Pre-licensing visit·November 15, 2024

On 11/15/2024, Licensing Program Analysts (LPAs) Janette Cruz and Jaime Gonzales met with Suhasini Ramakrishnan, Applicant Representative. The purpose of the visit was an unannounced pre-licensing inspection at the facility to ensure the health, safety and personal rights as required by Title 22 and Health and Safety Regulations governing California Child Care Centers will be met. The facility has an existing preschool program Facility # 434414162 with a capacity of 88 (76 preschool with 12 toddlers) children which will be converted to a single license upon completion of the inspection process. Applicant is requesting to be licensed for 63 preschoolers (ages 2 to 6 years) in classrooms Scholar Simba (room. 4), Safari Cubs (room 3), Curious Twiga (room 2) and 12 infants in Tembo Tots (room 1) from Mondays to Friday 8:00 AM to 6:00PM. LPA observed a separate classroom used by children enrolled in Heritage program. Fire clearance was granted on 10/03/24. LPAs toured and measured the on-limits areas and classrooms located at the facility. The facility has a total of four classrooms. Preschool Classrooms measurements are: The Indoor total measurements contain a total of {2234.38} square feet, which will accommodate Applicant's request for 63 preschool children. Infant Classroom measurements are: The Indoor total measurements contain a total of {1195.87} square feet, which will accommodate Applicant's request for 12 infants Preschool Outdoor Play measurements are: Outdoor total measurements contain a total of {5921.46 square feet), which will accommodate Applicant\342\200\231s request for 63 preschool children. Infant Outdoor Play measurements are: Outdoor total measurements contain a total of {923.28 square feet), which will accommodate Applicant\342\200\231s request for 12 infants. Indoor/Children's Area All indoor and outdoor activity space utilized for the children were inspected today. LPAs informed Applicant that staff are required to maintain direct visual supervision of the children at all times during indoor and outdoor activities. Classrooms were observed to be clean, safe, sanitary and in good repair. All outdoor and indoor passage ways and other areas of potential hazard were free of obstruction. A comfortable temperature for children shall be maintained at all times. Furniture and equipment were observed to be maintained in good condition, free of sharp, loose or pointed parts. All materials and surfaces accessible to children, including toys, shall be free of toxic substances. All play equipment and materials used by children were observed to be age-appropriate. Tables and chairs were observed to meet the needs of the children. There are 57 chairs, 10 tables, 53 cots, 44 cubbies, 8 toilets, 9 sinks, and 1 changing table, available for preschool and infant children. Facility has one infant and three preschool classrooms. LPAs observed one infant changing table but not within arms reach to a sink . Applicant stated that parents will provide food and milk bottles for infants. LPAs advised Applicant that as per Title 22 regulations, bottles and dishes shall be rinsed for sanitizing at the end of each day. Based on infants ages requested on this application, infant room will not have a separate crib space. The Applicant shall take measures to keep the center free of flies, other insects, and rodents. All containers used for storage of solid wastes, including moveable bins, shall have a tight fitting cover that is kept on. LPAs observed no fireplace or open face heaters. Disinfectants, cleaning solutions, poisons and other items that could pose a danger if readily available to children shall be stored where inaccessible to children. There is a fully equipped first aid kit located in each classroom. There is an operational carbon monoxide detector on site. A separate staff bathroom is available. Applicant stated that any child who becomes ill during the day shall be isolated in facility office. All food shall be safe and of the quality and in the quantity necessary to meet the needs of the children. Lunch is prepared off site via commercial lunch vendor, "Schoolcaterers.com." LPAs advised Applicant as per Title 22, if food is prepared off the center premises, the following shall apply: (A)The preparation source shall meet all applicable requirements for commercial food services.(B) The center shall have the equipment and staff necessary to receive and serve the food and to clean up.(C) The center shall maintain the equipment necessary for in-house food preparation, or shall have an alternate source for food preparation and service in the event of an emergency. Commercial foods shall be approved by appropriate federal, state and local authorities. All foods shall be selected, transported, stored, prepared and served so as to be free from contamination and spoilage and shall be fit for human consumption. Snacks are provided by parents. LPAs observed the facility has refrigerator and microwave in the premises. Drinking water is readily available for the children in the facility via drinking water dispensers sourced from water delivery provider. LPAs observed that water dispenser has built in hot water feature. Applicant stated that hot water dispensing from the water dispenser shall be turned off making hot water inaccessible to children. Outdoor: LPAs observed the facility has fully fenced outdoor playgrounds with separate areas for infants and preschool children. Outdoor areas were free of hazards including, holes, broken glass dry grasses, and other debris that pose a fire hazard. Any construction or equipment that could pose a hazard in the outdoor activity areas shall be made inaccessible to children in care. Shade was provided by trees, umbrellas and pergola structure. The playground is enclosed by a fencing at least 4 feet high. There are sufficient outdoor age-appropriate toys and play equipment available on the playground. Preschool playground structure has a label sticker appropriate for children 2 - 5 years of age. There is adequate cushioning in fall zones provided (poured rubber) that can absorb a fall. LPAs observed that infant playground has cushioning of a carpet type material than can absorb a fall but may not be usable if gets wet. Applicant stated that an alternative cushioning option for infant playground will be submitted to the Department. LPAs advised Applicant that sandboxes shall be inspected daily and kept free of hazardous foreign materials. LPAs observed no bodies of water. Drinking water from a non-contaminating fixture or container shall be readily available both indoors and in the outdoor activity area. LPAs advised per Health and Safety Code 1597.16(a)(1) Lead Testing and PIN-21-21-CCP Assembly Bill (AB) 2370, Chapter 676, Statutes of 2018 , requires all licensed Child Care Centers (CCCs) constructed before January 1, 2010 to test their drinking water for lead contamination between January 1, 2020 and January 1, 2023, and then every 5 years after the date of the first test. Per Written Directive 100700(c)(1) Written Directives for Lead Testing (1) For a license issued on or after July 1, 2022, initial testing results shall be received and posted within 180 days of licensure. This facility provides Incidental Medical Services \342\200\223 IMS. For IMS information, see PIN 22-02-CCP . A 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, available at: http://www.ada.gov/childqanda.htm . LPAs discussed the safe sleep regulations with Director and discussed the Child Care Licensing Safe Sleep webpage at: https://www.cdss.ca.gov/inforesources/child-care-licensing/public-information-and-resources/safe-sleep , as an additional resource. LPAs also informed Applicant of the importance of checking for recalled infant devices on the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) website at: https://www.cpsc.gov/ , and recommended they register all infant devices with the CPSC to be notified of any recalls on their purchased equipment. LPAs reviewed with the Applicant LIC 311A, Records to Be Maintained At The Facility, for child\342\200\231s records, personnel records, administrative records, and documents to be posted. Applicant was informed of the MyChildCarePlan.org site, 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. 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. The following corrections are needed before a licensure will be considered. Corrections are due by 12/02/2024: 1. Proof of available sink within arm's reach from the changing table 2. Plan for alternative cushioning for the infant playground 3. Final review of application packet. An exit interview was conducted and copy of appeal rights were provided to Suhasini Ramakrishnan, Applicant Representative. Final license determination for a single license will be made upon review by the Licensing Program Manager.