Inspector’s narrative
What the inspector wrote
On 5/5/25, at 12:40 PM, Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Matthew Sapien conducted an unannounced annual random Inspection of the abovementioned Child Care Center (CCC). LPA met with Catherine Evenson, Director of the CCC, and explained the nature and purpose of the inspection. The LPA, in the company of the Director, toured the interior and exterior of the CCC. The CCC operates on the grounds of the First Mennonite Church of Paso Robles. The CCC utilizes a main classroom, a \342\200\234beginner\342\200\231s classroom\342\200\235 for ages 2-3, a \342\200\234preschool classroom\342\200\235 for ages 3-4, two bathrooms, a large backyard play area, and a front yard play area infrequently as well. Importantly to note, excluded areas within the building possess child safety gates and/or door locks.
The CCC's hours of operation are 7:00 AM until 6:00 PM Monday through Friday. During the inspection, LPA observed 16 children in care along with 3 additional staff members who are cleared and associated.
The classrooms of the CCC are clean and orderly. The classrooms have age-appropriate books, equipment, and other furnishings for children in care. The classrooms contain several closets, cabinets, and other storage containers for childcare equipment, files, and other related items. The CCC also stores childcare equipment in the Director\342\200\231s office and in a storage room, both of which are off-limits. The bathrooms, located within the main classroom, each possess 1 sink and 2 toilets. Both bathrooms were found to be clean and orderly.
Within the kitchen, the CCC possesses an operational refrigerator that has food items for children and staff. Director informed LPA that children have an AM and PM snack throughout the day. Lunches are brought from home by children. There is available drinking water for children at the CCC. The water utilized is from the building\342\200\231s water supply. Director informed LPA that each child has a labeled water (CONT. 809-C, Page 2)
California Department of Social Services
CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
SANTA BARBARA CC RO
,
6500 HOLLISTER AVE., SUITE 200
GOLETA
,
CA
93117
bottle available to them at the CCC. Children are also supplied with cups to drink with.
CCCs constructed before 1/1/20, are supposed to test their water (used for drinking and food preparation) for lead contamination before 1/1/23, and then every 5-years except after the date of the first test. For child care center licenses issued after 7/1/22, the licensee shall test their water for lead within 180 days of licensure pursuant to Written Directives section 101700 (PIN 21-21.1-CCP). Through interview and record review, LPA verified that lead testing was completed in accordance to the directives outlined above.
LPA observed required notices and other relevant licensing documents posted prominently just outside the door of the main classroom of the CCC. Director informed LPA that the CCC utilizes the Brightwheel application for signing in and signing out children.
LPA observed a combination smoke and carbon monoxide detector in the \342\200\234beginner\342\200\231s classroom\342\200\235. The detector was tested at 1:03 PM and was found to be operational. In the kitchen, cleaning compounds were observed in a locked cabinet beneath the sink. Additional cleaning solutions were observed in a locked storage room. No children currently require medication, however, the CCC possesses a lock box in the event of a child having a medication need. Sharps, like scissors and cutting knives, were observed in an elevated cabinet in the kitchen. LPA also observed a First Aid kit in the kitchen that contains hydrogen peroxide, band aids, and other appropriate supplies.
The outdoor playground areas are enclosed by chain linked fencing and wooden fencing throughout. The fence\342\200\231s entry and exit gates are secure. Like the classrooms, the outdoor areas have age-appropriate equipment and other related furnishings for children in care. The footing of the exterior is varied: concrete pavement, wood chips, natural grass, and artificial turf. LPA observed a playground, a number of sand boxes, and three large sheds. These sheds all possess childcare related equipment. Shade is provided by neighboring trees throughout and building overhangs. Director attested that children are always supervised while outside and that the outdoor area is inspected prior to letting children outside.
A sampling of staff and children's records were reviewed. The children\342\200\231s records were complete and were found to contain emergency contact information as well admission agreements, among other relevant licensing documents and forms. Staff records and other relevant licensing documents were reviewed. Director informed LPA that pediatric CPR and First Aid certifications (EMSA approved) recently expired for staff and a renewal training appointment has already been scheduled for 5/9/25. The last disaster drill on site occurred on 4/7/25. Director informed LPA that disaster drills are conducted monthly rather than every six months as required by the Department. LPA confirmed that there are no bodies of water, firearms, or (CONT. 809-C, Page 3)
CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
SANTA BARBARA CC RO
,
6500 HOLLISTER AVE., SUITE 200
GOLETA
,
CA
93117
ammunition that are stored on site.
This facility does not currently provide Incidental Medical Services \342\200\223 IMS. For IMS information see PIN 22-02-CCP. 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 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/
.
Facility representative was reminded that all adults 18 and over, including employees and volunteers, as specified in HSC 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.
Facility representative 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.
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
.
During today's visit, no deficiencies were issued.
Facility Representative was provided with Appeal Rights (LIC 9058) and their signature on this form acknowledges receipt of these rights. Additionally, a Notice of Site Visit (LIC 9213) was given and must be posted for 30 days or a civil penalty of $100 may apply.
An exit interview was conducted and report was reviewed with Facility Representative, Catherine Evenson.
bottle available to them at the CCC. Children are also supplied with cups to drink with.
CCCs constructed before 1/1/20, are supposed to test their water (used for drinking and food preparation) for lead contamination before 1/1/23, and then every 5-years except after the date of the first test. For child care center licenses issued after 7/1/22, the licensee shall test their water for lead within 180 days of licensure pursuant to Written Directives section 101700 (PIN 21-21.1-CCP). Through interview and record review, LPA verified that lead testing was completed in accordance to the directives outlined above.
LPA observed required notices and other relevant licensing documents posted prominently just outside the door of the main classroom of the CCC. Director informed LPA that the CCC utilizes the Brightwheel application for signing in and signing out children.
LPA observed a combination smoke and carbon monoxide detector in the \342\200\234beginner\342\200\231s classroom\342\200\235. The detector was tested at 1:03 PM and was found to be operational. In the kitchen, cleaning compounds were observed in a locked cabinet beneath the sink. Additional cleaning solutions were observed in a locked storage room. No children currently require medication, however, the CCC possesses a lock box in the event of a child having a medication need. Sharps, like scissors and cutting knives, were observed in an elevated cabinet in the kitchen. LPA also observed a First Aid kit in the kitchen that contains hydrogen peroxide, band aids, and other appropriate supplies.
The outdoor playground areas are enclosed by chain linked fencing and wooden fencing throughout. The fence\342\200\231s entry and exit gates are secure. Like the classrooms, the outdoor areas have age-appropriate equipment and other related furnishings for children in care. The footing of the exterior is varied: concrete pavement, wood chips, natural grass, and artificial turf. LPA observed a playground, a number of sand boxes, and three large sheds. These sheds all possess childcare related equipment. Shade is provided by neighboring trees throughout and building overhangs. Director attested that children are always supervised while outside and that the outdoor area is inspected prior to letting children outside.
A sampling of staff and children's records were reviewed. The children\342\200\231s records were complete and were found to contain emergency contact information as well admission agreements, among other relevant licensing documents and forms. Staff records and other relevant licensing documents were reviewed. Director informed LPA that pediatric CPR and First Aid certifications (EMSA approved) recently expired for staff and a renewal training appointment has already been scheduled for 5/9/25. The last disaster drill on site occurred on 4/7/25. Director informed LPA that disaster drills are conducted monthly rather than every six months as required by the Department. LPA confirmed that there are no bodies of water, firearms, or (CONT. 809-C, Page 3)
ammunition that are stored on site.
This facility does not currently provide Incidental Medical Services \342\200\223 IMS. For IMS information see PIN 22-02-CCP. 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 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/
.
Facility representative was reminded that all adults 18 and over, including employees and volunteers, as specified in HSC 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.
Facility representative 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.
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
.
During today's visit, no deficiencies were issued.
Facility Representative was provided with Appeal Rights (LIC 9058) and their signature on this form acknowledges receipt of these rights. Additionally, a Notice of Site Visit (LIC 9213) was given and must be posted for 30 days or a civil penalty of $100 may apply.
An exit interview was conducted and report was reviewed with Facility Representative, Catherine Evenson.