Routine inspection·September 24, 2025

On September 24, 2025., Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Van conducted an annual inspection, which included checking the interior and exterior of the facility and discussing the required childcare paperwork with the Licensee. LPA met with the licensee, Sharon Stiffler. The purpose of the inspection was explained, and the Licensee granted LPA entry to the home. Upon entering the house, LPA observed that the children were playing in the lower sections of the backyard. At the time of inspection, the licensee and two assistants supervised 8 preschool-age children and two infants. The licensee complied with her license capacity and limitations. All adults living or working in the home have a criminal record clearance verified with the CDSS Guardian Background Check System. According to the licensee, there is no change from the previously approved child care area. However, the licensee did have a new shed built at the top level of the backyard, and the children use it as a classroom. The childcare areas are the backyard and front yard, as well as the Upper Level, which includes the living room/play area, bathroom #1, bedroom #1, and #2, designated for napping only. The off-limit areas are the upper level: bathroom #2, kitchen, and the lower level: garage and storage rooms. The stairs leading to the upper level were blocked off with baby gates at both the top and bottom. During the inspection, the licensee requested that bedroom #2 be made an off-limits area. Therefore, the new off-limit areas consist of the upper level: bathroom #2, bedroom #2, kitchen, and the lower level: garage and storage rooms. LPA requested that the licensee submit an updated facility sketch, LIC 999A, and indicate the off-limit areas. Continued on page 2. page 2. The operation hours are Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The Licensee has valid childcare liability insurance on file. LPA toured and inspected the Licensee's home to identify any potential health and safety risks. The facility is well-maintained, with adequate temperature control and ventilation. The Licensee has age-appropriate toys and equipment suitable for children. All cleaning products, harmful substances, and other chemicals are stored inaccessible to children in care. The facility is equipped with a fully charged fire extinguisher and multiple carbon monoxide and smoke detectors. No fireplace was observed. The facility has a fully stocked first aid kit for children. The licensee indicated that her program only catered to children from 18 months and up. The licensee stated that she is familiar with and understands the guidelines for safe sleep for infants. She knows that bedsheets must fit tightly around the mattress to prevent accidental suffocation or choking and that cribs must be free of toys, blankets, or pillows while infants are napping. The infant sleeping logs were provided to the LPA for review during the inspection. Upon review, it was found that the licensee maintained complete logs, including the child's name, the 15-minute increment checks, and staff initials. LPA reminded the licensee also to indicate the date the checks were conducted. LPA also reminded the licensee to maintain a minimum of 30 days of logs for review during the annual inspection, and these records must be kept for a period of 3 years. The backyard is fully fenced and features multiple levels, each accessible via stairs, leading to different play areas for children to explore. There are handrails for children. A hot tub was seen on the second level of the backyard, covered with a hard cover. According to the licensee, the hot tub is no longer working, and there is no water inside. The licensee stated that she plans to have the hot tub removed from the backyard within the next few months. Continued on page 3. page 3. LPA reviewed the children's records. The Licensee maintains thorough records for all children in their care, including vaccination records and Parental Rights forms. LPA noted that each kid had a complete emergency information card that included the child's full name, phone number, and the location of a parent or authorized person who may be called in an emergency. The Licensee and her assistants' Pediatric First Aid/CPR certification is valid until 2026 . The Licensee and her assistant maintained their immunizations and completed the Mandated Reporter Training, as required by AB 1207 . According to the licensee, she has two pet cats, both of which are up-to-date on vaccinations. The most recent fire & earthquake drill was completed on September 9, 2025, and properly documented. All required licensing postings, including the facility license, parents' notification, and earthquake preparedness checklist, were properly posted. Temporary absence was reviewed and discussed with the licensee. LPA reminded the licensee that they must be present at home to ensure that the children in their care are supervised at all times. When the licensee must be absent from the house, the temporary absence should not exceed 20 percent of the hours the facility provides care per day. The licensee confirmed she understood the requirement. Licensee was reminded that all adults 18 and over living or working in the home, including employees and volunteers, must obtain a criminal record clearance or exemption, or transfer their existing clearance or exemption, prior to initial presence in a licensed Family Child Care Home. A civil penalty of $100.00 minimum/day up to $500.00 maximum per day/per person will be assessed if this regulation is violated. Incidental Medical Services (IMS) policy was discussed. For IMS information, see Evaluator Manual - Regulation Interpretations and Procedures for Family Child Care Homes Section 102417. When any IMS is provided, a Plan for Providing IMS must be submitted to the Department. The following information regarding ADA was provided: US Department of Justice (USDOJ) toll-free ADA Information Line at (800) 514-0301 (voice) / (800) 514-0383 (TTY) and link to publication: Commonly Asked Questions about Child Care Centers and the ADA, available at: www.ada.gov/childqanda.htm Continued on page 4. page 4. LPA discussed the safe sleep regulations with the Licensees and discussed the Child Care Licensing Safe Sleep webpage https://www.cdss.ca.gov/inforesources/child-care-licensing/public-information-and-resources/safe-sleep as an additional resource. LPA also informed the Licensee 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. Licensee was informed that as of September 1, 2016, a person may not be employed or volunteer at a childcare facility unless he or she has been immunized against influenza, pertussis, and measles or qualifies for an exemption pursuant to Health and Safety code 1596.7995 and 1597.662. LPA reviewed AB 1207 with the Licensees. As of January 1, 2018, all staff must complete Mandated Reporter Training every two years. The training can be obtained online at www.mandatedreporterca.com . Licensee was informed of the MyChildCarePlan.org website; a consumer education website that helps families obtain child care by connecting them to childcare providers and Resource and Referral Agencies (R&Rs) throughout California. To improve the quality and value of the new inspection process, a survey will 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 tools, please send them by email 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/process . During the exit interview, the LICENSEE, SHARON STIFFLER, confirmed that there are no Registered Sex Offenders living in the facility, and LPA completed the RSO profile in FAS. A notice of site visit was given and must remain posted for 30 days. An exit interview was conducted, and the report was reviewed with the licensee, Sharon Stiffler.