Inspector’s narrative
What the inspector wrote
On 12/2/25, at 9:35 AM, Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Matthew Sapien conducted an annual random inspection of the abovementioned Child Care Center (CCC). LPA met with Teresa Shepherd, Director of the CCC, and explained the purpose of the inspection. The CCC is located on a property that is almost 2 acres. LPA toured the entirety of the the CCC. The CCC uses two classrooms (Toddler and Pre-K classroom), a staff office (for children to solely dine), one bathroom, and one large outdoor play area. The Director also informed LPA that children periodically tend to chickens in the front yard of the CCC. Importantly to note, the CCC has a toddler option component.
The CCC operates Monday through Friday from 7:30 AM until 5:15 PM. At the time of the inspection, LPA observed 12 children in care and 3 additional staff members (cleared and associated).
The two classrooms of the CCC are clean and orderly. The classrooms have age-appropriate equipment and furnishings for children in care. The classrooms contain various closets and a number of cabinets all of which contain items, equipment, and other related objects for children in care. As mentioned prior, the CCC utilizes one bathroom which is situated in the Pre-K classroom. The bathroom contains two sinks and two toilets for children in care. The bathrooms were found to be clean, orderly, and rid of any hazardous items for children in care.
Children enjoy a morning snack and lunch which are brought from home. Afternoon snacks are provided by the CCC. Like food, water is also brought from home, however, the CCC has bottled water on site to refill bottles.
CCCs constructed before 1/1/20, are supposed to test their water (used for drinking and food preparation) for lead contamination before 1/1/23, and then every 5-years except after the date of the first test. For child care center licenses issued after 7/1/22, 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. (CONT. LIC 809-C, Page 2)
LPA observed daily routine schedules, required notices, and other relevant licensing documents posted prominently in staff office. LPA also reviewed the children's sign in and sign out within the staff office and found the arrival times of children in care from the day. Sign in and sign outs are completed by parents in a written manner. LPA found that the CCC completed their most recent disaster drill on 11/22/25. Director informed LPA that the CCC conducts disaster drills every month with children in care.
The dual carbon and smoke detectors were not tested by the LPA as the CCC's smoke detectors are integrated in the building's fire detection system. LPA was informed that the building's detectors are checked frequently and are operational. Cleaning supplies are stored in elevated areas throughout the classrooms of the CCC and in the staff office on top of the refrigerator and beneath the sink in a locked cabinet. Sharps are also stored in the staff office in a locked and elevated cabinet. Although no children currently require medication, the CCC has a large lockbox is also stored in the staff office. LPA observed multiple First Ait Kits in the CCC. The First Aid Kit was observed to contain appropriate supplies.
The outdoor playground area is enclosed by wooden fencing throughout. The fence\342\200\231s entry and exit gates in each of the areas are secure and furnishings in the area are age appropriate. The play equipment is free of sharp, loose or pointed objects. The play structure in the outdoor playground areas have adequate cushioning materials to absorb falls. The surface of the outdoor playground area is varied. The areas is made up of both concrete pavement, dirt, rock, wood chips, and natural grass. Shade is provided by various structures and large trees. LPA observed a swing set and various structures positioned in the backyard. Given the large area of the backyard, LPA emphasized the importance of active supervision over children in care. In the backyard, LPA also observed one large dog. Director informed LPA that the dog is current on their vaccinations and has interactions with children in care. Facility Representative attested to LPA that children are always supervised while outside and that the outdoor area is inspected prior to letting children outside.
A sampling of staff and children's records were reviewed. The children\342\200\231s records were complete and were found to contain emergency contact information as well admission agreements, among other relevant licensing documents and forms. Staff records were reviewed and contained current pediatric CPR and First Aid certifications (EMSA approved) and Mandated Reporter Training certificates among other relevant licensing documents. LPA confirmed that there are no bodies of water, firearms, or ammunition that are stored on site.
LPA discussed the safe sleep regulations with Director and discussed the Child Care Licensing Safe Sleep at (CONT. 809-C, Page 3)
https://www.cdss.ca.gov/inforesources/child-care-licensing/public-information-and-resources/safe-sleep
as an additional resource. This facility does not currently care for infants 24 months and under.
This facility does not currently provide Incidental Medical Services \342\200\223 IMS. 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 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/
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Facility representative was reminded that all adults 18 and over, including employees and volunteers, as specified in 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.
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
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During today's visit, no deficiencies were issued
During the exit interview, the Facility Representative confirmed that there are no Registered Sex Offenders living in the facility when the LPA completed an RSO profile in FAS on 12/2/25.
Facility Representative was provided with Appeal Rights (LIC 9058) and a Notice of Site Visit (LIC 9213). The Notice of Site Visit form must be posted for 30 days or a civil penalty of $100 may apply.
An exit interview was conducted, and the report was reviewed with Facility Representative, Teresa Shepherd.