198017987-3-27-2023-33-CC-AEIN-CQBSRN-20230327140638

Community Care Licensing

FACILITY EVALUATION REPORT

Facility Number: 198017987
Report Date: 03/27/2023
Date Signed: 03/27/2023 02:06:51 PM

Document Has Been Signed on 03/27/2023 02:06 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
CCLD Regional Office, 1000 CORPORATE CNTR DR. 200-B
MONTEREY PARK, CA 91754

FACILITY NAME:	FIRST STEPS		FACILITY NUMBER:	198017987
ADMINISTRATOR:	KATRINE EBRAHIMIAN		FACILITY TYPE:	850
ADDRESS:	6245 HONOLULU AVE		TELEPHONE:	(818) 957-6364
CITY:	LA CRESCENTA	STATE: CA	ZIP CODE:	91214
CAPACITY: 221	TOTAL ENROLLED CHILDREN: 219	CENSUS: 180	DATE:	03/27/2023
TYPE OF VISIT:	Required - 1 Year	UNANNOUNCED	TIME BEGAN:	09:15 AM
MET WITH:	Celine Abranians, Assistant Director		TIME COMPLETED:	12:30 PM

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	Licensing Program Analysts (LPA) Anomeh Eivazian and Silva Mary conducted an unannounced Required- 1 year inspection on 3/27/23 at 9:15 AM. LPAs met with Celine Abranians, Assistant Director. LPAs provided Celine Abranians, assistant director with a copy of the Entrance Checklist for Child Care Centers form (LIC 125). Assistant Director guided LPAs on a tour of the facility. A COVID 19 risk assessment was conducted prior to entering the facility. This is a preschool program which consists of 3 buildings. Building 1 (2-3 years old- Green Group), consists of three rooms, 6 groups: RM 1 (2 groups), RM 2 (2 groups), and RM 3 (2 groups), Building 2 (3-4 years old- Red Group): RM 1, RM 2 (2 groups), RM 3 (2 groups), RM4 (2 groups) and Building 3 (4-5 years old- Blue Groups): RM 2 (2 groups), RM 3 (2 groups), and RM 4. All three buildings are gated. There is a private kindergarten on site in building #3 and an affidavit on file. The preschool program operates Monday – Friday from 7:30 AM – 5:00 PM. The Facility is on a Church Campus (La Cresenta Valley Adventist Church). The Facility is at the back of the campus with its own private parking. Facility is completely gated. The front entry has a Security system where parents have a key card for entry. Facility also has Cameras in all all classrooms and 2 cameras on the outside. During pick up and drop off times parents can enter the facility either from Honolulu Avenue entrance or Mayfield Avenue entrance. Per Assistant Director, after drop off both gates are kept closed. All areas identified on the Facility Sketch were inspected. Upon arrival, the following staff were present during this inspection. Classrooms which consists of two groups are divided by plastic clear curtains. Building 1: RM 1: 16 preschoolers with 4 staff, RM 2: 18 preschoolers with 4 staff, and RM 3: 18 preschoolers with 4 staff. Building 2: RM 1: 10 preschoolers with 2 staff, RM 2: 20 preschoolers with 4 staff, and RM 3: 22 preschoolers with 4 staff, RM 4: 19 preschoolers with 4 staff. Building 3: RM 2: 20 preschoolers with 4 staff, RM 3: 22 preschooler with 4 staff, and RM 4: 13 preschooler with 2 staff. There are two offices on the premises, one office is located in building one and one office is located in building 2, in Room 1. All children were observed to be under visual supervision of a teacher at all times. The following was observed during the tour of the facility: REPORT CONTINUES ON NEXT PAGE 1 OF 5

SUPERVISORS NAME: Christina Gabelman
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Anomeh Eivazian
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:	DATE: 03/27/2023

I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.

FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 03/27/2023

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 5

STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

FACILITY EVALUATION REPORT (Cont)

CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
CCLD Regional Office, 1000 CORPORATE CNTR DR. 200-B
MONTEREY PARK, CA 91754

FACILITY NAME: FIRST STEPS	FACILITY NUMBER: 198017987
	VISIT DATE: 03/27/2023

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

PHYSICAL PLANT
LPAs observed the facility to be clean, safe, sanitary and in good repair. Per assistant director cleaning crew clean the facility daily after operation hours. Furniture and equipment was inspected for age appropriateness and good repair, free of sharp, loose, or pointed parts. All indoor classrooms were inspected to ensure that the floors have a surface that is safe and clean. All materials accessible to children were observed to be toxic-free. Telephone service, heating, lighting and ventilation were evaluated. Children have their own cubby to store their belongings. Parents take Linens home each week on Friday or as needed and return it on Monday. Napping equipment (cots) were observed to be stored in each classroom. Age appropriate sinks and toilets were inspected for availability and good repair in all restrooms. General sanitation was observed. Availability of indoor drinking water was observed in the classroom. LPAs observed water pitchers and disposable cups in each classroom. Per assistant director children use their water bottles in each classroom.

Disinfectants, cleaning solutions, medication, and other items that are dangerous to children, were inaccessible to children. Assistant Director states there are no poisons stored at the facility. Per assistant director carbon monoxide detector in building 2 in room 1 is functional and operable. LPAs observed required posting information were posted on parents board in Building #1 outside the office area.

The kitchen in located in Building 2. All kitchen areas/food preparation areas and food storage areas are kept clean and are free of litter, rubbish, rodents, and/or any other vermin. All storage containers for solid waste, including moveable bins shall have tight-fitting covers that are kept on, and in good repair. Trash cans used to discard food have tight fitting lids or solid waste bags shall be discarded immediately after each meal.

There are outdoor playgrounds in each building. Outdoor playground equipment is in safe condition, free of sharp, loose or pointed parts. The surface of the outdoor activity space is maintained in a safe condition and is free of hazards. All areas around or under high climbing equipment, and similar equipment are cushioned with material that absorbs a fall. There is adequate shade in the play yard. There are two sandboxes on the premises, in building 1 and building 2 on the playground and are covered every night with a tight fitting hard cover lid and shovel in the morning before children use it. Children also utilize the grass filed (fenced) for outdoor play area and children escorted to the grass field. Grass filed is utilized among preschoolers and private kindergartners, waiver was granted and posted.

REPORT CONTINUES ON NEXT PAGE 2 OF 5

SUPERVISORS NAME: Christina Gabelman
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Anomeh Eivazian
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:	DATE: 03/27/2023

I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.

FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 03/27/2023

LIC809 (FAS) - (06/04)

Page: 2 of 5

STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

FACILITY EVALUATION REPORT (Cont)

CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
CCLD Regional Office, 1000 CORPORATE CNTR DR. 200-B
MONTEREY PARK, CA 91754

FACILITY NAME: FIRST STEPS	FACILITY NUMBER: 198017987
	VISIT DATE: 03/27/2023

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

Availability of outdoor drinking water was observed. LPAs advised that no children shall be left without the supervision of a teacher at any time.

The Assistant Director states that there are no bodies of water on the premises and LPAs did not observe any bodies of water during this inspection. Assistant Director states there are no weapons or firearms on the premises.

FACILITY RECORDS

Assistant Director, Celine Abranians was reminded that all adults 18 and over, including employees and volunteers, 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 up to $500.00 maximum per day/per person will be assessed if this regulation is violated.

LPAs reviewed 15 Children’s Records for completeness; Inspection of required forms was made and documented on the LIC 857.

LPAs reviewed 6 staff files during this inspection. There is at least one person trained in CPR and Pediatric First Aid present during this inspection. The review of Staff records was documented on the LIC 859. Staff present had proof of the AB 1207 Mandated Reporter Training certificate on file. Staff present had proof against TB, measles, pertussis, and influenza. All staff have been given on the-job training sanitation principles, housekeeping, including universal health precautions.

Per assistant director, currently school utilize Procare for sign in/out and parents communication. Children's roster was reviewed and is current. Sign in and out sheets were reviewed electronically to ensure that the person who signs the child in and out uses their full legal signature and records the time of the day. LPAs observed sign in/out QR code were posted in each building by the entrance door. During this inspection 180 children were present, and all 180 children were singed in. Disaster drill log was available, last drill was conducted on 02/08/2023.

REPORT CONTINUES ON NEXT PAGE 3 OF 5

SUPERVISORS NAME: Christina Gabelman
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Anomeh Eivazian
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:	DATE: 03/27/2023

I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.

FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 03/27/2023

LIC809 (FAS) - (06/04)

Page: 3 of 5

STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

FACILITY EVALUATION REPORT (Cont)

CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
CCLD Regional Office, 1000 CORPORATE CNTR DR. 200-B
MONTEREY PARK, CA 91754

FACILITY NAME: FIRST STEPS	FACILITY NUMBER: 198017987
	VISIT DATE: 03/27/2023

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

Menus are posted one week in advance where it is visible by the child's authorized representative. Menus for the past 30 days are available upon request. Snacks were reviewed for availability, quantity and appropriateness to children in care. Preschoolers are provided breakfast and lunch, and optional PM snack. Children bring PM snack from home.

First Aid supplies were observed in each classroom in a cabinet. According to assistant director, medication is only administered to a child when accompanied with a doctor's note and is stored in the child’s classroom. The facility was observed to be equipped with an isolation area for any child who becomes ill and it is located in the office area in Building 1 and building 2. The ill child will use the staff restroom in building 1 and building 2 during isolation which is disinfected immediately after use per Site Supervisor.

Medication: 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 Evaluator Manual - Regulation Interpretations and Procedures for Child Care Centers Sections 101173 and 101226.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: http://www.ada.gov/childqanda.htm. Plan of Operation for IMS on file, it was submitted on 05/30/17.

Analyst reviewed new Assembly Bill (AB) 2370, Chapter 676, Statutes of 2018, which requires the testing of water for lead in Child Care Centers (CCCs) with facility director during the inspection. Per AB 2370, all CCCs that are located in buildings constructed before January 1, 2010, must have their water tested and post the results by January 1, 2023, and every 5 years after the date of the first testing. Water Lead Testing Result on file.

LPA advised the licensee to access forms, regulations and quarterly updates on the Child Care Licensing website at: www.ccld.ca.gov.

REPORT CONTINUES ON NEXT PAGE 4 OF 5

SUPERVISORS NAME: Christina Gabelman
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Anomeh Eivazian
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:	DATE: 03/27/2023

I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.

FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 03/27/2023

LIC809 (FAS) - (06/04)

Page: 4 of 5

STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

FACILITY EVALUATION REPORT (Cont)

CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
CCLD Regional Office, 1000 CORPORATE CNTR DR. 200-B
MONTEREY PARK, CA 91754

FACILITY NAME: FIRST STEPS	FACILITY NUMBER: 198017987
	VISIT DATE: 03/27/2023

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

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.

At this time, the licensee is in compliance with California Title 22 Regulations. Therefore, there are no citations being issued today.

A notice of site visit was given and must remain posted for 30 days. Failure to comply with posting requirements shall result in an immediate civil penalty of $100.

Exit interview conducted and report was reviewed with the Assistant director, Celine Abranians, at 12:30 PM.

END OF REPORT PAGE 5 OF 5

SUPERVISORS NAME: Christina Gabelman
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Anomeh Eivazian
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:	DATE: 03/27/2023

I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.

FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 03/27/2023

LIC809 (FAS) - (06/04)

Page: 5 of 5