Inspector’s narrative
What the inspector wrote
On February 20, 2026, Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Van conducted an unannounced annual inspection and met with Director Christopher Li. The purpose of the inspection was explained, and the Director granted LPA access to the Center. This is a preschool program with a toddler component. At the time of inspection, 15 staff members were supervising 53 children. Among the 53 children, 20 were toddlers, and 33 were preschoolers. The facility complies with the current staff-to-child ratios.
The days and operations hours are Monday - Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
All staff members present during the inspection had their criminal backgrounds verified through the CDSS Guardian Background Check site and were found to have an eligible clearance status.
Along with the director, LPA inspected the physical plant to identify any potential health and safety hazards. The center currently uses an electronic sign-in/out app called SmartCare. According to the Director, the center provides each family with a unique code when signing their child in and out. Records confirm the timestamp and names of the parent or authorized representative who signs their child's ins and outs.
The toddlers' classroom operates in rooms #1 and #2; The preschool classrooms are in rooms #5, #6, and #7. All classrooms are well-maintained and have proper temperature control and ventilation. Age-appropriate toys and learning materials are available. The furniture was observed to be sturdy, in good condition, and free of loose or sharp parts. The center has a centralized smoke alarm system linked to the fire department, multiple carbon monoxide detectors, and a fully charged 3A:40 BC fire extinguisher.
Continued on page 2.
page 2.
LPA observed that each child has their own cubby. The sleeping cots are stored appropriately. All emergency supplies are stored in a locked. Disinfectants, cleaning solutions, poisons, and other hazardous materials were stored in individual classroom cabinets with child-proof locks. All other cabinets and drawers in the classrooms were found to be free of dangerous materials or poisons.
The center provides incidental medical services. All medications were observed in a centralized location in the front office. Upon review, all medications were found in their original containers, with valid expiration dates and parental consent.
All children's toilets and handwashing stations are in good working order and properly sanitized. There is a separate staff bathroom on the premises. LPA observed no bodies of water on the premises. Per the director, there are no firearms or weapons present on site.
The director mentioned that the center offers only morning and afternoon snacks, with lunch being brought from home. All solid waste storage containers are equipped with tight-fitting lids. Children brought their own water bottles, and all were observed with clearly labeled bottles with each child's name. Additionally, each classroom is stocked with pitchers, allowing teachers to refill the children\342\200\231s water bottles when needed.
The center has an approved, scheduled outdoor rotation waiver from the department, allowing 33 children to use the outdoor areas each time. The outdoor play area is well-maintained, clean, free of debris, and completely fenced. The play structure was observed with a sticker label for children ages 2 \342\200\223 5. LPA reminded the director that this play structure is not appropriate for younger toddlers and should not be used by them.
LPA also reminded the director that the sandbox must be inspected daily before children use it, and that drinking water should be available and easily accessible.
All required postings, including the Facility License, Notification of Parent Rights, Personal Rights, Car Seat Law, Emergency Disaster Plan, and Daily Activities, were posted.
Continued on page 3.
page 3.
Random children's records and personnel records were reviewed during the inspection. A records review showed the facility has complete records for each child, including immunizations, admission agreements, emergency contact information, and personal rights.
Staff records indicate that all staff and other individuals who require caregiver background checks have received criminal records and child abuse index clearances or exemptions. All staff have complete licensing documentation, immunization records, and current mandated reporter training. The director's and staff's educational qualifications showed they had the required ECE units. The director has a valid Pediatric First Aid/CPR certification valid until 1/22/2027; however, the CPR is not EMSA-certified. LPA informed the director to complete another CPR class that is EMSA-certified.
The Director stated that the Center conducts fire and earthquake drills monthly; the last drills were conducted on 2/12/2026.
Assembly Bill (AB) 2370, Chapter 676, Statutes of 2018, requires all licensed Childcare 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 WAS BUILT AFTER 2010. FACILITY IS EXEMPT FROM LEAD WATER TESTING:
The 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 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 Childcare 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.
The Director was informed of the MyChildCarePlan.org website; a consumer education website that helps families obtain childcare by connecting them to childcare providers and Resource and Referral Agencies (R&Rs) throughout California.
LPA discussed AB1207, the Child Abuse Mandated Training, with the Director. As of January 1, 2018, all staff must complete Mandated Reporter Training every two years. The training is available 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 pesticides be trained annually 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 Web site:
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
.
No deficiencies were issued today.
A notice of site visit was given and must remain posted for 30 days.
The exit interview was conducted, and the report was reviewed with the Director, Christopher Li.