Routine inspection·April 4, 2025

Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Sandra Pulido and Licensing Program Manager (LPM) Pauline Beschorner conducted an unannounced annual inspection on April 4, 2025, at 7:50 AM. LPA met with Director Julia McCarthy, who provided a tour of the center. This is a combination childcare center, and the following licensed programs were also inspected on this date: Pre-school and School-Age Centers. A tour of both the indoor and outdoor areas of the facility was conducted, and the following observations were noted. The required postings, including the facility license, Emergency Disaster Plan (LIC610), Earthquake Preparedness Checklist (LIC9148), Parent’s Rights Poster (PUB393), Personal Rights (LIC613A), and Child Car Seat Law were observed to be up to date and appropriately displayed. The facility is operating within the capacity limits as stated on its license. During the inspection, staff-to-child ratios were observed; 1:3 for the infants and 1:6 for the toddler option. Classrooms contained age and size-appropriate furniture and equipment, free of hazards. Director Julia McCarthy confirmed that no weapons are present on the premises, and there are no accessible bodies of water. Director Julia McCarthy confirmed and is aware that any wading pools or similar items must be emptied immediately after use and stored upright. Filtered drinking water is available both indoors and outdoors. LPA verified that lead testing was completed on 7/22/2023 per PIN 21-21.1-CCP directives, and the director was referred to the Department’s website for additional lead toxicity prevention and water testing information. Medications are stored in an area that is inaccessible to children, with the specific location noted. Hazardous items, including disinfectants, cleaning solutions, and other dangerous substances, are stored out of children’s reach, while poisons and toxins are securely locked away. The floors were observed to be clean, safe, and well-maintained. Highchairs and tables have broad-based legs, and trays that lock into place for additional safety. Changing tables are within arm’s reach of a sink, have a minimum one-inch thick padding, and feature raised sides of at least three inches covered in washable vinyl or plastic. There were no infants potty training at the time of inspection and LPA and LPM did not observe a bathroom used by potty training infants. There is one sink being utilized for hand washing after diaper changes. Outdoor play areas are equipped with age and size-appropriate equipment in good condition. LPA and LPM observed spider webs to be on the slide/play equipment. The food preparation area is clean, free of litter and pests, and properly maintained. Filtered water is used for food preparation Food is stored correctly to prevent contamination. Waste containers have tight-fitting covers and are in good repair. The sign-in/sign-out records were reviewed and found to be compliant with regulations. Disaster drills are conducted at least every six months, with the most recent drill occurring on January 7, 2025. A review of children’s and staff records confirmed that all required documents are complete. Staff qualifications meet licensing requirements, and at least one staff member has a valid Pediatric CPR/First Aid certification and was present, with certification expiration dates documented. The director has completed Health and Safety Training. Background clearances for all required staff members have been verified, ensuring compliance with criminal record and child abuse index clearance requirements. The director was reminded that all adults 18 and over, including employees and volunteers, must obtain a criminal record clearance or exemption before working in the facility. Non-compliance with this regulation may result in a civil penalty of $100 per day for up to five days, or up to 30 days for repeat violations. LPA discussed safe sleep regulations and provided the director with resources available at https://www.cdss.ca.gov/inforesources/child-care-licensing/public-information-and-resources/safe-sleep . Additionally, LPA recommended checking the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) website at https://www.cpsc.gov/ to ensure infant devices are not subject to recalls and encouraged registration of all infant devices with the CPSC for recall notifications. LPA reviewed medication storage, equipment and supply storage, and record-keeping procedures. Information regarding IMS policies, as outlined in PIN 22-02-CCP, was provided. Resources regarding ADA compliance were also shared, including the US Department of Justice 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" available at https://www.ada.gov/resources/child-care-centers/ . The director was informed about the MyChildCarePlan.org website, a consumer education resource that connects families to childcare providers and Resource and Referral Agencies (R&Rs) across California. Licensing forms and regulations for Child Care Centers are available on the Department’s website at www.ccld.ca.gov , where providers can also subscribe to receive important updates by email. LPA reviewed reporting requirements with the director, emphasizing that any unusual incidents or injuries must be reported to the Department within 24 hours via telephone and within seven days in writing. The Duty Officer can be reached Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM at (951) 782-4200, or reports may be emailed to UnusualIncidentReportsDO10@dss.ca.gov . To enhance the quality of inspections, a survey may be sent to the email address on file. LPA encouraged participation and provided the email inspectionprocess@dss.ca.gov for any questions regarding the inspection process. Additional information about the inspection methods and tools is available at www.cdss.ca.gov/inforesources/community-care-licensing/inspection-process . On 4/3/2025, a search of the California Attorney General - Megan’s Law website was conducted, and no registered sex offenders were found at the facility address. Some offenders may not be subject to public disclosure under state law; however, the Department performs monthly cross-references of all CCLD facility addresses with the Megan’s Law database provided by the California Department of Justice. See LIC809-D for cited deficiencies. A Notice of Site Visit was provided and must remain posted for 30 days. An exit interview was conducted with Director Julia McCarthy, and a copy of this report was reviewed. Appeal rights were discussed and provided during the exit interview with Director Julia McCarthy.