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Department of
SOCIAL SERVICES

Community Care Licensing


FACILITY EVALUATION REPORT

Facility Number: 197417337
Report Date: 09/24/2026
Date Signed: 09/24/2026 12:13:15 PM

Document Has Been Signed on 09/24/2026 12:13 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
PALMDALE CC RO, 39115 TRADE CENTER DR STE. 201
PALMDALE, CA 93551
FACILITY NAME:VOA/EL CENTRO DE LOS NINOS, SYLMAR HEAD STARTFACILITY NUMBER:
197417337
ADMINISTRATOR/
DIRECTOR:		ESTELLA ARREDONDOFACILITY TYPE:
850
ADDRESS:13550 HERRON STREETTELEPHONE:
(818) 980-2287
CITY:SYLMARSTATE: CAZIP CODE:
91342
CAPACITY: 45TOTAL ENROLLED CHILDREN: 45CENSUS: 15DATE:
09/24/2026
TYPE OF VISIT:Annual/RandomUNANNOUNCEDTIME VISIT/
INSPECTION BEGAN:
10:43 AM
MET WITH:Estella Arredondo, DirectorTIME VISIT/
INSPECTION COMPLETED:
12:25 PM
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On Thursday, September 24, 2026, Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Mayra Rivera conducted an unannounced annual inspection and met with director Estella Arredondo who granted access and guided LPA Rivera on a tour of the facility.

This is a head start preschool program that serves children ages 3 to 5 years. This program operates Monday to Friday 8:15 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. Sign in and out takes place in the classrooms. All areas identified on the facility sketch were toured and inspected both indoors and outdoors. Teacher and child ratio were not observed, and present staff are fingerprinted cleared.

LPA entered classroom 1 and observed 8 preschool children having lunch and staff #1 and staff #4 present providing care and supervision. LPA observed age-appropriate furniture and equipment to be in good condition, free of sharp, not loose, or pointed parts and age-appropriate toys accessible to children. LPA observed a cubby for children to store their personal belongings. LPA observed cleaning solutions stored inside storage closet with a side latch lock making it inaccessible for children to open. LPA Rivera observed a step trash bin with a lid.

LPA entered classroom 2 and observed 7 preschool children having lunch and staff #2 and staff #3 present providing care and supervision. LPA observed age-appropriate furniture and equipment to be in good condition, free of sharp, not loose, or pointed parts and age-appropriate toys accessible to children. LPA observed a cubby for children to store their personal belongings. Cleaning solutions LPA observed the solutions to be stored in the gray storage cabinet locked making it inaccessible for children to open. LPA Rivera observed a step trash bin with a lid.

Lady King
Mayra Rivera
DATE: 09/24/2026
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE: DATE: 09/24/2026
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.

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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
PALMDALE CC RO, 39115 TRADE CENTER DR STE. 201
PALMDALE, CA 93551
FACILITY NAME: VOA/EL CENTRO DE LOS NINOS, SYLMAR HEAD START
FACILITY NUMBER: 197417337
VISIT DATE: 09/24/2026
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Classroom 3 is currently not being utilized due to low enrollment.

Heating, lighting, and ventilation were evaluated by LPA Rivera. LPA observed central AC/heater and vents located on the ceiling. LPA observed the thermostat located in classroom 3 and temperature to be at 73 degrees. Carbon monoxide detectors in the classrooms and LPA Rivera tested the carbon monoxide located in classroom 1 and heard the sound. It is operable. The last emergency drill was conducted on 9/1/26. LPA observed napping equipment cot’s to be in good condition and stored in the classrooms. First aid kit supplies are kept inside the classrooms, and LPA observed the kits to be fully equipped. During this visit, director stated there were no children with prescribed medication. LPA Rivera asked if there were any poisons, firearms, weapons, or bodies of water. Director Estella stated there were no firearms, weapons, no poisons nor bodies of water. LPA did not observe firearms or weapons, poisons, nor bodies of water. Director stated the ill isolation area takes place in the director’s office and children will utilize stall #5 (restroom).

LPA Rivera observed the restrooms to be in good condition with working toilets, sinks, hand soap dispenser and paper towels. LPA observed a total of 5 toilets and 5 hand washing sinks.

LPA Rivera entered the outdoor play area. LPA Rivera observed 1 shed closed and locked with a key lock. LPA Rivera observed the equipment to be in a safe condition, free of sharp, no lose or pointed parts. The surface of the outdoor activity space is maintained in a safe condition and is free of hazards. LPA Rivera observed play structure equipment to be age appropriate for ages 2-5 years and areas around or under high climbing equipment, are cushioned with granulated rubber mat that may absorb a fall. For adequate shade, LPA Rivera observed a hip roof shade structure. LPA observed the playground yard to be fenced, and the side gate and slide gate closed and locked with a keypad lock. For outdoor water drinking, staff bring out the igloo water jug and refill children cups.

This program provides breakfast, lunch, and snacks. Meals and snacks are provided by head start offsite kitchen. LPA Rivera informed director Estella any food brought from the children's homes, the container shall be labeled with the child's name and properly stored or refrigerated. LPA observed the

NAME OF LICENSING PROGRAM MANAGER: Lady King
NAME OF LICENSING PROGRAM ANALYST: Mayra Rivera
LICENSING PROGRAM ANALYST SIGNATURE:

DATE: 09/24/2026
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 09/24/2026
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
PALMDALE CC RO, 39115 TRADE CENTER DR STE. 201
PALMDALE, CA 93551
FACILITY NAME: VOA/EL CENTRO DE LOS NINOS, SYLMAR HEAD START
FACILITY NUMBER: 197417337
VISIT DATE: 09/24/2026
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food preparation area to be clean and free of litter, rubbish, rodents, and/or any other vermin and storage containers for solid waste, including moveable bins with tight-fitting covers that are kept on, and in good repair. The facility was observed to be free of flies, other insects, and rodents. LPA observed the refrigerator temperature to be at 40 degrees and did not observe expired food. Lead testing was conducted on 8/11/2022 and no lead exceedance.

The following documents were posted in a prominent, publicly accessible area at the facility (directors office and parent board): Facility License, Notification of Parents' Rights (PUB 393), Personal Rights (LIC 613A), Menu, and Earthquake Preparedness (LIC 9148). PUB 269 Child Passenger System Poster, and Daily Schedule.

LPA Rivera reviewed children files, roster, signed in signatures and observed 15 signed in signatures. LPA was not able to view staff complete files due to staff files are at VOLUNTEERS OF AMERICA OF LOS ANGELES, PHILIP MAX SAETA LEARNING ACADEMY HS, 197750071.

LPA Rivera observed director Estella Arredondo American Heart Association Pediatric First Aid/CPR certification with expiration date 2/2026, and has proof of immunization against Pertussis, MMR and Influenza declination. Director has completed the mandated reporter training dated 10/19/25. Director was advised that the mandated reporter training must be completed every 2 years, and is available at www.mandatedreporterca.com

Director Estella Arredondo 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.

NAME OF LICENSING PROGRAM MANAGER: Lady King
NAME OF LICENSING PROGRAM ANALYST: Mayra Rivera
LICENSING PROGRAM ANALYST SIGNATURE:

DATE: 09/24/2026
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 09/24/2026
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
PALMDALE CC RO, 39115 TRADE CENTER DR STE. 201
PALMDALE, CA 93551
FACILITY NAME: VOA/EL CENTRO DE LOS NINOS, SYLMAR HEAD START
FACILITY NUMBER: 197417337
VISIT DATE: 09/24/2026
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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.

LPA verified that the lead testing was completed in accordance to the Written Directives outlined in PIN 21-21.1-CCP.

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-carecenters/

Director Estella Arredondo 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 [email protected]. 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.

No deficiencies given during this visit. A notice of site visit was given and must remain posted for 30 days. Failure to maintain posting as required will result in a $100.00 civil penalty. Exit interview conducted and report and appeal rights were reviewed with Director Estella Arredondo.

NAME OF LICENSING PROGRAM MANAGER: Lady King
NAME OF LICENSING PROGRAM ANALYST: Mayra Rivera
LICENSING PROGRAM ANALYST SIGNATURE:

DATE: 09/24/2026
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 09/24/2026
LIC809 (FAS) - (06/04)
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