Inspector’s narrative
What the inspector wrote
This inspection was conducted in Spanish
Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Veronica Martinez Garza conducted an announced Pre-Licensing inspection at the above facility on 03/12/25 at 1:00 p.m. The inspection conducted on this date is for a pending change of location application for a large family child care home. The Monterey Park Regional Office received an approved fire clearance on 03/06/25. The previous home was licensed under facility number #198019446. LPA met with applicants Lorena Valentina Escamilla and Guillermo Cuervo who guided analyst on a tour of the facility. Operation hours will be Monday through Sunday 23 hours. Applicant states she will care for children 0 months – 12 years old.
All areas identified on the facility sketch were inspected, including but not limited to, off limit areas.
This is a two-story home which consists of 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, living room, dining room, family room, kitchen, back yard with pool (fenced), and garage. LPA observed a well mounted child proof gate at the bottom of the stairs leading to the second floor. Per applicant, family members residing in the home are 3 adults and 0 minors. Applicant stated that there are no pets on the premises. Per applicant, all individuals present or living in the home have obtained a criminal record clearance or exemption prior to working, residing, or volunteering in a licensed home.
• Day care areas: living room, family room, 1 bathroom.
• Off limit areas: 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, dining room, kitchen, back yard with pool.
**Rooms that are off-limits need to be made inaccessible during operating hours** The Applicant does understand that licensing staff may have access to off-limit areas during inspection visit if necessary.
Page 1 of 6
Areas that will be used by children were inspected for safety, comfort, and cleanliness. Tour began in the living room where LPA observed furniture and a barricaded fireplace. Adjacent to the living room is the dining room. LPA observed a dining table with chairs and a sliding door that leads to the backyard. LPA then toured the family room/main day care area. LPA observed age-appropriate toys, equipment, and materials available for children. LPA also observed (3) cribs in the family room. Per applicant, older children will nap on cots. LPA observed that the sliding leading to the back yard and pool does not have an alarm. LPA recommends the applicant to place an alarm on the sliding door which will alert every time the door is opened. The family room is adjacent to the kitchen, 1 bathroom, and back yard. Children will walk through the kitchen to access the family room. Applicant has placed a well mounted child proof gate between the kitchen/dining room and kitchen/family room. Per applicant, children will not have access to the kitchen. The children’s bathroom is located in the hallway adjacent to the family room. LPA observed the bathroom to be safe and in sanitary condition. There are outlet covers throughout the home. Detergents, cleaning compounds, medicines, sharp objects, and hazardous items that can pose a danger to children were observed to be inaccessible to the children. Ill children will be isolated from other day care children and will wait in the living room until parents arrive.
Per applicant, there are no poisons on the premises. The applicant was advised that any poisons must be locked with a key or combination lock.
LPA observed (1) fire extinguisher: in the family room. The 2A10BC fire extinguisher was fully charged and was serviced on 07/14/24, per the attached service tag. The applicant was advised that the fire extinguisher must be serviced yearly or purchase a new one and keep receipt.
Per applicant, food will be provided to all children in care. The applicant was advised that if food is brought from the children’s homes, all containers must be labeled with the child’s name and properly stored or refrigerated.
At 01:05 p.m. LPA toured the back yard. Per licensee, children will not use the back yard for outdoor play; however, children’s play equipment and materials are available. LPA also observed a pool with a mesh fencing that has an access gate that opens away from the swimming pool and is self-closing with a self-latching, key lockable device placed no lower than 60 inches above the ground. With the assistance of the applicant, LPA measured the mesh fencing and observed a minimum height of 60 inches with a vertical clearance of two inches from the ground to the bottom of the enclosure. Applicant has contracted Cervy & Ivey Engineers, INC to install a mesh removable pool fence. The mesh fence does not obscure the pool from view. Page 2 of 6
Applicant also provided a mesh detail letter which states compliance with the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) International Standard F2286. The mesh fencing is partially surrounding the pool. There are metal safety latches holding the sides of the poles to the cement wall. There are also metal safety latches holding the mesh fence poles. LPA also observed that the back cement wall and iron fencing meet the required fencing height. Applicant also installed an alarm in the pool that will sound upon detecting an entrance into the water. LPA took pictures of the pool. LPA observed a fire pit in the back yard and advised applicant that it must remain closed. Applicant understands that children should be supervised at all times.
LPA tested the combined smoke and carbon monoxide detector at 04:04 p.m. and was observed to be in operable condition.
The licensee has completed the required Health and Safety Training, Nutrition Training and Pediatric First Aid and CPR expires 07/27/25. There are first aid supplies available.
Telephone service is via a cell phone. The licensee will ensure there is always a phone available during operation hours. Applicant’s home is equipped with a central heater/AC.
Per applicant, there are no firearms, no weapons on the premises. LPA did not observe any of the above mentioned during this inspection.
The following was discussed with the applicant:
Applicant was reminded that all adults 18 and over living in the home, persons who provide care and supervision to children, and staff who have contact with children, 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 Family Child Care Home.
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.
In the absence of the licensee a qualified adult must be present supervising the children; a qualified adult is an individual who has a valid and current Pediatric First Aid and CPR training, Immunization (TDAP, MMR, Influenza), mandated reporter training and a valid criminal record clearance associated to the facility license.
• Annual fees must be paid promptly and by the due date or a late fee shall be assessed and/or the License may be terminated.
• The fire extinguisher type 2A-10BC must be serviced annually or purchased annually.
• Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors should be checked, and batteries replaced as needed.
Page 3 of 6
• Reporting Requirements: Changes should be reported to the Department as soon as they occur such as construction, remodeling, telephone number changes and/or if you move from your home.
• Any unusual incidents or injuries must be reported to the Department within 24 hours via telephone and within seven (7) days in writing. LIC624B was provided.
• Fire and safety drills must be performed every six months and documented for review by the Department.
• Smoking is prohibited in a family child care home.
• Children and Staff records must be maintained and updated as needed and must be available for review by the Department.
• No infant walkers, No Johnny jumpers, No saucer chairs, and any other item that falls into that category are not permitted in the facility.
• The facility license number must be on all advertisements, publications, or announcements with the intent to attract clients.
• Isolation for ill children: When a child is ill, he/she shall be separated from other children (reference 102417(e) Operation of a Family Child Care Home).
• Liability Insurance was discussed; LPA advised applicant to review Title 22 Regulation 102417(m)(1) for additional information.
Inspection Authority: All adults living and working in the home shall be made of aware of the Departments right to inspection the home, which includes, but is not limited to the right to enter the home when children are being cared for, interview children and adults and review documentation.
Immunization Requirement: H&S 1597.622: Commencing September 1, 2016, a person shall not be employed or volunteer at a family day care home if he or she has not been immunized against influenza, pertussis, and measles. The applicant has proof of immunizations. Applicant understands that each employee and volunteer shall receive an influenza vaccination between August 1 and December 1 of each year and record must be kept of vaccine or declination letter.
Mandated Reporter Training: H&S 1596.8662: Beginning January 1, 2018, all licensed providers, applicants, directors, and employees to complete training as specified on mandated reporter duties. Mandated Reporter Training must be taken every two years. Training is available at:
www.mandatedreporterca.com
Page 4 of 6
Per applicant, she does not carry liability insurance or a bond in accordance with standard established by Family Child Care statue. Signed statements (LIC282) will be in children’s files. The law requires Family Child Care provider to carry liability insurance or bond in the amount of $300,000 annually or to maintain the signed statement in the facility file.
LPA discussed the safe sleep regulations with applicant and discussed the Child Care Licensing Safe Sleep webpage at:
https://www.cdss.ca.gov/inforesources/child-care-licensing/public-information-and-resources/safe-sleep
, as an additional resource. LPA also informed applicant of the importance of checking for recalled infant devices on the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) website at:
https://www.cpsc.gov/
, and recommended they register all infant devices with the CPSC to be notified of any recalls on their purchased equipment.
Incidental Medical Services (IMS) policy was discussed. For IMS information see PIN 22-02-CCP. When any IMS is provided, a Plan for Providing 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
.
LPA reviewed with applicant the LIC 311D, Forms/Records to Keep In Your Family Child Care Homes, children’s forms/records, facility forms/records, and information to be posted. Entrance Checklist was provided to the applicant.
On this date, 01/24/25, the California Attorney General - Megan’s Law website was searched for information on sex offenders required to register with local law enforcement under California's Megan's Law. No registered sex offenders were found at the facility addresses. Under state law, some registered sex offenders are not subject to public disclosure; therefore, they may not have been included in this search. However, the Department conducts a monthly cross reference of each address on record for all registered sex offenders against all CCLD facility addresses pursuant to information shared by California DOJ.
Applicant was informed of the MyChildCarePlan.org site, 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
Page 5 of 6
The applicant provided proof of control of property. Because the applicant rents/leases the home, proof of landlord notification is required. The LPA observed the Property Owner/Landlord Notification form (LIC9151) that the applicant confirms was provided to the property owner/landlord. The applicant obtained a signed Property Owner/Landlord Consent form (LIC 9149).
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 communication.
A change of location for a large family child care license will be granted pending final file review. Facility is ready to be licensed.
Once licensed, the applicant is required to adhere to the terms and limitations stated on the license.
The applicant’s signature on this report acknowledges that they have signed the Application for a Family Child Care Home License (LIC 279) under the penalty of perjury that the statements on the application and any attachments are correct.
Exit interview conducted and report was reviewed with the applicant Lorena Valentina Escamilla.
Page 6 of 6