Follow-up·December 14, 2022

On 12/14/2022, Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Sabrina conducted a case management visit at the facility. LPA Martinez was met by Director Estela Padilla-Salazar. LPA informed Director about the purpose of the visit and was guided on a tour of the facility. Assembly Bill (AB) 2370, Chapter 676, Statutes of 2018 requires all licensed Child Care Centers (CCC\342\200\231s) constructed before January 1,2010 to test their drinking water for lead contamination between January 1, 2020 and January 1, 2023, and then every five years after the date of the first test. The Department was notified that the facility has been identified to have 1 water outlet with an Action Level Exceedance (ALE) in the amount of lead in the water being 5.5 parts per billion (pbb), or greater. The purpose of today\342\200\231s visit is to ensure that water outlets are not in use and there is a potable source of water for children and staff at the facility. On 12/13/2022, LPA Martinez informed Director of the testing results. LPA also provided Director with the Written Directives in PIN 21-21 CCP for Lead Water Testing. Director provided LPA with a copy of the results of lead water sample testing conducted by Alpha Analytical Laboratories Inc. Testing was conducted on 10/11/2022 and results were received on 10/25/2022. Per the report, the following water outlet yielded the following result: 1.) Water Outlet \342\200\234D\342\200\235 (Sink faucet in Toddler Room): 12 pbb During today\342\200\231s visit LPA Martinez conducted a tour of the facility and observed water outlet identified on facility sketch. LPA observed the water outlet was bagged, taped, and labeled with the \342\200\234Out of Service\342\200\235 signage. Director verified that children and staff do not have access to the water outlet that have been identified showing elevated lead levels. The water outlet have been replaced however is still not in use. Director stated that other drinking fountains and other water outlets for food preparation are available for children to use. Children bring their own snacks and lunches from home. Director stated that the facility will request for a waiver to waive sampling and testing requirement. Director was reminded that waivers will be considered on a case-by-case basis. During today\342\200\231s inspection, LPA Martinez obtained the following documents: External Water Sampler Self-Certification Form (LIC 9275), Signed and dated Child Care Center Sampling Checklist Form (LIC 9276), Facility Sketch (fully labeled with locations of all water outlets), and photos of water outlets. LPA will upload the documents to the CA State Water Resources Control Board, Division of Drinking Water Database (DDW) database. Based on observation, interviews, and supportive documents it has been determined that the facility has violated Child Care Licensing Regulation Division 12, Chapter 1, Subchapter 5 101700.3 (b)(1) California Lead Action Level at Child Care Centers. A result with values of 5.5 ppb or greater shall be deemed an Action Level Exceedance. Lead water testing samples taken on 10/11/2022 revealed that levels of lead were beyond the allowable amount deemed by the State of California. Water Outlet \342\200\234D\342\200\235 have Action Lead Exceedance (ALE) level of 12 pbb. This facility is being cited (1) deficiency during today\342\200\231s visit 12/14/2022. This is a type B violation which poses a potential Health, Safety or Personal Rights risk to persons in care. Refer to LIC 809-D for deficiency page. LPA discussed Proof of Correction (POC) with Director. Director stated that water outlet identified with an Action Lead Exceedance of 5.5 ppb or over has been inoperable while the facility goes through the process of requesting for a waiver. LPA Martinez observed signs posted stating Out of Service. A notification of letter was sent out to parents with notification of cease of water outlets and remediation for planned for water outlets or alternative. Director will submit a waiver request on or before 01/13/2023. Instructions for required lead testing are outlined in PIN 21-21. This PIN which contains Written Directives, have the same force and effects as the regulations contained in Title 22 of the California Code of Regulations Care Child Centers are expected to use an Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program (ELAP), for lead testing. Accreditation from the California Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program, known as an ELAP laboratory, is equipped to measure the amount of lead in a parts per billion (ppb) unit of measurement. For more information, go to the California Childhood. Lead Poisoning Prevention Branch\342\200\231s website at www.cdph.ca.gov/programs/clppb or call them at (510) 620-5600. Please see Provider Information Notice (PIN) 20-01-CCP for more information about lead toxicity prevention A Notice of Site Visit was given and must remain posted for 30 days. Exit interview conducted, appeal rights were explained, and report was reviewed with Director Estela Padilla-Salazar.