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Department of
SOCIAL SERVICES

Community Care Licensing


FACILITY EVALUATION REPORT

Facility Number: 197411956
Report Date: 01/10/2024
Date Signed: 01/10/2024 01:45:37 PM


Document Has Been Signed on 01/10/2024 01:45 PM - It Cannot Be Edited

STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

FACILITY EVALUATION REPORT
CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
CCLD Regional Office, 300 CONTINENTAL BLVD. STE 290A
EL SEGUNDO, CA 90245



FACILITY NAME:CIRCLE OF CHILDREN PRESCHOOLFACILITY NUMBER:
197411956
ADMINISTRATOR:GATHRID, MICHELEFACILITY TYPE:
850
ADDRESS:1227 MONTANA AVENUETELEPHONE:
(310) 393-7731
CITY:SANTA MONICASTATE: CAZIP CODE:
90403
CAPACITY:40CENSUS: 34DATE:
01/10/2024
TYPE OF VISIT:Required - 3 YearUNANNOUNCEDTIME BEGAN:
10:15 AM
MET WITH:Michele Gathrid, Facility DirectorTIME COMPLETED:
01:35 PM
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On 1/10/2024 Licensing Program Analysts (LPA) Judy Laureano and Cristina Castellanos conducted an unannounced Annual Required Inspection at the above mentioned facility. LPAs met with Michele Gathrid, facility director.

Facility operates a part time program with two sessions: Monday through Thursday 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 pm. and 12:30 pm to 3:30 p.m. Friday only operates a morning session and afternoon is designated for staff development. Facility serves preschool children ages 3 to five years old with a max capacity of 40.

LPAs observed 34 children and 9 staff members, in addition to site director and 1 administrative staff providing care and supervision. Present during today’s inspection was A. Guerrero, facility maintenance and music consultant providing music classes.

Classrooms were observed and inspected. Classrooms were observed with age-appropriate materials and a variety of manipulative. Both classrooms were observed with a working smoke detector and carbon monoxide detector and working fire extinguisher. Furniture and equipment are in good condition, free of sharp, loose or pointed parts. LPAs observed emergency bag packs and First Aid kits in the classroom.

Facility is open to enroll children that might need medication administered. Preschool classroom currently does not have students with medication. LPAs observed allergy list posted in the classroom as well as the kitchen.

Medication, if needed, will be stored in the director’s office. LPAs reminded facility to ensure that all medication is stored with all necessary LIC forms. All prescription and non prescription medication shall be centrally stored in accordance with the following requirements: medication shall be kept in a safe place inaccessible to the children in care, each container shall have an unaltered label.

SUPERVISOR'S NAME: Claudia EscobedoTELEPHONE: (424) 301-3044
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Judy LaureanoTELEPHONE: (424) 301-3060
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:
DATE: 01/10/2024
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:
DATE: 01/10/2024
This report must be available at Child Care and Group Home facilities for public review for 3 years.

LIC809 (FAS) - (06/04)
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STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

FACILITY EVALUATION REPORT (Cont)
CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
CCLD Regional Office, 300 CONTINENTAL BLVD. STE 290A
EL SEGUNDO, CA 90245
FACILITY NAME: CIRCLE OF CHILDREN PRESCHOOL
FACILITY NUMBER: 197411956
VISIT DATE: 01/10/2024
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Facility has a designated custodial staff that clean and disinfects the classrooms. Teachers are responsible for the day-to-day cleaning. Disinfectants and cleaning solutions are kept in the kitchen area- area is designated as off limits and door was observed closed. LPAs observed cleaning solutions in the top cabinet in each classroom, making the content inaccessible to the children in care.

There is no swimming pool or other bodies of water on the premises. There are no firearms or ammunition allowed or stored on the premises. LPAs observed working fire extinguisher and smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detector throughout the classrooms. All electrical outlets were observed to be covered.

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 have cushioning material to absorb falls. Teachers ensure playground and outdoor equipment is safe and free of hazard before children use the area. LPAs observed all outdoor space to offer a shaded area for children. Director confirmed sand in the sand boxes are replaces twice a year and raking and cleaning is completed three to four times a day.

LPAs observed all toilets and hand washing facilities. LPAs observed toilets and sinks to accommodate the facility’s capacity. Toilets flush properly, toilet and sinks are reachable by the children in care. Water temperature, toilet paper, paper towels, area safety and sanitation were inspected. Floors in the facility are clean and safe. Solid waste storage containers have tight-fitting covers and are in good repair.

Facility operates a part time program and napping does not take place in the facility.

Facility provides snacks only and families are responsible for providing daily meals in their appropriate containers, eg lunch boxes with icepacks and/or thermos. Snack menu is posted in the kitchen and included in the facility’s newsletter. Copies of the menus as served shall be dated and kept on file for at least 30 days. All kitchen, food preparation and storage areas are clean, free of litter/rubbish and free of rodents/vermin. Drinking water was observed via water station between the bathroom and kitchen. Children bring in their refillable water bottle and teachers are responsible for refilling as needed.

SUPERVISOR'S NAME: Claudia EscobedoTELEPHONE: (424) 301-3044
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Judy LaureanoTELEPHONE: (424) 301-3060
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 01/10/2024
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 01/10/2024
LIC809 (FAS) - (06/04)
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STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

FACILITY EVALUATION REPORT (Cont)
CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
CCLD Regional Office, 300 CONTINENTAL BLVD. STE 290A
EL SEGUNDO, CA 90245
FACILITY NAME: CIRCLE OF CHILDREN PRESCHOOL
FACILITY NUMBER: 197411956
VISIT DATE: 01/10/2024
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Parent board was observed with all necessary posting. Families receive all necessary information, including program newsletter electronically.

The facility is free of flies, insects and rodents. Facility contracts with a Pest control vendor to ensure that facility stays pest free.

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.

Capacity and limitations as specified on the license are being maintained during today’s inspections; 34 children and 9 staff members providing care and supervision.

At least one person trained in CPR and Pediatric First Aid is present when children are at the facility or at offsite activities. LPA’s observed all teachers file with current CPR and Pediatric First Aid. LPAs discussed the importance of making sure all Pediatric CPR and Pediatric First Aid training is EMSA approved. Mandated Reporter training was reviewed. LPAs reviewed a sample of children’s files and observed 10 files completed. LPA Laureano emailed director the updated LIC 311A and LIC 125 to use as a reference when auditing files.

The name of the child care center director or fully-qualified teacher(s) designated to act in the director’s absence has been reported to the Department. The person who signs the child in/out of the facility shall use their full legal signature and record the time of day. Sign in/out was observed in the classrooms.

All children are under supervision, including visual supervision, of a teacher at all times. Facility maintains a ratio of one teacher supervising no more than 12 children in care.

SUPERVISOR'S NAME: Claudia EscobedoTELEPHONE: (424) 301-3044
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Judy LaureanoTELEPHONE: (424) 301-3060
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 01/10/2024
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 01/10/2024
LIC809 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 4 of 4
STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

FACILITY EVALUATION REPORT (Cont)
CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
CCLD Regional Office, 300 CONTINENTAL BLVD. STE 290A
EL SEGUNDO, CA 90245
FACILITY NAME: CIRCLE OF CHILDREN PRESCHOOL
FACILITY NUMBER: 197411956
VISIT DATE: 01/10/2024
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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.

Facility representative 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 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/.

Facility director, Michele Gathrid 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.

A notice of site visit was given and must remain posted for 30 days. Exit interview conducted and report was reviewed with the facility Director, Michele Gathrid.

SUPERVISOR'S NAME: Claudia EscobedoTELEPHONE: (424) 301-3044
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Judy LaureanoTELEPHONE: (424) 301-3060
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 01/10/2024
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 01/10/2024
LIC809 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 3 of 4