Routine inspection·October 2, 2025

On 10/02/2025 at 9:30am, Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Jialing “Julianne” Zhu met with Director Kimberly Kostepen for an unannounced annual inspection . Present during the inspection were director, assistant director, 20 fingerprint-cleared staff, and 88 children in care. The facility is within ratio and in compliance with capacity regulations today. Upon arrival, LPA provided director a copy of the Entrance Checklist (LIC 125). The facility was toured to conduct a Health and Safety Inspection. This facility is operated in two buildings (Acorn House and Mulberry House) that are connected by the outdoor play areas between the two buildings. The facility’s current hours of operation are Monday - Friday from 7:00am - 6:30pm. The facility shares a campus with an infant license (#434415328). The facility has separate designated indoor and outdoor spaces for infants and preschoolers. Classrooms: This facility is licensed with eight (8) preschool classrooms, and seven (7) are currently in use. Classrooms were inspected for age-appropriate furnishings, equipment, and adequate storage for children’s belongings. LPA observed the cleanliness of floors and surfaces. The facility is equipped with telephone service, smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, pull-down fire alarms, and fully charged 3A40BC fire extinguishers that are accessible throughout the facility. Per director, the alarms are serviced annually by the Palo Alto Fire Department. Fully stocked first-aid kits are available in the classrooms. LPA inspected the napping equipment (sleep mats and bedding) and observed them to be stored in a healthful manner. Facility provides mat covers, and bedding is brought from home. Drinking water is accessible by children in the classrooms. The isolation area for when children are sick is the lobby. A teacher will be supervising the child while they are waiting for parent pick up. The wellness room is used as an additional isolation area, if needed. Page 1 of 4. See LIC 809C. Food Service Areas: The facility provides snacks to children in care. Children bring meals from home. All center provided food items are properly labeled and stored separately from cleaning supplies. Food prep area is clean, adequately equipped, and free from hazardous materials. Snack menus are posted in the classrooms and were reviewed. Solid waste bins are equipped with tight fitting lids. Bathrooms and Changing Stations: Facility has separate staff and child designated bathrooms. Toilets and faucets are in safe, sanitary, and operating condition. The children are able to reach the sinks, toilets, and supplies. Changing stations are set-up and maintained according to Title 22 regulations. Outdoor Play Area: The outdoor space is fully fenced and divided into two (2) play areas. Preschool children have access to both areas. All equipment and surfaces are free from hazards. There is ample shade available. There are age-appropriate outdoor toys and materials for children. The play structures are securely installed into the ground. The ground surrounding the play structure is sufficiently padded and in good condition for safety. Drinking water is accessible by children when outside. There are no pools or other bodies of water on premises. Files and Record Keeping Review: LPA reviewed the facility roster and personnel report, and copies were obtained. All individuals subject to criminal record review have a clearance and/or exemption and have been associated to the facility. LPA reviewed six (6) staff files. Every classroom has at least one (1) fully qualified teacher. At least one opening/closing staff member has a current Pediatric CPR/First-Aid Certification. Director’s CPR/First-Aid Certificate is current and expires on 04/17/2027. Mandated Reporter Training certificates were reviewed and current. Director’s Mandated Reporter training certificate expires on 02/11/2027. LPA reviewed eight (8) children’s files. Children’s files were complete. The center utilizes an electronic sign-in/out system and is in compliance with sign-in/out procedures. The last fire/disaster drill was a fire drill conducted on 09/09/2025. Per director, there are no firearms on the premises. All required documents are posted in a publicly accessible area by the Director's office.. Page 2 of 4. See LIC 809C. Record Keeping and Reporting Requirements: Director was reminded that EMSA approved Pediatric CPR & First Aid training must be completed every two (2) years. Mandated Reporter Training ("Child Care Providers") is required for all staff and is to be renewed every 2 years by visiting https://mandatedreporterca.com/ . Facility roster and personnel report must be properly maintained, and fire/disaster drills must be conducted at least every six (6) months and documented. Effective August 1, 2003 California Law requires Child Care Licensees to report unusual incidents or injuries to children in care to child’s parents and to the Department of Social Services using the Unusual Incident/Injury Form (LIC 624). Incidents must be reported within 24 hours to the regional office by phone and the written report, LIC 624, within seven (7) business days. LPA informed Director that all forms can be downloaded at www.ccld.ca.gov . Criminal Record Clearance: 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. Lead Testing: 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. LPA referred director to the Department website for lead: Lead Toxicity Prevention and Water Testing Information. This facility’s latest lead testing was completed on 12/10/2022 with lead exceedances detected. All lead exceedances were resolved on 02/14/2023. CCLD Information and Updates: Community Care Licensing Division (CCLD) regularly sends information to licensed facilities, providers, and stakeholders by way of Provider Information Notices (PIN), Program Quarterly Update Newsletters and other important information communication platforms. To receive important licensed related information to licensed facilities, visit the CCLD Important Information website at https://www.cdss.ca.gov/inforesources/community-care-licensing/subscribe and select the Child Care option to receive email communication. Page 3 of 4. See LIC 809C. CCLD Inspection Process: 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 . No deficiencies were cited during today's inspection. One (1) Advisory Note was issued during today’s inspection. · 1 of 6 staff files reviewed by LPA did not have a LIC 503 Health Screening Report on file. A TB risk assessment was completed by a physician. A Notice of Site Visit was given and must remain posted for 30 days. Exit interview was conducted, report was reviewed, and Appeal Rights were provided to Director Kimberly Kostepen. Page 4 of 4. End of Report.