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Inspection visit

Routine inspection

CHALLENGER SCHOOL - SARATOGALicense 430700130
Clean visit · 0 citations

Inspector’s narrative

What the inspector wrote

On 10/02/2025, Licensing Program Analyst (LPA), Farida Raja, met with Director, Carie Zapanta for an unannounced Annual/Random inspection. The facility is licensed to serve children ages 2.9 to 5 years in Rooms 1-5. LPA observed the required posted materials in the office and snack menus in each classroom. Days and hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM. LPA and Director toured the indoor and outdoor areas of the facility during today's inspection and observed the following ratios: Room 1 ( 4 year olds) - 2 teachers: 20 children Room 2 - not in use at this time. Room 3 (3 year olds) - 2 teachers: 8 children Room 4 - not in use at this time. Room 5 (kindergarten) - 2 teachers: 17 children Facility was in compliance with teacher to children ratio requirement. Classrooms, children's restrooms, staff restroom, kitchen and office area were inspected. Children were engaged in circle time under the visual supervision of teachers. LPA reminded Director that children must remain under visual supervision at all times. Facility has central heating/cooling for comfort of children. Director states that there are no weapons or firearms on the premises. There is a working telephone at the facility. Disinfectants, cleaning products and medicines were stored inaccessible to children in care. Furniture and equipment were age appropriate and in good condition, free of sharp, loose, or pointed parts. LPA observed solid waste containers with tight-fitting lids in the rooms. Napping mats are appropriate. Restrooms and sinks for children were observed to be safe, sanitary, and in working condition. First aid kit was reviewed. Continued on Page 2 LPA observed serviced fire extinguishers, working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and fire pull stations. The facility has a built-in smoke detector/ fire system. Log shows that the last Fire Drill was conducted on 09/23/2025 which is compliant with the six-month requirement for facilities. Drinking water is readily available for children in each room and in the outdoor playground area via individual water bottles and drinking water fountains. Water lead testing was completed for the facility on 12/17/2022 and no Action Level Exceedances were reported. 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. 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 21-21.1-CCP). LPA verified that the lead testing was completed in accordance to the Written Directives outlined in PIN 21-21.1-CCP. LPA referred Director to the Department website for lead: Lead Toxicity Prevention and Water Testing Information. LPA provided Director with the Water Lead Report from the California State Water Resources Control Board during today's inspection. Parents provide lunch and facility provides AM and PM snack. Food and beverages were observed to be stored safely in the office area to prevent contamination and spoilage. Food storage and preparation areas were observed to be sanitary. All food and beverages that require refrigeration are stored in covered containers. Outdoor playground and play equipment was inspected and observed to be fenced in and free of hazards. LPA observed play equipment was in good condition, age-appropriate, and has artificial grass as resilient material to absorb falls. Sandbox was observed to be covered. Shaded rest area is provided by building overhang, trees and pergola. There were no bodies of water observed. Children sign in and out procedures and logs were reviewed. Director explained the sticker system used to sign in children during drive through drop off by authorized representatives. Children's roster was reviewed, and a copy was provided to the LPA. LPA reviewed nine children\342\200\231s files during today's inspection. Each child's file reviewed contained all required forms. Continued on Page 3 Three staff files were reviewed. A review of staff records indicates that all Facility staff or other individuals who require caregiver background checks have received criminal record and child abuse index clearances or exemptions. All staff files reviewed contain the required transcripts/verification of experience. At least one staff member on site has a current CPR and First Aid certification. Director understands that there shall be at least one person, with valid CPR and First Aid certifications, on site at all times or present during off-site activities (field trips). All staff have the required immunization's against pertussis, measles and statement declining the influenza immunization. One staff (S3) was observed to be missing the current Mandated Reporter Training. 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. LPA reminded Director that all medications need to be accepted from authorized representatives in original containers and each container should have an unaltered label. For IMS information see PIN 22-02-CCP. Facility has an approved IMS Plan on file with San Jose Regional Office. Any medications at the facility are stored in a high classroom cabinet during operational hours and returned to a locked cabinet in the office at the end of the day. Isolation of sick child was discussed, and Director explained that sick children will be isolated in the director's office and isolation equipment will be provided. A staff restroom which is off limits to other children is used if necessary. Child is always under visual supervision while in care of the facility. 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-care-centers/ . Continued on Page 4 Facility does not provide transportation to children. 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. As a result of today's inspection, there were no deficiencies cited. Exit interview conducted and report was reviewed with Director, Carie Zapanta. A NOTICE OF SITE VISIT WAS GIVEN AND MUST REMAIN POSTED FOR 30 DAYS. 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

Citations

No citations recorded on this visit

The inspector found no violations of California child care regulations during this visit.

FAQ · About this visit

Common questions about this visit

What happened during the October 2, 2025 inspection of CHALLENGER SCHOOL - SARATOGA?

This was a inspection inspection of CHALLENGER SCHOOL - SARATOGA on October 2, 2025. The inspection found no deficiencies and no citations were issued.

Were any citations issued to CHALLENGER SCHOOL - SARATOGA on October 2, 2025?

No citations were issued during this inspection. The facility was found to be in compliance with all applicable regulations.

What type of inspection was this?

This was a inspection inspection. inspection inspections are conducted by CCLD as part of their licensing oversight.

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