Lead safety check·March 22, 2024

On March 22, 2024 at approximately 1:25pm, Licensing Program Analysts (LPAs) Catrina Quimbo and Diana Alvarado, conducted an unannounced case management visit in regards to Action Level Exceedance (ALE) of lead in facility's water. LPAs met with principal, Lisa Zimiga, and explained the purpose of the visit. During visit, no children were present as children were away on a field trip. Drinking water is available to children, both indoors and outdoors, with filtered water pitchers and accessible drinking fountains. Water pitcher is refilled on site through classroom sinks and/or drinking fountains. 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. The facility completed lead water testing March 9, 2024. Facility tested water fixtures located in classrooms and water fountains in the outdoor area, used for drinking purposes. Classroom fixtures were within the parts per billion (ppb) threshold. 2 water fountains (labeled M and N) in the outdoor area (located outside classroom 5) test results exceeded a higher level of ppb allowed, 5.5ppb. The facility was proactive in getting facility faucets tested and putting signs indicating that the water fountain is not for drinking and is currently out of order. The facility took action to contact the facility's management to repair and replace the fixtures. Per principal, fixtures will be replaced and retested by a certified water sampler. During visit, LPAs obtained copies of facility sketch (LIC999) and lead testing report. LPA to verify the child care center sampling checklist (LIC9276) and external water sampler self-certification form (LIC9275) have also been submitted. Facility was issued a Type B citation for lead level exceedances. A plan of correction was discussed with principal. Exit interview conducted and report was reviewed with principal, Lisa Zimiga.