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Department of
SOCIAL SERVICES

Community Care Licensing


FACILITY EVALUATION REPORT

Facility Number: 376701595
Report Date: 07/23/2025
Date Signed: 07/23/2025 12:01:07 PM

Document Has Been Signed on 07/23/2025 12:01 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 CC RO, 7575 METROPOLITAN DR., STE 110
SAN DIEGO, CA 92108
FACILITY NAME:HIGHER LEARNING ACADEMY INC.FACILITY NUMBER:
376701595
ADMINISTRATOR/
DIRECTOR:		RENECE MCMORRISFACILITY TYPE:
860
ADDRESS:9467 JAMACHA BOULEVARDTELEPHONE:
(619) 300-6964
CITY:SPRING VALLEYSTATE: CAZIP CODE:
91977
CAPACITY: 104TOTAL ENROLLED CHILDREN: 89CENSUS: 42DATE:
07/23/2025
TYPE OF VISIT:PrelicensingANNOUNCEDTIME VISIT/
INSPECTION BEGAN:
08:00 AM
MET WITH:Renece McMorrisTIME VISIT/
INSPECTION COMPLETED:
12:15 PM
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On 07/23/2025 at 8am, Licensing Program Analysts (LPAs), Selina Siao, Samantha Clenista and Vicky Williamson conducted an announced Pre-Licensing inspection to add a school age component and to consolidate the existing licensed facilities numbers 376700459 and 376701009 to this pending single license facility number. Upon arrival, LPAs met with Director Renece McMorris and conducted a tour of the classrooms to gather census. Applicant is requesting to be licensed for 20 infants (ages 0 to 2 years old) in the Infant Rooms 1A, 1B and 1C (Ste #7, #8), 63 preschool children (ages 2 to 5 years old) in the 2’s room (Ste# 6), 3’s room and 4’s room (Ste #1-5) and the Preschool tech room (Ste# 9, #10) and 16 school-age (ages 5 to 13 years old) in the School Age Room (Ste# 9-10). Hours of operation will be Monday to Friday from 6am to 6pm.

All indoor and outdoor activity space utilized for the children was inspected today. LPAs informed Director Renece McMorris that staff are required to maintain direct visual supervision of the children at all times during indoor and outdoor activities. When medications are on site, Renece McMorris stated that they will be in the office. A fully equipped first aid kit is in the office, and each classroom. There is an operational carbon monoxide detector on site located in the office hallway by the adult restroom, kitchen area located in suite #7 & #8 and suite #9 & #10. All required licensing documents were posted at the front entrance by the office. Children will be signed in and out via the Bright Wheel and in each classroom.

LPAs continued to tour the facility and remeasured all indoor and outdoor activity space. Total infant indoor activity space measured to be 713.92 square feet, which is sufficient to accommodate the requested capacity of 20 infants. Total preschool indoor activity space measured to be 2220.2 square feet, which is sufficient to accommodate the requested capacity of 63 children. The total school-age indoor activity space measured to be 583.3 square feet, which is sufficient to accommodate 16 children.
NAME OF LICENSING PROGRAM MANAGER: Monica Cuddy
NAME OF LICENSING PROGRAM ANALYST: Selina Siao
LICENSING PROGRAM ANALYST SIGNATURE: DATE: 07/23/2025
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE: DATE: 07/23/2025
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
SAN DIEGO CC RO, 7575 METROPOLITAN DR., STE 110
SAN DIEGO, CA 92108
FACILITY NAME: HIGHER LEARNING ACADEMY INC.
FACILITY NUMBER: 376701595
VISIT DATE: 07/23/2025
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LPAs observed all indoor activity space to be complete with age-appropriate furniture and equipment, including tables, chairs, cubbies, cribs, napping cots for preschool children and infants who can climb out of a crib, bookshelves, and other activity supplies for the children. Toys are safe with no sharp edges, splinters, or points, nor made of small parts that can present a choking hazard. Drinking water is available in the classrooms via a portable water pitcher and the pitcher gets refill from the Quench filtered water dispensers located in the two kitchens food prep areas. LPAs observed all hazardous items to be inaccessible to children. The director stated that there are no bodies of water or weapons on the property. Fire clearance was granted on 06/13/2025 but an updated fire clearance is required.

Infant seats are in good repair and and trays lock onto chairs. Changing tables have at least 1” padding covered with moisture-resistant, washable material. Sides of the changing table are at least 3” high and the changing table is within arm’s reach of a sink. Diapering sink is not used for meal preparation or dishwashing. There are 10 cribs, and the cribs meet regulatory requirements. The crib area is separated from activity space via a room with a half wall. This barrier is at least four feet high, made of sound absorbing material and allows for partial supervision of napping children . Sleep logs are kept in Bright Wheel app. Needs and Services Plans and Sleep Plans are kept in the child’s file.

There should be at least one potty chair or toilet for every five potty training infants. LPAs observed a total of 5 sinks and 2 toilets available for infants, 5 sinks and 5 toilets for preschool children and 2 sinks and 2 toilets with privacy for school-age children. These are sufficient to accommodate the requested capacity children. There is a separate staff restroom equipped with a toilet and a sink. The isolation area for children who are ill will be the children’s isolation restroom and the Director’s office.



The facility will provide morning snacks, lunch and dinner to the children. The main kitchen is located in the school-age component room, and it includes a stove, microwave, sink and refrigerator. The kitchen area and food storage areas were observed to be free of rodents and/or vermin. Food was observed to be properly stored separate from cleaning materials. Hazardous items in the kitchen are inaccessible to children via a locked half door and the kitchen in the infant room has a full door to prevent children's access.
NAME OF LICENSING PROGRAM MANAGER: Monica Cuddy
NAME OF LICENSING PROGRAM ANALYST: Selina Siao
LICENSING PROGRAM ANALYST SIGNATURE:

DATE: 07/23/2025
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 07/23/2025
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
SAN DIEGO CC RO, 7575 METROPOLITAN DR., STE 110
SAN DIEGO, CA 92108
FACILITY NAME: HIGHER LEARNING ACADEMY INC.
FACILITY NUMBER: 376701595
VISIT DATE: 07/23/2025
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The facility currently has a fully fenced playground area which is separate from other components. Fencing via wrought iron and stucco wall is at least four feet high. The infant outdoor activity space is 1154.65 square feet, which is only sufficient to accommodate up to 15 infants at one time and preschool outdoor activity space is 2435.64 square feet, which is only sufficient to accommodate up to 32 children at one time. A playground waiver to share the playground at different times in the AM and PM due to limited square footage shall be submitted and approved prior to licensure. The school-age children will also be sharing the playground with the preschool children and a waiver is needed prior to licensure. Shade is provided via a shade canopy and E-Z pop ups. There are sufficient outdoor age-appropriate toys and play equipment available on the playground. There is a climbing structure on the infant playground for children ages 6 months to 23 months. There is another climbing structure on the preschool playground that is age appropriate for children ages 2 to 5 years old. The play structures are properly anchored. There is adequate cushioning in fall zones of climbers provided by rubber cushioning. Drinking water is available via the children’s water bottles for preschool and school age children and zippy cups for the infants. There is an igloo cooler and drink water fountain available at the preschool playground. LPAs observed all hazardous items on the playground to be inaccessible to children. Director Renece McMorris was reminded that any changes to the facility must be reported to and approved by Community Care Licensing.

Facility representative was reminded that all adults 18 and over responsible for administration or direct supervision of staff, persons who provides care and supervision to children, and staff who have contact with children, 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.

This facility plans to provide Incidental Medical Services – IMS. For IMS information, see PIN 22-02-CCP. A 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: http://www.ada.gov/childqanda.htm.



LPAs reviewed with Director the LIC 311A, Records to Be Maintained at The Facility, for child’s records, personnel records, administrative records, and documents to be posted.
NAME OF LICENSING PROGRAM MANAGER: Monica Cuddy
NAME OF LICENSING PROGRAM ANALYST: Selina Siao
LICENSING PROGRAM ANALYST SIGNATURE:

DATE: 07/23/2025
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 07/23/2025
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
SAN DIEGO CC RO, 7575 METROPOLITAN DR., STE 110
SAN DIEGO, CA 92108
FACILITY NAME: HIGHER LEARNING ACADEMY INC.
FACILITY NUMBER: 376701595
VISIT DATE: 07/23/2025
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LPAs discussed the safe sleep regulations with Director 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. LPAs also informed Director 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.

Director was informed of the MyChildCarePlan.org site, 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.



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-care-licensing/subscribe and select the Child Care option to receive email communication.

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). If the facility has had a lead test completed within the last five years from the pre-licensing visit date 07/23/2025 and is using the same outlets, you may submit a waiver request from the lead testing requirement to the Regional Office.

NAME OF LICENSING PROGRAM MANAGER: Monica Cuddy
NAME OF LICENSING PROGRAM ANALYST: Selina Siao
LICENSING PROGRAM ANALYST SIGNATURE:

DATE: 07/23/2025
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 07/23/2025
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
SAN DIEGO CC RO, 7575 METROPOLITAN DR., STE 110
SAN DIEGO, CA 92108
FACILITY NAME: HIGHER LEARNING ACADEMY INC.
FACILITY NUMBER: 376701595
VISIT DATE: 07/23/2025
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The following corrections are needed prior to the issuance of the license:
  • Submit an updated application LIC200A to request for the allowable capacity of 20 infants, 63 preschoolers and 16 school-age children.
  • Set up the preschool technology room with age-appropriate equipment.
  • Remove all hazardous items in the school-age room #1B.
  • Remove all the lower doors on the cabinet in room #1B.
  • Install a latch for the laundry door located in the preschool technology room to prevent children’s access. Remove all the cubbies located in Infant room 1A and set up the room with age- appropriate equipment.
  • Block off the entrance carpet area in room #1A to ensure children’s safety.
  • Submit a playground waiver for the infant and preschool children outdoor activity areas due to insufficient outdoor space for the requested capacity.
  • Submit a playground waiver request for the school-age children to share the preschool playground.


Director Renece McMorris understands that all proof of corrections must be provided to the Department within 30 days, or the application may be denied.

A notice of site visit was given to Director Renece McMorris and must remain posted on, or immediately adjacent to, the interior side of the main door for 30 days.

Exit interview conducted and report was reviewed with the Director Renece McMorris.
NAME OF LICENSING PROGRAM MANAGER: Monica Cuddy
NAME OF LICENSING PROGRAM ANALYST: Selina Siao
LICENSING PROGRAM ANALYST SIGNATURE:

DATE: 07/23/2025
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 07/23/2025
LIC809 (FAS) - (06/04)
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