Skip to main content

Inspection visit

Routine inspection

FIRST STEP PRESCHOOLLicense 3348420355 citations on this visit
5 citations recorded

Inspector’s narrative

What the inspector wrote

On 04/02/2026, at 7:35 am, Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Gabriela Hernandez conducted an unannounced annual inspection. LPA met with Director Sandra Barajas , who provided a tour of the preschool center. Upon LPAs arrival, there were 6 children present. During the visit, Director confirmed they have 27 children enrolled. At the time of LPAs departure, there were 18 children with 3 teachers. During the inspection, several key facility items were observed and updated where necessary. These included the facility's license, the Emergency Disaster Plan (LIC610) and Earthquake Preparedness Checklist (LIC9148), the Parent’s Rights Poster (PUB393), Personal Rights (LIC613A), the Child Car Seat Law notice, and the menu. The facility was found to be operating within the limits stated on its license. Classrooms were adequately equipped with age- and size-appropriate furniture and materials. Per observation, there was furniture that was not in good repair, such as children's table and storage cubby. Type B deficiency was issued. Drinking water is available both indoors and outdoors, sippy cups, water dispenser/water fountain and disposable cups. The facility representative confirmed that no weapons were present on the premises. There were no accessible bodies of water on-site. Director Sandra Barajas is aware that any wading pools or similar products must be emptied immediately after use and stored in an upright position. Medications, disinfectants, cleaning solutions, and other hazardous materials were stored in locations accessible to children; LPA observed cleaning supplies stored under kitchen sink with no lock and desitin cream in the children's bathroom cubbies. Type B deficiency issued. The facility’s floors were observed to be safe and clean, and bathroom facilities were sanitary and in proper working condition. The playgrounds were enclosed by a secure, wrought iron fence surrounding the perimeter of the center. Outdoor activity areas contained age- and size-appropriate equipment in good condition. The food preparation area was clean, free of litter and pests, and all food was properly stored to prevent contamination. Storage containers for solid waste had tight-fitting covers, which were kept on and in good repair. The sign-in/sign-out records were reviewed and found to be in compliance with regulations. Disaster drills are conducted at least every six months, with the most recent drill occurring on October 16, 2025. A review of staff and children’s records was conducted as part of this evaluation. Children's records were complete, however staff records were not complete. S2 and S3 are missing health screening reports. Type B deficiency issued. The staff records confirmed that all present staff met the minimum qualifications for their respective positions. 4 of 4 staff members on-site held current Pediatric CPR/First Aid certifications, with expiration dates recorded. Both the opening and closing staff members also had valid CPR/First Aid certifications. Director had completed Health and Safety Training. Additionally, a review of staff records confirmed that all facility staff and other individuals requiring caregiver background checks had received criminal record and child abuse index clearances or exemptions. 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. 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 as specified in Health and Safety Code section 1597.16. 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 on December 30, 2022 in accordance to the Written Directives (Interim Licensing Standards) outlined in PIN 21-21.1-CCP. LPA referred Director Sandra Barajas to the Department website for lead: Lead Toxicity Prevention and Water Testing Information ( https://www.cdss.ca.gov/inforesources/child-care-licensing/water-testing-information ). · CCC COMPLETED TESTING AND NO LEAD EXCEEDANCES Incidental Medical Services (IMS) policy was discussed. For IMS information see PIN 22-02-CCP. 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) or (800) 514-0383 (TTY), and the link to publication: Commonly Asked Questions about Child Care Centers and the ADA" available at https://www.ada.gov/resources/child-care-centers/ . The director was informed about the MyChildCarePlan.org website, a consumer education resource that HELPS families obtain child care by connecting them to child care providers and Resource and Referral Agencies (R&Rs) throughout California. LPA reviewed reporting requirements with the Director, emphasizing that any unusual incidents or injuries must be reported within 24 hours via phone and within seven days in writing. Reports may be submitted by calling the Duty Officer at (951) 782-4200 or emailing UnusualIncidentReportsDO10@dss.ca.gov . To improve the quality of inspections, 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 . The Director was asked to update and submit the following documents to licensing within 30 days, if applicable: · LIC 500 Personnel Report · LIC 610 Emergency & Disaster Plan · Parent Handbook, Program Curriculum, Admission Policies & Procedures, and Fee Schedule (if changed or more than two years old) · LIC 309 Administrative Organization (if changed or more than two years old) · LIC 308 Designation of Administrative Responsibility (if changed or outdated) See LIC809-D for cited deficiencies. A Notice of Site Visit was provided and must remain posted for 30 days. An exit interview was conducted, and this report was reviewed with Sandra Barajas. Appeal rights were discussed and provided during the exit interview.

Citations

5 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.

  • PERSONNEL REQUIREMENTS

    Based on record review and interview, the licensee did not comply with the section cited above in that S2 and S3 did not have a current health screening report and Tuberculosis test which poses a potential health, safety or personal rights risk to persons in care.

  • FOOD SERVICE

    Based on observation, the licensee did not comply with the section cited above in that Licensee had served bagels and cheese that were expired which poses a potential health, safety or personal rights risk to persons in care.

  • 101238(a)Type B

    BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS

    Based on observation, the licensee did not comply with the section cited above in that certain parts of the classroom where drywall is deteriorating which poses a potential health, safety or personal rights risk to persons in care.

  • 101238(g)Type B

    BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS

    Based on observation, the licensee did not comply with the section cited above in that LPA observed cleaning items under the kitchen sink and desitin cream in the childrens bathroom which poses a potential health, safety or personal rights risk to persons in care.

  • 101239(n)Type B

    FIXTURES, FURNITURE, EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES

    Based on observation, the licensee did not comply with the section cited above in that LPA observed furniture (storage cubby/ childrens table) in the classroom that was not in good repair which poses 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 April 2, 2026 inspection of FIRST STEP PRESCHOOL?

This was a inspection inspection of FIRST STEP PRESCHOOL on April 2, 2026. 5 citations were issued: 5 Type B.

Were any citations issued to FIRST STEP PRESCHOOL on April 2, 2026?

Yes, 5 citations were issued (0 Type A, 5 Type B). The first citation was for: "Based on record review and interview, the licensee did not comply with the section cited above in that S2 and S3 did not..."

What type of inspection was this?

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

Share this reportEmail

Next steps

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

Spotted an inaccuracy on this visit?Request a reviewand we will check it against the public record.

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.