Inspector’s narrative
What the inspector wrote
On 04/10/2026, Licensing Program Analyst (LPA), D. Valdez Santana conducted an on-site inspection for the purpose of a random annual inspection. LPA met with Director, Karen Littlefield who led LPA on a tour of the facility inside and outside. The floor and yard plan (LIC 999) were verified. Census was taken in individual classrooms; the Preschool class had 11 preschool-age children and two staff and the PreK class had 13 preschool-age children and two staff. The total census was 24 preschool-aged children being cared for by 4 staff. Facility hours are Monday through Friday, 7:30AM to 5:30PM.
During the inspection it was determined the facility is operating within its licensed capacity and within compliance of staffing ratios. A review of the Facility Personnel Report Summary on this date indicates all facility staff or other individuals who require caregiver background checks have received criminal record and child abuse index clearances or exemptions.
During the inspection of the indoor activity spaces, 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 indoors for children by water dispensers. Children also bring their water bottles from home that have their names labeled on them. Staff refill their water bottles as needed. The children's bathrooms were clean and sanitary. Children nap on mats if they choose to sleep, and bedding is stored individually, and parents wash the linens at least once a week. LPA observed the floors, equipment, and furniture to be clean and free of sharp edges.
The facility has conducted an emergency drill within the past six months; the last emergency drill was conducted on 03/09/2026. The facility has working carbon monoxide detectors and fire alarms.
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Facility met all posting requirements. The California Child Passenger Safety Law was posted by the entrance of the facility. The children’s authorized representatives provide snacks and meals for their children.
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 pour and place rubber flooring is around the children’s play equipment appeared to be enough to absorb falls. Drinking water in the outdoor activity space is by children’s own water bottles. 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.
Staff files were reviewed for staff present during the inspection. LPA reviewed 6 staff files.Health screening and immunization records as required were reviewed. Beginning September 1, 2016, Health and Safety (H&S) 1596.7995 states, a person shall not be employed or volunteer at a day-care center if he or she has not been immunized against influenza, pertussis, and measles. Proof of immunizations for staff was reviewed and within compliance.
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. Six out of six staff had current Mandated Reporter Trainings. Director’s Mandated Reporter Training expires 10/28/2027. At least one Staff member possesses a current American Heart Association Pediatric CPR/First Aid certification, which expires on 06/2027.
Children's records were reviewed, and there was a separate, complete, and current record for each child. A random sample of five 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. 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.
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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 as specified in Health and Safety Code section 1597.16.
For child care 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 that the lead testing was completed in accordance to the Written Directives (Interim Licensing Standards) outlined in PIN 21-21.1-CCP. Facility tested their water for lead on 08/29/2023. Passed with no exceedance of lead.
LPA referred facility representative to the Department website for lead: Lead Toxicity Prevention and Water Testing Information (
https://www.cdss.ca.gov/inforesources/child-care-licensing/water-testing-information
)
Incidental Medical Services (IMS) policy was discussed. For IMS information see PIN 22- 02-CCP. When any IMS is provided, a Plan for Providing 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:
https://www.ada.gov/resources/child-care-centers/
.
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.
LPA provided Guardian Information and website info:
https://www.cdss.ca.gov/inforesources/cdss-programs/community-care-licensing/caregiver-background-check/guardian
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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.
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
.
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.
A notice of site visit was given and must remain posted for 30 days. Exit interview was conducted and report was reviewed with the Director, Karen Littlefield.
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