Routine inspection·March 11, 2025

On March 11, 2025, Licensing Program Analysts (LPAs) Van and Leong met with the Director, Chantal Maher, for an unannounced annual inspection. The purpose of the inspection was explained, and access to the center was granted. This is a parent cooperative program. Upon entering the facility, LPAs observed parents dropping off their children and helping them settle. The director, a teacher, and six co-op parents supervised 21 children. The facility complies with the staff-children ratio today. All staff members present during the inspection had their criminal record clearances verified through the CDSS Guardian Background Check site and were found to have eligible clearance status. The facility operates from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm, Monday through Friday, with some children staying until 4:00 pm for an extended program. LPAs toured and inspected the physical plant with the director to identify potential health and safety hazards. The facility is well-maintained and has proper heating, lighting, and ventilation. The center utilizes a manual sign-in and sign-out. Upon reviewing the records, it was confirmed that all parents signed in using their complete signatures, and these signatures corresponded accurately with the number of children present. All classrooms are equipped with toys and educational materials suitable for the children's age. The toys, floors, and tables are clean, safe, non-toxic, and in good shape. The facility has a combination carbon monoxide and smoke detector, fully charged fire extinguishers, and operational telephones. All hazardous substances, including cleaning agents and poisons, are stored out of children's reach. Continued on page 2... page 2. LPA observed that every child has an individual cubby. All emergency equipment is secured and locked. Children's medications were kept in a plastic container in the staff bathroom. Currently, the center has one child who is on medication. Upon inspection, it was noted that the medication remained in its original packaging. Additionally, parental consent was found in the child's file. All children's toilets and handwashing sinks are in good working condition and have proper sanitation. There is a separate bathroom for staff use on the premises. LPA observed no bodies of water on the premises. Drinking water is available to children both indoors and outdoors. Food preparation areas are clean. Parents prepare snacks for the children in the kitchen, and full-day children bring their lunches from home. Food is appropriately stored and refrigerated as needed, and no contaminated food was observed. The playground was completely safe and free from any hazards. The equipment and surfaces were well-maintained and in good condition. Beneath the climbing structures and play equipment, wood chip cushioning was designed to soften falls and provide extra protection. All the required postings were observed, including the facility License, Notification of Parent Rights, Personal Rights, Car Seat Law, Emergency Disaster Plan, waiver, and a record of Daily activities. Random children's records and personnel records were reviewed during the inspection. Records review showed the facility has complete records of each child, including immunizations, admission agreements, emergency contact, and personal rights. All co-op parents have their TB clearance on file. Staff records indicate that all staff or other individuals who require caregiver background checks have received criminal records and child abuse index clearances or exemptions. All staff members have records of valid CPR certifications. The educational qualifications of the director and staff showed they possessed the required ECE units. Continued on page 3... page 3. Since the licensee was reactivated in January 2025 following a tree falling and causing damage to the building, the Center has not yet held its fire and earthquake drills. LPAs have reminded the director that these drills are mandatory at least once every six months. The Center plans to conduct a drill by the end of the week and will email the log to the LPA. 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. 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 with the Written Directives outlined in PIN 21-21.1-CCP. 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/ . Continued on page 4... page 4. 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. LPA 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 Site 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, Chantal Maher.