Inspector’s narrative
What the inspector wrote
On August 23, 2024, Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Garcia arrived at the facility and met with teacher, Jennifer Lucchesi and later joined by preschool director, Maria Velarde for an unannounced required inspection of the preschool facility. Purpose of the inspection was explained. There were 5 children in care with 2 teachers supervising the children. Facility operates day care program Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM through 2:45 PM.
LPA inspected day care room and the outdoor space. LPA observed facility has combined smoke/fire and carbon monoxide detector, multiple fully charged fire extinguisher model 3A40BC located in classroom. LPA tested the functionality of the detectors. The facility has a working telephone on site. All cleaning solutions, poisons, and other chemicals dangerous to the children are stored inaccessible to the children. Facility has age-appropriate furniture. Facility floor and rugs are in good repair and free of any hazards.
There are first aid supplies available in the classroom. The bathroom is in working condition, LPA checked sinks and toilets. Individual items provided by the parents are labeled and stored appropriately. Per Staff, the facility provides all foods and snacks and are prepped at the facility. Water is provided through sink water fountain, refilled as needed. All food is stored properly to avoid contamination. LPA observed that there are a variety toys/books for the children to play.
LPA observed outdoor areas has a garden and age appropriate play structures are free from health and safety hazards. The outdoor area has shaded areas for the children to rest. The outdoor areas has a sand boxes, small benches, and there are variety of toys and carts to ride on, available for the children. There are also sheds/bins and storage areas for the toys when they're not being used.
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CCC LEAD WATER TESTING INCOMPLETE:
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.
For child care center licenses issued after July 1, 2022, the licensee shall test their water for lead within 180 days of licensure pursuant to Written Directives section 101700 (PIN 21-21.1-CCP).
Based on record review and interview, the facility was cited for not completing the lead water testing on a previous annual inspection on August 22, 2023. According to staff and current director, the previous director left the facility prior to completing the testing. LPA made several attempts to get updates on the testing but the facility did not have a director to complete it. LPA discussed the situation with current director, Maria Velardes and was given 30 days from today's visit to schedule a lead water testing appointment with the certified water samplers. Deficiency from 8/22/23 annual inspection will remain until the testing is complete by September 23, 2024. LPA also suggested to use alternative drinking water in the meantime. The director made the water fountain in the classroom inaccessible to children and received access to bottled water.
According to staff, the facility is using paper for sign in/out. Facility has license and all other required documents posted and visible for the public. Facility has an emergency drill log and last drill was conducted on June 2024. Per staff, drills are done at least every month rotating them between fire and earthquake drills and lock down drills with the school district.
LPA reviewed the facility records. LPA reviewed 2 children's file during the visit. LPA reviewed 2 staff files with qualifying requirements such as ECE Units, CPR and Mandated Reporter Training.
The Director was reminded that all adults 18 and over, including employees and volunteers, 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 up to $500.00 maximum per day/per person will be assessed if this regulation is violated.
Facility was informed that as of September 1, 2016, a person may not be employed or volunteer at a childcare facility unless he or she has been immunized against influenza, pertussis, and measles or qualifies for an exemption pursuant to Health and Safety code 1596.7995 and 1597.662.
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During the visit, LPA discussed with the new preschool director, Maria the director's packet that is required to be submitted to the department and update the administrator. LPA also emailed information regarding PIN 21-21.1CCP for lead testing and how to pay the annual fees.
Director is aware that all staff is required to complete Mandated Reporter Training every two years. The training can be obtained online at
www.mandatedreporterca.com
. LPA observed the completion certificates on file.
LPA encourages the director to frequently visit our website at
www.ccld.ca.gov
for licensing regulations and new updates.
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
.
According to staff, there are no children with allergies.
Incidental Medical Services – IMS. Incidental Medical Services (IMS) policy was discussed. For IMS information see Evaluator Manual - Regulation Interpretations and Procedures for Child Care Centers Sections 101173 and 101226. The following information regarding ADA was provided: US Department of Justice (USDOJ) toll-free ADA Information Line at (800) 514-0301 (voice)/ (800) 514-0383 (TTY) and link to publication: Commonly Asked Questions about Child Care Centers and the ADA, available at:
http://www.ada.gov/childqanda.htm
Director was advised any additional questions to call Office, M-F, 8am-5pm, 650-266-8800 or 1-844-538-8766. Website:
www.cdss.ca.gov
No deficiencies under Title 22 Division 12 of the California Code of Regulations.
A copy of this report was given with the “Notice of Site Visit” to the staff. A Notice of Site Visit must remain posted for 30 days.
Failure to comply with posting requirements shall result in an immediate civil penalty of $100.
An exit interview was conducted, and the report was reviewed and signed by
director, Maria Velardes.