Routine inspection·February 10, 2026

On 2/10/26, at 12:30 PM, Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Matthew Sapien conducted an annual random inspection of the abovementioned Child Care Center (CCC). LPA met with Taylor Brown, Site Supervisor of the CCC, and explained the purpose of the inspection. LPA toured the entirety of the the CCC (interior and exterior). The CCC uses one classroom (Classroom 805), a set of bathrooms, and one playground. The CCC is on the grounds of Santa Margarita Elementary School. The CCC operates Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM until 11:20 AM and from 11:40 AM until 6:00 PM. At the time of the inspection, LPA observed 4 children in care. Besides the Site Supervisor, LPA observed 4 additional staff members. Of those 4, three staff members are cleared and associated. LPA also observed the Area Manager, Dawn Martin. The classroom of the CCC is clean and orderly. The classroom has age-appropriate equipment and furnishings for children in care. The classroom contains a number of closets and storage spaces all of which contain items, equipment, and other related objects for children in care. As mentioned prior, there is a set of bathrooms that are available for children to use. The bathrooms are a distance from the classroom near the outdoor playground area. Both bathrooms possess an adequate numbers of toilets and sinks for children in care. There are 3 sinks in each bathroom. In the girls bathroom, there are 3 toilets and in the boys bathroom, there are 2 urinals and 2 toilets. The bathrooms were found to be clean, orderly, and rid of any hazardous items for children in care. At the CCC, one snack is provided for children in care. Filtered water is provided by the CCC via a water dispenser. Children bring reusable water bottles from home to drink with with and disposable cups are available. 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 confirmed that lead testing is valid through June of 2028. (CONT. LIC 809-C, Page 2) LPA observed daily routine schedules, required notices, and other relevant licensing documents posted prominently in the classroom. At the CCC, children's sign in and sign out sheets can be completed on paper or digitally via the Line Leader/Discover Champions application. LPA found that the CCC completed their most recent disaster drill on 11/18/25 due to an Earthquake in the area. Site Supervisor informed LPA that the CCC conducts disaster drills every month, however, holiday scheduling recently interrupted this routine. In the classroom, a carbon monoxide detector was tested at 12:05 PM and was found to be operational. The CCC's smoke detectors were not tested by the LPA as the detectors are integrated in the elementary school's fire detection system. LPA was informed the elementary school's fire detection system is monitored by school service personnel. Cleaning supplies are stored in an elevated cabinet in the classroom, out of reach of children in care. Sharps, like scissors, are stored in a secure drawer within the teacher's desk. Medication is kept in a secure lockbox and is stored in an elevated cabinet in the classroom. LPA viewed various First Aid Kits in the CCC. The First Aid Kits were observed to contain appropriate supplies. As mentioned prior, the CCC has access to an outdoor play yard. The outside playground area is enclosed by chain linked fencing and gates. The fence\342\200\231s entry and exit gates in the yard are secure and furnishings in the area are age appropriate. The play equipment is free of sharp, loose, or pointed objects. The play structure in the outdoor playground area has adequate cushioning to absorb falls (playground foam). The surface of the outdoor playground area is varied. The areas are made up of both concrete pavement, natural grass, black top, and playground foam. Shade is provided by neighboring trees and by classroom building overhangs. During the warm summer months, canopies are also installed if there's the need. Site Supervisor also informed LPA that children can also play on a nearby blacktop. The blacktop is sectioned off by cones to create a perimeter for children in care. Facility Representative attested to LPA 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 were reviewed and contained current Mandated Reporter Training certificates among other relevant licensing documents. LPA confirmed that there are no bodies of water, firearms, or ammunition that are on site. LPA discussed the safe sleep regulations with Site Supervisor and discussed the Child Care Licensing Safe Sleep at https://www.cdss.ca.gov/inforesources/child-care-licensing/public-information-and-resources/safe-sleep (CONT. 809-C, Page 3) as an additional resource. This facility does not currently care for infants 24 months and under. This facility does currently provide Incidental Medical Services \342\200\223 IMS. LPA reviewed storage of medication equipment and supplies, and also reviewed children\342\200\231s, personnel, and administrative records related to such needs. 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 inspection, one Type A citation was issued (see (LIC 809-D page). Upon receipt, the Site Supervisor shall provide copies of this licensing report to parents and guardians of children in care and to parents and guardians of children newly enrolled at the facility during the next 12 months. The Acknowledgement of Receipt (LIC 9224) shall be completed and signed by each parent and guardian with copies maintained in each child's file. The Site Supervisor was informed that any additional Type A citations may result in further administrative action against the CCC. During the exit interview, the Facility Representative confirmed that there are no Registered Sex Offenders present at the facility when the LPA completed an RSO profile in FAS on 2/10/26. Facility Representative was provided with Appeal Rights (LIC 9058) and a Notice of Site Visit (LIC 9213). The Notice of Site Visit form must be posted for 30 days or a civil penalty of $100 may apply. An exit interview was conducted, and the report was reviewed with Facility Representative, Taylor Brown.