The preschool is housed within Mark Twain Elementary School. The preschool program operates an AM and PM session. The AM session is from 8:00am to 11:00am and the PM session is from 12:15pm to 3:15pm. LPA observed the following teacher-to-child ratios in each classroom:

Classroom B6 (Room 9): 18 children being supervised by one (1) Teacher and two (2) Instructional Assistants

All children are under supervision, including visual supervision, of a teacher at all times. The preschool program is in compliance with Title 22 regulations regarding Staff to Student ratios. Parents sign their children in and out of the facility via the Care Connection online application. LPA Castellanos advised administrator to ensure that parents sign using their full legal name.

The facility does have preschool children that require Incidental Medical Services (IMS). Medication is stored above a compartment cabinet in the classroom. LPA discussed with administrator all the necessary paperwork that needs to be included with the medication and reminded that all medication needs to be in its original content with current prescription.

There are no swimming pools, ponds, or other bodies of water on the premises. There are no firearms or ammunition allowed or stored on the premises. Disinfectants, cleaning solutions and other hazardous items are made inaccessible to the children in care. All poisons are kept out of the children’s reach on the top shelf above the classroom sink.

The facility has a designated district custodial staff that cleans and disinfects as needed but primarily every day in the evening. Teachers do the day-to-day cleaning in the classrooms.

LPA Castellanos observed a total of two (2) fully charged fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, and two (2) working carbon monoxide detectors in the classrooms. Additionally, all classrooms have a Pull Fire Alarm system. LPA observed the First Aid Kit next to the parent board near the classroom’s main door. LPA reminded Site Supervisor Peak the importance of having the verification of the Disaster and Fire Drills Log available for review for all classrooms.

All toilets and hand washing facilities are in safe and sanitary operating condition. Floors in the facility are clean and safe. LPA Castellanos inspected the classroom and observed age-appropriate toys, books, and furnishings. Furniture and equipment are in good condition, free of sharp, loose, or pointed parts.

Playground equipment is in safe condition, free of sharp, loose, or pointed parts. The surface of the outdoor activity space is maintained in a safe condition and is free of hazards. Areas around high climbing equipment, swings and slides have cushioning material to absorb all falls.

Facility provides meals for the AM & PM sessions through the Lawndale Elementary School District (LESD). The menu is posted on the classroom’s parent board. Parents can also review the menu via Parent Square, an online application. All kitchen food preparation and storage areas are clean, free of litter/rubbish and free of rodents/vermin. LESD Cafeteria Staff members personally deliver meals to the classrooms. Administration was reminded that copies of the menus as served should be dated and kept on file for at least 30 days. The preschool program coordinates with school cafeteria staff to ensure that all dietary restrictions are being adhered to. Solid waste storage containers have tight-fitting covers and are in good repair.

The facility communicates with families via Parent Square, flyers and/or verbal communication during drop-off and/or pick-up time.

Prior to working or volunteering in a licensed childcare facility, all individuals subject to a criminal record review have received a criminal record clearance or exemption. Upon notification from the Department, the licensee will comply and act immediately to terminate the employment of, remove from the facility or bar from entering the facility for any person it is deemed necessary while the Department considers granting or denying an exemption.

At least one person trained in CPR and Pediatric First Aid is present when children are at the facility or at offsite activities. A current CPR and Pediatric First Aid was observed for administrators Ms. Paek and Ms. Muro taken on 08/18/2023. Additionally, Ms. Paek holds a Child Development Site Supervisor Permit issued on 10/01/2023. LPA observed ASCIP E-Learning Mandated Reporter Training Certifications (AB1432-23) for all staff members present during today’s inspection. LPA discussed the importance of making sure that all training is from the approved vendor list. LPA discussed the importance of making sure that all Pediatric CPR and Pediatric First Aid training is EMSA approved. LPA Castellanos will set up an appointment with the district office to further review staff’s files.

Per Director Belt-Brown all staff members will have completed their Mandated Reporter Training by the end of this month, since ASCIP E-Learning training does not meet the minimum requirements of health and safety code section 1596.8662.

LPA Castellanos reviewed 10 children’s files and observed files to be in compliance including current contact information for authorized representatives and/or relatives who can assume responsibility for the child, immunization records, and authorization for medical treatment. LPA provided Administrator Paek LIC125 and LIC311A forms for further review and reference.

Administrator 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.

LPA Castellanos reminded administrator to access the Community Care Licensing website www.ccld.ca.gov for access to Provider Information Notices (PINs), Quarterly Updates, COVID-19 Information and Resources, Mandated Reporter Training, Safe Sleep in Child Care, Lead Poisoning Facts, Forms and Regulations. 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 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.