Routine inspection (3-year)·September 11, 2025

On September 11th, 2025, at 9:00 AM, Licensing Program Analysts (LPA), Oscar Picazo conducted an unannounced 3 year Required Inspection and met with site Principal, Dr. Francisco Lopez. Dr. Lopez escorted LPA to preschool room 16 and met with Lead Teacher Lorena Dambois. LPA disclosed the purpose of the inspection and toured the facility; indoors and outdoors. This is a full day/half day program which operates on a traditional year around school schedule with the National School District. The following ratios were observed: 14 children with three (3) staff members, Lead Teacher Lorena Dambois, Health Instructional Assistant Cindy Escobedo and substitute Instructional Assistant Imelda Padilla in classroom 16. At approximately 11:00 AM, Early Childhood Program Coordinator, Jannette Colada-Tacto arrived to the facility. Days and hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM through 11:00 AM (half day program) and 8:00 AM to 2:30 PM (full day program except on Thursday which is a minimum day schedule). Upon her arrival, Program Coordinator stated that classrooms 15 and 16 used to be two (2) separate classrooms that after the remodel a few years back, were combined into one single classroom and renamed classroom 16. The coordinator stated that it was an accidental oversight of the specifications on the license and that the room number will be changed back to read room 15. During the inspection LPA observed other young children in the outdoor activity space that were not part of the lead teacher's preschool group. Lead teacher stated that the outdoor play area is shared with the preschool special education (PreSpEd) and TK programs. She stated they do not commingle the preschool age children with the other programs during outdoor activities and use a staggered out door activity schedule. She stated TK used to use another space but recently started sharing the preschool space. Currently, there are no waivers or Plans of Operation in place, requested or on file. LPA had a discussion with the Program Coordinator indicating that the outdoor See LIC 809C Continuation... activity is solely licensed to and for the exclusive use by the preschool. LPA advised that in order for the outdoor space to be shared with another program, the licensee must submit a waiver request indicating why it is needed and show why the other programs cannot be accommodated elsewhere. Disinfectants, cleaning solutions, and other hazardous items were made inaccessible to the children in care, per observation. No poisons were observed during the inspection. Furniture and equipment in the classroom were observed and found to be in good condition, free of sharp, loose or pointed parts. All toilets and hand washing facilities were observed to be in safe and sanitary operating condition. There are two (2) restrooms, and two (2) sinks located in the classroom for the children to use. There is separate restroom designated for staff to use. The floors in the facility were observed to be clean and safe. Based on observation, the facility has a functioning carbon monoxide detector and a first aid kit that meet statutory requirements. The last fire drill was conducted and documented on 8/29/2025. Lead teacher states the the school year has just started and that the next earthquake drill is scheduled for 09/17/2025 and the lock down drill is scheduled for 09/24/25. The playground equipment and play materials were observed to be in safe condition, age appropriate, free of sharp, loose or pointed parts. Areas around high climbing equipment were observed to have a wood chips for cushioning material surrounding the age-appropriate play structure (2-5 years). The outdoor area is completely fenced and lead teacher states staff use zoning for supervision. Shade was observed in the outdoor activity space by the use of a large tree and shade canopy. The school district provides the program with breakfast and lunch. Menus are posted monthly. Solid waste storage containers were observed to have tight-fitting covers and in good repair. Hydration stations with filtered water is available outdoors and children bring their own water bottles. Lead teacher stated that there are no swimming pools or other bodies of water, firearms or ammunition allowed or stored on the premises. Capacity and limitations as specified on the license are being maintained. Children are under supervision, including visual supervision, of a teacher at all times. Facility maintains a ratio of one teacher supervising no more than eight (8) children in care. LPA reviewed a sample of children\342\200\231s files and observed files were complete with contact information for authorized representative and or relatives or others who can assume responsibility for the child and medical assessment. See LIC 809C Continuation... LPA reviewed a sample of staff files and observed files were complete with, immunization records for influenza, pertussis and measles and current documentation of completed mandated reporter training. Program Coordinator stated that all employee\342\200\231s working at this state preschool have received criminal record clearance and have obtained a health screening and TB as a condition of employment with the National School District. At least one person trained in CPR and Pediatric First Aid is present when children are at the facility. Fully qualified teacher, Lorena Dambois, CRP/First aide expires 10/2026. Mandated Reporter Training was taken on 8/29/2025. The name of the facility representative and the fully qualified teacher designated to act in the facility representative\342\200\231s absence has been reported to the Department. LPA reviewed facility sign in /sign out sheets. Facility utilizes a physical sign in/out sheet. The Program Coordinator was reminded that the person who signs the child in and out of the facility shall use their full legal signature and record the time of day. 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). Lead teacher states that this facility does not currently provides Incidental Medical Services \342\200\223 IMS but it is available. 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/ . Community Care Licensing Division (CCLD) regularly sends information to licensed facilities, providers, and stakeholders by way of Provider Information Notices (PIN), Program Quarterly Update Newsletters and other important information communication platform. To receive important licensed - related information to licensed facilities, visit the CCLD Important Information website at https://www.cdss.ca.gov/inforesources/community-care-licensing/subscribe and select the Child Care option to receive email communication. See LIC 809C Continuation... LPA discussed and provided Program Coordinator with the following: childcare advocates email address: childcareadvocatesprogram@dss.ca.gov . In addition, for general questions or questions regarding licensing requirements contact the Child Care Licensing Duty Line at (619) 767-2248. Program Coordinator was informed of the MyChildCarePlan.org site, 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. Please visit the Guardian web page and set-up your Guardian account. https://cdss.ca.gov/inforesources/cdss-programs/community-care-licensing/caregiver-background-check/guardian If you have any questions regarding Guardian, please contact CDSS at email: guardian@dss.ca.gov LPA requested an updated sketch and parent handbook. 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-care-licensing/inspection-process . The following is pending with a due date of 09/22/2025: Verification of the Room 16 change back to Room 15. A letter requesting the change for the outdoor activity space. A waiver request for the new shared outdoor activity space. No deficiencies were cited during this inspection. An exit interview was conducted and report was reviewed with the Early Childhood Program Coordinator Jannette Colada-Tacto. Appeal Rights (LIC 9058) was provided. Program Coordinator was provided the Notice of Site Visit (LIC 9213) and advised to post and must remain posted on, or immediately adjacent to, the interior side of the main door for 30 days. Failure to comply with posting requirements shall result in an immediate civil penalty of $100. LPA observed Notice of Site Visit posted on the wall in classroom.