Inspector’s narrative
What the inspector wrote
On
09/30/2024
, Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Carol Heath conducted an unannounced Required annual inspection at the
Childress Family Child Care Home
. Upon arrival, the LPA met with the licensee\342\200\231s assistant,
Heather Rose,
who guided the LPA on a tour of the facility. According to Heather, the licensee went to drop off the children and would return shortly. Individuals that reside in the home include
the Licensee, Licensee\342\200\231s husband, and two minor children (7,14).
Per Guardian, all adults in this facility obtain a criminal record clearance.
This large family childcare facility operates Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. During the inspection, the LPA observed 5 children in care (three preschool-age and 2 kindergartener), supervised by Assistant Heather. According to the Licensing Information System, the facility's annual fees are current. Incidental Medical Services (IMS) were discussed, and the licensee stated that no children currently require IMS.
The home is a two story building with four bedrooms, three bathrooms, a kitchen, dining room, living room, laundry room, front and backyard, detached garage, and a designated daycare room. The licensee reported that the daycare room, one downstairs bathroom, and a portion of the backyard are used for childcare activities. Off-limit areas include all four bedrooms, two upstairs bathrooms, the kitchen, dining room, living room, laundry room, detached garage, and part of the backyard. These off-limit areas were made inaccessible through key locks on the doors.
Daycare Room
: The designated daycare room contains an adequate supply of age-appropriate toys, books, games, and napping mats, as well as hygienic diaper-changing equipment. The LPA observed toys and furniture suitable for the children's ages. The room is equipped with games and books, and the carpet and other materials were noted to be in good condition.
Children's Bathroom
: The children will use the bathroom inside the classroom. During the tour, the bathroom was clean, sanitized, and in good repair. The toilet and sink were inspected and found to be in proper working condition. All fixtures were clean, safe, and operable, with no hazardous items.
Kitchen/Dining Room
: The kitchen was inspected to ensure that dangerous items are inaccessible to children. All poisons and medications are stored in a top cabinet out of children's reach.
Backyard
: The backyard was inspected as the children use it for outdoor play. It is divided into on-limit and off-limit areas, with the off-limit section made inaccessible by a 7-foot barrier. No bodies of water were observed during the inspection. The on-limit play area was inspected, and the equipment was found to be free of hazards. The LPA observed a dramatic playhouse and a Tiny Tikes climber set on artificial grass. The Licensee was reminded to monitor the play equipment regularly for potential hazards.
Other:
AC/Heating Unit
: The AC/Heating unit is located on the right side of the home and inaccessible to children, with barrels blocking access.
Bodies of Water
: According to the licensee, no bodies of water are on the property.
Electrical Outlets
: All unused electrical outlets are covered and inaccessible to children.
Food
: The licensee is enrolled in the Food Program and will provide the children with breakfast, lunch, and snacks.
Fire Extinguisher (2A10BC)
: The LPA observed a required fire extinguisher (2A10BC) with a reading in the green zone. It is located in the classroom, inaccessible to children, and meets the standards set by the State Fire Marshal.
Fireplace
: There is no fireplace in the classroom area.
Hanging Window Blind Cords
: The window blind cords are inaccessible to children.
Isolation Area (Illness)
: According to the licensee, if a child shows signs of illness, they will be separated from other children in the classroom.
Medications and Cleaning Solutions
: Detergents and cleaning compounds are stored in an upper kitchen cabinet, making them inaccessible to children. Medications are stored in an off-limits bedroom.
Napping
: Children will nap in designated areas under adult supervision. The LPA observed ten napping mats stored in the closet.
Overnight Care
: The licensee stated that she does not provide overnight care.
Pets
: Two small dogs are kept in off-limit areas and one outdoor cat. All pets have current vaccinations.
Phone Service
: The home has a working landline or cell phone.
Smoke Detectors and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
: Both smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors were tested and found to be operable.
First Aid Kit
: The First Aid kit is stored in a key-locked closet, inaccessible to children. The kit was observed to be complete with supplies and a first aid manual.
Transportation
: The licensee provides transportation for children. She has a valid California driver\342\200\231s license, vehicle insurance, and vehicle registration.
Weapons or Firearms
: Per the licensee, there are no firearms on the property, and the LPA did not observe any during the inspection.
LPA reviewed the following Documentation:
Child files
: LPA observed 5 children's files, and the records were found to be in order with the required forms.
CPR/First Aid:
LPA observed that the licensee has current Pediatric CPR and First Aid Training with an
expiration date
of 08/2025
.
Fire Drill and Disaster Drill:
Per the licensee, fire and disaster drills are conducted every 6 months; the last drill was documented and performed on
8/23/24
.
Immunization:
The licensee and
her assistant
have the required immunizations (MMR and DTaP). The licensee and her assistant provided a written statement
declining
the influenza vaccination.
Infant Sleeping Plan (LIC 9227) and Sleeping Log:
LPA shared the information with the licensee. Per the licensee, NO infant (0-12 months) is enrolled in the facility.
The licensee posts all required information.
Mandated Reporter Training:
The licensee has completed and renewed the online mandated reporter training at
www.mandatedreporterca.com
on
7/2023 (need to be renewal in 2 years).
Staff Personnel File:
LPA observed
1
staff information. The file contained all required licensing documents.
The following information was discussed with the licensee
:
o
A baby walker shall not be allowed on the premises of a family child care home in accordance with Health and Safety Code sections 1596.848(b) and (c). State law prohibits
baby walkers, bouncy seats, exersaucer, and other items that fall into that category.
o
Capacity requirements, Roster requirements, Posting requirements, and Documentation requirements for disaster drills (fire and earthquake). Mandatory Forms for the children's and provider's files and Safe Sleep Awareness. The role and responsibilities of being a mandated reporter were reviewed. The licensee was reminded that supervision is always required for children in care.
o
The licensee was 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 and on the
form LIC624B
o
Licensee was advised to visit the CCL website (
www.ccld.ca.gov
) to obtain updates on courses and updates/changes to the regulations. Licensee was made aware that it is their responsibility to know the regulations as well as anyone who assists in providing care. The licensee was advised that the inaccessibility of hazards must be constantly reassessed depending on the children in care. Licensing must always have the facility's phone number; if the phone number is changed, licensing must be notified.
o
Mandatory Forms for the children's files and provider's files.
o
Our Quarterly updates come out every 3 months. They are also now in Spanish. Please log in to the CCLD website, or you can email our advocates to have the quarterly updates sent directly to your email. Child Care Advocates information:
www.childcareadvocatesprogram@cdss.ca.gov
o
Posting Requirements: Failure to comply with posting requirements shall result in an immediate civil penalty of $100.
o
Requirements for fire drills, earthquake drills, and documentation for both.
o
The Duty Worker is available for questions Monday through Friday at (661) 202-3318 from 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
o
The licensee is reminded that 100% supervision is required for children at all times.
o
The licensee was informed of the responsibility to report suspected Child Abuse by calling the Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-540-4000. Also, call the CCL office and follow up with a written Unusual Incident/Injury Report (LIC 624B).
o
The regulation prohibits the smoking of tobacco in a private residence that is licensed as a family childcare home and in those areas of the family childcare home where children are present (24/7 ban).
\303\274
LPA discussed the safe sleep regulations with licensee [or facility representative] 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 [or facility representative] 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.
\303\274
Licensee [or facility representative] 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.
\303\274
IF A FACILITY IS CURRENTLY PROVIDING IMS, USE AS FOLLOWS: This facility provides Incidental Medical Services \342\200\223 IMS. LPA reviewed storage of medication and equipment/supplies, and reviewed children\342\200\231s, personnel, and administrative records. For IMS information see PIN 22-02-CCP. 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-carecenters/
\303\274
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, 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)/ (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/
.
\303\274
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.
\303\274
Family Child Care Homes During the exit interview, the LICENSEE ****, confirmed that there are no Registered Sex Offenders living in the facility and LPA completed the RSO profile in FAS.
\303\274
Family Child Care Homes A notice of site visit was given and must remain posted for 30 days.
\303\274
To improve the quality 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-carelicensing/
inspection-process
.
No deficiencies are being cited at this time.
An exit interview was conducted, and the report was reviewed with the licensee, Cortney Childress.