Inspector’s narrative
What the inspector wrote
Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) William Chancellor conducted an unannounced annual inspection on December 19, 2025, at 8:15 AM. LPA met with Director Abby Lewis, who provided a tour of the center. This is a combination childcare center, where both the preschool and school-age components were audited for an annual inspection on today\342\200\231s date. A tour of both the indoor and outdoor areas of the facility was conducted, and the following observations were noted.
The required postings, including the facility license, Emergency Disaster Plan (LIC610), Earthquake Preparedness Checklist (LIC9148), Parent\342\200\231s Rights Poster (PUB393), Personal Rights (LIC613A), Child Car Seat Law, and menus, were observed to be up to date and appropriately displayed. The facility is operating within the capacity limits as stated on its license.
During the inspection, staff-to-child ratios were observed; with a 1:4 or less. Classrooms contained age and size-appropriate furniture and equipment, free of hazards. Director confirmed that no weapons are present on the premises, and there are no accessible bodies of water. Director confirmed and is aware that any wading pools or similar items must be emptied immediately after use and stored upright. Drinking water is available both indoors and outdoors, through filtered water. LPA confirmed that Lead testing was conducted in September 2022.
Medications are stored in an area that is inaccessible to children, with the specific location noted. Hazardous items, including disinfectants, cleaning solutions, and other dangerous substances, are stored out of children\342\200\231s reach, while poisons and toxins are securely locked away. The floors were observed to be clean, safe, and well-maintained. Changing tables are within arm\342\200\231s reach of a sink, have a minimum one-inch thick padding, and feature raised sides of at least three inches covered in washable vinyl or plastic. Proper hand washing procedures were observed before and after diapering and feeding.
The bathrooms were found to be clean, safe, and in proper working conditions. At least one potty chair is available for every five potty-training infants. Outdoor play areas are equipped with age and size-appropriate equipment in good condition. The food preparation area is clean, free of litter and pests, and properly maintained. Filtered water is used for food preparation and food is stored correctly to prevent contamination. Waste containers have tight-fitting covers and are in good repair.
The sign-in/sign-out records were reviewed and found to be compliant with regulations. Disaster drills are conducted at least every six months, with the most recent drill occurring on December 18, 2025. A audit of children\342\200\231s and staff records were conducted on today\342\200\231s date. Staff qualifications meet licensing requirements, and at least one staff member has a valid Pediatric CPR/First Aid certification and was present, with certification expiration dates documented. The director has completed Health and Safety Training. Background clearances for all required staff members have been verified, ensuring compliance with criminal record and child abuse index clearance requirements.
The 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.
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. LPA verified that the lead testing was completed in accordance to the Written Directives (Interim Licensing Standards) outlined in PIN 21-21.1-CCP.
CCC COMPLETED TESTING AND REMEDIATED LEAD EXCEEDANCE ON FILE.
This facility provided Incidental Medical Services \342\200\223 IMS. LPA reviewed medication storage of equipment/supplies and reviewed children\342\200\231s, personnel, and administrative records. For IMS information see PIN 22-02-CCP. The following information regarding ADA compliance was provided: US Department of Justice (USDOJ) toll-free ADA Information Line at (800) 514-0301 (voice) or (800) 514-0383 (TTY), and the link to publication: Commonly Asked Questions about Child Care Centers and the ADA" available at
https://www.ada.gov/resources/child-care-centers/
.
The director was informed about the MyChildCarePlan.org website, a consumer education resource that HELPS families obtain child care by connecting them to child care providers and Resource and Referral Agencies (R&Rs) throughout California.
LPA reviewed reporting requirements with the director, emphasizing that any unusual incidents or injuries must be reported to the Department within 24 hours via telephone and within seven days in writing. The Duty Officer can be reached Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM at (951) 782-4200, or reports may be emailed to
UnusualIncidentReportsDO10@dss.ca.gov
.
To improve the quality of inspections, 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
.
The director was requested to update and submit the following documents within 30 days, if applicable:
\302\267
LIC 500 Personnel Report,
\302\267
LIC 610 Emergency & Disaster Plan,
\302\267
Parent Handbook/Program Curriculum/Admission Policies and Procedures/Fee Schedule (if updates have been made or if the file copy is older than two years),
\302\267
LIC 309 Administrative Organization (if updated within the past two years), and
\302\267
LIC 308 Designation of Administrative Responsibility (if updated within the past two years).
See LIC809-D for cited deficiencies.
A Notice of Site Visit was provided and must remain posted for 30 days. An exit interview was conducted with Director Abby Lewis. A copy of this report was reviewed along with Appeal rights were provided during the exit interview.
