<meta name="robots" content="noindex">
Department of
SOCIAL SERVICES

Community Care Licensing


FACILITY EVALUATION REPORT

Facility Number: 370806496
Report Date: 11/21/2025
Date Signed: 11/21/2025 01:27:31 PM

Document Has Been Signed on 11/21/2025 01:27 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
SAN DIEGO CC RO, 7575 METROPOLITAN DR., STE 110
SAN DIEGO, CA 92108
FACILITY NAME:PALMER WAY STATE PRESCHOOLFACILITY NUMBER:
370806496
ADMINISTRATOR/
DIRECTOR:		LINNETTE CASTANEDAFACILITY TYPE:
850
ADDRESS:2900 PALMER STREETTELEPHONE:
(619) 336-8945
CITY:NATIONAL CITYSTATE: CAZIP CODE:
91950
CAPACITY: 72TOTAL ENROLLED CHILDREN: 72CENSUS: DATE:
11/21/2025
TYPE OF VISIT:Annual/RandomUNANNOUNCEDTIME VISIT/
INSPECTION BEGAN:
09:00 AM
MET WITH:Leticia HernandezTIME VISIT/
INSPECTION COMPLETED:
01:00 PM
NARRATIVE
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
On November 21, 2025, at 9:00 AM, Licensing Program Analysts (LPA), Oscar Picazo conducted an unannounced Annual Random Inspection and met with Site Director Dr Leticia Segura. Dr. Segura granted LPA access to the facility and provided directions to Preschool room 1 (P-1) where LPA met with Lead Teacher Leticia Hernandez. LPA disclosed the purpose of the inspection and toured the facility; indoors and outdoors. This is a dual session Full/half day program which operates on a traditional year around school schedule with the National School District. The following ratios were observed: 13 children with four (4) staff members, Lead Teacher Leticia Hernandez and Instructional Assistant Rosa De La Mora in classroom P-1. Instructional Assistants Thailyn Wellman and Fermina Lopez with the Students with Disabilities program were also present. At approximately 10:45 AM, Early Childhood Program Coordinator, Jannette Colada-Tacto arrived to the facility. Days and hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM through 2:30 PM (Full day program) and 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM (half day program).

Lead teacher Hernandez stated that licensed Preschool room P-3 is currently being used by the Special Education Preschool Program. Hernandez also stated that the outdoor play area is shared with the Special Education Preschool program. She stated they do not commingle the preschool age children with the Special Education program during outdoor activities and use a staggered outdoor activity schedule. Currently, there are no waivers or Plans of Operation in place, requested or on file with the department. LPA had a discussion with the Program Coordinator indicating that room P-3 and the outdoor activity area is solely licensed to and for the exclusive use by the preschool. LPA advised that room P-3 will either have to be removed from the license which would also require a reduction/change in capacity or the special education preschool program using P-3 would have to be relocated. LPA also advised that in order for the outdoor space to be shared with another program, the licensee must submit a waiver request indicating why it is needed and show why the other programs cannot be accommodated elsewhere as well as a plan of operation.


See LIC 809C Continuation...
NAME OF LICENSING PROGRAM MANAGER: Tulam Vu
NAME OF LICENSING PROGRAM ANALYST: Oscar Picazo
LICENSING PROGRAM ANALYST SIGNATURE: DATE: 11/21/2025
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE: DATE: 11/21/2025
This report must be available at Child Care and Group Home facilities for public review for 3 years.

LIC809 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 1 of 5
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)
Page: 2 of 5
STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

FACILITY EVALUATION REPORT (Cont)		CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
SAN DIEGO CC RO, 7575 METROPOLITAN DR., STE 110
SAN DIEGO, CA 92108
FACILITY NAME: PALMER WAY STATE PRESCHOOL
FACILITY NUMBER: 370806496
VISIT DATE: 11/21/2025
NARRATIVE
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
Disinfectants, cleaning solutions, and other hazardous items were made inaccessible to the children in care, per observation. No poisons were observed during the inspection. Furniture and equipment in the classroom were observed and found to be in good condition, free of sharp, loose or pointed parts. All toilets and hand washing facilities were observed to be in safe and sanitary operating condition. There are two (2) restrooms, and one (1) sink located in the classroom for the children to use. There is separate restroom designated for staff to use. The floors in the facility were observed to be clean and safe. Based on observation, the facility has a functioning carbon monoxide detector and a first aid kit that meet statutory requirements. The last fire drill was conducted and documented on 11/07/2025. The last earthquake drill was conducted and documented on 10/16/2025 and the the lock down drill was documented on 11/03/2025.

The playground equipment and play materials were observed to be in safe condition, age appropriate, free of sharp, loose or pointed parts. Areas around high climbing equipment were observed to have a bouncy rubber cushioning material surrounding the age-appropriate play structure (3-5 years). The outdoor area is completely fenced and lead teacher states staff use zoning for supervision. Shade was observed in the outdoor activity space by the use of canopies.

The school district provides the program with breakfast only for the half day session and breakfast and lunch for the full day session. Menus are posted Bi-monthly. Solid waste storage containers were observed to have tight-fitting covers and in good repair. Hydration stations with filtered water is available indoors and outdoors but most of the children bring their own water bottles.

Lead teacher stated that there are no swimming pools or other bodies of water, firearms or ammunition allowed or stored on the premises.

Capacity and limitations as specified on the license are being maintained. Children are under supervision, including visual supervision, of a teacher at all times. Facility maintains a ratio of one teacher supervising no more than eight (8) children in care.

LPA reviewed a sample of children’s files and observed files were complete with contact information for authorized representative and or relatives or others who can assume responsibility for the child and medical assessment.


LPA reviewed a sample of staff files and observed files were complete with, immunization records for influenza, pertussis and measles and current documentation of completed mandated reporter training.
See LIC 809C Continuation...
NAME OF LICENSING PROGRAM MANAGER: Tulam Vu
NAME OF LICENSING PROGRAM ANALYST: Oscar Picazo
LICENSING PROGRAM ANALYST SIGNATURE:

DATE: 11/21/2025
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 11/21/2025
LIC809 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 3 of 5
STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

FACILITY EVALUATION REPORT (Cont)		CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
SAN DIEGO CC RO, 7575 METROPOLITAN DR., STE 110
SAN DIEGO, CA 92108
FACILITY NAME: PALMER WAY STATE PRESCHOOL
FACILITY NUMBER: 370806496
VISIT DATE: 11/21/2025
NARRATIVE
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
Program Coordinator stated that all employee’s working at this state preschool have received criminal record clearance and have obtained a health screening and TB as a condition of employment with the National School District. At least one person trained in CPR and Pediatric First Aid is present when children are at the facility. Fully qualified teacher, Leticia Hernandez, CRP/First aide expires 06/2026. Mandated Reporter Training was taken on 07/30/2025.

The name of the facility representative and the fully qualified teacher designated to act in the facility representative’s absence has been reported to the Department. LPA reviewed facility sign in /sign out sheets. Facility utilizes a physical sign in/out sheet. The Lead Teacher was reminded that the person who signs the child in and out of the facility shall use their full legal signature and record the time of day.

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).

Lead teacher states that this facility does not currently provide Incidental Medical Services – IMS but it is available if needed. 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/.

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 platform. To receive important licensed - related information to licensed facilities, visit the CCLD Important Information website at https://www.cdss.ca.gov/inforesources/community-care-licensing/subscribe and select the Child Care option to receive email communication.

See LIC 809C Continuation...

NAME OF LICENSING PROGRAM MANAGER: Tulam Vu
NAME OF LICENSING PROGRAM ANALYST: Oscar Picazo
LICENSING PROGRAM ANALYST SIGNATURE:

DATE: 11/21/2025
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 11/21/2025
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
SAN DIEGO CC RO, 7575 METROPOLITAN DR., STE 110
SAN DIEGO, CA 92108
FACILITY NAME: PALMER WAY STATE PRESCHOOL
FACILITY NUMBER: 370806496
VISIT DATE: 11/21/2025
NARRATIVE
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
LPA discussed and provided Program Coordinator with the following: childcare advocates email address: childcareadvocatesprogram@dss.ca.gov. In addition, for general questions or questions regarding licensing requirements contact the Child Care Licensing Duty Line at (619) 767-2248. Program Coordinator was informed of the MyChildCarePlan.org site, 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.

LPA requested an updated sketch and parent handbook.

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 following is pending with a due date of 12/21/2025:

  • Application for a change in capacity requesting a reduction in capacity and removal of room P-3 from the license - OR -
  • Verification of the relocation of the Special Education Preschool program currently using room P-3.
  • A letter requesting the change for the outdoor activity space.
  • A waiver request for the new shared outdoor activity space with a plan operation.

No deficiencies were cited during this inspection.

An exit interview was conducted and report was reviewed with the Early Childhood Program Coordinator Jannette Colada-Tacto and Lead Teacher Leticia Hernandez. Appeal Rights (LIC 9058) was provided. Program Coordinator was provided the Notice of Site Visit (LIC 9213) and advised to post and must remain posted on, or immediately adjacent to, the interior side of the main door for 30 days. Failure to comply with posting requirements shall result in an immediate civil penalty of $100. LPA observed Notice of Site Visit posted on the wall in classroom.

NAME OF LICENSING PROGRAM MANAGER: Tulam Vu
NAME OF LICENSING PROGRAM ANALYST: Oscar Picazo
LICENSING PROGRAM ANALYST SIGNATURE:

DATE: 11/21/2025
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 11/21/2025
LIC809 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 5 of 5