Pre-licensing visit·March 26, 2024

On 03/25/2024 at 8:30am, Licensing Program Analyst (LPA), Samantha Clenista conducted an announced Pre-licensing follow-up inspection. Upon arrival, LPA met with Elena Alvarado (Center Director). LPA took a tour of the facility per facility sketch. The initial pre-licensing inspection was conducted on 02/12/2024. The purpose of this visit is to follow up on the corrections that needed to be corrected prior to licensure. The following were the listed corrections that LPA noted during the initial pre-licensing inspection: Ensure all outdoor play areas are appropriately fenced and safe for children. Ensure the water fountain that is located right of the building between address 511 and 489 Saxony Place is inaccessible per Building and Grounds regulation 101238(e). Submit updated facility sketch reflecting the following areas; observation room, isolation restroom/area, update number of children sinks and toilets. LPA toured the facility to ensure the first two corrections were complete and meet regulation. LPA first toured the playground and observed all hazardous areas to be fenced off vi a chain link fence higher than 4ft. The playground structures that were in place were observed to be age appropriate and in good repair. LPA observed there to be sufficient wooden chips placed under falling hazards to sustain a fall. Staircases with more than 3 steps were observed to be fenced off during inspection. LPA observed the entire playground to be fenced off per regulation. LPA observed 2.5 ft. cement retaining walls that lead to a slight slope. LPA did not count any of the these slopes as part of the outdoor activity space. LPA advised Director to maintain direct visual supervision of all children to ensure they do not climb up and play over the retaining wall. LPA took photos of the updated playground area. See 809-C for continuation... After touring the updated playground area, LPA measured all play areas that are accessible to children. Play area measured at a total of 3,778.01 sq. ft., sufficient for 50 children at one time. Facility can only be licensed for a capacity of 96 children (due to limited indoor space). Due to the limited outdoor activity space only accommodating 50 children at one time, a playground waiver to share the playground at different times in the AM and PM shall be submitted and approved prior to licensure. Director was reminded that any changes to the facility must be reported to and approved by Community Care Licensing. LPA inspected the water fountain mentioned above. The facility had placed a plastic grate on top of the fountain to refrain from children accessing the water. During inspection, LPA observed that the grate could be lifted at all angles, making it not secure. The grate has numerous holes so that the water can still run through, however, LPA observed that when you push down on the grate, you can easily access deeper water levels. The grate is not bolted to the sides of the top of the fountain, which allows the grate to be easily removed. LPA consulted with LPM Monica Cuddy via FaceTime during inspection and confirmed that the grate that was installed needs to be secure so that it is not easy to life and that you cannot push down on it where you can access deeper water levels. Exit interview was conducted and report was reviewed with Director. Director stated she will provide LPA the playground waiver request and fix the water fountain no later than April 5, 2024. Director stated she will provide proof of correcting the water fountain via video and photos to LPA. Once LPA receives the corrections, LPA will schedule a follow-up inspection to ensure all corrections were met. Once all remaining corrections are met, reviewed and after conducting a final file review, a preschool license for 96 children (ages 2-5 years old) in Rooms #1-#8 may be granted.