Inspector’s narrative
What the inspector wrote
Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Jesse Gardner
conducted an unannounced annual inspection on 02/19/2026 at 11:41AM.
LPA met with Site Supervisor Maria Munoz De Esteves
, who provided a tour of the preschool.
During the visit the facility had 39 children enrolled and 29 children present.
During the inspection, several key facility items were observed and updated where necessary. These included the facility's license, the Emergency Disaster Plan (LIC610) and Earthquake Preparedness Checklist (LIC9148), the Parent’s Rights Poster (PUB393), Personal Rights (LIC613A), the Child Car Seat Law notice, and the menu. The facility was found to be operating within the limits stated on its license, and staff-to-child ratios were observed to be 2 Teachers and 9 children in the Koala's room, and 2 Teachers and 8 children in the Cheeta's room, and 3 Teachers to 12 children in the Toddler room
. Classrooms were adequately equipped with age- and size-appropriate furniture and materials, ensuring a safe and hazard-free environment. The facility representative confirmed that no weapons were present on the premises.
There were no accessible bodies of water on-site. The facility representative is aware that any wading pools or similar products must be emptied immediately after use and stored in an upright position. Drinking water was available both indoors and outdoors.
Medications, disinfectants, cleaning solutions, and other hazardous materials were stored in locations inaccessible to children, while poisons and toxins were securely locked away. The facility’s floors were observed to be safe and clean, and bathroom facilities were sanitary and in proper working condition. The playgrounds were enclosed by a secure, six-foot-tall wrought iron fence surrounding the perimeter of the center. The fencing included self-closing gates and
was free of hazards. Outdoor activity areas contained age- and size-appropriate equipment in good condition.
Filtered water is utilized via a "Pur" filter in the kitchen sink. 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 01/21/2026.
Children's records were complete, and staff records confirmed that all present staff met the minimum qualifications for their respective positions. 1 of 5 checked staff members on-site held current Pediatric CPR/First Aid certifications, with expiration dates recorded. Both the opening and closing staff members also had valid CPR/First Aid certifications. The Director had completed Health and Safety Training. Additionally, a review of staff records confirmed that all facility staff and other individuals requiring caregiver background checks had received criminal record and child abuse index clearances or exemptions.
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 9/27/2022 and the next testing is due by 9/27/2027 in accordance to the Written Directives (Interim Licensing Standards) outlined in PIN 21-21.1-CCP.
·
CCC COMPLETED TESTING AND NO LEAD EXCEEDANCES ARE PRESENT
If the facility provides Incidental Medical Services (IMS)
This facility provided Incidental Medical Services – IMS. LPA reviewed medication storage of equipment/supplies and reviewed children’s, 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 within 24 hours via phone and within seven days in writing. Reports may be submitted by calling the Duty Officer at (951) 782-4200 or emailing
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 asked to update and submit the following documents to licensing within 30 days, if applicable:
·
LIC 500 Personnel Report
·
LIC 610 Emergency & Disaster Plan
·
Parent Handbook, Program Curriculum, Admission Policies & Procedures, and Fee Schedule (if changed or more than two years old)
·
LIC 309 Administrative Organization (if changed or more than two years old)
·
LIC 308 Designation of Administrative Responsibility (if changed or outdated)
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, and this report was reviewed with Site Supervisor Maria Munoz De Esteves. Appeal rights were discussed and provided during the exit interview.