Inspector’s narrative
What the inspector wrote
Licensing Program Analysts (LPA) Austin Estrada conducted an unannounced annual required inspection at the above facility. LPA met with Director Quiyanna Ramirez, who guided analyst on a tour of the facility.
The facility has 9 classrooms where care is provided. LPA observed 6 children supervised by 1 teacher in the turtle classroom, 3 children supervised by 1 teacher in the jellyfish classroom, 5 children supervised by 1 teacher in the sealion classroom, 6 children supervised by 1 teacher in the octopus classroom, 7 children supervised by 1 teacher in the sting ray classroom, 7 children supervised by 1 teacher in the seahorse classroom, 9 children supervised by 1 teacher by the whale classroom, 9 children supervised by 1 teacher in the manatee classroom, and 8 children supervised by 1 teacher in the dolphin classroom. Teacher child ratios were observed, and staff names recorded. The following was observed during the tour of the facility:
LPA observed all classrooms 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 water readily available via water pitchers. Children bring their own water bottles from home which is labeled with their names. LPA observed cubbies/storage area for children to store their personal belongings. LPA observed a central fire alarm system and a functioning carbon monoxide detector. LPA observed Fire extinguisher indicated fully charged last serviced on 8/2/22. First Aid kits were observed and inventoried. Appropriate sinks and toilets were inspected for availability, good repair, water temperature, toilet paper, paper towels, and general sanitation. Disinfectants and cleaning solutions were observed to inaccessible to children in care. Per Director there are no poisons stored at the facility.
Napping equipment (cots) and bedding were inspected and found to be clean and in operable condition. Per Director, children can either bring their own bedding sheets or the facility will provide sheets. Sheets are taken home weekly to be washed. The isolation area for sick children is located near the Directors office. Ill children will use a separate bathroom located near the Directors office if needed.
Per Director, the facility administers medication on a as need basis. LPA observed medication to be locked in a cabinet near the reception area inaccessible to children in care.
There are two outdoor play areas for children in care. One playground is used by the 2 year old children.
The larger playground area is used by children ages 3 to 5 years old. Both outdoor play areas were observed to have age-appropriate toys and material for children, free of loose, sharp, and/or pointed parts. LPA observed required cushioning under climbing structure to absorb a fall. Per Director, water pitchers are brought out during outdoor play. Children use their personal water bottles during outdoor play. Per Director, outdoor water fountains are not used. LPA observed all outdoor water fountains to be covered and inaccessible. LPA observed required shade in the outdoor area and there are no bodies of water on the premises.
Per Director, food is offered through a catering company called \342\200\234Mmm Mmm Catering\342\200\235. Parents order food through the catering company for the whole month. Per Director, children bring in their own breakfast and lunch and snacks are provided by the catering company. LPA observed the kitchen 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, observed to be receiving safe, healthful, and comfortable accommodations, furnishings and equipment, 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.
LPA observed Sign in/out sheets, LIC 9148 Earthquake Preparedness, Daily Activity Schedule, and Verification of Disaster and Fire Drills (last conducted on 6/22/23). LPA observed 5 out of 60 children not to be signed in at the time of inspection. LPA advised Director that all children need to be signed in and out at the time of arrival or departure.
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, and LIC 995A Notification of Parents\342\200\231 Rights. All children\342\200\231s records were observed to be complete.
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 at least
one person trained in CPR and Pediatric First Aid present during this inspection. All staff records were observed to be complete.
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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
Director 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 observation and record review no deficiencies will be cited today, 7/13/23.
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 Director. Appeal rights were discussed and provided to the Director.