7/20/2024, which poses a risk to the health and safety of the children in care. Director was advised that the mandated reporter training must be completed every 2 years, and is available at www.mandatedreporterca.com Items discussed during this visit: 1. The following items are prohibited by Licensing: Refused Entry to a Facility or Any Part of a Facility is a violation of Section 1596.852, 1596.853 or 1597.09. Regulations 101238 (g) (2), The Presence of an Excluded Individual, Fire Clearance Violations, Accessible Bodies of Water, Accessible Firearms, Ammunition or Both 2. Breakfast/Lunch/Snack Menus: Menus are required to be posted one week in advance where it is visible by the child's authorized representative. Menus for the past 30 days must also be available upon request. 3 . Current Children\342\200\231s Roster: Each childcare facility shall maintain a current roster of children who are provided care in the facility. The roster shall include the name, address, and daytime telephone number of the child's parent or guardian, and the name and telephone number of the child's physician. This roster shall be available to the l icensing agency upon request . 4 . LIC 311A - Records to be Maintained at the Facility: LPAs advised that forms, regulations, and quarterly updates can be accessed on the Child Care Licensing website at: www.ccld.ca.gov . 5 . Pediatric First Aid and CPR: At least one person trained in Pediatric First Aid and CPR and EMSA approved must be present. 6 . Designated Staff: The name of the childcare center director or fully qualified teacher(s) designated to act in the director's absence must be on file. 7.Qualifications: Educational background, training, and/or experience for each staff present must be available for review 8. Immunization Requirements: Commencing September 1, 2016, a person shall not be employed or volunteer at a day care center if he or she has not been immunized against influenza, pertussis, and measles or influenza declination 9. Children\342\200\231s Records: must be available for review; including but not limited to, the following: Name, address, and telephone number of the child's authorized representative and of relatives or others who can assume responsibility for the child if the authorized representative cannot be reached when necessary. 10 . Staff Records: must be available for review; background clearance, LIC 503 Health Screening report, LIC 9108 Statement Acknowledging Requirement to Report Child Abuse, Staff Qualifications, LIC 9050 Employee Rights, LIC 501 Personnel Record, AB 1207 Mandated Child Abuse Certification, MMR, TDAP, TB, influenza or influenza declination. Director Pam 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. 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 21-21.1CCP). LPA verified that the lead testing was completed in accordance to the Written Directives outlined in PIN 21-21.1-CCP. 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 Pam 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 . Currently, the facility is not in compliance with Title 22 regulations. The deficiencies listed on the following page was observed by the LPA Perry and is being cited in accordance with California Code of Regulations Title 22. Two type A deficiency is being issued today for regulation 101238.4 (d) and 101238 (e). Please see attached LIC 809-D for citation. Deficiencies that are being cited need to be cleared to protect the children\342\200\231s health & safety. A copy of this report shall be provided to the parent/guardian of children currently enrolled by the next business day or immediately upon their return. A copy of this report shall also be provided to the parent/guardian of any newly enrolled child for the next 12 months. A signed Acknowledgement of Receipt (LIC9224) shall be in each child\342\200\231s file, acknowledging receipt. An immediate $500 civil penalty is being assessed in accordance with one of the above Type A citations for the pond. As well as type B deficiencies listed on the following page was observed by LPA Perry and is being cited in accordance with California Code of Regulations Title 22. Please see attached LIC 809-D for citation. A notice of site visit was given and must remain posted for 30 days. Failure to maintain posting as required will result in a $100.00 civil penalty. Exit interview conducted and report was reviewed with Director Pam