Inspector’s narrative
What the inspector wrote
On August 14, 2025 Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Evelyn Garcia conducted an unannounced
inspection and met with licensee Carlota Garcia who guided LPA Garcia on a tour of the facility. There were 2 children in care, 1 of which is an infant, 1 is preschool aged. Operating hours are Monday- Friday, 6:00am- 11:00pm. Residing in the home are licensee and 1 adult son who assists with daycare needs. Both adults have been fingerprinted and cleared. This facility is a single-story home that consists of 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, kitchen, living area, dining room, detached garage, fireplace and front yard and backyard fenced and is licensed as a Large Family Child Care home with max capacity of 14 children.
Upon arrival to the home LPA Garcia noticed construction equipment located on the street and in the driveway of the home. LPA asked licensee if there was construction occurring and licensee stated that she is currently rebuilding her garage that was previously used as a childcare play space with an additional bathroom that the children could use. Licensee allowed LPA to enter backyard where construction is occurring and showed LPA the Construction Site Notice issued by the City of Los Angeles, Permit #24014-20000-03593 on the window. Licensee stated it was just a rebuild and would still be only a playroom and would have 2 bathrooms. The building is estimated to be ready in about 6-7 months. Licensee stated that she does not allow the children to play outside in the backyard until construction is completed and have no contact with the workers. Upon further inspection LPA Garcia did not find any notifications to the department of alterations of existing buildings or grounds. A Type B violation was issued for failure to notify the department of any alterations to existing buildings or grounds. LPA requested a copy of the inspection report to be submitted to the department. And licensee will submit a new facility sketch of areas that are currently on/off limits due to the construction.
Areas off limits to children include-
All bedrooms, 1 bathroom (bedroom), kitchen, Living room, dining room and front yard. There is a section of the backyard to the right that is gated and is off limits to the children, where 2 dogs are kept, and they do not interact with the daycare children. The backyard and front yard is currently off limits due to construction in the backyard to rebuild a garage and front yard is currently getting grass installed.
Areas accessible to children include
\342\200\223 The living room, kitchen, dining area, main day care area in the home towards the back part of the home that served as a second living space.
LPA Garcia inspected the facility for safety, comfort, cleanliness, ventilation and working phone (cell phone and landline). For ventilation, LPA Garcia observed central AC and the vents located on the ceiling. LPA observed the furniture, children\342\200\231s materials, to be in good condition and age appropriate. LPA did observe a fireplace, however it is barricaded by a bookshelf and made inaccessible to the children in care. LPA observed cots and 1 crib for the infant that are utilized during nap time. Nap time takes place in the main day care area towards the back of the home.
LPA Garcia observed cleaning compounds items stored under the kitchen sink that is secured with a safety latch. Per licensee, they do not have knives or sharp objects in the home.
For water drinking, licensee stated she provides filtered water, and each child has their own cup and are refilled as needed. The licensee stated the facility provides breakfast, lunch and p.m. snacks and license states she does not currently participate in the food program
.
Licensee stated she currently does not have any children with severe food allergies nor on medication.
LPA Garcia entered the bathroom located in the hallway and observed the toilet, hand washing sink, hand soap and observed hazard materials such as shampoo and conditioner located in the shower and licensee immediately removed them and placed them in a bedroom that is off limits to the children. LPA observed the restroom to be in good condition.
LPA Garcia asked the licensee if there were any pets, poisons, firearms, weapons, or bodies of water. The licensee stated she has 2 dogs, no poisons and no bodies of water, no firearms, and no weapons. LPA did not hear pet sounds and dogs are kept isolated from the children in care.
LPA did not observe poisons, firearms, weapons, nor bodies of water. The licensee was informed that if any poisons (ex; Drano, rat poison or items that fall into that category), firearms and weapons are purchased, it is required to be locked with a key or combination lock and firearm and ammunition must be stored separately.
LPA Garcia observed the required 2A10BC fire extinguisher located near the kitchen and the valve on the green area indicating fully charged and serviced on 4/3/25.
LPA observed carbon monoxide detector and smoke alarm located in the daycare room and dining room. The licensee tested the carbon monoxide and smoke alarm. LPA Garcia heard the sounds and are operable. LPA observed the first aid complete with band aids, gauzes, adhesive bandages, and antiseptic wipes and located near the entrance of the home. For ill isolation, licensee stated she utilize a corner of the daycare room. Last drill conducted 7/21/25.
LPA Garcia inspected the play outdoor (backyard) area that is not currently being utilized by children for safety, comfort, and cleanliness. The backyard is currently not safe for the children to play. However, licensee states that the children are not going outside due to the heat and only have 2 children enrolled, 1 infant and 1 younger preschool aged child. Licensee will not allow children to play in the backyard until construction is completed and inspected by LPA.
LPA Garcia observed licensee Pediatric First Aid/ CPR certification dated 5/17/25 and Health and Safety certification dated 2/9/24 and licensee has proof of immunization against Pertussis, MMR, TB and Influenza.
Licensee has completed the Child Abuse Mandated Reporter (AB 1207) training dated 6/25/23 which is expired. Licensee will complete the training and submit the certification to LPA within 24 hours. Licensee was advised that the mandated reporter training must be completed every 2 years, and is available at
www.mandatedreporterca.com
LPA observed the following required postings:
LIC 610A Emergency Disaster Plan, LIC 999 Facility sketch, Pub 394 Notification of Parents Rights, and child car seat law poster, and license. LPA Garcia also, reviewed children roster, and staff files and were observed to be completed.
The following was also discussed with the licensee:
1. In the absence of the licensee a qualified adult must be present, supervising the children; a qualified adult is an individual who has a valid and current Pediatric first aid/ CPR-adult-child- infant certification (EMSA approved), a valid criminal record clearance associated to the facility license, immunization's (MMR, TDAP, TB and Influenza or Influenza declination), AB 1207 Child Abuse Mandated Reporter Certificate.
2. A current roster of children enrolled must be available and maintained for a period of 3 years, even after children are no longer attending the facility.
4. Annual fees must be paid promptly and by the due date or a late fee shall be assessed and/or the license shall be terminated.
5. The fire extinguisher type 2A-10BC must be serviced annually or as often as necessary and smoke and carbon monoxide detectors should be checked, and batteries replaced as needed.
6. Changes should be reported to the Department as soon as they occur such as construction, remodeling, telephone number changes and/or if you move from your home.
7. Any unusual incidents or injuries must be reported to the Department within 24 hours via telephone and within seven (7) days in writing (refer to LIC 624B). Mandated reporter requirements were reviewed and explained.
8. Fire and safety drills must be performed every six (6) months and documented for review by the Department.
9. Smoking is prohibited in the family childcare home.
10. Children and staff records must be maintained and updated as needed and be available for review by the Department.
11. Immunization Requirement: H&S 1597.622: Commencing September 1, 2016, a person shall not be employed or volunteer at a family day care home if he or she has not been immunized against influenza, pertussis, and measles. The licensee and all adults working with children have proof of immunizations.
12. Inspection Authority: All adults living and working in the home shall be made of aware of the Department\342\200\231s right to inspection the home, which includes, but is not limited to the right to enter the home when children are being cared for, interview children and adults and review documentation.
13. The facility license number must be on all advertisements, publications, or announcements with the intent to attract clients.
14. Isolation for Ill children: When a child is ill, he/she shall be separated from other children (reference 102417(e) Operation of a Family Child Care Home).
15. Liability Insurance was discussed; LPA advised applicant to review Title 22 Regulation 102417(m)(1) for additional information.
13. Dog(s) and/or pets are recommended to be isolated from children in care.
14. No baby bouncers, no infant walkers, no Johnny jumpers, no saucer chairs, and any other item that falls into this category is not permitted in the facility.
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
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Criminal Record Clearance -
Family Child Care Homes Licensee
was reminded that all adults 18 and over living or working in the home, 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 licensed Family Child Care Home. 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.
Safe Sleep -
Child Care Centers and Family Child Care Homes LPA discussed the safe sleep regulations with licensee and discussed the Child Care Licensing Safe Sleep webpage at
https://www.cdss.ca.gov/inforesources/child-care-licensing/public-information-andresources/safe-sleep
as an additional resource.
LPA also informed licensee of the importance of checking for recalled infant devices on the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) website at
https://www.cpsc.gov/
and recommended they register all infant devices with the CPSC to be notified of any recalls on their purchased equipment.
Incidental Medical Services (IMS) policy was discussed. For IMS information see PIN 22-02CCP. When any IMS is provided, a Plan for Providing 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:
https://www.ada.gov/resources/child-care-centers/
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Licensee
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.
A notice of site visit was given and must remain posted for 30 days.
Corrections needed: Licensee will complete mandated reporter certification and submit within 24 hours. Licensee will begin to document sleep logs for infants under 2 years of age.
Exit interview conducted and report was reviewed with the licensee Carlota Garcia.