Lead safety check·December 28, 2022

On December 28, 2022 at 8:20 am, Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Lorena Valenzuela made an unannounced Case Management inspection, for the reported Lead Exceedance in the facility’s water. LPA met with Site Director, Mary Velasquez and proceeded to tour the facility. Also present in the facility were 5 daycare children and 3 teachers/staff. Facility was within ratio and capacity. All staff members have the required background clearances. LPA interviewed the director and examined the water outlets deemed an Action Level Exceedance. Facility provided facility sketch with labeled water outlet locations and the required signed and dated forms (LIC 9275, LIC 9276) to Community Care Licensing via email on 11/17/2022. Faucets reported with 5.5 ppb (parts per billion) or greater lead exceedance levels were as follows: Sink located in infant sleep room- outlet labeled letter “E” 10.20 ppb Sink located in changing room- outlet labeled letter “F” 13.80 ppb All other fountains and water outlets tested within an acceptable level with no lead exceedance. Parents were notified via a letter given to parents and kept on file at the facility. The Site Director (SD) Mary Velasquez stated that outlet E and F have had the faucets replaced by the maintenance person on 12/14/2022. The SD stated that prior to 12/14/2022 the outlets were bagged and had a do not use sign. At the time of the inspection LPA Valenzuela observed water outlets E and F being were not bagged or covered otherwise, and there was no “do not use” sign to prevent the faucets from being used. Per the site director the facility will be retesting the water outlets E and F but date in unknown. The site director states that drinking water is available throughout the facility. LPA observed the water outlet in infant room where infants eat to have a filter. The director states that staff will fill a water pitcher using the filtered water and provide to children throughout the day. Interviews with staff revealed staff only use the water with filter for children in care, per facility sketch this is the water outlet labeled "D". Based on interview, 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 outlets labeled letter E and F, under the Written Directives, Section 101700.3 (b) (1) California Lead Action Level at Child Care Centers. See LIC809D cited deficiency. Exit interview conducted and report was reviewed with Site Director Mary Velasquez. A notice of site visit was given and must remain posted for 30 days. LPA observed Director Velasquez post notice of site visit.