Lead safety check·May 18, 2023

On 05/18/2023, Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Monique Ayala conducted an unannounced case management inspection for an Action Level Exceedance (ALE) detected in a water fixture in the facility. LPA met with lead teacher, Rita Pettit, during the visit. Also present in the facility were 26 day care children and 4 teachers/staff. Facility was within ratio & capacity. A COVID 19 risk assessment was conducted prior to entering the facility. Licensee, Will Hawkins called LPA shortly after arrival to discussion inspection. Analyst reviewed new Assembly Bill (AB) 2370, Chapter 676, Statutes of 2018, which requires the testing of water for lead in Child Care Centers (CCCs) with facility director during the inspection. Per AB 2370, all CCCs that are located in buildings constructed before January 1, 2010, must have their water tested and post the results by January 1, 2023, and every 5 years after the date of the first testing. Facility provided facility sketch and required forms LIC999 and LIC9275 to LPA via email on 05/16/2023. Per licensee, the LIC9276 will be forwarded to LPA once Licensee has completed form. On 04/28/2023, the Department received notification from the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB), Division of Drinking Water (DDW). The SWRCB report indicated the facility was inspected and samples were collected on 04/28/2023. Faucets and drinking fountain reported with 5.5 ppb or greater lead exceedance levels were as follows: A \342\200\223 Sink Faucet In Office Restroom (Second Floor) (14.4 UG/L) \342\200\223 Faucet is inaccessible to children in care F - Sink Faucet In Main Area (First Floor) (12.5 UG/L) - Faucet is only used for hand washing. Licensee stated that one of the faucets is inaccessible to children in care and the other faucet is only used for children to wash their hands. Per Licensee, the faucets are not used for consumption nor for food preparation. Per licensee the facility only provides dry snacks and children bring their own lunch and waters. Per licensee, if the children need more water the facility provides the children with filtered water. The faucet\342\200\231s use was terminated when the facility was informed by analyst that it was exceeding acceptable levels. Per licensee, he stated that the faucet downstairs has been fixed. Per licensee, he will find another lead company to retest the water or file for an exception through the department due to not using the water faucets for consumption or food preparation. Grant funding will be available for testing and remediation of lead to the Child Care Centers that qualify. To make a determination of eligibility, refer to PIN 21-04-CCP. For Lead Testing and Prevention Information, including additional resources please visit https://www.cdss.ca.gov/inforesources/child-care-licensing/water-testing-information See LIC809D for Type B deficiency cited. Exit interview conducted and report was reviewed with the Lead Teacher Rita Pettit. A copy of PIN 21-21-CCP and appeal rights were provided to facility today. A notice of site visit was also provided and must remain posted for 30 days.