Inspector’s narrative
What the inspector wrote
On June 10, 2025, Licensing Program Analysts (LPAs) Naves and Van conducted an unannounced annual inspection and met with the Director, Ana Lima. The purpose of the inspection was explained, and the Director granted LPAs entry to the facility. In addition to the annual inspection, LPAs also addressed an unusual incident self-reported by the Center on May 28, 2025
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Five teachers and the Director supervised 34 preschool children at the time of the visit. The facility complies with the staff-to-child ratio today. The days and operating hours are Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 6:
0
0 p.m.
All staff members present during the inspection had their criminal record clearances verified through the CDSS Guardian Background Check System and were found to have an eligible clearance status.
The unusual incident was self-reported to the Department on May 28, 2025. LPAs inspected the area where the incident occurred and interviewed the staff. Based on the available information, it was determined that a lack of care and supervision occurred on May 28, 2025. C1 was not properly handed off from one teacher to another during the transition to the outdoor area, which left C1 unattended in the hallway for approximately a minute. The error was due to the lack of communication between the two staff members. As a result, a deficiency was issued today. Following the incident, a mandatory staff meeting was conducted at the center. The agenda included Supervision, policies
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and procedures, and confirmation between the two teachers during the transition handoff is now required.
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During today\342\200\231s inspection, LPAs inspected the physical plant to identify potential health and safety hazards. The facility is well-maintained and has proper heating, lighting, and ventilation. The center utilizes a SmartCare electronic sign-in and sign-out system. The Director explained the sign-in process as follows: Upon arrival at the facility, parents will use their unique card to enter, and teachers will log in the child using the app. According to the Director, the names of parents and the sign-in & out timestamps are shown in the record.
The center operates in two classrooms. All classrooms are well-stocked with age-appropriate toys and educational materials. The furniture is sturdy and in good condition. Additionally, the facility is equipped with a centralized smoke alarm, multiple carbon monoxide detectors, and multiple fully charged fire extinguishers. All hazardous materials, including cleaning solutions and poisons, are kept out of the reach of children. Sleeping cots are appropriately stored. According to the Director, the family provides sleeping equipment such as blankets and pillows.
LPAs observed that each child has an individual cubby. All emergency equipment is secured and locked. The center currently has a child with an incidental medical service plan in place. The child's medication was reviewed, and it was noted that the medication is stored in the child's classroom in the emergency backpack, with parental consent. Additionally, the same medication is also kept in the Director\342\200\231s office. LPAs reminded the Director that all medications should remain in their original packaging. First aid supplies are fully stocked and accessible for the children's use.
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. LPAs observed no bodies of water on the premises.
Based on the outdoor square footage, the center can accommodate no more than 63 preschool children at a time. However, since the center's licensed capacity is approved for 73 preschoolers, LPAs informed the director to submit a written request for a rotational outdoor waiver. Once the Regional Manager approves the waiver, a waiver will be sent to the Center. The outdoor play area is kept clean and free of debris. It is fully fenced, neat, and in good repair. The play structure features soft cushions underneath to minimize the risk of serious injuries in case of accidental falls.
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According to the Director, the Center provides children with morning and afternoon snacks, and lunch is brought from home. Children bring water bottles from home, and the center provides water for refilling them as needed, both indoors and outdoors. All storage containers for solid waste within the Center have proper, tight-fitting covers.
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. The review of records revealed that the facility maintains complete records for each child, including immunization records, admission agreements, emergency contact information, and personal rights. Staff records indicate that all staff members or individuals requiring caregiver background checks have received criminal record and child abuse index clearances or exemptions. Multiple staff members hold valid CPR certifications and have up-to-date mandated reporter training.
The Director stated that the Center conducts fire and earthquake drills monthly; the last drills were conducted on May 30, 2025.
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 SAMPLING BUT THE TEST RESULTS ARE NOT YET AVAILABLE,
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During the inspection, the Director forwarded the water lead testing results to the LPAs. However, after checking the Water Board site to verify the results, they were not available or had not been posted. The LPAs informed the Director to contact the certified water tester to update the results on the Water Board website to fulfill the requirement.
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/
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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.
LPAs 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
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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
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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
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A notice of site visit was given and must remain posted for 30 days.
Exit interview conducted and report was reviewed with the Director, Ana Lima.