Routine inspection·February 26, 2026

On February 26, 2026 at approximately 9:15AM, Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Katie Krenn arrived at Kirk House Preschool to conduct an unannounced annual inspection. LPA met with the Director, Ms. Ruth Esteverena (D1) and explained the purpose of today\342\200\231s visit. During today\342\200\231s inspection, LPA observed five staff supervising 26 preschool children (ages 2 \342\200\223 5 years old). All staff present during today\342\200\231s inspection have received background fingerprint clearance from the Department of Social Services and are associated with this facility on Guardian. The facility operates Monday through Friday as a part-day program. Hours of operation for the main program are 9:00AM to 12:00PM with optional morning care starting at 8:15AM and optional aftercare until 1:00PM. The program operates in four classrooms: Art Room, Block Room, and Turtle Room, with periodic use of Room 12 in a building across an outdoor walk way. There are two outdoor play areas available for the children. One play area is for children aged 2 \342\200\223 3 years old and a larger outdoor play area is for children aged 3 - 5 years old. This is a Nut-Free Facility. Per D1, there are no pools, spas, or other similar bodies of water on the property. LPA observed that all required postings, including the facility license, Notification of Parents\342\200\231 Rights, Personal Rights, Car Seat Law, and Emergency Disaster Plan, were displayed and visible in the hallway area where children\342\200\231s personal belongings are stored. continued on page 2 Page 2 The most recent emergency disaster drill was conducted on January 2026, and LPA observed that it was documented in the emergency drill log. Drills are conducted at least once every six months. Children are signed in and out using paper sign-in/out sheets. LPA reviewed the sign-in/out sheets. LPA observed that parents and caregivers are not using their full name when signing the child in and out. LPA reminded D1 that sign in and sign out sheets must have a full name signature. D1 stated that they understood. Per D1, they are planning to start using an app for sign ins in the future. The facility is equipped with a first aid kit in each classroom, an integrated smoke detector and fire alarm, a carbon monoxide detector, and fully charged 2A10BC fire extinguishers accessible to each classroom. LPA tested the carbon monoxide detector and observed it to be operational. Smoke detectors are part of an integrated system inspected by the fire department. LPA inspected the indoor and outdoor areas for health and safety hazards. The facility was clean, safe, and well-maintained. Disinfectants, cleaning solutions, and other hazardous items were stored in locked cabinets and inaccessible to children. Electrical outlets were covered with child safety covers. LPA observed age-appropriate toys, furniture, and learning materials in all classrooms. Bathrooms were clean, fully operational, and equipped with appropriate toileting and handwashing facilities. Drinking water was accessible to children throughout the day from non-contaminating fixtures. The outdoor play area was observed to be free of debris and hazards. The area is enclosed by a fence at least four feet high. Play structures and swings were in good condition and cushioned with sand and woodchips. Sandboxes are not covered when not in use, but are inspected every morning. Per D1, they do not have any trouble keeping the sandboxes clean. LPA did not observe any pools, spas, or bodies of water on the property. D1 confirmed that there were no firearms or weapons stored at the facility. Children bring snacks and lunches from home. The facility does not provide meals but uses the kitchen for preparation as needed. This is a part-day program and does not offer nap time; therefore, no napping supplies were observed. continued on page 3 Page 3 LPA reviewed six children\342\200\231s files and confirmed that emergency contact and medical information were complete. Allergy information and medication storage were properly documented and medications were stored inaccessible to children. LPA reviewed five staff files. LPA verified that four staffs member hold current Pediatric First Aid and CPR certification. All staff reviewed had completed Mandated Reporter Training. Staff qualifications and immunization records were available for review. LPA observed that two staff are missing required immunization records. One staff did not have complete medical information available for review. LPA was able to verify that four staff have the required Early Childhood Education units for fully qualified teachers. Facility Representative was reminded that all adults 18 and over, 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 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. Assembly Bill (AB) 2370, Chapter 676, Statutes of 2018, requires all licensed Child Care Centers (CCCs) constructed before January 1, 2010, to test their water (used for drinking and food preparation) for lead contamination before January 1, 2023, and then every 5-years after the date of the first test as specified in Health and Safety Code section 1597.16. For child care center licenses issued after July 1, 2022, 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 (Interim Licensing Standards) outlined in PIN 21-21.1-CCP. LPA referred facility representative to the Department website for lead: Lead Toxicity Prevention and Water Testing Information ( https://www.cdss.ca.gov/inforesources/child-care-licensing/water-testing-information ) Include the applicable scenario for the CCC, un-bolded, into the report: \342\200\242 CCC COMPLETED TESTING AND NO LEAD EXCEEDANCES, or continued on page 4 Page 4 This facility provides Incidental Medical Services \342\200\223 IMS. LPA reviewed storage of medication and equipment/supplies, and reviewed children\342\200\231s, personnel, and administrative records. 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 (TTY) 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 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 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. A notice of site visit was given and must remain posted for 30 days. No deficiencies were cited during today\342\200\231s visit. Exit interview conducted and report was reviewed with the Director, Ms. Ruth Esteverena.