Inspector’s narrative
What the inspector wrote
On 5/14/24 at 12:30pm (LPA), Licensing Program Analyst Stephanie Li conducted an unannounced annual inspection. Upon arrival LPA met with Director Heather Jenkins who led LPA on a tour of the facility. Per director, there are currently 48 children enrolled in the program. Hours of operation are Monday-Friday 7:00am-6:00pm.
There were 45 children and 5 staff present during inspection. Preschool rooms operate out of Room 2, Butterflies and Room 4, Busy Bees and Room 5 Caterpillers.
All areas identified on the Facility Sketch were inspected. The facility also has an infant and school age license. The preschool consists of 2 classrooms, 2 bathrooms, and 1 outdoor playground. The following was observed: Room Butterflies had 21 children and 1 staff, Room Busy Bees had 24 children and 2 teachers. Staff names were recorded. Teacher-child ratios were observed to be in accordance with Title 22 regulations. The Licensee is within the conditions, limitations, and capacity specified on the license. All children were observed to be under active/visual supervision of a teacher during the tour.
Licensing staff observed disinfectants, cleaning solutions, medication and other items that are dangerous to children were not accessible to children. Classroom furniture and equipment are in good condition, free of sharp, loose, or pointed parts. All floors are clean and safe. Napping equipment (mats/cots) and bedding were inspected for good condition, appropriate storage, and cleanliness
.
Children take their blankets home to wash weekly. Storage for children's belongings were inspected. All toilets and washing facilities are in safe and sanitary operating conditions. First Aid supplies are available and complete. Drinking water was readily available indoors. The office is used as an isolation area, there is a chair available for an ill child to rest and the 1
st
restroom in the hallway will be used if needed.
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Licensing staff observed all required forms/publications to be posted by the front entrance. LPA advised that the department contact and mailing information needs to be included on the Parents rights poster. Snack menus were reviewed to ensure that they are being posted one week in advance where it is visible by the child's authorized representative. Menus for the past 30 days are available upon request. Facility provides am/pm snacks and lunch. All storage containers for solid waste, including moveable bins shall have tight-fitting covers that are kept on, and in good repair. Trash cans used to discard food have tight fitting lids. The facility was observed to be free of flies, other insects, and rodents.
Licensing staff observed the required 2A10BC fire extinguisher indicates fully charged and was serviced on 07/21/23 on service tag. Per State Fire Marshall standards, fire extinguishers shall be serviced annually. Facility has a functioning carbon monoxide and smoke detector that meets statutory requirements. Director states there are no weapons, firearms, or bodies of water on the premises. The last Disaster drill was conducted in Sept 15. 2023. Reminded director disaster drills must be conducted at least every six months and they are due for another drill by 5/15/24.
At 2:00pm,
licensing staff reviewed the outdoor play area. The playgrounds equipment was inspected for safe condition, free of sharp, loose or pointed parts. LPA observed a nail protruding out of the dirt around the area of the tree where children play and have access to, this poses a risk to children in care and a citation is being issued. (See 809-D page). 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. Play yard has a waiver on file for center to use the play yard for 58 preschool children to use the play yard during staggered play times and not to exceed 33 children at one time. Daily schedules were reviewed and 3 groups of 12 are scheduled for the play yard between 10:30-11:30. Per Director, children scheduled for the yard during that time are brought out in staggered times. LPA observed 6 trikes, one play house, 2 empty play kitchens and 2 empty art easels in the yard. LPA did not observe any other play materials in the yard to support play. LPA advised that more materials are needed for children in the yard to support 33 children’s play. Drinking water is readily available outdoors.
Sign in and out sheets were reviewed to ensure that the person who signs the child in and out uses their full legal signature and records the time of the day.
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Licensing staff reviewed staff records documented on the LIC 859. There is at least one person trained in CPR and Pediatric First Aid present during this inspection. Two staff present was missing mandated reporter training certificate in file, this poses a potential risk to children in care and citation is being issued. (see 809-D page). Staff present had proof against TB, measles, pertussis, and influenza.
Children’s Records were reviewed for completeness; Inspection of required forms was made and documented on the LIC 857. One child was missing physicians report and citation is being issued. (see 809-D page).
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, 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 Child Care Center. 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.
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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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 childcare 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).
The facility has completed lead testing and is in the process of remediating lead exceedances. LPA referred facility representative to the Department website for lead:
Lead Toxicity Prevention and Water Testing Information
.
Director was informed of the MyChildCarePlan.org website; a consumer education website that helps families obtain childcare by connecting them to childcare providers and Resource and Referral Agencies (R&Rs) throughout California.
Based on Licensing staff observations and records 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.
The Notice of Site Visit (LIC 9213) – must remain posted for 30 days during the hours of operation after each site visit by a licensing representative.
Exit interview conducted, report was reviewed, and appeal rights were given to Director Heather Jenkins.
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