Inspector’s narrative
What the inspector wrote
On 03/05/2025 at 10:10AM, Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Saul Zazueta conducted an unannounced Annual inspection with Licensee, Ayako Kusano. LPA disclosed the purpose of the inspection and was led on a tour of the facility, both indoors and outdoors. This facility is a one-story, three (3) bedroom, two (2) bathroom house. The following areas are used for childcare: living room, kitchen, day care room, and bathroom #1. Off limits areas include bedroom #1, bedroom #2, bedroom #3, bathroom #2, and garage. Licensee stated that they use the garage for activities. LPA observed foam mats and a piano in the garage, which the licensee stated is used for dance time. All other off-limits areas are inaccessible to children by use of safety gates and locking doors. Days and hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 8:30AM to 2:30PM. There were nine (9) children, from the ages of 2 to 4, and one assistant present during the inspection.
The fire extinguisher met requirements and were observed to be operational. LPA observed the smoke detector to be in a drawer in the living room with no batteries. Licensee stated that this is the only smoke detector in the home, and she removes it because it is sensitive to cooking smoke. LPA did not observe a carbon monoxide detector and licensee stated that they do not know what that is. LPA informed licensee that poisons, detergents, cleaning compounds, medications and other hazardous items shall be placed in a storage area and locked. LPA observed “Pink Stuff” cleaning compound and pet care products in an unsecured cabinet located underneath the sink in bathroom #1. Kitchen knives and all other hazardous items were made inaccessible to children by use of cabinet locks. Backyard is used for outdoor activities. LPA informed licensee to ensure that children are supervised at all times during outdoor activities. There is no fireplace in the home. Licensee stated that there are no pool or bodies of water on the premises, which was confirmed by LPA during inspection. Licensee has children's toys, play equipment and books available. Licensee has a working cell phone. Licensee stated that there are no firearms, other weapons, or ammunition in the home.
A review of staff records on this date indicates that all facility staff or other individuals who require caregiver background checks have received criminal record and child abuse clearances or exemptions.
LPA reviewed children’s files and found files to be incomplete. LPA observed two children present without required documentation. Licensee stated that they just started, and their parents have not submitted any paperwork yet.
Licensee and assistant are prominently Japanese speaking and are exempt from the Mandated Reporter AB1207. The Licensee completed 8 hours of preventative health which included nutrition and lead training on 11/20/2021. Pediatric CPR and First Aid certification expired on 12/04/2023. Licensee has required immunizations, per file review. Parents Rights Poster was not observed to be posted at the time of inspection. Facility roster is not maintained by licensee. The licensee has not conducted fire and disaster drills.
Licensee 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 safe sleep regulations with licensee 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
. 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.
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/
.
Licensee was informed the following items are prohibited during day care operating hours (walkers, exersaucers, jumpers and bouncy seats). Corporal punishment and smoking are not allowed in the day care. LPA reviewed with licensee the LIC 311D, Forms/Records to Keep in Your Family Child Care Homes, children’s forms/records, facility forms/records, and information to be posted. Entrance Checklist was provided to the applicant.
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.
On this date, 03/05/2025, the California Attorney General - Megan’s 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. LPA discussed California Megan's Law with licensee and provided:
www.meganslaw.ca.gov
.
Licensee was informed of the MyChildCarePlan.org website; a consumer education website that helps families obtain childcare by connecting them to childcare providers and Resource and Referral Agencies (R&Rs) throughout California.
To improve the quality and value of the new inspection process, a survey will 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 tools, please send them by email 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
.
Per California Code of Regulations, (Title 22, division 12 & Chapter 3) one (1) Type A citations, eight (8) Type B are being cited on the attached LIC 809-D.
LPA, Saul Zazueta, informed Licensee, Ayako Kusano, that this report, dated 03/05.2025, documents one (1) Type A citation(s), which shall be posted for 30 consecutive days as there is immediate risk(s) to the health, safety, or personal rights of children in care.
Also, LPA, Saul Zazueta, informed the Licensee, Ayako Kusano, to provide a copy of this licensing report dated 03/05/2025 that documents Type A citation(s) to parents/guardians of all children currently enrolled by the next business day or the next day the children are in care, and to any newly enrolled parents/guardians for 12 months from the date of this report. A signed Acknowledgement of Receipt of Licensing Report (LIC 9224), or other written statement, must be placed in the child's file for verification.
A notice of site visit was given and must remain posted for 30 days.
During the exit interview, the Licensee, Ayako Kusano, confirmed that there are no Registered Sex Offenders living in the facility and LPA completed the RSO profile in FAS.
An exit interview was conducted, and this report was reviewed with Licensee, Ayako Kusano.
