Rodents, Droppings Found in COD Day Care Center

Rodents, Rodent Droppings Found in COD Day Care Classrooms, Laundry, and Staff Storage

PALM DESERT —Rodents, rodent droppings and more were discovered Nov. 15 during a two-hour unannounced visit to the daycare center at College of the Desert, according to a report conducted by the State of California Human Services Agency. It was responding to an anonymous allegation.

“College of the Desert is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for all students, staff, and families,” Nicholas Robles,  Interim Public Information Officer & Interim Director of Educational Partnerships, told Uken Report. “Recently, a rodent issue was reported at the McCarthy Family Child Development Center, and while initial steps were taken by the College’s Maintenance & Operations Department to address the concern, the response fell short of resolving the matter promptly.”

We deeply regret this failure to resolve the issue in a timely manner and are taking immediate action to correct it, Robles said. The College has engaged a professional pest control service, to thoroughly address the issue. Additionally, the College’s Executive Cabinet is now directly involved to ensure this matter is resolved quickly and effectively.

“The health and safety of the children and staff at the Center remain our highest priority,” Robles said. “We are working closely with the Department of Social Services and Licensing to comply with all corrective actions and will continue to keep families informed throughout this process.”

A copy of the violation was also sent to the parents of children within the center.

The Center has a capacity of 72 children; 72 are currently enrolled. There were 37 children present the days of the unannounced visit, according to the official notice. Enrollment priority is given to low-income students enrolled at COD with six or more units.

The picture started to come into focus unfold about 10 a.m. on Nov. 15 when Flores arrived for the purpose of opening an investigation. She informed Director, Rosemary Perez, the purpose of the visit was to open an investigation in regard to the above stated allegation.

During this visit, Flores took a census, interviewed the director, and gathered pertinent evidence. During the visit, Flores observed the facility to be in ratio, and no evidence of immediate health or safety concerns observed. On Nov. 13, her office received allegation that the licensee is not addressing the rodent infestation in the facility. It was reported the staff have observed infestation of rodent feces in the preschool classrooms, the old kitchen, new kitchen and in the laundry room. It was reported that there was mouse dropping found on the cots the (children) nap on. An interview conducted with Flores disclosed the facility staff have observed mice droppings in the laundry room with the dirty laundry, three cots in the Roadrunners classroom, in the diaper changing area of the Gecko and Dragonflies classroom, student lounge, and in the kitchen.

Confidential interviews disclosed there were mice droppings in the kitchen office and outside the backdoor of the kitchen. An interview with director revealed there have been numerous attempts to get support with the rodent infestation from the maintenance of operations director since September of 2024. Confidential interview disclosed there was mice droppings found on two cots, in the Roadrunner classroom the week of Nov. 4 and one cot the prior week. An interview with director disclosed the facility staff are cleaning the classrooms every night and checking every morning for any sign of rodent droppings and/or rodents.

Based on interviews and photos provided, the preponderance of evidence has been met, therefore the above allegation that Licensee is not addressing the rodent infestation in the facility on at least one or more occasion are found to be SUBSTANTIATED, according to the report. The facility is being cited for California Code of Regulations, Title 22, Division 12, Chapter 1, article 7 section: 101238(a)(1) Buildings and Grounds; The child care center shall be clean, safe, sanitary and in good repair at all times to ensure the safety and well-being of children, employees and visitors; the licensee shall take measures to keep the center free of flies, other insects, and rodents.

A copy of this report, LIC9224 and appeal rights was reviewed and handed to the Director, Rosemary Perez. The Director was informed that the “Notice of Site Visit” must be posted for 30 consecutive days. Failure to post will result in Civil Penalties of $100. The “Notice of Site Visit” must be posted on or adjacent to the door.

If the facility receives a Type A violation, the licensee shall post and provide copies of the report to parents/guardians of the children in care at the facility by the next business day and shall provide to the parents/guardians of children newly enrolled at the facility during the next 12 months. In addition, the licensee shall immediately post upon receipt the Proof of Correction for 30 consecutive days and provide a copy to current and enrolling parents. The licensee is to keep Acknowledgement Receipt (LIC 9224) signed by parents in each child’s file.

 

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