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Inspection visit

Routine inspection

A PLACE TO GROW MONTESSORILicense 5438086492 citations on this visit
2 citations recorded

Inspector’s narrative

What the inspector wrote

On 10/30/2024 Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Christopher Burnias and Licensing Program Manager (LPM) Luisa Gavoutian, conducted an Unannounced Annual Required Inspection for the preschool license. This facility has a toddler component that operates out of the Willow and Cedar Classrooms. LPA met with Director, Blair Vedenoff and toured the facility indoors and outdoors. Days and hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM. No poisons were observed during the inspection. Disinfectants, cleaning solutions and other hazardous items are made inaccessible. There is no swimming pool on the premises. LPA observed in Magnolia Classroom one fish tank. Though the tank had a lid, it was able to be removed. Director was advised to install locks for the fish tank lid. LPA advised Director to install locks on the fish tank lid to prevent access by children. There are no firearms or ammunition allowed or stored on the premises. Furniture and equipment are in good condition, free of sharp, loose or pointed parts. During inspection of Magnolia Classroom, LPA observed spider webs on ceiling. Director was advised to have spider webs removed and LPA also observed a storage closet inside the classroom that was unlocked. LPA advised Director to install lever locks to prevent children from opening door to storage closet. During inspection of Willow Classroom, LPA observed ceiling fan blades and ceiling air vent with collected dust. Director was advised to have the dust removed from the ceiling fan blades and ceiling air vent. **Continued on LIC 809C** All toilets and handwashing facilities are in safe and sanitary operating condition. During inspection of Oak Classroom, LPA observed a sink fixture in the restroom that was loose, affecting use of the water handle. Director was advised to have the sink fixture repaired and tightened. During inspection of Maple Classroom, LPA observed multiple toilets with long toilet screws exposed on the bottom. Director was advised to have the long screws cut down and to have the toilet screws capped off. During inspection of Maple Classroom, LPA observed diaper cream on a lower shelf of a rolling cart inside the restroom. Director was advised to move the diaper cream to an inaccessible area. During inspection of outdoor play area, LPA observed children's toys that were dirty and broken. Director was advised to remove broken toys and ensure the toys are cleaned and maintained. LPA also observed a broken fence panel and advised Director to have the fence panel replaced. LPA also observed holes in the ground in the outdoor play area which could pose as a tripping hazard. Director was advised to have holes filled. Facility has one or more functioning carbon monoxide detectors. Floors in the facility are clean and safe. Solid waste storage containers have tight-fitting covers and are in good repair. Drinking water is available both indoors and outdoors. Drinking water is provided by personal water bottles. This facility does not provide meals to children, snacks are provided. Food is provided by parents. Menus are posted at least one week in advance where an authorized representative can view them. Capacity and limitations as specified on the license are being maintained. At least one person trained in CPR and Pediatric First Aid is present when children are at the facility or at offsite activities. During review of staff files, LPA observed that staff had First Aid/CPR certification cards, however the cards were missing the required EMSA stickers. Director is to have EMSA stickers placed on certification cards. The name of the child care center director or fully-qualified teacher(s) designated to act in the director\342\200\231s absence has been reported to the Department. **Continued on LIC 809C** During inspection, LPA observed a child using the restroom in Magnolia Classroom unattended. Teacher was seated outside of the restroom working on an activity with another child. Teacher was seated in a position to where there was no direct line of sight of the child inside the restroom. During inspection, LPA observed a child using the restroom in Oak Classroom unattended. Teachers were observed on the opposite side of the classroom assisting with activities with other children. Teachers were unable to see child inside the restroom from where they were standing. During inspection, LPA observed a child playing with Sewing Pins and Pin Cushion without supervision. Teachers were observed on opposite side of the classroom assisting with activities with other children. During inspection, LPM observed a child in Maple Classroom seated alone at a table eating unsupervised. The rest of the class was seated elsewhere in the classroom for circle time with teachers. During inspection during nap time, LPA observed one child in Oak Classroom using the restroom unsupervised while other children were doing an activity at a table located behind shelving that prevented staff from visual observation. The three staff present were observing other children napping on mats. A citation has been issued for lack of supervision (see attached). Facility meets teacher-child ratios. LPA reviewed a sample of children\342\200\231s files and observed files were complete with contact information for authorized representative and or relatives or others who can assume responsibility for the child and medical assessment. Upon review of Infant files LPA observed that Infant Needs and Services Plan was missing from file. Director is to have the form completed and added to infant\342\200\231s file. LPA reviewed a sample of staff files and observed files were complete with health screening, immunization records for influenza, pertussis and measles and current documentation of completed mandated reporter training. During review of staff files, LPA observed that Lead Teacher of the Toddler Component and Facility Director were missing 3 units in the infant/toddler category. Director stated they will submit an exception request to remain in position while they complete the required course. The Department will review the exception request and notify the facility if approved. LPA discussed the Community Care Licensing website www.ccld.ca.gov which will provide access to resources such as forms, regulations Provider Information Notices (PINs), and Quarterly Updates. LPA discussed Reporting Requirements as outlined in the regulations (Section 101212). **Continued on LIC 809C** 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. 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). LPA verified that the lead testing was completed in accordance with the Written Directives outlined in PIN 21-21.1-CCP. LPA referred Director to the Department website for lead: www.cdss.ca.gov/inforesources/child-care-licensing/water-testing-information . LPA discussed 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-andresources/safe-sleep as an additional resource. LPA also informed Director 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. This facility provides Incidental Medical Services \342\200\223 IMS. LPA reviewed storage of medication and equipment/supplies, and reviewed children\342\200\231s, personnel, and administrative records. 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/ . 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. **Continued on LIC 809C** 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 . Exit interview conducted and report was reviewed with Director Blair Vedenoff. Appeal rights were provided. Per Title 22, Division 12, Chapter 1 of the California Code of Regulations, the following deficiencies are being cited: (see next page). 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 the Fact Sheet - Child Care Parent Notification Requirements and a copy of LIC 9224 Acknowledgement of Receipt of Licensing Reports was given to Director. 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.

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.

  • TEACHER QUALIFICATIONS AND DUTIES

    Based on staff record review, the licensee did not comply with the section cited above. LPA observed that Lead Teacher of the Toddler Component and Facility Director were missing 3 units in the infant/toddler category which poses a potential health, safety or personal rights risk to persons in care.

  • RESPONSIBILITY FOR PROVIDING CARE AND SUPERVISION

    Based on LPA observation the licensee did not comply with the section cited above. LPA observed children using the restroom without supervision on three separate occasions during the facility inspection. LPA also observed a child eating at a table unsupervised while teachers were with other children in another area of the classroom. Based on these observations, this poses an immediate health, safety or personal rights risk to persons in care.

FAQ · About this visit

Common questions about this visit

What happened during the October 30, 2024 inspection of A PLACE TO GROW MONTESSORI?

This was a other inspection of A PLACE TO GROW MONTESSORI on October 30, 2024. 2 citations were issued: 1 Type A (serious) and 1 Type B.

Were any citations issued to A PLACE TO GROW MONTESSORI on October 30, 2024?

Yes, 2 citations were issued (1 Type A, 1 Type B). The first citation was for: "Based on staff record review, the licensee did not comply with the section cited above. LPA observed that Lead Teacher ..."

What type of inspection was this?

This was a other inspection. other inspections are conducted by CCLD as part of their licensing oversight.

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