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Department of
SOCIAL SERVICES

Community Care Licensing


FACILITY EVALUATION REPORT

Facility Number: 376301399
Report Date: 11/10/2025
Date Signed: 11/10/2025 01:51:08 PM

Document Has Been Signed on 11/10/2025 01:51 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
RIVERSIDE SE CC RO, 3737 MAIN STREET, STE 700
RIVERSIDE, CA 92501
FACILITY NAME:NCCS WEST MISSION CDCFACILITY NUMBER:
376301399
ADMINISTRATOR/
DIRECTOR:
ROMERO,SANDRAFACILITY TYPE:
860
ADDRESS:715 WEST MISSION AVE SUITE ATELEPHONE:
(760) 471-5483
CITY:ESCONDIDOSTATE: CAZIP CODE:
92027
CAPACITY: 85TOTAL ENROLLED CHILDREN: 85CENSUS: 44DATE:
11/10/2025
TYPE OF VISIT:PrelicensingANNOUNCEDTIME VISIT/
INSPECTION BEGAN:
09:15 AM
MET WITH:Estrellia Moor, Program Director and Sandra Romero, Site SupervisorTIME VISIT/
INSPECTION COMPLETED:
02:00 PM
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On 11/10/2025 at 9:15 am, Licensing Program Analysts (LPA), Griselda Castellon, announced a pre-licensing inspection for the addition of the infant and toddler component. The current facility, number 374845455, will be closed once the licensee has satisfied the licensing requirements. Upon arrival, LPA met with Estrellita Moore, Program Director, and Sandra Romero, Site Supervisor. Sandra is requesting to be licensed for 9 infants (0-18 months) in classroom Seahorses, 16 toddlers (18-36 months) in classroom Seaweed, and 60 preschoolers (2–5 years old) in classrooms Sea Turtles, Sea Stars, and Sea Lions. The hours of operation will be Monday through Friday, 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM.

The center submitted an updated 200A to reflect the following changes: Name of facility Growing Minds West Mission and are requesting only infants and preschool children. They are requesting 24 (0-2 years old) infants in classrooms Seahorse and Seaweed and 60 preschoolers in classrooms (2–5 years old) in classrooms Sea Turtles, Sea Stars, and Sea Lions. Days and hours of operation Monday through Friday 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM.

All indoor and outdoor activity space utilized by the children was inspected today. LPA informed Sandra that staff are required to maintain direct visual supervision of the children at all times, both during indoor and outdoor activities. When medications are on site, Sandra stated that they will be in a higher cabinet located in each classroom inside a locked box. If medication needs to be refrigerated it will be stored inside a locked box. Each classroom has a fully equipped first aid kit stored inside a backpack. There is an operational plug-in carbon monoxide detector on site located in the hallway adjacent to the kitchen. All required licensing documents were observed posted in the hallway next to the lobby. Children will be signed in and out at in the lobby. Parents/Guardians sign in and out their children using Care Connect App. If the the App is not working the center will have physical sign-in and out sheets.

NAME OF LICENSING PROGRAM MANAGER: Monica Cuddy
NAME OF LICENSING PROGRAM ANALYST: Griselda Castellon
LICENSING PROGRAM ANALYST SIGNATURE: DATE: 11/10/2025
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE: DATE: 11/10/2025
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
RIVERSIDE SE CC RO, 3737 MAIN STREET, STE 700
RIVERSIDE, CA 92501
FACILITY NAME: NCCS WEST MISSION CDC
FACILITY NUMBER: 376301399
VISIT DATE: 11/10/2025
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LPA continued touring the facility and measured all indoor and outdoor activity spaces for the infant, and preschool areas. The total indoor activity space measured 856.53 square feet for infants, and 2386.10 square feet for preschoolers. These measurements are sufficient to accommodate the requested capacity for each age group.

LPA observed that all indoor activity spaces were complete with safe, age-appropriate furniture and equipment for infants, and preschool children. This includes tables, chairs, cubbies, napping cots, bookshelves, and other activity supplies for the children. Feeding chairs have broad-based legs, plastic seats are in good repair, and trays lock onto chairs. Feeding chairs are made of washable, moisture-resistant material. Changing tables have at least 1” of padding covered with moisture-resistant, washable material. The sides of the changing table are at least 3” high, and the changing table is within arm’s reach of a sink. The diapering sink is not used for meal preparation or dishwashing. Cribs meet regulatory requirements. The crib area is separated from the activity space via a vinyl and wooden barrier.This barrier is at least four feet high, made of sound-absorbing material, and allows for supervision of napping children. There are a total of 3 cribs in the napping area. The facility has 2 cribs in storage and will add them in the napping area. The sleep logs are kept in the classroom inside the napping area. Needs and Services Plans, as well as Sleep Plans, are kept in a binder inside the classroom.

Drinking water is available in infants, and preschool classrooms via water dispensers with disposable cups. LPA observed that all hazardous items were inaccessible to children. There are no bodies of water or weapons on the property.Fire clearance was granted on 06/03/2025.

LPA observed adequate restrooms and sinks for all age groups. Infants have 5 sinks and 3 toilets, and preschoolers have 11 sinks and 6 toilets. All meet the required capacity.

NAME OF LICENSING PROGRAM MANAGER: Monica Cuddy
NAME OF LICENSING PROGRAM ANALYST: Griselda Castellon
LICENSING PROGRAM ANALYST SIGNATURE:

DATE: 11/10/2025
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 11/10/2025
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
RIVERSIDE SE CC RO, 3737 MAIN STREET, STE 700
RIVERSIDE, CA 92501
FACILITY NAME: NCCS WEST MISSION CDC
FACILITY NUMBER: 376301399
VISIT DATE: 11/10/2025
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There is a separate staff restroom equipped with a toilet and a sink located next to the preschool children restroom. The isolation area for children who are ill will be the site supervisor office.

The facility will provide breakfast, lunch and snacks. The kitchen area currently includes 1 microwave, 2 industrial refrigerators, 1 industrial freezer, 2 sinks, 1 electric stove, 1 oven, and 1 dishwasher. The kitchen area and food storage areas were observed free of rodents and/or vermin. Food was observed to be properly stored separately from cleaning materials. Hazardous items in the kitchen are inaccessible to children via a pony door.

The facility currently has a fully fenced playground area for all components. Fencing brick wall is at least four feet high. The total square footage for the infant outdoor activity space is 1,459.00, which is not sufficient to accommodate the requested capacity. A playground waiver must be submitted and approved prior to licensure to share the playground at different times in the morning and afternoon due to limited square footage. Shade in the infant playground is provided via two permanent canopies. There are sufficient outdoor age-appropriate toys and play equipment available on the playground. There are no climbing structure on the playground.

The total square footage for the preschool outdoor activity space is 2,576.00, which is not sufficient to accommodate the requested capacity. A playground waiver must be submitted and approved prior to licensure to share the playground at different times in the morning and afternoon due to limited square footage. Shade in the preschool playground is provided via three permanent canopies. There are sufficient outdoor age-appropriate toys and play equipment available on the playground. There is a rock climbing wall structure on the playground for children ages 2-12 years old which is properly anchored. There is adequate cushioning in the fall zones of the climber provided by rubber matting.

Drinking water is available via an Igloo Water Dispenser with disposable cups when children are outside. LPA observed that all hazardous items on the playgrounds were inaccessible to children. Sandra was reminded that any changes to the facility must be reported to and approved by Community Care Licensing.

NAME OF LICENSING PROGRAM MANAGER: Monica Cuddy
NAME OF LICENSING PROGRAM ANALYST: Griselda Castellon
LICENSING PROGRAM ANALYST SIGNATURE:

DATE: 11/10/2025
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 11/10/2025
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
RIVERSIDE SE CC RO, 3737 MAIN STREET, STE 700
RIVERSIDE, CA 92501
FACILITY NAME: NCCS WEST MISSION CDC
FACILITY NUMBER: 376301399
VISIT DATE: 11/10/2025
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For childcare center licenses issued after July 1, 2022, the licensee shall test their water for lead within 180 days of licensure, as per Written Directives section 101700 (PIN 21-21.1- CCP). The facility has had a lead test completed within the last five years from the pre-licensing visit date (03/18/2023) and is using the same outlets, you may submit a waiver request from the lead testing requirement to the Regional Office.

A license for 24 infants (0 weeks-2 years old) in rooms Seahorse and Seaweed,and 60 preschoolers in classrooms (2–5 years old) in classrooms Sea Turtles, Sea Stars, and Sea Lions will be granted upon a final file review.

The following corrections are needed prior to the issuance of the license:

Submit photographs showing each completed correction.

Infant Seahorses

1. Add a portable sink for changing table.

2. Napping wall/barrier must be at least 4 ft tall.

Infant Seaweed

1. Add a portable sink for changing table.

Preschool Sea Stars

1. Fish Tank Cover.

Preschool Sea Lions

1. Add a strap on the hamster cage cover.

2. Add a sink for child use.

Other

1. Add key locks on cabinets used to store hazardous cleaning products.

NAME OF LICENSING PROGRAM MANAGER: Monica Cuddy
NAME OF LICENSING PROGRAM ANALYST: Griselda Castellon
LICENSING PROGRAM ANALYST SIGNATURE:

DATE: 11/10/2025
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 11/10/2025
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
RIVERSIDE SE CC RO, 3737 MAIN STREET, STE 700
RIVERSIDE, CA 92501
FACILITY NAME: NCCS WEST MISSION CDC
FACILITY NUMBER: 376301399
VISIT DATE: 11/10/2025
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Sandra Romero understands that all proof of corrections must be provided to the Department within 30 days, or the application may be denied.

Sandra 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, 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.

This facility plans to provide Incidental Medical Services – IMS. For IMS information, see PIN 22-02-CCP. A 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, available at: http://www.ada.gov/childqanda.htm.

LPA reviewed with Sandra the LIC 311A, Records to Be Maintained at The Facility, for the child’s records, personnel records, administrative records, and documents to be posted.

LPA discussed the safe sleep regulations with Sandra and provided 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 Sandra 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 that they register all infant devices with the CPSC to be notified of any recalls on their purchased equipment.

NAME OF LICENSING PROGRAM MANAGER: Monica Cuddy
NAME OF LICENSING PROGRAM ANALYST: Griselda Castellon
LICENSING PROGRAM ANALYST SIGNATURE:

DATE: 11/10/2025
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 11/10/2025
LIC809 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 6 of 7
STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

FACILITY EVALUATION REPORT (Cont)
CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
RIVERSIDE SE CC RO, 3737 MAIN STREET, STE 700
RIVERSIDE, CA 92501
FACILITY NAME: NCCS WEST MISSION CDC
FACILITY NUMBER: 376301399
VISIT DATE: 11/10/2025
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Sandra was informed of the MyChildCarePlan.org site, a consumer education website that helps families obtain childcare by connecting them to childcare providers and Resource and Referral Agencies (R&Rs) throughout California.

An exit interview was conducted, and the report was reviewed with Director Sandra Romero.

The Community Care Licensing Division (CCLD) regularly sends information to licensed facilities, providers, and stakeholders via Provider Information Notices (PINs), Program Quarterly Update Newsletters, and other important communication platforms. 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.

NAME OF LICENSING PROGRAM MANAGER: Monica Cuddy
NAME OF LICENSING PROGRAM ANALYST: Griselda Castellon
LICENSING PROGRAM ANALYST SIGNATURE:

DATE: 11/10/2025
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 11/10/2025
LIC809 (FAS) - (06/04)
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