Inspector’s narrative
What the inspector wrote
On 04/15/2025 at 11:45 AM an unannounced Annual Inspection was conducted by Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Claudia Kam. LPA announced purpose of visit and met with Ernestine Lara principle/facility representative (FR). Facility is currently licensed for a capacity of 175. The program currently operates Monday thru Friday from 7:00 am to 5:30 pm. LPA was taken on a guided tour of the facility of both indoors and outdoors. Required postings were observed. LIC 125 was provided.
The facility is made up of 7 classrooms. At the initial start of the site visit, there is a total census of 74 children and a total census of 23 staff present.
Furniture and equipment were inspected for age appropriateness and good repair. LPA observed surface of classrooms to be safe and clean, and child size tables and chairs available for children with rounded edges and well maintained. LPA observed learning stations for dramatic play, math, and science with a variety of age appropriate toys maintained free of loose and sharp parts and a library area available for quiet play. Telephone service, heating, lighting and ventilation were evaluated. There were cubbies observed as storage for children's belongings. Mats/cots were inspected. Per FR, linens are provided by the facility and taken home weekly. Per FR linens are provided by the facility and washed by weekly laundry service. Availability of drinking water was reviewed. LPA observed bubblers available in the classroom and in the play area for children and children's personal water bottles. Age appropriate sinks and toilets were inspected for availability, good repair, water temperature, toilet paper, area safety and sanitation. LPA observed bathrooms available in classrooms that had three toilets and three sinks in classrooms 1-5. Bathroom in hallway for rooms 6 and 7 was equipped with 4 toilets and 4 sinks. Hazardous items including poisonous cleaning compounds were stored inaccessible to children.
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Per FR, only LAUSD approved disinfectants are present at the facility, LPA observed these items stored in custodian closet.
A first aid kit is kept in the classroom near the exit
.
LPA tested carbon monoxide detectors, located in the hallway. LPA observed smoke detectors and fire extinguishers are present in the facility. LPA discussed requirement to have fire extinguishers serviced annually and to conduct regular checks of smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to ensure they are in operable condition. Disaster drill log reflects last drill 3/17/2025. Isolation area for sick children is in the nurse office where LPA observed child will have full supervision until child is picked up by Authorized Representative. Per FR, they currently have 2 children that require medication. LPA observed medication stored in nurse's office which is centrally located but inaccessible to children. LPA observed medication for children in original packaging with unaltered label and conducted record review to ensure completion of required documents.
Snack/lunch menus were reviewed and observed posted. Facility provides Breakfast, Lunch, and PM Snack. Food and snacks were reviewed for availability, quantity and appropriateness to children in care. Food is delivered daily by the elementary school. Trash cans used to discard food have solid waste bags shall be discarded immediately after each meal.
Outdoor equipment was inspected for safety, cushioning material, good repair and age-appropriateness. LPA observed surface of outdoor play areas to be safe and maintained for activities planned. LPA observed a variety of age appropriate toys available including 2 play structures, water play area, sandbox, music area, quiet play, art center, nature discovery area, garden and bicycles with bike path. Required shade and fencing were inspected. LPA advised principle
that the children need to be within the direct care and supervision, including visual supervision of the teachers at all times. The children have access to drinking fountains during outside play. Play area was inspected for hazards and inaccessibility to bodies of water; no bodies of water or hazards observed.
Teacher-child ratios were observed and staff names recorded. Care and supervision was evaluated to determine if the basic needs of children are met and appropriate. Sign-in and out sheets and procedures were reviewed. Personal Rights of children were observed by LPA.
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Staff and children\342\200\231s records were reviewed for completeness. Inspection of required forms was made and documented on the LIC 857 for children and the LIC 859 for staff.
LPA did not review confidential staff files during the inspection due to the staff confidential files being stored at the administrative office. CPR card expires on 7/2025 for staff. 7 of 11 Staff present did have proof of the AB 1207 Mandated Reporter Training certificate on file. All staff and employees have obtained a criminal record clearance or criminal record exemption as a condition of employment with the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD).
The following were discussed:
LPA advised of the requirement to report Unusual Incidents and/or injuries to the parent/guardian and to CCL within the time frame specified by the regulation, this includes any changes as soon as they occur such as construction, remodeling, telephone number changes and/or if you move from your location.
LPA advised the licensee to access forms, regulations and quarterly updates on the Child Care Licensing website at:
www.ccld.ca.gov
.
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
.
Facility Representative was reminded that all adults 18 and over in the facility, 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 licensed facility. 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.
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LPA verified that the lead testing was completed in accordance to the Written Directives outlined in
PIN 21-21.1-CCP
.
This facility provides Incidental Medical Services \342\200\223 IMS. LPA reviewed storage of \342\200\234medication and equipment/supplies, and reviewed children\342\200\231s, personnel, and administrative records.
For IMS information see
PIN 22-02-CCP
. The following information regarding ADA was provided: US Department of Justice (USDOJ) toll-free ADA Information Line at (800) 514-0301 (voice) or (800) 514-0383 (TTY) and link to publication. Commonly Asked Questions about Child Care Centers and the ADA are available at:
https://www.ada.gov/resources/child-care-centers/
.
MyChildCarePlan.org \342\200\223 Centers and Family Child Care Homes Licensee [or facility representative] 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.
Based on this information, the following deficiencies on the attached LIC 809D 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.
A notice of site visit was given and must remain posted for 30 days.
Exit interview was conducted and report was reviewed with the Facility representative, Principle Ernestine Lara.
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Assembly Bill (AB) 2370, Chapter 676, Statutes of 2018,
requires all licensed Child Care Centers (CCCs) constructed before January 1, 2010, to test their water (used for drinking and food preparation) for lead contamination before January 1, 2023, and then every 5-years after the date of the first test.
For child care center licenses issued after July 1, 2022, the licensee shall test their water for lead within 180 days of licensure pursuant to Written Directives section 101700 (PIN 21-21.1-CCP).
LPA verified that the lead testing was completed in accordance to the Written Directives outlined in
PIN 21-21.1-CCP
.
This facility provides Incidental Medical Services \342\200\223 IMS. LPA reviewed storage of \342\200\234medication and equipment/supplies, and reviewed children\342\200\231s, personnel, and administrative records.
For IMS information see
PIN 22-02-CCP
. The following information regarding ADA was provided: US Department of Justice (USDOJ) toll-free ADA Information Line at (800) 514-0301 (voice) or (800) 514-0383 (TTY) and link to publication. Commonly Asked Questions about Child Care Centers and the ADA are available at:
https://www.ada.gov/resources/child-care-centers
Facility representative 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.
Based on this information, the following deficiencies on the attached LIC 809D are being cited in accordance with California Code of Regulations Title 22.
A notice of site visit was given and must remain posted for 30 days.
Exit interview was conducted and report was reviewed with the Facility Representative, Ernestine Lara.
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