Inspector’s narrative
What the inspector wrote
On 5/20/26, at 9:40 AM, Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Matthew Sapien conducted an unannounced random inspection of the abovementioned Child Care Center (CCC). LPA met with Angelica Ruiz, Director of the CCC, and explained the nature and purpose of the inspection. The LPA, in the company of the Facility Representative, toured the interior and exterior of the CCC. The CCC utilizes 3 classrooms (pre-primary room for 2-3 years old, primary room for 3-5 years old, and kindergarten room for 5 years and older), 3 bathrooms, and two outdoor play areas. The remainder of the building (staff offices, break rooms, staff bathrooms, and kitchen area) are excluded from childcare services. Importantly to note, a private elementary school is also present on the grounds of the CCC, however, the school is not licensed through CDSS. Also, significant to note, the elementary school uses the Stephen B Dudley Community Room, which is a large barn style building located near the outdoor yard. The room is used for special events solely for the elementary school. Elementary school children also do not commingle with CCC children.
The CCC’s hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM until 5:00 PM. At the time of the inspection, LPA observed a total of 61 children in care and six additional staff members (cleared and associated). There were 12 children in the pre-primary class, 34 children in the primary class, and 15 children in the kindergarten classroom. Importantly to note, there is also a full-time office worker who greets visitors at the entryway of the CCC.
The classrooms of the CCC was found to be clean and orderly. The classrooms have age-appropriate equipment and furnishings for children in care. The classrooms contain various closets, compartments, and storage spaces all of which contain items, equipment, and other related objects for children in care. The bathrooms utilized at the CCC contained an adequate numbers of toilets (5) and sinks (9) for children in care. Each of the classrooms possess an interconnected bathroom. The bathrooms were found to be clean, orderly, and rid of any hazardous items for children in care. (CONT. LIC 809-C, Page 2)
As aforementioned, the CCC possesses a staff only bathroom, smaller kitchen area, offices, and break rooms. The kitchen contains an operational refrigerator which contains some food items for staff and children in care. Children enjoy a morning and afternoon snack provided by the CCC. Lunches are brought from home. Filtered water is provided by the CCC via a filtered five gallon water dispenser. Children bring reusable water bottles from home to drink with. The CCC also stores disposable water bottles in the event that the water dispenser runs empty.
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. Current testing runs valid through November of 2027.
LPA observed daily routine schedules, required notices, and other relevant licensing documents posted prominently at the entry way of the CCC. At the CCC, children's sign in and sign out sheets are completed via Brightwheel. LPA found that the CCC completed their most recent disaster drill on 4/22/26. Facility Representative informed LPA that disaster drills are conducted at least once every six months.
In the pre-primary classroom, a carbon monoxide detector was tested at 10:36 AM and was found to be operational. In the primary classroom, a carbon monoxide detector was tested at 10:48 AM and was also found to be operational. In the kindergarten classroom, the Facility Representative couldn't locate a carbon monoxide detector to test. LPA advised that the Facility Representative purchases or obtains a carbon monoxide detector and installs in the classroom. The CCC's smoke detectors were not tested by the LPA as the CCC's smoke detectors are integrated into the building's fire detection systems. Cleaning supplies and sharps are stored in elevated areas in the classrooms, all out of reach of children in care. Additional cleaning supplies are stored in a staff-only break room. No children currently require medication. LPA viewed a number of First Aid Kits in classrooms and in the staff-only break room. All kits contained appropriate supplies.
As mentioned prior, the CCC has access to a couple of outdoor play yards. The pre-primary group of children have their own yard, while the primary and kindergarten groups share the same yard. The outside playground areas are enclosed by secure wired fencing throughout. The fence’s 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 (CONT. 809-C, Page 3)
falls (wood chips). The surface of the outdoor playground area is varied. The area is made up of both wood chips, concrete pavement, rubber foam, dirt, artificial turf, and natural grass. Shade is provided by building overhangs and large trees throughout the yard. LPA observed decorative buildings, play structures, zip lines, and basketball hoops in the yard for the older children. LPA also observed an age-appropriate play structure in the pre-primary yard. 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’s 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 pediatric CPR and First Aid certifications (EMSA approved) and Mandated Reporter Training certificates among other relevant licensing documents. LPA observed no bodies of water, firearms, or ammunition on site and confirmed that this was the case with the Facility Representative.
This facility does not currently provide Incidental Medical Services (IMS) or administer medication for children in care. 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
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During today's visit, no citations were issued. (CONT. 809-C, Page 4)
During the exit interview, the Facility Representative confirmed that there are no Registered Sex Offenders in the facility when the LPA completed an RSO profile in FAS on 5/20/26.
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, Angelica Ruiz.