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Department of
SOCIAL SERVICES

Community Care Licensing


FACILITY EVALUATION REPORT

Facility Number: 198020096
Report Date: 06/25/2026
Date Signed: 06/25/2026 01:46:24 PM

Document Has Been Signed on 06/25/2026 01:46 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
MONTEREY PARK CC RO, 1000 CORPORATE CNTR DR. 200-B
MONTEREY PARK, CA 91754
FACILITY NAME:BUDDIE & ME PRESCHOOLFACILITY NUMBER:
198020096
ADMINISTRATOR/
DIRECTOR:		JULIE JIHYUN CHOFACILITY TYPE:
850
ADDRESS:4270 W. 6TH STREETTELEPHONE:
(213) 382-3131
CITY:LOS ANGELESSTATE: CAZIP CODE:
90020
CAPACITY: 45TOTAL ENROLLED CHILDREN: 30CENSUS: 28DATE:
06/25/2026
TYPE OF VISIT:Annual/RandomUNANNOUNCEDTIME VISIT/
INSPECTION BEGAN:
11:10 AM
MET WITH:Director,Julie Jihyun ChoTIME VISIT/
INSPECTION COMPLETED:
02:25 PM
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On Thursday, June 26, 2026 11:10 a.m., Licensing Program Analysts (LPAs) C. Nguyen and M. Ruiz conducted an unannounced annual inspection and met with Director Julie Jihyun Cho and Assistant Nicole Jeon, who guided LPAs on a tour of the facility and assisted with translation. This is a preschool age program that serves children 3-5 and consists of 3 classrooms. This program operates Monday – Friday from 7:40 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. All areas identified on the facility sketch were toured and inspected both indoors and outdoors. Per the Director, there are 31 children enrolled; teacher and child ratio were observed, and present staff are fingerprinted cleared: 29 children and 5 staff.

Classrooms: Hello Pooh (2-3), Tatty Ratty (3-4), Silly Billy (4-5)

There is a parking lot at the facility and the entrance gate to the facility is in the middle of the lot. There is an outdoor door where parents ring the doorbell and staff take them in. Sign in and out takes place at the main entrance area and were reviewed to ensure that the person who signs the child in and out. LPAs reminded director that parents/guardians should use their full legal signature and record the time of the day on sign out sheets (TV given). The director stated no firearms, weapons, poisons nor bodies of water are located in the premises and LPAs did not observe any of the above mentioned.

The following documents were posted in a prominent, publicly accessible area at the facility: Facility License, Notification of Parents' Rights (PUB 393), Personal Rights (LIC 613A) Menu (weekly), Earthquake Preparedness (LIC 9148), Child Passenger System Poster (PUB 269), and Daily Schedule.

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NAME OF LICENSING PROGRAM MANAGER: Katrina Chicote
NAME OF LICENSING PROGRAM ANALYST: Monica Ruiz
LICENSING PROGRAM ANALYST SIGNATURE: DATE: 06/25/2026
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE: DATE: 06/25/2026
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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California Health & Human Services Agency
California Department of Social Services

FACILITY EVALUATION REPORT California law requires a public report of each licensing visit/inspection. This report is a record for the facility and the licensing agency. This report is available for public review; therefore, care is taken not to disclose personal or confidential information. Inquiries concerning the location, maintenance, and contents of these reports may be directed to the Licensing Program Analyst or Regional Office whose address and telephone number are listed on the front of this form.

DEFICIENCIES A deficiency is an instance of noncompliance with licensing requirements, including applicable statutes, regulations, interim licensing standards, operating standards, and written directives. Applicants/ licensees must be notified in writing of all licensing deficiencies. Deficiencies are listed on the left side of this form, and the applicable licensing requirement upon which the deficiency is identified. There are two types of deficiencies:
  • Type A deficiencies are violations of licensing requirements that, if not corrected, have a direct and immediate risk to the health, safety, or personal rights of persons in care.
  • Type B deficiencies are violations of licensing requirements that, without correction, could become a risk to the health, safety, or personal rights of persons in care, a recordkeeping violation that could impact the care of said persons and/or protection of their resources, or a violation that could impact those services required to meet the needs of persons in care.

PLANS OF CORRECTION (POCs) The licensing agency is required to establish a reasonable length of time to correct a deficiency. In order to set the time, the licensing agency must take into consideration the seriousness of the violation, the number of persons in care involved, and the availability of equipment and personnel necessary to correct the violation. Applicants/licensees are requested to provide a specific plan for each violation on the right side of the form across from each deficiency. The more specific the plan, the less chance exists for any misunderstanding in setting time limits and reviewing corrections. The applicant/licensee who encounters problems beyond their control in completing the corrections within the specified time frame may request and may be granted an extension of the correction due date by the licensing agency.

CORRECTION NOTIFICATION The applicant/licensee is responsible for completing all corrections and promptly notifying the licensing agency of corrections. Applicants/licensees are advised to keep a dated copy of any correspondence sent to the licensing agency concerning corrections, or if corrections are telephoned to the licensing agency, the date, person contacted, and information given.

CIVIL PENALTIES The licensing agency is required by law to issue a Penalty Notice, when applicable, to all facilities holding a license issued by the licensing agency, or subject to licensure, except Certified Family Homes, Resource Families, and Foster Family Homes, or any governmental entity.

PENALTY NOTICE GIVEN The statement concerning civil penalties serves as a penalty notice on this Licensing Report and failure to correct cited licensing deficiencies will result in civil penalties. Applicants/ licensees are required to pay civil penalties when administrative appeals have been exhausted and in accordance with any payment arrangements made with the licensing agency.

APPEAL RIGHTS The applicant/licensee has a right without prejudice to discuss any disagreement in this report with the licensing agency concerning the proper application of licensing requirements. The applicant/ licensee may request a formal review by the licensing agency to amend or dismiss the notice of deficiency and/ or civil penalty. Requests for review shall be made in writing within 15 business days of receipt of a deficiency notification or civil penalty assessment. Licensing deficiencies may be appealed pursuant to the procedures in the LIC 9058 Applicant/Licensee Rights.

AGENCY REVIEW The licensing agency review of an appeal may be conducted based upon information provided in writing by the applicant/licensee. The applicant/licensee may request an office meeting to provide additional information. The applicant/licensee will be notified in writing of the results of the agency review within 60 business days of the date when all necessary information has been provided to the licensing agency.

EMAIL REQUIREMENT Adult Community Care Facilities, Residential Care Facilities for the Chronically Ill, and Residential Care Facilities for the Elderly are required to provide and maintain an active email address of record with the licensing agency.

LIC809 (FAS) - (09/23)
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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
MONTEREY PARK CC RO, 1000 CORPORATE CNTR DR. 200-B
MONTEREY PARK, CA 91754
FACILITY NAME: BUDDIE & ME PRESCHOOL
FACILITY NUMBER: 198020096
VISIT DATE: 06/25/2026
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LPAs entered the (3) classrooms and observed age-appropriate furniture, manipulatives, toys, board games, art supplies, and books made accessible to the children and free of sharp, loose, or pointed parts. LPAs observed each classroom has a cubby for children to store their personal belongings. Children bring their own water bottles and bottles get refilled as needed from filtered water dispenser. LPAs observed cots as napping equipment, each with a tight-fitted sheet. Director states children bring their own sheets from home and are sent back in “nap bags” to be washed by parents bi-weekly. Each classroom has a refrigerator with thermostats where staff store their personal food and milk for children. Licensing staff observed step trash bins with a tight-fitting lid inside the classrooms. Next, LPAs observed two restrooms located in the hallway to have working toilets, sinks, hand soap dispensers, and paper towels. One restroom by Tatty Ratty has a diaper changing table and per Director is always sanitized after each use with disposable liner.

During time of inspection, LPAs observed cleaning solutions stored inside the hallway closet (located between the two restrooms) with a key lock in place making it inaccessible for children to reach and open. Director stated that they currently do not have any children on medication or severe food allergies. LPAs observed the ill isolation area to take place in the Director’s office. First aid kit supplies are also kept inside the Director’s offices and were observed to be fully equipped.

Heating, lighting, and ventilation were evaluated by LPAs. LPAs observed central AC/heater and vents located on the ceiling. LPAs observed the thermostats located in the classrooms and temperatures to be between 70-71 degrees. LPAs observed the fire extinguishers in the hallway and the valve on the required 2A10BC fire extinguishers indicating fully charged and serviced on 04/09/2026. LPAs observed Director test the smoke and carbon monoxide (combined) and were operable. Emergency drill shall be conducted every six months and the last emergency drill was conducted on 06/08/2026.

Licensing staff observed the outdoor play area to be fully fenced and play equipment was observed to be free of sharp, lose or pointed parts. Outdoor activity space surface is maintained in a safe condition and is free of hazards. There is a sandbox with cover and Director states that it has not been used. There is also pretend play structures, tricycles, balls, and many other age-appropriate toys for children to play with. Areas around and/or under climbing equipment have cushioning material to absorb a fall. Drinking water is readily available outdoors. There is adequate shade in the play yard via a large canopy.



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NAME OF LICENSING PROGRAM MANAGER: Katrina Chicote
NAME OF LICENSING PROGRAM ANALYST: Monica Ruiz
LICENSING PROGRAM ANALYST SIGNATURE:

DATE: 06/25/2026
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 06/25/2026
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
MONTEREY PARK CC RO, 1000 CORPORATE CNTR DR. 200-B
MONTEREY PARK, CA 91754
FACILITY NAME: BUDDIE & ME PRESCHOOL
FACILITY NUMBER: 198020096
VISIT DATE: 06/25/2026
NARRATIVE
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Per Director, the facility utilizes a food program and provides breakfast, lunch, and PM snack. Meals are prepared in the church next door and then delivered to the facility. LPAs informed licensee that any food brought from the children's homes, the container shall be labeled with the child's name and properly stored or refrigerated. LPAs entered the church’s kitchen and observed having a locked door in place as it is off limits to the children. LPAs observed the food preparation area to be clean and free of litter, rubbish, rodents, and/or any other vermin and storage containers for solid waste. LPAs reminded Director to label opened boxes of food with open and expiration dates.

LPAs reviewed the children’s roster, children’s files, and staff files were observed to be complete.

LPAs observed Director Julie Jihyun Cho American Heart Association Pediatric First Aid/CPR certification and expires 8/2027 and has proof of immunization against Pertussis, MMR, and Influenza declination. Director has completed the mandated reporter (AB 1207) training and expires 11/20/2026. Director was advised that the mandated reporter training must be completed every 2 years, and is available at www.mandatedreporterca.com.



All individuals subject to criminal background review have obtained a criminal record clearance. 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 as specified in Health and Safety Code section 1597.16. 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.). LPAs verified that the lead testing was completed in accordance to the Written Directives (Interim Licensing Standards) outlined in PIN 21-21.1-CCP. LPAs referred licensee to the Department website for lead: Lead Toxicity Prevention and Water Testing Information https://www.cdss.ca.gov/inforesources/child-care-licensing/water-testing-information
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NAME OF LICENSING PROGRAM MANAGER: Katrina Chicote
NAME OF LICENSING PROGRAM ANALYST: Monica Ruiz
LICENSING PROGRAM ANALYST SIGNATURE:

DATE: 06/25/2026
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 06/25/2026
LIC809 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 4 of 5
STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

FACILITY EVALUATION REPORT (Cont)		CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
MONTEREY PARK CC RO, 1000 CORPORATE CNTR DR. 200-B
MONTEREY PARK, CA 91754
FACILITY NAME: BUDDIE & ME PRESCHOOL
FACILITY NUMBER: 198020096
VISIT DATE: 06/25/2026
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LPAs discussed the safe sleep regulations with licensee 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. LPAs also informed licensee of the importance of checking for and removing any 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.

Incidental Medical Services (IMS) policy was discussed. Director states that there are no children enrolled who take medication. For IMS information see PIN 22- 02-CCP. When any IMS is provided, a Plan for Providing 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)/ (800) 514- 0383 (TTY) and link to publication: Commonly Asked Questions about Child Care Centers and the ADA, available at: https://www.ada.gov/resources/child-care-centers/.

Licensee 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.

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.

The Notice of Site Visit (LIC 9213) – must remain posted for 30 days during the hours of operation after each site visit by a licensing representative. Appeal rights were given.

Exit interview conducted and report was reviewed with Director Julie Jihyun Cho.

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NAME OF LICENSING PROGRAM MANAGER: Katrina Chicote
NAME OF LICENSING PROGRAM ANALYST: Monica Ruiz
LICENSING PROGRAM ANALYST SIGNATURE:

DATE: 06/25/2026
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 06/25/2026
LIC809 (FAS) - (06/04)
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