Inspector’s narrative
What the inspector wrote
On April 22, 2026, at 1:00 PM, Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Elimika Woods conducted an unannounced Annual Random Inspection and met with Director Brianna Garfias. The facility is located on the Santa Rita Elementary School campus and operates out of one portable classroom and Room 28. LPA disclosed the purpose of the inspection, and a tour the facility both inside and outside to assess health and safety conditions. There were 20 school-age children present during the inspection, along with four (4) additional staff members. The facility currently operates Monday through Friday from 7:00 AM to 6:30 PM.
All individuals subject to criminal record review have obtained the required clearance or exemption and are properly associated with the facility. LPA conducted a census of the children, which matched the 20 electronic signatures recorded in the Discover Champions application. At approximately 1:00 PM, LPA reviewed five (5) children’s files. All files contained the required documentation, including Personal Rights, Parent’s Rights, Medical Consent forms, and Identification and Emergency Information.
At approximately 1:30 PM, LPA reviewed four (4) staff files. All files contained the required Health Screening and Employee Rights forms. At least one opening and closing staff member possesses a current CPR and First Aid certification. The facility is equipped with a working telephone, smoke detectors, and carbon monoxide detectors. There are fully stocked first aid kits, a pull-down fire alarm system, and multiple fully charged 3A40BC fire extinguishers mounted on the walls in each classroom, meeting State Fire Marshal standards. Disaster drills are conducted at least once every six months, with the most recent drill conducted on January 2, 2026.
At approximately 2:00 PM, LPA inspected the two (2) classrooms and observed appropriate teacher-to-child ratios. The classrooms are arranged to allow children to explore various learning areas, with adequate play and learning materials available. Floors were clean, and furniture was appropriately sized for school-age children. The play equipment is age-appropriate and in good repair. Each child has proper individual storage space. The designated isolation area for sick children is located in the director’s office, separate from other children in care. All required documents are posted in a publicly accessible area.
See LIC 809-C.
The facility provides snacks for children in care, and weekly menus are posted. Low-fat milk is served. LPA observed that the food storage area, including the refrigerator, was clean and free of evidence of rodents. LPA reminded the director that all individuals involved in food preparation and service must follow proper personal hygiene and food sanitation practices to prevent contamination.
LPA observed a bathroom designated for staff use only. The director confirmed that this bathroom is separate from the children’s bathroom, which is located inside the portable classroom. LPA verified that the children’s toilets were functioning properly. The facility maintains an adequate supply of soap, toilet paper, and paper towels for children.
The outdoor playground area was observed to be free of defects and hazardous conditions at the time of inspection. Trees provide adequate shade for children during outdoor activities. Play structures are securely anchored to the ground, and all equipment is age-appropriate and in good repair.
This facility provides Incidental Medical Services – IMS. LPA reviewed storage of medication and equipment/supplies, and reviewed children’s, personnel, and administrative records. For IMS information see Evaluator Manual - Regulation Interpretations and Procedures for Child Care Centers Sections 101173 and 101226.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
California Law requires Child Care Centers 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 by phone, fax, or electronic mail. The licensee was also reminded that Mandated Reporter Training ("General" and "Child Care Providers") is required for all staff and is to be renewed every 2 years by visiting
www.mandatedreporterca.com
.
See 809-C.
Lead Testing – Child Care Centers (CCC) CCC COMPLETED TESTING AND NO LEAD EXCEEDANCES: 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 21-21.1CCP). LPA verified that the lead testing was completed in accordance to the Written Directives outlined in PIN 21-21.1-CCP.
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
.
The 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.
The 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.
There are no deficiencies cited today. A notice of site visit was given and must remain posted for 30 days. Exit interview conducted and report was reviewed with the director
Brianna Garfias
.