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Inspection visit

Routine inspection

ABILITY FIRSTLicense 191501798
Clean visit · 0 citations

Inspector’s narrative

What the inspector wrote

On 03/05/2026 at 11:30am, Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Diana Ortiz conducted an unannounced required inspection. LPA entered the facility through an automatic sidling door, which is the main entrance into the facility. LPA observed a lobby where staff members oversee who enters and exists the facility. LPA was greeted by Bonita Ramos, Program Supervisor. At the time of inspection, Director Julie Martin was out attending a meeting and was unavailable. Program Supervisor Bonita Ramos is designated of facility responsibility and LIC 308 was observed to be posted in the facility. Program supervisor facilitated the visit and provided a tour of the inside and outside of the center. 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. Per program supervisor, there are 37 students/participants currently enrolled on various schedules. LPA observed zero (0) participants/students, and two (2) staff present during today\342\200\231s inspection. Staff names were recorded. Licensed facility is within the conditions, limitations, and capacity specified on the license. This facility accommodates students/participants who are physically and developmentally disabled from ages 5 to 21 years old. Students/participants are required to leave before their 22 nd birthday. The facility submits to the Department a request and a copy of the participants Individualized Education Program (IEP) documents for students who are over the age of 18 years old, and the Department provides a confirmation letter to the facility. 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), and Earthquake Preparedness (LIC 9148). PUB 269 Child Passenger System Poster, daily schedule, including the results of lead testing. Page 1 of 5 The following classrooms were inspected: Room 1: zero (0) participants and zero (0) staff observed, Room 2: zero (0) participants and zero (0) staff observed. Room 3: zero (0) participants and zero (0) staff observed. LPA toured and observed the learning Lab, Computer Lab, Kitchen, Nicky\342\200\231s Room, Playground, Pool Area, three (3) student restrooms, and two enclosed patios. There are also 2 staff offices, and mail room, which are off limits to the students/participants in care. Room 1 cares for students/participants ages 13\342\200\22317 years old. Room 2 cares for students/participants ages 10-12 years old. Room 3 cares for students/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 participants. 2 of the restrooms are near Room 2 and 3 and each have 2 toilets, 1 sink, and an adult size changing table which is arms 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 the staff office. Rooms 1, 2 and 3 have emergency exits doors that lead to the outside pathway, and each one has an alarm. Facility representative stated that they are tested often. LPA observed a computer lab with 5 computers for the students/participants to utilize. The enclosed patio is used for painting as well as for arts and crafts and there is also a sitting area. The patio is enclosed with a cement wall and an iron gate that is kept locked and has a door which leads into the facility. 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 met all regulatory requirements. Availability of drinking water was reviewed and per facility representative, students/participants bring water from home and filtered pitchers and disposable cups are available for refill. LPA observed adequate age-appropriate toys and surfaces are observed to be safe and clean. This facility offers AM/PM snacks; lunch is provided by parents. LPA inspected the kitchen area where snacks are 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 students/participants in care to use for food items. Knives and cleaning supplies are kept in a locked cabinet. LPA observed a dish washer used for cleaning kitchen tools, cups and dish items used by the students/participants. Food menu is posted on the parent board in the main lobby of the facility. Page 2 of 5 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. The outside playground is surrounded by concrete walls. All areas around or under climbing equipment, slides, and similar equipment are cushioned with a foam 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 students/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. Facility representative stated that it is tested each week and there are cameras in the outside play yard for observation, and it was tested during today\342\200\231s visit. There is a pool at the facility. Per program supervisor, the student/participants have not utilized the pool since January 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 which was inspected by the LPA and found to be secured. Bodies of Water Checklist was conducted to confirm that the pool that is located inside of the facility is safe for children in care. The facility provides transportation for the students/participants during the spring, summer, and winter breaks for field trips only and after school outings throughout the year. Sign in and out sheets were reviewed which is located in the lobby area. Full signatures of parents are required. LPA confirmed that the sign-in/out times are entered into ProCare which is an electronic system for record keeping. Carbon monoxide and smoke detectors were present in the facility. Fire extinguishers were last serviced 05/16/25. 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 on 02/23/26 and is documented. There are several First Aid kits throughout the facility. 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). Page 3 of 5 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 and complete. Student/Participant files were reviewed to ensure that Identification and emergency form and a medical assessment are on file and were found to be complete. Facility representative 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 . 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 as specified in Health and Safety Code section 1597.16. 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 (Interim Licensing Standards) outlined in PIN 21-21.1-CCP. LPA referred facility representative to the Department website for lead: Lead Toxicity Prevention and Water Testing Information ( https://www.cdss.ca.gov/inforesources/child-care-licensing/water-testing-information ). Lead testing was last completed on 12/19/2022. \342\200\242 CCC COMPLETED TESTING AND NO LEAD EXCEEDANCES 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. Page 4 of 5 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/ . Program Supervisor 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 . Based on the LPA`s observations and record review, the licensee is in compliance with California Title 22 Regulations. Therefore, there are no citations being issued today, 03/05/2026. A notice of site visit was given and must remain posted for 30 days. Exit interview conducted and report was reviewed with the Program Supervisor, Bonita Ramos. Page 5 of 5

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 March 5, 2026 inspection of ABILITY FIRST?

This was a inspection inspection of ABILITY FIRST on March 5, 2026. The inspection found no deficiencies and no citations were issued.

Were any citations issued to ABILITY FIRST on March 5, 2026?

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 inspection inspection. inspection inspections are conducted by CCLD as part of their licensing oversight.

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