Inspector’s narrative
What the inspector wrote
On February 12, 2025 at 8:45 am Licensing Program Analysts (LPAs) Priscilla Ochoa and Kamile Martin conducted an unannounced random annual inspection. LPA was greeted by Director, Angineh Hambarchian, who guided LPAs on a tour of the facility. This is a preschool program that operates Monday – Friday from 7:30 am – 5:30 pm. Per Director, there are currently 93 children enrolled in the program. LPA observed 86 children in care with 16 staff members.
At 9:15 am, LPAs toured the facility with Director. The following classrooms were inspected: Starfish (2 – 2.5 year olds) 16 children and 3 staff, Seahorse 1( 2.5 – 3 year olds) 12 children with 2 staff, Seahorse 2 (2.5 – 3 year olds), 9 children with 2 staff, Sea Turtles 1(3 – 3.5 year old) 20 children with 2 staff, Sea Turtle 2 (3 – 3.5 year old) 11 children with 2 staff, Dolphin’s (3 – 3.5 year old), 18 children with 2 staff, Rent 1 ( 4 – 4.5 year olds) 17 children with 3 staff. During the tour staff in Red 1 staff in the classroom did not found to be fingerprint cleared. Per Director, the children in this room are students from The Learning Castle. The students were moved to Red 1 which is a licensed classroom on January 14
th
, 2025. LPA disclosed with the Director that facility needs to let the department know when a licensed room is not being occupied by preschool children that are associated to their license. LPA also discussed that the facility will need remove those children from that classroom or request a capacity decrease and remove Red 1 from their license.
Teacher-child ratios were observed to be in accordance with Title 22 Regulations. Staff names were recorded. Licensed facility is within the conditions, limitations, and capacity specified on the license.
All children were observed to be under supervision, including visual supervision. There are age-appropriate toys and supplies for children in each classroom and are in good repair. All toilets and hand washing facilities are in safe and sanitary operating condition. Drinking water is available in form of personal water bottles and water dispensers that are available to children in each classroom. Napping equipment was observed in the form of cots. Bedding was inspected for good condition, appropriate storage, and cleanliness. Per Director, bedding and blankets are taken home every Friday for washing purposes.
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The classroom furniture and equipment were inspected for good repair, free of sharp, loose, or pointed parts. All indoor classrooms were inspected to ensure that the floors have a surface that is safe and clean. Each classroom has an area for children in care to store personal belonging in the form of cubbies. All materials and surfaces accessible to children are toxic free. At this time, the Directors office is used as an isolation area when a child becomes ill. A cot is provided if needed.
The facility does not provide any meals for children in care. Children bring their own snack and lunch. This facility provides hot lunch for children in care. Lunch is catered and brought each day by a third party. LPA reminded the Director, food that is brought from home must be stored properly and in closed containers. All storage areas are clean, free of litter, rubbish, and rodents/vermin. All storage containers for solid waste, including moveable bins, have tight fitting covers on and are in good repair. Disinfectants, cleaning solutions, poisons and other items that are dangerous to children are stored in an area inaccessible to children. The facility takes measures to keep the facility free of flies, other insects and rodents.
LPA observed a smoke and carbon monoxide detector in the facility. LPAs did not test the detectors as Director states they are hardwired to the Fire Department. LPA also observed a fully charged fire extinguisher that was serviced on 4/2/2024. Per Title 22 regulations, Emergency disaster drills must be conducted every 6 months. Emergency disaster drill was last conducted on 10/17/2024.
Outdoor play yards were inspected and observed play houses and several bikes for children in care. Outdoor play yard equipment is in safe condition, free of sharp, loose or pointed parts. The surface of the outdoor activity space is maintained in a safe condition and is free of hazards. All areas around or under high climbing equipment, swings, slides, and similar equipment are cushioned with material that absorbs a fall. There is adequate shade in the play yard.
LPA reviewed Sign in and out sheets to ensure that the person who signs the child in and out uses their full legal signature and records the time of the day.
Children’s Records were reviewed to ensure that Identification and Emergency form and a medical assessment are on file. Child records were deemed not complete.
Staff records were reviewed to ensure that Criminal Records Clearance for adults and verification of CPR/First Aid and health preventative practices documentation. Staff records were deemed not complete.
AB1207 Mandated Child Abuse Reporting – On or before March 30, 2018 any person who works in a child care facility shall complete the training and renew the training every 2 years. Website provided:
https://www.mandatedreporterca.com/training/child-care-providers
.
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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
CCC COMPLETED TESTING AND NO LEAD EXCEEDANCES: 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.
LPA advised the licensee to access forms, regulations and quarterly updates on the Child Care Licensing website at:
www.ccld.ca.gov
.
Licensee 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.
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.
Based on the LPA’s observations and record review, the following deficiencies listed on the attached LIC 809D (deficiency page) 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’s health and safety.
A notice of site visit was given and must remain posted for 30 days during facility’s hours of operation. Failure to comply with posting requirements shall result in an immediate civil penalty of $100.
An exit interview was conducted, and a copy of the report was provided to Director, Angineh Hambarchian.
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