Inspector’s narrative
What the inspector wrote
Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Sumayya Habeebulla conducted an unannounced annual inspection on 02/10/2026 at 8:15 AM. LPA met with Director Marcella Arnold, who provided a tour of the center. This is a combination childcare center, and the following licensed programs were also inspected on this date: Preschool License 334843054. A tour of both the indoor and outdoor areas of the facility was conducted, and the following observations were noted. During the visit the facility had 18 children enrolled and 16 children present.
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; in Room 115, there were 8 children and two staff, in Room 114, there were 8 children and 4 staff. Classrooms contained age and size-appropriate furniture and equipment, free of hazards. Director Marcella Arnold confirmed that no weapons are present on the premises, and there are no accessible bodies of water. Director Marcella Arnold 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, facility provides filtered drinking 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 when potty training is scheduled as per the child\342\200\231s needs. Outdoor play areas are equipped with age and size-appropriate equipment in good condition. The Facility does not cook or prepare meals and snacks on premises. Pre-packaged meals and snacks are delivered to the facility for use. Storage containers for solid waste had tight-fitting covers, which were kept on and in good repair. The sign-in/sign-out records were reviewed and found to be in compliance with regulations. Disaster drills are conducted at least every six months, with the most recent drill occurring on 01/06/2026.
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 records 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 childcare 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).
Facility building was constructed after January 1
st
, 2010, and therefore does not require water lead testing.
LPA verified that the lead testing was completed in accordance to the Written Directives (Interim Licensing Standards) outlined in PIN 21-21.1-CCP.
LPA referred facility director 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
).
LPA discussed safe sleep regulations with the director 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.
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 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 childcare by connecting them to childcare 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:
\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).
It was noted that the facility is in compliance at this time.
A Notice of Site Visit was provided and must remain posted for 30 days.
An exit interview was conducted with Director Marcella Arnold, and a copy of this report was reviewed. Appeal rights were discussed and provided during the exit interview with Director Marcella Arnold.