Skip to main content

Inspection visit

Routine inspection

CHILDREN'S PARADISE INC. - MELROSELicense 3767001211 citation on this visit
1 citation recorded

Inspector’s narrative

What the inspector wrote

Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) William Chancellor conducted an unannounced annual inspection on February 24, 2025, at 9:30 AM. LPA met with Director Leanne Sparks and Assistant Director of Child Development Delaney Villani, who provided a tour of the center. This is a combination childcare center, where the preschool and toddler component was additionally reviewed on todays date. A tour of both the indoor and outdoor areas of the facility was conducted, and the following observations were noted. During the visit the facility had 30 infant aged children enrolled and 25 present. The required postings, including the facility license, Emergency Disaster Plan (LIC610), Earthquake Preparedness Checklist (LIC9148), Parent\342\200\231s Rights Poster (PUB393), Personal Rights (LIC613A), Child Car Seat Law, and menus, were observed to be up to date and appropriately displayed. The facility is operating within the capacity limits as stated on its license. During the inspection, staff-to-child ratios were observed; 1:4 or less. Classrooms contained age and size-appropriate furniture and equipment, free of hazards. Director Leanne Sparks confirmed that no weapons are present on the premises, and there are no accessible bodies of water. Director confirmed and is aware that any wading pools or similar items must be emptied immediately after use and stored upright. Drinking water is available both indoors and outdoors, through filtered drinking fountains and disposable cups. Medications are stored in an area that is inaccessible to children, with the specific location noted. Hazardous items, including disinfectants, cleaning solutions, and other dangerous substances, are stored out of children\342\200\231s reach, while poisons and toxins are securely locked away. The floors were observed to be clean, safe, and well-maintained. Changing tables are within arm\342\200\231s reach of a sink, have a minimum one-inch thick padding, and feature raised sides of at least three inches covered in washable vinyl or plastic. Proper hand washing procedures were observed before and after diapering and feeding. The bathrooms were found to be clean, safe, and in proper working conditions. Outdoor play areas are equipped with age and size-appropriate equipment in good condition. The food preparation area is clean, free of litter and pests, and properly maintained. Filtered water is used for food preparation and food is stored correctly to prevent contamination. Waste containers have tight-fitting covers and are in good repair. The sign-in/sign-out records were reviewed and found to be compliant with regulations. Disaster drills are conducted at least every six months, with the most recent drill occurring in January 2026. A review of children\342\200\231s and staff records confirmed that all required documents are complete. Staff qualifications meet licensing requirements, and at least one staff member has a valid Pediatric CPR/First Aid certification and was present, with certification expiration dates documented. The director has completed Health and Safety Training. Background clearances for all required staff members have been verified, ensuring compliance with criminal record and child abuse index clearance requirements. The director 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. 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. LPA verified 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 COMPLETED TESTING AND NO LEAD EXCEEDANCE. The director was informed about the MyChildCarePlan.org website, a consumer education resource that HELPS families obtain child care by connecting them to child care providers and Resource and Referral Agencies (R&Rs) throughout California. LPA discussed safe sleep regulations with the facility representative and discussed the Child Care Licensing Safe Sleep webpage https://www.cdss.ca.gov/inforesources/child-care-licensing/public-information-and-resources/safe-sleep as an additional resource . LPA also informed the director of the importance of checking for and removing any 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. This facility provided Incidental Medical Services \342\200\223 IMS. LPA reviewed medication storage of equipment/supplies and reviewed children\342\200\231s, personnel, and administrative records. For IMS information see PIN 22-02-CCP. The following information regarding ADA compliance was provided: US Department of Justice (USDOJ) toll-free ADA Information Line at (800) 514-0301 (voice) or (800) 514-0383 (TTY), and the link to publication: Commonly Asked Questions about Child Care Centers and the ADA" available at https://www.ada.gov/resources/child-care-centers/ . LPA reviewed reporting requirements with the director, emphasizing that any unusual incidents or injuries must be reported to the Department within 24 hours via telephone and within seven days in writing. The Duty Officer can be reached Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM at (951) 782-4200, or reports may be emailed to UnusualIncidentReportsDO10@dss.ca.gov . To improve the quality of inspections, 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 director was requested to update and submit the following documents within 30 days, \302\267 LIC 500 Personnel Report, \302\267 LIC 610 Emergency & Disaster Plan, \302\267 Parent Handbook/Program Curriculum/Admission Policies and Procedures/Fee Schedule (if updates have been made or if the file copy is older than two years), \302\267 LIC 309 Administrative Organization (if updated within the past two years), and \302\267 LIC 308 Designation of Administrative Responsibility (if updated within the past two years). Please refer to LIC809-D for cited deficiencies. A Notice of Site Visit was provided and must remain posted for 30 days. An exit interview was conducted with Director Leanne Sparks, and a copy of this report was reviewed. Appeal rights were discussed and provided during the exit interview.

Citations

1 citation recorded*CCLD

What does Type A vs Type B mean?

Type A. Serious citation. Imminent or substantial risk to children. The regulator requires corrective action immediately and may impose a civil penalty.

Type B. Lower-severity citation. Corrective action required, no imminent risk. The regulator monitors compliance on the next visit.

  • 101429(a)(2)(B)(3)Type B

    Based on interview and record review, the licensee did not comply with the section cited above in eight of eight infant files reviewed. Where eight infants requiring documentation of position was not included with sleep logs. Which poses a potential health, safety or personal rights risk to persons in care.

FAQ · About this visit

Common questions about this visit

What happened during the February 24, 2026 inspection of CHILDREN'S PARADISE INC. - MELROSE?

This was a other inspection of CHILDREN'S PARADISE INC. - MELROSE on February 24, 2026. 1 citation were issued: 1 Type B.

Were any citations issued to CHILDREN'S PARADISE INC. - MELROSE on February 24, 2026?

Yes, 1 citation was issued (0 Type A, 1 Type B). The first citation was for: "Based on interview and record review, the licensee did not comply with the section cited above in eight of eight infant ..."

What type of inspection was this?

This was a other inspection. other inspections are conducted by CCLD as part of their licensing oversight.

Share this reportEmail

Next steps

If this is your facility,claim this pageand add your response to the public record. Free.

Spotted an inaccuracy on this visit?Request a reviewand we will check it against the public record.

Researching this visit professionally?Book a 20-minute calland we will walk through what we have on file.

Data from CCLD public records. Last updated . If you believe any information is inaccurate, report it here.