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Inspection visit

Routine inspection (3-year)

VOA/LA ESCUELITA HEAD STARTLicense 197400861
Clean visit · 0 citations

Inspector’s narrative

What the inspector wrote

On 02/10/2026 Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Doris Whitmore made an unannounced visit for the purpose of conducting a 3 Year Inspection, LPA met with Coralia Cartagena, Site Supervisor and toured the facility indoors and outdoors. LPA observed proper care and supervision during this inspection. LPA observed 19 children with proper teacher/child ratios. There was a total of 4 staff at the time of the visit. All center staff that were present during today\342\200\231s visit have criminal record clearances and are associated to the designated license number. Facility hours of operation are 8:15 a.m.- 2:30 p.m. and 8:00a.m. to 3:00p.m. Monday- Friday. LPA observed all postings requirements for operation on the postings board LIC203A- License, LIC610A-Emergency Disaster Plan, LIC9148- Earthquake Preparedness Checklist, PUB394-Notification of Parents Rights Poster, LIC613A- Personal Rights, PIB-269- Car Seat Law, Menus, Activity Schedule, Roster. LPA reviewed total of 10 children files. LPA reviewed a total of 5 staff files. All staff files were current on their Mandated Reporter Training Certificate. LPA observed operable carbon monoxide/smoke detectors which were tested. LPA observed full charged fire extinguishers. First Aid Kits were stocked in both classrooms. Furniture and equipment were inspected for age appropriateness and good repair free of sharp, loose, or pointed parts. Telephone service, heating, lighting, and ventilation were evaluated. Napping equipment was observed to be clean and in good condition. Storage for children\342\200\231s belongings, with 2 operable sinks and 2 toilets. A sufficient supply of toilet paper, soap, paper towels, was observed. Isolation area was inspected and located in the office. Drinking water is readily available and trash cans with tight fitting lids were outside observed in the classrooms. Sign in/out were reviewed and facility roster. Documentation of current Fire & Earthquake drill was reviewed. The outdoor area was inspected. Playground equipment is in safe condition, free of sharp, loose, or pointed parts. LPA did not observe any debris or hazards that would pose immediate risk to children in care. LPA observed an age-appropriate equipment. LPA observed other educational materials for children to utilize which are in the shed. No bodies of water were observed, pets, or weapons. LPA Whitmore shared with the Site Supervisor the Pool Regulations. LPA asked the Site Supervisor if the neighbor had a pool. The response was No. Shade areas were observed, and water is readily available. Breakfast /Snack/lunch menus were posted. Meals are delivered daily from the main kitchen in North Hollywood Food and snack items are properly stored. Food preparation area was toured. The kitchen area which is made inaccessible to children in care. LPA observed the kitchen to be clean and equipped with a sufficient supply for meals. There were no cleaning compound compounds stored with the utensils. The facility serves breakfast, lunch, and snacks. Proper food storage was observed. Food and snack items are properly stored. Currently there six children with allergies Site Supervisor explained that the allergy list will be posted on the refrigerator if any children come into the program with allergies. Also, that all staff will be aware of the allergies. Coralia Cartagena 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. 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 childcare 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. LPA discussed the safe sleep regulations with licensee [or facility representative] 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 [or facility representative] of the importance of checking for and removing any 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- 02-CCP . 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/ . Coralia Cartagena 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. 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 . A notice of site visit was given and must remain posted for 30 days. Exit interview conducted and report was reviewed with the licensee Coralia Cartagena.

Citations

No citations recorded on this visit

The inspector found no violations of California child care regulations during this visit.

FAQ · About this visit

Common questions about this visit

What happened during the February 10, 2026 inspection of VOA/LA ESCUELITA HEAD START?

This was a inspection inspection of VOA/LA ESCUELITA HEAD START on February 10, 2026. The inspection found no deficiencies and no citations were issued.

Were any citations issued to VOA/LA ESCUELITA HEAD START on February 10, 2026?

No citations were issued during this inspection. The facility was found to be in compliance with all applicable regulations.

What type of inspection was this?

This was a inspection inspection. inspection inspections are conducted by CCLD as part of their licensing oversight.

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