Inspector’s narrative
What the inspector wrote
Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Veronica Martinez Garza conducted an unannounced Annual/Random inspection at the above facility on 09/02/25 at 09:35 a.m. LPA met with lead teacher Norma Maciel who guided LPA on a tour of the facility. This is a preschool age program licensed for 24 children which operates an AM session Monday \342\200\223 Friday 09:00 am to 12:00 pm. Per lead teacher, there are 13 children enrolled.
All areas identified on the facility sketch were inspected. The facility is located in a separate building located towards the Cul de sac on the Valencia Academy of the Arts School Campus. LPA observed 13 children with 02 staff. Teacher-child ratios were observed to be in accordance with Title 22 Regulations. Staff names were recorded on the attached LIC859. All children were observed to be under supervision, including visual supervision, of a teacher at all times.
LPA observed the facility to be clean and sanitary conditions. The indoor classroom was inspected to ensure that the floors have a surface that is safe and clean. Furniture and equipment are in good condition, free of sharp, loose, or pointed parts. Drinking water was readily available indoors and outdoors. LPA observed a filtered water fountain indoors/outdoors. Disposables cups are readily available. LPA also observed all children have their own cubby. At this time, the "library" is used as an isolation area. A mat is available for an ill child to rest on. Children do not nap in the facility due to the program being only 3 hours. Disinfectants, cleaning solutions, medication and other items that are dangerous to children, were inaccessible to children. All storage containers for solid waste, including moveable bins shall have tight-fitting covers that are kept on, and in good repair. Trash cans used to discard food have tight fitting lids. The facility was observed to be free of flies, other insects, and rodents.
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LPA observed all required forms/publications to be posted in the entrance of the facility. Snack menus were reviewed to ensure that they are being posted at least one week in advance and visible to an authorized representative; however, the menu for September is not yet available. According to the lead teacher, the director will provide the menu for September tomorrow 09/03. Facility only provides snacks. Per lead teacher, meals are picked up daily from the cafeteria. Meals are stored in the refrigerator located in the office. All food is protected from contamination. Teacher states there are no weapons, firearms, or bodies of water on the premises.
First Aid supplies are available. LPA observed a current Emergency disaster drill. Last drill documented was on 08/28/25. LPA also observed a functioning carbon monoxide detector.
According to the lead teacher, the playground is shared with TK and Kindergarten and an outdoor schedule is posted on the board. LPA took a tour of the outdoor play area while either the TK or Kindergarten children were outdoors. LPA inspected the outdoor play equipment for any sharp, loose, or pointed parts. LPA observed adequate shade, age-appropriate toys, equipment, and materials for children. Areas around and/or under climbing equipment have cushioning material to absorb a fall.
Outdoor activity space surface is maintained in a safe condition as is free of hazards. LPA advised the lead teacher to check with the American Standard Testing Materials for Playground Guidelines and/or to use the manufactures recommendations for the playground equipment in efforts to be more in line with safety guidelines.
Sign in and out sheets were reviewed to ensure that the person who signs the child in and out uses their full legal signature and records the time of the day. LPA observed all children present were signed in.
LPA did not review children and staff files during the inspection due to the files being stored at the administrative office. LPA will review children and staff files at a later date and time. If files were to be incomplete during the date and time the LPA reviews files, a case management inspection will occur at the facility to reflect the incomplete files.
LPA observed that lead teacher\342\200\231s Mandated Reporter Training expires on 09/24/25 and Pediatric CPR/FA expires on 02/2026.
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AB1207 Mandated Child Abuse Reporting \342\200\223 On or before March 30, 2018, any person who works in a child care facility shall complete the training and renew the training every 2 years. Website provided:
https://www.mandatedreporterca.com/training/child-care-providers
.
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/
.
Lead teacher 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.
All staff have received an active criminal record clearance as a condition of their employment with the El Rancho Unified School District.
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-proces
.
Lead teacher 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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CCC COMPLETED TESTING AND NO LEAD EXCEEDANCES:
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
.
At this time, the facility is in compliance with California Title 22 Regulations. Therefore, there are no deficiencies being issued today.
A notice of site visit was given and must remain posted for 30 days.
Exit interview conducted and report was reviewed with the lead teacher Norma Maciel.
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