Routine inspection·November 14, 2025

On Friday, November 14, 2025, Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Lea Habtom met with owner Mallory Shepard. This is an unannounced annual inspection. LPA observed 8 infants in the rising stars and shooting stars classroom being supervised by 3 staff. All individuals subject to criminal background review have obtained a criminal record clearance. The facility hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM. LPA toured classroom space, restroom, and outdoor play area. LPA observed the following documents are posted: License, Parents' Rights Poster, menu, schedule, lead testing brochure, child personal rights, and seat belt law. LPA observed a functional carbon monoxide detector. Cleaning disinfectants, medications and hazardous items are appropriately stored and inaccessible to children. Director stated that infant bedding is washed on site daily or as needed. LPA observed changing tables in arms reach of a sink. Director stated there are no poisons or firearms on the premises. Furniture and equipment are in good condition, and toileting facilities are in safe, sanitary, and operating condition. Depending on children’s ages, children are provided food by either the parents or the center. LPA observed infant bottles labeled with children’s names and dates in the refrigerator. LPA observed trash bins with tight fitted lids. Facility utilizes paper sign in/out system. Facility has record of conducting fire drills at least every six months; last fire drill was conducted on September 8, 2025. LPA observed children’s roster. Playground equipment and surfaces are free of loose or sharp parts and mats are present under climbing equipment to provide sufficient cushioning. There are sufficient equipment and toys, and shaded areas are supplied by trees and overhangs. Drinking water is readily available to children both indoors and outdoors. The facility provides water to children using a pitcher and children bring their own personal labeled water bottles. A water pitcher and personal water bottles are brought outside during outdoor play. Staff and infant files were reviewed. Children files were observed to be complete. Two staff have expired mandated reporter training certificates. LPA observed infant needs and services plans, infant sleep plan (LIC 9227), and 15-minute observation checks for napping infants. There is at least one staff member present with a current CPR certificate. 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-CCP . LPA discussed the safe sleep regulations with director and discussed the Child Care Licensing Safe Sleep webpage at https://www.cdss.ca.gov/inforesources/child-care-licensing/public-information-and-resources/safe-sleep as an additional resource. LPA also informed director 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. Incidental Medical Services (IMS) policy was discussed. For IMS information see PIN 22-02-CCP . When any IMS is provided, an updated Plan of Operation that includes 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) 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 2. REPORT CONTINUES ON LIC809-C Director 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. Director was informed of the www.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. LPA confirmed that the annual fees are current. LPA informed the Director of the recent regional office relocation and provided updated personal and parent's rights forms and postings. 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 . During today’s inspection, one deficiency was cited. A notice of site visit was given and must remain posted for 30 days. Exit interview conducted and report was reviewed with Director Mallory Shepard. Appeal rights provided.