<meta name="robots" content="noindex">
Department of
SOCIAL SERVICES

Community Care Licensing


FACILITY EVALUATION REPORT

Facility Number: 376105110
Report Date: 03/25/2025
Date Signed: 03/28/2025 04:43:25 PM

Document Has Been Signed on 03/28/2025 04:43 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
SAN DIEGO N. CC RO, 7575 METROPOLITAN DR STE 110
SAN DIEGO, CA 92108
FACILITY NAME:SOLID START ACADEMYFACILITY NUMBER:
376105110
ADMINISTRATOR/
DIRECTOR:		ALEXANDRA ELLAMFACILITY TYPE:
830
ADDRESS:8964 NORTH MAGNOLIA AVENUETELEPHONE:
(619) 850-1568
CITY:SANTEESTATE: CAZIP CODE:
92071
CAPACITY: 9TOTAL ENROLLED CHILDREN: 8CENSUS: 7DATE:
03/25/2025
TYPE OF VISIT:Annual/RandomUNANNOUNCEDTIME VISIT/
INSPECTION BEGAN:
09:00 AM
MET WITH:Bridgette Fortin/ Alexandra EllamTIME VISIT/
INSPECTION COMPLETED:
12:00 PM
NARRATIVE
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
On 03/25/2025 at 9:00 A.M, Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Edleen Montesa, and Licensing Program Manager (LPM) Joelle Redding, visited the facility to conduct an unannounced, Annual Inspection. LPA introduced self, showed badge, and stated the reason for the visit. Upon arrival LPA met with Assistant Director, Bridgette Fortin, and proceeded to tour the facility. During today's inspection, there were 7 infants with 2 staff in Room 203. Facility is within ratio and capacity. At around 10:00 A.M, Director, Alexandra Ellam arrived in the infant classroom.

Infant room has adequate heating, lighting, ventilation. Floors appear to be clean and safe. Cleaning supplies are kept separate from food and are inaccessible to children. Storage containers for solid waste have tight-fitting covers and are kept in good repair. Storage areas for poisons are locked. Director stated there are no firearms or other weapons on the premises. All infant furniture & equipment are age-appropriate and in good repair. There are no walkers, bouncy seats, exersaucers or jumpers in the room. Feeding tables have broad-based legs, plastic seats in good repair. Hazardous materials are inaccessible to children. Bottles, dishes and containers of food brought by infant’s authorized representative are labeled. The changing table is within arm's reach of sink. Caregivers wash hands before and after each feeding and each diaper change. Toys are safe, with no sharp edges, splinters or protruding points, nor small parts that can be pulled off and swallowed. Cribs or napping equipment are available. Bedding is identified and stored separately for each infant. LPA and LPM noticed that there are some crib sheets in the sleeping area that were loosely fitted. LPA and LPM brought it to the teachers attention, advise of what the Safe Sleep regulations are, and LPA discussed it with the Director as well. Director stated that she will advise parents of what size of sheet to bring for the crib mattress.
(See cont. on LIC 809-C...)
NAME OF LICENSING PROGRAM MANAGER: Renesha Askew
NAME OF LICENSING PROGRAM ANALYST: Edleen Montesa
LICENSING PROGRAM ANALYST SIGNATURE: DATE: 03/26/2025
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE: DATE: 03/26/2025
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 6
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)
Page: 2 of 6
STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

FACILITY EVALUATION REPORT (Cont)		CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
SAN DIEGO N. CC RO, 7575 METROPOLITAN DR STE 110
SAN DIEGO, CA 92108
FACILITY NAME: SOLID START ACADEMY
FACILITY NUMBER: 376105110
VISIT DATE: 03/25/2025
NARRATIVE
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
Napping infants are under visual observation by staff. Indoor activity space is physically separate from other components. Individual sleeping plans (LIC9227) were reviewed. Sleep logs were reviewed and found to be completed correctly.The facility appears to be free of insects and rodents. There is an operational carbon monoxide detector at the facility. Last fire drill was conducted on December 10, 2024.

The outdoor play area is securely fenced, with adequate cushioning and ample shade. There is a water fountain on the property located outside the preschool's fenced enclosure. Per Director, and as observed during the visit, the exit near the water fountain remains locked to make the water fountain inaccessible to children. LPA advised Director, per the pre-licensing report, the water fountain should have no water collected. Director stated that she will make sure to check the fountain to prevent this from happening. Equipment is age appropriate, however, swings are not to be used by infants under 6 months of age per manufacturer’s recommendation. Sufficient cushioning is present. Facility is advised to rake the sand after wet weather to ensure the cushioning remains sufficient and add sand as needed. Concrete sidewalk around the play area should be kept free of sand when possible to avoid slipping. Area has drinking water readily accessible, and grounds are free of debris or potential hazards. There is a playground waiver on file that allows toddlers attending the pre-school program to share the infant playground at different times.

LPA reviewed medication storage, and per Director, there are no children at the facility that requires any medication at the moment. Children are evaluated upon entry and monitored throughout the day for signs of illness. The isolation area for ill children awaiting pick up is the Director’s office. Personnel records were reviewed and at least one staff member has current CPR and First Aid certifications. Sign in/out documents were reviewed. The facility uses the Brightwheel app to document school attendance. Children’s records were reviewed and found to be complete with the exception of the LIC 995A. All facility staff or other individuals who require caregiver background checks have received criminal record and child abuse clearances or exemptions.

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-andresources/safe-sleep as an additional resource. LPA also informed licensee of the importance of checking for recalled infant devices (See cont. on LIC 809-C...)
NAME OF LICENSING PROGRAM MANAGER: Renesha Askew
NAME OF LICENSING PROGRAM ANALYST: Edleen Montesa
LICENSING PROGRAM ANALYST SIGNATURE:

DATE: 03/26/2025
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 03/26/2025
LIC809 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 3 of 6
STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

FACILITY EVALUATION REPORT (Cont)		CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
SAN DIEGO N. CC RO, 7575 METROPOLITAN DR STE 110
SAN DIEGO, CA 92108
FACILITY NAME: SOLID START ACADEMY
FACILITY NUMBER: 376105110
VISIT DATE: 03/25/2025
NARRATIVE
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
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. The facility holds an infant license with a maximum capacity for nine infants.

Licensee 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.

Licensee 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.

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).

• CCC DID NOT COMPLETE TESTING PRIOR TO THEIR DEADLINE, facility was licensed 12/29/22. LPA provided the mentioned PIN and provided licensee a hard copy. LPA advised licensee that center must submit proof of the Lead Water Testing within 30 days from today.

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: (See cont. on LIC 809-C...)
NAME OF LICENSING PROGRAM MANAGER: Renesha Askew
NAME OF LICENSING PROGRAM ANALYST: Edleen Montesa
LICENSING PROGRAM ANALYST SIGNATURE:

DATE: 03/26/2025
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 03/26/2025
LIC809 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 4 of 6
STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

FACILITY EVALUATION REPORT (Cont)		CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
SAN DIEGO N. CC RO, 7575 METROPOLITAN DR STE 110
SAN DIEGO, CA 92108
FACILITY NAME: SOLID START ACADEMY
FACILITY NUMBER: 376105110
VISIT DATE: 03/25/2025
NARRATIVE
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
https://www.ada.gov/resources/child-care-centers/. There is no Incidental Medical Services in place.

To improve the quality and value of the new inspection process, a survey will 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 tools, please send them by email 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.




Pursuant to Title 22 of the CA Code of Regulations, two Type B deficiencies were cited (refer to LIC 809-D).

During the file review, LPA noticed that there are unpaid outstanding fees. LPA advised Licensee of the amount owed, provided the PIN for the account, and the fee due date. Licensee stated that she will take care of the fees and pay it online. An updated LIC 500 will be provided later on today.

Visit was not completed today due to Licensee needing to leave facility promptly at 6:10 P.M. Exit interview was conducted with Licensee and a Notice of Site visit was given and must remain posted for 30 days. Report was reviewed with the Licensee, Alexandra Ellam at the office visit on 3/26/25.
NAME OF LICENSING PROGRAM MANAGER: Renesha Askew
NAME OF LICENSING PROGRAM ANALYST: Edleen Montesa
LICENSING PROGRAM ANALYST SIGNATURE:

DATE: 03/26/2025
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 03/26/2025
LIC809 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 5 of 6
Document Has Been Signed on 03/28/2025 04:43 PM - It Cannot Be Edited


Created By: Edleen Montesa On 03/26/2025 at 08:19 AM
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
, 7575 METROPOLITAN DR STE 110
SAN DIEGO, CA 92108

FACILITY NAME: SOLID START ACADEMY
FACILITY NUMBER: 376105110

DEFICIENCY INFORMATION FOR THIS PAGE:
VISIT DATE: 03/25/2025

DEFICIENCIES & PLANS OF CORRECTION (POCs)
Type B
Section Cited
CCR
101439.1(b)(1)
Infant Care Center Sleeping Equipment
(b) A crib or portable -crib meeting United States Consumer Product Safety Commission safety standards shall be provided for each infant who is unable to climb out of a crib. (1) Mattresses shall be firm and covered with a fitted sheet that is appropriate to the mattress size, fits tightly on the mattress, and overlaps the underside of the mattress so it cannot be dislodged.

This requirement is not met as evidenced by:
Deficient Practice Statement
1
2
3
4
Based on observation and interviews with staff, the licensee did not comply with the section cited above in that there were some loose fitting crib sheets on all but two of the cribs in the infant sleeping area which poses a potential health, safety or personal rights risk to infants in care
POC Due Date: 03/28/2025
Plan of Correction
1
2
3
4
Licensee states that she will order thicker mattresses and/or providing appropriate sized fitted sheets by the plan of correction date. Licensee will provide photos for correction.
Type B
Section Cited
HSC
1597.6(a)(1)
(1) A licensed child day care center, as defined in Section 1596.76, that is located in a building that was constructed before January 1, 2010, shall have its drinking water tested for lead contamination levels on or after January 1, 2020, but no later than January 1, 2023, and every five years after the date of the initial test.

This requirement is not met as evidenced by:
Deficient Practice Statement
1
2
3
4
Based on observation and record review, the licensee did not comply with the section cited above in that the lead testing was not completed as required which poses a potential health, safety or personal rights risk to children in care.
POC Due Date: 04/25/2025
Plan of Correction
1
2
3
4
Licensee will call today and schedule the testing. Licensee will be provided with the date of inspection and the lead testing will be completed by the plan of correction date. If additional time is needed for an appointment, Licensee will touch base with the LPA for an extension.
Failure to correct the cited deficiency(ies), on or before the Plan of Correction (POC) due date, may result in a civil penalty assessment.
Renesha Askew
NAME OF LICENSING PROGRAM MANAGER:
Edleen Montesa
NAME OF LICENSING PROGRAM ANALYST:
LICENSING PROGRAM ANALYST SIGNATURE:
DATE: 03/26/2025
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:
DATE: 03/26/2025


LIC809 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 6 of 6