Inspector’s narrative
What the inspector wrote
On October 30, 2025, Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Darnella Barnes conducted an unannounced annual inspection at the facility. The facility operated Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. LPA Barnes explained the purpose of the visit to Director Rachel Cruz, who granted access and received the Entrance Checklist (LIC 125). Present during the inspection were the Director, eight teachers, and thirty-four children, ages 3 to 5 years old.
Each room was equipped with a smoke detector and a carbon monoxide detector. All required postings were clearly visible. The most recent fire drill was conducted on October 16, 2025. LPA Barnes reminded the Director that fire drills must be conducted at least every six months and properly documented. A fully charged 3A-40-BC fire extinguisher, last serviced on May 7, 2025, was observed. A working telephone was available on site. The Director confirmed that no firearms were kept on the premises.
Director Rachel Cruz 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.
The facility offered morning snack and water throughout the day. The food is prepared in the kitchen that contained a refrigerator, oven, microwave, dishwasher, hot and cold running water, and a washer and dryer. The kitchen area was off-limits to the children.
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The indoor space was clean, safe, and well-maintained. Flooring was in good condition, with no tripping or slipping hazards. Toy bins had smooth edges, ventilation, and finger-safe lids. Each child had a labeled storage space. LPA Barnes observed nap mats in good condition.
The wipeable mats were cleaned daily, and the covers were washed weekly. LPA Barnes verified that proper cleaning procedures were followed and that no cross-contamination was observed.
Bathroom facilities met the required ratio of one toilet and one sink per 15 children. All toileting areas, including sinks, walls, and floors, were routinely cleaned and disinfected.
Cleaning products and chemicals were stored in locked cabinets, away from food and out of children's reach. Floors were mopped and rugs vacuumed daily. Trash was placed in containers with lids. The indoor temperature was recorded at 69\302\260F.
LPA reviewed five children\342\200\231s files. All files were complete and contained the Admission Agreement, Identification and Emergency Information (LIC 700), Consent for Emergency Medical Treatment (LIC 627), Physician's Report (LIC 701), immunization records, Personal Rights (LIC 613A), Notification of Parent's Rights (LIC 995A), and Pre-admission Health History.
The facility roster and sign-in/out sheets were reviewed. All entries used full legal signatures and included accurate times.
LPA Barnes reviewed eight staff files. Each file contained a job application, health screening, child abuse reporting acknowledgment, employee rights form, and educational qualifications. During the review, LPA Barnes observed that one staff member\342\200\231s Mandated Reporter Training was expired. As a result, a Type B citation was issued on the attached LIC809D. LPA Barnes reminded the Director that Mandated Reporter Training must be renewed every two years and that at least one staff member must maintain current CPR/First Aid certification at all times. LPA Barnes also advised that aides and assistants must remain under the direct supervision of a qualified teacher, except during naptime or when children are using the restroom.
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During the outdoor inspection, LPA observed that walkways, ramps, and stairs were free from hazards. The play area had proper shade and was arranged to reduce risk of injury. The outdoor space was fully enclosed with a fence at least five feet high. The yard was free from debris, accessible hazards, and bodies of water.
First aid supplies were observed in an accessible location for staff and out of children's reach. The kit included a first aid manual, bandages, scissors, adhesive tape, thermometer, tweezers, and antiseptic solution.
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/
.
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 childcare center licenses issued after July 1, 2022, the Site Supervisor shall test their water for lead within 180 days of licensure pursuant to Written Directives section 101700 (PIN 21-21.1-CCP). LPA verified that the lead testing was completed in accordance to the Written Directives outlined in
PIN 21-21.1-CCP
.
Director was informed of the
MyChildCarePlan.org
site, 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..
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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 inspection the
Program website
at
www.cdss.ca.gov/inforesources/community-care-licensing/inspection-process
.
During today\342\200\231s inspection, one Type B\342\200\235 deficiency is issued on attached 809-D. Appeal rights provided.
A notice of site visit was given and must remain posted for 30 days.
Exit interview conducted and report was reviewed with the Director Rachel Cruz
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