Follow-up·September 15, 2022

O n 9/15/2022 at 8:30 am Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Deborah Lowe conducted an unannounced case management visit. LPA Lowe was greeted by director Cherly Gartsman and granted entry into the facility. Director guided LPA Lowe on a tour of the facility. There were 7 staff and 17 children present during the visit. Assembly Bill (AB) 2370, Chapter 676, Statutes of 2018 requires all licensed Child Care Centers (CCC’s) constructed before January 1,2010 to test their drinking water for lead contamination between January 1, 2020 and January 1, 2023, and then every five years after the date of the first test. Community Care Licensing was notified that lead water testing conducted at the facility on 8/23/2022 exceeded allowable limit for lead. Samples testing over 5.5 ppb/ug L and above is considered an exceedance. The Purpose of today’s visit is to follow up lead testing results of Action Level Exceedances (ALE) and conduct an inspection. During today’s visit LPA Lowe observed water facet/outlets identified on facility sketch. LPA Lowe reviewed the outlets list on the on the water testing documents and found rooms listed do not match the correct facility numbers. Director provided LPA Lowe with a Declaration identifying outlets showing with an Action Lead Exceedance (ALE) of 5.5 ppb or over are in relation to the facilities preschool license 197411211 and the infant license of 197411212. LPA Lowe confirmed with director that outlet “B” samples were identified as exceedance of lead and shall remain inoperable. LPA Lowe observed outlet B to be located in an unused child bathroom handwashing sink located in a closed off room between the Infant classroom and Toddler 2 classroom. LPA Interviewed director and staff to verify children do not have access to the sink that has been identified as exceedance of lead. During today’s visit LPA Lowe collected copies of LIC 9275, LIC 9276, Facility Sketch (water faucets/outlets identified) and copy of water testing digital Photographs page showing pictures of water faucets/outlets identified on facility sketch provided by testing technician. LPA Lowe took pictures of faucets/ outlets. Per director facility provides disposable cups for children that is filled with filtered water pitchers. Per director all meals and snacks are provided by facility, facility was observed with a kitchen. Kitchen outlets were not observed to have an Action Lead Exceedance (ALE) of 5.5 ppb or over. Based on observation, interviews and sampling records it has been determined that there was a violation of Licensing Regulation Title Division 12, Chapter 1, Subchapter 5 – California Lead Action Level at Child Care Centers 101700.3(b)(1), “A result with values of 5.5 ppb or greater shall be deemed an Action Level Exceedance”. Lead water testing samples taken on 8/23/2022 revealed that levels of lead were beyond allowable amount deemed by the State of California. Handwashing sink (sample B) lead exceedance level of 28.6 ppb. This facility is being cited (1) deficiency during today’s visit 9/15/2022. This is a type B violation which poses a potential Health, Safety or Personal Rights risk to persons in care. In Accordance with California Code of Regulations. Refer to LIC 809-D. LPA discussed Proof of Correction (POC) with Director. Director has replaced all faucets identified with an Action Lead Exceedance of 5.5 ppb or over. These outlets will not be accessible for use until a retest has occurred. LPA Lowe observed signs posted stating Out of Service. A notification of letter will be sent out to parents with notification of cease of water outlets and remediation for planned for water outlets or alternative. Director will send LPA a copy of the letter via email by 9/16/2022. Facility is scheduled for a second test of identified outlets on 10/04/2022. Director will send LPA a copy of the re-test summary once completed on or before 10/14/2022. Instructions for required lead testing are outlined in PIN 21-21. This PIN which contains Written Directives, have the same force and effects as the regulations contained in Title 22 of the California Code of Regulations Care Child Centers are expected to use an Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program (ELAP), for lead testing. Accreditation from the California Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program, known as an ELAP laboratory, is equipped to measure the amount of lead in a parts per billion (ppb) unit of measurement. For more information, go to the California Childhood. Lead Poisoning Prevention Branch’s website at www.cdph.ca.gov/programs/clppb or call them at (510) 620-5600. Please see Provider Information Notice (PIN) 20-01-CCP for more information about lead toxicity prevention LPA Lowe provided technical assistance and reviewed PIN 21-21-CCP, Fact Sheet: AB 2370 Water Testing Requirements, How to Apply for Free Services, and CDSS publication Effects of Lead Exposure with director. A notice of site visit was given and must remain posted for 30 days. Exit interview conducted, appeal rights were explained, and report was reviewed with the facility representative Cherly Gartsman .