Routine inspection·December 10, 2025

Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Naomi Hurtado conducted an unannounced annual inspection for a large family childcare at the above home on 12/10/2025 at 11:45 AM. LPA met with Licensee, Alfredo Cortez, who guided LPA on a tour of the home. There was 0 children present with Licensee when LPA arrived. The facility operates Monday through Saturday from 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM each day. Certain areas are off-limits, including the bedrooms, backyard, and garage. The facility is licensed as a large Family Child Care Home (FCCH) with a maximum capacity of fourteen children and is operating within the licensed capacity of the license. The fire clearance for a large family child care was approved on 10/16/2023 by Indio Fire Department. A working telephone 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, there are no stairs, and all hazardous items, including toxins, are stored securely and are inaccessible to children. There are weapons are present, and the Licensee, Alfredo Cortez, understands that all firearms, weapons, and ammunition must be locked separately and made inaccessible as per Title 22 Regulations. LPA observed that the firearms are in a locked safe separate from ammunition. 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\342\200\231s Rights, are displayed. Fire and disaster drill documentation is maintained, with the last drill conducted on 8/20/2025. There is a pool and spa at the facility. LPA observed that a daily pool inspection log is not being completed on days of operation to ensure that all safety measures are in place before the facility opens. During today's inspection, the following was observed: The pool is surrounded by a 5 foot mesh fence with a vertical clearance of less than 2 inches from the ground to the bottom of the enclosure. LPA observed that there are no gap or void spaces that would allow the passage of a sphere with a diameter of 4 inches wide. There are not outside surface protrusions, cavities or other physical characteristics that would serve as a handhold or foothold enabling a child to climb over. LPA observed that the fence has an access gate that is self-latching and self-closing, it swings away from the pool, and the key lockable device is placed no lower than 60 inches above the ground. LPA observed that there was a fixed 12 foot pole with an attached body hook and a life ring with a minimum exterior diameter of 17 inches which is labeled as approved by the United States Coast Guard. Both the 12 foot pole and the life ring were visible from the swimming pool and readily available for use. LPA observed that the pool alarm was functional and in compliance with ASTM International Standard F2208. Licensee provided documentation confirming that it is in compliance with ASTM International Standard F2208. As of this date, the fencing meets Title 22 Regulations, and the pool is inaccessible. Both children's and employees' records are complete. Mandated Reporter Training has been completed and is valid until 10/2026. The Pediatric CPR and First Aid certification expires on 10/2026. Resident and staff records were reviewed, and all adults requiring caregiver background checks have received the necessary clearances and exemptions. Licensee Alfredo Cortez 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 Alfredo Cortez 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, a Plan for Providing 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. The Duty Officer is available to answer questions Monday \342\200\223 Friday; 8:00am to 5:00pm at: 951-782-4200. All Unusual Incident Reports can be submitted online at UnusualIncidentReportsDO10@dss.ca.gov . During the exit interview, the Licensee Alfredo Cortez, confirmed that there are no Registered Sex Offenders living in the facility and LPA completed the RSO profile in FAS. To improve the quality and value of the new inspection process, a survey may be sent to the email address provided.\302\240 Please complete the survey and share your inspection experience.\302\240 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 being cited on the attached 809-D page. A notice of site visit was given and must remain posted for 30 days. An exit interview was conducted, and a copy of this this report was reviewed with and handed to Licensee Alfredo Cortez. Appeal rights were discussed and provided during the exit interview.