Routine inspection·February 23, 2026

On February 23, 2026, Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Crystal Ali met with Kelly Ferko Preschool Program Administrator, for the purpose of an unannounced Annual/Random inspection. LPA disclosed the purpose of the inspection and was granted entry to the facility. Upon arrival, teacher/child ratios were observed. LPA observed in Newhall #2 classroom 12 children and 2 teachers present during inspection. Facility operates in two classroom sessions Monday through Friday: Morning session from 7:45 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. two A.M. sessions and one P.M. afternoon session from 11:45 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. Incidental Medical Services (IMS) were discussed. There are no current children with medical needs. There are no bodies of water on the premises, no smoking and no weapons. Staffing Ratio and Capacity: This center is located on Newhall Elementary campus off of Newhall Street and 13 th Street. Facility operates in three classrooms referred to as Newhall #1 (A.M. class) and Newhall #2 (A.M. and P.M. classes) preschool center. Facility served children ages 3 year to 5-year-olds. Sign-in and out sheets were reviewed at the entrance of each classroom. Physical Plant: LPA toured and inspected the preschool classrooms. Furniture and equipment were checked for age appropriateness and good repair. The room is clean and safe. LPA observed all containers used for storage of solid wastes, including moveable bins, with a tight-fitting cover that is kept on; leakproof and rodent-proof. LPA observed each classroom (2) to be free of any rodents and/or insects. Telephone service was verified. Heating, lighting, and ventilation are adequate. There are cubbies for children\342\200\231s belongings labeled with their names. Per Director, children do not nap on site since this is a part time program. However, there is a rest area for children when needed. LPA observed age-appropriate toys and materials. Daily activities schedule was observed in classrooms. Kitchen: There is a clean, fully equipped kitchen (off limits) with a refrigerator, freezer, stove, and microwave oven on school campus. The facility provides breakfast and lunch. Allergy lists are posted on the refrigerator. There is currently one child with food allergy. Soaps, detergents, cleaning compounds, or similar substances are stored separately from food supplies. The chemicals located in top cabinet and under the sink inaccessible to children. No knives or sharp items observed in the classrooms. LPA observed that food preparation and storage areas are kept clean and free of litter and rubbish. Menus are posted at least one week in advance and made available for review by the parents. The facility does participate in the Santa Clarita Food Program Association. Director states the last time the food program inspected their school kitchen December 9, 2025. Fire Extinguisher: A fire extinguisher is in the green (service last checked 8/6/25), a smoke detector, and a carbon monoxide detector are on the premises. Director states the Fire Marshal last came for inspection on January 20, 2026. LPA observed first aid kits and fire extinguishers at each classroom exit. Disaster drills are current and to complete every 6 months. Last disaster drill for both classrooms was on 10/16/25 (earthquake) and 12/9/25 (fire). Bathrooms: LPA inspected and observed a bathroom in each classroom. The bathrooms both have one sink and two toilets. The toilet and sink function properly and are age appropriate. The water temperature is appropriate. LPA observed soap, toilet paper, and paper towels readily available. Medication: Currently there are no children on medication. A review of medication policy indicated that prescription medication is administered only with the parent\342\200\231s written permission. The Director and other administration staff will administer medication and document the dosage, date, and time on a log. Medication is locked at the center (unless the parent requests daily return). Medication is labeled correctly and stored in its original container. Medication is kept in the classroom in locked cabinet until expiration and sent home with the parent for disposal. Isolation area is the Preschool Program Office where staff will remain with the child until the parent comes. Transportation: School does not provide transportation for the preschool children. Lead Testing/Drinking Water : LPA verified that the lead testing was completed in accordance to the Written Directives outlined in PIN 21-21.1-CCP. Lead testing was completed January 11, 2023. The Outdoor: The play equipment was inspected for health, safety, cushioning material, good repair, and age appropriateness. Children take their own thermos outside to drink water when needed. The outdoor play equipment was inspected for health, safety, cushioning material, good repair, and age appropriateness. The play area has a concrete playground, small grass area, and cushion material. LPA observed a large play equipment that has three slides and tricycles. Staff Records/ Children Records: Staff (2) records were reviewed. Staff records are in compliance. The full staff records are located at the school district office. Child records (4) were audited and are in compliance. The parent board was reviewed and has all the required forms posted. The following general information was discussed during this inspection: 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 . Criminal Record Clearance - Child Care Centers 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. Lead Testing \342\200\223 Child Care Centers (CCC) 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). Safe Sleep - Child Care Centers and Family Child Care Homes LPA/LPM discussed the safe sleep regulations with 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/LPM also informed licensee facility representative 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 22-02-CCP . When any IMS is provided, an updated Plan of Operation that includes 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) 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/ . MyChildCarePlan.org \342\200\223 Centers and Family Child Care Homes 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. No deficiency was cited in accordance with Title 22 of the California Code of Regulations and/or Health & Safety codes. A notice of site visit was given and must remain posted for 30 days. Exit interview conducted and report was reviewed with the Kelly Ferko, Preschool Program Administrator.