Skip to main content

Inspection visit

Routine inspection

STEP BY STEP EARLY LEARNING AND CHILDCARE CENTERLicense 0936249123 citations on this visit
3 citations recorded

Inspector’s narrative

What the inspector wrote

On July 29th , 2024, Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Soleil Marx, met with Facility Representative, Mireya Torrez , for an unannounced annual inspection. LPA observed a census of sixteen infants being supervised by six staff, in three separate classrooms . All individuals subject to criminal background review have obtained a criminal record clearance. Facility hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 08:00 AM to 05:00 PM. At time of arrival, LPA observed one infant classroom was out of compliance with ratio requirements. LPA observed four infants in a classroom being supervised by two aides without the presence of a fully qualified infant teacher. Staff stated they did not have any infant units/courses and facility representative stated the infant teacher that is usually in that classroom is out on leave. LPA reviewed records and confirmed neither supervising staff had completed nor was enrolled in an infant course. Facility representative combined infant classrooms to meet ratio requirements. Facility Representative was reminded never to exceed the conditions, limitations and capacity specified on the license. LPA inspected all activity and classroom spaces, restrooms, food service, and outdoor play areas. Hazardous items were inaccessible to children. The floors appeared clean throughout the facility. Furniture and equipment were in safe, operable condition. Outdoor activity space and equipment were in good repair and free of loose or sharp parts. LPA observed adequate cushioning in areas underneath climbing equipment and adequate shade provided. Toileting facilities were in safe, sanitary, and operating condition. Food preparation space was hygienic, and all food protected against contamination. Menus were posted for AM/PM snack and lunch, which is provided by the facility. Uncontaminated drinking water was readily available to children both indoors and outdoors. Trash bins have tight-fitting lids. LPA observed medications were stored in a central location and an ample amount of first aid supplies were available. LPA observed a functional carbon monoxide detector, smoke detector, and fully charged 2A10BC fire extinguisher within the facility . LPA observed authorized representatives are using full legal signatures on the sign in and out sheet. There are no bodies of water on the premises. (1/1) LPA observed a current Needs and Services plan for each infant and an Infant Sleeping Plan (LIC9227) for each child under 12 months of age. LPA observed sleep checks conducted and documented every 15 minutes for all children under two. LPA observed that all cribs were free of loose articles or objects and there was one crib/mat for each infant in care. LPA observed Infant diaper changing areas had a one-inch-thick vinyl mat, was clean and in good repair, and was within arm's reach of a sink. Toys are of age-appropriate size, with no small parts for the safety of the infants. LPA observed labeled food and milk for infants, stored at safe temperatures. LPA observed staff documentation of feedings and diaper changes. LPA determined facility to be out of compliance with infant sleeping equipment requirements. LPA observed an infant napping in a crib on a mattress that did not have a sheet on it. Staff stated they did not realize that the mattress did not have a sheet on it. Staff in all infant classrooms stated to LPA that bedding is changed every week instead of the daily requirement. LPA reviewed facility records including child's records, personnel records, administrative records, and documents to be posted. LPA reviewed a sample of children’s files and observed that each child's file contained the required licensing documentation. LPA reviewed records for all staff. At least one staff member present today has current Pediatric CPR and First Aid certification expiring 09/2025 . All staff currently employed with the facility have: a criminal record clearance, a health screening report, immunization records, current AB1207 Mandated Reporter Training, and documentation of their educational background, training, and/or experience. LPA observed a children's roster and fire drill log within the facility. LPA observed all required licensing documents were posted and visible to authorized representatives. LPA discussed the safe sleep regulations with facility representative and discussed the Child Care Licensing Safe Sleep webpage at : https://www.cdss.ca.gov/inforesources/child-care-licensing/public-information-andresources/safe-sleep as an additional resource. LPA also informed facility representative 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. (2/2) 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/ . 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. For child care center licenses issued after July 1, 2022, the licensee shall test their water for lead within 180 days of licensure pursuant to Written Directives section 101700 (PIN 21-21.1- CCP). LPA verified that the lead testing was completed in accordance to the Written Directives outlined in PIN 21-21.1-CCPCCC COMPLETED TESTING AND NO LEAD EXCEEDANCES. LPA referred facility representative to the Department website for lead: Lead Toxicity Prevention and Water Testing Information. Facility Representative 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. Facility representative 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 . (3/3) Based on today’s inspection, One type A and two type B Title 22 deficiencies were cited on 809-D page. Facility Representative was informed that this report dated 07/29/2024 documents one Type A citation which shall be posted for 30 consecutive days. The Licensee shall also provide a copy of this licensing report to parents/guardians of all children currently enrolled by the next business day or the next day the children are in care, and to any newly enrolled parents/guardians for 12 months from the date of this report. A signed Acknowledgement of Receipt of Licensing Report (LIC 9224), or other written statement, must be placed in the child's file for verification. Exit interview conducted and report was reviewed with the Facility Representative, Mireya Torrez. Appeal Rights were provided. A notice of site visit was given and must remain posted for 30 days.

Citations

3 citations recorded*CCLD

What does Type A vs Type B mean?

Type A. Serious citation. Imminent or substantial risk to children. The regulator requires corrective action immediately and may impose a civil penalty.

Type B. Lower-severity citation. Corrective action required, no imminent risk. The regulator monitors compliance on the next visit.

  • STAFF-INFANT RATIO

    Based on observation, interview, record review, the licensee did not comply with the section cited above by having two aides supervising four infants without a teacher present, which poses an immediate health, safety or personal rights risk to persons in care.

  • INFANT CARE CENTER SLEEPING EQUIPMENT

    Based on observation and interview, the licensee did not comply with the section cited above by having an infant sleep on a crib mattress without a sheet, which poses/posed a potential health, safety or personal rights risk to persons in care.

  • 101439.1(e)(1)Type B

    Based on interview, the licensee did not comply with the section cited above by washing infant bedding weekly instead of daily, which poses/posed a potential health, safety or personal rights risk to persons in care.

FAQ · About this visit

Common questions about this visit

What happened during the July 29, 2024 inspection of STEP BY STEP EARLY LEARNING AND CHILDCARE CENTER?

This was a inspection inspection of STEP BY STEP EARLY LEARNING AND CHILDCARE CENTER on July 29, 2024. 3 citations were issued: 1 Type A (serious) and 2 Type B.

Were any citations issued to STEP BY STEP EARLY LEARNING AND CHILDCARE CENTER on July 29, 2024?

Yes, 3 citations were issued (1 Type A, 2 Type B). The first citation was for: "Based on observation, interview, record review, the licensee did not comply with the section cited above by having two a..."

What type of inspection was this?

This was a inspection inspection. inspection inspections are conducted by CCLD as part of their licensing oversight.

SourceView on CCLDView original report

Share this reportEmail

Next steps

If this is your facility,claim this pageand add your response to the public record. Free.

Researching this visit professionally?Book a 20-minute calland we will walk through what we have on file.

Data from CCLD public records. Last updated . If you believe any information is inaccurate, report it here.