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Department of
SOCIAL SERVICES

Community Care Licensing


FACILITY EVALUATION REPORT

Facility Number: 197494282
Report Date: 07/01/2025
Date Signed: 07/01/2025 11:18:50 AM

Document Has Been Signed on 07/01/2025 11:18 AM - It Cannot Be Edited

STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

FACILITY EVALUATION REPORT		CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
EL SEGUNDO CC NORTH, 300 CONTINENTAL BLVD. STE 290A
EL SEGUNDO, CA 90245
FACILITY NAME:CATERPILLAR COTTAGE PRESCHOOL LLCFACILITY NUMBER:
197494282
ADMINISTRATOR/
DIRECTOR:		HEATHER MALLEYFACILITY TYPE:
850
ADDRESS:17304 KESWICK STREETTELEPHONE:
(818) 881-1355
CITY:NORTHRIDGESTATE: CAZIP CODE:
91325
CAPACITY: 24TOTAL ENROLLED CHILDREN: 24CENSUS: 0DATE:
07/01/2025
TYPE OF VISIT:Required - 3 YearUNANNOUNCEDTIME VISIT/
INSPECTION BEGAN:
08:00 AM
MET WITH:Heather Malley, DirectorTIME VISIT/
INSPECTION COMPLETED:
11:45 AM
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On 07/01/2025, Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Elicia Calvillo conducted an unannounced Annual Required Inspection. The facility is located at 17304 Keswick Street, Northridge, CA 91325. LPA identified self and met with Heather Malley, Director/Owner, LPA identified reason for visit and provided Entrance Checklist -Child Care Centers (LIC 125) to help facilitate the inspection.

Facility Representative (FR) Heather Malley, Director/Owner allowed entry to the facility and provided LPA with a guided tour of inside and outside of the facility. The facility is currently licensed for a capacity of 24, per FR they currently have 12 enrolled. There were 0 children and 1 staff upon arrival. The facility hours of operation are currently Monday thru Friday from 08:00 AM – 02:30 PM.

Required postings were observed posted in classroom by the door.

The facility is made up of one large room divided into sections based on the activity choice of the child. There is one (1) Lead Teacher and two (2) Supporting Teachers who are assigned a section to monitor. The children are ages 2 years to 5 years.

LPA observed the following in the classroom sections. There is an area for art, science, and sensory play, an area for dramatic play, and an area used for practical play (currently set up as a pizza business). The furniture, toys, and equipment were inspected for age appropriateness and were in good repair. There were cubbies used for each child to store their belongings. Drinking water was readily available, children use individual cups with their names, and water pitchers are available in classroom. There restrooms were inspected and LPA observed they were stock with supplies, in good repair, and sanitary.

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NAME OF LICENSING PROGRAM MANAGER: Rita Ramos
NAME OF LICENSING PROGRAM ANALYST: Elicia Calvillo
LICENSING PROGRAM ANALYST SIGNATURE: DATE: 07/01/2025
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE: DATE: 07/01/2025
This report must be available at Child Care and Group Home facilities for public review for 3 years.

LIC809 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 1 of 5
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
EL SEGUNDO CC NORTH, 300 CONTINENTAL BLVD. STE 290A
EL SEGUNDO, CA 90245
FACILITY NAME: CATERPILLAR COTTAGE PRESCHOOL LLC
FACILITY NUMBER: 197494282
VISIT DATE: 07/01/2025
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There is a telephone service, heating, lighting and ventilation were evaluated for safety and comfort.

LPA observed a first aid kit located in each classroom and inventoried for necessary supplies. LPA observed a device in the classroom; per FR it is a carbon monoxide detector. LPA observed a smoke detector via fire alarm. A disaster drill log was available, and the last disaster drill was conducted on 03/17/2025. Per FR, an isolation area for sick children is in the office. Hazardous items including poisonous cleaning compounds were stored inaccessible to children. LPA observed cleaning solutions stored on a high shelf in the kitchen area. The kitchen area is made inaccessible to children with the use of a half door with no knob on the side facing the classroom and a second access door that remains locked at all times.

LPA observed the kitchen area, per FR meals and snacks are provided by the parents. The kitchen area is not used for food preparation and is used for play activities preparation.

LPA toured the outdoor play area and observed playground equipment in safe condition, free of sharp, loose, or pointed parts, in good repair and age appropriate. The surface of the outdoor activity space is maintained in a safe condition and is free of hazards. Children have access to the climbing structure located in the play area and there is sand underneath and surrounding the structure to absorb falls. There is adequate shade in the play yard. The children have access to individual bottles of water for drinking water during outdoor play and refills are from a water pitcher. LPA advised that no children shall be left without supervision at any time. There is no swimming pool or other bodies of water on the premises.

LPA reviewed staff and children’s records were for completeness. LPA observed required forms were available and documented on LIC 857 for children and LIC 859 for staff. Criminal Record Clearances were reviewed for adults. CPR card expires on 04/2025 for Lead Teacher, who opens and closes the facility.

Since there were no children present during the visit, LPA advised that teacher-child ratios be maintained. That care and supervision be evaluated to determine if the basic needs of children are met and appropriate. Sign-in and out sheets and procedures were reviewed. LPA observed that no children were signed in at time of inspection.

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

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NAME OF LICENSING PROGRAM MANAGER: Rita Ramos
NAME OF LICENSING PROGRAM ANALYST: Elicia Calvillo
LICENSING PROGRAM ANALYST SIGNATURE:

DATE: 07/01/2025
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 07/01/2025
LIC809 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 4 of 5
STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

FACILITY EVALUATION REPORT (Cont)		CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
EL SEGUNDO CC NORTH, 300 CONTINENTAL BLVD. STE 290A
EL SEGUNDO, CA 90245
FACILITY NAME: CATERPILLAR COTTAGE PRESCHOOL LLC
FACILITY NUMBER: 197494282
VISIT DATE: 07/01/2025
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Questions about Child Care Centers and the ADA are available at:https://www.ada.gov/resources/child-care-centers/.

LPA discussed the safe sleep regulations with Licensee and discussed 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 Licensee 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.
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 with the Written Directives outlined in PIN 21-21.1-CCP.

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.

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 inspection and its tools and methods, please visit the Program website at www.cdss.ca.gov/inforesources/community-care-licensing/inspection-process.

Per Title 22, Division 12, Chapter 3, of the California Code of Regulations, no deficiencies are cited.

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NAME OF LICENSING PROGRAM MANAGER: Rita Ramos
NAME OF LICENSING PROGRAM ANALYST: Elicia Calvillo
LICENSING PROGRAM ANALYST SIGNATURE:

DATE: 07/01/2025
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 07/01/2025
LIC809 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 3 of 5
STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

FACILITY EVALUATION REPORT (Cont)		CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
EL SEGUNDO CC NORTH, 300 CONTINENTAL BLVD. STE 290A
EL SEGUNDO, CA 90245
FACILITY NAME: CATERPILLAR COTTAGE PRESCHOOL LLC
FACILITY NUMBER: 197494282
VISIT DATE: 07/01/2025
NARRATIVE
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A Notice of Site Visit was given and must remain posted for 30 days during the hours of operation after each site visit by a licensing representative. Failure to comply with posting requirement will result in an immediate civil penalty of $100.00.

Exit interview was conducted with Heather Malley, Director/Owner including, but not limited to Provider Rights, Appeal Procedures and Agencies Consultative Role.

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NAME OF LICENSING PROGRAM MANAGER: Rita Ramos
NAME OF LICENSING PROGRAM ANALYST: Elicia Calvillo
LICENSING PROGRAM ANALYST SIGNATURE:

DATE: 07/01/2025
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 07/01/2025
LIC809 (FAS) - (06/04)
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