Facility-requested visit·June 14, 2024

On June 14, 2024 at approximately 9:15am, Licensing Program Analysts (LPAs) Melissa Zaragoza and Catrina Quimbo conducted an unannounced, case management inspection to Highlands Christian Schools. LPAs met with director, Crystal Camacho, and associate director, Samaa Srouji, and explained the purpose of the visit. Present during LPA's visit included 11 teaching staff and 47 children. Facility is operating within capacity limits and ratio during LPA's visit. Teaching staff present have fingerprint clearance on file. In September of 2022, facility informed department of an unusual incident that affected preschool program\342\200\231s outdoor area. Electricity lines behind fenced outdoor area spilled oil on playground structures. Preschool program\342\200\231s outdoor area play structures were made inaccessible to children while area was cleaned and renovated. Preschool program children utilized alternate play areas in outdoor area during renovation. In June of 2024, facility completed play structures renovation. LPAs inspected new play structures in preschool outdoor area for health and safety hazards. There are two play structures that will be for preschool\342\200\231s use. One fully fenced playground with a new play structure for the toddler option children and a separate play structure for the preschool children. Toddler option playground is full fenced and enclosed. Preschool program playground is separately fenced and enclosed. LPAs observed both play structures located in outdoor area. Play structure #1 will be used for children 3 and up. Play structure #1 has a resilient padding flooring underneath entire structure, slides, and climbing upstairs. There is a roof covering for shade over the play structure. Per director, there will be supervision on main slide and climbing upstairs. Children will be reminded they can climb up the structures but cannot climb down the structures. Slides will be monitored at all times. Per director, only one child at a time can go down the slide. Next to play structure #1 is a newly installed umbrella that covers the sun and allows shade outside for children. LPAs observed play structure can sustain the weight of an adult. Panels on play structure are not solid and are visible for staff member to monitor children while structure is in use. Play structure #2 is separated from play structure number #1. Play structure #2 is fully fenced and will be used for ages 3 and under (toddler option children only). Older children will not have access to toddler playground. Playground has resilient padding underneath entire structure. Play structure has natural shade from trees around the area. Playground has musical instruments installed that children can use, and mushroom shaped seats for resting. Per director, children will take their own water bottles outside when using play structures. Per director, play grounds are cleaned daily prior to children\342\200\231s use, to maintain cleanliness and keep areas in proper working condition. LPAs did not observe any hazardous materials in outdoor area that are accessible to children. LPAs reminded director children must always be supervised when using play structure and when in the outdoor area. LPAs will approve the use of both play sutures effective today, 06/14/2024. A copy of this report, and the \342\200\234Notice of Site Visit,\342\200\235 were given to the director. A \342\200\234Notice of Site Visit\342\200\235 must remain posted for 30 days. An exit interview was conducted, and the report was reviewed with facility representatives, Crystal Camacho and Samaa Srouji.