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Department of
SOCIAL SERVICES

Community Care Licensing


FACILITY EVALUATION REPORT

Facility Number: 376105105
Report Date: 07/08/2024
Date Signed: 07/08/2024 03:08:03 PM

Document Has Been Signed on 07/08/2024 03:08 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 N. CC RO, 7575 METROPOLITAN DR STE 110
SAN DIEGO, CA 92108
FACILITY NAME:TAPROOT MONTESSORI PRESCHOOLFACILITY NUMBER:
376105105
ADMINISTRATOR/
DIRECTOR:		MARGARITA CAMARGOFACILITY TYPE:
850
ADDRESS:1431 EAST BROADWAYTELEPHONE:
(619) 444-0131
CITY:EL CAJONSTATE: CAZIP CODE:
92021
CAPACITY: 58TOTAL ENROLLED CHILDREN: 58CENSUS: 28DATE:
07/08/2024
TYPE OF VISIT:Annual/RandomUNANNOUNCEDTIME VISIT/
INSPECTION BEGAN:
09:40 AM
MET WITH:Nicole HallTIME VISIT/
INSPECTION COMPLETED:
12:30 PM
NARRATIVE
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On 7/8/24 at 9:40 AM, Licensing Program Analysts (LPAs) Keturah Lane and Adriana Macias visited the facility to conduct an annual inspection. Upon arrival LPAs met with owner Nicole Hall and proceeded to tour the facility. During today's inspection, LPAs observed 28 children as follows:
· Pine Classroom (Toddler) – 9 toddlers with staff members Jessica Morales (fully qualified teacher), Karina Nercessian (aide) and Katie Brown (aide)
· Palm Classroom (Preschool) – 19 children with staff members Maggie Carmargo (Director – fully qualified), Baidaa Youkhanna (fully qualified teacher) and Guadalupe “Lupita” Ruiz (aide).

Nicole Hall, Owner (fully qualified teacher) was also available to help staff with breaks to keep the classrooms within ratio. Appropriate ratios and capacity were observed.

Furniture and age-appropriate equipment is in good condition. Rooms have adequate heating, lighting, ventilation. Floors appear to be clean and safe. Drinking water is readily accessible. Bathrooms are maintained with operational toilets and faucets with appropriate temperature. At 9:58 AM, LPA Lane observed a bottle of Lysol cleaner accessible to children on a low plastic cabinet in the toddler bathroom. Paper towels and toilet paper are available. Bathroom is lighted and has ventilation. LPAs also observed several ripped sleeping mats that had the cushioning accessible. LPA advised to not use the ripped mats and replace as needed. Owner stated they ordered new mats. Food service area consists of a kitchen which is clean and free of hazards. Menu is posted. Adequate food is available for snacks. Children bring their own lunches. Cleaning supplies are kept separate from food and are inaccessible to children. Storage containers for solid waste have tight-fitting covers and are kept in good repair. Storage areas for poisons are locked. Director stated there are no firearms or other weapons on the premises. All foods/beverages capable of rapid spoiling are stored in covered containers at 45 F or less. (continued on LIC809-C...)
SUPERVISORS NAME: Tashima Daniel
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Keturah Lane
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE: DATE: 07/08/2024
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE: DATE: 07/08/2024
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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Document Has Been Signed on 07/08/2024 03:08 PM - It Cannot Be Edited


Created By: Keturah Lane On 07/08/2024 at 11:58 AM
Link to Parent Document Below:
STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

FACILITY EVALUATION REPORT (Cont)		CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
, 7575 METROPOLITAN DR STE 110
SAN DIEGO, CA 92108

FACILITY NAME: TAPROOT MONTESSORI PRESCHOOL
FACILITY NUMBER: 376105105

DEFICIENCY INFORMATION FOR THIS PAGE:
VISIT DATE: 07/08/2024

DEFICIENCIES & PLANS OF CORRECTION (POCs)
Deficiency Dismissed
Type A
Section Cited
CCR
101238(g)
Buildings and Grounds
(g) Disinfectants, cleaning solutions, poisons and other items that could pose a danger if readily available to children shall be stored where inaccessible to children.

This requirement is not met as evidenced by:
Deficient Practice Statement
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Based on LPA observation, the licensee did not comply with the section cited above in one bottle of Lysol being accessible to children in the toddler bathroom, which poses an immediate health, safety or personal rights risk to persons in care.
POC Due Date: 07/09/2024
Plan of Correction
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Licensee removed Lysol from the lower plastic cabinet and removed to a high area out of reach of children. Licensee stated they will write a reminder to staff to keep chemicals out of reach of children and have staff sign reminder and e-mail to LPA Lane by 7/9/24 via email.
Section Cited
Deficient Practice Statement
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POC Due Date:
Plan of Correction
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Failure to correct the cited deficiency(ies), on or before the Plan of Correction (POC) due date, may result in a civil penalty assessment.
SUPERVISOR'S NAME:Tashima Daniel
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME:Keturah Lane
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:
DATE: 07/08/2024
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:
DATE: 07/08/2024


LIC809 (FAS) - (06/04)
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Document Has Been Signed on 07/08/2024 03:08 PM - It Cannot Be Edited


Created By: Keturah Lane On 07/08/2024 at 11:58 AM
Link to Parent Document Below:
STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

FACILITY EVALUATION REPORT (Cont)		CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
, 7575 METROPOLITAN DR STE 110
SAN DIEGO, CA 92108

FACILITY NAME: TAPROOT MONTESSORI PRESCHOOL
FACILITY NUMBER: 376105105

DEFICIENCY INFORMATION FOR THIS PAGE:
VISIT DATE: 07/08/2024

DEFICIENCIES & PLANS OF CORRECTION (POCs)
Type B
Section Cited
HSC
1596.7995(a)(1)
General Provisions and Definitions
(1) Commencing September 1, 2016, a person shall not be employed or volunteer at a day care center if he or she has not been immunized against influenza, pertussis, and measles. Each employee and volunteer shall receive an influenza vaccination between August 1 and December 1 of each year.

This requirement is not met as evidenced by:
Deficient Practice Statement
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Based on record review, the licensee did not comply with the section cited above in 1 out of 7 staff files, which poses a potential health, safety or personal rights risk to persons in care.
POC Due Date: 07/22/2024
Plan of Correction
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Licensee stated that S1 has a doctor's appointment next week and will send proof of immunizations to measles, pertussis and flu via e-mail by 7/22/24.
Type B
Section Cited
CCR
101216(g)(1)
Personnel Requirements
(1) Except as specified in (3) below, good physical health shall be verified by a health screening, including a test for tuberculosis, performed by or under the supervision of a physician not more than one year prior to or seven days after employment or licensure.

This requirement is not met as evidenced by:
Deficient Practice Statement
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Based on record review, the licensee did not comply with the section cited above in 1 out of 7 staff files which poses a potential health, safety or personal rights risk to persons in care.
POC Due Date: 07/22/2024
Plan of Correction
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Licensee stated that S1 has a doctor's appointment next week and will send proof of the physician's report (LIC503) via e-mail to LPA Lane by 7/22/24.
Failure to correct the cited deficiency(ies), on or before the Plan of Correction (POC) due date, may result in a civil penalty assessment.
SUPERVISOR'S NAME:Tashima Daniel
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME:Keturah Lane
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:
DATE: 07/08/2024
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:
DATE: 07/08/2024


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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
SAN DIEGO N. CC RO, 7575 METROPOLITAN DR STE 110
SAN DIEGO, CA 92108
FACILITY NAME: TAPROOT MONTESSORI PRESCHOOL
FACILITY NUMBER: 376105105
VISIT DATE: 07/08/2024
NARRATIVE
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The facility has a pest control plan in place to reduce/prevent cockroaches in the facility. There is an operational carbon monoxide detector at the facility. Last emergency drill was conducted on 6/24/24.

Outdoor play area is a fenced playground with sufficient material for cushioning. There are no bodies of water at this facility. Climbing structures, swings and slides are securely fixed to the ground. Area has sails, canopies and trees used for shade. Equipment is age appropriate. Area has drinking water readily accessible, and grounds are free of debris or potential hazards. LPAs observed multiple cobwebs/spiderwebs on the equipment and advised staff to be sure to remove them prior to children playing on the equipment. LPA also observed several plastic bags in a low cabinet accessible to children. LPA advised to remove the plastic bags to an off-limits area or out of reach of the children.

LPA reviewed medication storage. Personnel records contain health screening documentation and at least one staff member has current CPR and First Aid certifications. All staff have completed mandated reporter training. Staff member S1 did not have immunizations or a current physicians report on file. Each personnel record contains documentation of educational background and training. Sign ins were reviewed. Children’s records contain admission agreements and medical assessment. A review of staff records on this date indicates that all facility staff or other individuals who require caregiver background checks have received criminal record and child abuse clearances or exemptions.

Toddler program is kept separate from preschool program at all times.

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. (continued on LIC809-C...)
SUPERVISORS NAME: Tashima Daniel
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Keturah Lane
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 07/08/2024
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 07/08/2024
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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
SAN DIEGO N. CC RO, 7575 METROPOLITAN DR STE 110
SAN DIEGO, CA 92108
FACILITY NAME: TAPROOT MONTESSORI PRESCHOOL
FACILITY NUMBER: 376105105
VISIT DATE: 07/08/2024
NARRATIVE
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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. LPA verified that the lead testing was completed in accordance to the Written Directives outlined in PIN 21-21.1-CCP.

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.

This facility provides Incidental Medical Services – IMS. LPA reviewed storage of “medication and equipment/supplies, and reviewed children’s, personnel, and administrative records. For IMS information see PIN 22-02-CCP. 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/.

LPA Keturah Lane informed licensee Nicole Hall that this report dated 7/8/24 documents 1 Type A citation which shall be posted for 30 consecutive days as there is an immediate risk to the health, safety, or personal rights of children in care.

Also, LPA Keturah Lane informed the licensee to provide a copy of this licensing report dated 7/8/24 that documents any Type A citation(s) to parents/guardians of all children currently enrolled by the next business day or the next day the children are in care, and to any newly enrolled parents/guardians for 12 months from the date of this report. A signed Acknowledgement of Receipt of Licensing Report (LIC 9224), or other written statement, must be placed in the child's file for verification.

Pursuant to Title 22 of the CA Code of Regulations, the following Type B deficiencies were cited (refer to LIC 809-D). (continued on LIC809-C...)

SUPERVISORS NAME: Tashima Daniel
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Keturah Lane
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 07/08/2024
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 07/08/2024
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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
SAN DIEGO N. CC RO, 7575 METROPOLITAN DR STE 110
SAN DIEGO, CA 92108
FACILITY NAME: TAPROOT MONTESSORI PRESCHOOL
FACILITY NUMBER: 376105105
VISIT DATE: 07/08/2024
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Exit interview conducted and report was reviewed with the facility representative (Owner) Nicole Hall. A notice of site visit was given and must remain posted for 30 days.

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/inspection-process.
SUPERVISORS NAME: Tashima Daniel
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Keturah Lane
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 07/08/2024
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 07/08/2024
LIC809 (FAS) - (06/04)
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