Routine inspection·March 13, 2025

On March 13, 2025, Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Van met with lead teacher Yezenia Hernandez for an unannounced annual inspection. The purpose of the inspection was explained, and the center staff granted LPA entry to the facility. Director Lauren Shaw and the center\342\200\231s owner, Carolyn Handelin, arrived during the inspection. Six staff members supervised 36 children. The facility complies with the staff-children ratio today. The days and operations hours are Monday - Friday from 8:00 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 site. Two staff members' criminal record clearances indicated "in process" due to the possibility of an inactive clearance. Both staff members were previously employed with the preschool center. Both staff members were sent to have their fingerprints redone during the visit. Technical violations were issued today. LPA 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 an electronic sign-in and sign-out system called Brightwheel. Upon reviewing the records, it was confirmed that all parents signed in using their unique PIN, and the date and timestamp corresponded accurately with the number of children present. All classrooms are well-stocked with age-appropriate toys and educational materials. The furniture is sturdy and well-maintained. The facility has carbon monoxide, centralized smoke detectors, fully charged fire extinguishers, and functioning telephones. All hazardous materials, including cleaning solutions and poisons, are kept out of the reach of children. Additionally, sleeping cots are appropriately stored. Continued on page 2... page 2. LPA observed that every child has an individual cubby. All emergency equipment is secured. All children\342\200\231s medications were observed to be stored in the kitchen cabinet. Upon inspection, the medications were found in their original containers, and parental consents were in the children\342\200\231s files. LPA reminded the Director that when children no longer attend the center, their medications should either be returned to their families or documented using the Centrally Stored Medication and Destruction Record form LIC 622. 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. The outdoor play area is kept clean and free of debris. It is completely fenced, well-maintained, and in good repair. Various outdoor toys and play structures are available, including slides, swings, playhouses, monkey bars, and sandboxes. The play structures have wood chips underneath to reduce the risk of serious injuries in case of accidental falls. According to the director, the center offers snacks in the morning and afternoon. For lunch, children have the option to either bring food from home or buy it on-site. The children bring their water bottles from home, and the center has water to refill them. All storage containers for solid waste within the Center have a proper tight-fitting cover. All the required postings were observed posted, 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 staff members have records of valid CPR certifications and mandated reporter training certificates. The educational qualifications of the director and staff showed they possessed the required ECE units. Continued on page 3... page 3. The Director stated that the Center conducts fire and earthquake drills every other month; the last drills were conducted on 1/24/2025. LPA reminded the director to log and document the drills accordingly 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. CCC COMPLETED TESTING AND NO LEAD EXCEEDANCES : 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, Lauren Shaw.