Inspector’s narrative
What the inspector wrote
Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Susann Sanchez conducted an unannounced 3 year inspection. LPA met with Sunethra Ipalawatte, Director who guided analyst on a tour of the facility. This is an infant program which consists of 1 classrooms. There is also a preschool on the premises. Facility operation hours are Monday to Friday from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
Teacher child ratios were observed to be in accordance with Title 22 Regulations. Classrooms were observed to ensure that infants are never left unattended. All children were observed to be under visual supervision of a teacher at all times. The following was observed during the tour of the facility:
Children's roster was reviewed and is current. Sign in and out sheets were reviewed to ensure that the person who signs the child in and out uses their full legal signature and records the time of the day. Children present were signed in. Disaster drill log was available, last drill was conducted on 12/13/2023. LPA observed required licensing documents posted on bulletin board.
Indoor space is physically separate from other child care components. Furniture and equipment were inspected for age appropriateness and good repair. Toys were observed to be safe, and do not have sharp points, edges, splinters and are not made of small parts that can pose a choking hazard. LPA did not observe any baby walkers or any items that fall into that category present in the facility. All materials and surfaces accessible to children are toxic free. All indoor classrooms were inspected to ensure that the floors have a surface that is safe and clean.
Children have their own cubby to store their belongings. Napping equipment were observed in separate storage areas. LPA observed cribs use for younger infants under and cots used for older infants who where 12 months and older. Linens are changed twice a week or more frequently, as needed by staff.
Age appropriate sink were inspected for availability and good repair in all restrooms.
General sanitation was observed. LPA observed that infant changing tables have a padded surface no less than one-inch-thick and are covered with washable vinyl or plastic. The infant changing tables have raised sides that are at least 3 inches high. LPA observed that infant changing tables are within an arm’s reach of a sink.
Telephone service, heating, lighting and ventilation were evaluated and are in operating condition. Per Director, the isolation area is located in the conference room. LPA observed a cot in the isolation area for ill children. Parents are contacted immediately when children are determined to be ill. First Aid supplies were observed in the classroom.
At 1:30am, LPA did not observed sleeping area for infants to be physically separate from activity space. LPA observed 10 cribs. LPA observed placement of cots and cribs are that hindering walkway or work space. Facility fixed during inspection.
Disinfectants, cleaning solutions, medication and other items that are dangerous to children, were observed to be inaccessible. According to the Site Supervisor, medication is only administered to a child when accompanied with a doctor's note and is stored in the child's classroom inaccessible to children with the child’s name and date. Site Supervisor states that there are no poisons stored at the facility and understands that storage areas for poisons must be locked with a key or combination lock. Facility has one or more functioning carbon monoxide detectors that meet statutory requirements.
Menus were reviewed to ensure that they are being posted at least one week in advance and visible to an authorized representative. The facility provides AM snack and PM snack for children who eat table food and also follow the needs and service plan for the younger infants. Bottles, dishes, and containers of food brought by the infant’s authorized representative are labeled with infant’s name and the current date and are sent back home daily.
Outdoor space is physically separate from other child care components. Outdoor play equipment was observed to be in good condition, free of sharp, loose or pointed parts. Outdoor activity space surface is maintained in a safe condition as is free of hazards. Areas around and/or under climbing equipment, swings and slides have cushioning material to absorb a fall. The outdoor area has adequate shade. LPA did not observe any bodies of water during this visit.
Children’s records were reviewed for Admission Agreement, LIC 700- Identification and Emergency Information, LIC 627- Consent for Medical Treatment, LIC 995A Notification of Parents’ Rights, LIC 613-Personal Rights, LIC 702-Health History, and LIC 701 Physicians Report, and Immunization Records.
Staff records were reviewed for Education, LIC-501: Personnel Record, LIC 508-Criminal Record Statement, LIC 9052- Employee Rights, LIC503- Health Screening, Proof of immunization against measles, pertussis and influenza or influenza declination, TB clearance or risk assessment, LIC 9108- Statement Acknowledging Requirement to Report Child Abuse.
At 1:50pm, Director stated that the facility has not been tested for lead. LPA provided PIN 21.21. CCP
At 2:15pm, during file review, 2 out of 3 staff members did not have a current mandated reporter training certificate.
At 2:30pm, staff did not have a current CPR and Pediatric First Aid present during this inspection.
This facility provides Incidental Medical Services – IMS. LPA reviewed storage of medication and equipment/supplies, and reviewed children’s, personnel, and administrative records. For IMS information see Evaluator Manual - Regulation Interpretations and Procedures for Child Care Centers Sections 101173 and 101226. The following information regarding ADA was provided: US Department of Justice (USDOJ) toll-free ADA Information Line at (800) 514-0301 (voice)/ (800) 514-0383 (TTY) and link to publication: Commonly Asked Questions about Child Care Centers and the ADA, available at:
http://www.ada.gov/childqanda.htm
Director 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.
Director 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.
At 3:55pm, Director had to leave.
The deficiencies are being cited per California Code of Regulations, TITLE 22, DIVISION 12, CHAPTER 1. A notice of site visit was given and must remain posted for 30 days. Exit interview conducted and report was reviewed with facility representative, Bernadette Joseph.
