Routine inspection·October 10, 2025

On October 10, 2025, Licensing Program Analysts (LPAs) Van and Leong conducted an unannounced annual inspection and met with the director, Kathy Newman, and potential new director, Terry Santos. The purpose of the inspection was explained, and LPAs\342\200\231 entry to the center was granted. At the time of inspection, the director and 11 teachers supervised 64 children. The center complies with the teacher-to-child ratio. The days and hours of operation are Monday through Friday, from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. All staff members present during the inspection had their criminal record clearances verified through the CDSS Guardian Background Check System and were found to have an eligible clearance status. LPAs and the Director toured and inspected the physical plant to identify potential health and safety hazards. According to the Director, there was no change regarding the physical plants. The center is well-maintained and has proper heating, lighting, and ventilation. The center uses an electronic sign-in and sign-out app called Brightwheel. Upon reviewing the records, all parents signed with complete signatures, and all children were accounted for. All classrooms are well-stocked with age-appropriate toys and educational materials. The furniture is sturdy and in good condition. Additionally, the center has multiple combinations of smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and multiple fully charged fire extinguishers. All hazardous materials, including cleaning solutions and disinfectants, are stored out of reach for children. Sleeping mats are appropriately stored. Continued on page 2. page 2. During the physical plant inspection, it was observed that five to six empty fish tanks were stored on top of a 10-foot-tall cabinet. LPAs informed the director to remove them from the top of the cabinet and store them in a different location, as an earthquake could cause them to fall and potentially harm children. The director stated she would have the center maintenance person remove them. Additionally, LPAs observed a power surge and electrical wires next to one of the fish tanks. LPAs advised the director to cover the power surge and electrical wires to prevent children from pulling or tugging on them. LPAs observed that each child has a personal cubby to store their belongings. All emergency equipment is secure and locked. Children who have medication provided by their families are stored in a locked medication box in the classroom. LPAs reminded the center director to ensure that all medications are in their original containers, and parental consent is required. First-aid supplies are fully stocked and readily accessible for children\342\200\231s use. All children's toilets and handwashing sinks are in good working order and are properly sanitized. There is a separate staff bathroom on the premises. LPAs observed no bodies of water on the premises. According to the Director, there are no guns or weapons present on the premises. The outdoor play area is maintained clean and free of debris. It is also fully fenced, well-kept, and in good condition. Play structures were observed to be in proper working order and rated for children aged 2\342\200\22312 years old. According to the director, the staff inspect the sandbox daily before children use it. LPA reminded the Director that drinking water should be available and easily accessible. The director stated that the center provides only AM and PM snacks. Children bring their own lunch. All storage containers for solid waste within the center have proper, tight-fitting lids. All the required postings were observed, including the center License, Notification of Parent Rights, Personal Rights, Car Seat Law, and Emergency Disaster Plan. Continued on page 3. page 3. Random children's and personnel records were reviewed during the inspection. The review showed that the center maintains complete records for each child, including immunization records, admission agreements, emergency contact information, and personal rights. Staff records indicate that all staff members or individuals requiring caregiver background checks have obtained criminal record and child abuse index clearances or exemptions. All staff members hold valid Pediatric First Aid CPR certifications, have complete immunization records, and possess up-to-date mandated reporter training. The Director stated that the Center conducts fire and earthquake drills at least once every six months; the last drills were conducted on October 1, 2025. The 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. CCC COMPLETED TESTING AND NO LEAD EXCEEDANCES: 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 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). LPAs verified that the lead testing was completed in accordance to the Written Directives outlined in PIN 21-21.1-CCP. Continued on page 4. page 4. 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 are available at: https://www.ada.gov/resources/child-care-centers/ . The 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. LPAs discussed Child Abuse Mandated Training AB1207 with the Director. As of January 1, 2018, all staff must complete Mandated Reporter Training every two years. The training can be obtained online at www.mandatedreporterca.com . Pesticide regulations were discussed with the Director. In accordance with the Healthy Schools Act, California law requires that anyone using any pesticide must be trained every year in integrated pest management and the safe use of pesticides around children. The director was advised that a free one-hour online course is available on the Department of Pesticide Regulation's website: www.cdpr.ca.gov/schoolipm/training . For questions, email ccipmlist@cdpr.ca.gov . 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 . 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, and potential new director, Terry Santos.