Inspector’s narrative
What the inspector wrote
On September 26, 2023, at 9:30am Licensing Program Analysts (LPAs) Mayra Rivera and Evelyn Garcia conducted an unannounced annual inspection and met with licensee Erminia Ramos, who guided LPA Rivera and Garcia on a tour of the facility.
Family members residing in the home have been discussed with licensee and are cleared. Operating hours are Monday to Friday from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and care for children ages 0 to 13 years old.
This facility is a two-story home that consists of 4 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, kitchen, living room, dining room, one office and front and backyard fenced.
Areas off limits to children include-
All second floor, 2 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms (main house), kitchen, laundry room, office, and back yard. Areas accessible to children include one bedroom (daycare) and bathroom located in the hallway on the right adjacent to the daycare room and living room area.
At approximately 9:50 a.m., LPA Garcia inspected the facility for safety, comfort, cleanliness, ventilation and working phone (cell phone and landline). For ventilation, LPA Garcia observed central AC and the vents located on the walls. LPA observed the furniture, children\342\200\231s materials, to be in good condition and age appropriate. LPA observed a fireplace with metal safety gate and child safety latch. LPA observed 5 play pens.
LPA Garcia observed cleaning compounds items stored under the sink with a safety latch. At 10:05 a.m., LPA Garcia observed several disinfectants such as Clorox spray, nail polishes, Raid (insect killer), and sanitizers were accessible to children in the kitchen and insect repellant (OFF!) were accessible on kitchen counters near food prep areas and near kitchen sink. LPA observed kitchen knives to be placed behind kitchen faucet.
LPA informed the licensee that knives and other sharp objects need to be made inaccessible. LPA observed licensee to remove them and placed them in the cabinet with child proof latch. For drinking water, the licensee stated she provides water bottles and filtered water from the refrigerator. The licensee stated the facility provides breakfast, lunch, snacks and dinner. 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. The licensee stated she currently does not have any children with severe food allergies nor on medication and does not participate in a food program.
At approximately 10:15 a.m., LPA Garcia entered the bathroom and observed the toilet, hand washing sink, hand soap and LPA observed the bottom sink cabinet closed and observed Listerine and cleaning materials in the tub. LPA Garcia informed Licensee that cleaning supplies and mouth wash along with other chemicals must be stored in cabinet with safety latch. The bathroom was clean and operable condition.
LPA Garcia asked the licensee if there were any pets, poisons, firearms, weapons, or bodies of water. The licensee stated she has 4 dogs that do not come into contact with the children, there are no bodies of water, no firearms, and no weapons. LPA did observe 2 dogs in the backyard, poisons were observed to be made inaccessible to children, no firearms, weapons, nor bodies of water. 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.
At approximately 10:24 a.m. LPA Garcia observed the required 2A10BC fire extinguisher located in the daycare room and the valve on the green area indicating fully charged and serviced on 3/29/23.
LPA observed carbon monoxide detector and smoke alarm located in the living room. LPA Rivera tested 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 living room table. For ill isolation, licensee stated she utilize a corner of the daycare room. Last drill conducted 9/26/2023 which LPAs observed licensee practice with the children.
At approximately 10:36 a.m., LPA Rivera inspected the play outdoor (front yard) area that is utilized by children for safety, comfort, and cleanliness. LPA observed the backyard to be fenced and gates closed. 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 was observed to have several plants with thorns, LPA informed licensee to remove plant with thorns or make them inaccessible to children while they play outdoors. LPA Rivera informed the licensee that air conditioner must be covered with a mesh and BBQ must be covered, locked, or placed in areas that is not accessible to children. LPA Rivera also informed licensee to make sure off-limits areas for front yard must be barricaded or made inaccessible. For outdoor water drinking, children bring out their water bottles.
LPA Garcia observed licensee Pediatric First Aid/ CPR certification to expire on 3/16/25 and Health and Safety certification dated 3/16/25, and licensee has proof of immunization against Pertussis, MMR and Influenza declination. Licensee has completed the Child Abuse Mandated Reporter (AB 1207) training dated 3/8/23. Licensee was advised that the mandated reporter training must be completed every 2 years and is available at
www.mandatedreporterca.com
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When LPAs asked the licensee if she follows safe sleep regulations, licensee stated she did not have a safe sleep log. LPA Garcia also reminded licensee to make sure blankets, toys and other objects are not allowed to be in the cribs or playpens while they are in use.
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LPA Garcia observed the required postings License, LIC 610A Emergency Disaster Plan, Pub 394 Notification of Parents Rights, LIC 999 Facility sketch, and child car seat law poster, facility roster and did not observe, children files. Licensee stated the files are not available at the facility as they been taken by her daughter to review and update information. The licensee informed LPAs that she only has one child\342\200\231s file for review. LPA informed licensee that she must keep children\342\200\231s files at the facility and must remain confidential.
The following was also discussed with the licensee:
1. 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.
2. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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). Mandated reporter requirements were reviewed and explained.
8. Fire and safety drills must be performed every six (6) months and documented for review by the Department.
9. Smoking is prohibited in the family childcare home.
10. Children and staff records must be maintained and updated as needed and be available for review by the Department.
11. 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.
12. 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.
13. The facility license number must be on all advertisements, publications, or announcements with the intent to attract clients.
14. 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).
15. Liability Insurance was discussed; LPA advised applicant to review Title 22 Regulation 102417(m)(1) for additional information.
16. Dog(s) and/or pets are recommended to be isolated from children in care.
17. No baby bouncers, no infant walkers, no Johnny jumpers, no saucer chairs, and any other item that falls into this category is not permitted in the facility.
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
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The deficiency listed on the following page was observed by the LPA Garcia and is being cited in accordance with California Code of Regulations Title 22.
One type A deficiency is being issued today for regulation 102417(g)(4) Poisons, detergents, cleaning compounds, medicines, firearms and other items which could pose a danger if readily available to children shall be stored where they are inaccessible to children. Please see attached LIC 809-D for citation. Deficiencies that are being cited need to be cleared to protect the children\342\200\231s health & safety. A copy of this report shall be provided to the parent/guardian of children currently enrolled by the next business day or immediately upon their return. A copy of this report shall also be provided to the parent/guardian of any newly enrolled child for the next 12 months. A signed Acknowledgement of Receipt (LIC9224) shall be in each child\342\200\231s file, acknowledging receipt.
Two type B deficiencies is being issued today for regulation 102425(j)(2) The provider shall supervise infants while they are sleeping and adhere to the following requirements and 102391(d) The licensee shall permit the Department to inspect, audit, and copy children's records or other family child care home records upon demand during normal business hours. Records may be removed if necessary for copying
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Please see attached LIC 809-D for citation.
A notice of site visit was given and must remain posted for 30 days. Failure to maintain posting as required will result in a $100.00 civil penalty.
Family Child Care Homes Licensee Erminia Ramos 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.
Child Care Centers and Family Child Care Homes LPA discussed the safe sleep regulations with licensee Erminia Ramos 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 Erminia Ramos 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.
This facility provides Incidental Medical Services \342\200\223 IMS. LPA reviewed storage of medication and equipment/supplies, and reviewed children\342\200\231s, personnel, and administrative records. For IMS information see PIN 22-02-CCP. 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-carecenters/
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Family Child Care Homes Licensee Erminia Ramos 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.
The licensee Erminia Ramos confirmed that there are no Registered Sex Offenders living in the facility and LPA completed the RSO profile in FAS.
A notice of site visit was given and must remain posted for 30 days.
Exit interview conducted and report was reviewed with the licensee Erminia Ramos.