Inspector’s narrative
What the inspector wrote
On December 2, 2025 at approximately 8:00AM, Licensing Program Analyst, (LPA) Katie Krenn arrived at the facility for an unannounced annual inspection visit. The director was not present when LPA arrived. LPA met with Site Supervisor and explained the purpose of today's visit. Present at the facility were six staff supervising 30 preschool children (ages 2 - 5 years old). The facility remains within its capacity limits and meets the required ratios for today\342\200\231s visit. Director, Chana Stewart (D1) arrived within 30 minutes of LPA.
All staff have obtained criminal record fingerprint clearance through the Menlo Park City School District.
This facility is located on the campus of Oak Knoll Elementary School under the Menlo Park City School District. The preschool age program is Licensed in Rooms: #K2, #K4, #K5, #29, & #30. The facility is currently operating in rooms: #K4 and #K5. Program operates Monday through Friday from 7:45AM \342\200\223 5:30PM in alignment with the school district calendar.
Per D1, there are no pools, spas, or bodies of water on the property.
LPA observed that all required documents, such as the facility license, waivers, notification of parents\342\200\231 rights, personal rights, car seat laws, emergency disaster plan, and daily activities schedule, were displayed and visible to the public.
LPA reviewed the sign in and sign out information on Brightwheel and found that all the children present had been signed in. LPA observed that the application includes the full name of the person that signed the child in and out. Paper sign in and out sheets are available as a backup.
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The most recent emergency disaster drill was conducted in October 2025, and the LPA observed that it was documented. LPA reviewed the emergency disaster drill log and found that drills are conducted at least once every six months.
The facility had three first aid kits. Each room that the facility is currently operating in has a smoke detector, a fire pull alarm, a carbon monoxide detector, a charged fire extinguisher, and an emergency disaster kit backpack. The smoke detectors and alarms are tested by the fire department and is integrated with the elementary school\342\200\231s fire alarm system. LPA tested the carbon monoxide detector in each classroom and observed them to be functioning.
The LPA inspected the indoor and outdoor areas for health and safety hazards. The facility was clean, safe, and well-maintained. Disinfectants, cleaning solutions, and poisons were securely stored out of children's reach, and all accessible cabinets and drawers in the classrooms were free of hazardous materials.
LPA observed that the classroom had age-appropriate toys, furniture, educational materials, and designated cubbies and hooks for storage of personal belongings, which are labeled for each child. LPA observed that electrical outlets were fitted with child safety covers to prevent children's access. The bathrooms were clean, fully operational, and equipped with suitable toileting equipment and sanitation products.
The facility offers mats or cots for children to rest. LPA observed that each child had their own mat or cot and that the mats or cots are labeled for each child. LPA observed that bedding provided from home is available for the children. Bedding goes home every Friday for laundering.
The outdoor playground has a fence surrounding it. The play equipment is in good condition and does not have sharp, loose, or pointed parts. The areas around and under climbing equipment and slides are cushioned with a rubberized product to cushion falls. LPA did not observe any pools, spas, or bodies of water on the property. LPA observed the children\342\200\231s water bottles available on wagons which enable staff to move them in and out of the classroom along with the children.
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The preschool program currently uses the school district lunch program. LPA observed that monthly menus are posted. Per D1, menus are also available for parents online. Some families provide lunches and snacks for their children from home. The children will bring water bottles from home. Per D1, two of the children have known allergies that do not require epinephrin pens. One child is receiving medication administered by the school nurse. LPA observed the nurse\342\200\231s supplies and found that everything was stored properly.
LPA reviewed the files of six staff, verifying that all the information was complete. All staff have current First Aid CPR and Mandated Reporter Training Certificates. LPA verified that four staff are fully qualified teachers and two are aides. LPA reviewed six children's files confirming that their emergency contact and medical information were complete and in order.
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.
LPA verified that the lead testing was completed in accordance to the Written Directives outlined in PIN 21-21.1-CCP.
CCC did not complete testing prior to their deadline.
LPA referred director to the Department website for lead: Lead Toxicity Prevention and Water Testing Information.
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 21-21.1CCP). LPA verified that the lead testing was completed in accordance to the Written Directives outlined in PIN 21-21.1-CCP.
CCC completed testing and is in the process of remediating lead exceedances.
CCC completed sampling but the test results are not yet available.
CCC did not complete testing prior to their deadline.
CCC testing deadline has not past.
LPA referred director to the Department website for lead: Lead Toxicity Prevention and Water Testing Information.
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Director 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.
This facility provides Incidental Medical Services \342\200\223 IMS. LPA reviewed storage of \342\200\234medication 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-carecenters/
.
Director 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
No deficiencies were issued today during LPA's visit.
A Notice of Site Visit was given and must remain posted for 30 days.
Exit interview conducted and report was reviewed with the Director, Chana Stewart.