Routine inspection (3-year)·October 31, 2025

On 10/31/2025 at 1:30PM, Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Cynthia Alvarez conducted an unannounced Required-3 Year inspection. The center is located on the school grounds of Ojai Valley School .LPA met with Director Linda Gartrell and advised them of the purpose of the inspection. Director provided LPA a tour of the center inside and out. There were 12 children in care at the time of the inspection along with 2 staff. Center operates Monday-Friday 7:30AM-5:00PM. LPA observed required licensing documents pinned to a bulletin board at the entrance of the classroom. The center is utilizing 1 classroom which contained appropriate toys and furniture accessible for children in care. The restroom children use is in the outdoor area; LPA did not observe any hazards/toxins items accessible to children. The First Aid kit was observed in the classroom. Last disaster drill was conducted 10/22/25. LPA observed clipboards at the entrance of the classroom for parent/guardian sign-in/sign-out. The center sends home monthly newsletters via email. The preschool utilizes calls, emails, and in-person communication with children's parents/guardians. Center provides lunch and snacks, the food is provided by the Ojai Valley School cafeteria. Food menu is posted on the wall of the classroom and is updated weekly; the parents are also emailed a copy of the menu for the week and drinking water is available inside and outside. Director stated she is not currently providing Incidental Medical Services. The outdoor playground is shaded and has enough space for children to play. LPA observed the playground has age-appropriate toys and structures available for children to use. A sample of 5 children and 2 staff records were reviewed. LPA found children's files to be complete and current. Staff member's mandated reporter certification are all outdated, they expired in 08/2024. LPA reminded Director that Mandated Reporter Training should be completed every 2 years. LPA verified SB792 Child Care Adult Immunization and Tuberculosis requirements. Continued on 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. 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 childcare 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 to the Written Directives outlined in PIN 21-21.1-CCP. Incidental Medical Services (IMS) policy was discussed. For IMS information see PIN 22-02-CCP. 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/ . The staff was informed of the MyChildCarePlan.org website; a consumer education website that helps families obtain childcare by connecting them to childcare providers and Resource and Referral Agencies (R&Rs) throughout California. 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 . During today's inspection 1 Type B citation was given. Appeal Rights were provided A notice of site visit was given and must remain posted for 30 days. Exit interview conducted and report was reviewed with director Linda Gratrell