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Department of
SOCIAL SERVICES

Community Care Licensing


FACILITY EVALUATION REPORT

Facility Number: 153808746
Report Date: 08/25/2025
Date Signed: 08/25/2025 01:50:46 PM

Document Has Been Signed on 08/25/2025 01:50 PM - It Cannot Be Edited

STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

FACILITY EVALUATION REPORT		CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
PALMDALE CC RO, 39115 TRADE CENTER DR STE. 201
PALMDALE, CA 93551
FACILITY NAME:BALAS MONTESSORIFACILITY NUMBER:
153808746
ADMINISTRATOR/
DIRECTOR:		BALAS, SHANNON M.FACILITY TYPE:
850
ADDRESS:555 S. CHINA LAKE BLVD. #100TELEPHONE:
(760) 375-8261
CITY:RIDGECRESTSTATE: CAZIP CODE:
93555
CAPACITY: 75TOTAL ENROLLED CHILDREN: 75CENSUS: 60DATE:
08/25/2025
TYPE OF VISIT:Annual/RandomUNANNOUNCEDTIME VISIT/
INSPECTION BEGAN:
10:20 AM
MET WITH:Kristen Honeywell, DirectorTIME VISIT/
INSPECTION COMPLETED:
02:00 PM
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On 8/25/25, Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Crystal Ali arrived at the facility to conduct an Annual Random Inspection. LPA was met by Director Kristen Honeywell and permitted to enter the facility. LPA toured the facility in accordance with the facility sketch with the Director. During the inspection, LPA observed 60 children and 11 staff providing care and supervision. Facility operates Monday through Friday from 6:30am to 5:30pm. There are no bodies of water, no smoking and no weapons on the premises. LPA observed LIC 308 (stating Kristen Honeywell is the substitute director) and two waivers (dated 5/8/23 & 8/18/16) regarding facility using a computerized sign in/out system and outdoor space.
Staffing Ration and Capacity: Facility consists of three classrooms, one art room, one office, one kitchen, one staff bathroom, two children’s bathroom, and one outdoor play area. Facility maintains an adequate teacher-child ratio. Care and supervision were evaluated and determined basic needs of children are appropriate and are being met.
Physical Plant: Furniture and equipment were inspected for age appropriateness and good repair. Telephone service, heating, lighting, and ventilation were evaluated. LPA observed sign-in sheets (digital) completed by each parent/guardian per requirements. LPA observed individual storage for children's belongings in the hallways.
NAME OF LICENSING PROGRAM MANAGER: Claretta Yates
NAME OF LICENSING PROGRAM ANALYST: Crystal Ali
LICENSING PROGRAM ANALYST SIGNATURE: DATE: 08/25/2025
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE: DATE: 08/25/2025
This report must be available at Child Care and Group Home facilities for public review for 3 years.

LIC809 (FAS) - (06/04)
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California Health & Human Services Agency
California Department of Social Services

FACILITY EVALUATION REPORT California law requires a public report of each licensing visit/inspection. This report is a record for the facility and the licensing agency. This report is available for public review; therefore, care is taken not to disclose personal or confidential information. Inquiries concerning the location, maintenance, and contents of these reports may be directed to the Licensing Program Analyst or Regional Office whose address and telephone number are listed on the front of this form.

DEFICIENCIES A deficiency is an instance of noncompliance with licensing requirements, including applicable statutes, regulations, interim licensing standards, operating standards, and written directives. Applicants/ licensees must be notified in writing of all licensing deficiencies. Deficiencies are listed on the left side of this form, and the applicable licensing requirement upon which the deficiency is identified. There are two types of deficiencies:
  • Type A deficiencies are violations of licensing requirements that, if not corrected, have a direct and immediate risk to the health, safety, or personal rights of persons in care.
  • Type B deficiencies are violations of licensing requirements that, without correction, could become a risk to the health, safety, or personal rights of persons in care, a recordkeeping violation that could impact the care of said persons and/or protection of their resources, or a violation that could impact those services required to meet the needs of persons in care.

PLANS OF CORRECTION (POCs) The licensing agency is required to establish a reasonable length of time to correct a deficiency. In order to set the time, the licensing agency must take into consideration the seriousness of the violation, the number of persons in care involved, and the availability of equipment and personnel necessary to correct the violation. Applicants/licensees are requested to provide a specific plan for each violation on the right side of the form across from each deficiency. The more specific the plan, the less chance exists for any misunderstanding in setting time limits and reviewing corrections. The applicant/licensee who encounters problems beyond their control in completing the corrections within the specified time frame may request and may be granted an extension of the correction due date by the licensing agency.

CORRECTION NOTIFICATION The applicant/licensee is responsible for completing all corrections and promptly notifying the licensing agency of corrections. Applicants/licensees are advised to keep a dated copy of any correspondence sent to the licensing agency concerning corrections, or if corrections are telephoned to the licensing agency, the date, person contacted, and information given.

CIVIL PENALTIES The licensing agency is required by law to issue a Penalty Notice, when applicable, to all facilities holding a license issued by the licensing agency, or subject to licensure, except Certified Family Homes, Resource Families, and Foster Family Homes, or any governmental entity.

PENALTY NOTICE GIVEN The statement concerning civil penalties serves as a penalty notice on this Licensing Report and failure to correct cited licensing deficiencies will result in civil penalties. Applicants/ licensees are required to pay civil penalties when administrative appeals have been exhausted and in accordance with any payment arrangements made with the licensing agency.

APPEAL RIGHTS The applicant/licensee has a right without prejudice to discuss any disagreement in this report with the licensing agency concerning the proper application of licensing requirements. The applicant/ licensee may request a formal review by the licensing agency to amend or dismiss the notice of deficiency and/ or civil penalty. Requests for review shall be made in writing within 15 business days of receipt of a deficiency notification or civil penalty assessment. Licensing deficiencies may be appealed pursuant to the procedures in the LIC 9058 Applicant/Licensee Rights.

AGENCY REVIEW The licensing agency review of an appeal may be conducted based upon information provided in writing by the applicant/licensee. The applicant/licensee may request an office meeting to provide additional information. The applicant/licensee will be notified in writing of the results of the agency review within 60 business days of the date when all necessary information has been provided to the licensing agency.

EMAIL REQUIREMENT Adult Community Care Facilities, Residential Care Facilities for the Chronically Ill, and Residential Care Facilities for the Elderly are required to provide and maintain an active email address of record with the licensing agency.

LIC809 (FAS) - (09/23)
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STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

FACILITY EVALUATION REPORT (Cont)		CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
PALMDALE CC RO, 39115 TRADE CENTER DR STE. 201
PALMDALE, CA 93551
FACILITY NAME: BALAS MONTESSORI
FACILITY NUMBER: 153808746
VISIT DATE: 08/25/2025
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The children have access to water via individual water bottles and the water fountain on the playground and indoor. The facility provides filtered water to the children. Smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and fire extinguishers were observed and in operable condition. Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are operating according to Fire Marshall standards. First Aid Kit is present and with all the required items located in staff office. Trash cans with tight-fitted lids were observed.
Pet: The facility has a goldfish tank in the lobby area. The fish food is stored in the staff office.
Napping: Children are provided napping (approx. 12:30pm-2:30pm) and a calming/resting area for children, if needed. Parents take napping material home weekly to wash and clean. Any napping materials left at facility at end of the week are washed by a staff.
Kitchen: The kitchen is off-limits and the door is locked when not in use. LPA observed the door being locked upon inspection. There is a clean, fully equipped kitchen with a refrigerator, freezer, stove, and microwave oven. The facility does not provide food. All children bring packed lunches and snacks daily from home. The facility places the lunchboxes in large bins near classroom #1. The packed lunches have ice packs in them. If a child lunchbox has no ice pack, then the facility will place the lunchbox in the refrigerator. Allergy lists are posted in the Brightwheel app that is available in each classroom. Soaps, detergents, cleaning compounds, or similar substances are stored separately from food supplies. The knives are in the top cabinet near sink. LPA observed that food preparation and storage areas are kept clean and free of litter and rubbish. LPA observed snacks in the kitchen that do not required cooking. The facility does not participate in the food program. Daily activity schedules are posted showing meal/snack times, and specific activities.
NAME OF LICENSING PROGRAM MANAGER: Claretta Yates
NAME OF LICENSING PROGRAM ANALYST: Crystal Ali
LICENSING PROGRAM ANALYST SIGNATURE:

DATE: 08/25/2025
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 08/25/2025
LIC809 (FAS) - (06/04)
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STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

FACILITY EVALUATION REPORT (Cont)		CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
PALMDALE CC RO, 39115 TRADE CENTER DR STE. 201
PALMDALE, CA 93551
FACILITY NAME: BALAS MONTESSORI
FACILITY NUMBER: 153808746
VISIT DATE: 08/25/2025
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Fire Extinguisher: Emergency Drills are conducted at least every six months and the last drills were conducted and documented on 4/16/25 fire drill completed at 10:00am and on 4/17/25 Earthquake drill at 8:30am. The fire extinguishers (3A40BC) are reading in green and meets the Fire Marshal Codes and Standards (last serviced 7/24/24). Director stated fire marshal came out last year on 11/28/2022. One fire extinguisher is at the front door of facility, second fire extinguisher is in the hallway next to classroom #2, and third fire extinguisher is at the back exit of the building.
Bathroom: Age-appropriate sinks and toilets were inspected for availability and good repair. There are two bathrooms, one for girls and one for boys. In the girl’s bathroom there are 2 sinks and 2 toilets, 1 changing table are all reachable by the children. The boy’s bathroom has 1 sink, 2 toilets, and 1 urinal are all reachable by the children. Each restroom has adequate toilet paper, hand soap, and paper towels available. Restrooms are cleaned, restocked with toiletries, and sanitized by on-site staff. Staff bathroom contains 1 toilet and 1 sink. Staff bathroom has some cleaning products in a locked cabinet.
Medication: A review of medication policy indicated that prescription medication is administered only with the parent’s written permission. The facility teachers pass out medication for the children in their classroom. In Classroom #2 there are children that have an EpiPen for food allergy (as needed) and in Classroom #3 one child that have inhaler for asthma (as needed). LPA did observe the medication logs for these children with their medication in a ziplock bag placed on top self of cabinet. LPA observed that these children (2) met criteria for IMS. Facility has the required documentation and training on how to administer these medications. Medication is labeled correctly and stored in its original container.
NAME OF LICENSING PROGRAM MANAGER: Claretta Yates
NAME OF LICENSING PROGRAM ANALYST: Crystal Ali
LICENSING PROGRAM ANALYST SIGNATURE:

DATE: 08/25/2025
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 08/25/2025
LIC809 (FAS) - (06/04)
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STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

FACILITY EVALUATION REPORT (Cont)		CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
PALMDALE CC RO, 39115 TRADE CENTER DR STE. 201
PALMDALE, CA 93551
FACILITY NAME: BALAS MONTESSORI
FACILITY NUMBER: 153808746
VISIT DATE: 08/25/2025
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This page was amended in records/documentation section.
Medications are kept in each classroom on top self of cabinet. Children are inspected for illnesses as they arrive with a no-touch thermometer and an overall wellness check. Isolation area is the director office where a teacher will supervise the child until the parent comes.
Transportation: Facility does not provide transportation for the children.
Lead Testing/Drinking Water: The facility was built after 2010 and does not require the lead water testing.
Outdoor Activity Space: The outdoor play area was inspected and observed to be free of hazards, loose, or sharp objects. Equipment was inspected for safety, cushioning material, good repair, and age appropriateness. The playground has a play equipment with two slides in the sand, there is one large shaded areas, a mini tricycle track, and has three large trees that provide additional shade. The facility will continue to provide 100% supervision when outside in the playground. Children are provided water via individual drinking bottles during outdoor play. The playground is well-fenced, all around and no bodies of water were observed in the outdoor play area. LPA observed several tricycles and other toys for the children to play with.
Records/Documentation: LPA reviewed with facility representative the LIC 125, records to be maintained at the facility, for child’s records, personnel records, administrative records, and parent board. LPA reviewed 8 children records. One child record is missing immunization record. Director reached out to the parent to request for the document. All other child records are in compliance. LPA reviewed 11 staff records. One staff file is missing TB results. All other files are in compliance.
NAME OF LICENSING PROGRAM MANAGER: Claretta Yates
NAME OF LICENSING PROGRAM ANALYST: Crystal Ali
LICENSING PROGRAM ANALYST SIGNATURE:

DATE: 08/25/2025
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 08/25/2025
LIC809 (FAS) - (06/04)
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STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

FACILITY EVALUATION REPORT (Cont)		CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
PALMDALE CC RO, 39115 TRADE CENTER DR STE. 201
PALMDALE, CA 93551
FACILITY NAME: BALAS MONTESSORI
FACILITY NUMBER: 153808746
VISIT DATE: 08/25/2025
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No deficiencies cited in accordance with Title 22 of the California Code of Regulations and Health & Safety codes.

A notice of site visit was given and must remain posted for 30 days.



Exit interview conducted and report was reviewed with the Director Kristen Honeywell.

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.

Criminal Record Clearance - Child Care Centers
Facility representative 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 – Child Care Centers (CCC)
CCC COMPLETED TESTING AND NO LEAD EXCEEDANCES:
Assembly Bill (AB) 2370, Chapter 676, Statutes of 2018, requires all licensed Child Care
NAME OF LICENSING PROGRAM MANAGER: Claretta Yates
NAME OF LICENSING PROGRAM ANALYST: Crystal Ali
LICENSING PROGRAM ANALYST SIGNATURE:

DATE: 08/25/2025
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 08/25/2025
LIC809 (FAS) - (06/04)
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STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

FACILITY EVALUATION REPORT (Cont)		CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
PALMDALE CC RO, 39115 TRADE CENTER DR STE. 201
PALMDALE, CA 93551
FACILITY NAME: BALAS MONTESSORI
FACILITY NUMBER: 153808746
VISIT DATE: 08/25/2025
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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.
Safe Sleep - Child Care Centers
LPA discussed the safe sleep regulations with facility representative and
discussed the Child Care Licensing Safe Sleep webpage at
https://www.cdss.ca.gov/inforesources/child-care-licensing/public-information-andresources/safe-sleep as an additional resource. LPA also informed facility representative 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) - Child Care Centers
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/.
PIN 22-05-CCP.
NAME OF LICENSING PROGRAM MANAGER: Claretta Yates
NAME OF LICENSING PROGRAM ANALYST: Crystal Ali
LICENSING PROGRAM ANALYST SIGNATURE:

DATE: 08/25/2025
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 08/25/2025
LIC809 (FAS) - (06/04)
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STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

FACILITY EVALUATION REPORT (Cont)		CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
PALMDALE CC RO, 39115 TRADE CENTER DR STE. 201
PALMDALE, CA 93551
FACILITY NAME: BALAS MONTESSORI
FACILITY NUMBER: 153808746
VISIT DATE: 08/25/2025
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MyChildCarePlan.org – Child Care Centers
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.

Subscribe to CCLD important information - Child Care Centers
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-carelicensing/
subscribe and select the Child Care option to receive email communication.
NAME OF LICENSING PROGRAM MANAGER: Claretta Yates
NAME OF LICENSING PROGRAM ANALYST: Crystal Ali
LICENSING PROGRAM ANALYST SIGNATURE:

DATE: 08/25/2025
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 08/25/2025
LIC809 (FAS) - (06/04)
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