Inspector’s narrative
What the inspector wrote
On January 9, 2025, at approximately 8:40 AM., Licensing Program Analysts (LPAs) Van and Badger met with Director Wen Qi for an unannounced annual random inspection. The purpose of the inspection was explained, and access to the Center was granted. This is a preschool program. A teacher and the Director supervised seven preschool children upon LPAs entrance. Another preschool child arrived during the visit. The facility complies with the staff-children ratios today.
LPAs conducted a thorough tour and inspection of the physical plant to identify any potential health and safety hazards. The facility has proper temperature control and ventilation. It uses an electronic sign-in/out app, which provides each family member with a unique access code. All parental signatures were verified, and the number of children present was matched.
The center operates within a spacious open area divided into several smaller sections using shelves. Age-appropriate toys and learning materials are available for children. The furniture was observed to be sturdy and in good condition. Additionally, the facility is equipped with a centralized combination smoke alarm, carbon monoxide detector, and a fully charged fire extinguisher.
LPAs observed electrical wires inadequately covered and dangling near the children's chair. The director stated that she plans to hold a meeting with all staff to inform them not to use any outlets near the children. Additionally, if she intends to use these outlets, she will ensure that all electrical wires are covered and secured safely.
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LPAs noticed that each child has their own cubby labeled with their name. All emergency supplies are stored in a locked storage area. While reviewing children\342\200\231s medications, it was observed that one of the children's epinephrine had expired. The Director mentioned that the child was no longer in need of it. However, the center lacked any written confirmation or statement from the family to support this.
The sleeping cots are appropriately stored. All children's toilets and handwashing sinks are in good working condition and have proper sanitation. LPAs noticed that a container of Lysol wipes was stored on top of the children's toilet tank and was accessible to children. LPAs informed the director that all cleaning products must be kept out of reach of children.
There is a separate bathroom for staff use. The whole time, while LPAs were there, LPAs noted that the staff bathroom door was locked, and there was also a locked baby gate at the front of the bathroom door. While reviewing files and preparing reports, LPAs could hear noise coming from inside the bathroom. About five minutes later, LPAs listened to the sound of a toilet flushing. Shortly after, a man emerged from the bathroom. LPAs introduced themselves and inquired if he was a staff member. The man became irate, questioning why he needed to identify himself and left the facility. The director explained that the man was a performer who had only come in to use the restroom. It is worth mentioning that LPAs arrived at the facility at approximately 8:40 AM, and the unidentified man was quietly in the bathroom until around approximately 10:25 AM.
The facility currently has an outdoor waiver from the Department, allowing a maximum of 9 children in the playground at one time. The outdoor play area is well-maintained, clean, and free of debris. It is fully fenced and in good condition. Additionally, all play structures, including climbing and sliding equipment, have soft artificial turf underneath to prevent accidental falls.
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The center provides lunch and morning and afternoon snacks for the children. Children bring their water bottles, and the center was observed to have a water pitcher available for refills if needed.
All required postings, such as the facility License, Notification of Parent Rights, Personal Rights, Car Seat Law, Emergency Disaster Plan, and Daily activities, were posted. All storage containers for solid waste within the Center have a proper tight-fitting cover.
Random children's records and personnel records were reviewed during the inspection. Records review showed the facility has complete records of each child, including immunizations, admission agreements, emergency contact, and personal rights.
All staff members have valid CPR records and maintain proper immunization records. The director's and staff's educational qualifications showed they had the required ECE units.
While reviewing the director-mandated reporter training certificate and scanning the QR code on it, it was discovered that the director had falsified the certificate by altering the name on it. The QR code verified that the certificate belonged to her staff member, Manlian Li.
The Director stated that the Center conducts fire and earthquake drills monthly; the last drills were conducted on 8/5/2024.
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 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.
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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.
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.
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/
.
The Director 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.
LPA discussed Child Abuse Mandated Training AB1207 with the Director. As of January 1, 2018 all staff will be required to complete Mandated Reporter Training every two years. The training can be obtained online at
www.mandatedreporterca.com
.
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Pesticide regulations were discussed with the Site Director. In accordance with the Healthy Schools Act, California law requires that anyone using any pesticide must be trained every year 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
.
See 809D for deficiencies cited during today\342\200\231s inspection.
A Type \342\200\234A\342\200\235 violation was issued today. The center is informed to provide a copy of the Evaluation Report and the Type \342\200\234A\342\200\235 Deficiency cited to the parents and guardians of children currently enrolled in care and to parents of newly enrolled children during the next 12 months. A signed and dated LIC 9224 shall be maintained in all Children's files. This report and appeal rights were provided and reviewed with the owner. Notice of Site Visit shall remain posted for 30 days.
A notice of site visit was given and must remain posted for 30 days.
Exit interview conducted and report was reviewed with the Director, Wen Qi.