During the inspection, several key facility items were observed and updated where necessary. These included the facility's license, the Emergency Disaster Plan (LIC610) and Earthquake Preparedness Checklist (LIC9148), the Parent’s Rights Poster (PUB393), Personal Rights (LIC613A), the Child Car Seat Law notice, and the menu. The facility was found to be operating within the limits stated on its license, and staff-to-child ratios were observed to be 1:12 or lower. Classrooms were adequately equipped with age- and size-appropriate furniture and materials, ensuring a safe and hazard-free environment.

The facility representative confirmed that no weapons were present on the premises. There were no accessible bodies of water on-site. The facility representative is aware that any wading pools or similar products must be emptied immediately after use and stored in an upright position.

Drinking water was available both indoors and outdoors through disposable cups. Medications, disinfectants, cleaning solutions, and other hazardous materials were stored in locations inaccessible to children, while poisons and toxins were securely locked away. The facility’s floors were observed to be safe and clean, and bathroom facilities were sanitary and in proper working condition. There is an approved bathroom waiver on file, to use the elementary school restroom. The playgrounds were enclosed by a secure, chain link fence surrounding the perimeter of the center. Outdoor activity areas contained age- and size-appropriate equipment in good condition with an approved waiver on file to share the kindergarten playground.

• 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.

A review of staff and children’s records was conducted as part of this evaluation. Children's records were complete, and staff records confirmed that all present staff met the minimum qualifications for their respective positions. Three of three staff members on-site held current Pediatric CPR/First Aid certifications, with expiration dates recorded. Director stated they understand that both the opening and closing staff members are required to maintain CPR/First Aid certifications. The Director’s Preventative Health and Safety Training is on file.

LPA reviewed and verified all facility staff and other individuals requiring caregiver background checks had received criminal record and child abuse index clearances or exemptions. The director 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.

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 as specified in Health and Safety Code section 1597.16. LPA verified that the lead testing was completed in accordance to the Written Directives (Interim Licensing Standards) outlined in PIN 21-21.1-CCP. LPA referred licensee (or facility representative) to the Department website for lead: Lead Toxicity Prevention and Water Testing Information (https://www.cdss.ca.gov/inforesources/child-care-licensing/water-testing-information). CCC COMPLETED TESTING AND NO LEAD EXCEEDANCE. LPA confirmed lead testing was conducted in October 2022 and must be renewed prior to October 2027, five years from the original testing date.

The director was informed about the MyChildCarePlan.org website, a consumer education resource that HELPS families obtain child care by connecting them to child care providers and Resource and Referral Agencies (R&Rs) throughout California.

LPA reviewed reporting requirements with the Director, emphasizing that any unusual incidents or injuries must be reported within 24 hours via phone and within seven days in writing. Reports may be submitted by calling the Duty Officer at (951) 782-4200 or emailing UnusualIncidentReportsDO10@dss.ca.gov.

To improve the quality of inspections, 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.

No deficiencies were cited as part of today’s inspection.

A Notice of Site Visit was provided and must remain posted for 30 days. An exit interview was conducted, and this report was reviewed with Director Esmeralda Mondragon. Appeal rights were discussed and provided during the exit interview.