Inspector’s narrative
What the inspector wrote
On Wednesday, September 17, 2025, Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Mayra Rivera conducted unannounced annual inspection and met with licensee Melissa Corona who granted access and guided LPA Rivera on a tour of the facility. During this visit, LPA observed 1 preschool child and observed the facility to be within ratio. Annual fee is current.
Family members residing in the home has been discussed with licensee and are cleared. Operating hours are Monday to Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and care for children ages 0 to 10.
This facility is a one-story home that consists of 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, kitchen, living room, dining room, garage and front and backyard fenced. An additional room has been added.
Areas off limits to children include-
All 4 bedrooms, master bathroom, kitchen, garage, additional room and backyard.
Areas accessible to children include-
living room, bathroom located in the hallway and front yard (fenced and gated).
LPA Rivera inspected the facility for safety, comfort, cleanliness, ventilation and working phone (cell phone). For ventilation, LPA Rivera observed central AC/heater, 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 the fireplace glass doors closed with a childproof lock installed and a cubby in front. Per licensee the fireplace has not been turned and does not know if it works since they have never tried to turn it on. LPA observed 1 play yard with fitted mat and sheet and free from blankets, pillows, toys and hanging items.
LPA Rivera observed two gate barriers installed between living room and hallway and living room and kitchen to prevent children access to enter off limit area. LPA observed cleaning compounds items stored underneath kitchen sink with a childproof lock making it inaccessible for children to open and the knives and sharp objects stored inside top cabinet making it inaccessible for children to reach. For water drinking, LPA observed a water dispenser and children personal water bottles. Licensee stated she provides the meals and snacks. LPA informed licensee any food brought from the children's homes, the container shall be labeled with the child's name and properly stored or refrigerated. Licensee stated she currently does not have any children with severe food allergies and has one child with prescribed Albuterol and it expires on 11/2025. LPA observed the medication stored in the cabinet located in the hallway. LPA observed the cabinet locked with a childproof lock.
LPA Rivera entered the bathroom and observed the toilet, hand washing sink, hand soap and bottom sink cabinet closed with a childproof lock making it inaccessible for children to open. LPA observed the bathroom to be in good condition. LPA reminded licensee any personal items (ex; shampoo, toothpaste, mouthwash, or items that fall into that category) must be made inaccessible to children.
LPA Rivera asked licensee if there are any pets, poisons, firearms, weapons, or bodies of water. Licensee stated she has one small dog, no poisons and no bodies of water, no firearms, and no weapons. LPA did not observe the small dog, poisons, firearms, weapons, nor bodies of water. Licensee was advised 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/firing pins must be stored separately.
LPA Rivera observed the required 2A10BC fire extinguisher located in the kitchen and the valve on the green area indicating fully charged. LPA observed the purchased receipt dated 9/2/25. LPA observed carbon monoxide detector and smoke alarm located in the hallway. Licensee tested the carbon monoxide and smoke alarm. LPA Rivera heard the sounds and are operable. For ill isolation, licensee stated she utilize a corner of the living room. LPA observed the last emergency drill conducted on 8/6/25.
LPA Rivera inspected the play front yard area that is utilized by children for safety, comfort, and cleanliness. LPA observed the front yard to be fenced and gated and the backyard side gates closed and locked. LPA observed the garage door closed.
LPA observed licensee Melissa Corona American Heart Association Pediatric First Aid/ CPR certification dated 9/6/25 and Health and Safety certification dated 5/29/2022, and licensee has proof of immunization against Pertussis, MMR, and Influenza declination. Licensee has completed the mandated reporter training dated 8/16/24.
LPA observed the required postings LIC 610A Emergency Disaster Plan, Pub 394 Notification of Parents Rights, LIC 999 Facility sketch, and child car seat law poster. LPA also observed children\342\200\231s files, sleep logs and roster.
The following was also discussed with the licensee:
1.
The following items are zero tolerance by Licensing:
Refused Entry to a Facility or Any Part of a Facility is a violation of Section 1596.852, 1596.853 or 1597.09. Regulations 101238 (g) (2), The Presence of an Excluded Individual, Fire Clearance Violations, Accessible Bodies of Water, Accessible Firearms, Ammunition or Both
2. Pediatric First Aid and CPR: American Heart Association or American Red Cross or Emergency Medical Services Authority (EMSA) approved in Pediatric First Aid and CPR must be present. Certification must be renewed every two years.
3. Licensee was informed that the mandated reporter training must be completed every 2 years, and is available at
www.mandatedreporterca.com
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. 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).
10. Fire and safety drills must be performed every six (6) months and documented for review by the Department.
11. Smoking is prohibited in the family childcare home.
12. Children and staff records must be maintained and updated as needed and be available for review by the Department.
13. 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.
14. 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.
15. The facility license number must be on all advertisements, publications, or announcements with the intent to attract clients.
16. 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).
17. Liability Insurance was discussed; LPA advised licensee to review Title 22 Regulation 102417(m)(1) for additional information.
18. Dog(s) and/or pets are recommended to be isolated from children in care.
19. No, no infant walkers, no Johnny jumpers, no saucer chairs, and any other item that falls into this category is not permitted in the facility.
20. LIC 126 Checklist for Family Child Care provided and reviewed.
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 Melissa Corona 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 licensee Melissa Corona 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 Melissa Corona 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 Melissa Corona 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.
Licensee Melissa Corona, confirmed that there are no Registered Sex Offenders living in the facility and LPA completed the RSO profile in FAS.
No deficiencies given. A notice of site visit was given and must remain posted for 30 days.
Exit interview conducted, and report was reviewed with the licensee Melissa Corona.