Lead safety check·December 22, 2022

On December 22, 2022 at 9:30 p.m, Licensing Program Analysts (LPAs) Lorena Valenzuela and Cindy Hamilton made an unannounced Case Management inspection, for the reported Lead Exceedance in the facility’s water. LPA met with Director Sandra Andrade Barajas and proceeded to tour the facility. Also present in the facility were 19 daycare children and 4 teachers/staff. Facility was within ratio and capacity. Staff members have the required background clearances. LPA interviewed the director and examined the water faucet deemed to have an Action Level Exceedance. The required signed and dated forms (LIC 9275/9276), and facility sketch with labeled water outlets were submitted to Community Care Licensing via email on 11/18/2022. Faucets reported with 5.5 ppb (parts per billion) or greater lead exceedance levels were as follows: Faucet/sink labeled B located in room 3 21.00 ppb The director reported that faucet labeled B was initially bagged and taped, but at the time of the inspection LPA’s observed the water faucet “B” was not bagged or covered otherwise, to prevent the faucet from being used by children or staff. Per the director the faucet was replaced on water outlet letter B, and another water sample will be taken on 12/31/2022 for lead testing. LPA’s advised director to make faucet labeled B inaccessible, and director placed a do not use sign and covered the faucet with a plastic bag at the time of the inspection. Per observation and director interview, there are five water outlets in the facility, but the lead sampler only did the water testing for three water outlets including the faucet/sink in the kitchen, the water fountain outside and the water faucet/sink in Room 3. Water testing is missing for water faucet in Room 1 and Room 2. Director stated she will follow up with the water sampler contact person to request water is tested in faucets located in Room 1 and Room 2. Per staff interviews the water faucets in each room are used for giving the children in care, drinking water. Staff interviews revealed some children bring their own water containers and staff will use the faucet located in each classroom to refill the containers with water if needed. In addition, if children are outside the staff will use the water fountain located in the outdoor area. Water outlets tested which were in kitchen and water fountain located outside tested within an acceptable level with no lead exceedance. Parents were not notified of the lead exceedance in the water, at time of the inspection LPA’s advised director to post the lead results in the parent communication board. Based on records review and information received, and current policies and procedures for the Department, the facility is being cited for having a lead exceedance in water fountain labeled letter B, under the Written Directives, Section 101700.3 (b) (1) California Lead Action Level at Child Care Centers. See LIC809D cited deficiency. Technical Assistance was provided to the director in regards to Physical Plant/Buildings and Grounds. LPA Valenzuela informed Director Sandra Andrade Barajas that this report dated 12/22/2022 documents one Type A citation. A Type A citation(s) shall be posted for 30 consecutive days as there is an immediate risk(s) to the health, safety, or personal rights of children in care. Also, LPA Valenzuela informed Director Sandra Andrade Barajas to provide a copy of this licensing report dated 12/22/22 that documents any Type A citation 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 Director Sandra Andrade Barajas. A notice of site visit was given and must remain posted for 30 days. LPA observed Director Sandra Andrade Barajas post notice of site visit.