Lead safety check·October 4, 2023

On 10/4/23 at approximately 9:45 AM, Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Nathan Garcia conducted an unannounced, case management inspection for the Action Level Exceedance (ALE) of Lead in Child Care Center's water. LPA met with the director, Rosario Knutson. LPA explained the purpose of the visits and was given a tour of the facility. Present in facility are 31 children, present with 5 staff members. LPA discussed the new Assembly Bill (AB) 2370, Chapter 676, Statutes of 2018 requires the Lead Testing of water in the Child Care Center with the site director during the inspection. All Child Care Centers that are located in buildings constructed before January 1, 2010, must have their water tested and post the results by January 1, 2023, and every 5 years after the date of the first testing. The facility received the ALE report from the Vendor on 3/7/2023. Test results for this facility that exceeded a higher level of parts per billion (ppb) allowed, 5.5 ppb. The facility was proactive in barricading and putting signs indicating that the water fountain/kitchen fixture is not for drinking and or currently out of order. The facility was cited for not meeting the January 1, 2023 deadline for lead testing back in February 22, 2023 annual inspection with LPA Leong. After the test, there was an action level exceedance and the affected fixture C (17) is above the 5.5 ppb threshold. The deficiency was cleared on March 23, 2023 when the facility got tested and sent the results. The facility promptly sent a Plan of Correction for that affected fixture, which is a water fountain that has not been used since COVID-19 pandemic. The facility's POC consisted of permanently removing the water fountain and installing a water dispenser at a later date. The LPA observed that fixture C is now permanently removed and per director, the facility has a filtered water dispenser installed in July 2023 at a different location. The facility uses other fixtures that passed for water ingestion and food preparation. LPA Garcia will contact the facility for further instructions, if the facility needs to retest the new filtered water dispenser. LPA obtained the copies of the External Water Sampler Self-Certification Form (LIC9275), Child Care Center Sampling Checklist (LIC9276), Facility Sketch (LIC999), in an email from LPA Leong. This report was reviewed and signed by Director, Rosario Knutson. No deficiencies cited for today's visit. This report and notice of Site visit were provided to the licensee and must remain posted for 30 days.