Inspector’s narrative
What the inspector wrote
Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Jesse Gardner conducted an unannounced annual inspection on 11/26/2025 at approximately 11:47AM. LPA met with Assistant Director Shandra Gonzalez, who provided a tour of the preschool center. This facility operates as a combination childcare center, and the following licensed programs were also inspected on this date: Day Care Program
The required postings, including the [state the postings that were posted] 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 in Classroom #30, and #31. In classroom #30 there were 2 infants to 1 teacher and 1 assistant. In classroom #31 there were 5 infants to 1 teacher and 1 assistant, with another teacher in between the classrooms monitoring. Classrooms contained age and size-appropriate furniture and equipment, free of hazards. Assistant 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, via faucet water.
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. Highchairs and tables have broad based legs, and trays that lock into place for additional safety. 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. There is one in each classroom for a total of 2. 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. Bottle/Filtered water is used for food preparation. 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 10/16/2025 at 10:16AM.
A review of children\342\200\231s and staff records confirmed that all required documents are complete. 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.
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 on 12/14/2023 in accordance to the Written Directives (Interim Licensing Standards) outlined in PIN 21-21.1-CCP.
LPA referred licensee (or 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
).
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CCC COMPLETED TESTING AND NO LEAD EXCEEDANCES WERE NOTED
LPA discussed safe sleep regulations with the licensee [or facility representative] and discussed the Child Care Licensing Safe Sleep webpage
https://www.cdss.ca.gov/inforesources/child-care-licensing/public-information-and-resources/safe-sleep
as an additional resource . LPA also informed the director of the importance of checking for and removing any recalled infant devices on the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) website at
https://www.cpsc.gov/
and recommended they register all infant devices with the CPSC to be notified of any recalls on their purchased equipment.
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
. 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
.
The director was requested to update and submit the following documents within 30 days, if applicable:
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LIC 500 Personnel Report,
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LIC 610 Emergency & Disaster Plan,
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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),
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LIC 309 Administrative Organization (if updated within the past two years), and
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LIC 308 Designation of Administrative Responsibility (if updated within the past two years).
It was noted that the facility is in compliance at this time. An exit interview was conducted with Assistant Director Gonzalez and a copy of this report was reviewed. Appeal rights were discussed and provided during the exit interview with Assistant Director Gonzalez. A Notice of Site Visit was provided and must remain posted for 30 days.