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Inspection visit

Routine inspection

GIANT STEP LEARNING CENTERLicense 3043707134 citations on this visit
4 citations recorded

Inspector’s narrative

What the inspector wrote

Page 1 of 4 On 09/08/2025 at 11:30 AM, Licensing Program Analyst (LPA), Susan Deschampe conducted an on-site inspection for the purpose of an Unannounced Annual Random visit. LPA and Facility Representatives, Rehana Vakil-Siddiqui and Jazmin Garcia toured the inside and outside of the facility and verified the floor and yard plan. Census observed was 14 children and 4 teachers. During the inspection it was determined the facility is operating within its licensed capacity and within compliance of staffing ratios. Facility hours are 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM, Monday through Friday. A review of the Facility Personnel Report Summary on this date indicates all facility staff or other individuals who require caregiver background checks have received criminal record and child abuse index clearances or exemptions. Facility Representative was reminded that all adults 18 and over, including employees and volunteers, except as specified in Health and Safety Code (HSC) 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. During the inspection of the indoor activity space, items which could pose a danger to children (detergents and cleaning compounds) were observed to be stored and out of reach of children. Poisons are stored in a lockable compartment. Firearms and other weapons are not allowed on or stored on the premises. Medications are centrally stored and inaccessible to children. First-aid supplies were complete and stored in a location accessible to staff but inaccessible to children. Food is prepared off-site by a third party vendor. Page 2 of 4 Food-preparation areas were clean and sanitary. Food is properly stored. Menus posted where they could be reviewed by parents/authorized representatives. Fixtures, furniture, equipment, and supplies were clean and observed to be in good repair, free of sharp edges, and age appropriate for all children enrolled in care. Children have access to drinking water via personal labeled water bottles and 2 functioning water dispensers sourced from the water line in the facility. The facility has not completed the water lead testing, which poses a potential risk to children in care. The children's and staff bathrooms are safe and in sanitary operating condition. Children nap on mats which are properly stored. Per interview and observation, approximately 10 out of approximately 30 mats are in good repair, which poses a potential risk to children in care. Children's personal items, including bedding is clean, stored individually, and in a labeled compartment. The facility has conducted an emergency drill within the past six months (07/29/2025). The facility has 2 working carbon monoxide detectors and 3 fire extinguishers (04/01/2025). The facility has cleared a fire inspection on 09/02/2025 from Costa Mesa Fire & Rescue Department. The facility maintains an indoor temperature within regulation (minimum of 68 degrees and maximum of 85 degrees F or, in extreme heat a maximum of 20 degrees less than the outside temperature. Facility met all waiver, exceptions, and posting requirements , including the California Child Passenger Safety Law, posted by the entrance of the facility. Information on the additional nutrition training, immunization requirements for children, and Health Schools Act ( http://www.cdpr.ca.gov/docs/pestmgt/schoolipm.htm ) were provided. The licensee was informed and website given for the California Child Care Disaster Plan that has been posted to the UCSF California Childcare Health Program website: cchp.ucsf.edu/content/disaster-preparedness . Also provided was information about the E-Learning Modules available at https://ccld.childcarevideos.org . California Department of Social Services Lead Information Brochure was explained to the licensee. 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-care-centers/ . Page 3 of 4 The outdoor activity space was inspected for compliance. There is animal feces on the perimeter and in the sand, which poses a potential risk to children in care. The playground was enclosed by a fence at least four feet in height. The surface of the outdoor activity space was well maintained and free of hazards. The cushioning material (sand) around the climbing equipment, slides and other similar equipment appeared to be enough to absorbs falls. Drinking water in the outdoor activity space is provided by the labeled water bottles. The outdoor equipment and toys were not in good repair and had exposed sharp edges, which poses a potential risk to children in care. There are no bodies of water present at the facility. The facility is a smoke free and firearm free zone. Staff files were reviewed for staff present during the facility inspection on this date, 3 of 3 staff files were reviewed. Health screening and immunization as required were reviewed. Beginning September 1, 2016, Health and Safety Code (HSC) 1597.622 states, a person shall not be employed or volunteer at a child care center if he or she has not been immunized against influenza, pertussis, and measles. Proof of immunization against pertussis and measles for staff were reviewed and within compliance. Flu declinations were not current, but the facility met this regulation during the inspection. Beginning March 31, 2018, HSC 1596.8662 requires all directors and employees to complete mandated reporting training, and to renew the training every two years. 2 out of 3 staff files did not meet this requirement, which poses a potential risk to children in care. All staff members present possesses current EMSA approved Pediatric CPR/First Aid certifications (expires 07/30/2026). A random sample of 4 children's records were reviewed. There was a separate, complete and current record for 4 out of 4 children’s files. In the areas reviewed the children’s files were found to be in full compliance. Sign in/out procedure was reviewed for compliance. The licensee was informed that Licensing Quarterly Updates are available at www.ccld.ca.gov and may request to be added to an email list to receive a Quarterly Update from www.ccld.ca.gov and select Receive Important Updates link. LPA provided Guardian Information and website info: https://www.cdss.ca.gov/inforesources/cdss-programs/community-care-licensing/caregiver-background-check/guardian Based on LPA observation, interviews, and record review the following Type B violations were observed and are being cited (on the attached 809D) in accordance with: Page 4 of 4 Health and Safety Code 1596.8662 (b)(1) Administration of Child Day Care Licensing Health and Safety Code 1597.16(a)(1) Facility Administration California Code of Regulations 101239.1(b)(5) Napping Equipment California Code of Regulations 101238(a) Buildings and Grounds An inspection and exit interview was completed with the facility representative/owner, Miriam Vakil. The report was reviewed and discussed along with the deficiencies and Appeal Rights. The facility representative was provided a copy of the appeal rights (LIC 9058 ) and their signature on this form acknowledges receipt of these rights. All appeals must be in writing and received by the Regional Office within 15 business days. The facility representative was informed that the “Notice of Site Visit” must be posted for 30 consecutive days. The “Notice of Site Visit” must be posted on, or immediately adjacent to, the interior side of the main door to the facility. Failure to post will result in Civil Penalties of $100.00. 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 . End of Report

Citations

4 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.

  • 101238(a)Type B

    BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS

    Based on interview and observation the licensee did not comply with the section cited above which poses/posed a potential health, safety or personal rights risk to persons in care.

  • 101239.1(b)(5)Type B

    Based on observation and interview the licensee did not comply with the section cited above in 10 out of 30 mats which poses/posed a potential health, safety or personal rights risk to persons in care.

  • ARTICLE 2. Administration of Child Day Care Licensing

    Based on observation, interview, and record review, the licensee did not comply with the section cited above in 2 out of 3 staff files which poses/posed a potential health, safety or personal rights risk to persons in care.

  • ARTICLE 3. Administration

    Based on observation, interview, and record review, the licensee did not comply with the section cited above 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 September 9, 2025 inspection of GIANT STEP LEARNING CENTER?

This was a inspection inspection of GIANT STEP LEARNING CENTER on September 9, 2025. 4 citations were issued: 4 Type B.

Were any citations issued to GIANT STEP LEARNING CENTER on September 9, 2025?

Yes, 4 citations were issued (0 Type A, 4 Type B). The first citation was for: "Based on interview and observation the licensee did not comply with the section cited above which poses/posed a potentia..."

What type of inspection was this?

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

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