Facility-requested visit·December 7, 2023

On December 7 th 2023, Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Rosie Breault conducted an announced Case Management visit. LPA met with licensee Marcela Caceres and discussed the purpose of the inspection. This facility is next door to Bright Start The Early Years, owned by licensee as well. On September 19 th , 2023, licensee applied for a capacity increase from 30 to 40 children. The preschool program operates Monday – Friday 8:00AM – 4:30PM and utilizes classrooms #1, #2, and #3. The facility requested to add an outdoor garage (tentatively #4) to service 10 additional children. However, at this time garage may not be used, pending City of Santa Barbara permits, and construction of garage including new doors and roof support beam. Director indicated this process was initiated 10 years ago, revisited 2 years ago. LPA observed written logs for the purposes of signing in and out. LPA observed classrooms to contain age-appropriate toys and equipment, ample ventilation, drinking water, three sinks and three toilets available for use. LPA observed first aid kids and fire extinguisher was last serviced on 11/10/2023. The outdoor area is contained by permitter fencings, and includes soft padding to absorbs falls, age-appropriate toys and equipment, water available, sand box, and ample shade. No bodies of water were present at the time of the inspection. Licensee 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. 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 . CEO was informed of the MyChildCarePlan.org website; a consumer education website that helps families obtain childcare by connecting them to childcare providers and Resource and Referral Agencies (R&Rs) throughout California. Santa Barbara City Fire Department conducted an inspection on 11/9/2023. Total proposed outdoor square footage for classroom #4 is 360 sq. ft. Licensee indicated would like to contact Community Care Licensing (CCL) upon completion of addition pending March 2024. No deficiencies were cited during today’s inspection. Exit interview conducted and report was reviewed with licensee Marcele Carceras. Notice of Site Visit was given and must remain posted for 30 days.