Inspector’s narrative
What the inspector wrote
On 11/8/2024, Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Hanson Leong conducted an unannounced annual visit and met with the Director, Stefanie Eaves. LPA explained the purpose of the visit to the director.
Thirty preschool-aged children and eight staff members were present during the visit. The eight 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 and visible to the public.
The most recent emergency disaster drill was conducted on 10/9/2024, and the LPA observed that it was properly documented. LPA reviewed the emergency disaster drill log and found that they were conducted monthly.
The facility was observed that each classroom has a backpack with first aid supplies and a fully charged fire extinguisher, and smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
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.
LPA observed that the two classrooms had age-appropriate toys, furniture, educational materials, and designated storage space for each child. Electrical outlets were observed to have child safety covers. One classroom has a diaper-changing table 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.
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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. According to the director, one area of the outdoor play area is closed since 11/1/2024 for renovations and is estimated to be completed by early 2025. No bodies of water, such as pools or spas, were on site.
The preschool program currently provides lunches and snacks for the children from their outside kitchen. LPA observed that each child had personal belongings in their designated storage space. According to the director, none of the enrolled children have allergies.
Sleeping mats and sheets are available for children to use when sleeping or napping. LPA observed that the sleeping mats and sheets were stored in the front of the facility. According to the director, the facility washes the sheets weekly.
LPA observed that the facility records each child's attendance on paper, and all parent signatures were accounted for each child. LPA reviewed ten children\342\200\231s files and confirmed that all ten have complete files, which included their emergency contact 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 four had completed the necessary twelve units in Early Childhood Education (ECE), which meets the qualifications required to be classified as a teacher. The fifth staff member is employed as a teacher\342\200\231s assistant.
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.
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.
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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.
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
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, Stefanie Eaves.