Routine inspection·April 21, 2026

O n April 21, 2026, at 10:15 AM, Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Elimika Woods conducted an unannounced Annual Random Inspection and met with Director Laura Garcia. LPA disclosed the purpose of the inspection, and the facility was toured both indoors and outdoors to conduct a health and safety inspection. There were 14 preschool-age children present during the inspection, along with two staff members. The facility operates Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 2:30 PM. The facility is located on the premises of a pre-kindergarten through 12th-grade school, Hope Technology School. 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, and the count matched the 14 signatures recorded on the sign-in sheet. At approximately 10:45 AM, LPA reviewed four children’s files. Each file contained the required documents, including Personal Rights, Parent’s Rights, Medical Consent forms, and Identification and Emergency Information. At approximately 11:10 AM, LPA reviewed two staff files. Both files contained the required Health Screening and Employee Rights forms. At least one opening or closing staff member holds a current CPR and First Aid certification. The facility has a functioning carbon monoxide detector, which was tested and found to be in proper working condition. The center also maintains a working telephone, a first aid kit, pull down fire alarm system, and a fully charged 3A40BC fire extinguisher that meets State Fire Marshal standards. The extinguisher is mounted near the classroom entrance. At approximately 10:20 AM, LPA inspected the classroom and observed that the teacher-to-child ratio was in compliance. The classroom is arranged to allow children to explore different learning areas and is equipped with adequate play and educational materials. Floors were clean, and furniture was appropriately sized for preschool-age children. All play equipment was age-appropriate and in good repair. Individual storage space is available for each child’s belongings. The designated isolation area for ill children is located in the main office, separate from other children in care. The facility is equipped with wired smoke detectors that are connected to notify the fire department when activated. According to the Director, the smoke detectors are fully functional and regularly serviced by the Palo Alto Fire Department. Disaster drills are conducted a least once every six months and the last drill conducted was 04/21/2026. See LIC 809-C . LPA asked the Director if the facility provides breakfast or lunch for children in care. The Director stated that children bring all meals and snacks from home. LPA reminded the Director that all persons engaged in food preparation and service must observe proper personal hygiene and food sanitation practices to protect food from contamination. Incidental Medical Services (IMS) policy was discussed. For IMS information see PIN 22-02CCP. When any IMS is provided, an updated 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) 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/ . LPA observed that the staff restroom is separate from the children’s restroom. The children’s restroom is located inside the classroom. LPA verified that the toilets and sink were in proper working condition by flushing the toilets and running the faucet to ensure they were operating safely. The center maintains adequate supplies, including soap, toilet paper, and paper towels, which are readily available to children in care. Children are able to independently access the sinks, toilets, and supplies. The changing table is located within arm’s reach of a sink to ensure proper hygiene practices. The facility also has an approved waiver allowing children to use a designated elementary school restroom. The outdoor playground area is fully fenced and was observed to be free of defects and hazardous conditions at the time of inspection. The playground includes a canopy attached to the slide and climbing structure, providing shade for children during outdoor play. Additional shade is provided by surrounding trees. The play structure is securely anchored to the ground and has appropriate cushioning underneath to help absorb falls. All play equipment is age-appropriate and in good repair. 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 director 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 . 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 . See 809-C. 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 Laura Garcia .