Inspector’s narrative
What the inspector wrote
Licensing Program Analyst (LPA), Thompson conducted an onsite inspection for the purpose of an Annual Random. At the time of arrival at 8:00 AM, LPA met with Staff #1 (S1) and observed S1 caring for three children. S1 stated she was a volunteer and would call the Director. S1 mentioned Teacher, Staff # 2 usually arrives at 9:00 AM. The floor and yard plan (LIC 999) were verified. LPA observed a total of 3 preschool age children with 1 staff (S1).
Director Svetlana Melnik arrived at the facility at approximately 9:00 AM along with Staff #2. When the Director arrived, Staff #1 was caring for 8 children. Director was reminded No child(ren) shall be left without the supervision of a teacher at any time.
To be a fully qualified teacher, a teacher shall have one of the following: (1) Twelve post secondary semester or equivalent quarter units in early childhood education or child development completed, with passing grades, at an accredited or approved college or university; and at least six months of work experience in a licensed child care center or comparable group child care program. LPA observed Staff #1 file did not have college transcripts available that shows she was a qualified teacher.
Director was reminded, An aide shall work only under the direct supervision of a teacher.
Sign in/out procedure was reviewed for compliance. LPA observed three children present at the time of inspection were not signed in.
The person who brings the child to, and removes the child from, the center shall sign the child in/out. LPA observed Staff #1 obtained the sign in/sign out binder from the classroom and placed it outside near the entrance.
A review of the Facility Personnel Report Summary on this date indicates not all facility staff or other individuals who require caregiver background checks have received criminal record and child abuse index clearances or exemptions. LPA observed Staff #2 was not associated to Merry Hive Preschool and file records indicated a transfer request was never made. All file documents reviewed for Staff #2 were associated to her prior employment and not Merry Hive Preschool. Staff #2 stated she has been working at the center for approximately 2-3 months and didnt have an exact start date.
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Director stated the last fire/disaster drill was conducted on 8/10/22. LPA observed documentation that shows the last fire/disaster drill was documented in January 2022. Director was reminded, fire/disaster drills need to be conducted and documented once every six months.
The facility did not meet all posting requirement. The PUB 269 California Child Passenger Safety Law was
not posted by the entrance of the facility and was not available at the time of inspection.
Staff files were reviewed for staff present during the facility inspection this date; 2 staff files were reviewed.
Immunization as required were not able to be reviewed for staff #1. Beginning September 1, 2016, Health and Safety (H&S) 1597.622 states, 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, measles for staff #1 was not available. Director stated Staff #1 will obtain the records today, August 23, 2022.
Beginning March 31, 2018, H&S Code 1596.8662 requires all directors and employees to complete mandated reporting training, and to renew the training every two years. Staff present did not have a copy of the Mandated Reporter Training certifications. Director stated she will have staff conduct the training today, August 23, 2022. Staff #1 present possesses current EMSA approved Pediatric CPR/First Aid certifications, which expires 02/19/2024.
During the inspection of the indoor activity space, LPA did not observe any items which could pose a danger to children (poisons, detergents, cleaning compounds, medications or hazardous items). There is drinking water available. Children also bring their water bottles from home. The children's bathrooms are clean and sanitary. Children nap on cots if they choose to sleep, and bedding is stored individually and is taken home weekly to be washed.
Food is prepared on site; Breakfast, lunch and snacks are provided by the facility. Food prep area observed to be clean and sanitary. Food is properly stored. Menus were posted where they could be reviewed by parents. Floors, equipment, and furniture were clean and were observed to be in good repair and free of sharp edges.
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The outdoor activity space was inspected for compliance. The playground was enclosed by a fence at least four feet in height. The surface of the outdoor activity space was well maintained and free of hazards. The cushioning material rubber commercially produced for the purpose around the climbing equipment, structures, slides and other similar equipment appeared to be enough to absorbs falls. Drinking water in the outdoor activity space.. 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 facility grounds were safe, sanitary and in good repair.
Children's records were reviewed, and there was a separate, complete and current record for each child. A random sample of 10 children's files were 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. In the areas reviewed the children’s files were found to be in full compliance.
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. 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)/ (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 director was informed that Licensing Quarterly Updates are available at
www.ccld.ca.gov
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
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Information on the additional nutrition training, immunization requirements for children, and Health Schools Act (
http://www.cdpr.ca.gov/docs/pestmgt/schoolipm.htm
) were 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
Important COVID-19 resources and links were provided:
· COVID-19 Update Guidance Childcare Programs/Providers link:
https://files.covid19.ca.gov/pdf/guidance-childcare.pdf
· CCLD COVID-19 Licensed childcare and facilities and provider FAQs link:
https://www.cdss.ca.gov/inforesources/cdss-programs/community-care-licensing/child-care-licensing/covid-19-child-care-resources/faqs-for-licensed-child-care-facilities-and-providers
Safe, free, and effective COVID-19 vaccines are now available to everyone age 16 and up. Every Californian can sign up at
myturn.ca.gov
or call (833) 422-4255 to get their COVID-19 vaccine appointment.
LPA provided Guardian Information and website info:
https://www.cdss.ca.gov/inforesources/cdss-programs/community-care-licensing/caregiver-background-check/guardian
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
.
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.
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In the areas that were evaluated, Two (2) type A and eight (8) type B deficiencies were observed of the California Code of Regulations, Title 22, Division 12 at the time of the visit.
101229(a)(1)
Responsibility for Providing Care and Supervision, 101170(e)(2) Criminal Record Clearance, 101169(d)(18) Application for License, 101174(d) Disaster and Mass Casualty Plan, 101174(d)(2) Disaster and Mass Casualty Plan, 1596.7995(a)(1) General Provisions and Definitions, 1596.8662(b)(1) Administration of Child Day Care Licensing, 101216.1(c)(1) Teacher Qualifications and Duties, 101216.2(e) Teacher Aide Qualifications and Duties, 101229.1(b) Sign In and Sign Out.
LPA Thompson
informed Director Svetlana Melnik that this report dated 8/23/22 document(s) Two Type A citation which shall be posted for 30 consecutive days as there is/are immediate risk(s) to the health, safety, or personal rights of children in care.
Also, LPA Thompson informed the Director Svetlana Melnik to provide a copy of this licensing report dated 8/23/22 that documents any Type A citation(s) to parents/guardians of all children currently enrolled by the next business day or the next day the children are in care, and to any newly enrolled parents/guardians for 12 months from the date of this report. A signed Acknowledgement of Receipt of Licensing Report (LIC 9224), or other written statement, must be placed in the child's file for verification.
Exit interview conducted and report was reviewed with the Director Svetlana Melnik. A notice of site visit was given and must remain posted for 30 days.
Appeal Rights and deficiencies were discussed. The facility representative was provided a copy of their appeal rights (LIC 9058) and their signature on this form acknowledges receipt of these rights.
All appeals must be in writing and received by the Regional Office within 15 business days.