Lead safety check·May 7, 2026

On May 7, 2026, Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Hanna Cha conducted an unannounced case management Lead Testing/Exceedance inspection to notify the facility of an Action Level Exceedance (ALE) of over 5.5 parts per billion (ppb) for water outlet (B). LPA met with Director Lugene Springfield and disclosed the purpose of the inspection. LPA and Director toured the facility. LPA observed zero children in care. Per Director, the facility is temporarily closed due to staff shortage. The children are dropped off and picked up at the facility parking lot and transported via bus to the Yucca Valley Head Start facility. Both facilities are managed by Director Lugene Springfield. The Palmdale Regional Office received notification of water lead exceedance at the facility. The water was sampled on 03/27/2026. LPA verified water outlet (B) located in the staff lounge of the detached administrative building adjacent to the classrooms. Water outlet (B) had an ALE of 9.600 ppb. During the visit, LPA informed the Director to submit required documents to the Department by 05/08/2026: (1) External Water Sampler Self-Certification Form (LIC 9275) for certified external water samplers (2) Facility Sketch (LIC 999) fully labeled with the locations of all water outlets, including outlets that will not be sampled. (3) Child Care Center Sampling Checklist Form (LIC 9276) Continued on 809-C Per Director, water outlet (B) was only utilized by the staff members for hand washing, staff food preparation, and cleaning staff dishes/utensils. Per Director, art projects or learning activities that include food preparation did not utilize water from water outlet (B). The facility utilizes bottled water dispensers located throughout the facility. Per Director, only bottled water dispensers used for children's drinking and brushing children's teeth. Water outlets (A) and (B) were tested as a proactive measure and were not utilized for food preparation or drinking for the children. LPA observed a “Out of Service” sign and "Do Not Drink Tap Water" sign posted by water outlet (B). A Notice of Site Visit was given and must remain posted for 30 days. Exit interview conducted and report was reviewed with the Director Lugene Springfield.