<meta name="robots" content="noindex">
Department of
SOCIAL SERVICES

Community Care Licensing


FACILITY EVALUATION REPORT

Facility Number: 197412740
Report Date: 07/28/2025
Date Signed: 07/28/2025 10:21:10 AM

Document Has Been Signed on 07/28/2025 10:21 AM - It Cannot Be Edited

STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

FACILITY EVALUATION REPORT		CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
CCLD Regional Office, 39115 TRADE CENTER DR STE. 201
PALMDALE, CA 93551
FACILITY NAME:SHEPHERD FAMILY CHILD CAREFACILITY NUMBER:
197412740
ADMINISTRATOR/
DIRECTOR:		SHEPHERD, DARNISHAFACILITY TYPE:
810
ADDRESS:TELEPHONE:
(661) 718-2652
CITY:LANCASTERSTATE: CAZIP CODE:
93536
CAPACITY: 14TOTAL ENROLLED CHILDREN: 14CENSUS: 12DATE:
07/28/2025
TYPE OF VISIT:Annual/RandomUNANNOUNCEDTIME VISIT/
INSPECTION BEGAN:
08:45 AM
MET WITH:Darnisha ShepherdTIME VISIT/
INSPECTION COMPLETED:
10:30 AM
NARRATIVE
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
On 7/28/2025, Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Carol Heath conducted an unannounced Annual/Random inspection at Shepherd Family Child Care. Upon arrival, the LPA met with the licensee, Darnisha Shepherd, who provided a guided tour of the facility. 3 adults (the licensee, the licensee’s husband, and adult daughter) and 1 minor child (17-year-old son) reside in the home. During this inspection, 1 infants, 7 young children, and 4 school-age children were present, accompanied by 2 assistants and licensee. Per the licensee, the hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Incidental Medical Services (IMS) were discussed. According to the licensee, she does not have children who require IMS.
The home is set up as follows:
This is a one-story, 4-bedroom, 2.5-bath home with a kitchen/dining room, living room, family room, laundry room, and garage. There is a pool or spa on the premises. The home was inspected for safety, comfort, cleanliness, telephone service, central air, and heat and ventilation. The house has central heating and air conditioning. All windows have screens free of cracks, bugs, and debris.
Main Area: Main care is provided in the Family room. Children use the bathroom in the hallway on the left. They have access to the kitchen and dining room.
NAME OF LICENSING PROGRAM MANAGER: Claretta Yates
NAME OF LICENSING PROGRAM ANALYST: Carol Heath
LICENSING PROGRAM ANALYST SIGNATURE: DATE: 07/15/2025
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE: DATE: 07/15/2025
This report must be available at Child Care and Group Home facilities for public review for 3 years.

LIC809 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 1 of 8
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)
Page: 2 of 8
STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

FACILITY EVALUATION REPORT (Cont)		CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
CCLD Regional Office, 39115 TRADE CENTER DR STE. 201
PALMDALE, CA 93551
FACILITY NAME: SHEPHERD FAMILY CHILD CARE
FACILITY NUMBER: 197412740
VISIT DATE: 07/28/2025
NARRATIVE
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
Family Room: LPA observed age-appropriate toys and furniture for the children in the designated childcare areas.
Children's bathroom (#1): The bathroom was toured and inspected, and the sink/toilet is operable. The toilet and faucets are clean and safe. There are no medications or any personal items inside the medication cabinet. All poison and medications are inaccessible to children with child safety latches under the sink cabinet. The bathroom was observed to be free and clear of hazardous items.
Kitchen: The kitchen was inspected to ensure hazardous and dangerous items were inaccessible to children. Sharp utensils, poisons, and medications are unavailable to children in the kitchen cabinets, and child safety latches are on kitchen cabinet doors and kitchen drawers.
Backyard: The backyard was inspected; The children use the outside backyard for outside play. The backyard is gated all around. The outdoor play area was observed to be free of hazards and loose and sharp parts. LPA observed a grass and concrete area for active play. There is a pool or spa on the premises.
Off-limits: Off-limits areas include all bedrooms, bathroom #2, the laundry room, and the garage.
Others:
The AC/Heating Unit and Swamp Cooler Unit were observed. The AC/Heating Unit is located on the right side of the home and is inaccessible to children due to barrels blocking access.
Bodies of water: LPA observed an in-ground pool in the backyard. The Chain wrought iron fences are constructed at least five (5) feet high. The bottom of the fence is no more than two (2) / four (4) inches from the soft ground /concrete. The fence does not obstruct the view of the pool. LPA observed the gates swing away from the pool, self-close, and have a self-latching device no more than six (6) inches from the top of the gate.
NAME OF LICENSING PROGRAM MANAGER: Claretta Yates
NAME OF LICENSING PROGRAM ANALYST: Carol Heath
LICENSING PROGRAM ANALYST SIGNATURE:

DATE: 07/28/2025
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 07/28/2025
LIC809 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 3 of 8
STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

FACILITY EVALUATION REPORT (Cont)		CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
CCLD Regional Office, 39115 TRADE CENTER DR STE. 201
PALMDALE, CA 93551
FACILITY NAME: SHEPHERD FAMILY CHILD CARE
FACILITY NUMBER: 197412740
VISIT DATE: 07/28/2025
NARRATIVE
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
During today’s inspection, LPA observed the following safety equipment and visible from the swimming pool and readily accessible for immediate use: A life ring with a minimum exterior diameter of 17 inches, approved by the United States Coast Guard. A rescue pole equipped with a body hook, with a minimum fixed length of 12 feet. All licensed childcare centers and family care homes must inspect drowning prevention safety features and equipment daily before opening. A log of these inspections must be maintained and made available to the department upon request. Daily inspection logs was also observed during today’s inspection. The licensee understands and agrees that the swimming pool fencing will remain in place whenever licensed care is provided, so long as the fence makes the swimming pool inaccessible to children, as determined by licensing staff. No items around the perimeter of the fence would allow the fence to be climbable. Electrical outlets: All unused electrical outlets are plugged in and made inaccessible to children.
Fire extinguisher (2A10BC): LPA observed a required fire extinguisher (2A10BC) reading in Green, located in the kitchen, and inaccessible to children. It meets standards established by the State Fire Marshall.
Fireplace: In the family room, a fireplace was observed that was properly screened via mirror glass doors. The fireplace is inaccessible to children.
Hanging window blind cords: The cords are wireless and inaccessible to children.
Isolation area (Illness): Per the licensee, if the child shows signs of illness, they will be separated from other children near the front door.
Medications and cleaning solutions: Detergents and cleaning compounds are in the upper kitchen cabinet with safety latch, and medications are in the off-limits bedroom with key lock.
Napping: Children will nap in the designated nap areas with adult supervision. LPA observed 14 cots and 3 playpens in the closet.
NAME OF LICENSING PROGRAM MANAGER: Claretta Yates
NAME OF LICENSING PROGRAM ANALYST: Carol Heath
LICENSING PROGRAM ANALYST SIGNATURE:

DATE: 07/28/2025
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 07/28/2025
LIC809 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 4 of 8
STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

FACILITY EVALUATION REPORT (Cont)		CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
CCLD Regional Office, 39115 TRADE CENTER DR STE. 201
PALMDALE, CA 93551
FACILITY NAME: SHEPHERD FAMILY CHILD CARE
FACILITY NUMBER: 197412740
VISIT DATE: 07/28/2025
NARRATIVE
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
Overnight Care: According to the licensee, it does not provide overnight care.
Pets: There is 1 big and 1 small dog. The dogs have current vaccinations. According to the licensee, the dogs do not interact with children in care
Phone service: There is a working cell phone
Smoke Detectors and Carbon Monoxide: The smoke detectors and carbon monoxide devices tested operable.
The first aid kit is in the key locked laundry room and is inaccessible to children. The First Aid Kit was observed to be complete with supplies and a first aid manual.
Transportation: The licensee does not provide transportation for children.
Weapons or Firearms: Per the licensee, there are Firearms at the facility at this time (See LIC812): LPA observed the storage areas for firearms and other dangerous weapons locked.
Documentation:
Child files: LPA observed that 4 children's files contained all required licensing documents. Infant Sleeping Plan (LIC 9227) and Sleeping Log: LPA observed that 2 infants have LIC 9227, and the sleeping log; the license follows the Safe Sleep Regulation. Staff Personnel File: During an annual inspection, LPA observed 1 staff information. LPA observed LIC 508, 9052, IZ, TB test, LIC 9108, Mandated Reporter Training, and CPR/First Aid certificates. The file contained all required licensing documents. Immunization: The licensee and her assistant have the required immunizations (MMR and DTaP). They also provided a written statement declining the influenza vaccination. Criminal Record: Per Guardian, all adults who live in this facility obtain a criminal record clearance. CPR/First Aid: LPA observed that the licensee has current Pediatric CPR and First Aid Training with an expiration date (of 12/2027) 1 hour of nutrition training and (8) hours of Preventive Health and Safety Training. Mandated Reporter Training: The licensee has completed and renewed the online mandated reporter training at www.mandatedreporterca.com on 7/21/2025. It will expired in 2027.
NAME OF LICENSING PROGRAM MANAGER: Claretta Yates
NAME OF LICENSING PROGRAM ANALYST: Carol Heath
LICENSING PROGRAM ANALYST SIGNATURE:

DATE: 07/28/2025
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 07/28/2025
LIC809 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 5 of 8
STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

FACILITY EVALUATION REPORT (Cont)		CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
CCLD Regional Office, 39115 TRADE CENTER DR STE. 201
PALMDALE, CA 93551
FACILITY NAME: SHEPHERD FAMILY CHILD CARE
FACILITY NUMBER: 197412740
VISIT DATE: 07/28/2025
NARRATIVE
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
Facility fees: Per the Licensing Information System, annual facility fees were current.
Fire Drill and Disaster Drill: Per the licensee, fire and disaster drills are conducted every 6 months; the last drill was documented and conducted on 7/14/2025.
LPA observed that the licensee have posted the Facility License, Emergency Disaster plan, and Parents' Rights Poster as required. The licensee will complete the Earthquake Preparedness and post it.
The following information was discussed with the licensee:
ü LPA discussed the safe sleep regulations with licensee [or facility representative] 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 licensee [or 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.
ü Licensee [or facility representative] was reminded that all adults 18 and over living or working in the home, 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 licensed Family Child Care Home. 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.
NAME OF LICENSING PROGRAM MANAGER: Claretta Yates
NAME OF LICENSING PROGRAM ANALYST: Carol Heath
LICENSING PROGRAM ANALYST SIGNATURE:

DATE: 07/28/2025
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 07/28/2025
LIC809 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 6 of 8
STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

FACILITY EVALUATION REPORT (Cont)		CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
CCLD Regional Office, 39115 TRADE CENTER DR STE. 201
PALMDALE, CA 93551
FACILITY NAME: SHEPHERD FAMILY CHILD CARE
FACILITY NUMBER: 197412740
VISIT DATE: 07/28/2025
NARRATIVE
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
ü IF A FACILITY IS CURRENTLY PROVIDING IMS, USE AS FOLLOWS: This facility provides Incidental Medical Services – IMS. LPA reviewed storage of medication and equipment/supplies, and reviewed children’s, personnel, and administrative records. 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 (TTY) and link to publication: Commonly Asked Questions about Child Care Centers and the ADA are available at: https://www.ada.gov/resources/child-carecenters/
ü IF THERE IS NO CHILD AT THE FACILITY THAT CURRENTLY NEEDS IMS, USE AS FOLLOWS: 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)/ (800) 514-0383 (TTY) and link to publication: Commonly Asked Questions about Child Care Centers and the ADA, available at: https://www.ada.gov/resources/child-care-centers/.
ü Centers and Family Child Care Homes Licensee [or 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.
ü Family Child Care Homes During the exit interview, the LICENSEE ****, confirmed that there are no Registered Sex Offenders living in the facility and LPA completed the RSO profile in FAS.
ü Family Child Care Homes A notice of site visit was given and must remain posted for 30 days.
NAME OF LICENSING PROGRAM MANAGER: Claretta Yates
NAME OF LICENSING PROGRAM ANALYST: Carol Heath
LICENSING PROGRAM ANALYST SIGNATURE:

DATE: 07/28/2025
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 07/28/2025
LIC809 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 7 of 8
STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

FACILITY EVALUATION REPORT (Cont)		CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
CCLD Regional Office, 39115 TRADE CENTER DR STE. 201
PALMDALE, CA 93551
FACILITY NAME: SHEPHERD FAMILY CHILD CARE
FACILITY NUMBER: 197412740
VISIT DATE: 07/28/2025
NARRATIVE
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
ü 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-carelicensing/ inspection-process.

No deficiencies are being cited at this time.

An exit interview was conducted, and the report was reviewed with the licensee, Darnisha Shepherd.
NAME OF LICENSING PROGRAM MANAGER: Claretta Yates
NAME OF LICENSING PROGRAM ANALYST: Carol Heath
LICENSING PROGRAM ANALYST SIGNATURE:

DATE: 07/28/2025
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 07/28/2025
LIC809 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 8 of 8