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Inspection visit

Routine inspection

ABILITY FIRSTLicense 191501798
Clean visit · 0 citations

Inspector’s narrative

What the inspector wrote

On 11/12/2024, at 9:00 am Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Carolyn Tuba conducted an unannounced required inspection. LPA entered facility through an automatic sidling door, which is the main entrance into the facility. LPA observed a lobby area with a desk where a staff member is typically sitting. During today\342\200\231s inspection LPA was greeted by a staff member. This main lobby is used for parents and students entering and existing the facility. At approximately 9:15 am Program Supervisor, Bonita Ramos arrived at the facility and Director, Julie Martin arrived at approximately 9:30 am to facilitate the visit. At 9:40 am the Director guided LPA through a tour of the facility indoors and outdoors. This is a school-age program which is licensed for 58 students (participants). This program operates Monday - Friday from 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM. and summer months from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM, including some School Holidays and Breaks. The Director stated there are 40 children/participants currently enrolled on various schedules. The facility accommodates children/participants who are physically and developmentally disabled from ages 5 to 21 years old. Children/Participants are required to leave before their 22 nd birthday. The facility send\342\200\231s the Department a request and a copy of the participants Individualized Education Program (IEP) documents for students who are over the age of 18 and the Department sends a confirmation letter to the facility. LPA observed that there were no children/participants present during today\342\200\231s visit. The LPA reviewed the staff clearance list with the Director who has requested that certain staff be removed who no longer work at the facility. The following classrooms were inspected: Nicky\342\200\231s Room, Room 1, 2 and 3, Learning Lab, Computer Lab, Kitchen, Playground, Pool Area, 3 student restrooms, and enclosed patio. There are also staff offices and mail room, which are off limit to the children/participants in care. Page 1 of 6 Room 1 cares for children/participants ages 13\342\200\22317 years old. Room 2 cares for children/participants ages 10-12 years old. Room 3 cares for children/participants ages 5-9 years old. Nicky\342\200\231s Room cares for participants ages 18-21 years old. There are 3 restrooms used by the children/participants. 2 of the restrooms are closest to Room 2 and 3 and have 2 toilets and 1 sink in each restroom including an adult size changing table which is hands reach away from the sink. In Room 3 the restroom is located inside the classroom with 2 toilets and 2 sinks including a staff sink for cleaning art supplies. There is a staff restroom located near a staff office. Room 1, 2 and 3 have emergency exits doors that lead to the outside pathway and each one has an alarm. LPA tested and found that they were operating during this visit. There is a computer lab with 5 computers for the children/participants to utilize. Each computer has safety controls, so children/participants have safe online websites, as well as staff member who monitors during student usage. The enclosed patio is used for gardening and is a sitting area with an enclosed cement wall and an iron gate that is kept locked and has a door which leads into the facility. The Learning Lab classroom and is used by children/participants to play games which has an outside area that is enclosed with a cement wall. There is an office space referred to as a Fishbowl which can be used as office space and there are other spaces used as offices for the administrators. All staff members are fingerprint cleared. Licensed facility is within the conditions, limitations, and capacity specified on the license. Indoor classrooms were inspected to ensure that the floors have a surface that is safe and clean. Telephone service, heating, lighting, and ventilation were evaluated. The classroom furniture and equipment were inspected for good repair, free of sharp, loose, or pointed parts. Storage for children\342\200\231s belongings was inspected and meet all regulatory requirements. Availability of drinking water was reviewed and per Director children/participants bring water from home and filtered pitchers and disposable cups are available for refill. LPA observed enough age-appropriate toys and surfaces are observed to be safe and clean. LPA inspected the kitchen area where snack is prepped for distribution. Food preparation areas were toured for safety, cleanliness, and proper equipment. There are 2 refrigerators one for staff and the other for children/participants in care to use for food items. The refrigerator has a thermomotor which was found to be 45 degrees F (7.2 degrees C) or less. AM/PM snacks are served by the facility, lunch is provided by parents. Knives and cleaning supplies are kept in a high cabinet with a padlock. LPA observed a dish washer used for cleaning kitchen tools, cups and dish items used by the children/participants. Menu is posted on the parent page 2 of 6 board in the main lobby of the facility. LPA observed parent board with all required documentation located in the hallway of the facility including the results of lead testing. Carbon monoxide and smoke detectors were present in the facility and tested and found to be operable. Fire extinguishers are serviced annually and were last serviced October 1, 2024. The fire extinguishers are checked monthly and documented by staff to make sure the arrow is in the green. Each classroom and kitchen were inspected, and no hazardous items were found, or poisonous cleaning compounds were found in the facility. Emergency disaster drill was last conducted October 2024 and documented. There are several First Aid kits through-out the facility. LPA checked the first aid kit located inside the staff/mail room area and was found to be complete including surgical scissors, tweezers, and emergency booklet. Each staff member carries a fanny pack with bandages, gloves and hand sanitizer. LPA observed that the facility has an onsite Automated External Defibrillator (AED). LPA was informed that there are currently children on medication and IMS documentation was reviewed with the Director. LPA was informed that medication is currently stored in a locked cabinet in the staff/mail room out of the reach of children/participants in care. LPA observed medication and forms that are kept to document when administered to the children/participants. LPA was informed that only the Director and Program Supervisor give the medication as needed to the children/participants in care and everything is documented in a medication logbook. LPA confirmed that when medication expires it is return to parent. Outdoor playground equipment is in safe condition, free of sharp, loose, or pointed parts. The surface of the outdoor activity space is maintained in a safe condition and is free of hazards. This is currently an outside playground that is surrounded by a concrete wall. All areas around or under climbing equipment, slides, and similar equipment are cushioned with a form surface and grassy areas. There is adequate shade in the play yard with trees and a shade awning. There is enough outside play equipment and bikes for the children/participants to use in the play yard, as well as 2 picnic tables. There is currently a side door that leads into a street/public area, which has an alarm that can be heard throughout the facility. The Director opened the door during the visit, and the LPA was able to hear the alarm which requires a code to turn off. The alarm is tested each week according to the Director. There are cameras in the play yard for observation. Page 3 of 6 The facility provides transportation for the children/participants during the spring, summer, and winter breaks for field trips only and after school outings through-out the year. They currently have 3 vans that have an annual maintenance done, such as oil change, tire maintenance, or repairs as needed. Prior to each use of the vans there is an inspection conducted and documented in a logbook that is kept for each van. Drivers are current staff members who have a DMV issued driver\342\200\231s license with criminal clearance. Facility conducts a DMV driving pull record and staff member completes a driving evaluation and training. Sign in and out sheets were reviewed which is located in the lobby area. LPA reminded Director that parents need to use full signatures. LPA confirmed that during the last visit in August 2024 sign-in/out times are entered into ProCare which is an electronic system for recordkeeping. LPA reviewed Licensing staff files and found that they were complete including mandated reporting certificates, clearance for adults and verification of CPR/First Aid, educational requirements, immunization records and health preventative practices documentation were reviewed, however Director will be sending 2 staff members updated immunization records that were not found in their files but are required before beginning employment. Children\342\200\231s files were reviewed to ensure that Identification and emergency form and a medical assessment are on file. There is a pool at the facility that per the Director children/participants are no longer utilizing the pool. On a prior visit LPA was told that the pool has not been used since January 5, 2024. The pool continues to be locked and is surrounded by sliding glass doors with an iron gate that surrounds the pool itself with a self-closing gate. LPA inspected the doors which are currently locked and secured. On 2/13/2024 LPA conducted a \342\200\234Bodies of Water Checklist\342\200\235 to confirm that the pool that is located at the facility is safe for children in care. LPA tested the iron gate which does self-close but is not latching adequately. Director called their maintenance person during the visit and was able to repair. LPA observed that the gate is self-latching correctly. Page 4 of 6 Director 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. AB1207 Mandated Child Abuse Reporting \342\200\223 On or before March 30, 2018, any person who works in a childcare facility shall complete the training and renew the training every 2 years. Website provided: https://www.mandatedreporterca.com/training/child-care-providers . LPA advised the licensee to access forms, regulations and quarterly updates on the Child Care Licensing website at: www.ccld.ca.gov . 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 . This facility provides Incidental Medical Services \342\200\223 IMS. LPA reviewed storage of medication and equipment/supplies, and reviewed children\342\200\231s, personnel, and administrative records. For IMS information see PIN 22-02-CCP . 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. Page 5 of 6 Director was informed of the MyChildCarePlan.org website; a consumer education website that helps families obtain childcare by connecting them to childcare providers and Resource and Referral Agencies (R&Rs) throughout California. There are no deficiencies being cited on today\342\200\231s visit. A notice of site visit was given and must remain posted for 30 days. Exit interview conducted and report was reviewed with the Director, Julie Martin. Page 6 of 6

Citations

No citations recorded on this visit

The inspector found no violations of California child care regulations during this visit.

FAQ · About this visit

Common questions about this visit

What happened during the November 12, 2024 inspection of ABILITY FIRST?

This was a other inspection of ABILITY FIRST on November 12, 2024. The inspection found no deficiencies and no citations were issued.

Were any citations issued to ABILITY FIRST on November 12, 2024?

No citations were issued during this inspection. The facility was found to be in compliance with all applicable regulations.

What type of inspection was this?

This was a other inspection. other inspections are conducted by CCLD as part of their licensing oversight.

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