Pre-licensing visit·January 14, 2025

On January 14 th , 2025 Licensing Program Analyst (LPAs) Rosie Breault and Elizabeth George conducted an announced prelicensing inspection at the abovementioned facility to ensure that health, safety, and personal rights as requires by Title 22 and Health and Safety Regulations governing California Child Care Centers will be met. There were zero children present during this inspection. This is a single licensed application for 12 preschoolers aged 2 years to 6 years. The facility operates Monday \342\200\223 Friday 7:00AM-5:00PM. Facility is on the grounds of Peace Lutheran Church and Children\342\200\231s Montessori Elementary School. LPAs met with applicant Jim Murphy and administrator Emmy Lou. LPAs toured and measured the on-limits areas and classrooms located at the facility. Facility maintains a total of 1 toilet and 1 sink for children in care. LPAs observed one additional toilet and sink separate from the number of toilets and sinks, designated for use by children who are ill, for use by staff, and for emergency use. LPAs observed regulation postings placed in a prominent location, and facility will utilize written logs for the purposes of signing in and out. LPAs observed cubbies for children\342\200\231s personal belongings. Adjacent to the children\342\200\231s cubby area, is the teacher/director\342\200\231s open working space which is accessible to children. LPAs observed adult equipment including scissors and LPAs advise to create a barrier to render inaccessible to children. Applicant installed a gate during the inspection. Santa Barbara County Fire Department cleared facility on 11/18/2024. Fire extinguisher was last serviced 8/22/2024, carbon tested and functioning at the time of the inspection, and LPAs observed a first aid kit available. Per applicant, no firearms, or ammunition are present on the property. The facility was observed to be clean and sanitary, and LPAs advised it is to remain in good repair at all times to ensure the safety and well-being of children, employees, and visitors. LPAs observed disinfectants, cleaning solutions, poisons and other items that could pose a danger if readily available to children house in an elevated cabinet outside the classroom. Floors of all rooms have a surface that is safe and clean. LPAs observed a variety of activities for children, comfortable temperature, ample ventilation, and sufficient number of mats for the requested number of children. In the classroom, LPAs observed learning materials which could pose a danger to children. LPAs observed small glass and ceramic pouring pitcher, metal nuts and bolts, screwdriver, miniature finishing nails, and marbles. Learning materials were documented via photographs. LPAs advised all learning materials, toys and equipment shall be maintained in a safe condition, free of sharp, loose or pointed parts. LPAs had a discussion with applicant who stated based on facility\342\200\231s Montessori Method, this equipment is vital to their philosophy and the children are under observation of teachers. LPAs advised the applicant that at no time shall a child be with the referenced items, and any other compromising learning materials, without teacher\342\200\231s direction and direct supervision. Across the entry way of the preschool room, LPAs observed one room without a door, however separated by a fabric curtains. LPAs were told that is elementary school room\342\200\231s entrance. LPAs advise a door must be in place to separate a preschool from the elementary school. Applicant stated it is a narrow doorway and he will have to contact the fire department to maintain their compliance and he will contact LPA after the discussion. LPA observed 2 separated play yards, 1 designated for elementary school and 1 designated for preschoolers. Fencing separating preschool from elementary school was measured to be at 5 feet. Two gates were present in the fence, which at the time of the review, did not have secure locks. Applicant updated locks during the inspection process. Outdoor area provides ample shade, age-appropriate toys and equipment, and children bring individual water bottles. LPAs observed chain link fencing with no lock which opens to the church area. Applicant advised elementary children use the gate to enter the church restrooms. LPAs advised a lock must be present to prevent preschool children from entering a non-licensed area. During the course of the inspection, applicant secured gate with a lock. LPAs observed electrical wiring from the eave through a vent and into the electrical room which was unlocked. Below the wiring is a bench that children could potentially stand on and reach the wiring. During the inspection, applicant reconditioned wires to make inaccessible and applicant locked the room. No bodies of water are present on the property. Drinking water from a noncontaminating fixture or container shall be readily available both indoors and in the outdoor activity area. LPA advised per Health and Safety Code 1597.16(a)(1) Lead Testing and PIN-21-21-CCP Assembly Bill (AB) 2370, Chapter 676, Statutes of 2018 , requires all licensed Child Care Centers (CCCs) constructed before January 1, 2010 to test their drinking water for lead contamination between January 1, 2020 and January 1, 2023, and then every 5 years after the date of the first test. Per Written Directive 100700(c)(1) Written Directives for Lead Testing (1) For a license issued on or after July 1, 2022, initial testing results shall be received and posted within 180 days of licensure. This facility plans to provide Incidental Medical Services \342\200\223 IMS. For IMS information, see Evaluator Manual - Regulation Interpretations and Procedures for Child Care Centers Sections 101173 and 101226. A Plan of Operation that includes 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: http://www.ada.gov/childqanda.htm Director was reminded that all adults 18 and over responsible for administration or direct supervision of staff, persons who provides care and supervision to children, and staff who have contact with children, 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. Applicant was informed of the MyChildCarePlan.org site, a consumer education website that helps families obtain childcare by connecting them to child care providers and Resource and Referral Agencies (R&Rs) throughout California. Community Care Licensing Division (CCLD) regularly sends information to licensed facilities, providers, and stakeholders by way of Provider Information Notices (PIN), Program Quarterly Update Newsletters and other important information communication platforms. To receive important licensed related information to licensed facilities, visit the CCLD Important Information website at https://www.cdss.ca.gov/inforesources/community-care-licensing/subscribe and select the Child Care option to receive email communication. Preschool classroom measures 438.02 square feet which will accommodate applicant\342\200\231s request for 12 preschoolers. Preschool outdoor play area measures 4828.68 square feet which will accommodate applicant\342\200\231s request for 12 preschoolers. License pending following correction and approval: Elementary school door installation. An exit interview conducted with applicant Jim Murphy and Emmy Lou copy of report and appeal rights provided