Routine inspection·April 19, 2024

On 4/19/2024, Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Andrew Alemoh met with the Director , Rushani Thomas-Wise, to conduct an unannounced Annual/Random inspection. LPA disclosed the purpose of the inspection and was granted entry to the facility. The Preschool component has a Toddler Option incorporated. Upon arrival, LPA observed 7 classrooms in use with a total of 133 children (10 Toddlers/ 122 preschoolers, and 19 teachers, 2 directors and 1 office assistant) on the premises. The hours of operation are 6:30 AM - 6:30 PM, Monday - Friday. Incidental Medical Services (IMS) were discussed. Physical Plant: LPA toured and inspected the preschool classrooms. Furniture and equipment were checked for age appropriateness and good repair. All rooms are clean and safe. Telephone service was verified. Heating, lighting, and ventilation are adequate. There are cubbies for children's belongings labeled with their names. LPA observed age-appropriate toys and materials. Drinking water is available inside the classrooms. (Children bring their own water cups and the center provides the water) LPA observed a sufficient quantity of cots available for napping children. The bedding is stored separately and properly. The sheets and blankets are washed weekly or sent home weekly/as needed to clean at home. Cots are sanitized daily. There is a fire extinguisher located in the hallway and the kitchen, a smoke detector, and a carbon monoxide detector on the premises. LPA inspected and observed six clean bathrooms. The toilets and sinks are functioning properly and are age appropriate. The toddlers have a Jack-N-Jill bathroom between the 2 classrooms that has 2 toilets; 2 sinks are located right outside the bathroom. Preschool classrooms each have their own bathrooms and sinks. There are 14 toilets and 16 sinks in all classrooms. The staff restrooms are located next door to the office in the main entrance area. LPA observed the bathrooms as clean and sanitary, with readily available soap, toilet paper, and paper towels. The toilets and sinks are functioning properly and are appropriate. Children are inspected for any illness upon arrival and a strict sick policy is obtained in the center. A review of medication policy indicated that prescription medication is administered only with the parent\342\200\231s written permission. The Director and other administration staff administer medication and document the dosage, date, and time on a log. Medication is brought and locked at the center (unless the parent requests daily return). Medication is labeled correctly and stored in its original container. Medication is kept at the center until expiration and sent home with the parent for disposal. There are currently 9 children in care with IMS needs. The director's has a separate area for isolating and caring for ill children in the office. There is a mat available for ill children. The outdoor: The play equipment was inspected for health, safety, cushioning material, good repair, and age appropriateness. The Center utilizes wood chips under climbing structures for cushioning material, and sufficient and adequate shade is available. Outside Drinking water is available. There are no bodies of water observed on the premises. The playground is enclosed by a fence to protect children and to keep them in the outdoor activity area. The play yard has an iron fencing at least 5 feet high. Sign-in and out process were inspected and observed. The center used App for sing in / out. LPA observed a fully stocked first aid kit and provided a First aid supplies list to the Director. Fully charged fire extinguishers and carbon monoxide detectors throughout the center. The fire Drill/Earthquake log is posted. The parent board was reviewed and has all the required forms posted. Fire/earthquake drills current. The Teacher to child ratio was observed, and staff names were recorded. Care and supervision were evaluated to determine if the children\342\200\231s basic needs were met and appropriate. Staff Records/ Children Records: Children's records and staff records were reviewed. LPA verified there is at least 1 staff person present with current CPR (expires April 2026) and First Aid Training. All staff completes the Mandated Reporter training every 2 years (Directors expires September 2025). All staff receives Measles, Pertussis, and Influenza vaccination. All staff has required fingerprinting associated with the facility. LPA reviewed 5 children's records; the records are complete and with parent signatures. Food Service: There is a clean, fully equipped kitchen (off limits) with a refrigerator, freezer, stove, and microwave oven. The facility provides AM snack, lunch, and a PM snack. Allergy lists are posted in the kitchen and classrooms and emailed to the parents. LPA is inspected for safety, cleanliness, proper equipment & protection against contamination, and storage. Parents can supply lunches for their children, or the center may provide lunches; lunch menus are posted. Disinfectants, cleaning solutions, poisons, and other items that could pose a danger if readily available to children were stored and inaccessible to children Lead Water Testing: According to the Director, the center has Water testing for lead on 3/2023. The water tested level is 1.0. The following general information was discussed during this inspection: The incidental Medical Services (IMS) policy was discussed. For IMS information, see Evaluator Manual - Regulation Interpretations 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 the publication: Commonly Asked Questions about Child Care Centers and the ADA, available at: http://www.ada.gov/childqanda.htm . The Center does not provide IMS at this time. Mandated Reporter Training Requirements: \302\2471596.8662 - As of January 1, 2018, childcare providers, administrators, or employees who work in a licensed facility shall complete the mandated reporter training provided according to paragraphs (2) and (3) of subdivision (a), and shall complete renewal mandated reporter training every two years following the date on which he or she completed the initial mandated reporter training. Immunization Requirements: \302\2471596.7995 (a)(1) Commencing September 1, 2016, a person shall not be employed or volunteer at a daycare center if he or she has not been immunized against influenza, pertussis, and measles. Each employee and volunteer shall receive an influenza vaccination between August 1 and December 1 of each year. *All Licensing reports are available for review online and are considered public information. Summary: Assembly Bill 2621 added Section 1596.819 to the Health and Safety Code to require the Department to post certain licensing information for CCCs and FCCHs on its public internet website. Fingerprint clearances and transfers : Before working or volunteering in a licensed childcare facility, all individuals subject to a criminal record review shall obtain a clearance or criminal record exemption. If a fingerprint clearance has been obtained through the Department, Licensee may request a transfer of a criminal record clearance from one state-licensed facility to another using form LIC 9184 ** Senate Bill AB 633 - Child Care Facilities: Parent Notification Requirements Summary: This bill amends Health and Safety Code (HSC) sections 1596.859, 1596.8595, 1596.8895, and 1597.05 to improve the transparency of licensing records and to ensure that parents/guardians using a licensed childcare facility are aware of situations that present the greatest danger to children. **Center Director 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 (call within 24 hours and submit a written report within 7 days) and on the form LIC624. The Center reminded to review updates/regulations and quarterly updates on the Department website. The "Notification of Parent's Rights" poster must be posted in an area of the center accessible to parents. The information regarding new legislation about exemptions and Parent\342\200\231s Rights was also discussed. No deficiencies are being cited at this time; the facility complies with Title 22 Exit interview conducted with Director. A copy of this report is discussed and left with the director Rushani Thomas-Wise.