Inspector’s narrative
What the inspector wrote
On Wednesday, October 2, 2024, 10:15 a.m, Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Mayra Rivera conducted an unannounced annual inspection and met with director Alexandria Ridgewell who guided LPA Rivera on a tour of the facility.
This is a school-age program that serves children ages 6 to 12 years. This program operates Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday school session 7:00 a.m. 8:00 a.m.\342\200\2232:45 p.m., to 6:00 p.m., and Wednesday 7:00 a.m. -8:00 a.m. 1:45 p.m., -6:00 p.m. Sign in and out takes place at the main entrance area. All areas identified on the facility sketch were toured and inspected both indoors and outdoors. Teacher and child ratio were not observed due to no children present. Present staff are fingerprinted cleared and trained in pediatric first aid/CPR. Annual fee is current.
LPA entered classroom Kinder and 1
st
. 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 top cabinet with a padlock making it inaccessible for children to reach and open. LPA Rivera observed a trash bin with a lid.
LPA entered classroom 4
th
and 6
th
grade. 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 top cabinet with a padlock making it inaccessible for children to reach and open. LPA Rivera observed a trash bin with a lid.
LPA entered classroom 2
nd
and 3
rd
grade. The classroom is currently not being utilized due to the air conditioner not working. A work order has been completed to fix the air conditioner. This classroom is split
with the classrooms stated above. 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 the top cabinet with a key lock making it inaccessible for children to reach and open. LPA Rivera observed a step trash bin with a lid.
Heating, lighting, and ventilation were evaluated by LPA Rivera. LPA observed central AC/heater and vents located on the top side wall. LPA observed the thermostats located in classrooms Kinder and first and 4
th
and 6
th
grade temperatures to be between 72-74 degrees. LPA observed a carbon monoxide detector in classroom 4
th
and 6
th
grade, LPA Rivera tested, and it is operable. The last emergency drill was conducted on 9/20/24. First aid kit supplies are kept inside the classrooms and LPA observed the kits to be fully equipped. During this visit, per director two children have prescribed medication. The medication is in the directors file cabinet. LPA observe Claritin with expiration date 9/2025 and Albuterol Sulfate 11/2024. LPA reminded director the Albuterol Sulfate expires in one month. LPA Rivera asked if there were any poisons, firearms, weapons, or bodies of water. Director Alexandria stated no firearms, weapons, no poisons nor bodies of water. LPA did not observe firearms or weapons, poisons, nor bodies of water. Director Alexandria stated the ill isolation area takes place in the director\342\200\231s office and children utilize Mitchell Community Elementary School gender restrooms.
Children utilize the elementary school restrooms. LPA observed the restrooms to be in good condition with working toilets, sinks, hand soap dispenser and paper towels. L
LPA Rivera entered the outdoor play area. The children utilize a portion of the school playground. 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 and areas around or under high climbing equipment, are cushioned with artificial grass and granulated rubber mat underneath that may absorb a fall. LPA observed the solar panels to provide adequate shade on the grass field. LPA observed the playground yard to be fenced and the side gates closed and locked with a keypad locks. LPA observed trash bins with tight lids. For outdoor water drinking, children utilize water fountain, or bring out their own water bottles.
This program during the summer breaks provides meals. Meals are provided by an outside vendor. During school session children bring their own meals and snacks. LPA Rivera informed director any food brought from the children's homes, the container shall be labeled with the child's name and properly stored or refrigerated. For water drinking, LPA Rivera observed water pitchers to refill children water bottle. LPA observed the food preparation area to be clean and free of litter, rubbish, rodents, and/or any other vermin. The facility was observed to be free of flies, other insects, and rodents. Lead testing was conducted on 10/28/22 and no lead exceedance.
The following documents were posted in a prominent, publicly accessible area at the facility: Facility License, Notification of Parents' Rights (PUB 393), Personal Rights (LIC 613A), and Earthquake Preparedness (LIC 9148). PUB 269 Child Passenger System Poster, and Daily Schedule. LPA Rivera observed the morning drop off sign in and observed 13 initials.
LPA Rivera reviewed the children\342\200\231s roster, children\342\200\231s, and staff files.
LPA Rivera observed director Alexandria American Red Cross Pediatric First Aid/CPR certification dated 4/27/23, Preventative Health and Safety certification dated 7/16/23 and has proof of immunization against Pertussis, MMR and Influenza. Director has completed the child abuse mandated reporter training dated 12/27/22.
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 125 Entrance Checklist for Child Care Center:
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:
. Pediatric First Aid and CPR: American Heart Association or American Red Cross or Emergency Medical Services Authority (EMSA) Certification and at least one person trained in Pediatric First Aid and CPR must be present must be renewed every two years.
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, Mandated Child Abuse Certification, MMR, TDAP, TB, influenza, or influenza declination.
11. Isolation-
When a child is ill, he/she shall be separated from other children, and remain separated.
12. 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.
13.
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 624).
14
. Fire and safety drills must be performed every six (6) months and documented for review by the Department.
15
. The carbon monoxide detectors should be checked, and batteries replaced as needed.
Director Alexandria was 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 Alexandria 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 Alexandria Ridgewell.