Inspector’s narrative
What the inspector wrote
Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) William Chancellor conducted an unannounced annual inspection for a large family childcare at the above home on March 26, 2025, at 2:16PM. LPA met with Licensee (LIC) Sherry Clark, who was supervising children during nap. To maintain supervision and ratios indoors, LIC authorized LPA to conduct an inspection independently indoors and outdoors. Upon arrival, LPA observed eight children present, including three infants, and one assistant.
The facility operates Monday through Friday, 6:30AM- 6PM. Current ages served, include children three months to eight years old. Certain areas are listed as off-limits, including the converted garage and backyard. LPA observed high latch locks on bedroom doors, and a locked side gate, ensuring that all off-limit areas are inaccessible to day-care children during operation hours. The facility is licensed as a large Family Child Care Home (FCCH) with a maximum capacity of fourteen children and is operating within the licensed capacity on the license. The fire clearance for a large family childcare was approved on January 1, 2016, by Vista Fire Department.
During the inspection, LPA observed LIC supervising children during nap time, with assistant 1(A1) present in the main daycare area. Six children were observed to be napping and fully asleep, while one child was awake and on the nap cot and another in licensee arms. LPA initiated a walk through of the home, indoors and out from 2:16-2:40PM. After nap, when outdoors, children were observed engaging in gross motor activities, such as bike riding and playing tag. Both licensee and assistant were observed interacting and supervising all eight children when outdoors. Snack was offered outside and children began to be pickup and escorted to the bathroom with adult supervision.
LPA confirmed Licensee has a working cell phone and the current phone number on file is correct. A fully charged fire extinguisher (2A:10BC) was observed, mounted on the kitchen wall. LPA confirmed that the fire extinguisher is still fully charged and in the green zone. LPA reminded licensee that it is recommended for fire extinguishers to be serviced at least every other year, when used and not charged. LPA observed a functioning dual smoke alarm/carbon monoxide detector mounted in the hallway. LPA confirmed all child safety locks to off-limit areas are in working order, making hazardous items, including toxins, and medications locked and inaccessible to children.
Licensee, Sherry Clark, stated weapons are not present in the home at this time. Licensee understands that all firearms, weapons, and ammunition must be locked separately and made inaccessible as per Title 22 Regulations. CCL must be notified prior to purchasing a firearm and storage of weapons in a licensed facility. Licensee stated and LPA confirmed there
are not
any pools, spas, or other bodies of water present at the FCCH property at this time. Licensee understands that all bodies of water including ponds, above ground pools, spas, and some fountains must be properly covered or fenced per Title 22 Regulations. The Department must be notified before and after installation of the above types of bodies of water. In addition, all wading pools or similar products must be emptied immediately after use and stored in an upright position.
The facility provides a variety of age-appropriate toys for children, both indoors and outdoors. LPA confirmed the required postings, including the Facility Sketch, Emergency Disaster Plan, License and Notification of Parent\342\200\231s Rights, are displayed on the entry door of the daycare area in the home. Fire and disaster drill documentation is not maintained or recorded and was unavailable for review during inspection. A deficiency will be cited.
LPA began auditing staff files at 2:46PM. Children's files were audited from 2:56-3:22PM. Both children's and employees' records were found to be incomplete at this time. Two separate deficiencies will be cited, referencing required immunization's and updated documentation of CDPH 286. Both licensee and assistant have current Mandated Reporter Training and Pediatric CPR and First aid certificates and are valid until October 2026. LPA confirmed all residents of the home and staff, requiring caregiver background checks have received and are appropriately associated with necessary clearances and exemptions.
Licensee Sherry Clark, 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.
LPA discussed the safe sleep regulations with Licensee Sherry Clark 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 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. LPA reminded infant sleep logs require documentation of a child\342\200\231s position, when under the age of 12 months, if in a position other than their back. A technical violation will be provided due to two infants utilizing a sleep sack and clipped pacifier during nap. Please reference Advisory notes as needed.
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, available at:
https://www.ada.gov/resources/child-care-centers/
Licensee 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.
On-line Licensing forms & regulations for a Child Care Center can be obtained on the Department\342\200\231s website:
www.ccld.ca.gov
. Additionally, there is a link to \342\200\234Receive Important Updates\342\200\235 located on the right side of the page, immediately above Quick Links. One can add their email address and choose which program(s) they wish to receive Provider Information Notices (PIN) for.
The Duty Officer is available to answer questions Monday \342\200\223 Friday; 8:00am to 5:00pm at: 951-782-4200. Unusual Incident Reports (UIR) must be called in within 24 hours and then electronically emailed or faxed within 7 business days at: unusualincidentreportsDO10@dss.ca.gov.
On this date, March 25, 2025, the California Attorney General - Megan\342\200\231s Law website was searched for information on sex offenders required to register with local law enforcement under California's Megan's Law. No registered sex offenders were found at the facility addresses. Under state law, some registered sex offenders are not subject to public disclosure; therefore, they may not have been included in this search. However, the Department conducts a monthly cross reference of each address on record for all registered sex offenders against all CCLD facility addresses pursuant to information shared by California DOJ.
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 for CARE tools, please send the 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/process
.
Please refer to 809-D for cited deficiencies. Please reference advisory notes, LIC 9102 to review regulations that were observed to be either in question or a potential risk for a future deficiency cited. Advisory Notes are provided with the intent to avoid issuing citations for violations that are technical in nature and do not present an immediate or potential health, safety or personal rights risk to those in care.
A Notice of Site Visit (NOS) was given and must remain posted for 30 consecutive days. LPA reminded licensee that NOS must be posted in a prominent, visible space available to parents, guardians or care givers.
An exit interview was conducted, and a copy of this this report was reviewed with Licensee, Sherry Clark. Appeal rights were discussed and provided during the exit interview. Licensee stated they agreed for all forms to be electronically sent, due to FAS error at the end of LPA inspection.
