Inspector’s narrative
What the inspector wrote
On Thursday, December 1, 2022 at 1:10 p.m. Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Mayra Rivera conducted a case management-licensee initaited capacity decrease inspection and met with Director Ernestina Hernandez who guided LPA Rivera on a tour of the facility.
This preschool program serves children ages 2 to 5 years. This program operates Monday - Friday 6:30 a.m., - 5:30 p.m. Sign in/out and health check screenings take place at the main entry of the facility. All areas identified on the facility sketch were toured both indoors and outdoors; measurements were taken. The director is seeking to decrease capacity from 60 to 48 preschool children. A fire clearance has been granted as of 8/11/22 for 48 preschoolers.
At approximately 1:20 p.m. LPA entered classroom Penguins to conduct an inspection and measurements. LPA observed 5 children napping and two staff members present. LPA Rivera observed age appropriate furniture and equipment to be in good condition, free of sharp, not loose, or pointed parts and age appropriate toys accessible to children. LPA observed two cubbies where children store their personal belongings. LPA also observed two cabinets closed and locked with a keypad lock. LPA observed the cleaning/hazard supplies stored on top of a high shelf making it inaccessible for children to reach. LPA Rivera observed a trash bin with a tight-fitting lid.
At approximately 1:38 p.m. LPA entered classroom Teddy Bears to conduct an inspection and measurements. LPA observed 5 children napping and three staff members present. LPA Rivera observed age appropriate furniture and equipment to be in good condition, free of sharp, not loose, or pointed parts and age appropriate toys accessible to children. LPA observed two cubbies where children store their personal belongings. LPA also observed two cabinets closed and locked with a keypad lock. LPA observed the cleaning/hazard supplies stored on top of a high shelf making it inaccessible for children to reach. LPA Rivera observed a trash bin with a tight-fitting lid.
At approximately 1:54 p.m. LPA entered classroom Toddlers to conduct an inspection and measurements. LPA observed one child playing with playdough and one staff present LPA Rivera observed age appropriate furniture and equipment to be in good condition, free of sharp, not loose, or pointed parts and age appropriate toys accessible to children. LPA observed one cubby where children store their personal belongings. LPA observed the cleaning/hazard supplies stored on top of a high shelf making it inaccessible for children to reach. LPA Rivera observed a trash bin with a tight-fitting lid.
At approximately 2:07 p.m LPA Rivera observed the restrooms to be in good condition with working toilets, and sinks. hand soap dispenser with soap and the paper towel dispenser with paper towels. LPA observed a total of 5 toilets and 4 sinks. LPA observed one restroom located next to the Penguins classroom, the other inside the Teddy Bears classroom and the last one inside the Toddlers classroom. LPA observed a Kola diapering table to be in a good condition and arm\342\200\231s length to the sink. For ill/isolation children utilize the staff restroom located inside the director\342\200\231s office.
At approximately 2:14 p.m., LPA Rivera entered the outdoor playground to conduct an inspection and measurements. LPA observed the yard to be fenced all around and a gate closed with self-latches. LPA observed the age appropriate toys, equipment to be in safe condition, free of sharp, no loose or pointed parts. LPA observed 4 sheds closed and with a keypad lock. The surface of the outdoor activity space is maintained in a safe condition and is free of hazards. Areas around and under the playground structure equipment, LPA observed granulated soft cushioned padding that absorbs a fall. For adequate shade, LPA observed a large sail triangle. LPA Rivera observed 2 trash bins with a tight-fitting lid.
Heating, lighting and ventilation were evaluated by LPA Rivera. LPA observed AC/central heater and vents located inside the classrooms ceiling walls. LPA observed portable AC wall units inside classroom Teddy Bears and Toddlers. The thermostat is in the Penguins classroom and temperature reading at 67 degrees.
LPA observed 5 fire extinguishers. The fire extinguishers are located inside the classrooms, director\342\200\231s office and kitchen. LPA observed the valve on the required 2A10BC fire extinguishers indicating fully charged and serviced on 9/14/22. LPA Rivera did not test the alarms as they are wired to the pull-down fire alarm system. Each classroom is equipped including the yard with first aid kits and LPA observed the first aid kits to be fully stocked with bandages, adhesives, antiseptic, gloves and scissors.
For napping equipment, LPA observed cots. Facility provides the sheets, blankets and washes them onsite. The cots are stored in the classrooms. For ill/isolation area children utilize the director's office and a mat or a cot is available for children use to rest if needed.
This program provides breakfast, lunch and p.m. snack. The meals and snack are prepared at the facility. For water drinking, LPA observed water pitchers in each classroom and outdoor including water disposable cups. LPA observed the food preparation area to be clean and free of litter, rubbish, rodents, and/or any other vermin. LPA observed storage containers for solid waste, including moveable bins with tight-fitting covers that are kept on, and in good repair. LPA advised any food or solid waste need to be stored in a container with tight-fitting lid cover. The facility was observed to be free of flies, other insects and rodents.
Facility administers medication. Procedure in place is the medication is stored in the director\342\200\231s office for children ages 3 to 5 and for the ages 2-3 is stored in the Toddlers classroom. Director stated once a year the medication is checked for expiration date. LPA recommended to check once a month to ensure the medication is current. Currently the facility has two children on medication. LPA reviewed the medication (albuterol sulfate) and it expires March 2024 for child #2 and another albuterol sulfate with exp January 2024 for child #1.
Director Ernestina Hernandez has the pediatric First Aid/CPR certification dated 7/20/21, Health and Safety (8hr) dated 6/24/22, and Child abused mandated certification (AB 1207) dated 9/20/21. Ernestina has immunization against pertussis, measles, influenza. Director has been informed mandated reporter training must be completed every 2 years, and is available at
www.mandatedreporterca.com
LPA reviewed background clearances for the staff who were present during this inspection. All staff present during this visit are cleared. LPA provided information in how to utilize Guardian and how to transfer and associate staff to the facility.
Incidental Medical Services (IMS)
Incidental Medical Services (IMS) policy was discussed. For IMS information see Evaluator Manual - Regulation Interpretations and Procedures for Child Care Centers Sections 101173 and 101226. 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)/ (800) 514-0383 (TTY) and link to publication: Commonly Asked Questions about Child Care Centers and the ADA, available at:
http://www.ada.gov/childqanda.htm
Criminal Record Statement
Director Ernestina was informed that all adults 18 and over, including employees and volunteers, 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 up to $500.00 maximum per day/per person will be assessed if this regulation is violated.
Based on today's inspection, measurements and availably of 5 toilets and 4 sinks the facility can accommodate the requested decrease for 48 preschool children.
No corrections needed during this visit.
A notice of site visit was given and must remain posted for 30 days. Exit interview conducted, report and plans of corrections were reviewed with director Ernestina Hernandez.