Incident investigation·February 7, 2025

Licensing Program Analysts (LPAs) Jeanine Lipsey & Elicia Calvillo and Licensing Program Manager (LPM) Rita Ramos conducted an unannounced, case management incident inspection on 02/07/25. Upon arrival, LPAs & LPM met with and were guided on a tour of the facility by Director Elizabeth Flores to whom the purpose of the inspection was announced. LPAs and LPM also met with Assistant Director Early Education Center (EESD) Tameka Brown upon arrival. LPAs and LPM were later met by Early Learning Supervisor (ELS) Noemi Tovar. The purpose of the visit was to follow up on an incident reported to the Department that occurred on 02/05/25 via telephone. The facility reported the Unusual Incident to the Department on 02/06/25 within the required 24 hours of occurrence. Information provided to the Department indicates that due to the rain part of the ceiling fell in one of the classrooms when children were present. No children were injured. However, the damage to the ceiling exposed potential asbestos at the facility. The damage to the ceiling occurred in Room #1, children in Room # 1 were placed in the Friendship Hall on 02/05/2025. Per Assistant Director Early Education Center, Tameka Brown, the facility was aware in March 2024 that if the ceiling were not be intact there would be exposure to potential asbestos. By their own admission, the facility had water leaks in the ceiling in February 2024 which prompted an inspection by an Environmental Specialist, who informed licensee that the exposure to potential asbestos would not be a concern if the ceiling was not disturbed and remained intact. LPAs and LPM did not find a record of reporting their awareness of potential asbestos present in the facility. PAGE 1 OF 2 When touring the Friendship Hall, Director Alejandra informed LPAs & LPM that the Friendship Hall was not noted in the facility sketch because it is an unlicensed part of the building. LPAs and LPM observed open double doors that lead directly to a chapel, which also has an open door, where the pastor and parishioners have access to the facility. Although facility representatives stated that children could not open the door to the kitchen, LPAs / LPM informed facility representative that the pastor and parishioners have direct access to the child care center. Per Facility Representatives, the pastor of the church who has direct access to all areas within the facility does not have a Criminal Record Clearance or Association to the child care center. When requesting a copy of the lease (control of property) LPAs and LPM discovered that the lease is dated for the year of 2023, and the pastor's name does not reflect the name of the current pastor. Neither the current pastor or the previous pastor have a criminal record clearance. During the visit, LPAs and LPM requested an updated facility sketch, copy of parent handbook, copy admission policy and procedures along with any copies or documentation regarding the classroom ceiling repairs and information for the potential asbestos. LPAs and LPM observed room #1 is closed with a sign that indicates to not open unless necessary per Tameka Brown, their facility plant supervisor had plans for abatement to occur at the facility during spring break from April 14-18, 2025. When LPAs and LPM asked Tameka Brown if other agencies have been contacted besides their facility staff and facility plant supervisor Tameka Brown asked if other agencies need to be contacted. LPAs and LPM asked if agencies such as the Health Department was contacted. Per, Director Tameka Brown, they were in the process of contacting the health department when LPAs and LPM arrived. During the visit, Tameka Brown provided contact information from Health Department. There were 16 children enrolled in room #1. On the day of the incident, seven children were moved to room 2 and nine children were moved to unlicensed fellowship hall located on the property. page 2 of 4 At approximately 03:30PM, LPAs and LPM were greeted by South Coast Air Quality Department Supervising Air Quality Management District (AQMD) due to AQMD receiving information regarding potential asbestos exposure at the facility. Per AQMD, the facility was given a Notice to Comply, Asbestos with correction compliance dates of 02/10/2025, 02/12/2025, and 02/14/2025. Facility is required to maintain Room #1, Room #2 and Custodial room closed off until further notice. Based on LPA's and LPMs observations, the following deficiencies listed on the attached deficiency page are being cited in accordance with Title 22, Division 12, Chapter 3, of the California Code of Regulations. Deficiencies that are being cited need to be cleared to protect the children's health & safety. Also, LPAs and LPM informed the licensee to provide a copy of this licensing report dated 2/7/25 that documents any Type A citation to parents/guardian of all children currently enrolled by the next business day or the next day the children are in care, and to any newly enrolled parents/guardians for 12 months from the date of this report.  A signed Acknowledgement of Receipt of Licensing Report (LIC9924), or written statement, must be placed in the child's file for verification. Exit interview was conducted with Director Elizabeth Flores, including, but not limited to Provider Rights, Appeal Procedures and Agencies Consultative Role. Page 4 of 4