Follow-up on corrections·June 7, 2023

On 6/7/2023, Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Ocegueda conducted an unannounced case management inspection. The purpose of the inspection was to address off limit areas, personal rights of children as well as the availability of records. LPA met with licensee Norma de Torro, toured the home inside and outside and took a census. Today, LPA Ocegueda inspected the side yard of the home and the front side yard. Both yards are accessible and per interviews of children, parents and licensee have been used recently. When entering the side yard of the home, which is accessible through the front yard area, it was observed to lead to multiple hazards. The hazards observed were yard pruners, broken wooden swing set, multiple rusted vehicles, various sharp metals, gasoline cans and many unknown items. During interviews conducted via telephone, multiple children indicated that licensee takes the children to see the farm animals (chickens, goats ect). Today, LPA observed that the farm animals are located in the very back of the property and the children have to walk through the side yard to get to an area with all the above-mentioned hazards including a long trench that is approximately 2.5 ft in depth. Licensee indicated that she had used the side yard about 4 times however the children interviewed indicated that they see the animals regularly with multiple children indicating that seeing the animals as their favorite thing to do at facility. Licensee plans to make the side yard suitable and plans to close off the areas of the yard that lead to multiple hazards and debris and discarded vehicles and metals. Licensee stated she would discard any play equipment, building materials that are broken or hazardous. Licensee stated she would ensure her side yard was suitable for children. For the time being until the repairs are made, licensee will lock the gate to ensure that children will not have access to the various hazards mentioned above as today the side gate was being held closed with a clay like pot at the bottom. Report continued to 809-C Today, licensee also had the kitchen that is identified as off limits, accessible. During interview, licensee stated that she has used two off limits rooms for care without reporting it to the Department. The two rooms have had top latches during past annual inspections and were reported to the Department as off limits. Licensee understand that off limit rooms should not be used for care and used without being inspected and approved. LPA reviewed regulations related to the requirement to maintain her home in a clean and orderly manner. Licensee has a pool that is inaccessible per the regulation and licensee denied that she is using the pool. Licensee understands that if she ever decides to use the pool for the children, she should have enough and adequate supervision (including reduced staff to child ratio), water safety devices and should be reported to the Licensing Department. Licensee stated she had planned on using the pool this Summer but today stated she would not be using the pool. Today, the off limits kitchen was accessible. LPA observed clutter in the accessible kitchen counters and dining room area that would make it difficult for children to use the dining furniture. Also in the bathroom there were several toys stacked in the bath tub. Today, Licensee removed the toys from the tub and cleaned up her kitchen and dining area. On 4/19/2023, Licensee could not provide LPA Ocegueda with a roster of children who were currently and past enrolled. A roster was provided with a limited number of children listed. Licensee stated she would work on the roster immediately and send to LPA. As of 5/19/2023, LPA had not received the children’s roster from licensee and LPA requested the complete facility roster again. LPA received the updated facility roster on 5/30/2023 approximately 5 weeks after it was initially requested. LPA explained the requirement to maintain records available for review of the Department during inspections. Lastly upon arrival today, LPA Ocegueda knocked on the door and observed the day care children (children #3, #4, and #5) come to the door. The children were between the ages of 2 years old and 4 years old. The wood door was open, and the screen door was closed but not locked. LPA did not hear licensee coming and one of the children had to go get her. It took licensee approximately two minutes to come to the door and she stated she was trying to put an infant to sleep. Licensee lives on a relatively busy street next to an elementary school, causing increased vehicle traffic. LPA addressed this observation with licensee today and explained LPA was concerned that the children could easily walk out due to the exit being so hidden from the rest of the home and because today licensee was not providing visual supervision. LPA explained that although one hundred percent visual supervision was not required in family day care homes, she was required to maintain a healthful and safe environment at all times. Report continued to 809-C Per Title 22, Division 12, Chapter 3, of the California Code of Regulations, the following deficiencies are being cited: (see next page, 809 D) Licensee was provided a copy of appeal rights. Upon receipt of a Type A violation, licensee shall post and provide copies of this licensing report to parents/guardians of children in care at the facility and to parents/guardians of children newly enrolled at the facility during the next 12 months. A copy of LIC 9224 was given to licensee. This report shall be made available to the public upon request. LIC 9213 Notice of Site Visit is provided and required to be posted for 30 days.