Incident investigation·January 9, 2025

On January 9, 2025 at 9:45 AM, Licensing Program Analyst's (LPA's) Susana Martinez and Bill Billones conducted an unannounced case management- incident inspection. LPA's met with Stephanie Williams to discuss an incident that was self-reported to Community Care Licensing Division (CCLD) office by phone on 12/10/24. Lead teacher provided LPA's with a tour of the facility inside and outside. At the time of inspection there were 16 children present in care of 4 staff. The center currently uses two rooms for care which are located on the La Patera Elementary School campus. On the morning of 12/09/24, the classroom teacher found three small mouse droppings and a mouse. The room was thoroughly cleaned and searched. No further droppings or rodents were found. Staff took the children outside and used the outdoor spaces for the day while the school custodial team disinfected and deep cleaned inside the room. LPA's interviewed lead teacher who states rooms are checked every morning. Teacher disclosed that just this morning rodent droppings were found inside room 24. Teacher stated the custodian found a small rodent inside room 24 last night (01/08/25). While touring inside room 24, LPA's observed several gaps on the floor. LPA's observed several small rodent droppings inside the room (near sink and near cabinets) as well as strong odor. Room 25 was also inspected, LPA's did not observe rodent droppings or urine odor. Based on record review this is not the first incident of rodent problems. On 04/03/24 the Department issued a deficiency regarding the same matter. The center submitted a plan of correction which included keeping a rodent log, custodian daily log, and daily room readiness log. LPA asked Lead Teacher for a copy of logs, Teacher indicated she did not have the logs. Based on LPA's observations, interviews and record review a Type B deficiency under California Code of Regulations, Section 101238 (a)(1), is being cited on the attached LIC 809D (deficiency page). Continued on 809-C LPA's discussed the severity of the rodent problem and provided information regarding viruses caused by rodent urine, droppings and nesting materials. LPA's referred facility to reference the center for disease control (CDC) regarding hantavirus which is a serious virus caused by rodents and/or their droppings. A notice of site visit was given and must remain posted for 30 days. Failure to comply with posting requirements shall result in an immediate civil penalty of $100. Exit interview conducted, appeal rights were given, and report was reviewed with lead teacher Stephanie Williams.