Routine inspection·January 23, 2026

On January 23, 2026, Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Staicy Perry conducted an unannounced annual inspection and met with front office where all visitors must check in first. School office staff walked LPA Perry to the HeadStart Classroom that’s towards the back of the school campus. When LPA arrived, teacher Carolina Garcia greeted LPA Perry and guided LPA Perry on a tour of the facility. For drop off and pickups parents come up the side and enter through the side gate, and the teachers will go open the gate. Later Erica Vega, Program Manager arrived and took over the inspection. Per facility representative Erica there is a total of 32 children currently enrolled at the above facility. This is a Head Start program inside the Hillcrest Elementary school premises within the Garvey Unified School district. The program serves children ages 3 to 5 years. This program operates Monday to Friday 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. and staff are here from 7:30am – 4:00pm and operates out of 2 classrooms, Headstart classroom 1 and Headstart classroom 2. Sign in and out takes place at the main entrance area on paper and on the Child Plus application. All areas identified on the facility sketch were toured and inspected both indoors and outdoors. Teacher and child ratio were observed as their children 30 children present. All present staff are fingerprinted cleared. LPA entered both classrooms and 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 the top cabinet with a key lock making it inaccessible for children to reach and open. LPA observed a step trash bin with a lid. Heating, lighting, and ventilation were evaluated by LPA Perry. LPA Perry observed central AC/heater and vents located on the ceiling. LPA Perry observed the thermostats located in classroom to be at 67 degrees. LPA Perry observed the fire extinguishers located in the classrooms and the valve on the required 2A10BC fire extinguishers indicating fully charged and serviced on September 25, 2025. Smoke detectors were not tested during this visit due to the detectors being wired to the emergency pull down fire alarm system. Carbon monoxide detectors in classroom were tested and are operable. The last emergency drill was conducted on 12/12/2025. LPA Perry observed napping equipment mats to be in good condition and stored in the classrooms. First aid kit supplies are kept inside the classrooms and LPA observed the kits to be fully equipped. During this visit, per teacher, the ill isolation area takes place in the library area as an isolation area. LPA Perry observed the restrooms to be in good condition with working toilets, sinks, hand soap dispenser and paper towels. Both Classroom 1 and Classroom 2 share restrooms and each classroom has its each individual entrance. LPA Perry entered the outdoor play area. LPA perry 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 observed play structure equipment to be age appropriate for ages 2-5 years and areas around or under high climbing equipment, are cushioned with granulated rubber mat that may absorb a fall. For adequate shade, hip roof shade structure was observed. LPA observed the playground yard to be fenced, and the side gates closed and locked with a keypad lock. LPA observed trash bins with tight lids. For outdoor water drinking, staff bring out water pitchers and disposable cups. This program provides breakfast, lunch and PM snacks. Meals are provided by the school district. LPA informed Erica that 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 observed water pitchers and disposable cups in the classroom. The facility was observed to be free of flies, other insects, and rodents. Lead testing was conducted on 6/14/2022 and had no lead exceedance. The following documents were posted in a prominent, publicly accessible area at the facility: Facility License, Notification of Parents' Rights (PUB 393), Personal Rights (LIC 613A), Menu, and Earthquake Preparedness (LIC 9148). PUB 269 Child Passenger System Poster, and Daily Schedule. LPA observed sign in/out sheets and observed signatures. LPA reviewed the children’s roster, children’s files and staff files and observed the files to be complete. Teacher files were not reviewed as they are kept in the Head Start main office and will be reviewed at a later date. Staff fingerprint clearances is a condition on employment for Garvey School District. During the inspection, children’s medication were reviewed. LPA Perry observed that C#1 medication had a prescription label indicating an expiration date of 12/2025 while the actual box reflects an expiration date of 4/2026. Per title 22 regulations, prescription medications must be administered in accordance with the directions prescribed by the child’s physicians and as indicated on the prescription label. LPA confirmed that C#1 was not present at the facility on the day of the visit. LPA provided technical assistance and informed Erica that that the parent must obtain an updated prescription from the child’s physician. Erica 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. For child care center licenses issued after July 1, 2022, the licensee shall test their water for lead within 180 days of licensure pursuant to Written Directives section 101700 (PIN 21-21.1CCP). LPA verified that the lead testing was completed in accordance to the Written Directives outlined in PIN 21-21.1-CCP. 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/ . LPA observed children’s medication to be in original packaging and up to date. Erica 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 . The facility is currently in compliance with Title 22 regulations. A notice of site visit was given and must remain posted for 30 days. Exit interview conducted and report was reviewed with Facility Representative, Erica Vega, Program Manager Appeal rights provided.