Lead safety check·November 7, 2023

On 11/7/2023, at approximately 8:55AM, Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Jonathan Tse conducted an unannounced case management visit regarding an Action Level Exceedance (ALE) for lead testing in the Child Care Center's water. LPA was granted entry to the facility by Campus Manager Irene Cardella. Site Director Beatrice Balfour arrived during the visit. Present in the facility are 7 staff and 22 preschool age children. The facility is in compliance with teacher-child ratios. LPA discussed the new Assembly Bill (AB) 2370, Chapter 676, Statutes of 2018 requires the Lead Testing of water in the Child Care Center with the site director during the inspection. All Child Care Centers that are located in buildings constructed before January 1, 2010, must have their water tested and post the results by January 1, 2023, and every 5 years after the date of the first testing. The facility tested its water for lead on 2/14/2023, past the deadline. The facility received the ALE report from the Vendor on 2/22/2023. Test results for two fixtures in this facility exceeded a higher level of parts per billion (ppb) allowed, 5.5 ppb, fixtures F (6.2) and J (13.0). The fixtures are bubblers, respectively located in classrooms K-1 and Grandi Grandissimi. The facility has taken measures to secure the bubblers from use by children by covering them and posting signs that disallow their use. Additionally, the facility is providing water from a water source that did not have an exceedance. That water is put through a filter and then provided for consumption by children. Per interview with Director, the fixtures have been replaced since the initial water sampling and have been flushed four times a day for thirty seconds each flush in preparation for a follow-up water sampling on 11/17/2023. Due to updated guidance on the written directives in the PIN 21-21.1-CCP, the facility will be cited for the action level exceedance of the fixtures and the untimely testing of the water. Since the facility has tested for lead, the deficiency will be cleared the same day of the visit. LPA advised that results of lead testing must be posted. See LIC809-D for deficiencies cited today. This report was reviewed and signed by Director, Beatrice Balfour. A Notice of Site Visit was given and must remain posted for thirty days.