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Department of
SOCIAL SERVICES

Community Care Licensing


FACILITY EVALUATION REPORT

Facility Number: 243810250
Report Date: 07/10/2025
Date Signed: 07/10/2025 01:44:41 PM

Document Has Been Signed on 07/10/2025 01:44 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
FRESNO CC RO, 1310 E. SHAW AVE,
FRESNO, CA 93710
FACILITY NAME:MERCED EARLY LEARNING CENTERFACILITY NUMBER:
243810250
ADMINISTRATOR/
DIRECTOR:		CYNTHIA JAMESFACILITY TYPE:
860
ADDRESS:1850 WARDROBE AVETELEPHONE:
(209) 381-4005
CITY:MERCEDSTATE: CAZIP CODE:
95341
CAPACITY: 93TOTAL ENROLLED CHILDREN: 25CENSUS: 0DATE:
07/10/2025
TYPE OF VISIT:Annual/RandomUNANNOUNCEDTIME VISIT/
INSPECTION BEGAN:
11:00 AM
MET WITH:Cynthia JamesTIME VISIT/
INSPECTION COMPLETED:
02:00 PM
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On 7/10/2025 Licensing Program Analyst (LPA), Yesenia Fierro conducted an unannounced annual required inspection. for the infant license. LPA met with Site Supervisor, Cynthia James, and toured the facility indoors and outdoors. This facility operates under one (1) license, the facility is licensed to serve infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. LPA observed all required licensing forms, menus, and daily schedules to be posted in a visible location for authorized representatives to view them. This facility runs Monday through Friday from 7:30 A.M-5:30 P.M. A census was taken and there were 0 day care children present, during today’s visit the facility was on summer break and will resume services mid-July. This facility is composed of 7 classrooms. Infant classrooms H1(In use), H2, & I4 (Not in use), Toddler classrooms I2 and I3 (Not in use), and H4(In use) & I1(Not in use).

During today’s inspection LPA observed the facility is equipped with a complete first aid kit, there is adequate heating and ventilation for safety and comfort. Classrooms, materials, surfaces, floors, and carpets accessible to children are clean and in sanitary condition. LPA observed furniture, toys and play equipment are age appropriate and in operable condition. The toilets, changing tables and handwashing facilities are in safe and sanitary operating condition.


Solid waste storage containers have tight-fitting covers and are in good repair. The facility is free of flies, insects, and rodents. The LPA did not observe disinfectants, cleaning solutions and other dangerous items to be accessible to children. There were no poisons observed on the premises accessible to children. Licensee is aware that poisons are required to be locked and inaccessible to children.

CON'T 809-C
NAME OF LICENSING PROGRAM MANAGER: Kari McWilliams
NAME OF LICENSING PROGRAM ANALYST: Yesenia Fierro
LICENSING PROGRAM ANALYST SIGNATURE: DATE: 07/10/2025
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE: DATE: 07/10/2025
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
FRESNO CC RO, 1310 E. SHAW AVE,
FRESNO, CA 93710
FACILITY NAME: MERCED EARLY LEARNING CENTER
FACILITY NUMBER: 243810250
VISIT DATE: 07/10/2025
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The facility receives their meals from the centralized kitchen and baby formula is kept on site. LPA observed food preparation and storage areas are clean, free of litter/rubbish and free of rodents/vermin. Foods/beverages capable of rapid spoiling are stored in covered containers at 45 (F) degrees or less. The facility has drinking water available both indoors and outdoors. The facility uses a water service for all infant water needs.

Currently the facility has a temporary waiver for a shared playground. LPA observed outdoor playground equipment is in safe condition, free of sharp, lose 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, such as swings and slides have cushioning material to absorb falls. There is no swimming pool or other bodies of water on the premises.

LPA reviewed a sample of children’s files and observed files were complete with contact information for authorized representatives and or relatives or others who can assume responsibility for the child, medical assessment, and immunizations recorded. LPA reviewed a sample of staff files and observed files complete with health screening, immunization records for influenza, pertussis and measles and current documentation of completed mandated reporter training. Staff records contain documentation about meeting qualification requirements. The name of the childcare 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. All children are under supervision, including visual supervision, of a teacher at all times. There is a ratio of one teacher supervising no more than four infants in care and a ratio of one teacher supervising no more than 12 children in attendance. Capacity and limitations as specified on the license are being maintained.

Incidental Medical Services (IMS) policy was discussed. For IMS information see Evaluator Manual - Regulation Interpretations and Procedures for Child Care Centers Sections 101173 and 101226. 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)/ (800) 514-0383 (TTY) and link to publication: Commonly Asked Questions about Child Care Centers and the ADA, available at: http://www.ada.gov/childqanda.htm



CON'T 809-C
NAME OF LICENSING PROGRAM MANAGER: Kari McWilliams
NAME OF LICENSING PROGRAM ANALYST: Yesenia Fierro
LICENSING PROGRAM ANALYST SIGNATURE:

DATE: 07/10/2025
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 07/10/2025
LIC809 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 3 of 4
STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

FACILITY EVALUATION REPORT (Cont)		CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
FRESNO CC RO, 1310 E. SHAW AVE,
FRESNO, CA 93710
FACILITY NAME: MERCED EARLY LEARNING CENTER
FACILITY NUMBER: 243810250
VISIT DATE: 07/10/2025
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LPA and Site Supervisor discussed the Community Care Licensing website www.ccld.ca.gov which will provide 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.

LPA discussed the safe sleep regulations with Site Supervisor and discussed the Child Care Licensing Safe Sleep webpage at https://www.cdss.ca.gov/inforesources/child-care-licensing/public-information-and-resources/safe-sleep as an additional resource. LPA also informed Site Supervisor 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 infants devices with the CPSC to be notified of any recalls on their purchased equipment.

Site Supervisor 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.

Site Supervisor 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 will 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 tools, please send them by email 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/process.

Per Title 22, Division 12, Chapter 1, of the California Code of Regulations, no deficiencies are cited.

Exit interview conducted and report was reviewed with Site Supervisor Cynthia James.

A notice of site visit was given and must remain posted for 30 days.

NAME OF LICENSING PROGRAM MANAGER: Kari McWilliams
NAME OF LICENSING PROGRAM ANALYST: Yesenia Fierro
LICENSING PROGRAM ANALYST SIGNATURE:

DATE: 07/10/2025
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 07/10/2025
LIC809 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 4 of 4