Inspector’s narrative
What the inspector wrote
Licensing Program Analysts (LPAs) Austin Estrada and Jeanette Estrada conducted an unannounced annual required inspection at the above facility. LPA met with Lead Teacher Annabelle Gardner, who guided analysts on a tour of the facility. LPA provided the entrance checklist upon arrival.
The facility has four classrooms where care is provided. LPA observed 21 children with three teachers in room 3 and 51 children with four teachers in the lab room. Teacher child ratios were observed, and staff names recorded. The following was observed during the tour of the facility:
LPA toured classroom 3, classroom 4, classroom, 5 and the lab room. All classrooms were observed to be clean and in good repair. The floors were clean, and lighting was in operable condition. There were age-appropriate toys and equipment. LPA observed cubbies/storage area for children to store their personal belongings. Smoke detector and carbon monoxide detector were observed to be in operable condition. LPA observed Fire extinguisher indicated fully charged last serviced on 8/20/22. First Aid kit was observed and inventoried. LPA observed drinking water readily available in classroom 4 and classroom 5 but did not see drinking water readily available in classroom 3. Per staff #2 (S2) children go outside and use the water fountain if water is needed. LPA advised Lead Teacher that water needs to be readily available in each classroom. LPA observed disinfectants and cleaning solutions to be inaccessible to children in care in classroom 3, classroom 5, and the lab room. LPA observed cleaning supplies to be accessible to children in care in classroom 4 as the cabinet was not locked. LPA advised staff #3 (S3) that all cleaning supplies should be inaccessible to children in care.
LPA observed an unlocked door in classroom 4 that lead to the back of the preschool classrooms which contained a separate play area and storage sheds. Per Lead Teacher, this area is used occasionally. LPAs observed the storage shed door to be open and contain hazard materials such as cleaning supplies, inspect poison, paint, axes, and other machinery accessible to children. LPA advised Lead Teacher that the shed should be locked and items in the shed should be inaccessible to children ion care. Lead Teacher immediately locked the shed. Per lead teacher, the kindergarten class from the elementary school that is on the same premises and walks through the licensed preschool playground to get to their classrooms. The elementary school children also share the same bathrooms as the licensed facility.
LPA requested a review of the waiver. Per lead teacher they were not aware of a waiver and a waiver was not observed.
Appropriate sinks and toilets were inspected for availability, good repair, water temperature, toilet paper, paper towels, and general sanitation. Per lead teacher, children and staff used the same restrooms in the lab room. LPA advised lead teacher that staff and children should not use the same restrooms.
Napping equipment and bedding were inspected and found to be clean and in operable condition. Per Lead Teacher, bedding sheets are taken home and washed weekly. Per Lead Teacher, the isolation area is located at the front reception desk area in the lab room. An isolated bathroom for ill children was observed. LPAs observed medication to be locked in a cabinet in the lab room inaccessible to children in care.
LPA toured the outdoor play area. Outdoor area was observed to have age-appropriate toys and materials for children. LPA observed the turf cushioning surrounding the play structures to be lifted which is a potential tripping hazard. LPA also observed the cement (blacktop) around a tree in the outdoor play area to be lifted with a crack in the cement large enough to potentially cause a tripping hazard. LPA advised lead teacher that the turf and cement should be maintained to prevent any possible injuries. Shade was observed in the outdoor area and water was observed to be readily available via water bottles which were labeled with children\342\200\231s names. LPA also observed water fountains readily available for children in care. LPA did not observe any large bodies of water on the premises.
LPA observed the kitchen area, food preparation area, and food storage area to be clean and free of litter, rubbish, rodents, and/or any other vermin. LPA observed refrigerator to be clean and in operable condition. LPA observed items in the refrigerator not to be expired. Food that was not in the original packaging were sealed and labeled with an expiration date.
During the inspection, children present was observed to be treated with dignity and respect and free from corporal and/or unusual punishment.
LPA observed required posted documentation which included, Facility License, LIC610- Emergency Disaster Plan, Publication (PUB) 393- Notification of Parent Rights, PUB 269- Child Passenger Restraint System, LIC 613A- Notification of Personal Rights and Lunch/Snack Menus. All documents were observed at the entrance of the facility (lab room).
LPA observed Sign in/out sheets, LIC 9148 Earthquake Preparedness, Daily Activity Schedule, and Verification of Disaster and Fire Drills. Per lead teacher the last disaster and fire drill was conducted on 4/14/23. LPA advised lead teacher that disaster and fire drill should be completed at least once every six months and documented and made available during inspections.
LPA observed 27 out of 72 children not to be signed in at the time of inspection. LPA advised lead teacher that children should be signed in at the time of arrival.
Children\342\200\231s records were reviewed for LIC 613A- Personal Rights, Admission Agreement, Immunization Records, LIC 700- Identification and Emergency Information, LIC 701- Physician\342\200\231s Report, LIC 627- Consent for Medical Treatment, LIC 995A Notification of Parents\342\200\231 Rights, and LIC 9221 (Parent Consent to Administer Medication). LPA did not observe LIC 9221 for two out of two children\342\200\231s files that require medication.
Staff records were reviewed for approved Pediatric First Aid and CPR certification, staff qualifications, LIC 508-Criminal Record Statement, LIC 503- Health Screening Report, LIC 9052- Employee Rights, Proof of immunizations against measles, pertussis and influenza or influenza declination, TB clearance or risk assessment, and LIC 9108- Statement of Child and Mandated Reporter Training Certificate. There is not at least one staff present with a valid CPR/ first aid. Nine out of nine staff members didn\342\200\231t have mandated reporter training certificate. Eight out of nine staff did not have the required immunizations. Seven out of nine staff are missing the health screen report with Tuberculosis. LPA advised lead teacher that two staff members did not have the 12 required units available for review.
Lead Poisoning Facts Flyer (PUB 515) \342\200\223 All licensees (Child Care Centers) must provide the following flyer to parents and families upon enrolling or re-enrolling any child. PIN 21-21-CCP: Release of the Written Directives for Lead Testing of Water in Licensed Child Care Centers Per AB 2370.
Facility has not completed the required lead testing.
Please visit the Lead Toxicity Prevention and Water Testing Information website for additional information and resources regarding lead testing in licensed childcare centers by visiting the following weblink:
https://www.cdss.ca.gov/inforesources/child-care-licensing/water-testing-information
. For any additional questions, please email:
CCCWaterTesting@dss.ca.gov
.
To receive important licensed-related information to licensed facilities, visit the CCLD Important Information website at
https://www.cdss.ca.gov/inforesources/community-care-licensing/subscribe
and select the Child Care option to receive email communication.
LPA provided and discussed PIN 23-06-CCP Information Regarding Brightly Colored Fentanyl, Also Referred to as \342\200\234Rainbow Fentanyl\342\200\235.
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 publication: Commonly Asked Questions about Child Care Centers and the ADA, available at:
http://www.ada.gov/childqanda.htm
To improve the quality and value of the new inspection process, a survey will 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 tools, please send them by email 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/process
.
LPA provided information regarding the TSP program to lead teacher.
Lead teacher was reminded that all adults 18 and over, including employees and volunteers, 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 up to $500.00 maximum per day/per person will be assessed if this regulation is violated.
Based on the LPA\342\200\231s observations, interviews and records review, the following deficiencies listed on the attached LIC 809D (deficiency page) are being cited in accordance with California Code of Regulations Title 22. Deficiencies that are being cited need to be cleared to protect the children\342\200\231s health & safety. Deficiencies include one type A violation and eight type B violation. The lead teacher was provided with LIC 9224 Parent Acknowledgement of Report Received.
A copy of this report shall also be posted where the parent/guardian of children enter and exit the facility. Both the notice of site visit and licensing report shall remain posted for 30 consecutive days. Failure to maintain posting as required will result in a $100.00 civil penalty. A copy of this report shall be provided to the parent/guardian of children currently enrolled by the next business day or immediately upon their return. A copy of this report shall also be provided to the parent/guardian of any newly enrolled child for the next 12 months. A signed Acknowledgement of Receipt (LIC9224) shall be in each child\342\200\231s file, acknowledging receipt.
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. Exit interview was conducted and report was reviewed with the lead teacher. Appeal rights were discussed and provided to the lead teacher.
