Routine inspection·August 15, 2024

On 8/15/2024, Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Carol Heath met with Lead Teacher, Julie Phillipson to conduct an unannounced Annual/Random inspection. LPA disclosed the purpose of the inspection and was granted entry to the facility. This State Pre-School is located on the grounds of Heritage School in Classroom #3, the hours of operation are Mon - Fri 8:15 AM TO 11:15 AM; AUGUST THROUGH JUNE. Upon arrival, LPA observed 1 classroom with a total of 21 children and 4 teachers (2 subs) on the premises. Incidental Medical Services (IMS) were discussed. Physical Plant: LPA conducted a tour and inspection of the preschool classrooms. Furniture and equipment were assessed for age appropriateness and condition, with LPA noting that all items were in good repair, free from sharp, loose, or pointed parts. The floors in all rooms were observed to be clean and safe. LPA also noted the presence of carbon monoxide detectors in the classroom. The facility is equipped with a fire extinguisher (last inspected on 6/12/2024), a smoke detector, and a carbon monoxide detector. Telephone service was confirmed. Heating, lighting, and ventilation in the facility were adequate. There are individual cubbies labeled with each child's name for their belongings. The activity schedule was displayed in each classroom. Drinking water is readily available inside the classrooms through disposable plastic cups and water jugs. Napping: The state preschool only half day. No napping. Health Services: LPA inspected a First Aid kit, which was found to contain the current edition of a first aid manual, sterile dressings, bandages or roller bandages, adhesive tape, scissors, tweezers, a thermometer, and antiseptic solution. The lead teacher was provided with a list of recommended first-aid supplies. Upon arrival, children are screened for illnesses using a no-touch thermometer and an overall wellness check. A review of the medication policy revealed that prescription medication is administered only with parental consent. The lead teacher and other designated staff are responsible for administering medication and documenting the dosage, date, and time in a log. Medication is stored securely at the center unless parents request its daily return, labeled correctly, and kept in its original container. Medication remains at the center until its expiration and is then sent home with the parent for disposal. There are currently no children in care with IMS needs . The classroom has a designated area for isolating and caring for ill children equipped with a mat. An isolated toilet and sink for ill children are available in the office. LPA advised that all containers used for storing solid waste, including moveable bins, had tight-fitting lids and were leakproof and rodent-proof. Disinfectants, cleaning solutions, poisons, and other hazardous items were stored outside children’s reach. The classroom temperature was less than 20 degrees cooler than the outside temperature. Bathrooms: LPA inspected the bathroom facilities, which include 6 toilets and 4 sinks. All toilets and sinks were observed to be clean, functioning properly, and age appropriate. The water temperature was within a safe range. Soap, toilet paper, and paper towels were readily available. Outdoor Area: The outdoor play area was inspected, and the fences were observed to be at least five feet high. The play equipment was checked for health and safety standards, cushioning materials, condition, and age appropriateness. The play area features a playground cushion and concrete surface, with a shaded area under a canopy for rest. The preschool has separate playground yards for school-age. The jungle gym is securely anchored and shaded with a canopy. The area also includes a bike path, basketball hoop, and other age-appropriate toys. LPA observed that all high climbing equipment, swings, slides, and similar structures had cushioned materials underneath to absorb falls. All playground equipment was securely anchored to the ground. A fire drill/earthquake log is in the binder, and the center conducts disaster drills at least every month. The last fire drill was conducted 5/2024. The fire/earthquake drills are up-to-date, and a current roster is available. Lead Testing: According to the lead teacher, the center conducted drinking water testing for lead contamination and passed with the inspection. The parent board was reviewed and found to have all the required forms posted. The sign-in and sign-out sheets were also reviewed. LPA observed that the teacher-to-child ratio was maintained, and staff names were recorded. Care and supervision were evaluated to ensure the children’s basic needs were met appropriately. Staff Records/Children's Records: LPA reviewed staff and children's records. It was verified that at least one staff member present has current CPR and First Aid training . All staff members complete Mandated Reporter training every two years. Additionally, all staff have received the required Measles, Pertussis, and Influenza vaccinations. Fingerprinting for all staff is associated with the facility. LPA reviewed records for 5 children , all complete and included the parent’s signature. Staffing Ratio and Capacity: Teacher-to-child ratios were observed, and staff names were recorded. Care and supervision were evaluated to ensure children's basic needs were appropriately met. Food Service: The center provides a snack. Allergy lists are posted in the classroom. Menus are posted at least one week in advance and are available for review by parents. The following general information was discussed during this inspection: Immunization Requirements: §1596.7995 (a)(1) Commencing September 1, 2016, a person shall not be employed or volunteer at a daycare center if he or she has not been immunized against influenza, pertussis, and measles. Each employee and volunteer shall receive an influenza vaccination between August 1 and December 1 of each year. *All Licensing reports are available for review online and are considered public information. Summary: Assembly Bill 2621 added Section 1596.819 to the Health and Safety Code to require the Department to post certain licensing information for CCCs and FCCHs on its public internet website. Fingerprint clearances and transfers : Before working or volunteering in a licensed childcare facility, all individuals subject to a criminal record review shall obtain a clearance or criminal record exemption. If a fingerprint clearance has been obtained through the Department, Licensee may request a transfer of a criminal record clearance from one state-licensed facility to another using form LIC 9184 ** Senate Bill AB 633 - Child Care Facilities: Parent Notification Requirements Summary: This bill amends Health and Safety Code (HSC) sections 1596.859, 1596.8595, 1596.8895, and 1597.05 to improve the transparency of licensing records and to ensure that parents/guardians using a licensed childcare facility are aware of situations that present the greatest danger to children **Center Director advised of the requirement to report unusual incidents and/or injuries to the parent/guardian and Licensing within the time frame specified by the regulation (call within 24 hours and submit a written report within 7 days) and on the form LIC624. The Center reminded to review updates/regulations as well as quarterly updates on the Department website. The "Notification of Parent's Rights" poster must be posted in an area of the center accessible to parents. The information regarding new legislation with regard to exemptions and parents' rights was also discussed. Criminal Record Clearance - Child Care Centers Licensee [or 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. Lead Testing – Child Care Centers (CCC) CCC COMPLETED TESTING AND NO LEAD EXCEEDANCES: 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. 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 verified that the lead testing was completed in accordance to the Written Directives outlined in PIN 21-21.1-CCP. For the following scenarios use the below un-bolded language: • CCC COMPLETED TESTING AND IS IN THE PROCESS OF REMEDIATING LEAD EXCEEDANCES, or • CCC COMPLETED SAMPLING BUT THE TEST RESULTS ARE NOT YET AVAILABLE, or • CCC DID NOT COMPLETE TESTING PRIOR TO THEIR DEADLINE, or • CCC TESTING DEADLINE HAS NOT PAST LPA referred licensee [or facility representative] to the Department website for lead: Lead Toxicity Prevention and Water Testing Information. Incidental Medical Services (IMS) - IF THERE IS NO CHILD AT THE FACILITY THAT CURRENTLY NEEDS IMS, USE AS FOLLOWS: Incidental Medical Services (IMS) policy was discussed. For IMS information see PIN 22-02- CCP. When any IMS is provided, an updated Plan of Operation that includes 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 are available at: https://www.ada.gov/resources/child-care-centers/ . MyChildCarePlan.org – Centers and Family Child Care Homes Licensee [or facility representative] 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. Notice of Site Visit - Centers and Family Child Care Homes A notice of site visit was given and must remain posted for 30 days. No deficiencies are being cited at this time; the facility complies with Title 22 An exit interview was conducted, and the report was reviewed with the lead teacher, Julie Phillipson.