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Department of
SOCIAL SERVICES

Community Care Licensing


FACILITY EVALUATION REPORT

Facility Number: 334842185
Report Date: 07/28/2025
Date Signed: 07/28/2025 05:36:01 PM

Document Has Been Signed on 07/28/2025 05:36 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:MERLO FAMILY CHILD CAREFACILITY NUMBER:
334842185
ADMINISTRATOR/
DIRECTOR:		MERLO, BERTHAFACILITY TYPE:
810
ADDRESS:TELEPHONE:
(951) 722-5125
CITY:LAKE ELSINORESTATE: CAZIP CODE:
92530
CAPACITY: 14TOTAL ENROLLED CHILDREN: 14CENSUS: 7DATE:
07/28/2025
TYPE OF VISIT:Annual/RandomUNANNOUNCEDTIME VISIT/
INSPECTION BEGAN:
01:45 PM
MET WITH:Bertha MerloTIME VISIT/
INSPECTION COMPLETED:
05:55 PM
NARRATIVE
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Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Sandra Pulido conducted an unannounced annual inspection for a large family childcare at the above home on 7/28/25 at 1:45 PM. LPA met with the assistant who guided LPA on a tour of the home. There were 7 children present with Assistant when LPA arrived.

The facility operates Monday through Saturday from 12:00 AM to 11:30 PM each day. LPA requested an updated LIC 279 be submitted. Certain areas are off-limits, including the master bedroom, far back of the back yard, side yard, and attached garage. The facility is licensed as a large Family Child Care Home (FCCH) with a maximum capacity of fourteen children and is operating within the licensed capacity of the license.

A working cell phone is available, and the current phone number on file is correct. A fire extinguisher (2A:10BC) was observed, along with a functioning smoke detector and carbon monoxide detector, both of which were tested by the Licensee. The fireplace is properly screened to prevent access by children, and all hazardous items, including toxins, are stored securely and are inaccessible to children. No weapons are present, and the Licensee, Bertha Merlo, understands that all firearms, weapons, and ammunition must be locked separately and made inaccessible as per Title 22 Regulations.

The facility provides clean, safe, and age-appropriate toys for children. A current roster is on file, and required postings, including the Facility Sketch, Emergency Disaster Plan, and Notification of Parent’s Rights, are displayed. Fire and disaster drill documentation is maintained, with the last drill conducted February 2025.

NAME OF LICENSING PROGRAM MANAGER: Pauline Beschorner
NAME OF LICENSING PROGRAM ANALYST: Sandra Pulido
LICENSING PROGRAM ANALYST SIGNATURE: DATE: 07/28/2025
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE: DATE: 07/28/2025
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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Document Has Been Signed on 07/28/2025 05:36 PM - It Cannot Be Edited


Created By: Sandra Pulido On 07/28/2025 at 04:55 PM
Link to Parent Document Below:
STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

FACILITY EVALUATION REPORT (Cont)		CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
, 3737 MAIN STREET, STE 700
RIVERSIDE, CA 92501

FACILITY NAME: MERLO FAMILY CHILD CARE
FACILITY NUMBER: 334842185

DEFICIENCY INFORMATION FOR THIS PAGE:
VISIT DATE: 07/28/2025

DEFICIENCIES & PLANS OF CORRECTION (POCs)
Type B
Section Cited
CCR
102425(j)(2)
Infant Safe Sleep
The provider shall supervise infants while they are sleeping and adhere to the following requirements: The provider shall check and document the following:

This requirement is not met as evidenced by:
Deficient Practice Statement
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Based on observation, interview, record review, the licensee did not comply with the section cited above in missing sleep logs for C1 which poses/posed a potential health, safety or personal rights risk to persons in care.
POC Due Date: 08/04/2025
Plan of Correction
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Licensee will document sleep logs for the week and send to LPA.
Type B
Section Cited
HSC
1597.622(c)
Administration of Child Day Care Licensing
(c) The family day care home shall maintain documentation of the required immunizations or exemptions from immunization, as set forth in this section, in the person's personnel record that is maintained by the family day care home.

This requirement is not met as evidenced by:
Deficient Practice Statement
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Based on observation, interview, record review, the licensee did not comply with the section cited above in missing immunizations for S2 and S3 which poses/posed a potential health, safety or personal rights risk to persons in care.
POC Due Date: 08/11/2025
Plan of Correction
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Licensee will obtain proof and keep a copy in their records.
Failure to correct the cited deficiency(ies), on or before the Plan of Correction (POC) due date, may result in a civil penalty assessment.
Pauline Beschorner
NAME OF LICENSING PROGRAM MANAGER:
Sandra Pulido
NAME OF LICENSING PROGRAM ANALYST:
LICENSING PROGRAM ANALYST SIGNATURE:
DATE: 07/28/2025
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:
DATE: 07/28/2025


LIC809 (FAS) - (06/04)
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Document Has Been Signed on 07/28/2025 05:36 PM - It Cannot Be Edited


Created By: Sandra Pulido On 07/28/2025 at 04:55 PM
Link to Parent Document Below:
STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

FACILITY EVALUATION REPORT (Cont)		CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
, 3737 MAIN STREET, STE 700
RIVERSIDE, CA 92501

FACILITY NAME: MERLO FAMILY CHILD CARE
FACILITY NUMBER: 334842185

DEFICIENCY INFORMATION FOR THIS PAGE:
VISIT DATE: 07/28/2025

DEFICIENCIES & PLANS OF CORRECTION (POCs)
Type B
Section Cited
CCR
102416.1(d)
Personnel Records
(d) All personnel records shall be maintained at the child care home and shall be available to the licensing agency for review.

This requirement is not met as evidenced by:
Deficient Practice Statement
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Based on observation, interview, record review], the licensee did not comply with the section cited above in missing files for S2 and S3 which poses/posed a potential health, safety or personal rights risk to persons in care.
POC Due Date: 08/04/2025
Plan of Correction
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Licensee will create files and send proof of completed LIC 501 and LIC 9052 to LPA.
Type B
Section Cited
HSC
1597.622(a)(1)
General Provisions and Definitions
(1) Commencing September 1, 2016, a person shall not be employed or volunteer at a family day care home if he or she has not been immunized against influenza, pertussis, and measles. Each employee and volunteer shall receive an influenza vaccination between August 1 and December 1 of each year.

This requirement is not met as evidenced by:
Deficient Practice Statement
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Based on observation, interview, record review, the licensee did not comply with the section cited above in missing immunizations for S2 and S3 which poses/posed a potential health, safety or personal rights risk to persons in care.
POC Due Date: 08/11/2025
Plan of Correction
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Licensee will have S2 and S3 provide proof of immunizations and will send copies to LPA.
Failure to correct the cited deficiency(ies), on or before the Plan of Correction (POC) due date, may result in a civil penalty assessment.
Pauline Beschorner
NAME OF LICENSING PROGRAM MANAGER:
Sandra Pulido
NAME OF LICENSING PROGRAM ANALYST:
LICENSING PROGRAM ANALYST SIGNATURE:
DATE: 07/28/2025
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:
DATE: 07/28/2025


LIC809 (FAS) - (06/04)
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Document Has Been Signed on 07/28/2025 05:36 PM - It Cannot Be Edited


Created By: Sandra Pulido On 07/28/2025 at 04:55 PM
Link to Parent Document Below:
STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

FACILITY EVALUATION REPORT (Cont)		CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
, 3737 MAIN STREET, STE 700
RIVERSIDE, CA 92501

FACILITY NAME: MERLO FAMILY CHILD CARE
FACILITY NUMBER: 334842185

DEFICIENCY INFORMATION FOR THIS PAGE:
VISIT DATE: 07/28/2025

DEFICIENCIES & PLANS OF CORRECTION (POCs)
Type B
Section Cited
CCR
102425(c)
Infant Safe Sleep
An Individual Infant Sleeping Plan [LIC 9227 (3/20)] shall be completed for each infant up to 12 months of age the provider has in care and included in the infant's file at the facility.

This requirement is not met as evidenced by:
Deficient Practice Statement
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Based on observation, interview, and record review, the licensee did not comply with the section cited above in missing sleep plan LIC 9227 for C1 which poses/posed a potential health, safety or personal rights risk to persons in care.
POC Due Date: 08/04/2025
Plan of Correction
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Licensee will have the parents of C1 complete the LIC 9227 and send a copy to LPA
Section Cited
Deficient Practice Statement
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POC Due Date:
Plan of Correction
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Failure to correct the cited deficiency(ies), on or before the Plan of Correction (POC) due date, may result in a civil penalty assessment.
Pauline Beschorner
NAME OF LICENSING PROGRAM MANAGER:
Sandra Pulido
NAME OF LICENSING PROGRAM ANALYST:
LICENSING PROGRAM ANALYST SIGNATURE:
DATE: 07/28/2025
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:
DATE: 07/28/2025


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: MERLO FAMILY CHILD CARE
FACILITY NUMBER: 334842185
VISIT DATE: 07/28/2025
NARRATIVE
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There are not any pools, spas, or other bodies of water. Licensee understands that all bodies of water including ponds, above ground pools, spas, and some fountains must be properly covered or fenced per Title 22 Regulations. The Department must be notified before and after installation of the above types of bodies of water. In addition, all wading pools or similar products must be emptied immediately after use and stored in an upright position.

Children's records are not complete, nor staff records, and citations will be given. Mandated Reporter Training has been completed and is valid until 2/2/26. The Pediatric CPR and First Aid certification expires on 9/4/26. Resident and staff records were reviewed, and all adults requiring caregiver background checks have received the necessary clearances and exemptions.

Licensee Bertha Merlo was reminded that all adults 18 and over, living or working in the home, 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 licensed Family Child Care Home. 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.

LPA discussed the safe sleep regulations with Licensee Bertha Merlo 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.

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, available at: https://www.ada.gov/resources/child-care-centers/

Licensee was informed of the MyChildCarePlan.org website; a consumer education website that helps

NAME OF LICENSING PROGRAM MANAGER: Pauline Beschorner
NAME OF LICENSING PROGRAM ANALYST: Sandra Pulido
LICENSING PROGRAM ANALYST SIGNATURE:

DATE: 07/28/2025
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 07/28/2025
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: MERLO FAMILY CHILD CARE
FACILITY NUMBER: 334842185
VISIT DATE: 07/28/2025
NARRATIVE
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families obtain child care by connecting them to child care providers and Resource and Referral Agencies (R&Rs) throughout California.

On-line Licensing forms & regulations for a Child Care Center can be obtained on the Department’s website: www.ccld.ca.gov. Additionally, there is a link to “Receive Important Updates” located on the right side of the page, immediately above Quick Links. One can add their email address and choose which program(s) they wish to receive Provider Information Notices (PIN) for.

The Duty Officer is available to answer questions Monday – Friday; 8:00am to 5:00pm at: 951-782-4200



On this date, 7/28/25, the California Attorney General - Megan’s Law website was searched for information on sex offenders required to register with local law enforcement under California's Megan's Law. No registered sex offenders were found at the facility addresses. Under state law, some registered sex offenders are not subject to public disclosure; therefore, they may not have been included in this search. However, the Department conducts a monthly cross reference of each address on record for all registered sex offenders against all CCLD facility addresses pursuant to information shared by California DOJ.

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 for CARE tools, please send the 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/process.

There are deficiencies being cited on the attached 809-D page.



A notice of site visit was given and must remain posted for 30 days.

An exit interview was conducted, and a copy of this this report was reviewed with and handed to Licensee Bertha Merlo.

Appeal rights were discussed and provided during the exit interview.
NAME OF LICENSING PROGRAM MANAGER: Pauline Beschorner
NAME OF LICENSING PROGRAM ANALYST: Sandra Pulido
LICENSING PROGRAM ANALYST SIGNATURE:

DATE: 07/28/2025
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 07/28/2025
LIC809 (FAS) - (06/04)
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