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Department of
SOCIAL SERVICES

Community Care Licensing


FACILITY EVALUATION REPORT

Facility Number: 561700027
Report Date: 04/08/2025
Date Signed: 04/08/2025 12:00:47 PM

Document Has Been Signed on 04/08/2025 12:00 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
SANTA BARBARA CC RO, 6500 HOLLISTER AVE., SUITE 200
GOLETA, CA 93117
FACILITY NAME:ENCOUNTER PRESCHOOLFACILITY NUMBER:
561700027
ADMINISTRATOR/
DIRECTOR:		ALEXANDER LINKFACILITY TYPE:
850
ADDRESS:6950 RALSTON STREETTELEPHONE:
(805) 644-7607
CITY:VENTURASTATE: CAZIP CODE:
93003
CAPACITY: 152TOTAL ENROLLED CHILDREN: 152CENSUS: 127DATE:
04/08/2025
TYPE OF VISIT:Annual/RandomUNANNOUNCEDTIME VISIT/
INSPECTION BEGAN:
08:57 AM
MET WITH:Alex LinkTIME VISIT/
INSPECTION COMPLETED:
10:30 AM
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On 04/08/2025 ,Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) German Negrete conducted an unannounced Annual/required inspection of the above mentioned Child Care Center (CCC). LPA met with Alex Link, Director of the CCC. LPA explained the purpose and nature of the inspection. The preschool program has a toddler component, both programs operate Monday – Friday 7AM to 6PM. Currently the facility utilizes ten classrooms for child care services. At the time of inspection, LPA observed 15 toddlers along with 112 preschoolers and 15 staff providing care and supervision. The CCC's Director is assisting with the care and supervision of children and toddlers on site when needed.

LPA observed required licensing forms and documents posted near the main office door entry. The CCC's children Sign In/Out forms were reviewed by LPA. The forms contained the arrival and departure times of children in care and as well as the signatures of the children's authorized representatives. The classrooms of the CCC are clean and orderly. The classrooms have age-appropriate equipment and furnishings available to children in care. The CCC's has multiple dual carbon monoxide and smoke detectors on the property. LPA tested a dual carbon monoxide/smoke detector at 9:12AM and was observed operable.



The CCC uses 4 restrooms for children and toddlers. Also the CCC center utilizes changing tables for toddlers. All restrooms and changing tables are in sanitary condition. However CCC children and toddlers are monitored by CCC staff when using the restrooms. LPA observed a operable refrigerator in the classroom. If required, the refrigerator is used for food. Incidental epipen is stored in the CCC office in a inaccessible area for children in care. Lunch is not provided to children in care at this CCC. The CCC also has available filtered drinking water for children inside and outside of the facility. CCCs constructed before 1/1/20, to test their water (used for drinking and food preparation) for lead contamination before 1/1/23 and then every 5-years except after the date of the first test. For child care center licenses issued after 7/1/22, the licensee shall test their water for (Continued on LIC809-C)
NAME OF LICENSING PROGRAM MANAGER: Ana Tolentino
NAME OF LICENSING PROGRAM ANALYST: German Negrete
LICENSING PROGRAM ANALYST SIGNATURE: DATE: 04/08/2025
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE: DATE: 04/08/2025
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
SANTA BARBARA CC RO, 6500 HOLLISTER AVE., SUITE 200
GOLETA, CA 93117
FACILITY NAME: ENCOUNTER PRESCHOOL
FACILITY NUMBER: 561700027
VISIT DATE: 04/08/2025
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lead within 180 days of censure pursuant to Written Directives section 101700 (PIN 21-21.1-CCP). Facility representative stated, there is no water at the CCC that is utilized for consumption or cooking. .LPA referred facility representative to the Department website for lead: Lead Toxicity Prevention and Water Testing Information.

Disinfectants, cleaning solutions and sharps are observed in locations accessible to staff members but inaccessible to children in care. The CCC most recent disaster drill was conducted on 02/21/2025.

The CCC outdoor playground areas are enclosed by fencing. The fence’s entry/exit gates are secured. The surfaces of the outdoor playground areas are varied. LPA observed age appropriate play equipment in the play areas. The play equipment is free of sharp, loose or pointed objects. The play structures in the outdoor playground areas have adequate cushioning materials to absorb falls. No bodies of water are observed on site.

A sampling of staff and children records were reviewed. The children’s records were complete and found to contain emergency contact information, among other required licensing documentation and forms. Staff records were reviewed. LPA reviewed Mandated Reporter training certifications for staff and found Mandated Reporter Training certification is up to date . Director was reminded to ensure training certification are kept current. Director notes no firearms or ammunition are stored on site.

This facility provides Incidental Medical Services – IMS. LPA reviewed storage of “medication and equipment/supplies, and reviewed children’s, personnel, and administrative records. For IMS information see PIN 22-02-CCP. 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: https://www.ada.gov/resources/child-care-centers/.

Facility representative was reminded that all adults 18 and over, including employees and volunteers,
as specified in HSC 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. (CONT. LIC809-C)
NAME OF LICENSING PROGRAM MANAGER: Ana Tolentino
NAME OF LICENSING PROGRAM ANALYST: German Negrete
LICENSING PROGRAM ANALYST SIGNATURE:

DATE: 04/08/2025
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 04/08/2025
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
SANTA BARBARA CC RO, 6500 HOLLISTER AVE., SUITE 200
GOLETA, CA 93117
FACILITY NAME: ENCOUNTER PRESCHOOL
FACILITY NUMBER: 561700027
VISIT DATE: 04/08/2025
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LPA 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. LPA 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 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.

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.

Exit interview conducted and report was reviewed with the Director Alex Link.



Notice of site visit was provided and must remain posted in a prominent publicly accessible area of the center.
NAME OF LICENSING PROGRAM MANAGER: Ana Tolentino
NAME OF LICENSING PROGRAM ANALYST: German Negrete
LICENSING PROGRAM ANALYST SIGNATURE:

DATE: 04/08/2025
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 04/08/2025
LIC809 (FAS) - (06/04)
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