Inspector’s narrative
What the inspector wrote
On
10/21/2024
, Licensing Program Analysts (LPA) Cristina Castellanos and Brittany Lovest conducted an unannounced Annual Required Inspection for the facility named above. LPAs Castellanos and Lovest were greeted by Director Elaine Wikkramatilleke. LPA toured the facility both indoors and outdoors and observed a total of 41 children in care, being supervised and cared for appropriately by 10 fingerprint cleared staff members. Present during today\342\200\231s inspection was Director Elaine Wikkramatilleke.
The preschool hours of operation are from 7:00am to 6:00pm. LPAs observed the following teacher-to-child ratios in each classroom:
Dolphin\342\200\231s Classroom: 2 children being supervised by one (1) Teacher and one (1) Teacher Assistant
Sea Turtle\342\200\231s Classroom: 16 children being supervised by three (3) Teachers.
Sea Stars\342\200\231 Classroom: 15 children being supervised by three (3) Teachers.
Sand Dollars\342\200\231 Classroom: 8 children being supervised by two (2) Teachers.
Capacity and limitations as specified on the license are being maintained during todays\342\200\231 inspection.
All children are under supervision, including visual supervision, of a teacher at all times. The preschool program is in compliance with Title 22 regulations regarding Staff to Student ratios. Parents sign their children in and out of the facility at the front lobby. LPAs advised administrator to ensure that parents sign using their full legal name.
The facility does have preschool children that require Incidental Medical Services (IMS). Medication is stored in the director\342\200\231s office. LPAs discussed with the director all the necessary paperwork that needs to be included with the medication and reminded her that all medication needs to be in its original content with current prescription. LPAs reminded staff that all medications shall be kept in a safe place inaccessible to children in care. LPAs observed the allergy list with children's information to be posted in all the classrooms.
During today\342\200\231s inspection LPAs observed an Epinephrine Injection without the label directions as prescribed by the child\342\200\231s physician, which poses a potential health, safety or personal rights risk to persons in care
.
There are no swimming pools, ponds, or other bodies of water on the premises
.
There are no firearms or ammunition allowed or stored on the premises. At approximately 9:07am LPAs observed disinfectants, cleaning solutions and other hazardous items underneath the classroom\342\200\231s sink with a non-working safety latch, which poses a potential health, safety or personal rights risk to persons in care. The Director immediately removed all hazardous items underneath the classroom\342\200\231s sink before the children arrived. Director was reminded that all poisons should be kept out of the children\342\200\231s reach.
The facility has a designated district custodial staff that cleans and disinfects primarily in the evening. Teachers do the day-to-day cleaning in the classrooms.
LPAs observed a total of three (3) fully charged fire extinguishers and three (3) working carbon monoxide detectors throughout the facility. Additionally, the entire facility has a Pull Fire Alarm system. LPAs observed the First Aid Kit inside the Director\342\200\231s office. LPAs reminded the Director of the importance of having the verification of the Disaster and Fire Drills Log available for review.
All toilets and hand washing facilities are in safe and sanitary operating condition, except for one toilet located between the Sea Turtles and the Sea Stars classroom. Per Director the toilet is not being used and a replacement toilet has been ordered. Floors in the facility are clean and safe. LPAs inspected the classrooms and observed age-appropriate toys, books, and furnishings. Furniture and equipment are in good condition, free of sharp, loose, or pointed parts.
Playground equipment is in safe condition, free of sharp, loose, or pointed parts. The surface of the outdoor activity space is maintained in a safe condition and is free of hazards. Areas around high climbing equipment, swings and slides have cushioning material to absorb all falls.
Per Director parents assure they provide meals for their children which comply with dietary restrictions and allergies. Per Director the facility only provides snacks. The snack menu is posted throughout the facility. All food preparation and storage areas are clean, free of litter/rubbish and free of rodents/vermin. Administration was reminded that copies of the menus as served should be dated and kept on file for at least 30 days.
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Solid waste storage containers have tight-fitting covers and are in good repair
.
Drinking water is available to the children in care. Additionally, children bring in their own refillable water containers. Inside the classrooms there are water pitchers and plastic cups if needed.
The facility communicates with families via Daily News, flyers, and monthly newsletters and/or verbal communication during drop-off and/or pick-up time.
LPAs reviewed 6 personnel files and observed files to not be in compliance, 2 files missing LIC 9052 Employee Rights, 1 file missing LIC503 Health Screening Report as well as the TB Clearance, which poses a potential health, safety or personal rights risk to persons in care. At least one person trained in CPR and Pediatric First Aid is present when children are at the facility or at offsite activities. LPAs observed current CPR and Pediatric First Aid for staff present. LPAs discussed the importance of making sure that all Pediatric CPR and Pediatric First Aid training is EMSA approved.
LPAs reviewed 10 children\342\200\231s files and observed 4 files out of 10 to not be in compliance: 2 files missing LIC 701 Physician\342\200\231s Report, and 4 files missing tuberculosis immunization record, which poses a potential health, safety or personal rights risk to persons in care. LPAs provided Director LIC125 and LIC311A forms for further review and reference.
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.
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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. For child care center licenses issued after July 1, 2022, the licensee shall test their water for lead within 180 days of licensure pursuant to Written Directives section 101700 (PIN 21-21.1-CCP). Facility has the latest test results posted on the Parent Board dated 08/16/2022.
Facility provides Incidental Medical Services - IMS. 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-care
\302\255
centers/
.
Director was informed of the MyChildCarePlan.org website; a consumer education website that helps families obtain childcare by connecting them to childcare providers and Resource and Referral Agencies (R&Rs) throughout California.
LPAs reminded administrator to access the Community Care Licensing website
www.ccld.ca.gov
for access to Provider Information Notices (PINs), Quarterly Updates, COVID-19 Information and Resources, Mandated Reporter Training, Safe Sleep in Child Care, Lead Poisoning Facts, Forms and Regulations. Community Care Licensing Division (CCLD) regularly sends information to licensed facilities, providers, and stakeholders by way of Provider Information Notices (PIN), Program Quarterly Update Newsletters and other important information communication platforms.
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
.
Per Title 22, Division 12, Chapter 3, of the California Code of Regulations, there were five (5) deficiencies cited during today\342\200\231s inspection. See LIC 9099-D for additional information. Facility was also given Advisory Notes - Technical Assistance for further review.
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An exit interview was conducted and Plan of Correction were reviewed and developed with the Director. A copy of this report and appeal rights were discussed and left with the Director, whose signature on this form confirm receipt of these documents. The Notice of Site Visit shall be posted for 30 consecutive days. Failure to maintain posting as required, will result in an immediate $100 civil penalty.
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