Routine inspection·October 23, 2024

On October, 23, 2024, Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Carol Heath conducted an unannounced annual/random inspection at Thomas Family Child Care. Upon arrival, LPA Heath was greeted by the licensee, Andreana Thomas, who provided a facility tour. The home is occupied by 1 adult (the licensee) and 5 minor children (17,14,10,5 and 3 years old) . This is a large family childcare facility. The hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 23 hours. During the inspection, LPA observed 0 children (her own 17 years old and 14) with Licensee and her assistant #1 were present. Incidental Medical Services (IMS) were discussed, and the licensee confirmed that no children currently require IMS. The home is set up as follows: It is a two-story house with 6 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms, a kitchen/dining room, a living room, family room, laundry room, and a garage. No pools, spas, or bodies of water are on the premises. The home was inspected for safety, comfort, cleanliness, phone service, and ventilation. The house has central heating and air conditioning, and all windows have intact screens free of cracks, bugs, or debris. Main Area : Childcare is primarily provided in the living room. Children use the bathroom in the hallway to the Right. They have access to the the living room, bedrooms #1 and #2. Off-limit areas include bedrooms 3-5, bathrooms #2 and #3 (upstairs), laundry room, and garage. LPA observed the kitchen area and stairs to be fully barricaded with a safety gate. A barricade is on the bottom and top staircase; the licensee is reminded that barricades (s) must remain in place during daycare hours if children under 5 years old are in care. Living Room: LPA observed age-appropriate toys and furniture in the designated childcare areas. There is a table with eight child-sized chairs and multiple plastic storage bins containing games and toys. The facility also provides books and games for the children. Educational mats were placed on the floor in good condition. An adult-sized couch is present, and a TV shows educational videos to the children. Children's Bathroom (#1): The bathroom was inspected, and the sink and toilet were found to be operable. The toilet and faucets were clean and safe. The medication cabinet was free of medications or personal items, and all poisons and medications were secured under the sink with child safety latches. The bathroom was clear of any hazardous items. Kitchen (safety gate): The kitchen was inspected and found to be safe. Hazardous items were stored out of children\342\200\231s reach using child safety latches. Sharp utensils, poisons, and medications were inaccessible to children, and sharp knives were stored in a butcher block. Backyard: The fully gated backyard was inspected for outdoor play. It was free of hazards, loose objects, and sharp items. There is a grass and concrete area designated for active play. LPA observed age-appropriate toys and a trampoline with safety net. The licensee understand the adult supervision is required. The licensee confirmed that there are no bodies of water on the premises. Additional Information: AC/Heating Unit : LPA observed two outdoor air conditioners covered in the backyard. The AC/Heating unit, located on the right side of the home , is inaccessible to children, with barrels placed to block access. Electrical Outlets: All unused electrical outlets are covered and inaccessible to children. Fire Extinguisher (2A10BC): A 2A10BC-rated fire extinguisher, reading in the green zone, is located in the Family room and is inaccessible to children. Fireplace: The fireplace in the living room is secured with mirrored glass doors and is inaccessible to children. Hanging Window Blind Cords: Cords are kept out of children's reach. Isolation Area (for Illness): If a child exhibits signs of illness, they will be separated from other children and remain in a designated isolation area (Other bedroom) Medications and Cleaning Solutions: Cleaning solutions and detergents are stored in an upper kitchen cabinet, while medications are kept in an off-limits bedroom. Napping: Children nap in designated areas under adult supervision. 6 cats and 3 playpens were observed in the closet for napping. Overnight Care: The licensee does offer overnight care. Pets: The home has 2 dogs. The licensee stated that the dog does not interact with childcare children. The dogs has current vaccinations. Phone Service: The facility has a working landline or cell phone. Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Detectors: Both smoke and carbon monoxide detectors were tested and found to be operational. Stairs: A safety gate prevents children from accessing the stairs. First Aid Kit: The first aid kit, stored in a key-locked closet, contains all required supplies and a first aid manual. Transportation: The licensee does provide transportation services. She holds a valid California driver\342\200\231s license, as well as valid vehicle insurance and registration. Weapons/Firearms: The licensee confirmed that no firearms are on the premises, and none were observed during the inspection. Documentation Review: Child Files: LPA observed 3 children's files, and the records were found to be in order with the required forms. While some forms were incomplete, all necessary licensing documents were observed in the files. No Infants Enrolled: The licensee confirmed that no infants aged 0-12 months are currently enrolled. Staff Personnel File: During the inspection, LPA reviewed 1 staff file, which included immunization records (MMR), a TB test, Mandated Reporter Training, and CPR/First Aid certificates. All required documents were in place. The licensee and the assistant both have submitted written statements declining the influenza vaccine. Criminal Record: According to the Guardian, all adults living and working in the facility have criminal record clearance. CPR/First Aid: LPA verified that the licensee holds current Pediatric CPR and First Aid certifications, which expire on 06/2025 . The licensee also completed one hour of nutrition training and eight hours of Preventive Health and Safety Training. Mandated Reporter Training: The licensee completed the online mandated reporter: General training at www.mandatedreporterca.com , which expires on 2/2026 . The licensee will complete Child care provider mandated reporter training by 10/28/2024. Fire/Disaster Drill: The licensee conducts fire and disaster drills every six months, with the last drill documented on 09/2024. Required Postings: LPA observed that the licensee (does/does not) have the Facility License, Emergency Disaster Plan, Earthquake Preparedness, and Parents' Rights Poster displayed as required. The following information was discussed with the licensee : o A baby walker shall not be allowed on the premises of a family child care home in accordance with Health and Safety Code sections 1596.848(b) and (c). State law prohibits baby walkers, bouncy seats, exersaucer, and other items that fall into that category. o Capacity requirements, Roster requirements, Posting requirements, and Documentation requirements for disaster drills (fire and earthquake). Mandatory Forms for the children's and provider's files and Safe Sleep Awareness. The role and responsibilities of being a mandated reporter were reviewed. The licensee was reminded that supervision is always required for children in care. o The licensee was advised of the requirement to report unusual incidents and/or injuries to the parent/guardian and Licensing within the time frame specified by the regulation and on the form LIC624B o Licensee was advised to visit the CCL website ( www.ccld.ca.gov ) to obtain updates on courses and updates/changes to the regulations. Licensee was made aware that it is their responsibility to know the regulations as well as anyone who assists in providing care. The licensee was advised that the inaccessibility of hazards must be constantly reassessed depending on the children in care. Licensing must always have the facility's phone number; if the phone number is changed, licensing must be notified. o Mandatory Forms for the children's files and provider's files. o Our Quarterly updates come out every 3 months. They are also now in Spanish. Please log in to the CCLD website, or you can email our advocates to have the quarterly updates sent directly to your email. Child Care Advocates information: www.childcareadvocatesprogram@cdss.ca.gov o Posting Requirements: Failure to comply with posting requirements shall result in an immediate civil penalty of $100. o Requirements for fire drills, earthquake drills, and documentation for both. o The Duty Worker is available for questions Monday through Friday at (661) 202-3318 from 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. o The licensee is reminded that 100% supervision is required for children at all times. o The licensee was informed of the responsibility to report suspected Child Abuse by calling the Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-540-4000. Also, call the CCL office and follow up with a written Unusual Incident/Injury Report (LIC 624B). o The regulation prohibits the smoking of tobacco in a private residence that is licensed as a family childcare home and in those areas of the family childcare home where children are present (24/7 ban). \303\274 LPA discussed the safe sleep regulations with licensee [or facility representative] and discussed the Child Care Licensing Safe Sleep webpage at https:// www.cdss.ca.gov/inforesources/child-care-licensing/public-information-and- resources/safe-sleep as an additional resource. LPA also informed licensee [or facility representative] 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. \303\274 Licensee [or facility representative] 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. o Requirements for fire drills, earthquake drills, and documentation for both. o The Duty Worker is available for questions Monday through Friday at (661) 202-3318 from 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. o The licensee is reminded that 100% supervision is required for children at all times. o The licensee was informed of the responsibility to report suspected Child Abuse by calling the Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-540-4000. Also, call the CCL office and follow up with a written Unusual Incident/Injury Report (LIC 624B). o The regulation prohibits the smoking of tobacco in a private residence that is licensed as a family childcare home and in those areas of the family childcare home where children are present (24/7 ban). \303\274 LPA discussed the safe sleep regulations with licensee [or facility representative] and discussed the Child Care Licensing Safe Sleep webpage at https:// www.cdss.ca.gov/inforesources/child-care-licensing/public-information-and- resources/safe-sleep as an additional resource. LPA also informed licensee [or facility representative] 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. \303\274 Licensee [or facility representative] 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. \303\274 IF THERE IS NO CHILD AT THE FACILITY THAT CURRENTLY NEEDS IMS, USE AS FOLLOWS: Incidental Medical Services (IMS) policy was discussed. For IMS information see PIN 22-02- CCP. 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/ . \303\274 Centers and Family Child Care Homes Licensee [or facility representative] 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. \303\274 Family Child Care Homes During the exit interview, the LICENSEE ****, confirmed that there are no Registered Sex Offenders living in the facility and LPA completed the RSO profile in FAS. \303\274 Family Child Care Homes A notice of site visit was given and must remain posted for 30 days. \303\274 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-carelicensing/ inspection-process . No deficiencies are being cited at this time. An exit interview was conducted, and the report was reviewed with the licensee, Andreana Thomas.