All individuals subject to criminal record review have obtained the required clearance or exemption and are properly associated with the facility. LPA conducted a census of the children, and it matched the 14 signatures recorded on the sign-in sheet. At approximately 10:15 AM, LPA reviewed five children’s files. Each file contained the required documentation, including Personal Rights, Parent’s Rights, Medical Consent forms, and Identification and Emergency Information. At approximately 10:45 AM, LPA reviewed two (2) staff files. All files contained the required Health Screening and Employee Rights forms. At least one staff member present held a current CPR and First Aid certification. The center's designated isolation area for ill children is located at the front desk area, separate from other children in care.

The facility is equipped with wired smoke detectors that are connected to notify the fire department when activated. According to the Director, the system is fully functional and regularly serviced by the Palo Alto Fire Department. LPA tested the carbon monoxide detector and found it to be functioning properly. The facility also has a working telephone, a pull-down fire alarm system, a fully stocked first aid kit, and multiple fully charged 3A40BC fire extinguishers that meet State Fire Marshal standards. Disaster drills are conducted at least once every six months, with the most recent drill completed on March 18, 2026.

At approximately 10:00 AM, LPA inspected the two classrooms and observed that proper teacher-to-child ratios were maintained. The classrooms are arranged to support children's exploration across different learning areas. There are sufficient play and learning materials available. The floors were clean, and the furniture was appropriately sized for preschool-age children. All play equipment was age-appropriate and in good repair. Each child has access to individual storage space for their belongings. All required licensing documents are posted in a publicly accessible area.

See LIC 809-C

• 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.

Parents provide all meals and snacks from home. LPA observed a designated refrigerator area, which was clean and free of any evidence of rodents. LPA reminded the director that all individuals involved in food preparation and service must follow proper personal hygiene and food sanitation practices to protect food from contamination. Children consume their meals in a covered outdoor area equipped with benches.

LPA observed that the staff restroom is located across the yard and is separate from the children’s restroom. The children’s restroom is located inside the center’s main hallway. LPA verified that the toilets were functioning properly by flushing them and ensuring they were in safe operating condition. LPA also checked the water temperature to ensure it was not excessively hot for children in care. The changing station is set up and maintained in accordance with Title 22 regulations. The center has an adequate supply of soap, toilet paper, and paper towels available for children.

The playground area is fully fenced and was observed to be free of defects and hazardous conditions at the time of the inspection. Trees provide sufficient shade for children during outdoor activities. The play structure is securely anchored to the ground, includes a slide, and has appropriate cushioning underneath to absorb falls. All play equipment is age-appropriate and in good repair. Available outdoor equipment includes trucks, building blocks, sand, digging tools, water tables, a playhouse, benches, tables, chairs, chalkboards, and a teeter-totter.

See 809-C.

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.

The director 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.

The director 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.

There are no deficiencies cited today. A notice of site visit was given and must remain posted for 30 days. Exit interview conducted and report was reviewed with the Director Nohora Rodriguez.