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Inspection visit

Routine inspection

FIRST SCHOOL-PALM DESERTLicense 336300003
Clean visit · 0 citations

Inspector’s narrative

What the inspector wrote

Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Jesse Gardner conducted an unannounced annual inspection on 05/21/2025 at 11:07 AM. LPA met with Assistant Director Candy Lenk who provided a tour of the day care center. 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\342\200\231s 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 11 children to 2 qualified teachers in Classroom 3, 11 children to 1 qualified teacher in Classroom 4, and 24 children to 3 qualified teachers in Classroom 5. Classrooms 1, and 2 were vacant. Classrooms were adequately equipped with age- and size-appropriate furniture and materials, ensuring a safe and hazard-free environment. The Assistant Director confirmed that no weapons were present on the premises. There were no accessible bodies of water on-site. The Assistant Director 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 indoors by faucet water or bottled water brought by children from home. Outdoor water is supplied by water fountains. LPA verified that lead testing was completed on 04/17/2025, and the next testing is due by 04/17/2030. The facility's fire clearance was approved on 06/27/2019 by the Palm Desert Fire Prevention Bureau. 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\342\200\231s 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 and block wall combination 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. The kitchen area was clean, free of litter and pests, and all food was properly stored to prevent contamination. Snacks are primarily provided by Guardians/parents; however, if a child does not have a snack provided, the center provides them. 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 05/02/2025. A review of staff and children\342\200\231s records was conducted as part of this evaluation. Children's records were complete, and staff records confirmed that all present staff met the minimum qualifications for their respective positions. 2 of 6 of 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 over the age of 18, including employees and volunteers (except as specified in Health and Safety Code section 1596.871), must obtain a criminal record clearance or exemption before their initial presence in the Child Care Center. A civil penalty of $100 per day for up to five days, or up to 30 days for repeat violations, may be assessed for noncompliance. This facility provides IMS. LPA reviewed the storage of medications and equipment/supplies, as well as children's, personnel, and administrative records. Additional IMS information is available in PIN 22-02-CCP. The Director was also provided with information regarding the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), including the U.S. Department of Justice (USDOJ) toll-free ADA Information Line at (800) 514-0301 (voice) or (800) 514-0383 (TTY). Additional information is available at Commonly Asked Questions about Child Care Centers and the ADA . The Director was informed about MyChildCarePlan.org , a consumer education website that connects families with child care providers and Resource & Referral Agencies (R&Rs) throughout California. Licensing forms and regulations for Child Care Centers are available on the Department\342\200\231s website at www.ccld.ca.gov . Providers can also subscribe to receive updates by entering their email under "Receive Important Updates" on the website. 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 and value of the inspection process, a survey may be sent to the provided email. The Director is encouraged to complete the survey and provide feedback on the inspection experience. Any questions regarding the inspection process or CARE tools may be directed to inspectionprocess@dss.ca.gov . Additional details about the inspection process can be found 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: \302\267 LIC 500 Personnel Report \302\267 LIC 610 Emergency & Disaster Plan \302\267 Parent Handbook, Program Curriculum, Admission Policies & Procedures, and Fee Schedule (if changed or more than two years old) \302\267 LIC 309 Administrative Organization (if changed or more than two years old) \302\267 LIC 308 Designation of Administrative Responsibility (if changed or outdated) At this time, no regulatory violations were identified; thus, no citations were issued. 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 Assistant Director Candy Lenk. Appeal rights were discussed and provided during the exit interview.

Citations

No citations recorded on this visit

The inspector found no violations of California child care regulations during this visit.

FAQ · About this visit

Common questions about this visit

What happened during the May 21, 2025 inspection of FIRST SCHOOL-PALM DESERT?

This was a inspection inspection of FIRST SCHOOL-PALM DESERT on May 21, 2025. The inspection found no deficiencies and no citations were issued.

Were any citations issued to FIRST SCHOOL-PALM DESERT on May 21, 2025?

No citations were issued during this inspection. The facility was found to be in compliance with all applicable regulations.

What type of inspection was this?

This was a inspection inspection. inspection inspections are conducted by CCLD as part of their licensing oversight.

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