Lead safety check·January 17, 2023

On 01/17/2023, at 8:15 AM, Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Cynthia Reyes conducted an unannounced case management inspection for an Action Level Exceedance (ALE) detected in a water fixture in the facility. LPA met with facility director, Maricruz Flores during the inspection. Also present in the facility were 11 infants and 4 teachers/staff. Facility was within ratio & capacity. A COVID 19 risk assessment was conducted prior to entering the facility. LPA reviewed new Assembly Bill (AB) 2370, Chapter 676, Statutes of 2018, which requires the testing of water for lead in Child Care Centers (CCCs) with facility director during the inspection. Per AB 2370, all CCCs that are located in buildings constructed before January 1, 2010, must have their water tested and post the results by January 1, 2023, and every 5 years after the date of the first testing. On 12/29/2022, the Department received notification from the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB), Division of Drinking Water (DDW). The SWRCB report indicated the facility was inspected and samples were collected on 11/22/2022. Faucet reported with 5.5 ppb or greater lead exceedance levels were as follows:  F – Drinking Fountain outside Infant Classroom (32.000 UG/L) Faucet currently not in use. Director stated that the drinking fountain was not really in use, however if a school age child was walking by, they might use it but normally carry their own drinking water bottles or they have jugs of water and disposable cups. The faucet’s use was terminated when the facility was informed by the analyst that it was exceeding acceptable levels. Facility has put an "out of order/do not use" sign on the faucet and made it further inaccessible by attaching and securing a plastic bag around the outlet. Ms. Flores stated that she is having the faucet replaced and will obtain a retest of it afterwards. See LIC809C for continuation. The facility will replace the fixture and will utilize the new fixture flushing tracking sheet and document the 30 second flush, 4 times each day for 3 weeks and then will scheduled the lead retest date. The facility provided a copy of the Facility provided facility sketch and required forms LIC 9276, LIC999 and LIC9275 to LPA on 01/17/2023. LPA took a picture of the drinking faucet on this date. Grant funding will be available for testing and remediation of lead to the Child Care Centers that qualify. To make a determination of eligibility, refer to PIN 21-04-CCP. For Lead Testing and Prevention Information, including additional resources please visit https://www.cdss.ca.gov/inforesources/child-care-licensing/water-testing-information See LIC809D for Type B deficiency cited. Exit interview conducted and report was reviewed with the facility representative, Director, Maricruz Flores. A copy of PIN 21-21-CCP and appeal rights were provided to the Director on this date. A notice of site visit was also provided and must remain posted for 30 days.