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Department of
SOCIAL SERVICES

Community Care Licensing


FACILITY EVALUATION REPORT

Facility Number: 376105105
Report Date: 10/05/2022
Date Signed: 10/05/2022 12:28:46 PM

Document Has Been Signed on 10/05/2022 12:28 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, 7575 METROPOLITAN DR STE 110
SAN DIEGO, CA 92108
FACILITY NAME:TAPROOT MONTESSORI PRESCHOOLFACILITY NUMBER:
376105105
ADMINISTRATOR:MARGARITA CAMARGOFACILITY TYPE:
850
ADDRESS:1431 EAST BROADWAYTELEPHONE:
(619) 444-0131
CITY:EL CAJONSTATE: CAZIP CODE:
92021
CAPACITY: 60TOTAL ENROLLED CHILDREN: 49CENSUS: 38DATE:
10/05/2022
TYPE OF VISIT:PrelicensingUNANNOUNCEDTIME BEGAN:
09:30 AM
MET WITH:Nicole HallTIME COMPLETED:
12:45 PM
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On 10/05/2022 at 9:30am, Licensing Program Analyst (LPA), Samantha Clenista conducted an announced Change of Ownership Pre-Licensing inspection. Upon arrival, LPA met with CEO, Nicole Hall. LPA took a tour of the facility and observed a total of 38 children with a total of 6 staff members. This facility houses a preschool and toddler program. The Preschool Program (children ages 2-K) operate in the Palm Room. The Toddler Option Program (18-36 months) operate in the Pine Room. Fire clearance was granted on 08/08/2022. There is a First Aid Kit kept in each classroom. Medications are on site and stored in the classrooms and are kept up high inaccessible to children.

All indoor and outdoor activity space utilized for the children were inspected and measured today. The Pine Room measured at approximately 901.9 sq. ft. which will accommodate a total of 25 children. The Palm Room measured at approximately 1,153.76 sq. ft. which will accommodate a total of 32 children. LPA observed all indoor play space to be complete with age-appropriate furniture and equipment, including tables, chairs, cubbies, napping cots, bookshelves, and other activity supplies for the children. There is a total of 5 toilets and 6 sinks available for the children. Children are to be escorted and supervised by staff to and from the bathroom and under direct visual observation. There is a separate bathroom used by staff that has 2 sinks and 1 toilet, which is also designated for use by children who are ill. The office area is used for isolation when children who are ill. There is a operational carbon monoxide detector on site located in each classroom. The kitchen area currently includes two microwaves, refrigerator, one sink and one toaster oven. Food and beverages are up to date and kitchen was observed free of rodents and/or vermin. All required documents for the parents and employees are posted. Sign-in/out sheet is located in front of the building. All children that were present during inspection were signed in.
SUPERVISORS NAME: Monica Cuddy
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Samantha Clenista
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE: DATE: 10/05/2022
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE: DATE: 10/05/2022
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, 7575 METROPOLITAN DR STE 110
SAN DIEGO, CA 92108
FACILITY NAME: TAPROOT MONTESSORI PRESCHOOL
FACILITY NUMBER: 376105105
VISIT DATE: 10/05/2022
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The facility has three separate playgrounds that include the toddler playground, preschool playground and an additional space that the facility would like to share between both programs at different times. This shared space measured at 789 sq. ft., sufficient for 10 children at one time. LPA observed the playground to have a sandbox, playhouse structure and a picnic table with a canopy and a pergola used for shade. Area was observed to be in good repair and free of hazards, however, it is not fully enclosed. LPA requested that the area where the entry point is, be gated off so that when the toddlers use this shared space, they will not have access to the preschool playground. A playground waiver is needed to be submitted and approved prior to licensure. The toddler playground area with the shared outdoor space was inspected and measured at approximately 1,961.50 sq. ft., which will accommodate no more than 26 children at one time. The preschool playground area with the shared outdoor space was inspected and measured at approximately 5,307.16 sq. ft., which will accommodate no more than 70 children at one time. When LPA inspected all outdoor playgrounds, LPA observed trees and canopies used for shade. Play areas had sufficient cushioning under the climbing structures (rubber chips) and is fully fenced (above 4ft. high). LPA observed three climbing structures and one seesaw equipment that had no age appropriate verification. Drinking water is readily accessible inside and outside the classroom via water pitchers and refillable water bottles.

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. LPA and applicant discussed California Megan's Law and LPA provided: www.meganslaw.ca.gov.

Facility Representative was reminded that all adults 18 and over responsible for administration or direct supervision of staff, persons who provides care and supervision to children, and staff who have contact with children, including employees and volunteers, must obtain a criminal record clearance or exemption, or transfer their existing clearance or exemption, prior to initial presence in a Child Care Center.
SUPERVISORS NAME: Monica Cuddy
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Samantha Clenista
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 10/05/2022
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 10/05/2022
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, 7575 METROPOLITAN DR STE 110
SAN DIEGO, CA 92108
FACILITY NAME: TAPROOT MONTESSORI PRESCHOOL
FACILITY NUMBER: 376105105
VISIT DATE: 10/05/2022
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A civil penalty of $100.00 minimum/day up to $500.00 maximum per day/per person will be assessed if this regulation is violated.

LPA reviewed the updated LIC311A with the facility representative today and reminded to keep anything that reads, “Keep Out of Reach of Children” inaccessible to children.

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.

Prior to licensure, the following is needed:
  • Make the shared outdoor play space fully fenced in
  • Submit a shared playground waiver request
  • Obtain an updated fire clearance reflecting updated request of preschool and toddler children
  • Per Applicant's request of making both rooms be fully included in the square footage, Applicant must remove all storage cabinets in both rooms and submit pictures to LPA of removal

Exit interview was conducted with Ms. Hall. LPA provided and reviewed all Provider Information Notice's regarding Lead Testing to Ms. Hall. Ms. Hall stated her understanding of the information and what is needed to be done by January 1, 2023. A preschool license for 58 children (with 25 toddlers ages 18-36 months included) may be granted upon receiving the above corrections and final file review. Facility Representative stated her understanding. This report shall be kept available at the facility for public review for 3 years. LPA will request an updated fire clearance to reflect updated capacity of both programs. Due to printer malfunction, LPA will email Ms. Hall a copy of this report and appeal rights at conclusion of visit.
SUPERVISORS NAME: Monica Cuddy
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Samantha Clenista
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 10/05/2022
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 10/05/2022
LIC809 (FAS) - (06/04)
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