Inspector’s narrative
What the inspector wrote
On November 7, 2025, at 12:10 pm, Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Cindy Hamilton conducted an unannounced annual inspection for a large family childcare. LPA met with licensee Portia Bessent, who guided LPA on a tour of the home. There was four children present with Licensee and Assistant when LPA arrived.
The facility operates Sunday through Saturday from 6:00 AM to 5:59 AM each day. Certain areas are off-limits, including the entire second floor, kitchen, backyard, laundry room, and master suite (downstairs) and garage. The facility is licensed as a large Family Child Care Home (FCCH) with a maximum capacity of 14 children and is operating within the licensed capacity of the license. The fire clearance for a large family child care was approved on 04/27/2021 by Riverside County Fire Department.
During the inspection, LPA observed Licensee and assistant to be responsive and aware of where the children were at all times. A working cell phone is available, and the current phone number on file is correct. A fully charged fire extinguisher (2A:10BC) was observed, along with a functioning smoke detector and carbon monoxide detector, both of which were tested by the Licensee. The fireplace is properly screened to prevent access by children, and all hazardous items, including toxins, are stored securely and are inaccessible to children. No weapons are present, and the Licensee, Portia Bessent, understands that all firearms, weapons, and ammunition must be locked separately and made inaccessible as per Title 22 Regulations. Stairs are barricaded with a baby gate when children are in care.
The facility provides clean, safe, and age-appropriate toys for children. A current roster is on file, and required postings, including the Facility Sketch, Emergency Disaster Plan, and Notification of Parent’s
Rights, are displayed. Fire and disaster drill documentation is maintained, with the last drill conducted on December 12, 2024.
There
are not
any pools, spas, or other bodies of water.
Licensee understands that
a
ll bodies of water including ponds, above ground pools, spas, and some fountains must be properly covered or fenced per Title 22 Regulations. The Department must be notified before and after installation of the above types of bodies of water. In addition, all wading pools or similar products must be emptied immediately after use and stored in an upright position.
Children's records are complete. Employees' records are not complete. Mandated Reporter Training has been completed and was valid until June 6, 2025 and May 22, 2026 for assistant. The Pediatric CPR and First Aid certification expires in September 2026 for licensee and assistant. Resident and staff records were reviewed, and all adults requiring caregiver background checks have received the necessary clearances and exemptions.
Licensee Portia Bessent was reminded that all adults 18 and over, living or working in the home, 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 licensed Family Child Care Home. 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.
LPA discussed the safe sleep regulations with Licensee Portia Bessent and discussed the Child Care Licensing Safe Sleep webpage at
https://www.cdss.ca.gov/inforesources/child-care-licensing/public-information-and-resources/safe-sleep
as an additional resource. LPA also informed Licensee of the importance of checking for 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, an updated Plan of Operation that includes 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 link to publication: Commonly Asked Questions about Child Care Centers and the ADA, available at:
https://www.ada.gov/resources/child-care-centers/
Licensee was informed of the MyChildCarePlan.org website; a consumer education website that helps families obtain child care by connecting them to child care providers and Resource and Referral Agencies (R&Rs) throughout California.
On-line Licensing forms & regulations for a Child Care Center can be obtained on the Department’s website:
www.ccld.ca.gov
. Additionally, there is a link to “Receive Important Updates” located on the right side of the page, immediately above Quick Links. One can add their email address and choose which program(s) they wish to receive Provider Information Notices (PIN) for.
The Duty Officer is available to answer questions Monday – Friday; 8:00am to 5:00pm at: 951-782-4200
On October 13, 2025, the California Attorney General - Megan’s Law website was searched for information on sex offenders required to register with local law enforcement under California's Megan's Law. No registered sex offenders were found at the facility addresses. Under state law, some registered sex offenders are not subject to public disclosure; therefore, they may not have been included in this search. However, the Department conducts a monthly cross reference of each address on record for all registered sex offenders against all CCLD facility addresses pursuant to information shared by California DOJ.
To improve the quality 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 for CARE tools, please send the 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/process
.
There are deficiencies cited, see the attached LIC 809-D page.
An exit interview was conducted, and a copy of this this report, appeal rights and Notice of Site Visit was reviewed with and provided to Licensee Portia Bessent. Licensee was reminded that Notice of Site Visit must remain posted for 30 consecutive days.
