Routine inspection·February 18, 2026

On 02/18/2026 at 09:45 AM, Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Gabriela Hernandez conducted an unannounced annual inspection for a large family childcare at the above home. LPA met with Licensee Elizabeth Cota, who guided LPA on a tour of the home. There was 4 children present with Licensee and Assistant when LPA arrived. During the visit, the licensee confirmed they have 7 children enrolled. The facility operates Monday through Friday from 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM each day. Certain areas are off-limits, including left side of backyard, all bedrooms, restroom in hallway and garage. The facility is licensed as a large Family Child Care Home (FCCH) with a maximum capacity of 14 children and is operating within the licensed capacity of the license. The fire clearance for a large family child care was approved on 09/19/2018 by Riverside County Fire Department. During the inspection, LPA verified a working cell phone is available, and the current phone number/email on file are correct. A fully charged fire extinguisher (2A:10BC) was observed, along with a functioning smoke detector and carbon monoxide detector, both of which were tested by the Licensee. The fireplace is properly screened to prevent access by children. The hazardous items, such as toxins, are stored inaccessible to children. During inspection of the backyard, LPA observed newly planted lime and orange trees, both which have sharp thorns. LPA informed Licensee to ensure they are made inaccessible; Type B deficiency issued. No weapons are present, and the Licensee, Elizabeth Cota, understands that all firearms, weapons, and ammunition must be locked separately and made inaccessible as per Title 22 Regulations. The facility provides clean, safe, and age-appropriate toys for children. A current roster is on file, and required postings, including the Facility Sketch, Emergency Disaster Plan, and Notification of Parent\342\200\231s Rights, are displayed. Fire and disaster drill documentation is maintained, with the last drill conducted on February 3, 2026. There are not any pools. LPA observed a cold plunge spa located on the side yard which is off-limit area. LPA verified the cold plunge spa has a cover and 4-side buckles with locks making it inaccessible to children in care. Licensee understands that all bodies of water including ponds, above ground pools, spas, and some fountains must be properly covered or fenced per Title 22 Regulations. The Department must be notified before and after installation of the above types of bodies of water. In addition, all wading pools or similar products must be emptied immediately after use and stored in an upright position. Children records were not complete; see LIC809-D for cited deficiency. Mandated Reporter Training has been completed and is valid until March 01, 2027. The Pediatric CPR and First Aid certification expires on February 24, 2027. Health and Safety Preventative Course was completed. Resident and staff records were reviewed, and all adults requiring caregiver background checks have received the necessary clearances and exemptions. Licensee Elizabeth Cota was reminded that all adults 18 and over, living or working in the home, 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 licensed Family Child Care Home. 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. LPA discussed the safe sleep regulations with Licensee Elizabeth Cota 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. During inspection, LPA observed C1 sleeping in an infant swing; see LIC809-D for cited deficiency. LPA also informed Licensee 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 they register all infant devices with the CPSC to be notified of any recalls on their purchased equipment. 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) or (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/ Licensee 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. The Duty Officer is available to answer questions Monday \342\200\223 Friday; 8:00am to 5:00pm at: 951-782-4200. All Unusual Incident Reports can be submitted online at UnusualIncidentReportsDO10@dss.ca.gov . During the exit interview, the Licensee Elizabeth Cota, confirmed that there are no Registered Sex Offenders living in the facility and LPA completed the RSO profile in FAS on 02/09/2026. There are deficiencies being cited on the attached 809-D page and a civil penalty was assessed for a repeat violation from previous deficiency issued during annual inspection on 02/20/2025. A notice of site visit was given and must remain posted for 30 days. Appeal rights were discussed and provided during the exit interview. An exit interview was conducted, and a copy of this this report was reviewed with and handed to Licensee Elizabeth Cota. **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 for CARE tools, please send the 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/process . ** A repeat civil penalty has been assessed during this inspection. Payment is due when billed and the check(s) or money orders shall be made payable to the \342\200\234California Department of Social Services\342\200\235. YOU WILL RECEIVE AN INVOICE IN THE MAIL. DO NOT SEND MONEY UNTIL YOU RECEIVE YOUR INVOICE. DO NOT SEND CASH.