Follow-up on corrections·December 13, 2022

On December 13, 2022 at 10:15 a.m., Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Lorena Valenzuela made an unannounced case management inspection, for reported Lead Exceedance at the facility\342\200\231s water. LPA met with Area Child Development Specialist, Brandy Stephens and proceeded to tour the facility. Also present in the facility were 11 daycare children and 3 teachers/staff. Facility was within ratio and capacity. Staff members have the required background clearances. LPA interviewed staff and examined the faucet deemed an Action Level Exceedance. On 11/17/2022, the facility provided the Department the facility sketch and the required signed and dated External Water Sampler Self- Certification (LIC 9275) and Child Care Sampling Checklist (LIC 9276) forms. Per records review, the facility had the water sampled for lead on 09/28/2022. Per staff interviews, the water faucet with lead excedeence had some parts replaced by the maintenance person about a week ago, and it is unknown if further test were made to the water after the parts were replaced. A facility sketch received and provided by the facility with the water outlets that were tested indicates that the water faucet labeled letter \342\200\234E\342\200\235 was the faucet that tested as having high levels of lead, however, staff interviews revealed that the maintenance person had replaced parts on faucets labelled \342\200\234A-A30 and/or B\342\200\235. It should be noted that outlet labeled F is next to outlet labeled E but it is unknown which is the bubbler and which is the sink water outlet/faucet. Based on the water sample taken on 09/28/2022, water outlet reported 5.5 ppb (parts per billion) or greater lead exceedance levels as follows: Water outlet labelled \342\200\234E\342\200\235 (located inside the classroom) 15.50 Parents were not notified of the lead test results, and facility posted on the parent communication board the latest lead test results at the time of inspection. All other fountains and water outlets tested within an acceptable level with no lead exceedance. At time of inspection LPA observed that the water outlets \342\200\234E\342\200\235, "F" \342\200\234A-A30 and \342\200\234B\342\200\235 were not made inaccessible to children in care. Staff interviews indicate children are given drinking water in paper cups from an insulated water container \342\200\234Igloo\342\200\235 and water container is filled using all bubblers located in the classroom. Due to being unclear based on facility sketch with labeled water outlets, as to which water faucet had lead exceedance, the facility will make outlets labeled E,F, A-A30, and B, inaccessible to children. LPA observed Brady Stephens post do not use signs, and capped both faucets and bubblers and advised staff to not use water outlets until further notice. Based on records review, observations, information received, and current policies and procedures for the Department, the facility is being cited for having a lead exceedance in water outlet labeled letter E, under the Written Directives, Section 101700.3 (b) (1) California Lead Action Level at Child Care Centers. See deficiency report, LIC809D for Type A deficiency issued. LPA Lorena Valenzuela informed Brandy Stephens that this report dated 12/13/2022, document(s) one Type A citation which shall be posted for 30 consecutive days as there is/are immediate risk(s) to the health, safety, or personal rights of children in care. Also, LPA Lorena Valenzuela informed the Brandy Stephens to provide a copy of this licensing report dated 12/13/2022 that documents any Type A citation to parents/guardians of all children currently enrolled by the next business day or the next day the children are in care, and to any newly enrolled parents/guardians for 12 months from the date of this report. A signed Acknowledgement of Receipt of Licensing Report (LIC 9224), or other written statement, must be placed in the child's file for verification. Exit interview conducted and report was reviewed with Brandy Stephens, Area Child Development Specialist. A notice of site visit was given and must remain posted for 30 days.