Lead safety check·November 29, 2023

On 11/29/2023, Licensing Program Analysts (LPA) Judy Laureano and Cristina Castellanos conducted an unannounced case management visit. LPAs were greeted by Assistant Director Decia Deville and granted entry into the facility. LPAs explained the purpose of the visit and toured the facility\342\200\231s inside and outside. Director Debra Young arrived a couple minutes later at 09:33 a.m. through the back door. There were 5 staff members, and 19 children present during today\342\200\231s inspection. Assembly Bill (AB) 2370, Chapter 676, Statutes of 2018 requires all licensed Child Care Centers (CCC\342\200\231s) constructed before January 1, 2010, to test their drinking water for lead contamination between January 1, 2020, and January 1, 2023, and then every five years after the date of the first test. Community Care Licensing was notified that lead water testing conducted at the facility on 09/16/2023 exceeded allowable limit for lead. Samples testing over 5.5 ppb/ug L and above is considered an exceedance. The Purpose of today\342\200\231s visit is to follow up lead testing results of Action Level Exceedances (ALE) and conduct an inspection. Facility provided LPAs copies of LIC9275, LIC9276 and Facility Sketch (sink faucet/drinking fountains identified). LPAs took pictures of the sink faucet and drinking fountain in classroom 3. The facility has been identified to have 1 Sink Faucet (B) and 1 Drinking Fountain (C) with an Action Level Exceedance (ALE) in the amount of lead in water being 5.5pb, or greater. LPAs confirmed with director the following sink faucet \342\200\234B\342\200\235 and drinking fountain \342\200\234C\342\200\235 in classroom 3 were identified as exceedance of lead and shall remain inoperable. LPAs observed all outlets identified with an Action Level Exceedance to be made inaccessible to the children in care. LPA Interviewed director and staff to ensure children do not have access to the identified outlet/water bubbler that has been identified as exceedance of lead. Children have access to water via water jugs and paper cups in each classroom. LPA observed the water jugs and paper cups provided by the facility. Page 2 Based on observation, interviews and sampling records it has been determined that there was a violation of Licensing Regulation Title Division 12, Chapter 1, Subchapter 5 \342\200\223 California Lead Action Level at Child Care Centers 101700.3(b)(1), \342\200\234A result with values of 5.5 ppb or greater shall be deemed an Action Level Exceedance\342\200\235. Lead water testing samples taken on 09/16/2023 revealed that levels of lead were beyond the allowable amount deemed by the State of California. This facility is being cited (1) deficiency during today\342\200\231s visit 11/29/2023. This is a type B violation which poses a potential Health, Safety or Personal Rights risk to persons in care. In Accordance with California Code of Regulations. Refer to LIC 809-D. LPAs discussed Proof of Correction (POC) with the Director. All faucets identified with an Action Lead Exceedance of 5.5 ppb or over have been made inaccessible to the children in care. The outlet will not be accessible for use until a retest has occurred. A notification letter will be drafted by facility to send out to parents with notification of cease of water outlets and remediation for planned for water outlets or alternative. Director will send LPA a copy of the letter via email by 12/08/2023. Facility will work to begin repairs and will notify LPA when repairs are scheduled. Facility will work on scheduling for a second test of identified outlets when repairs are completed. Director will LPA a copy of the re-test summary once completed. Instructions for required lead testing are outlined in PIN 21-21. This PIN which contains Written Directives, have the same force and effects as the regulations contained in Title 22 of the California Code of Regulations Care Child Centers are expected to use an Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program (ELAP), for lead testing. Accreditation from the California Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program, known as an ELAP laboratory, is equipped to measure the amount of lead in a parts per billion (ppb) unit of measurement. For more information, go to the California Childhood. Lead Poisoning Prevention Branch\342\200\231s website at www.cdph.ca.gov/programs/clppb or call them at (510) 620-5600. Please see Provider Information Notice (PIN) 20-01-CCP for more information about lead toxicity prevention Director received Notice of Site Visit, a copy of this report and appeal rights, which were discussed and left with director.