Inspector’s narrative
What the inspector wrote
On Thursday, December 12, 2024, Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Mayra Rivera conducted an unannounced annual inspection and met with licensee Donna Quinton who granted access and guided LPA Rivera on a tour of the facility.
Family members residing in the home have been discussed with licensee and are cleared. LPA observed 2 preschool children present. LPA observed facility to be within ratio. Operating hours are Monday to Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and care for children ages 3 to 12 years. Annual fee is current.
This facility is a one-story home that consists of 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, kitchen, living room, game room, attached garage and front and backyard fenced and an in-ground pool.
Areas off limits to children include-
Game room, master bedroom and bathroom, bedroom next to master, kitchen, and pool area.
Areas accessible
living room, bathroom located in the hallway and bedroom across from the bathroom.
LPA Rivera inspected the facility for safety, comfort, cleanliness, ventilation and working phone (cell phone and landline). For ventilation, LPA Rivera observed central AC and the vents located on the ceiling. LPA observed the furniture, children\342\200\231s materials, to be in good condition and age appropriate. LPA observed a fireplace with a gate barrier. LPA did not observe infant furniture due to licensee not providing infant care.
LPA Rivera observed cleaning compounds items, stored in the garage, making it inaccessible for children to open. LPA observed the knives and sharp objects stored inside top cabinet in a box making it inaccessible for children to reach. For water drinking, licensee stated she provides filtered water. The licensee stated the facility provides the meals and snacks. 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 Rivera entered the bathroom and observed the toilet, hand washing sink, hand soap and LPA observed the bottom sink cabinet closed and did not observe hazard materials and observed the bathroom to be in good condition. LPA reminded licensee and personal items (ex; shampoo, toothpaste, mouthwash, or items that fall into that category) must be made inaccessible to children.
LPA Rivera asked the licensee if there were any pets, poisons, firearms, weapons, or bodies of water. The licensee stated she has no pets, no poisons, no firearms, no weapons and has an in-ground pool. LPA did not observe pets, poisons, firearms, or weapons. LPA observed the in-ground pool. 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 observed an in-ground pool to be fenced with a five feet high fence. The fence does not obscure the pool from view. The gate swings away from the pool self-close. LPA observed the opening between railings to be 4 inches and do not exceed the 4 inches and the bottom of the fence is 3.5 inches from the ground on the hard surface. Does not exceed 4 inches. LPA informed licensee about new AB-2866 Pool safety: State Department of Social Services regulated facilities. In addition to the fencing, licensee will need to install a spa/pool cover or an alarm that, when placed in a swimming pool, will sound upon detecting an entrance into the water. Life ring with a minimum exterior diameter of 17 inches and labeled as approved by the United States Coast Guard. A rescue pole with a body hook and a minimum fixed length of 12 feet and licensee shall perform a daily inspection of the drowning prevention safety features and safety equipment before opening the facility and maintain a log of the inspections to be provided to the department upon request. LPA reminded licensee, no ladders, or any climbing equipment near the fencing. LPA informed licensee, if in the future the fencing needs to be replaced, licensee will need to contact the department to notify about the change.
LPA Rivera observed the required 2A10BC fire extinguisher located in the kitchen and the valve on the green area indicating fully charged and purchased receipt dated 1/2/2024. LPA observed a carbon monoxide detector located in the hallway and smoke alarm located in the living room. Licensee tested the carbon
monoxide and smoke alarm. LPA Rivera 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 hallway. For ill isolation, licensee stated she utilizes a corner of the living room. LPA observed the last emergency drill conducted on 12/3/24.
LPA Rivera inspected the play outdoor (backyard) area that is utilized by children for safety, comfort, and cleanliness. LPA observed the backyard to be fenced and side gates closed and with a keypad lock. 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. LPA Rivera observed play structure equipment to be age appropriate and areas around or under high climbing equipment, are cushioned with granulated rubber that may absorb a fall. For outdoor water drinking, children bring out their water bottles.
LPA Rivera observed licensee American Heart Association Pediatric First Aid/ CPR certification dated 5/21/23 and Health and Safety certification dated 5/14/2022, and licensee has proof of immunization against Pertussis, MMR, and Influenza. Licensee stated she has completed the Child Abuse Mandated Reporter training but was not able to provide proof. LPA reminded licensee child abuse mandated reporter training must be completed every two years.
LPA observed the postings License, LIC 9148 Earthquake Preparedness Checklist, LIC 610A Emergency Disaster Plan, Pub 394 Notification of Parents Rights, and LIC 999 Facility sketch. LPA also reviewed children\342\200\231s roster, children files. LPA observed the files to be complete.
The following was also discussed with the licensee:
1.
The following items are zero tolerance by Licensing:
Refused Entry to a Facility or Any Part of a Facility is a violation of Section 1596.852, 1596.853 or 1597.09. Regulations 101238 (g) (2), The Presence of an Excluded Individual, Fire Clearance Violations, Accessible Bodies of Water, Accessible Firearms, Ammunition or Both.
2. Pediatric First Aid and CPR: American Heart Association or American Red Cross or Emergency Medical Services Authority (EMSA) approved in Pediatric First Aid and CPR must be present. Certification must be renewed every two years.
3. Licensee was informed that the mandated reporter training must be completed every 2 years, and is available at
www.mandatedreporterca.com
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. 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).
10. Fire and safety drills must be performed every six (6) months and documented for review by the Department.
11. Smoking is prohibited in the family childcare home.
12. Children and staff records must be maintained and updated as needed and be available for review by the Department.
13. 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.
14. Inspection Authority: All adults living and working in the home shall be made of aware of the Department\342\200\231s 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.
15. The facility license number must be on all advertisements, publications, or announcements with the intent to attract clients.
16. 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).
17. Liability Insurance was discussed; LPA advised licensee to review Title 22 Regulation 102417(m)(1) for additional information.
18. Dog(s) and/or pets are recommended to be isolated from children in care.
19. No, no infant walkers, no Johnny jumpers, no saucer chairs, and any other item that falls into this category is not permitted in the facility.
20. LIC 126 Checklist for Family Child Care provided and reviewed.
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
.
Licensee Donna Quinton 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.
LPA discussed the safe sleep regulations with licensee Donna Quinton 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 Donna Quinton 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/
.
Licensee Donna Quinton 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.
Licensee Donna Quinton, confirmed that there are no Registered Sex Offenders living in the facility and LPA completed the RSO profile in FAS.
On technical violation given. Please see attached LIC 9102. No deficiencies given during this visit. A notice of site visit was given and must remain posted for 30 days. Exit interview conducted, and report was reviewed with the licensee Donna Quinton.