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Department of
SOCIAL SERVICES

Community Care Licensing


FACILITY EVALUATION REPORT

Facility Number: 198018027
Report Date: 10/21/2025
Date Signed: 10/21/2025 12:45:39 PM

Document Has Been Signed on 10/21/2025 12:45 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
MONTEREY PARK CC RO, 1000 CORPORATE CNTR DR. 200-B
MONTEREY PARK, CA 91754
FACILITY NAME:SCHOOL OF LITTLE SCHOLARSFACILITY NUMBER:
198018027
ADMINISTRATOR/
DIRECTOR:		BETTY CASTILLOFACILITY TYPE:
850
ADDRESS:932 BUENA VISTA STREETTELEPHONE:
(626) 357-9660
CITY:DUARTESTATE: CAZIP CODE:
91010
CAPACITY: 80TOTAL ENROLLED CHILDREN: 59CENSUS: 39DATE:
10/21/2025
TYPE OF VISIT:Annual/RandomUNANNOUNCEDTIME VISIT/
INSPECTION BEGAN:
10:00 AM
MET WITH:Director Betty CastillaTIME VISIT/
INSPECTION COMPLETED:
01:15 PM
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On 10/21/25 at 10:00am, Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Stephanie Li conducted an unannounced annual inspection. Upon arrival, LPA met with Director Betty Castillo. Director was filling in for a teacher who called out so was in ratio. Director gave LPA permission to tour the classrooms on her own. LPA advised, per Title 22, that there should be enough staff for coverage without requiring the Director to be in ratio when a teacher calls out. This is a preschool license. There is also an infant license with a toddler option at the facility. There were 39 children and 6 staff present during today’s visit. Hours of operation are Monday-Friday 6:45am - 6:00pm.

All areas identified on the Facility Sketch were inspected. The preschool facility consists of 4 classrooms, 2 restrooms, and 2 large playgrounds. Teacher-child ratios were observed to be in accordance with Title 22 regulations. The Licensee is within the conditions, limitations, and capacity specified on the license. All children were observed to be under active/visual supervision of a teacher during the tour.

Licensing staff observed disinfectants, cleaning solutions, and other items that are dangerous to children are not accessible to children. Classroom furniture and equipment are in good condition, free of sharp, loose, or pointed parts. All floors are clean and safe. Napping equipment cots and bedding were inspected for good condition, appropriate storage, and cleanliness. Per director, linens are washed weekly by parents on Fridays and brought back on Mondays. Storage for children's belongings were inspected. Age-appropriate toys and materials were inspected in each classroom for children. LPA observed that there are not enough developmentally appropriate materials made available for the younger 2’s to use. All materials for 2’s are covered up and not developmentally appropriate. LPA advised to implement dramatic play centers that are engaging and available for the children, ie, baby center with play bottles, diapers, receiving blankets, dress up center with age appropriate costumes children can attempt putting on and off themselves, and other animal dramatic play, jungle, farm animals etc. Page 1 of 4

NAME OF LICENSING PROGRAM MANAGER: Christina Gabelman
NAME OF LICENSING PROGRAM ANALYST: Stephanie Li
LICENSING PROGRAM ANALYST SIGNATURE: DATE: 10/21/2025
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE: DATE: 10/21/2025
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
MONTEREY PARK CC RO, 1000 CORPORATE CNTR DR. 200-B
MONTEREY PARK, CA 91754
FACILITY NAME: SCHOOL OF LITTLE SCHOLARS
FACILITY NUMBER: 198018027
VISIT DATE: 10/21/2025
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All toilets and washing facilities are in safe and sanitary operating conditions. First Aid supplies are available and complete. Drinking water is available through bottled and filter water. The office is used as the sick area for an ill child to rest. There is a separate bathroom available in the lobby hallway for an ill child to use.

Licensing staff observed all required forms/publications to be posted on the parent board and indoor entrance. Per director, facility provides am, pm snacks and lunch. LPA advised to transfer expiration dates onto all condiments that are stored without its original packaging. All dry goods storage was observed to be labeled with expiration dates. All storage containers for solid waste, including moveable bins shall have tight-fitting covers that are kept on, and in good repair. Trash cans used to discard food have tight fitting lids. The facility was observed to be free of flies, other insects, and rodents.

Licensing staff observed the required 2A10BC fire extinguisher indicates fully charged and was serviced on 6/21/25 on service tag. Per State Fire Marshall standards, fire extinguishers shall be serviced annually. Facility has a carbon monoxide and smoke detector that meets statutory requirements are hard wired and unable to test. Director stated there are no weapons, firearms, or bodies of water on the premises. The last Disaster drill was conducted in 10/20/25.

Licensing staff observed the outdoor play area. The playgrounds equipment was inspected for safe condition, free of sharp, loose or pointed parts. The surface of the outdoor activity space is maintained in a safe condition and is free of hazards. All areas around or under high climbing equipment, swings, slides, and similar equipment are cushioned with material that absorbs a fall. There is adequate shade in the play yard. Drinking water is readily available outdoors. LPA observed that there are not enough materials for children to play with outdoors that provide engaging play. LPA advised setting up play stations to minimize conflicts and chaotic play. LPA provided Director samples of outdoor classroom stations to implement (ie. car wash station, garden station, construction station, water wall, dramatic play with animals, art activities, mud kitchen ideas, rock stem science activity) Per director, she is going to implement the changes to the outdoor environment and 2 yr classroom to reduce conflict and behavioral issues and meet the children’s developmental needs.

Sign in and out is conducted through the Brightwheel app. A children’s roster was available for review. Staff records and children’s records were reviewed and documented on LIC857 and LIC859. There is at least one person trained in CPR and Pediatric First Aid present during this inspection. LPA advised Director to review TDAP records (every 10 yrs) for all staff and verify next TDAP due date and obtained updated vaccine records. Page 2 of 4

NAME OF LICENSING PROGRAM MANAGER: Christina Gabelman
NAME OF LICENSING PROGRAM ANALYST: Stephanie Li
LICENSING PROGRAM ANALYST SIGNATURE:

DATE: 10/21/2025
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 10/21/2025
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
MONTEREY PARK CC RO, 1000 CORPORATE CNTR DR. 200-B
MONTEREY PARK, CA 91754
FACILITY NAME: SCHOOL OF LITTLE SCHOLARS
FACILITY NUMBER: 198018027
VISIT DATE: 10/21/2025
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Incidental Medical Services (IMS) is currently being provided. For IMS information see Evaluator Manual - Regulation Interpretations and Procedures for Child Care Centers Sections 101173 and 101226. 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)/ (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 One child has an inhaler for asthma and is stored in the front office.

Facility 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.

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.

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 childcare 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). The facility has completed lead testing on 12/7/2022 and had no exceedances. LPA referred facility representative to the Department website for lead: Lead Toxicity Prevention and Water Testing Information. Per director, lead testing on water was conducted 12/2022.

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NAME OF LICENSING PROGRAM MANAGER: Christina Gabelman
NAME OF LICENSING PROGRAM ANALYST: Stephanie Li
LICENSING PROGRAM ANALYST SIGNATURE:

DATE: 10/21/2025
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 10/21/2025
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
MONTEREY PARK CC RO, 1000 CORPORATE CNTR DR. 200-B
MONTEREY PARK, CA 91754
FACILITY NAME: SCHOOL OF LITTLE SCHOLARS
FACILITY NUMBER: 198018027
VISIT DATE: 10/21/2025
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Teacher was informed of the MyChildCarePlan.org website; a consumer education website that helps families obtain childcare by connecting them to childcare providers and Resource and Referral Agencies (R&Rs) throughout California.

At this time, the licensee is in compliance with California Title 22 Regulations. Therefore, there are no citations being issued today.

The Notice of Site Visit (LIC 9213) – must remain posted for 30 days during the hours of operation after each site visit by a licensing representative.



Exit interview conducted, report was reviewed, and appeal rights were given to Director Betty Castillo.

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NAME OF LICENSING PROGRAM MANAGER: Christina Gabelman
NAME OF LICENSING PROGRAM ANALYST: Stephanie Li
LICENSING PROGRAM ANALYST SIGNATURE:

DATE: 10/21/2025
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 10/21/2025
LIC809 (FAS) - (06/04)
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