Inspector’s narrative
What the inspector wrote
On 01/03/2022 at 9:10 a.m. Licensing Program Analysts (LPAs) Suzette Ornelas and Deborah Lowe met with applicant Tara Perera. The purpose of the visit was an announced pre-licensing inspection at the facility to ensure that health, safety and personal rights as requires by Title 22 and Health and Safety Regulations governing California Child Care Centers will be met. There were no children present during this inspection. This is an application for 87 children, ages 2 years to 5 years old. The child care center will operate Monday – Friday 7:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. The fire clearance was approved on 10/22/2021. Applicant has a pending application for an Infant License #197494945.
LPAs Ornelas and Lowe toured and measured the on-limits areas and classrooms located at the facility. The facility has a total of 4 preschool classrooms. Children will have access to 7 sinks and7 toilets.
Classroom measurements are
:
·
2 Year Old Room #3= (19.67 x 26.75 = 526.17) - Encumber Space (2.50 x 9.05 = 22.63)
Total Space: 526.17 - 22.63 =
503.54
·
3 Year Old Room #4= (25.33 x 32.67 = 827.53) - Encumber Space (15 + 6.45 = 21.45) – (6.50 x 2 = 13)
Total Space: 827.53 – 21.45 – 13 =
793.08
·
4 Year Old Room #5 = (25.42 x 32.58 = 828.18) – Encumber Space (2.42 x 8.17 = 19.77) – (1.92 x 8.00 = 15.36)
Total Space: 828.18 – 19.77 – 15.36 =
793.05
·
5 Year Old Room #6 = (32.05 x 25.33 = 811.83) – Encumber Space (6.05 x 2.50 = 15.13) – (9.75 x 2.50 = 24.38)
Total Space: 811.83 – 15.13 – 24.38 =
772.32
Total Preschool Measurements: 503.54 + 793.08 + 793.05 + 772.32 = 2,861.99 divided by 35 sq. feet = 81 preschool children.
Outdoor Play measurements are:
Playground 1 = (78.33 x 39.67 = 3,107.35) applicant requesting waiver for playground 1 to be shared space for infants and preschoolers (2- years to 3 years)
Playground 2 = (48.75 x 75.25 = 3,668.44) + (23.50 x 7.33 = 172.26) + (29.50 x 6.00 = 177)
Total Space: 3,668.44 + 172.26 + 177 = 4,017.7
Total Playground Measurements: 4,017.7 + 3,107.35 = 7,125.05 divided by 75 sq. feet = 95 preschool children.
Indoor/Children’s Area:
All outdoor and indoor passageways, stairways, inclines, ramps, open porches and other areas of potential hazard were observed to be free of obstruction. The child care center was observed be clean, safe, sanitary and in good repair at all times to ensure the safety and well-being of children, employees and visitors. Floors of all rooms have a surface that is safe and clean. A comfortable temperature for children was observed to be maintained at all times. Furniture and equipment were observed to be in need of repair. LPAs observed broken toy containers and some broken play furniture to be in need of repair and advised applicant to replace or remove them. Tables and chairs were observed to meet the needs of the children. All play equipment and materials used by children were observed to be age-appropriate. The licensee shall ensure that each child has an individual permanent or portable storage space for his/her clothing, personal belongings and/or bedding. All materials and surfaces accessible to children, including toys, shall be free of toxic substances.
Drinking water from a noncontaminating fixture or container was observed to be readily available both indoors and in the outdoor activity area. The licensee shall take measures to keep the center free of flies, other insects, and rodents. All containers used for storage of solid wastes, including moveable bins, were observed to have a tightfitting cover that is kept on; were in good repair; and were observed to be leakproof and rodent-proof. No fireplaces and open-faced heaters were observed. All window screens were observed to be in good repair and free of insects, dirt and debris.
Disinfectants, cleaning solutions, poisons and other items that could pose a danger if readily available to children need to be inaccessible to children. LPAs observed certain disinfectants and cleaning solution items to be accessible to children and advised applicant to store them in an area that is inaccessible to children. LPA’s advised storage areas for poisons shall be locked. The licensee shall maintain the following first-aid supplies in a location accessible to staff but inaccessible to children: LPAs observed a current edition of a first-aid manual, sterile first-aid dressings, bandages or roller bandages, adhesive tape, scissors, tweezers, thermometer, and antiseptic solution.
LPAs advised that a center shall be equipped to isolate and care for any child who becomes ill during the day. The applicant stated that the isolation area will be located in the director’s office to afford easy supervision of children by center staff. LPAs advised that the isolation area shall be equipped with a mat, cot, couch or bed for each ill child. The isolation area shall not be located in the kitchen area or the general-use toilet area.
Every licensed child day care center shall have one or more carbon monoxide detectors in the facility. All child care centers shall have working telephone service on the premises.
In addition to the sign-in procedure requirement of Section 101226.1(b), the licensee shall develop, maintain, and implement a written procedure to sign the child in/out of the child care center that shall, at a minimum, include the following:
The licensee shall be responsible for ensuring that children with obvious symptoms of illness including, but not limited to, fever or vomiting, are not accepted.
Smoking is prohibited on the premises of a child care center as specified in Health and Safety Code Section 1596.795(b). A baby walker shall not be allowed on the premises of a child care center in accordance with Health and Safety Code Sections 1596.846(b) and (c).
There shall be at least 35 square feet of indoor activity space per child based on the total licensed capacity. Based on the total licensed capacity, one toilet and one handwashing fixture shall be maintained for every 15 children, or fraction thereof.
Napping:
LPA’s advised mats used for napping shall be maintained in a safe condition. Constructed of foam at least
3/4 inch thick. Covered with vinyl or similar material that can be wiped. Marked or colored so that the sleeping side can be distinguished from the floor side. Wiped with a detergent/disinfectant weekly or when soiled or wet. LPA’s observed mats to be torn and in need of replacement.
Maintained in a safe condition with no exposed foam. Each cot or mat shall be equipped with a sheet to cover the cot or mat and, depending on the weather, a sheet and/or blanket to cover the child.
The licensee shall provide a variety of age-appropriate equipment, toys and materials in good condition and in sufficient quantity to allow children present to fully participate in planned activities.
Restrooms:
All toilets, handwashing and bathing facilities shall be maintained in safe and sanitary operating condition. Additional equipment, aids and/or conveniences shall be provided as needed in centers that serve children with physical disabilities.
Hot water temperature controls shall be maintained to automatically regulate temperature of hot water delivered to plumbing fixtures used by children to attain a hot water temperature of not less than 105 degrees F (40.5 degrees C) and not more than 120 degrees F (48.8 degrees C).
Notwithstanding (e) and (e)(1) above, handwashing fixtures shall not be required to deliver hot water.
There shall be one toilet and one handwashing fixture, separate from and in addition to the number of toilets and handwashing fixtures required in (h) above, designated for use by children who are ill, for use by staff, and for emergency use. This toilet and handwashing fixture shall be conveniently located in relation to the isolation area.
Common towels or washcloths are prohibited.
Outdoor:
LPAs observed a shaded rest area for the children. Outdoor play area was observed with hazards including but not limited to, hole, broken glass and other debris, and dry grasses that pose a fire hazard. Plastic play equipment was observed with broken parts, sand bags observed on playground near trees were observed torn and shredding. As a condition of licensure, the areas around and under high climbing equipment, swings, slides and other similar equipment shall be cushioned with material that absorbs falls.
No sandboxes were observed at facility.
LPAs observed the playground to be enclosed by a fence to protect children and to keep them in the outdoor activity area. The fence was observed to be at least four feet high.
Any construction or equipment that could pose a hazard in the outdoor activity area shall be made inaccessible to children in care. This shall include, but not be limited to, incinerators, air- conditioning equipment, water heaters, and fuse boxes.
No pools or bodies of water were observed at facility.
There shall be at least 75 square feet per child of outdoor activity space based on the total licensed capacity.
Health Related Services:
Medications shall be kept in a safe place inaccessible to children. A refrigerator shall be used to store any medication that requires refrigeration. LPAs observed medication to be inaccessible to children with parent authorization form but was not properly stored in original packaging. Applicant removed from classroom immediately during LPA’s visit.
The licensee shall develop and implement a written plan to record the administration of prescription and nonprescription medications and to inform the child's authorized representative daily when such medications have been given.
Food Service:
All food shall be safe and of the quality and in the quantity necessary to meet the needs of the children. Each meal shall include, at a minimum, the amount of food components as specified by Title 7, Code of Federal Regulations, Part 226.20, (Revised January 1, 1990) Requirements for Meals, for the age group served. All food shall be selected, stored, prepared and served in a safe and healthful manner.
All foods or beverages capable of supporting the rapid and progressive growth of microorganisms that can cause food infections or food intoxications shall be stored in covered containers at 45 degrees F (7.2 degrees C) or less.
LPAs advised pesticides and other similar toxic substances shall not be stored in food storerooms, kitchen
areas, food-preparation areas, or areas where kitchen equipment or utensils are stored. LPAs observed pesticide located under the kitchen sink.
LPA’s advised that soaps, detergents, cleaning compounds or similar substances shall be stored in areas separate from food supplies.
LPAs advised that all kitchen, food-preparation and storage areas shall be kept clean and free of litter and rubbish; and measures shall be taken to keep all such areas free of rodents and other vermin.
The food-preparation area shall not be used for: Children's play activities, unless such activities are part of a supervised food-education program. Full-day programs shall offer a midmorning and a midafternoon snack.
Full-day programs shall ensure that each child has a lunch. Half-day programs shall offer a midmorning or midafternoon snack.
LPAs observed that children have access to kitchen from the director’s office. LPAs advised safety latches to ensure that any sharps/hazards are inaccessible to children.
Postings:
The license was observed to be posted in a prominent, publicly accessible location in the center.
LPAs observed a copy of the LIC 613A (9/96) in a prominent, publicly accessible area in the center.
LPAs observed form PUB 393 (8/02), Child Care Center Notification of Parents' Rights Poster in a prominent, publicly accessible area in the child care center at all times.
LPAs observed Menus in writing and shall be posted at least one week in advance in an area accessible for review by the child's authorized representative. Copies of the menus as served shall be dated and kept on file for at least 30 days. Menus shall be made available for review by the child's authorized representative and the Department upon request.
The applicant has visible signs at the entrance to the child care center that provide the telephone number of the local health department and information on child passenger restraint systems pursuant to Health and Safety Code section 1596.95(g) and Vehicle Code sections 27360 and 27360.5 FORM: LIC 610
Each applicant shall have a disaster and mass casualty plan of action. LPAs advised applicant to provide a disaster and mass casualty plan of action. The plan shall be in writing and shall be readily available. Contingency plans for action during fires, floods and earthquakes including, but not limited to, the following: FORM: LIC 9148
The following items were discussed:
Incidental Medical Services (IMS)
policy was discussed. Regulation and Procedures for Child Care Centers Sections 101173 and 101226. When any IMS is provided, an updated Plan of Operation that includes IMS must be submitted to the Department. 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
Criminal Record Statement
Applicant was reminded that all adults 18 and over, including employees and volunteers, 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 up to $500.00 maximum per day/per person will be assessed if this regulation is violated.
Mandated Reporter
:
Beginning on January 1, 2018, AB 1207, requires all licensed providers, applicants, directors and employees to complete training as specified on their mandated reporter duties and to renew their training every two years.
Volunteers are encouraged but not required to take the training.
Website:
www.mandatedreporterca.com
Senate Bill (SB) 792
: This bill, commencing September 1, 2016, prohibits a person from being employed or volunteering at a child care facility or family day care if he or she has not been immunized against influenza, pertussis and measles.
Senate Bill (SB) 277 New Immunization Requirement
: Beginning January 1, 2016, personal beliefs exemptions will no longer be an option for the vaccines that are currently required for entry into child care or school in California. Personal beliefs exemptions already on file will remain valid until the child reaches the next immunization checkpoint.
The following corrections are needed before a licensure will be considered. Corrections are due by 01/18/2022:
Ensure that all shelving is secured to the wall.
Remove/replace all broken equipment inside of the classroom and outside on the playgrounds\
Remove/replace torn sandbags in the outdoor play areas.
Remove/replace changing table in Room 3.
Remove highchair in Room 3 from restroom.
Declutter top of shelves and tables to ensure there are no hazards to children.
Repair peeling/chipped paint and floorboard in Room 3.
All napping mats need to be replaced.
Remove tape from all fire alarm pull stations and repair if needed.
Ensure that all furniture/play equipment is clean and safe.
Ensure refrigerator in Room 6 is inaccessible to children so that there are no hazards to children.
Make closet in Room 4 inaccessible to children to due to safety hazard inside closet.
Provide updated facility sketch showing updated classroom numbers, playground names and off limit areas.
Install safety latches to teacher’s desk drawers/cabinets containing hazards and sharps to ensure inaccessibility to children.
Provide safety outlet covers to exposed outlets.
All kitchen drawers/cabinets containing hazards and sharps need to be made inaccessible to children.
Remove pesticide from kitchen area, ensure poisons are locked and not located in the kitchen area.
Provide age range for climbing equipment on playground #2
19. Repair/replace padding around the shade structure posts.
An exit interview was conducted with the above items discussed and a copy of this report was provided to the Applicant Tara Parera. Final license determination will be made upon review by the Licensing Program Manager and correction of the above issues.