Routine inspection·January 27, 2026

On January 27, 2026 at 9:00AM, Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Hector Canton arrived at La Costa Valley Preschool to conduct an unannounced annual inspection. Upon arrival, LPA met with Julie Cockcroft, Assistant Director, and explained the purpose of the visit. LPA toured the facility, indoors and outdoors, to assess compliance with Title 22. During today\342\200\231s inspection there was 71 children in care with eight staff present. Appropriate care and visual supervision were observed throughout the facility. Director Cynthia Cesena arrived shortly after for the remainder of the inspection. Indoor areas were inspected and found to have furniture and age-appropriate equipment in good condition, adequate heating, lighting, and ventilation. Floors were clean and free of hazards. Drinking water was readily accessible to children. Bathrooms were sanitary, stocked with necessary supplies, and fixtures were operational. Food preparation and storage areas were clean and organized. Solid waste containers had tight-fitting covers and were in good repair. The outdoor play area was observed to be fully fenced and free of hazards. There were no bodies of water on the property. Age-appropriate play equipment was in good condition with adequate cushioning material underneath. Shade and drinking water were available outdoors. Required postings were displayed, including the license, emergency disaster plan, parents\342\200\231 rights, and personal rights. The facility uses Smartcare for sign-in/sign-out; records appeared complete and current. Any hazardous material was locked and inaccessible. Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors were present and operational. The facility documented the last emergency/disaster drill on October 16, 2025. A review of children\342\200\231s records showed all required documents, including admission agreements, emergency contact information, medical assessments, and immunization records were on file. Staff records contained all required documents, including health screenings, immunizations, mandated reporter training certificates, CPR/First Aid certifications, and educational background. 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 as specified in Health and Safety Code section 1597.16. 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.). The last lead water testing was conducted on January 2020 and LPA was unable to verify that the lead testing was completed in accordance to the Written Directives (Interim Licensing Standards) outlined in PIN 21-21.1-CCP. LPA referred facility representative to the Department website for lead: Lead Toxicity Prevention and Water Testing Information ( https://www.cdss.ca.gov/inforesources/child-care-licensing/water-testing-information ) CCC DID NOT COMPLETE TESTING PRIOR TO THEIR DEADLINE Criminal record clearances were verified for all required individuals. Facility representative, Cynthia Cesena, 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. 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/ . See LIC 809-D for type B deficiency issued. Exit interview conducted and report was reviewed with the facility representative, Cynthia Cesena. A notice of site visit was given and must remain posted for 30 days. 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 .