Lead safety check·January 10, 2023

On 01/10/23, Licensing Program Analyst (LPA), Amy Strother conducted a case management tele-inspection with Director, Jessica Aceves (D1). Due to severe winter storms with high wind and flooding the Department has approved a virtual inspection. D1 agreed to conduct the visit using FaceTime with LPA for the Tele-Inspection. The inspection was made in response to water lead testing results received from the California State Water Resource Control Board. The test results showed that the following water faucets tested above the allowable level 5.0 parts per billion (ppb) of lead in the water: Sample Site, "A" a hand washing sink faucet had a reading of 5.6 ppb, Sample Site \342\200\234C\342\200\235, a drinking fountain, had a reading of 9.4 ppb. All other sources of water tested below the allowable level of 5.0 ppb. LPA Strother received an email from Kristin Hills (A1), Director of Early Learning and Care, Educational Services for Mendocino County Office of Education on 12/12/22 stating that the facility plans to replace faucet \342\200\234A\342\200\235 and remove faucet \342\200\234C\342\200\235 from the facility. LPA obtained the following documents from A1 via email on 12/12/22; External Water Sampling Self-Certification Form (LIC 9275), Child Care Center Sampling Checklist Form (LIC 9276) and Facility Sketch/Floor Plan (LIC 999), a copy of the lab report, and a copy of the letter given to parents or authorized representatives of children in care notifying them of the lead exceedances. On 01/04/23 LPA Strother emailed a copy of the lead report from the California State Water Resource Control Board to A1. On 01/10/23 LPA requested and received photos identifying all water outlets labeled and corresponding to the Facility Sketch (LIC 999) from A1 via email. During today\342\200\231s tele-visit, LPA verified that the test results were posted and observed that sample site \342\200\234A\342\200\235 was made inaccessible to children in care. D1 stated that the faucet of sample site "A" was replaced on 11/27/22, is being flushed and is scheduled for re-testing in late January. LPA observed sample site "B" to be capped off and removed from service. Continue on LIC809-C D1 stated that children in care are receiving drinking water from individual water bottles from home that staff refill from the refrigerator water dispenser (sample site "B") inside the facility as needed, stating that if a child does not have a water bottle they are provided with a disposable cup of water, using a water pitcher filled from the refrigerator water dispenser. The following deficiency is being cited (see LIC 809D). Appeal Rights were provided via email. A notice of site visit was given via email and must remain posted for 30 days. Failure to comply with posting requirements shall result in an immediate civil penalty of $100. Exit interview conducted and report was reviewed with the Director, Jessica Aceves. D1\342\200\231s signature was not recorded on this LIC809, LIC809-C or LIC809-D; however, D1 was provided with a copy of LIC809, LIC809-C and LIC809-D; and D1\342\200\231s confirmation of read receipt is on file. The report was also emailed to A1.