Routine inspection·August 20, 2025

On August 20, 2025, at 9:20 am Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Cindy Hamilton conducted an unannounced annual inspection. LPA met with Lead Teacher Darlene Witherwax and a tour of school was provided. Director Elizabeth Zaragoza arrived at the site at 10:50 am and continued visit with LPA. There were 9 preschool children present when LPA arrived and 9 enrolled in AM session. 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 not be operating within the limits stated on its license, and staff-to-child ratios were observed to be 8:1 for preschool class and 10:1 for Pre-K class. Classroom 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. LPA observed and was advised by lead teacher that there was an SJUSD Transitional Kindergarten class of 10 children present with one teacher and sharing the classroom this school year when LPA arrived. 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. Water faucets are used inside classroom and outside on the playground. Lead testing was completed on March 18, 2024, and the next testing is due by March 18, 2029. 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 playground was enclosed by a secure 3 ft, 10 in wrought iron fence surrounding the perimeter. The fencing included closing gates and was free of hazards . Outdoor activity areas contained age- and size-appropriate equipment in good condition. Storage containers for solid waste had tight-fitting covers, which were kept on and in good repair. The electronic 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 08/15/2025. 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. Three of Three 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 has 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. IMS policy was discussed. For IMS information, see PIN 22-02-CCP. If IMS is provided in the future, an updated Plan of Operation that includes IMS must be submitted to the Department. The Director was also provided with ADA resources, including the U.S. Department of Justice toll-free ADA Information Line at (800) 514-0301 (voice) or (800) 514-0383 (TTY) and the publication Commonly Asked Questions about Child Care Centers and the ADA . The facility representative 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) Deficiencies were cited , see LIC 809D. An exit interview was conducted, and a copy of this report, appeal rights and Notice of Site Visit was reviewed with and provided Director Elizabeth Zaragoza . Director was reminded that the Notice of Site Visit must remain posted for 30 days.