Pre-licensing visit·February 25, 2025

On 12/11/2024 at 1:00 pm, Licensing Program Analyst (LPA), Crystal Green conducted an announced Pre-Licensing inspection for a Change of Ownership. Upon arrival, LPA met with Applicant Representatives, Belen Lara and Cesar Camacho. This location is currently licensed as Azusa Discovery Center under (2) separate licenses; a Preschool Program (198011628) with a capacity of 108 children from ages 2 until entry into first grade and a School-Age Program (198011629) with a capacity of 36 children from ages 6 years and above. The Applicant, Azusa Discovery Center Preschool and School Age, Inc., has requested to be licensed for 144 children: (108) preschool children from ages 2 to 5 years old in classrooms 1, 2, and 3; and (36) school-age children from ages 5 to 12 years old in classroom 4. Hours of operation will be Monday to Friday from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm. Present during today\342\200\231s inspection were (61) children with (12) staff. Appropriate ratios and supervision were observed. All indoor and outdoor activity space utilized for the children was inspected today. LPA informed applicant representatives that staff are required to maintain direct visual supervision of the children at all times during indoor and outdoor activities. When medications are on site, applicant representatives stated that they will be stored in the kitchen area in a locked cabinet. A fully equipped first aid kit is also located in the main office. There is an operational carbon monoxide detector on site located near the kitchen area. All required licensing documents were observed posted near the entrance of the facility. Children will be signed in and out at the main office. LPA continued to tour the facility and measured all indoor and outdoor activity space. The total preschool indoor activity space measured was 3885.49 square footage, which is sufficient to accommodate the requested overall capacity of 108 preschool children. The total school-age indoor activity space measured was 1297.08 square footage, which is sufficient to accommodate the requested overall capacity of 36 children. Page 2: LPA observed all indoor activity space to be complete with safe, age-appropriate furniture and equipment, including tables, chairs, cubbies, napping cots, bookshelves, and other activity supplies for the children. Drinking water will be available to children via water fountains and filtered water jug into each child\342\200\231s personal water bottle. LPA observed all hazardous items to be inaccessible to children. There are no bodies of water or weapons on the property. Fire clearance was granted on 12/01/2024 by the LA County Fire Department. LPA observed a total of 9 sinks and 9 toilets available to the preschool children. These are sufficient to accommodate the requested capacity of preschool children. LPA observed 3 sinks and 3 toilets available to the school-age children. LPA observed 1 toilet and 1 sink available in the outdoor patio area that affords privacy for school-age children. Per Applicant Representatives, staff that ensures the school age restroom is not used simultaneously by children of both sexes. There is a separate staff restroom equipped with a toilet and a sink located in the hallway. The isolation area for children who are ill will be located in the Administration office area. The ill children will use the staff restroom. The facility will provide AM/PM snacks and Lunch. There is a full kitchen located on the premises across from the main office. The kitchen area includes a refrigerator, sink, stove, microwave, and food prep countertop. The kitchen prep area was observed to be free of hazards. The kitchen and food storage areas were observed free of rodents and/or vermin. The facility currently has a fully fenced playground area. The fencing surrounding the playground area is made of plywood which was observed to be at least four feet high. LPA obtained measurements of the outdoor area which calculated to be 8,165.54 square footage, which can accommodate the requested capacity of each program separately. This facility does not have a separate outdoor space between the preschool and school-age program. Per Mrs. Lara, The outdoor space is shared between the preschool and school-age program. There is an approved waiver for the outdoor space granted to the existing licensee which allows for the outdoor space used on a staggered play between multiple programs. LPA discussed with the Applicant Representative, that a playground waiver to share the playground at different times in the AM and PM due to limited square footage shall be submitted and approved prior to licensure. Page 3: There are sufficient outdoor age-appropriate toys and play equipment available within playground area. There is adequate cushioning in fall zones of climber provider via rubber outdoor mats. Drinking water will be available via water fountains and filter water jug with personal water bottles. LPA observed all hazardous items on the playground to be inaccessible to children. Applicant Representatives was reminded that any changes to the facility must be reported to and approved by Community Care Licensing. 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). Applicant representatives was reminded that all adults 18 and over responsible for administration or direct supervision of staff, persons who provides care and supervision to children, and staff who have contact with children, 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. Incidental Medical Services (IMS) policy was discussed. For IMS information see PIN 22-02-CCP. 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) or (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 Applicant Representative was informed of the MyChildCarePlan.org site, a consumer education website that helps families obtain childcare by connecting them to childcare providers and Resource and Referral Agencies (R&Rs) throughout California. Page 4: Community Care Licensing Division (CCLD) regularly sends information to licensed facilities, providers, and stakeholders by way of Provider Information Notices (PIN), Program Quarterly Update Newsletters and other important information communication platforms. To receive important licensed related information to licensed facilities, visit the CCLD Important Information website at https://www.cdss.ca.gov/inforesources/community-care-licensing/subscribe and select the Child Care option to receive email communications. During this inspection, LPA discussed with the Applicant Representatives the waiver request process. Per Applicant Representatives, they will submit a waiver letter to the Regional Office. The Applicant Representatives was informed that the waiver request will be reviewed by the Regional Office for final approval. Once the waiver request is approved, A license for (144) children will be granted: (108) Preschool children from ages 2 to 5 years old in classrooms 1, 2, and 3; and (36) School Age children from ages 5 to 12 years old in classroom 4. Exit interview conducted and report was reviewed with the Applicant Representatives, Belen Lara and Cesar Camacho.