Routine inspection·January 9, 2025

On January 9, 2025, at 9:20 a.m., Licensing Program Analyst (LPA), Angela Nguyen conducted an unannounced Annual/ Random Inspection and met with Director of Early Learning, Melvetta Owens. LPA disclosed the purpose of the inspection and toured the indoors and outdoors of the facility with the Director. Classroom #14 has (11) children, (1) fully qualified teacher, Miriam Contreras, (2) aide\342\200\231s Estephania Lopez and Kirari McNulty which operates Monday \342\200\223 Friday from 8:00- 11:00 a.m. This program has an afternoon session that operates from 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Appropriate Title 5 staffing ratios is maintained during the inspection. This program operates following the yearly schedule of Lemon Grove School District. Furniture and equipment are in good condition. Floor in Classroom #14 is clean and safe. Director has requested LPA to inspect Classroom #800A to use for day care children. Floor in Classroom #800A is clean and safe. Classroom #800A has (2) toilets and (3) sinks within the classroom. 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 to the children. Food is prepared and delivered to the program from the district office. Menus are posted monthly available to view online. Classroom #800A has a carbon monoxide detector that meet requirements. The last disaster drill were conducted and documented on 12/5/2025. Earthquake drill was conducted on 11/4/2024. Director stated that there are no swimming pools or other bodies of water, firearms or ammunition allowed or stored on the premises. ****This is an Amended Report created on 01/09/2025**** On 12/11/2024, Licensee representative submitted a written request to relocate Classroom #14 to the new Classroom (800A) and new outdoor play area located directly in front of the classroom. A fire clearance was granted on 1/6/2025. LPA inspected and measured the classroom #800A which totaled to 1,032.7 square feet which is sufficient to accommodate the current licensed capacity of 24 children. LPA observed all indoor activity space to be complete with safe, age-appropriate furniture and equipment, including tables, chairs, cubbies, napping cots, bookshelves, and other activity supplies for the children. The total outdoor square footage is 5,319.9, which is sufficient to accommodate the current capacity. Metal fencing is at least four feet high. The play structure is age appropriate (2-5 years) and swing set (2-12 years), has rubber padding cushioning surrounding the main play structures, small sand area and a grass area. Shade is provided by the nearby classroom with awning and umbrellas. Drinking water is available in the classroom via drinking fountain and children bring their individual refillable water bottles outdoors. Additional water is available during outdoor activities from water dispenser jug and disposable cups. Director stated that all employee\342\200\231s working at this state preschool have received criminal record clearance and obtained a health screening and TB as a condition of employment with the Lemon Grove School District. Capacity and limitations as specified on the license are being maintained. Children are under supervision, including visual supervision of a teacher during the inspection. Director, Melvetta Owens' Pediatric CPR and First Aid expire 6/2025. Mandated Reporter Training expire on 9/2026. Fully qualified teacher, Miriam Contreras' CRP/First Aid expire 06/2025. Mandated Reporter Training expire on 11/2026. The name of the facility representative and the fully qualified teacher designated to act in the facility representative\342\200\231s absence has been reported to the Department. LPA reviewed facility sign in /sign out sheets. Facility utilizes a physical sign in/out sheet. Director 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\342\200\231s 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 a sample of staff files and observed files were complete with health screening and immunization records. 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). LPA verified that the lead testing was completed in accordance to the Written Directives outlined in PIN 21-21.1-CCP. Director states that the facility does not administer IMS at this time however, the school has a written plans to follow when there are children enrolled. 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 cited during this inspection. Prior to licensure a final file review will be conducted. An exit interview was conducted and report was reviewed with the Director, Melvetta Owens. The Director was provided a copy of their appeal rights (LIC 9058) and Notice of Site Visit (LIC 9213). Failure to comply with posting requirements shall result in an immediate civil penalty of $100. LPA observed Notice of Site Visit posted in the front office.