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 04/23/26 at 09:10 a.m. At approximately 09:18 a
.
m
.
LPA met with the facility representative Jose Villanueva. LPA conducted a self-tour of 4 classrooms and 2 outdoor yards. This is a head start/preschool program licensed for 84 children in classrooms 1-4. At approx., 09:52 a.m., facility representative Queta Morales arrived and assisted LPA with the rest of the tour. According to the facility representative
,
the facility operates a part time in classrooms 1 & 2 Monday – Friday 08:00 a
.
m. to 11:30 a.m. and classrooms 3 & 4 operate full time Monday through Friday from 08:00 a.m. to 2:3
0
p
.
m. According to the facility representative there are 72 children enrolled.
All areas identified on the facility sketch were inspected. The facility is located on the grounds of Le Gore Elementary School. LPA toured room 1 and observed 14 children with 2 staff, room 2: 16 children with 02 staff, room 3: 14 children with 2 staff, and room 4: 18 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.
The indoor classrooms were 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. LPA also observed children have cubbies and use mats as napping equipment. All classrooms have age-appropriate toys, materials, and equipment. There are water fountains in room 3 & 4
.
All classrooms were observed to have a water cooler with disposable cups. Children's restrooms are inside classroom’s 1-4. LPA observed the children's restrooms are in safe and in sanitary conditions. At this time, the isolation area is the “safe space” located in each classroom and a padded mat is available for an ill child to rest on.
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Disinfectants, cleaning solutions, medication and other items that are dangerous to children, were inaccessible. All storage containers for solid waste, including movable 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.
LPA observed all required forms/publications to be posted in each classroom. Menus were reviewed to ensure that they are being posted at least one week in advance and visible to an authorized representative. Meals are delivered daily from the cafeteria for breakfast, lunch and snack. According to the facility representative, full session receive breakfast, lunch, and snack and part time sessions receive breakfast and lunch. Per the facility representative, 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 03/27/26. LPA also observed a functioning carbon monoxide detector in all classrooms.
At 09:26 a.m., LPA toured the outdoor area bike and ball yard and park yard. LPA and observed adequate shade, age-appropriate equipment and materials. LPA inspected equipment for any sharp, loose, or pointed parts. 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 it is free of hazards. LPA advised the facility representative 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. All children present were observed signed in.
Staff and children’s files are stored at the administrative office. The department received a waiver for staff and children’s files to be stored at the administrative office. The department approved the waiver request for staff and children’s files. LPA will review staff and children’s files at a later date and time. If staff and children’s files are observed to be incomplete during the date and time the LPA reviews the files, a case management inspection will occur at the facility to reflect the incomplete files.
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AB1207 Mandated Child Abuse Reporting – 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
.
This facility provides Incidental Medical Services – IMS. LPA reviewed storage of “medication and equipment/supplies, and reviewed children’s, 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/
The 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.
All staff have received an active criminal record clearance as a condition of their employment with the El Monte City 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
.
The facility representative 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 facility representative Queta Morales.
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