Inspector’s narrative
What the inspector wrote
Licensing Program Analysts (LPAs) Susann Sanchez and Denise Gibbs conducted an unannounced annual required inspection at the above facility on 4/11/2023 at 11:40 PM. LPA met with Licensee Ernestine Blanchard who guided analysts on a tour of the facility. There were 2 children, 1 infant and 2 adults present when LPA arrived. Facility capacity is in compliance for a Large Family Child Care Home. Hours of operation are Mon to Fri 6:00 AM - 6:00PM. Licensee provides food for the Licensee. Licensee was reminded if children bring food from home it must be labeled with the child\342\200\231s name and properly stored or refrigerated.
This is a two-story home which consists of 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, kitchen, dining room, living room with a barricaded fireplace, small den, garage, adult recreation room, front yard and backyard (fenced).
The home also has an enclosed jacuzzi room. LPA observed that the jacuzzi has a cover that can withstand the weight of the Licensee and it is inaccessible to children in care due to Licensee locking the door. The licensee has a top chained latch lock and also locks the doorknob and keeps furniture in front of the door as an additional barricade. The children use the downstairs bathroom located near the stairs via the kitchen.
Per licensee, areas off limits to children and parents include: all upstairs which includes the bedrooms and two restrooms, living room, dining room, adult rec. room and jacuzzi room. The licensee provides food for children in care.
Individuals residing in the home have been discussed and noted. All adults present in the home have obtained a criminal record clearance or exemption.
All areas identified on the facility sketch that are accessible for children to use were inspected for safety, comfort, and cleanliness. The following was observed and reviewed during this inspection:
LPA reviewed required posted documentation for Facility License, Publication (PUB) 394- Notification of Parent Rights and Licensing Form (LIC) 9148- Earthquake Preparedness form.
During tour around 11:40am, LPAs observed the fire extinguisher in the garage with a service date of 2021. LPAs reminded Licensee that Per State Fire Marshall, fire extinguishers must be serviced every year. Type B was cited.
Around 11:50am LPAs observed that detergents, cleaning compounds and medication are stored in locked in the bathroom were accessible to children located in the garage and the kitchen. Type A was cited.
Around 11:50am during tour, LPAs observed stairwells, first one located in the den and the second one located in the garage. Both stairwells did have gates but were not secured. A type B was given.
Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors were tested and are operable. The home maintains telephone service. The home is observed to be clean and orderly. There are toys and other age appropriate material available for children.
Licensee states that there are no poisons stored in the home and understands that all poisons must be lock, not only inaccessible to children. Isolation area for sick children waiting to be picked up is in living, away from the other children. Per Licensee there are no firearms or weapons stored in the home.
Around 11:50am, LPA observed a walker and saucer chair in the living room. Per Licensee husband and Licensee bouncer was given by child guardian. LPA explained that walkers and saucer chairs are not allowed. Type B was cited.
Infant Care
:
Currently licensee is for caring for infants. LPA review the following: napping equipment should not block entrances or exits. Infant mattresses should be firm with tightly fitted sheets. Loose object, bumpers, objects hanging, or objects attached to the cribs/play yards are not allowed. LPA informed licensee of the new Safe sleep regulations and provided copies of, including LIC 9227 Infant Sleep Plan for infants under 12 months, 15-minute sleep check documentation for infants 0-24 months, and provided PIN 20-24-CCP. Licensee states the following a sleep supervision plan for infants: the bedroom. Around 11:50am LPAs observe a changing table on top of the play yard. LPA advised Licensee to remove all items in the play yard since Licensee stated the child sleeps in the play yard. Type B was cited. LPAs also did not observe 15 minute log in infants file. Licensee stated that she does not do the 15 minute sleep log.
Per Licensee the backyard/side yard is will be used for outdoor play area was observed to be fenced.
Around 12:20pm LPA asked for children's files and Licensee. The following was missing: (LIC) 282- Affidavit Regarding Liability Insurance, LIC 627- Consent for Medical Treatment, LIC 995A Notification of Parents\342\200\231 Rights LIC 9227- Infant sleep form (0-12 months, and documentation of 15-minute Infant Sleep Check (0-24 months). LPA cited a type B.
Around 12:30am LPA asked for Licensee files and Licensee stated did not have the following: , LIC-501: Personnel Record, LIC 508-Criminal Record Statement, LIC 9052- Employee Rights, Proof of immunizations against measles, pertussis and influenza or influenza declination, TB clearance or risk assessment, LIC 9108- Statement of Child Abuse, AB 1207 Mandated Reporter. Type B was cited for personnel files, immunizations, and Mandated Reporter.
Licensee CPR and First aid expire 07/20/24.
Licensee was reminded that all children need to be observed to be treated with dignity and respect, and to be receiving safe, healthful and comfortable accommodations, furnishings and equipment, and free from corporal and/or unusual punishment.
Incidental Medical Services (IMS) policy was discussed. For IMS information see Evaluator Manual \342\200\223 Regulation Interpretations and Procedures for Family Child Care Homes Section 102417. When any IMS is provided, a plan for providing 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 Center and the ADA, available at:
http://www.ada.gov/childqanda.htm
To improve the quality and value of the new inspection process, a survey will 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 tools, please send them by email 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/process
Licensee was reminded that all adults 18 and over living or working in the home, 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 licensed Family Child Care Home. 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.
Consult was given regarding the following: Technical Support Program (TSP) and missing documents.
LPA discussed the safe sleep regulations with licensee and discussed the Child Care Licensing Safe Sleep webpage at
https://www.cdss.ca.gov/inforesources/child-care-licensing/public-information-and-resources/safe-sleep
as an additional resource. LPA also informed licensee of the importance of checking for recalled infant devices on the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) website at
https://www.cpsc.gov/
and recommended they register all infant devices with the CPSC to be notified of any recalls on their purchased equipment.
LPA advised the licensee to access forms, regulations and quarterly updates on line at:
www.ccld.ca.gov
.
The Notice of Site Visit (LIC 9213) and Licensing Report\342\200\223 must remain posted for
30 days
during the hours of operation after each site visit by a licensing representativ
e
. Failure to maintain posting as required will result in a $100.00 civil penalty. A copy of this report shall be provided to the parent/guardian of children currently enrolled by the next business day or immediately upon their return. A copy of this report shall also be provided to the parent/guardian of any newly enrolled child for the next 12 months. A signed Acknowledgement of Receipt (LIC9224) shall be in each child\342\200\231s file, acknowledging receipt.
Exit interview was conducted with Licensee E. Blanchard including, but not limited to Appeal Procedures and Appeal Rights were given and explianed. . A notice of site visit was given and must remain posted for 30 days. Exit interview conducted and report was reviewed with the Licensee, Blanchard.