Inspector’s narrative
What the inspector wrote
On September 11, 2025 at 9:30AM, Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Hector Canton and Licensing Program Manager (LPM) Joelle Redding arrived at The Learning Tree to conduct an unannounced annual inspection. Upon arrival, LPA met with New Facility Director, Allison Smith, and explained the purpose of the visit. The director packet for Allison Smith has been submitted. The information was reviewed during this visit and found to be complete. LPA toured the facility, both indoors and outdoors, to ensure compliance with Title 22 regulations. Present during the inspection were 20 children and 5 staff, proper capacity and ratios were observed within the limits of the fire clearance and license. During today's visit, LPA received an updated LIC 999 - Facility Sketch and the file will be reviewed and updated accordingly.
Appropriate care and visual supervision were observed. Indoor areas were inspected and found to have furniture and age-appropriate equipment in good condition, adequate heating, lighting, and ventilation, clean and safe floors, and drinking water readily accessible. Bathrooms were sanitary and stocked with paper towels and toilet paper. LPA observed that one toilet and one sink was out of order; Director stated that a work order has been placed, pending servicing. Food preparation and storage areas were clean and free of hazards, with cleaning supplies stored separately from food and inaccessible to children. Solid waste containers had tight-fitting covers and were in good repair. Poisons were locked and inaccessible. The carbon monoxide detector was operational. LPA discussed with the facility representative, Allison Smith, napping equipment storage requirements. The last emergency drill was conducted on March 31, 2025. The outdoor play area was observed to be fully fenced, with adequate cushioning under climbing equipment, no bodies of water present, securely anchored and age-appropriate equipment, and shade provided. Drinking water was accessible outdoors, and the grounds were free of debris and hazards.
CONTINUED ON LIC 809-C (PAGE 2)
A review of children\342\200\231s records showed all required documents, including but not limited to admission agreements, medical assessments, and emergency contact information were on file. Staff records contained required documents including health screenings, CPR/First Aid certifications, immunizations, and educational background/training, however staff did not all have updated mandated reporter training, director understands the requirement for all staff to complete this training every two years and LPA issued a technical violation during today's inspection.
Criminal record clearances were verified for all required individuals. Director, Allison Smith, 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. 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). During interview, Director stated that they were unaware of the prior lead testing date and will reach out to the Licensee for verification. LPA will revisit and, if there requirement has not been met, a deficiency will be issued.
The facility currently provide Incidental Medical Services (IMS). LPA discussed the IMS policy and explained that when IMS is provided, a Plan for Providing IMS must be submitted to the Department. The licensee was provided with guidance available in Provider Information Notice PIN 22-02-CCP. Additional ADA resources were discussed, including the U.S. Department of Justice ADA Information Line at (800) 514-0301 (voice) or (800) 514-0383 (TTY), and the publication \342\200\234Commonly Asked Questions About Child Care Centers and the ADA,\342\200\235 which is available online at
https://www.ada.gov/resources/child-care-centers/
. IMS were in place today.
Facility Representative 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.
CONTINUED ON LIC 809-C (PAGE 3)
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 platforms. To receive important licensed related information to licensed facilities, visit the CCLD Important Information website at
https://www.cdss.ca.gov/inforesources/community-carelicensing/subscribe
and select the Child Care option to receive email communication. Select \342\200\234Child Care\342\200\235 then \342\200\234Quick Links\342\200\235 and Quarterly Updates. Select \342\200\234Receive Important Updates\342\200\235 then put the email address in and choose which program(s) you would like to subscribe to and select \342\200\234subscribe.\342\200\235 In addition, for common questions or questions regarding licensing requirements to contact the Child Care Licensing duty line at 619-767-2248.
No deficiencies cited during today's inspection, see LIC 9102 for Technical Violation issued. A notice of site visit was given and must remain posted for 30 days. Exit interview conducted and report was reviewed with Director, Allison Smith.
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 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
.