MULBERRY TREE PRESCHOOL

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25On 3/25/25 Licensing Program Analysts (LPAs) Lilli Babcock and Monica Ruiz conducted an unannounced annual inspection. A Covid risk assessment was conducted. LPAs met with Lead Teacher, Dulce Salinas-Alvaro to whom the reason for the visit was explained. Director guided LPAs on a tour of the facility. This is a preschool program which is currently licensed for a capacity of 28 children and operates Monday – Friday from 6:30 AM – 6:00 PM. Per Director there are 18 children enrolled. Director Michelle Benitez arrived to the facility at approximately 10:00 am. Census was taken. LPAs observed 11 children with 3 staff present upon arrival. Teacher-child ratios were observed to be in accordance with Title 22 Regulations. Staff names were recorded. LPAs confirmed all individuals present have obtained a criminal record clearance. All children were observed by LPAs to be under supervision, including visual supervision, of a teacher at all times. The licensed facility is within the conditions, limitations, and capacity specified on the license. All areas identified on the Facility Sketch were inspected and the following was observed: There is one classroom for the preschool license. The classroom was inspected to ensure that furniture and equipment are age-appropriate and in good repair, and the floors have a surface that is safe and clean. Napping equipment including cots and bedding were inspected for good condition and appropriate storage. Per Director, children take their bedding home to wash weekly. Storage for children's belongings were inspected and LPAs observed children have their own cubbies to store their belongings. Children bring water bottles from home and are allowed to drink freely at any time. Water bottles are refilled as needed throughout the day with water purchased from the store. Page 1 of 5 NAME OF LICENSING PROGRAM MANAGER: Brandi VanOosten NAME OF LICENSING PROGRAM ANALYST: Lilli Babcock LICENSING PROGRAM ANALYST SIGNATURE: DATE: 03/25/2025 I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received. FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE: DATE: 03/25/2025 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 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

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25On 3/25/25 Licensing Program Analysts (LPAs) Lilli Babcock and Monica Ruiz conducted an unannounced annual inspection. A Covid risk assessment was conducted. LPAs met with Lead Teacher, Dulce Salinas-Alvaro to whom the reason for the visit was explained. Director guided LPAs on a tour of the facility. This is a preschool program which is currently licensed for a capacity of 28 children and operates Monday – Friday from 6:30 AM – 6:00 PM. Per Director there are 18 children enrolled. Director Michelle Benitez arrived to the facility at approximately 10:00 am. Census was taken. LPAs observed 11 children with 3 staff present upon arrival. Teacher-child ratios were observed to be in accordance with Title 22 Regulations. Staff names were recorded. LPAs confirmed all individuals present have obtained a criminal record clearance. All children were observed by LPAs to be under supervision, including visual supervision, of a teacher at all times. The licensed facility is within the conditions, limitations, and capacity specified on the license. All areas identified on the Facility Sketch were inspected and the following was observed: There is one classroom for the preschool license. The classroom was inspected to ensure that furniture and equipment are age-appropriate and in good repair, and the floors have a surface that is safe and clean. Napping equipment including cots and bedding were inspected for good condition and appropriate storage. Per Director, children take their bedding home to wash weekly. Storage for children's belongings were inspected and LPAs observed children have their own cubbies to store their belongings. Children bring water bottles from home and are allowed to drink freely at any time. Water bottles are refilled as needed throughout the day with water purchased from the store. Page 1 of 5 NAME OF LICENSING PROGRAM MANAGER: Brandi VanOosten NAME OF LICENSING PROGRAM ANALYST: Lilli Babcock LICENSING PROGRAM ANALYST SIGNATURE: DATE: 03/25/2025 I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received. FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE: DATE: 03/25/2025 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 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

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Lilli Babcock conducted a Case Management-Deficiencies visit on 12/12/24 to address deficiencies revealed during a complaint investigation. A COVID risk assessment was conducted. LPA met with Director, Michelle Benitez to whom the reason for the visit was explained. LPA observed nineteen (19) children and three (3) staff present at the facility during this inspection. On 10/22/24, 10/24/24, 10/28/24, and 12/5/24, LPA Babcock visited the facility to conduct complaint investigation visits. Interviews with staff and school-age children which were conducted during the complaint investigations revealed children from the School-Age Licensed classroom (Butterfly) have commingled with other age groups and gone to the Preschool licensed classroom (Twigs and Branches) or the Private School (Caterpillar) Classroom for care at the end of the day on multiple occasions in order to maintain ratio. The Private School (Caterpillar) classroom is not licensed by California Department of Social Services (CDSS) Child Care Licensing. During interviews conducted, Child #1, Child #2, Child #3, Child #4, Child #5, Child #7, Staff #1, and Staff #5 stated that children from the School-Age Licensed classroom have commingled with other classes and gone to the Preschool licensed classroom or the Private School (Caterpillar) Classroom for care at the end of the day on multiple occasions in order to maintain ratio. Child #1 stated, "when we are here we are outside and then we split up and go to inside classes. That means one of us goes to Twigs and Branches class and some go to Caterpillar class". Child #2 stated, "Sometimes we come in Page 1 of 2 SUPERVISORS NAME: Brandi VanOosten LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Lilli Babcock LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE: DATE: 12/12/2024 I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received. FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE: DATE: 12/12/2024 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 3 FACILITY NAME: MULBERRY TREE PRESCHOOLFACILITY NUMBER: 198020451 VISIT DATE: 12/12/2024 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 32and go to different rooms. Sometimes we go to Twigs and Branches and sometimes to this room (Butterfly) and sometimes to the Caterpillars. During interviews with School-Age children, children interviewed often brought up the term "split Up". When LPA asked children interviewed what it means to "split up", Child #3 stated, "It means we go to the Twigs and Branches or the Butterfly or the Caterpillars", and Child #7 stated, "Some of us go in this classroom (Butterfly) and some go in the other room (points to Caterpillar classroom)". Additionally, Staff #1 and Staff #5 confirmed that School-Age children have been combined with the Preschool (Twigs and Branches) class or the Private School (Caterpillar) class on multiple occasions. During interviews, LPA asked Staff # 1 and Staff #5 if they know what happens when the children are "split up"? Staff #1 stated, "Yes they are split up and go into the Twigs and Branches, Butterfly, and Caterpillar Classrooms". Staff #5 stated, "The school-agers go into different classrooms"...The Caterpillars, the Twigs and Branches, and the Butterflies. Based on child and staff interviews conducted, the following deficiency listed on the attached LIC 809D (deficiency page) is being cited in accordance with California Code of Regulations Title 22. Deficiencies that are being cited need to be cleared to protect the children’s health and safety. A notice of site visit was given and must remain posted for 30 days. Failure to comply with posting requirements shall result in an immediate civil penalty of $100. Exit interview conducted and report was reviewed with Director, Michelle Benitez. Page 2 of 2 SUPERVISORS NAME: Brandi VanOosten LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Lilli Babcock LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE: DATE: 12/12/2024 I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received. FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE: DATE: 12/12/2024 FACILITY NAME: MULBERRY TREE PRESCHOOL FACILITY NUMBER: 198020451 DEFICIENCY INFORMATION FOR THIS PAGE: VISIT DATE: 12/12/2024 Deficiency Type POC Due Date / Section NumberDEFICIENCIESPLAN OF CORRECTIONS(POCs) Type B 12/12/2024 Section Cited CCR 101161(a) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7101161 Limitations on Capacity (a) A licensee shall not operate a child care center beyond the conditions and limitations specified on the license, including the capacity limitation. This requirement was not met as evidenced by:1 2 3 4 5 6 7Director signed a declaration which states the facility will no longer combine th

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Lilli Babcock conducted a Case Management-Deficiencies visit on 12/12/24 to address deficiencies revealed during a complaint investigation. A COVID risk assessment was conducted. LPA met with Director, Michelle Benitez to whom the reason for the visit was explained. LPA observed nineteen (19) children and three (3) staff present at the facility during this inspection. On 10/22/24, 10/24/24, 10/28/24, and 12/5/24, LPA Babcock visited the facility to conduct complaint investigation visits. Interviews with staff and school-age children which were conducted during the complaint investigations revealed children from the School-Age Licensed classroom (Butterfly) have commingled with other age groups and gone to the Preschool licensed classroom (Twigs and Branches) or the Private School (Caterpillar) Classroom for care at the end of the day on multiple occasions in order to maintain ratio. The Private School (Caterpillar) classroom is not licensed by California Department of Social Services (CDSS) Child Care Licensing. During interviews conducted, Child #1, Child #2, Child #3, Child #4, Child #5, Child #7, Staff #1, and Staff #5 stated that children from the School-Age Licensed classroom have commingled with other classes and gone to the Preschool licensed classroom or the Private School (Caterpillar) Classroom for care at the end of the day on multiple occasions in order to maintain ratio. Child #1 stated, "when we are here we are outside and then we split up and go to inside classes. That means one of us goes to Twigs and Branches class and some go to Caterpillar class". Child #2 stated, "Sometimes we come in Page 1 of 2 SUPERVISORS NAME: Brandi VanOosten LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Lilli Babcock LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE: DATE: 12/12/2024 I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received. FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE: DATE: 12/12/2024 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 3 FACILITY NAME: MULBERRY TREE PRESCHOOLFACILITY NUMBER: 198020451 VISIT DATE: 12/12/2024 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 32and go to different rooms. Sometimes we go to Twigs and Branches and sometimes to this room (Butterfly) and sometimes to the Caterpillars. During interviews with School-Age children, children interviewed often brought up the term "split Up". When LPA asked children interviewed what it means to "split up", Child #3 stated, "It means we go to the Twigs and Branches or the Butterfly or the Caterpillars", and Child #7 stated, "Some of us go in this classroom (Butterfly) and some go in the other room (points to Caterpillar classroom)". Additionally, Staff #1 and Staff #5 confirmed that School-Age children have been combined with the Preschool (Twigs and Branches) class or the Private School (Caterpillar) class on multiple occasions. During interviews, LPA asked Staff # 1 and Staff #5 if they know what happens when the children are "split up"? Staff #1 stated, "Yes they are split up and go into the Twigs and Branches, Butterfly, and Caterpillar Classrooms". Staff #5 stated, "The school-agers go into different classrooms"...The Caterpillars, the Twigs and Branches, and the Butterflies. Based on child and staff interviews conducted, the following deficiency listed on the attached LIC 809D (deficiency page) is being cited in accordance with California Code of Regulations Title 22. Deficiencies that are being cited need to be cleared to protect the children’s health and safety. A notice of site visit was given and must remain posted for 30 days. Failure to comply with posting requirements shall result in an immediate civil penalty of $100. Exit interview conducted and report was reviewed with Director, Michelle Benitez. Page 2 of 2 SUPERVISORS NAME: Brandi VanOosten LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Lilli Babcock LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE: DATE: 12/12/2024 I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received. FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE: DATE: 12/12/2024 FACILITY NAME: MULBERRY TREE PRESCHOOL FACILITY NUMBER: 198020451 DEFICIENCY INFORMATION FOR THIS PAGE: VISIT DATE: 12/12/2024 Deficiency Type POC Due Date / Section NumberDEFICIENCIESPLAN OF CORRECTIONS(POCs) Type B 12/12/2024 Section Cited CCR 101161(a) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7101161 Limitations on Capacity (a) A licensee shall not operate a child care center beyond the conditions and limitations specified on the license, including the capacity limitation. This requirement was not met as evidenced by:1 2 3 4 5 6 7Director signed a declaration which states the facility will no longer combine th