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Department of
SOCIAL SERVICES

Community Care Licensing


FACILITY EVALUATION REPORT

Facility Number: 304370713
Report Date: 09/09/2025
Date Signed: 09/09/2025 03:45:38 PM

Document Has Been Signed on 09/09/2025 03:45 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
ORANGE COUNTY CC RO, 750 THE CITY DRIVE, SUITE 250
ORANGE, CA 92868
FACILITY NAME:GIANT STEP LEARNING CENTERFACILITY NUMBER:
304370713
ADMINISTRATOR/
DIRECTOR:		TORRES, MARIAFACILITY TYPE:
850
ADDRESS:758 ST. CLAIR STREETTELEPHONE:
(714) 540-1775
CITY:COSTA MESASTATE: CAZIP CODE:
92626
CAPACITY: 42TOTAL ENROLLED CHILDREN: 42CENSUS: 14DATE:
09/09/2025
TYPE OF VISIT:Annual/RandomUNANNOUNCEDTIME VISIT/
INSPECTION BEGAN:
11:30 AM
MET WITH:Facility Representative/Owner, Miriam VakilTIME VISIT/
INSPECTION COMPLETED:
04:00 PM
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On 09/08/2025 at 11:30 AM, Licensing Program Analyst (LPA), Susan Deschampe conducted an on-site inspection for the purpose of an Unannounced Annual Random visit. LPA and Facility Representatives, Rehana Vakil-Siddiqui and Jazmin Garcia toured the inside and outside of the facility and verified the floor and yard plan. Census observed was 14 children and 4 teachers. During the inspection it was determined the facility is operating within its licensed capacity and within compliance of staffing ratios. Facility hours are 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM, Monday through Friday. A review of the Facility Personnel Report Summary on this date indicates all facility staff or other individuals who require caregiver background checks have received criminal record and child abuse index clearances or exemptions.

Facility Representative was reminded that all adults 18 and over, including employees and volunteers, except as specified in Health and Safety Code (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.

During the inspection of the indoor activity space, items which could pose a danger to children (detergents and cleaning compounds) were observed to be stored and out of reach of children. Poisons are stored in a lockable compartment. Firearms and other weapons are not allowed on or stored on the premises. Medications are centrally stored and inaccessible to children. First-aid supplies were complete and stored in a location accessible to staff but inaccessible to children. Food is prepared off-site by a third party vendor.
NAME OF LICENSING PROGRAM MANAGER: Thuy Ho
NAME OF LICENSING PROGRAM ANALYST: Susan Deschampe
LICENSING PROGRAM ANALYST SIGNATURE: DATE: 09/09/2025
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE: DATE: 09/09/2025
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.

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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
ORANGE COUNTY CC RO, 750 THE CITY DRIVE, SUITE 250
ORANGE, CA 92868
FACILITY NAME: GIANT STEP LEARNING CENTER
FACILITY NUMBER: 304370713
VISIT DATE: 09/09/2025
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Food-preparation areas were clean and sanitary. Food is properly stored. Menus posted where they could be reviewed by parents/authorized representatives. Fixtures, furniture, equipment, and supplies were clean and observed to be in good repair, free of sharp edges, and age appropriate for all children enrolled in care. Children have access to drinking water via personal labeled water bottles and 2 functioning water dispensers sourced from the water line in the facility. The facility has not completed the water lead testing, which poses a potential risk to children in care. The children's and staff bathrooms are safe and in sanitary operating condition. Children nap on mats which are properly stored. Per interview and observation, approximately 10 out of approximately 30 mats are in good repair, which poses a potential risk to children in care. Children's personal items, including bedding is clean, stored individually, and in a labeled compartment. The facility has conducted an emergency drill within the past six months (07/29/2025). The facility has 2 working carbon monoxide detectors and 3 fire extinguishers (04/01/2025). The facility has cleared a fire inspection on 09/02/2025 from Costa Mesa Fire & Rescue Department. The facility maintains an indoor temperature within regulation (minimum of 68 degrees and maximum of 85 degrees F or, in extreme heat a maximum of 20 degrees less than the outside temperature. Facility met all waiver, exceptions, and posting requirements, including the California Child Passenger Safety Law, posted by the entrance of the facility.

Information on the additional nutrition training, immunization requirements for children, and Health Schools Act (http://www.cdpr.ca.gov/docs/pestmgt/schoolipm.htm) were provided. The licensee was informed and website given for the California Child Care Disaster Plan that has been posted to the UCSF California Childcare Health Program website: cchp.ucsf.edu/content/disaster-preparedness . Also provided was information about the E-Learning Modules available at https://ccld.childcarevideos.org. California Department of Social Services Lead Information Brochure was explained to the licensee.

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-care-centers/.
NAME OF LICENSING PROGRAM MANAGER: Thuy Ho
NAME OF LICENSING PROGRAM ANALYST: Susan Deschampe
LICENSING PROGRAM ANALYST SIGNATURE:

DATE: 09/09/2025
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 09/09/2025
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
ORANGE COUNTY CC RO, 750 THE CITY DRIVE, SUITE 250
ORANGE, CA 92868
FACILITY NAME: GIANT STEP LEARNING CENTER
FACILITY NUMBER: 304370713
VISIT DATE: 09/09/2025
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The outdoor activity space was inspected for compliance. There is animal feces on the perimeter and in the sand, which poses a potential risk to children in care. The playground was enclosed by a fence at least four feet in height. The surface of the outdoor activity space was well maintained and free of hazards. The cushioning material (sand) around the climbing equipment, slides and other similar equipment appeared to be enough to absorbs falls. Drinking water in the outdoor activity space is provided by the labeled water bottles. The outdoor equipment and toys were not in good repair and had exposed sharp edges, which poses a potential risk to children in care. There are no bodies of water present at the facility. The facility is a smoke free and firearm free zone.

Staff files were reviewed for staff present during the facility inspection on this date, 3 of 3 staff files were reviewed. Health screening and immunization as required were reviewed. Beginning September 1, 2016, Health and Safety Code (HSC) 1597.622 states, a person shall not be employed or volunteer at a child care center if he or she has not been immunized against influenza, pertussis, and measles. Proof of immunization against pertussis and measles for staff were reviewed and within compliance. Flu declinations were not current, but the facility met this regulation during the inspection. Beginning March 31, 2018, HSC 1596.8662 requires all directors and employees to complete mandated reporting training, and to renew the training every two years. 2 out of 3 staff files did not meet this requirement, which poses a potential risk to children in care. All staff members present possesses current EMSA approved Pediatric CPR/First Aid certifications (expires 07/30/2026).


A random sample of 4 children's records were reviewed. There was a separate, complete and current record for 4 out of 4 children’s files. In the areas reviewed the children’s files were found to be in full compliance. Sign in/out procedure was reviewed for compliance.

The licensee was informed that Licensing Quarterly Updates are available at www.ccld.ca.gov and may request to be added to an email list to receive a Quarterly Update from www.ccld.ca.gov and select Receive Important Updates link. LPA provided Guardian Information and website info: https://www.cdss.ca.gov/inforesources/cdss-programs/community-care-licensing/caregiver-background-check/guardian



Based on LPA observation, interviews, and record review the following Type B violations were observed and are being cited (on the attached 809D) in accordance with:
NAME OF LICENSING PROGRAM MANAGER: Thuy Ho
NAME OF LICENSING PROGRAM ANALYST: Susan Deschampe
LICENSING PROGRAM ANALYST SIGNATURE:

DATE: 09/09/2025
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 09/09/2025
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
ORANGE COUNTY CC RO, 750 THE CITY DRIVE, SUITE 250
ORANGE, CA 92868
FACILITY NAME: GIANT STEP LEARNING CENTER
FACILITY NUMBER: 304370713
VISIT DATE: 09/09/2025
NARRATIVE
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Health and Safety Code 1596.8662 (b)(1) Administration of Child Day Care Licensing
Health and Safety Code 1597.16(a)(1) Facility Administration
California Code of Regulations 101239.1(b)(5) Napping Equipment
California Code of Regulations 101238(a) Buildings and Grounds

An inspection and exit interview was completed with the facility representative/owner, Miriam Vakil. The report was reviewed and discussed along with the deficiencies and Appeal Rights. The facility representative was provided a copy of the appeal rights (LIC 9058) and their signature on this form acknowledges receipt of these rights. All appeals must be in writing and received by the Regional Office within 15 business days.

The facility representative was informed that the “Notice of Site Visit” must be posted for 30 consecutive days. The “Notice of Site Visit” must be posted on, or immediately adjacent to, the interior side of the main door to the facility. Failure to post will result in Civil Penalties of $100.00.

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.

End of Report
NAME OF LICENSING PROGRAM MANAGER: Thuy Ho
NAME OF LICENSING PROGRAM ANALYST: Susan Deschampe
LICENSING PROGRAM ANALYST SIGNATURE:

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

DATE:
LIC809 (FAS) - (06/04)
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Document Has Been Signed on 09/09/2025 03:45 PM - It Cannot Be Edited


Created By: Susan Deschampe On 09/09/2025 at 02:50 PM
Link to Parent Document Below:
STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

FACILITY EVALUATION REPORT (Cont)		CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
, 750 THE CITY DRIVE, SUITE 250
ORANGE, CA 92868

FACILITY NAME: GIANT STEP LEARNING CENTER
FACILITY NUMBER: 304370713

DEFICIENCY INFORMATION FOR THIS PAGE:
VISIT DATE: 09/09/2025

DEFICIENCIES & PLANS OF CORRECTION (POCs)
Type B
Section Cited
CCR
101239.1(b)(5)
Napping Equipment
(b) Floor mats used for napping shall be: (5) Maintained in a safe condition with no exposed foam.

This requirement is not met as evidenced by:
Deficient Practice Statement
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Based on observation and interview the licensee did not comply with the section cited above in 10 out of 30 mats which poses/posed a potential health, safety or personal rights risk to persons in care.
POC Due Date: 10/07/2025
Plan of Correction
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Licensee to obtain mats in good repair, with no tears.
Licensee to send pictures of the new mats upon receiving.
Type B
Section Cited
CCR
101238(a)
Buildings and Grounds
(a) The child care center shall be clean, safe, sanitary and in good repair at all times to ensure the safety and well-being of children, employees and visitors.

This requirement is not met as evidenced by:
Deficient Practice Statement
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Based on interview and observation the licensee did not comply with the section cited above which poses/posed a potential health, safety or personal rights risk to persons in care.
POC Due Date: 10/07/2025
Plan of Correction
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Licensee to remove broken equipment and fences.
Licensee to maintain sufficient equipment for children in care.
Licensee to ensure the child care center is clean and sanitary, with removal of animal feces, replacement of broken fences.
Failure to correct the cited deficiency(ies), on or before the Plan of Correction (POC) due date, may result in a civil penalty assessment.
Thuy Ho
NAME OF LICENSING PROGRAM MANAGER:
Susan Deschampe
NAME OF LICENSING PROGRAM ANALYST:
LICENSING PROGRAM ANALYST SIGNATURE:
DATE: 09/09/2025
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:
DATE: 09/09/2025


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Document Has Been Signed on 09/09/2025 03:45 PM - It Cannot Be Edited


Created By: Susan Deschampe On 09/09/2025 at 02:50 PM
Link to Parent Document Below:
STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

FACILITY EVALUATION REPORT (Cont)		CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
, 750 THE CITY DRIVE, SUITE 250
ORANGE, CA 92868

FACILITY NAME: GIANT STEP LEARNING CENTER
FACILITY NUMBER: 304370713

DEFICIENCY INFORMATION FOR THIS PAGE:
VISIT DATE: 09/09/2025

DEFICIENCIES & PLANS OF CORRECTION (POCs)
Type B
Section Cited
HSC
1596.8662(b)(1)
Administration of Child Day Care Licensing
(1) On or before March 30, 2018, a person who, on January 1, 2018, is a licensed child day care provider, administrator, or employee of a licensed child day care facility shall complete the mandated reporter training provided pursuant to paragraphs (2) and (3) of subdivision (a), and shall complete renewal mandated reporter training every two years following the date on which he or she completed the initial mandated reporter training.

This requirement is not met as evidenced by:
Deficient Practice Statement
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Based on observation, interview, and record review, the licensee did not comply with the section cited above in 2 out of 3 staff files which poses/posed a potential health, safety or personal rights risk to persons in care.
POC Due Date: 10/07/2025
Plan of Correction
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All facility staff to complete Mandated Reporter training.
Licensee to send Mandated Reporter certificates to LPA.
Type B
Section Cited
HSC
1597.16(a)(1)
A licensed child day care center, as defined in Section 1596.76, that is located in a building that was constructed before January 1, 2010, shall have its drinking water tested for lead contamination levels on or after January 1, 2020, but no later than January 1, 2023, and every five years after the date of the initial test.

This requirement is not met as evidenced by:
Deficient Practice Statement
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Based on observation, interview, and record review, the licensee did not comply with the section cited above which poses/posed a potential health, safety or personal rights risk to persons in care.
POC Due Date: 10/07/2025
Plan of Correction
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Licensee to complete water lead testing and send results to LPA.
Failure to correct the cited deficiency(ies), on or before the Plan of Correction (POC) due date, may result in a civil penalty assessment.
Thuy Ho
NAME OF LICENSING PROGRAM MANAGER:
Susan Deschampe
NAME OF LICENSING PROGRAM ANALYST:
LICENSING PROGRAM ANALYST SIGNATURE:
DATE: 09/09/2025
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:
DATE: 09/09/2025


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