Inspector’s narrative
What the inspector wrote
On May 5, 2026, a Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Van conducted an announced annual inspection and met with the Licensee, Zhanneta Karapetyan (Janet). The purpose of the inspection was explained, and the licensee granted LPA access to the home. Upon entering the house, LPA observed the children having breakfast. The licensee and an assistant supervised 9 children (1 infant and 8 preschoolers). The licensee complies with her licensed capacity and limitations.
The licensee and individuals residing in the home have had their criminal record clearances verified through the CDSS Background Check System, and they are confirmed to have an eligible clearance status on file.
The
childcare areas
are the living room, dining area, hallway, bathroom, and backyard.
Off-limit areas
are the garage, office room (next to the garage), kitchen, and all bedrooms on the upper level. LPA reminded the licensee that all off-limits areas must remain inaccessible to children at all times by using gates or barricades. During the inspection, it was observed that the bathroom is located on a split-level floor, requiring passage up or down approximately 7–8 steps. A mesh safety gate is installed at the bottom of the staircase; however, it was observed to be left unlocked for most of the inspection. LPA advised the licensee that the mesh gate remain securely locked whenever children are present to ensure compliance with safety requirements.
The days and hours of operation are Monday–Friday, 7:30 am–5:00 pm.
LPA toured the child-care areas to assess potential health and safety hazards. The approved child care areas of the home were found to be clean, well-organized, and free of hazards. Age-appropriate educational, imaginative, and sensory toys were available and in good condition. Required safety equipment was present and functioning, including a fully stocked first-aid kit, operational smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and a mounted 2A:10 BC fire extinguisher that met regulatory standards.
Continued on page 2.
page 2.
During the inspection, LPA observed the licensee’s assistant using one of the bedrooms, an area designated as off-limits, to change a child’s diaper.
Cleaning supplies and disinfectants were stored out of children’s reach. The licensee confirmed that no guns or weapons were in the home. No baby walkers, bouncers, or similar prohibited equipment were observed in the childcare areas. The licensee was also reminded that smoking is not permitted in the family child care home.
No cribs or Pack 'n Plays were observed, and no infant sleeping logs were available for review. The licensee reported that one infant is enrolled part-time and that a Pack-N-Play is available in the home but not currently in use, as the infant is typically picked up around 12:00 p.m. LPA reminded the licensee that if an infant needs to nap, a Pack-N-Play must be set up and used. An infant sleep log must be maintained with checks every 15 minutes. LPA also reminded the licensee that sleep sacks are not permitted in the facility.
The backyard is fully fenced and includes a concrete slab area for bike riding and a fenced deck. Within the fenced deck area, there are climbing and sliding play structures. LPA observed that no cushioning material was installed beneath the play structures during the inspection. The licensee stated that soft rubber cushioning pads are placed under the structures when children are playing. The licensee provided LPA with a sample of the rubber cushioning stored in the shed during the visit.
Temporary absence requirements were reviewed with the licensee. LPA reminded the licensee that they must remain on the premises to ensure children are supervised at all times. If the licensee must leave, the temporary absence may not exceed 20% of the facility’s daily operating hours.
All required licensing postings were observed, including the facility License, the Notification of Parents' Rights, and the Earthquake Preparedness checklist.
The licensee has not conducted the required fire and earthquake drills at least once every six months. The most recent drill documentation provided by the licensee reflects a completion date of January 2025.
Continued on page 3.
page 3.
During the visit, LPA reviewed both children’s and personnel records. Several children’s files were found to be incomplete. Missing documents included the Consent for Medical Treatment form, and multiple files lacked parental signatures on the Emergency Identification Card.
Both the licensee and her assistant have current Pediatric First Aid/CPR certifications and valid mandated reporter training. However, the licensee did not have the required immunization records on file, including documentation for Measles (MMR), Pertussis (Tdap), and Influenza.
Licensee was reminded that all adults 18 and over living or working in the home, including employees and volunteers, must obtain a criminal record clearance or exemption, or transfer their existing clearance or exemption, prior to initial presence in a licensed Family Child Care Home. A civil penalty of $100.00 minimum/day up to $500.00 maximum per day/per person will be assessed if this regulation is violated.
Incidental Medical Services (IMS) policy was discussed. For IMS information, see Evaluator Manual - Regulation Interpretations and Procedures for Family Child Care Homes Section 102417. When any IMS is provided, a Plan for Providing IMS must be submitted to the Department. The following information regarding ADA was provided: US Department of Justice (USDOJ) toll-free ADA Information Line at (800) 514-0301 (voice) / (800) 514-0383 (TTY) and link to publication: Commonly Asked Questions about Child Care Centers and the ADA, available at:
www.ada.gov/childqanda.htm
.
LPA discussed the safe sleep regulations with the Licensee and discussed the Child Care Licensing Safe Sleep web page
https://www.cdss.ca.gov/inforesources/child-care-licensing/public-information-and-resources/safe-sleep
as an additional resource. LPA also informed the Licensee of the importance of checking for recalled infant devices on the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) website at
https://www.cpsc.gov/
and recommended they register all infant devices with the CPSC to be notified of any recalls on their purchased equipment.
Continued on page 4.
page 4.
Licensee was informed that as of September 1, 2016, a person may not be employed or volunteer at a childcare facility unless he or she has been immunized against influenza, pertussis, and measles or qualifies for an exemption pursuant to Health and Safety code 1596.7995 and 1597.662.
LPA reviewed AB 1207 with the Licensee. As of January 1, 2018, all staff must complete Mandated Reporter Training every two years. The training can be obtained online at
www.mandatedreporterca.com
.
Licensee was informed of the MyChildCarePlan.org website; a consumer education website that helps families obtain child care by connecting them to childcare providers and Resource and Referral Agencies (R&Rs) throughout California.
To improve the quality and value of the new inspection process, a survey will 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 tools, please send them by email 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/process
.
During the exit interview, the LICENSEE, ZHANNETA KARAPETYAN, confirmed that there are no Registered Sex Offenders living in the facility, and LPA completed the RSO profile in FAS.
See LIC 809D for deficiencies cited today.
A notice of site visit was given and must remain posted for 30 days.
An exit interview was conducted, and the report was reviewed with the licensee, Zhanneta Karapetyan.