Inspector’s narrative
What the inspector wrote
On 1/21/26, at 10:00 AM, Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Matthew Sapien conducted an annual random inspection of the abovementioned Child Care Center (CCC). LPA met with Mercedes Petway, Director 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 large classroom for the school age side, one outdoor play yard, and two bathrooms. For the preschool side, the CCC uses three classrooms ("Main Classroom", "Circle Time Classroom", and "Dramatic Play Classroom"), a kitchen, two bathrooms, and one outdoor play yard. The preschool side is located upstairs, while the school age classroom is located downstairs. The school age and preschool side each have their own entrance (sign in/sign out area). On the school age side, there is also a Director's office and a couple of storage rooms.
The CCC operates Monday through Friday from 7:00 AM until 5:30 PM. At the time of the inspection, 10:00 AM, LPA observed 17 children in care and 6 additional staff members (cleared and associated). Importantly to note, around 11:25 AM, 19 additional children arrived from school.
The classrooms of the CCC are clean and orderly. The classrooms have age-appropriate equipment and furnishings for children in care. The classrooms contain a number of closets and storage spaces all of which contain items, equipment, and other related objects for children in care. As mentioned prior, the school age and preschool side each utilize two bathrooms, both of which possess adequate numbers of toilets and sinks for children in care. The bathrooms were found to be clean, orderly, and rid of any hazardous items for children in care.
Children enjoy morning and afternoon snacks provided by the CCC. Lunches are brought from home. Like snacks, filtered water is also provided by the CCC via a water dispenser. Children bring reusable water bottles from home, however, paper cups are available on site for children in care. (CONT. LIC 809-C, Page 2)
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). LPA verified that the lead testing was completed in accordance to the Written Directives outlined in PIN 21-21.1-CCP and is valid until December of 2027.
LPA observed daily routine schedules, required notices, and other relevant licensing documents posted prominently for both school age and pre school classrooms. At the CCC, children's sign in and sign out sheets are completed on paper and stored within a binder at the entrance ways. LPA found that the CCC completed their most recent disaster drill on 11/18/25 when there was an earthquake in the area. Director informed LPA that the CCC conducts disaster drills every six months.
In the main school age classroom, a dual carbon monoxide and smoke detector was tested at 10:48 AM and near the main preschool classroom, another dual detector was tested at 11:11 AM and both were found to be operational. Cleaning supplies are stored on an elevated shelf in the staff bathroom. Sharps are stored in elevated shelves on the school age side in a break room and in various classroom areas throughout the CCC. Medication at the CCC is kept in secure lockbox in the kitchen. No children currently require medication. LPA viewed a First Aid Kit in the CCC. The First Aid Kit was observed to contain appropriate supplies.
As mentioned prior, the CCC has access to an outdoor play yard and is segmented for school age and preschool sides. The outside playground area is enclosed by chain linked fencing throughout. 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 structures in the outdoor playground areas have adequate cushioning to absorb falls (sand). The surface of the outdoor playground area is varied. The areas are made up of both concrete pavement, rock pebbles, artificial turf, and dirt. Shade is provided by various sun sails, umbrellas, and neighboring trees throughout. On the school age side of the yard, LPA observed a play structure, slide, basketball hoop, and a bike path. LPA also observed a number of sandboxes and water tables throughout the yards. LPA reminded the Director of the safe practices when it comes to water table usage. LPA also observed one sizeable locked shed in the yard that is used to store child care related equipment. 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 (CONT. 809-C, Page 3)
found to contain emergency contact information as well admission agreements, among other relevant licensing documents and forms. Staff records were reviewed and contained current pediatric CPR and First Aid certifications (EMSA approved) and 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 Director and discussed the Child Care Licensing Safe Sleep at
https://www.cdss.ca.gov/inforesources/child-care-licensing/public-information-and-resources/safe-sleep
as an additional resource. This facility does not currently care for infants 24 months and under.
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/
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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 citations were issued.
During the exit interview, the Facility Representative confirmed that there are no Registered Sex Offenders living in the facility when the LPA completed an RSO profile in FAS on 1/21/26.
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, Mercedes Petway.