Routine inspection·December 5, 2024

On December 5, 2024, at 11:05 a.m., Licensing Program Analysts (LPAs), Angela Nguyen and Jacqueline Macias and Licensing Program Manager (LPM) Tulam Vu conducted an unannounced Annual/ Random Inspection however, no teachers or children were observed on site. LPAs met with Teacher Assistant Adriana Poland and was notified that the children were out on a field trip to the library, returning at 11:33 a.m. LPA and LPM met with Site Supervisor, Katie Wuest and disclosed the purpose of the inspection and toured the indoors and outdoors of the facility. Classroom #1 has 13 children and Site Supervisor, Katie Wuest and fully qualified teacher Ariana Valadez and 1 teacher assistant which operates Monday- Friday from 9:00 a.m.- 12:30 p.m. Classroom #2 has 4 napping children with 2 fully qualified teachers, Kemerely Gondek and Winona Upton, which operates all day from Monday – Friday from 8:00 a.m. 4:00 p.m. Appropriate Title 5 staffing ratios are maintained during the inspection. This program operates following the yearly schedule of Mountain Empire Unified School District. Furniture and equipment are in good condition. Floors in classrooms 1 and 2 are clean and safe. Classroom #1 has 1 toilet and 1 sink. Classroom #2 has 2 toilets and 3 sinks. Toilets and hand-washing equipment are in safe and sanitary operating condition. Paper towels and toilet paper are available. The bathroom is lighted and has ventilation. Disinfectants, cleaning solutions,and other hazardous items were made inaccessible to children in locked cabinets during time of inspection. The facility provides breakfast, lunch, and snack. Food is prepared and delivered to the program from the district office from the main kitchen at the high school. Menus are posted monthly and posted in the classrooms. Both classrooms have a carbon monoxide detector that meet requirements. The last fire and disaster drill were conducted and documented on 09/09/2024. Site supervisor stated that there are no swimming pools or other bodies of water, firearms or ammunition allowed or stored on the premises. On 11/14/2024, Licensee Representative submitted a written request to inspect the new outdoor play area located in front of the classrooms. LPA inspected and measured the outdoor play area total at 4144 square feet sufficient to accommodate 55 children. Site Supervisor states that the facility does not administer IMS at this time however, she will contact LPA when there are children enrolled to create a plan for the school. 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 are available at: https://www.ada.gov/resources/child-care-centers/ . 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 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 . No deficiencies were cited at this inspection. An exit interview was conducted and report was reviewed with the Site Supervisor, Katie Wuest. The Site Supervisor was provided a Notice of Site Visit (LIC 9213). LPA observed Notice of Site Visit posted on the bulletin board in classroom #1 and #2. Licensee Representative, Crystal Kremensky arrived during the visit and authorized Site Supervisor, Katie Wuest to sign the licensing report. The new outdoor play area has age appropriate (2-5 years) play structure with rubber padding cushioning and shade provided by the tree and nearby classrooms. Site Supervisor states that she will be adding additional shade to the play structure. Drinking water is available in the classrooms via water bottles that are located in the classroom and children bring their individual refillable water bottles outdoors. Additional water bottles are available during outdoor activities. The new playground is not fully fenced at time of inspection. Site Supervisor states that a work order has been submitted and will be completed by approximately 12/13/2024 and photos will be submitted to LPA. The children will continue to use the existing playground until the new playground is completed. Site Supervisor stated that all employees working at this state preschool have received criminal record clearance with the Mountain Empire Unified School District. Site Supervisor also stated that all employees have obtained a health screening and TB test as a condition of employment with the Mountain Empire Unified School District. Capacity and limitations as specified on the license are being maintained. Children are under supervision, including visual supervision, of a teacher at all times. Facility maintains Title 5 staffing ratio of one teacher supervising no more than eight (8) children in care. Site Supervisor, Katie Wuest has 16 hours preventive health training including CPR and Pediatric First Aid expire 08/2026. The name of the facility representative and the fully qualified teacher designated to act in the facility representative’s absence has been reported to the Department. LPA reviewed facility sign in /sign out sheets. Facility utilizes a physical sign in/out sheet. Site Supervisor was reminded that the person who signs the child in and out of the facility shall use their full legal signature and record the time of day. LPA reviewed a sample of children’s files and observed files were complete with contact information for authorized representative and or relatives or others who can assume responsibility for the child and medical assessment. LPA reviewed all staff files and observed files were complete with staff qualifications, immunization records for influenza, pertussis and measles and current documentation of completed mandated reporter training. 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).