Inspector’s narrative
What the inspector wrote
On March 4, 2026, Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Van conducted an unannounced annual inspection and met with Director Kimberly Moran. The purpose of the inspection was explained, and the director granted LPA access to the classroom. This is a preschool center that operates at St. Gabriel Catholic School. At the time of inspection, 4 staff members, including the director, were supervising 29 children. The facility complies with the current staff-to-child ratios.
All staff present during the inspection had their criminal records verified through the CDSS Guardian Background Check site and were found eligible.
The days and operations hours are Monday - Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
The Center utilizes an electronic sign-in and sign-out system called ProCare. Records reviewed showed that each parent or authorized representative had an individual access code, and the system accurately captured timestamps for children being signed in and out. However, it was noted that a child\342\200\231s sign-in was not documented because the parent or authorized representative did not log into the system. As a result, a technical violation was issued.
LPA and the director conducted a walkthrough of the Center to assess potential health and safety risks. The preschool operates within a spacious classroom divided into two pods/class sections by removable vinyl partitions. The classroom is clean, orderly, and maintained at comfortable temperatures with adequate ventilation. Age-appropriate toys and learning materials were available, and all furniture appeared sturdy and in good condition. The Center is equipped with a combination smoke alarm and carbon monoxide detector, and a fully charged 2A:10 BC fire extinguisher.
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LPA observed that each child has their own cubby for personal belongings. Sleeping cots were properly stored when not in use. According to the director, all napping equipment is provided by the family. Emergency supplies were kept in locked storage areas to ensure they remained secure and inaccessible to children. All medications are stored in the director\342\200\231s office. During the review, one medication was found to have recently expired. The director was reminded to conduct regular checks to ensure all medications remain current and unexpired.
The classroom sink was observed to be missing the hot
\342\200\221
water faucet handle. The director reported that the issue has already been submitted to the school\342\200\231s maintenance staff for repair. According to the director, the maintenance personnel will repair the faucet handle this Friday. Once the faucet is fixed, the center will provide the Licensing office with a photo confirming the repair is complete. A technical violation was issued.
Disinfectants, cleaning solutions, poisons, and other hazardous materials were stored out of children\342\200\231s reach. All accessible cabinets and drawers in the classrooms were checked and found free of hazardous items.
All children\342\200\231s toilets and handwashing stations were operational and properly sanitized. A separate staff bathroom was also available on site. The director confirmed that no firearms were stored at the facility.
The center has an approved, scheduled outdoor rotation waiver from the department, allowing 22 children to use the outdoor areas each time. The outdoor play area is well-maintained, clean, free of debris, and completely fenced. All gates are secured to prevent unsupervised access, and any storage sheds or utility areas remain locked and inaccessible to children. There are no pools, spas, or other bodies of water present in the outdoor space. LPA reminded the director that drinking water should be available and easily accessible.
The director reported that the center does not provide food. Children bring their own lunches and snacks from home. All solid-waste containers observed had tight-fitting lids. Children also bring individual water bottles, and potable water is available on site for refilling throughout the day.
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All required postings, including the Facility License, Outdoor Waiver, Notification of Parent Rights, Personal Rights, Car Seat Law, Emergency Disaster Plan, and Daily Activities, were posted.
The Director stated that the Center conducts fire and earthquake drills at least once every six months; the last drills were conducted on February 3, 2026.
LPA reviewed a sample of children\342\200\231s and staff records during the inspection. Children\342\200\231s files were complete and included required documents such as immunization records, admission agreements, emergency contact information, and personal rights forms. Staff files showed that all employees and individuals subject to background checks had received the appropriate criminal record and child abuse index clearances or exemptions. All staff members held current CPR certifications, maintained required immunization records, and were up to date on mandated reporter training. The director\342\200\231s and staff\342\200\231s educational documentation confirmed completion of the required ECE units.
Assembly Bill (AB) 2370, Chapter 676, Statutes of 2018, requires all licensed Childcare 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.
CCC COMPLETED TESTING AND NO LEAD EXCEEDANCES:
LPA verified that the lead testing was completed in accordance with the Written Directives outlined in PIN 21-21.1-CCP.
The 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/
.
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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 Childcare 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.
The Director was informed of the MyChildCarePlan.org website; a consumer education website that helps families obtain childcare by connecting them to childcare providers and Resource and Referral Agencies (R&Rs) throughout California.
LPA discussed AB1207, the Child Abuse Mandated Training, with the Director. As of January 1, 2018, all staff must complete Mandated Reporter Training every two years. The training is available online at
www.mandatedreporterca.com
.
Pesticide regulations were discussed with the Director. In accordance with the Healthy Schools Act, California law requires that anyone using pesticides be trained annually in integrated pest management and the safe use of pesticides around children. The director was advised that a free one-hour online course is available on the Department of Pesticide Regulation's Web site:
www.cdpr.ca.gov/schoolipm/training
. For questions, email
ccipmlist@cdpr.ca.gov
.
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
.
A notice of site visit was given and must remain posted for 30 days.
The exit interview was conducted, and the report and appeal rights were reviewed with the Director, Kimberly Moran.