Inspector’s narrative
What the inspector wrote
On Wednesday, July 24, 2024 Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Evelyn Garcia conducted an unannounced annual
inspection and met with Norma Ramirez, who guided LPA Garcia on a tour of the facility. This facility is a Large Family child care home. There were 9 children in care participating in naptime and 2 staff providing care and supervision. All adults in the home were fingerprinted and cleared. Operating hours are Monday- Friday, 7:00am- 5:30pm. Residing in the home are licensee and her 3 minor children. This facility is a single-story home that consists of 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, kitchen, living area, dining room, detached garage, and front yard and backyard fenced.
Areas off limits to children include-
kitchen, dining room, all bedrooms, and bathroom near bedrooms, front yard and detached-garage.
Areas on limits for the children include
\342\200\223 Daycare room, bathroom located in the daycare room, and backyard.
LPA Garcia inspected the facility for safety, comfort, cleanliness, ventilation and working phone (cell phone). For ventilation, LPA Garcia observed central AC and the vents located on the ceiling. LPA observed the furniture, children\342\200\231s materials, to be in good condition and age appropriate. LPA observed mats, and crib for nap time and napping takes place in the daycare room, which is located towards the back of the home.
LPA Garcia observed cleaning compounds items stored inside the cabinet under the kitchen sink and is made inaccessible to the children. LPA observed kitchen to be off limits and is barricaded with a wooden safety gate to prevent access to the children. Knives are stored in a kitchen drawer that is inaccessible to the children.
For water drinking, licensee stated filtered water is dispensed and use individually labeled cups, however children at times bring their own water from home. The licensee currently participates in a food program.
LPA Garcia entered the bathroom that is accessible to the children and observed the toilet, hand washing sink, hand soap. Cleaning materials observed to be stored in the bathroom and were placed on a high shelf above the sink and not accessible to the children. LPA did not observe any items that are considered hazardous to the children within reach. LPA observed the restroom to be in operable condition.
LPA Garcia asked the licensee if there were any pets, poisons, firearms, weapons. The licensee stated she has 1 dog, no poisons, no firearms, and no weapons. LPA did not observe pet, poisons, firearms, or weapons. The license was informed that if any poisons (ex; Drano, rat poison or items that fall into that category), firearms and weapons are purchased, it is required to be locked with a key or combination lock and firearm and ammunition must be stored separately. Licensee stated that the dog is kept isolated from the daycare children.
LPA Garcia inspected the play outdoor areas which includes the back yard that is utilized by children for safety, comfort, and cleanliness. LPA and observed the back yard to be enclosed by 3 property walls. There is a detached garage located in the backyard, however it is made inaccessible to the children by key and lock. LPA observed a pergola to provide shade to the children during outdoor play. Climbing equipment was placed over artificial turf which may cushion a fall. One side of the home (left) is not accessible to the children and are prevented access by a fence and is where the dog is kept during daycare hours. LPA observed the play equipment to be age appropriate and in a safe condition, free of sharp, no lose or pointed parts. The surface of the outdoor activity space (concrete and artificial turf) is maintained in a safe condition and is free of hazards. For outdoor water drinking, licensees bring out individual water cups and refilled as needed.
LPA Garcia observed the required 2A10BC fire extinguisher located in the daycare room with the valve on the green area indicating fully charged. The fire extinguisher is serviced on a yearly basis by the fire department. LPA observed a dual carbon monoxide and smoke alarm located on the ceiling of the daycare room. The licensee tested the carbon monoxide and smoke alarm. LPA Garcia heard the sounds and are operable. LPA observed the first aid complete and is stored in the bathroom. For ill isolation, licensee stated the Livingroom is used for ill isolation until parents pick up the child. The last disaster drill was conducted on 5/23/24. Facility Roster was observed to be complete.
LPA Garcia observed licensee Pediatric First Aid/ CPR certification dated 5/13/24. Health and Safety certification dated 11/28/17, Child Abuse Mandated Reporter (AB 1207) 6/18/24. Proof of immunization against Pertussis, Measles, TB, and Influenza declination were observed. Licensee was advised that the mandated reporter training must be completed every 2 years, and is available at
www.mandatedreporterca.com
LPA observed all of the required postings which include Facility Sketch, Notification of Parent\342\200\231s Rights, Earthquake Preparedness, Disaster Plan, License.
The following was also discussed with the licensee:
1. In the absence of the licensee a qualified adult must be present, supervising the children; a qualified adult is an individual who has a valid and current Pediatric first aid/ CPR-adult-child- infant certification (EMSA approved), a valid criminal record clearance associated to the facility license, immunization's (MMR, TDAP, TB and Influenza or Influenza declination), AB 1207 Child Abuse Mandated Reporter Certificate.
2. A current roster of children enrolled must be available and maintained for a period of 3 years, even after children are no longer attending the facility.
3. 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.
4. The fire extinguisher type 2A-10BC must be serviced annually or as often as necessary and smoke and carbon monoxide detectors should be checked, and batteries replaced as needed.
5. Changes should be reported to the Department as soon as they occur such as construction, remodeling, telephone number changes and/or if you move from your home.
6. 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 624B). Mandated reporter requirements were reviewed and explained.
7. Fire and safety drills must be performed every six (6) months and documented for review by the Department.
8. Smoking is prohibited in the family childcare home.
9. Children and staff records must be maintained and updated as needed and be available for review by the Department.
10. Immunization Requirement: H&S 1597.622: Commencing September 1, 2016, a person shall not be employed or volunteer at a family day care home if he or she has not been immunized against influenza, pertussis, and measles. The licensee and all adults working with children have proof of immunizations.
11. Inspection Authority: All adults living and working in the home shall be made of aware of the Department\342\200\231s right to inspection the home, which includes, but is not limited to the right to enter the home when children are being cared for, interview children and adults and review documentation.
12. The facility license number must be on all advertisements, publications, or announcements with the intent to attract clients.
13. Isolation for Ill children: When a child is ill, he/she shall be separated from other children (reference 102417(e) Operation of a Family Child Care Home).
14. Liability Insurance was discussed; LPA advised applicant to review Title 22 Regulation 102417(m)(1) for additional information.
15. Dog(s) and/or pets are recommended to be isolated from children in care.
16. No baby bouncers, no infant walkers, no Johnny jumpers, no saucer chairs, and any other item that falls into this category is not permitted in the facility.
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
.
Licensee was reminded that all adults 18 and over living or working in the home, 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 licensed Family Child Care Home. 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.
LPA discussed the safe sleep regulations with and discussed the Child Care Licensing Safe Sleep webpage at
https://www.cdss.ca.gov/inforesources/child-care-licensing/public-information-andresources/safe-sleep
as an additional resource.
LPA also informed licensee of the importance of checking for recalled infant devices on the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) website at
https://www.cpsc.gov/
and recommended they register all infant devices with the CPSC to be notified of any recalls on their purchased equipment.
Incidental Medical Services (IMS) policy was discussed. For IMS information see PIN 22-02CCP. When any IMS is provided, a Plan for Providing 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:
https://www.ada.gov/resources/child-care-centers/
.
Licensee 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.
During the exit interview
, the Licensee, Norma Ramirez, confirmed that there are no Registered Sex Offenders living in the facility and LPA completed the RSO profile in FAS.
There are no deficiencies being cited during this inspection.
An exit interview was conducted, and a signed copy of this report was provided to the licensee.