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Department of
SOCIAL SERVICES

Community Care Licensing


FACILITY EVALUATION REPORT

Facility Number: 153808746
Report Date: 05/15/2024
Date Signed: 05/15/2024 04:52:53 PM

Document Has Been Signed on 05/15/2024 04:52 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
PALMDALE CC RO, 39115 TRADE CENTER DR STE. 201
PALMDALE, CA 93551
FACILITY NAME:BALAS MONTESSORIFACILITY NUMBER:
153808746
ADMINISTRATOR/
DIRECTOR:		BALAS, SHANNON M.FACILITY TYPE:
850
ADDRESS:555 S. CHINA LAKE BLVD. #100TELEPHONE:
(760) 375-8261
CITY:RIDGECRESTSTATE: CAZIP CODE:
93555
CAPACITY: 75TOTAL ENROLLED CHILDREN: 75CENSUS: 50DATE:
05/15/2024
TYPE OF VISIT:Annual/RandomUNANNOUNCEDTIME VISIT/
INSPECTION BEGAN:
12:40 PM
MET WITH:Kristen Honeywell, Director 2TIME VISIT/
INSPECTION COMPLETED:
05:00 PM
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On 5/15/2024, Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Crystal Ali arrived at the facility to conduct an Annual Random Inspection. LPA was met by Director Kristen Honeywell and was permitted to enter the facility. LPA toured the facility in accordance with the facility sketch with the Director. During the inspection, LPA observed 50 children and 8 staff providing care and supervision. Facility operates Monday through Friday from 6:30am to 5:30pm. Two waivers are on file and remain incompliance.
Staffing Ration and Capacity: Facility consists of four classrooms, one art room, one office, one kitchen, one staff bathroom, two children’s bathrooms, and one outdoor play area. Facility maintains an adequate teacher-child ratio. Care and supervision were evaluated and determined basic needs of children are appropriate and are being met.
Physical Plant: Furniture and equipment were inspected for age appropriateness and good repair. Telephone service, heating, lighting, and ventilation were evaluated. LPA observed sign-in sheets (digital) completed by each parent/guardian per requirements. LPA observed individual storage for children's belongings in the hallways. The children have access to water via individual water bottles and the water fountain on the playground and indoor. The facility provides filtered water to the children as well. Smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and fire extinguishers were observed and in operable condition. Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are operating according to Fire Marshall standards. First Aid Kit is present and with all the required items. Trash cans with tight-fitted lids were observed.
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SUPERVISORS NAME: Claretta Yates
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Crystal Ali
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE: DATE: 05/15/2024
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE: DATE: 05/15/2024
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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STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

FACILITY EVALUATION REPORT (Cont)		CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
PALMDALE CC RO, 39115 TRADE CENTER DR STE. 201
PALMDALE, CA 93551
FACILITY NAME: BALAS MONTESSORI
FACILITY NUMBER: 153808746
VISIT DATE: 05/15/2024
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Pet: The facility has a goldfish tank in the lobby area. The fish food is stored in the staff office.
Napping: Children are provided napping (approx. 12:30pm-2:30pm) and a calming/resting area for children, if needed. Parents take napping material home weekly to wash and clean. Any napping materials left at facility at end of the week are washed by a staff.
Kitchen: The kitchen door is locked when not in use. LPA observed the door being locked upon inspection. There is a clean, fully equipped kitchen with a refrigerator, freezer, stove, and microwave oven. The facility does not provide food. All children bring packed lunches and snacks daily from home. The facility places the lunchboxes in large bins near classroom #1. The packed lunches have ice packs in them. If a child lunchbox has no ice pack, then the facility will place the lunchbox in the refrigerator. Allergy lists are posted in the Brightwheel app that is available in each classroom. Soaps, detergents, cleaning compounds, or similar substances are stored separately from food supplies. The knives are in the top cabinet near sink. LPA observed that food preparation and storage areas are kept clean and free of litter and rubbish. There are no menus since the facility does not provide food. The facility does have an example posted for use. The facility does not participate in the food program. Daily activity schedules are posted showing meal/snack times, and specific activities.
Fire Extinguisher: Emergency Drills are conducted at least every six months and the last drills were conducted and documented on 5/2/24 at 3:47pm. The fire extinguishers (3A40BC) are reading in green and meets the Fire Marshal Codes and Standards (last serviced 7/27/2023). One fire extinguisher is at the front door of facility and the second fire extinguisher is in the kitchen.
SUPERVISORS NAME: Claretta Yates
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Crystal Ali
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 05/15/2024
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 05/15/2024
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
PALMDALE CC RO, 39115 TRADE CENTER DR STE. 201
PALMDALE, CA 93551
FACILITY NAME: BALAS MONTESSORI
FACILITY NUMBER: 153808746
VISIT DATE: 05/15/2024
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Bathroom: Age-appropriate sinks and toilets were inspected for availability and good repair. There are two bathrooms, one for girls and one for boys. In the girl’s bathroom there are 2 sinks and 2 toilets are all reachable by the children and 1 changing table. The boy’s bathroom has 1 sink, 2 toilets, and 1 urinal are all reachable by the children. Each restroom has adequate toilet paper, hand soap, and paper towels available. Restrooms are cleaned, restocked with toiletries, and sanitized by on-site staff. In the girl’s bathroom the high cabinets on the wall need to have safety latch for the chemicals to be fully inaccessible to children. Staff bathroom contains 1 toilet and 1 sink. Staff bathroom has some cleaning products stored in a locked cabinet.
Medication: A review of medication policy indicated that prescription medication is administered only with the parent’s written permission. The facility teachers pass out medication for the children in their classroom. In Classroom #1 there are two children that have an EpiPen for allergies and two children that have nebulizer for asthma. LPA did observe the medication logs for these children with their medication in a ziplock bag placed on top self of cabinet. Medication is labeled correctly and stored in its original container. Medications are kept in each classroom on top self of cabinet. Children are inspected for illnesses as they arrive with a no-touch thermometer and an overall wellness check. Isolation area is the staff office where a teacher will supervise the child until the parent comes. There are currently no children in care with IMS needs.

Transportation: Preschool does not provide transportation for the children.

SUPERVISORS NAME: Claretta Yates
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Crystal Ali
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 05/15/2024
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 05/15/2024
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
PALMDALE CC RO, 39115 TRADE CENTER DR STE. 201
PALMDALE, CA 93551
FACILITY NAME: BALAS MONTESSORI
FACILITY NUMBER: 153808746
VISIT DATE: 05/15/2024
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Lead Testing/Drinking Water: The facility was built after 2010 and does not require the lead water testing.
Outdoor Activity Space: The outdoor play area was inspected and observed to be free of hazards, loose, or sharp objects. Equipment was inspected for safety, cushioning material, good repair, and age appropriateness. The playground has a play equipment with slide in the sand, there is two shaded areas, a mini tricycle track. The facility will continue to provide 100% supervision when outside in the playground. Children are provided water via individual drinking bottles or cups of water during outdoor play and water fountain on play yard. There is adequate shaded area for rest. The playground is well-fenced, all around and no bodies of water were observed in the outdoor play area. There are two garden boxes that have sunflowers growing.
Records/Documentation: LPA reviewed with facility representative the LIC 311A, records to be maintained at the facility, for child’s records, personnel records, administrative records, and parent board. Two teachers were missing their MMR vaccinations. LPA informed Director to obtain copies of the MMR from staff. All other records are in compliance.

Their are no deficiencies. A notice of site visit was given and must remain posted for 30 days. Appeal Rights and a copy of this report was provided to the Director.

Exit interview conducted and report was reviewed with the Director, Kristen Honeywell.
SUPERVISORS NAME: Claretta Yates
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Crystal Ali
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 05/15/2024
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 05/15/2024
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
PALMDALE CC RO, 39115 TRADE CENTER DR STE. 201
PALMDALE, CA 93551
FACILITY NAME: BALAS MONTESSORI
FACILITY NUMBER: 153808746
VISIT DATE: 05/15/2024
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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.

Criminal Record Clearance - Child Care Centers
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.
Lead Testing – Child Care Centers (CCC)
CCC COMPLETED TESTING AND NO LEAD EXCEEDANCES:
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). LPA verified that the lead testing was completed in accordance to the Written Directives outlined in PIN 21-21.1-CCP.
SUPERVISORS NAME: Claretta Yates
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Crystal Ali
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 05/15/2024
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 05/15/2024
LIC809 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 4 of 10
STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

FACILITY EVALUATION REPORT (Cont)		CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
PALMDALE CC RO, 39115 TRADE CENTER DR STE. 201
PALMDALE, CA 93551
FACILITY NAME: BALAS MONTESSORI
FACILITY NUMBER: 153808746
VISIT DATE: 05/15/2024
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Safe Sleep - Child Care Centers
LPA discussed the safe sleep regulations with facility representative and
discussed the Child Care Licensing Safe Sleep webpage at
https://www.cdss.ca.gov/inforesources/child-care-licensing/public-information-andresources/safe-sleep as an additional resource. LPA also informed facility representative 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 they register all infant devices with the CPSC to be notified of any recalls on their purchased equipment.
Incidental Medical Services (IMS) - Child Care Centers
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/.
PIN 22-05-CCP.
MyChildCarePlan.org – Child Care Centers
Facility representative 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.
SUPERVISORS NAME: Claretta Yates
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Crystal Ali
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 05/15/2024
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 05/15/2024
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
PALMDALE CC RO, 39115 TRADE CENTER DR STE. 201
PALMDALE, CA 93551
FACILITY NAME: BALAS MONTESSORI
FACILITY NUMBER: 153808746
VISIT DATE: 05/15/2024
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Subscribe to CCLD important information - 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 platforms.
To receive important licensed related information to licensed facilities, visit the CCLD Important Information website at https://www.cdss.ca.gov/inforesources/community-carelicensing/
subscribe and select the Child Care option to receive email communication.
SUPERVISORS NAME: Claretta Yates
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Crystal Ali
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 05/15/2024
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 05/15/2024
LIC809 (FAS) - (06/04)
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