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Inspection visit

Routine inspection (3-year)

CIRCLE OF FRIENDSLicense 4444049012 citations on this visit
2 citations recorded

Inspector’s narrative

What the inspector wrote

On 11/19/2025, Licensing Program Analyst (LPA), Jaime Gonzales was greeted by Site Director Stacy Botkin and LPA stated that the purpose of todays visit was to conduct an unannounced Annual/Random Inspection. LPA provided Site Director with the Entrance Checklist (LIC 125). LPA was granted access to the facility and toured both indoors and outdoors during the inspection. Upon arrival, LPA completed a census head count in preschool classrooms. The green room had 10 preschoolers and one staff. The Blue room had 12 preschoolers and two staff. The red room had 12 preschoolers and two staff. LPA observed all required postings near the entrance to the facility. Hours of operation for the facility are Monday \342\200\223 Thursday 07:30AM-5:15PM. There are no active waivers on file. The preschool program serves children ages 2 years to Kindergarten. The facility transports children and the person transporting has a valid license. The classrooms have age-appropriate materials, toys, furnishing, equipment. Storage for children\342\200\231s belongings in outdoor covered entryway. The children's napping equipment were observed to be stored in a healthful manner. Bedding is provided by the center and is washed weekly or as needed. LPA observed fully charged 2A10BC fire extinguisher, functioning smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. The isolation area for sick children is the building entryway or office. LPA observed that the a section of the floor near the door that leads to outside is being replaced in the Red room and Blue room. LPA did not observe any hazards. LPA and Site Director discussed reporting requirements for any future alterations or constructions to the facility. Lunch is provided by the parents. Facility offers full day program and provides midmorning snack and afternoon snack to children. The menu is in writing and posted at least one week in advance, accessible to authorized representatives. The kitchen and storage area is clean and free of litter and rubbish. Equipment necessary for the storage, preparation and service of food is well maintained, clean, and sanitized after each use. LPA and Site Director discussed the type of milk to be served at the facility. Continued on Page 2... Trash cans for the disposable of solid wastes are equipped with tight fitting lids. Drinking water is readily available for children in via water bottles from home labeled with the children\342\200\231s names. In addition, the facility provides filtered water to refill the children's water bottles. The outdoor play had one wood board that is to the right of the sandbox and has a hole at the bottom of the fence. Site Director will have this replaced. Shade is provided by trees and canopies. All equipment and surfaces are free from hazards. There are no bodies of water on the premises. There are age-appropriate outdoor toys and materials for the children. LPA observed a climbing structure with sufficient resilient material under and around the structure. Per Site Director, there are no firearms or weapons on the premises. All individuals subject to criminal record review have fingerprint clearances and associated to the facility. At least one staff member has a current Pediatric CPR/First-Aid certification. Fire/disaster drill was conducted in May 2025. LPA reviewed sign-in/out sheets, facility roster (LIC9040). LPA reviewed 5 random children files during today's inspection for the following records: Admission Agreement, Personal Rights (LIC 613A), Identification and Emergency Information (LIC 700), Notification of Parents Rights (LIC 995A), Consent for Emergency Medical Treatment (LIC 627), Physician\342\200\231s Report with TB test (LIC 701). LPAs reviewed five 5 staff files for the following records: Health Screening Report (LIC 503), TB Test, Statement Acknowledging Requirement to Report Child Abuse (LIC 9108), Employee rights (LIC 9052), staff qualifications. Site Director and Staff (S1, S2, S3 and S5) are all missing mandated reporter training certificates in their files. Site Director was reminded of their responsibility to renew CPR/First Aid and Mandated Reporter Training every two years. Site 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. This facility plans to provide 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) tollfree 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 . . Continued on Page 3... 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) 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-carecenters/ . LPA reminded Site Director to report unusual incidents or injuries to children in care to the Department of Social Services using the Unusual Incident/Injury Report form (LIC 624). Incidents must be reported within 24 hours to the regional office by phone and the written report, LIC 624, within 7 calendar days. 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 21-21.1-CCP). LPAs verified that the lead testing was completed in accordance to the Written Directives outlined in PIN 21-21.1-CCP. Site 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. To improve the quality and value of the new inspection process, a survey will 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 tools, please send them by email 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/process . As a result of this inspection, there were deficiencies cited. A Notice of Site Visit was given and must remain posted for 30 days. Exit interview conducted and report was reviewed with the Site Director, Stacy Botkin.

Citations

2 citations recorded*CCLD

What does Type A vs Type B mean?

Type A. Serious citation. Imminent or substantial risk to children. The regulator requires corrective action immediately and may impose a civil penalty.

Type B. Lower-severity citation. Corrective action required, no imminent risk. The regulator monitors compliance on the next visit.

FAQ · About this visit

Common questions about this visit

What happened during the November 19, 2025 inspection of CIRCLE OF FRIENDS?

This was a inspection inspection of CIRCLE OF FRIENDS on November 19, 2025. 2 citations were issued: 2 Type B.

Were any citations issued to CIRCLE OF FRIENDS on November 19, 2025?

Yes, 2 citations were issued (0 Type A, 2 Type B).

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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Data from CCLD public records. Last updated . If you believe any information is inaccurate, report it here.