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Inspection visit

Routine inspection

Clean visit · 0 citations

Inspector’s narrative

What the inspector wrote

On 11/14/2024 at 2:00pm, Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Jialing “Julianne” Zhu met with Director Jamie Falkenhainer for an unannounced annual inspection . Present during the inspection were director, five (5) fingerprint-cleared staff, and 25 children in care. The facility is within ratio and in compliance with capacity regulations today. Upon arrival, LPA provided director a copy of the Entrance Checklist (LIC 125). The facility was toured to conduct a Health and Safety Inspection. The facility’s current hours of operation are Monday - Friday from 7:30am - 6:00pm. Classrooms: This facility is licensed with two (2) classrooms, and both are in use. The classrooms were inspected for age-appropriate furnishings, equipment, and adequate storage for children’s belongings. LPA observed the cleanliness of floors and surfaces. The facility is equipped with telephone service, wired smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and fully charged 3A40BC fire extinguishers that are accessible throughout the facility. Fully stocked first-aid kits are available in the classrooms. LPA inspected the napping equipment and observed them to be stored in a healthful manner. Bedding is provided by the facility and washed weekly. Drinking water is accessible by children in the classrooms. The isolation area for when a child is sick is the Director’s office or one of the classrooms if it is not in use. Food Service Areas: The facility provides lunch and AM/PM snacks to children in care. All center provided food items are properly labeled and stored separately from cleaning supplies. Food prep area is clean, adequately equipped, and free from hazardous materials. Snack menus are posted and were reviewed. LPA observed a portion of the snack menu is not filled out daily and not at least one week in advance per Licensing regulation. Solid waste bins are equipped with tight fitting lids. Bathrooms: Facility has separate staff and child designated bathrooms. Toilets and faucets are in safe, sanitary, and operating condition. The children are able to reach the sinks, toilets, and supplies. Page 1 of 3. See LIC 809C. Outdoor Play Area: There are two (2) fully fenced outdoor play areas. All equipment and surfaces are free from hazards. There is ample shade available. There are age-appropriate outdoor toys and materials for the children. The play structure is securely installed into the ground. The ground surrounding the play structure is sufficiently padded and in good condition for safety. There are two (2) large sandboxes that are inspected daily and sanitized throughout the year. Drinking water is accessible by children when outside. There are no pools or other bodies of water on premises. Files and Record Keeping Review: LPA reviewed the facility roster and personnel report and copies were obtained. All individuals subject to criminal record review have a clearance and/or exemption and have been associated to the facility. LPA reviewed five (5) staff files. Every classroom has a fully qualified teacher. At least one opening/closing staff member has a current Pediatric CPR/First-Aid Certification. Director’s CPR/First-Aid Certificate is current and expires on 01/21/2025. Mandated Reporter Training certificates were reviewed and current. Director’s Mandated Reporter training certificate expires on 02/23/2026. LPA reviewed six (6) children’s files, and they are all complete. The center utilizes an electronic sign-in/out system and is in compliance with sign in and out procedures. Fire/disaster drills are performed at least once every six months. The last drill was a fire drill conducted on 09/30/2024. Per director, there are no firearms on the premises. All required documents are posted in a publicly accessible area. Record Keeping and Reporting Requirements: Director was reminded that EMSA approved Pediatric CPR & First Aid training must be completed every two (2) years. Mandated Reporter Training ("Child Care Providers") is required for all staff and is to be renewed every 2 years by visiting https://mandatedreporterca.com/ . Personnel and facility roster must be properly maintained, and fire/disaster drills must be conducted at least every six (6) months and documented. Effective August 1, 2003 California Law requires Child Care Licensees to report unusual incidents or injuries to children in care to child’s parents and to the Department of Social Services using the Unusual Incident/Injury Form (LIC 624). Incidents must be reported within 24 hours to the regional office by phone and the written report, LIC 624, within seven (7) business days. LPA informed Director that all forms can be downloaded at www.ccld.ca.gov . Criminal Record Clearance: 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. Page 2 of 3. See LIC 809C. Lead Testing: 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. LPA referred director to the Department website for lead: Lead Toxicity Prevention and Water Testing Information. Incidental Medical Services (IMS): This facility does provide Incidental Medical Services (IMS). Currently, no children enrolled at the facility require IMS . For IMS information see PIN 22-02-CCP. 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/resources/child-care-centers/ . CCLD Information and Updates: 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. No deficiencies were cited during today's inspection. One (1) Advisory Note (Technical Violation) was issued: · LPA observed snack menu posted on the fridge of the classroom is not fully filled in at least one week in advance. (Veggie and fruit section filled out on a daily basis.) A Notice of Site Visit was given and must remain posted for 30 days. Exit interview was conducted, report was reviewed, and Appeal Rights were provided to Director Jamie Falkenhainer. Page 3 of 3. End of Report.

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 November 14, 2024 inspection of ELLEN THACHER CHILDREN'S CENTER?

This was a inspection inspection of ELLEN THACHER CHILDREN'S CENTER on November 14, 2024. The inspection found no deficiencies and no citations were issued.

Were any citations issued to ELLEN THACHER CHILDREN'S CENTER on November 14, 2024?

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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