Routine inspection·August 20, 2025

On Wednesday, August 20, 2025, Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Mayra Rivera conducted an unannounced annual inspection and met with director Estella Arredondo who granted access and guided LPA Rivera on a tour of the facility. This is a head start preschool program that serves children ages 3 to 5 years. This program operates Monday to Friday 8:15 a.m. \342\200\223 2:30 p.m. Sign in and out takes place in the classrooms. All areas identified on the facility sketch were toured and inspected both indoors and outdoors. Teacher and child ratio were not observed, and present staff are fingerprinted cleared. LPA entered classroom 1 and observed 7 preschool children having lunch and staff #1 and staff #2 present providing care and supervision. LPA observed age-appropriate furniture and equipment to be in good condition, free of sharp, not loose, or pointed parts and age-appropriate toys accessible to children. LPA observed a cubby for children to store their personal belongings. LPA observed cleaning solutions stored inside storage closet with a side latch lock making it inaccessible for children to open. LPA Rivera observed a step trash bin with a lid. LPA entered classroom 2 and observed 7 preschool children having lunch and staff #3 and staff #4 present providing care and supervision. LPA observed age-appropriate furniture and equipment to be in good condition, free of sharp, not loose, or pointed parts and age-appropriate toys accessible to children. LPA observed a cubby for children to store their personal belongings. Cleaning solutions LPA observed the solutions to be stored in the gray storage cabinet locked making it inaccessible for children to open. LPA Rivera observed a step trash bin with a lid. Classroom 3 is currently not being utilized due to low enrollment. Heating, lighting, and ventilation were evaluated by LPA Rivera. LPA observed central AC/heater and vents located on the ceiling. LPA observed the thermostat located in classroom 3 and temperature to be at 73 degrees. Smoke detectors were not tested during this visit due to the detectors being wired to the emergency pull down fire alarm system. Carbon monoxide detectors in the classrooms and LPA Rivera tested the carbon monoxide located in classroom 1 and heard the sound. It is operable. The last emergency drill was conducted on 6/2/25. LPA observed napping equipment cot\342\200\231s to be in good condition and stored in the classrooms. First aid kit supplies are kept inside the classrooms and LPA observed the kits to be fully equipped. During this visit, director stated one child has a prescribed medication. LPA observed child #1 EPI PEN with expiration 12/31/25. LPA Rivera asked if there were any poisons, firearms, weapons, or bodies of water. Director Estella stated no firearms, weapons, no poisons nor bodies of water. LPA did not observe firearms or weapons, poisons, nor bodies of water. Director stated the ill isolation area takes place in the director\342\200\231s office and children will utilize stall #5 (restroom). LPA Rivera observed the restrooms to be in good condition with working toilets, sinks, hand soap dispenser and paper towels. LPA observed a total of 5 toilets and 5 hand washing sinks. LPA Rivera entered the outdoor play area. LPA Rivera observed 1 shed closed and locked with a key lock. LPA Rivera observed the equipment to be 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 for ages 2-5 years and areas around or under high climbing equipment, are cushioned with granulated rubber mat that may absorb a fall. For adequate shade, LPA Rivera observed a hip roof shade structure. LPA observed the playground yard to be fenced, and the side gate and slide gate closed and locked with a keypad lock. For outdoor water drinking, staff bring out the igloo water jug and refill children cups. This program provides breakfast, lunch, and snacks. Meals and snacks are provided by head start offsite kitchen. LPA Rivera informed director Estella any food brought from the children's homes, the container shall be labeled with the child's name and properly stored or refrigerated. LPA observed the food preparation area to be clean and free of litter, rubbish, rodents, and/or any other vermin and storage containers for solid waste, including moveable bins with tight-fitting covers that are kept on, and in good repair. The facility was observed to be free of flies, other insects, and rodents. LPA observed the refrigerator temperature to be at 40 degrees and did not observe expired food. Lead testing was conducted on 8/11/2022 and no lead exceedance. The following documents were posted in a prominent, publicly accessible area at the facility (directors office and parent board): Facility License, Notification of Parents' Rights (PUB 393), Personal Rights (LIC 613A), Menu, and Earthquake Preparedness (LIC 9148). PUB 269 Child Passenger System Poster, and Daily Schedule. LPA Rivera reviewed children files, roster, signed in signatures and observed 14 signed in signatures. LPA was not able to view staff complete files due to staff files are at VOLUNTEERS OF AMERICA OF LOS ANGELES, PHILIP MAX SAETA LEARNING ACADEMY HS, 197750071 . LPA Rivera observed director Estella Arredondo American Heart Association Pediatric First Aid/CPR certification with expiration date 2/2026, and has proof of immunization against Pertussis, MMR and Influenza declination. Director has completed the mandated reporter training dated 10/9/2023. Director was advised that the mandated reporter training must be completed every 2 years, and is available at www.mandatedreporterca.com Items discussed during this visit: 1. The following items are prohibited 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. Breakfast/Lunch/Snack Menus: Menus are required to be posted one week in advance where it is visible by the child's authorized representative. Menus for the past 30 days must also be available upon request. 3 . Current Children\342\200\231s Roster: Each childcare facility shall maintain a current roster of children who are provided care in the facility. The roster shall include the name, address, and daytime telephone number of the child's parent or guardian, and the name and telephone number of the child's physician. This roster shall be available to the l icensing agency upon request 4 . LIC 311A - Records to be Maintained at the Facility: LPAs advised that forms, regulations, and quarterly updates can be accessed on the Child Care Licensing website at: www.ccld.ca.gov . 5 . Pediatric First Aid and CPR: At least one person trained in Pediatric First Aid and CPR and EMSA approved must be present. 6 . Designated Staff: The name of the childcare center director or fully qualified teacher(s) designated to act in the director's absence must be on file. 7.Qualifications: Educational background, training, and/or experience for each staff present must be available for review 8. Immunization Requirements: Commencing September 1, 2016, a person shall not be employed or volunteer at a day care center if he or she has not been immunized against influenza, pertussis, and measles or influenza declination. 9 . Children\342\200\231s Records: must be available for review; including but not limited to, the following: Name, address and telephone number of the child's authorized representative and of relatives or others who can assume responsibility for the child if the authorized representative cannot be reached when necessary. 10 . Staff Records: must be available for review; background clearance, LIC 503 Health Screening report, LIC 9108 Statement Acknowledging Requirement to Report Child Abuse, Staff Qualifications, LIC 9050 Employee Rights, LIC 501 Personnel Record, AB 1207 Mandated Child Abuse Certification, MMR, TDAP, TB, influenza or influenza declination. Director Estella Arredondo 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. 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. LPA verified that the lead testing was completed in accordance to the Written Directives outlined in PIN 21-21.1-CCP. This facility provides Incidental Medical Services \342\200\223 IMS. LPA reviewed storage of \342\200\234medication 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/ Director Estella Arredondo 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. 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 . No deficiencies given during this visit. 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. Exit interview conducted and report and appeal rights were reviewed with Director Estella Arredondo.