Inspector’s narrative
What the inspector wrote
On 03/03/26 at 11:15am, Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Diana Ortiz conducted an unannounced annual random inspection of the above facility. LPA met with Director, Belen Lara who guided LPA on a tour of the facility. This is a preschool age and school age program licensed for 144 children which operates Monday through Friday from 6:30 AM to 6:00 PM. LPA observed a census of 71 children with 12 staff members present. All areas identified on the facility sketch were toured and inspected both indoors and outdoors. Per facility Director, there are 107 children enrolled who attend with various schedules. LIC 125 Entrance Checklist provided.
The following documents were posted in a prominent, publicly accessible area at the facility: Facility License, Notification of Parents' Rights (PUB 393), Personal Rights (LIC 613A), and Earthquake Preparedness (LIC 9148). PUB 269 Child Passenger System Poster, and Daily Schedule. 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. The waiver was observed to be posted in a prominent area at the facility.
This facility consists of four (4) classrooms. The following classrooms were inspected: Room 1 (Preschool 3-4yrs): 28 children and four (4) staff present. LPA observed one (1) restroom inside of the classroom that has three (3) toilets and three (3) sinks. The room has one (1) sink that is used for children to wash hands or classroom materials. Room 2 (Preschool 2-3yrs): 12 children and five (5) staff present. Room 2 has a separating apparatus that goes through the middle of the classroom. The other side of the room which is called \342\200\234Room 2 CSPP\342\200\235.
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Room 2 (CSPP): nine (9) children and three (3) staff present. LPA observed one (1) restroom inside of the classroom that has three (3) toilets and three (3) sinks. The room has one (1) sink that is used for children to wash hands or classroom materials. Room 3 (Preschool 3-4yrs): 22 children and three (3) staff present. LPA observed one (1) restroom inside of the classroom that has three (3) toilets and three (3) sinks. The room has one (1) sink that is used for children to wash hands or classroom materials. Room 4 (School-age): zero (0) children and zero (0) staff present. LPA observed one (1) restroom inside of the classroom that has three (3) toilets and three (3) sinks. The room has one (1) sink that is used for children to wash hands or classroom materials. LPA observed adequate bedding materials such as cots which are labeled with each child\342\200\231s name in each classroom. LPA observed that each preschool and school age child has labeled storage for their belongings. Each cubby is labeled with each child\342\200\231s name. 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.
Sign in and out takes place in the main entrance of the facility. This facility uses paper sign in and out sheets for parents. Sign in and outs 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. LPA did remind Director; parents are to use full signature when signing in and out their children daily. Facility has hard copies of sign-in and sign-out sheets as needed.
Classrooms were inspected to ensure that the floors have a surface that is safe and clean. All materials and surfaces accessible to children are toxic free. Napping equipment and bedding were inspected for good condition, appropriate storage, and cleanliness. LPA observed all preschool children have their own assigned cots for nap time. Per Director, the bedding is provided by the parents, and parents take bedding home weekly (or when needed) to get laundered.
Smoke detectors and carbon monoxide were present in each room.
LPA observed a fully charged and serviced fire extinguisher. The fire extinguisher was last serviced on 03/31/25, and service tag was attached. Emergency disaster drill was last conducted on 02/23/2026. Facility Representative states there are no weapons/firearms or bodies of water on the premises. LPA did not observe weapons, firearms, or bodies of water during today\342\200\231s inspection.
First aid kits are kept in each classroom. Heating, lighting, and ventilation were evaluated by LPA. LPA observed central AC/heater and vents located on the ceiling.
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Food is prepared and provided by the facility. This facility provides breakfast, lunch and PM snacks. Per Director, this facility is part of the CACFP program. Menus were reviewed to ensure that they are being posted at least one week in advance and visible to an authorized representative. The kitchen is located inside of the premises near the main office. The kitchen area was toured, LPA observed a refrigerator, sink, stove, microwave, and food prep countertop. Per LPAs observations, the kitchen area was observed to be clean, and the cleaning compounds/solutions were found to be stored away from the food.
All storage containers for solid waste, including movable bins shall have tight-fitting covers that are kept on, and in good repair. Trash cans used to discard food have tight fitting lids. Drinking water is readily available both indoors and outdoors. The facility was observed to be free of flies, other insects, and rodents.
Drinking water is readily available to children in care. Per Director, each child can bring their own individual water bottle from home which is individually labeled with their name. There are disposable cups available and a filtered water station is available for refills as needed.
Per Director, the isolation area is located in the main office is used as the ill/isolation area. The child will wait in the room for their parents or authorized representatives to arrive. The child has a mat, chairs to rest. If they need to use the restroom, they are accompanied to the staff restroom.
LPA was informed that there are currently two (2) preschool children on medication at this time. LPA reviewed and provided consultation. LPA observed that medication is kept in a locked medication box in a locked cabinet inside of the kitchen area located in the main office which is out of reach of children. LPA advised that medication should be given back to parents/guardians when child leaves the facility or medication expires.
At 12pm, LPA toured the outdoor play area. 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. This facility does not have a separate outdoor space between the preschool and school-age program. Per Director, 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.
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The playground equipment was observed to be in safe condition, free of sharp, loose or pointed parts. The surface of the outdoor activity space is maintained in a safe condition and free of hazards. All areas around or under high climbing equipment, swings, slides, and similar equipment have rubber padding to cushion or prevent an injury to absorb a fall. There is adequate shade in the play yards with trees and shade cover. There is one (1) restroom which has one toilet and one sink and located outside.
Children\342\200\231s Records were reviewed to ensure that Identification and Emergency form and a medical assessment are on file. Children\342\200\231s records are complete.
Criminal Records Clearance for adults and verification of CPR/First Aid and health preventative practices documentation was reviewed. There is at least one person trained in CPR and Pediatric First Aid present during this inspection. The review of Staff records was documented on the LIC 859. Staff present had proof of the AB 1207 Mandated Reporter Training certificate on file. However, Staff #4 had an expired mandated reporter certificate.
Facility representative 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.
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 as specified in Health and Safety Code section 1597.16.
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 (Interim Licensing Standards) outlined in PIN 21-21.1-CCP. Lead test was done on 07/27/2023.
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CCC COMPLETED TESTING AND NO LEAD EXCEEDANCES
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LPA referred facility representative to the Department website for lead: Lead Toxicity Prevention and Water Testing Information (
https://www.cdss.ca.gov/inforesources/child-care-licensing/water-testing-information
)
This facility provides Incidental Medical Services \342\200\223 IMS. LPA reviewed storage of medication 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 childcare by connecting them to childcare providers and Resource and Referral Agencies (R&Rs) throughout California. During the exit interview, Facility Representative confirmed that there are no Registered Sex Offenders living in the facility and LPA completed the RSO profile in FAS.
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
.
Based on the LPA\342\200\231s observations and records reviews, 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\342\200\231s health and safety.
A notice of site visit was given and must remain posted for 30 days.
Exit interview conducted and report was reviewed with the Director, Belen Lara.
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