Inspector’s narrative
What the inspector wrote
On 4/2/2026 Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) V. Trinh conducted an on-site inspection for the Annual Inspection. The director was not at the facility due to her health. LPA met with Assistant Director Jain Payal, and the floor and yard plan (LIC 999) was verified. The census was taken in individual classrooms. Overall, the census observed 5 infant children and three (3) infant teachers, including the Assistant Director. The Assistant Director stated that total enrollment is currently 8 infant children. However, children attend different program schedules. During the inspection, it was determined that the facility is operating within its licensed capacity and in compliance with staff-to-child ratios. Facility hours are 6:30 a.m.- 6:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.
CRIMINAL RECORD CLEARANCE: A review of the Facility Personnel Report Summary on this date, 04/2/2026. The Assistant Director, Jain Payal, understands 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 the initial presence in a licensed childcare facility. Violation of this requirement will result in a deficiency citation and civil penalties of one hundred dollars ($100) per violation per day for a maximum of five (5) days. Subsequent violations within a twelve (12) month period will result in a civil penalty of one hundred dollars ($100) per violation per day for a maximum of thirty (30) days in accordance with Section 1596.871 of the Health and Safety Code.
During the inspection of the indoor activity space, items that could pose a danger to children (detergents, cleaning compounds, and medications) were found stored out of children's reach. Poisons/Hazardous Items are not kept on the premises. Floors, equipment, and furniture were clean, in good repair, and free of sharp edges. There is drinking water available to children indoors in water bottles labeled with their names. The infant center does not practice potty training. The infant napping area had individual cribs with tight-fitted sheets. Infant changing tables have a padded surface at least one inch thick and are covered with washable vinyl/plastic, located within arm’s reach of a hand-washing sink. Infant changing tables have raised sides at least three inches high. A baby walker is not allowed on the premises of a childcare center. The facility has conducted an emergency drill within the past six months, 3/25/2026. The facility has a working carbon monoxide detector and fire extinguisher. The facility met all posting requirements. The California Child Passenger Safety Law was posted at the facility entrance. Continued Page 2.
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Food is prepared on-site; lunch and snacks are not provided. Parents will provide food for children. Bottled water and food containers brought from home are properly labeled with name, date, and other refrigerated items. Trash receptacles containing solid waste have tight-fitting lids.
The outdoor activity space was inspected for compliance. The playground was enclosed by a fence at least 4 feet high. The surface of the outdoor activity space was well-maintained and free of hazards. The cushioning material, grass commercially produced for the purpose of the climbing equipment and crawling for infants, appeared to be enough to absorb falls. During the inspection, the LPA observed that there was no shade in the infant playground. The Assistant Director stated that before the infant children come outside, teachers will set up a portable umbrella and a large mat for the children in care. Drinking water in the outdoor activity space is provided by an Arrowhead water jug and disposable cups. The outdoor equipment and toys were in good repair and free of sharp edges. There are no bodies of water present at the facility. The facilities were safe, sanitary, and in good repair.
Staff files were reviewed for staff present during the facility inspection on this date; 2 staff files were reviewed. Health screenings and immunizations, as required, were reviewed. Beginning September 1, 2016, Health and Safety (H&S) 1597.622 states that a person shall not be employed or volunteer at a childcare center if he or she has not been immunized against influenza, pertussis, and measles. Proof of immunization against pertussis and measles for infant staff was reviewed and in compliance. Beginning March 31, 2018, H&S Code 1596.8662 requires all directors and employees to complete mandated reporting training and to renew it every 2 years. Staff files reviewed were in compliance. At least one staff member holds current EMSA-approved Pediatric CPR/First Aid certification, which expires 6/2027. Infant teacher qualifications were reviewed and found in compliance.
Children's records were reviewed, and there was a separate, complete, and current record for each child. A random sample of 5 of infant children's files was reviewed for documentation of the child’s name, address, and telephone number of the child’s authorized representative, and of relatives or others that can assume responsibility for the child if the authorized representative cannot be reached when necessary (LIC 700) and a medical assessment (LIC701 and LIC702). LPA reviewed the LIC 9227 Individual Infant Sleeping Plan in the children’s files and the sleeping log. In the areas reviewed the children’s files were found to be in full compliance. The sign-in/out procedure was reviewed for compliance. The person who signs the child in and out uses their full legal signature and records the time of the day. Continued Page 3
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LPA reviewed the storage of medication and equipment/supplies and the children’s, personnel, and administrative records. 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
The Assistant Director was informed that Licensing Quarterly Updates are available at
www.ccld.ca.gov
. The Assistant Director may request to be added to an email list to receive a Quarterly Update by contacting the Child Care Advocate at childcareadvocatesprogram@dss.ca.gov or at
www.ccld.ca.gov
. LPA provided Guardian Information and
website info:
https://www.cdss.ca.gov/inforesources/cdss-programs/community-care-licensing/caregiver-background-check/guardian
Information on the additional nutrition training, immunization requirements for children, and Health Schools Act (
http://www.cdpr.ca.gov/docs/pestmgt/schoolipm.htm
) was provided. The director was informed, and website given, about the California Child Care Disaster Plan has been posted to the UCSF California Childcare Health Program website: cchp.ucsf.edu/content/disaster-preparedness. Also provided was information about the E-Learning Modules available at
https://ccld.childcarevideos.org
A copy of the California Department of Social Services Lead Information Brochure was explained and provided to the facility representative. The Facility Director signed up to take the lead training on 7/8/21.
LPA discussed the safe sleep regulations with the Assistant Director and discussed the Child Care Licensing Safe Sleep webpage at
https://www.cdss.ca.gov/inforesources/child-care-licensing/public-information-and-resources/safe-sleep
as an additional resource. LPA also informed the Assistant Director of the importance of checking for recalled infant devices on the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) website at
https://www.cpsc.gov/
and recommended that they register all infant devices with the CPSC to be notified of any recalls on their purchased equipment.
Continued Page 4.
Page 4.
LEAD TESTING: 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 licensee shall test their water for lead within 180 days of licensure pursuant to Written Directives section 101700 (PIN 21-21.1-CCP). LPA verified Assistant Director stated on May 18, 2023. The director submitted a self-attestation letter and a facility sketch of preschool and infant centers. The Assistant Director uses the water bottle to serve the children.
Assistant 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.
In the areas that were evaluated, no deficiencies were observed of the California Code of Regulations, Title 22, Division 12 at the time of the visit.
To improve the quality and value of the new inspection process, a survey will 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 tools, please send them by email 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/process
.
Appeal Rights and deficiencies were discussed. The Assistant Director, Jain Payal, was provided a copy of their appeal rights (LIC 9058), and their signature on this form acknowledges receipt of these rights. A notice of site visit was given and must remain posted for 30 days. An exit interview was conducted, and the report was reviewed with Assistant Director Jain Payal.
End of the Report.