Routine inspection·November 20, 2024

On 11/20/24, at 10:25 AM, Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Matthew Sapien conducted an unannounced Annual Random inspection of the abovementioned Family Child Care Home (FCCH). LPA met with Vickie Bittle, Licensee of the FCCH, and explained the nature and purpose of the inspection. The LPA, in the company of Licensee, toured the interior and exterior of the FCCH. The FCCH is a 3-bedroom and 2-bathroom single-story housing unit. The FCCH utilizes the living room, 1 guest bedroom (converted nap room), playroom, kitchen, dining area, and front yard. The remainder of the home is excluded: 2 additional bedrooms, 1 additional bathroom, and backyard. Importantly to note, excluded areas are made inaccessible by locks and barricaded by fences. At the time of the inspection, there were 6 kids present. LPA observed the FCCH to be orderly and clean. The bathroom, utilized for childcare services, is clean and free of toxins. The bathroom cabinet contains items that aren't hazardous to children in care. Sharps were observed in the kitchen area on an elevated shelf. Cleaning supplies were also observed in the kitchen area beneath the sink in a cabinet made secure by a child safety lock. Personal medication is kept in an excluded bedroom. The Licensee informed the LPA that the FCCH possesses a First Aid Kit. LPA observed age-appropriate books, toys, and other furnishings throughout the interior of the FCCH (playroom and nap room). LPA observed a pellet burning stove in the living room made secure by a metal screen. LPA observed appropriate licensing forms and documents posted prominently to a wall in the kitchen of the FCCH. LPA observed smoke and carbon monoxide detectors within the FCCH. At 10:46 AM, the smoke detector was tested, while at 10:47 AM the carbon monoxide detector was tested. Both detectors were found to be operational. LPA also observed a regulation fire extinguisher in the FCCH, which was last serviced on 2/9/24. (CONT. 809-C, Page 2) LPA reminded the Licensee to service or purchase a regulation fire extinguisher annually. LPA reviewed the FCCH's disaster drill log. The most recent disaster drill occurred on 9/13/24. Licensee informed LPA that the FCCH conducts disaster drills every month to two months. As noted towards the beginning of the report, the front yard is accessible to children in care. The FCCH's backyard is enclosed by secure wire and wooden fencing throughout the perimeter. The fence\342\200\231s entry/exit points are secure. As is the case with the interior of the FCCH, the outdoor area has age-appropriate toys, play structures, and other equipment throughout the area that can afford for healthful childcare services. Licensee was reminded to replace toys and play equipment which start to degrade or are not in good repair. The footing of the exterior is made up of varying surfaces (dirt, sand, concrete pavement, and natural grass). Shade is also provided for children by the way of trees on the property. Prior to children playing outside, the Licensee attested that they make sure the area is clean and safe for children in care. The Licensee also attested to LPA that children are always supervised when engaged in outside activity. LPA confirmed that the Licensee does not have any bodies of water on site. LPA observed no animals at the FCCH. LPA reviewed children's records. The records are current, complete, and possessed emergency contact information and immunization records, among other relevant licensing documents. The Licensee's records were also reviewed. The Licensee\342\200\231s CPR/First Aid Training (EMSA approved), expiring on 7/21/25, and Mandated Reporter Training, expiring on 7/24/25, is current and complete as are other relevant licensing documents and forms. Licensee was reminded to renew certifications and training prior to expirations. The Licensee informed LPA that there are no firearms or ammunition present within the FCCH. The Licensee does not currently administer medication or provide Incidental Medical Services (IMS) to children in care. IMS policy was discussed. For IMS information see PIN 22-02CCP. When any IMS is provided, a Plan for Providing 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, available at: http://www.ada.gov/childqanda.htm . LPA discussed the safe sleep regulations with Licensee and discussed the Child Care Licensing Safe Sleep webpage at https://www.cdss.ca.gov/inforesources/child-care-licensing/public-information-and-resources/safe-sleep as an additional resource. (CONT. 809-C, Page 3) LPA also informed Licensee of the importance of checking for recalled infant devices on the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) website at https://www.cpsc.gov/ and recommended they register all infant devices with the CPSC to be notified of any recalls on their purchased equipment. Licensee was reminded that all adults 18 and over living in the home, persons who provide care and supervision to children, and staff who have contact with children, 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 licensed Family Child Care Home. 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. During the exit interview, the Licensee confirmed that there are no Registered Sex Offenders living in the facility when the LPA completed a RSO profile in FAS on 11/20/24. During today's inspection, no deficiencies were given. Licensee was provided a copy of their appeal rights (LIC 9058) and their signature on this form acknowledges receipt of these rights. A notice of site visit was given and must remain posted for 30 days. Exit interview was conducted and report was reviewed with the Licensee, Vickie Bittle.