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Inspection visit

Routine inspection

GARDEN DAY SCHOOLLicense 3767009962 citations on this visit
2 citations recorded

Inspector’s narrative

What the inspector wrote

Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Kelly Gerth conducted an unannounced annual inspection on the above date and time. LPA met with Director Debra Cruz Hamilton and Facility Representative Rebeca Anaya , who provided a tour of the preschool. This facility operates as a combination childcare center, and the following licensed programs were also inspected on this date: Infant Program 376700994. During the inspection, several key facility items were observed and updated where necessary. These included the facility's license, the Emergency Disaster Plan (LIC610) and Earthquake Preparedness Checklist (LIC9148), the Parent’s Rights Poster (PUB393), Personal Rights (LIC613A), the Child Car Seat Law notice, activity schedule and the menu. The facility was found to be operating within the limits stated on its license, and staff-to-child ratios were observed to be 4 Preschool children with 1 staff and 5 School age children with 1 staff present. Classrooms were equipped with some age- and size-appropriate furniture and materials. Facility Representative confirmed that no weapons were present on the premises. There were no accessible bodies of water on-site. Director Debra Cruz Hamilton is aware that any wading pools or similar products must be emptied immediately after use and stored in an upright position. Drinking water was available both indoors and outdoors, via a filtration system and paper cups and/or children’s water bottles. LPA verified that lead testing was completed on 08/05/2023 and the next testing is due 08/2028, five years after last testing. Medications, disinfectants, cleaning solutions, and other hazardous materials were stored /made inaccessible to children during the inspection, while poisons and toxins were securely locked away. The facility’s floors were observed to be safe and clean, and bathroom facilities were sanitary and in proper working condition. The food preparation area was clean, free of litter and pests, and all food was properly stored to prevent contamination. Storage containers for solid waste had tight-fitting covers, which were kept on and in good repair. Page 2/3 The playgrounds were enclosed by a secure gate/wall. Outdoor activity areas contained appropriate equipment. The sign-in/sign-out records were reviewed and found to be in compliance with regulations. Disaster drills are conducted at least every six months, with the most recent drill occurring on 05/22/25. A review of staff and children’s records was conducted as part of this evaluation. Children's records were complete, and staff records confirmed that all present staff met the minimum education qualifications for their respective positions. Both the opening and closing staff members also did not have valid CPR/First Aid certifications. A Deficiency will be issued. Director Debra Cruz Hamilton had completed Health and Safety Training Spring. Additionally, a review of staff records confirmed that all facility staff and other individuals requiring caregiver background checks had received criminal record and child abuse index clearances or exemptions. Director Debra Cruz Hamilton/Facility Representative was reminded that all adults over the age of 18, including employees and volunteers (except as specified in Health and Safety Code section 1596.871), must obtain a criminal record clearance or exemption before their initial presence in the Child Care Center. A civil penalty of $100 per day for up to five days, or up to 30 days for repeat violations, may be assessed for noncompliance. This facility provides IMS. LPA reviewed the storage of medications and equipment/supplies, as well as children's, personnel, and administrative records. Additional IMS information is available in PIN 22-02-CCP. The Director was also provided with information regarding the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), including the U.S. Department of Justice (USDOJ) toll-free ADA Information Line at (800) 514-0301 (voice) or (800) 514-0383 (TTY). Additional information is available at Commonly Asked Questions about Child Care Centers and the ADA . Director Debra Cruz Hamilton/Facility Representative was informed about MyChildCarePlan.org , a consumer education website that connects families with child care providers and Resource & Referral Agencies (R&Rs) throughout California. Licensing forms and regulations for Child Care Centers are available on the Department’s website at www.ccld.ca.gov . Providers can also subscribe to receive updates by entering their email under "Receive Important Updates" on the website. LPA reviewed reporting requirements with Director Debra Cruz Hamilton/Facility Representative emphasizing that any unusual incidents or injuries must be reported within 24 hours via phone and within seven days in writing. Page 3/3 Reports may be submitted by calling the Duty Officer at (951) 782-4200 or emailing UnusualIncidentReportsDO10@dss.ca.gov . To improve the quality and value of the inspection process, a survey may be sent to the provided email. The Director is encouraged to complete the survey and provide feedback on the inspection experience. Any questions regarding the inspection process or CARE tools may be directed to inspectionprocess@dss.ca.gov . Additional details about the inspection process can be found at www.cdss.ca.gov/inforesources/community-care-licensing/inspection-process . On 07/23/2025 a search of the California Attorney General - Megan’s Law website was conducted, and no registered sex offenders were found at the facility address. Some offenders may not be subject to public disclosure under state law; however, the Department performs monthly cross-references of all CCLD facility addresses with the Megan’s Law database provided by the California Department of Justice. The Director was asked to update and submit the following documents to licensing within 30 days, if applicable: · LIC 500 Personnel Report · LIC 610 Emergency & Disaster Plan · Parent Handbook, Program Curriculum, Admission Policies & Procedures, and Fee Schedule (if changed or more than two years old) · LIC 309 Administrative Organization (if changed or more than two years old) · LIC 308 Designation of Administrative Responsibility (if changed or outdated) See LIC809-D for cited deficiencies A Notice of Site Visit was provided and must remain posted for 30 days. An exit interview was conducted, and this report was reviewed with Facility Representative Rebeca Anaya. Appeal rights were discussed and provided during the exit interview.

Citations

2 citations 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.

  • 101215.1(m)Type B

    Based on record review, the licensee did not comply with the section cited above in Licensee/Director did not have a current CPR/1st Aid certfication, which poses/posed a potential health, safety or personal rights risk to persons in care.

  • 101216(f)Type B

    PERSONNEL REQUIREMENTS

    Based on record review the licensee did not comply with the section cited above in 1/1 staff taking the school age children to an off site field trip did not have a current pediatric cardiopulmonary resuscitation and pediatric first aid certificat, which poses/posed 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 July 23, 2025 inspection of GARDEN DAY SCHOOL?

This was a inspection inspection of GARDEN DAY SCHOOL on July 23, 2025. 2 citations were issued: 2 Type B.

Were any citations issued to GARDEN DAY SCHOOL on July 23, 2025?

Yes, 2 citations were issued (0 Type A, 2 Type B). The first citation was for: "Based on record review, the licensee did not comply with the section cited above in Licensee/Director did not have a cur..."

What type of inspection was this?

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

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