Inspector’s narrative
What the inspector wrote
Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Tricia Danielson conducted an unannounced annual inspection on January 28, 2026 at 9:30 AM. Upon arrival, LPA met with Area Child Development Specialist Maria Camacho and informed her of the purpose of the visit. Director Alejandra Mora Gomez was attending a training and unavailable at the time of the visit. The center serves children from ages 2 to 12 years and operates as a combination childcare program under a single license. Accordingly, this inspection included a review of regulations applicable to preschool and school-age programs.
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 be operating within the limits stated on its license, and staff-to-child ratios were observed to be
4:12. The school age children were not in attendance at the time of the visit. There a
re 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.
The facility is housed in the community center of an apartment complex. The apartment complex is equipped with a pool however, the facility has no access to it nor do they have control of it in any manner. LPA was unable to gain access inside the pool area itself. During today's inspection, the following was observed concerning the pool: The pool is surrounded by a 6 ft wrought iron fence covered in metal mesh in the areas where the
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(CONTINUED FROM LIC 809) fencing backs up to the playground. The fence's vertical clearance from the ground to the bottom of the fence is no greater than 2 inches in some areas but greater than 6 inches in the areas between the wrought iron bars; there are no gaps or voids which would allow the passage of a sphere with a diameter equal to or greater than four inches in the fence between the playground and the pool; there are no outside surface protrusions, cavities or other physical characteristics that would serve as a handhold or foothold enabling a child to climb over. LPA verified there is a life ring with an exterior diameter of 23 inches and labeled as approved by the U.S. Coast Guard and a fixed 12-foot rescue pole with a body hook visible from the swimming pool and readily available for use. The facility representative understands that all 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.
Drinking water was available both indoors and outdoors via faucet water. 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 playgrounds were enclosed by a secure, six-foot-tall wrought iron fence surrounding the perimeter of the center. The fencing included self-closing gates and was free of hazards. Outdoor activity areas contained age- and size-appropriate equipment in good condition.
Food is pre-made offsite by the foundation and delivered to the facility. The food preparation area was clean, free of litter and pests, and all food was properly stored to prevent contamination. Water for food preparation is provided via water faucet. Storage containers for solid waste had tight-fitting covers, which were kept on and in good repair.
The sign-in/sign-out records are electronic and 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 6, 2026.
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. 6 of 6 staff members on-site
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(CONTINUED FROM LIC 809-C) 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 had 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 facility representative was reminded that all adults 18 and over, 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 Child Care Center. 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.
Assembly Bill (AB) 2370, Chapter 676, Statutes of 2018, requires all licensed Child Care Centers (CCCs) constructed before January 1, 2010, to test their water (used for drinking and food preparation) for lead contamination before January 1, 2023, and then every 5-years after the date of the first test as specified in Health and Safety Code section 1597.16. For child care center licenses issued after July 1, 2022, the licensee shall test their water for lead within 180 days of licensure pursuant to Written Directives section 101700 (PIN 21-21.1-CCP). LPA referred the facility representative to the Department website for lead: Lead Toxicity Prevention and Water Testing Information(
https://www.cdss.ca.gov/inforesources/child-care-licensing/water-testing-information
).
LPA verified that the lead testing is not required for this facility as the building was constructed after 2010 and is therefore in accordance to the Written Directives (Interim Licensing Standards) outlined in PIN 21-21.1-CCP.
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 the link to publication: Commonly Asked Questions about Child Care Centers and the ADA" available at
https://www.ada.gov/resources/child-care-centers/
.
The facility representative was informed about the MyChildCarePlan.org website, a consumer education resource that helps families obtain child care by connecting them to child care providers and Resource and Referral Agencies (R&Rs) throughout California.
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(CONTINUED FROM LIC 809-C) LPA reviewed reporting requirements with the facility representative, 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 of inspections, 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 or CARE tools, please send 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/inspection-process
.
The facility representative 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)
It was noted that the facility is in compliance at this time. A Notice of Site Visit was provided and must remain posted for 30 days. An exit interview was conducted, and this report was reviewed with Area Child Development Specialist Camacho. Appeal rights were discussed and provided during the exit interview.