Inspector’s narrative
What the inspector wrote
On 10/4/2024, Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Hanson Leong conducted an unannounced annual visit and met with the Director, Kathy Newman. LPA explained the purpose of the visit to the director.
Fifty-eight preschool-aged children and thirteen staff members were present during the visit. The thirteen staff members received criminal record clearance from the
department. The
facility is within its capacity limits and ratios for today\342\200\231s visit.
LPA observed that all required documents, such as the facility license, waivers, notification of parents\342\200\231 rights, personal rights, car seat laws, emergency disaster plan, and daily activities schedule, were displayed in a prominent, publicly accessible location.
The most recent emergency disaster drill was conducted on 6/3/2024, and the LPA observed that it was properly documented. LPA reviewed the emergency disaster drill log and found that it was conducted at least once every six months.
The facility was observed to have first aid kits, functioning smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and fully charged fire extinguishers. The first-aid supplies were located on top of the cabinets, which were inaccessible to children. Prescribed medications were observed stored in a medication box and labeled according to the child's name. The medication box was located on top of the refrigerator, which was inaccessible to the children.
LPA inspected the indoor and outdoor areas to identify health and safety hazards. The facility was clean, safe, sanitary, and in good repair. Disinfectants, cleaning solutions, poisons, and other items that could pose a danger were stored in areas inaccessible to the children. All accessible cabinets and drawers in the classrooms were found to be free of hazardous materials or poisons.
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LPA observed that the three classrooms had age-appropriate toys, furniture, educational materials, and designated storage space for each child. One classroom had a turtle tank and a fish tank filled with water, both secured with a cover. Two classrooms had a diaper-changing station within arm\342\200\231s reach of a sink. The bathrooms were found clean and fully operational. The toilets and handwashing facilities were well-kept, safe, and clean.
The outdoor playground has a fence at least four feet high. The outdoor play equipment is in good condition and has no sharp, loose, or pointed parts. The areas around and under high climbing equipment, swings, slides, and similar equipment were observed to be cushioned with woodchips. No bodies of water, such as pools or spas, were on site.
The preschool program does not currently provide food service for the children. The children's parents or guardians provide lunches for their children. LPA observed that each child had lunch boxes in their designated storage space. According to the director, some of the enrolled children have allergies. The facility provides snacks for the children.
Cots are provided for children to use for sleeping or napping. According to the director, parents or guardians are required to provide children with blankets and sheets. The facility asks them to wash the blankets and sheets weekly and return them on Monday.
LPA observed that the facility currently records each child's attendance on an electronic app, accounting for all parent signatures for each child. LPA reviewed ten children\342\200\231s files and confirmed that all ten have complete files that include their emergency contact information and medical information.
LPA reviewed the files for five staff members and confirmed that all five were current with their Pediatric First Aid/CPR certifications. LPA also found that all five had completed the necessary twelve units in Early Childhood Education (ECE), which meets the qualifications required to be classified as teachers.
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.
LPA verified that the lead testing was completed in accordance to the Written Directives outlined in PIN 21-21.1-CCP.
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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.
LPA discussed the safe sleep regulations with director and discussed the Child Care Licensing Safe Sleep webpage at
https://www.cdss.ca.gov/inforesources/child-care-licensing/public-information-andresources/safe-sleep
as an additional resource. LPA also informed director 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.
This facility provides Incidental Medical Services \342\200\223 IMS. LPA reviewed storage of \342\200\234medication 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-carecenters/
.
Director 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.
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
No deficiencies were issued today during LPA's visit.
A Notice of Site Visit was given and must remain posted for 30 days.
Exit interview conducted and report was reviewed with the Director, Kathy Newman.