Inspector’s narrative
What the inspector wrote
On August 14, 2025 at 1:50 pm Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Evelyn Garcia conducted an unannounced
annual inspection and met with licensee Guadalupe Castaneda who guided LPA Garcia on a tour of the facility. Upon arrival LPA observed 5 children present and Adult #1 providing care and supervision. During the inspection Adult #2 arrived and helps assist with the children. Family members residing in the home include licensee and 1 adult who have been discussed, fingerprinted, and cleared. Facility hours of operation are Monday - Saturday 6AM- 6PM.
This facility cares for children ages 0 – 12 years. This facility is a single-story home that consists of 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, kitchen, living room, dining room, den, detached garage and front and backyard fenced. Upon arrival LPA Garcia heard the licensee call Adult #1 by another name other than the employee listed on Guardian Roster. Adult #1 then called licensee's daughter to ask what last name she used for her fingerprint clearance. LPA asked Adult #1 for identification and could not produce it. Licensee did not have an employee file with photocopy of Adult#1 ID to verify identity. Adult #1 was asked to leave and cannot return until ID was shown matching name on roster or she is fingerprinted, cleared and associated to the facility. A type A violation was issued.
Areas off limits to children include-
All 3 bedrooms, bathroom in den (not function and inaccessible to children) bathroom in hallway, front yard and detached garage. In the backyard to the right there is a section of the yard that is off limits to the children. In this area there is a BBQ, grill that are inaccessible to children due to a metal gate that is key locked.
Areas on limit include – Livingroom, dining room, kitchen, den (main daycare area), bathroom outside located next to the garage and backyard fenced.
LPA Garcia inspected the facility for safety, comfort, cleanliness, ventilation and working phone (cell phone and landline). For ventilation, LPA Garcia observed central air conditioning and observed the vents located in the ceiling. LPA observed the furniture, children’s materials, to be in good condition and age appropriate. LPA did not observe a fireplace nor a wall heater. LPA observed cots that are used for napping stored in the den and napping takes place in the living room.
LPA Garcia observe knives and sharp objects to be stored in a high kitchen cabinet inaccessible to the children . For drinking water, licensee stated filtered water is provided and use individual cups that are re-filled as needed. The licensee stated the facility participates in a food program and provides breakfast, am snack, lunch, pm snack, and dinner. LPA informed licensee any food brought from the children's homes, the container shall be labeled with the child's name and properly stored or refrigerated. Licensee stated she currently does not have any children with severe food allergies nor on medication.
LPA Garcia entered bathroom utilized by the children located outside near the garage and observed the toilet, hand washing sink, hand soap and LPA did not observe hazard materials. LPA observed the restroom to be in good, operable condition.
LPA Garcia asked the licensee if there were any pets, poisons, firearms, weapons, or bodies of water. The licensee stated she has several dogs who are kept isolated from the day care children. LPA observed the dogs located outdoors in a kennel and in a part of the yard that is off limits and inaccessible to the children via a small gate. There are no poisons and no bodies of water, no firearms, and no weapons. Did not observe poisons, firearms, weapons, nor bodies of water. The license was informed that if any poisons (ex; Drano, rat poison or items that fall into that category), firearms and weapons are purchased, it is required to be locked with a key or combination lock and firearm and ammunition must be stored separately.
LPA Garcia observed the required 3A40BC fire extinguisher located in the daycare Livingroom and the valve on the green area indicating fully charged and serviced on 2/11/25.
LPA o
bserved dual carbon monoxide/smoke detector located in the daycare Livingroom. Staff #1 tested the smoke alarm.
LPA Garcia heard the sounds and are operable. LPA observed the first aid complete with band aids, gauzes, adhesive bandages, and antiseptic wipes and located in the daycare room top cabinet. For ill isolation, licensee stated she utilizes the kitchen of the daycare room.
LPA Garcia inspected the play outdoor (backyard) area that is utilized by children for safety, comfort, and cleanliness. In the backyard there is a section that is gated and off limits to the children and is locked with a key lock. This in-accessible area were pets are isolated. In the backyard there is also a detached garage and two plastic storage closets and 2 metal storage closets that are locked with key and lock. There is a side metal gate on the right preventing the children to access the front yard. LPA observed the play equipment to be age appropriate and in a safe condition, free of sharp, no lose or pointed parts. The surface of the outdoor activity space is maintained in a safe condition and is free of hazards (concrete/ rubber mats). The climbing equipment has rubber mats under to prevent injuries from falls. For outdoor water drinking, staff take water pitchers, and the children refill there individual cups.
LPA Garcia observed did not observe a valid Pediatric First Aid/ CPR certification, Mandated Reporter (AB 1207) training, Licensee was advised that the mandated reporter training must be completed every 2 years, and is available at
www.mandatedreporterca.com
LPA observed the required postings License, Pub 394 Notification of Parents Rights, Facility License, Earthquake preparedness. LPA also, reviewed children roster, and children files.
LPA observed children’s files with missing vaccine records.
The following was also discussed with the licensee:
1. In the absence of the licensee a qualified adult must be present, supervising the children; a qualified adult is an individual who has a valid and current Pediatric first aid/ CPR-adult-child- infant certification (EMSA approved), a valid criminal record clearance associated to the facility license, immunization's (MMR, TDAP, TB and Influenza or Influenza declination), AB 1207 Child Abuse Mandated Reporter Certificate.
2. A current roster of children enrolled must be available and maintained for a period of 3 years, even after children are no longer attending the facility.
4. Annual fees must be paid promptly and by the due date or a late fee shall be assessed and/or the license shall be terminated.
5. The fire extinguisher type 2A-10BC must be serviced annually or as often as necessary and smoke and carbon monoxide detectors should be checked, and batteries replaced as needed.
6. Changes should be reported to the Department as soon as they occur such as construction, remodeling, telephone number changes and/or if you move from your home.
7. Any unusual incidents or injuries must be reported to the Department within 24 hours via telephone and within seven (7) days in writing (refer to LIC 624B). Mandated reporter requirements were reviewed and explained.
8. Fire and safety drills must be performed every six (6) months and documented for review by the Department.
9. Smoking is prohibited in the family childcare home.
10. Children and staff records must be maintained and updated as needed and be available for review by the Department.
11. Immunization Requirement: H&S 1597.622: Commencing September 1, 2016, a person shall not be employed or volunteer at a family day care home if he or she has not been immunized against influenza, pertussis, and measles. The licensee and all adults working with children have proof of immunizations.
12. Inspection Authority: All adults living and working in the home shall be made of aware of the Department’s right to inspection the home, which includes, but is not limited to the right to enter the home when children are being cared for, interview children and adults and review documentation.
13. The facility license number must be on all advertisements, publications, or announcements with the intent to attract clients.
14. Isolation for Ill children: When a child is ill, he/she shall be separated from other children (reference 102417(e) Operation of a Family Child Care Home).
15. Liability Insurance was discussed; LPA advised applicant to review Title 22 Regulation 102417(m)(1) for additional information.
13. Dog(s) and/or pets are recommended to be isolated from children in care
14. No baby bouncers, no infant walkers, no Johnny jumpers, no saucer chairs, and any other item that falls into this category is not permitted in the facility.
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-process
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Criminal Record Clearance -
Family Child Care Homes Licensee
was reminded that all adults 18 and over living or working in the home, 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 licensed Family Child Care Home. 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.
Safe Sleep -
Child Care Centers and Family Child Care Homes 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-andresources/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.
Incidental Medical Services (IMS) policy was discussed. For IMS information see PIN 22-02CCP. 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 Centers and the ADA, available at:
https://www.ada.gov/resources/child-care-centers/
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Licensee
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.
Deficiencies: Immunization records missing in various children’s files, CPR certification for licensee, Mandated Reporters for licensee and both employees present, employee files not available, proof of identification of adult #1 not on file, immunization records for employees, safe sleep logs must be kept for children under 2 years of age, Adult #1 cannot return until proof of identification is provided or is fingerprinted and cleared and associated to the facility.
Citations issued: 1 Type A - Uncleared adult, 2 Type B - immunization records missing from various children's files, employees file.
Upon receipt of a Type A deficiency, a copy of the licensing report must also be posted for 30 days. The same report must be provided to parents/guardians of children newly enrolled at the facility during the next 12 months & licensee must obtain a signed Acknowledgement of Licensing Reports (LIC 9224) from parent/guardian & place it in each child's file. Copies of the reports must be provided to each parent when a Type A violation is cited along with Acknowledgment of Receipt of Licensing Reports LIC 9224. If these requirements are not met civil penalties per violation will be assessed.
A notice of site visit was given and must remain posted for 30 days.
Exit interview conducted and report was reviewed with the licensee Guadalupe Castaneda.