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Inspection visit

Routine inspection

Clean visit · 0 citations

Inspector’s narrative

What the inspector wrote

On 03/05/2026 at 8:25am, Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Jialing “Julianne” Zhu met with Director David Atkins for an unannounced annual inspection . Present during the inspection were director, four (4) fingerprint-cleared staff, and 16 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). This facility is located on the premises of Unitarian Universalist Church of Palo Alto. 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: Toddlers & 3-5s, and both are currently in use. 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, battery-operated dual smoke and carbon monoxide detectors that were replaced on 09/02/2025, and fully charged 3A40BC fire extinguishers that are accessible throughout the facility. Per director, the alarms are serviced annually by the Palo Alto Fire Department. A fully stocked first-aid kit is available in one (1) classroom. LPA inspected the napping equipment (sleep cots and bedding) and observed them to be stored in a healthful manner. Bedding is provided by the facility and laundered off-site by a third-party vendor. Drinking water is accessible by children in the classrooms. The isolation area for when a child is sick is the Director’s office. 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. Solid waste bins are equipped with tight fitting lids. Page 1 of 3. See LIC 809C. 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. LPA observed the changing station to be set-up and maintained according to Title 22 regulations. 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 children. The play structures are securely installed into the ground. The ground surrounding the play structure is sufficiently padded with tanbark or sand and in good condition for safety. 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 four (4) 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 06/21/2027. Mandated Reporter Training certificates were reviewed and current. Director’s Mandated Reporter training certificate expires on 02/12/2027. LPA reviewed five (5) children’s files. 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 02/15/2026. Per director, there are no firearms on the premises. All required documents are posted in the 3-5s classroom. 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 . Page 2 of 3. See LIC 809C. 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. 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. This facility’s latest lead testing was completed on 03/15/2025 with no lead exceedances. Incidental Medical Services (IMS): This facility does provide Incidental Medical Services (IMS). LPA observed medications are stored securely and are made inaccessible to children in care. All children’s medications were inspected to ensure that they are properly labeled and in compliance with expiration dates. 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 cited during today's inspection. One (1) Advisory Note (Technical Violation) was issued: · 1 of 4 staff files reviewed by LPA did not have the correct Mandated Reporter Training certificate. The staff completed the "School Personnel" training in September 2025 instead of the required "Child Care Providers" training. 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 David Atkins. 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 March 5, 2026 inspection of ELLEN THACHER CHILDREN'S CENTER?

This was a inspection inspection of ELLEN THACHER CHILDREN'S CENTER on March 5, 2026. The inspection found no deficiencies and no citations were issued.

Were any citations issued to ELLEN THACHER CHILDREN'S CENTER on March 5, 2026?

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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