Inspector’s narrative
What the inspector wrote
On Wednesday July 10, 2024, Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Mayra Rivera conducted an unannounced annual inspection and met with director Thalia Valdavinos who granted access and guided LPA Rivera on a tour of the facility.
This is a preschool program serves children ages 2 to 6 years This program operates Monday to Friday 7:00 a.m– 6:00 p.m. Sign in and out takes place at the main entrance area. Teacher and child ratio were observed, and present staff are fingerprinted cleared and at least one person present who is trained in pediatric first aid/CPR is present. Annual fees are current. Facility currently has a play yard waiver on file.
At approximately 1:40 pm. LPA entered classroom 1. LPA Rivera observed 19 children getting ready for snack with staff #1 and staff #2 present supervising the children. LPA observed age-appropriate furniture and equipment to be in good condition, free of sharp, not loose, or pointed parts and age-appropriate toys accessible to children. LPA observed a cubby for children to store their personal belongings. LPA observed cleaning solutions stored inside top cabinet making it inaccessible for children to reach. LPA Rivera observed a step trash bin with a lid.
At approximately 1:48 pm. LPA entered classroom 2. LPA Rivera observed 9 children napping with staff #3 present supervising the children. LPA observed age-appropriate furniture and equipment to be in good condition, free of sharp, not loose, or pointed parts and age-appropriate toys accessible to children. LPA observed a cubby for children to store their personal belongings. LPA observed cleaning solutions stored inside top cabinet making it inaccessible for children to reach. LPA Rivera observed a step trash bin with a lid.
At approximately 1:54 pm. LPA entered classroom 3. LPA Rivera observed 14 children free playing with staff #4 and staff #5 present supervising the children. LPA observed age-appropriate furniture and equipment to be in good condition, free of sharp, not loose, or pointed parts and age-appropriate toys accessible to children. LPA observed a cubby for children to store their personal belongings. LPA observed cleaning solutions stored inside top cabinet making it inaccessible for children to reach. LPA Rivera observed a step trash bin with a lid.
At approximately 2:00 pm. LPA entered classroom 4. LPA Rivera observed 20 children napping with staff #6 present supervising the children. LPA observed age-appropriate furniture and equipment to be in good condition, free of sharp, not loose, or pointed parts and age-appropriate toys accessible to children. LPA observed a cubby for children to store their personal belongings. LPA observed cleaning solutions stored inside top cabinet making it inaccessible for children to reach. LPA Rivera observed a step trash bin with a lid.
LPA Rivera observed restrooms located in the classrooms. LPA observed a total of 8 toilets and 8 handwashing sinks. LPA observed the restroom to be in good condition and free from hazards.
Heating, lighting, and ventilation were evaluated by LPA Rivera. LPA observed central AC /heater and vents located on the ceiling. LPA observed the thermostat located in classrooms and the temperature to range between 68-72 degrees. LPA observed the. required 2A10BC fire extinguishers located in the classrooms and hallway with the valve on the green area indicating fully charged and serviced on 4/23/24
.
Smoke detectors were not tested during this visit due to the detectors being wired to the emergency pull down fire alarm system. LPA observed dual smoke and carbon monoxide detector wired with the fire alarm system. LPA observed the green light flash indicating operable. The last emergency drill was conducted on 6/5/24.
LPA observed sleeping cots to be in good condition. First aid kits supplies are kept inside the classrooms and LPA observed the kits to be fully equipped with band aids, gauzes, adhesive bandages, and antiseptic wipes. During this visit, director Thalia stated currently has one child with severe food allergies and LPA observed the EPI PEN with expiration date 8/7/2024. LPA Rivera asked if there were any poisons, firearms, weapons, or bodies of water. The director stated no firearms, weapons, no poisons nor bodies of water. LPA did not observe firearms or weapons, poisons, nor bodies of water. Director stated the ill isolation area takes place in conference room located in the main office and children utilize the staff restroom. Facility is not required to have lead testing due to building being built in 2020.
At approximately 2:45 p.m. LPA Rivera entered the outdoor play area. LPA Rivera observed 1 shed closed and locked with a key lock. LPA Rivera observed the equipment to be in a safe condition, free of sharp, no lose or pointed parts. The surface of the outdoor activity space is maintained in a safe condition and is free of hazards. LPA Rivera observed play structure equipment to be age appropriate and areas around or under high climbing equipment, are cushioned with woodchips that may absorb a fall. For adequate shade, LPA Rivera observed a sail triangle. LPA observed the playground yard to be fenced and the side gates closed and locked with a self-latch. LPA observed a trash bin with a lid. For outdoor water drinking, children bring out their water bottles.
This program has an optional meal program and parents have the option to bring their meal and snack. LPA Rivera informed director Thalia any food brought from the children's homes, the container shall be labeled with the child's name and properly stored or refrigerated. For water drinking, LPA Rivera observed water pitchers and children cups in the classrooms. LPA observed the food preparation area to be clean and free of litter, rubbish, rodents, and/or any other vermin and storage containers for solid waste, including moveable bins with tight-fitting covers that are kept on, and in good repair. The facility was observed to be free of flies, other insects, and rodents. LPA observed the refrigerator temperature to be at 36 degrees and did not observe expired food.
The following documents were posted in a prominent, publicly area front lobby: Facility License, Notification of Parents' Rights (PUB 393), Personal Rights (LIC 613A), Menu, and PUB 269 Child Passenger System Poster, and Daily Schedule.
LPA Rivera reviewed the children’s roster, children’s files, staff files, and sign in/out sheets and observed 71 signed in signatures and 13 children were picked up during the day.
LPA Rivera observed director Thalia Valdavinos Pediatric First Aid/CPR certification from American Heart Association dated 7/12/23, Preventative Health and Safety with nutrition and lead component dated 7/21/22 and has proof of immunization against Pertussis, MMR, and Influenza declination. Director has completed the mandated reporter (AB 1207) training dated 11/3/2022. Director was reminded that the mandated reporter training must be completed every 2 years, and is available at
www.mandatedreporterca.com
Items discussed during this visit:
1. The following items are prohibited 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. Breakfast/Lunch/Snack Menus:
Menus are required to be posted one week in advance where it is visible by the child's authorized representative. Menus for the past 30 days must also be available upon request.
3
.
Current Children’s Roster:
Each childcare facility shall maintain a current roster of children who are provided care in the facility. The roster shall include the name, address, and daytime telephone number of the child's parent or guardian, and the name and telephone number of the child's physician. This roster shall be available to the
l
icensing agency upon request
.
4
.
LIC 311A - Records to be Maintained at the Facility:
LPAs advised that forms, regulations and quarterly updates can be accessed on the Child Care Licensing website at:
www.ccld.ca.gov
.
5
.
Pediatric First Aid and CPR:
At least one person trained in Pediatric First Aid and CPR and EMSA approved must be present.
6
.
Designated Staff:
The name of the childcare center director or fully qualified teacher(s) designated to act in the director's absence must be on file.
7.Qualifications:
Educational background, training, and/or experience for each staff present must be available for review.
8. Immunization Requirements:
Commencing September 1, 2016, a person shall not be employed or volunteer at a day care center if he or she has not been immunized against influenza, pertussis, and measles or influenza declination
9
.
Children’s Records:
must be available for review; including but not limited to, the following: Name, address and telephone number of the child's authorized representative and of relatives or others who can assume responsibility for the child if the authorized representative cannot be reached when necessary.
10
.
Staff Records:
must be available for review; background clearance, LIC 503 Health Screening report, LIC 9108 Statement Acknowledging Requirement to Report Child Abuse, Staff Qualifications, LIC 9050 Employee Rights, LIC 501 Personnel Record, AB 1207 Mandated Child Abuse Certification, MMR, TDAP, TB, influenza, or influenza declination.
11
. When children are isolated, they must remain isolated until the parent arrives for pick up.
Director Thalia was reminded that all adults 18 and over, 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 Child Care Center. 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.
Assembly Bill (AB) 2370, Chapter 676, Statutes of 2018, requires all licensed Child Care Centers (CCCs) constructed before January 1, 2010, to test their water (used for drinking and food preparation) for lead contamination before January 1, 2023, and then every 5-years after the date of the first test.
This facility provides Incidental Medical Services – IMS. LPA reviewed storage of “medication and equipment/supplies, and reviewed children’s, personnel, and administrative records.
Incidental Medical Services (IMS) policy was discussed. For IMS information see PIN 22-02CCP. 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) or (800) 514-0383 (TTY) and link to publication: Commonly Asked Questions about Child Care Centers and the ADA are available at:
https://www.ada.gov/resources/child-care-centers/
.
Director Thalia Valdavinos
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.
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
.
A notice of site visit was given and must remain posted for 30 days. Failure to maintain posting as required will result in a $100.00 civil penalty. No deficiencies given during this visit.
Exit interview conducted and report was reviewed with director Thalia Valdavinos