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Department of
SOCIAL SERVICES

Community Care Licensing


FACILITY EVALUATION REPORT

Facility Number: 435700790
Report Date: 11/04/2025
Date Signed: 11/04/2025 02:33:53 PM

Document Has Been Signed on 11/04/2025 02:33 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
OAKLAND SOUTH CC RO, 1515 CLAY STREET STE 1102
OAKLAND, CA 94612
FACILITY NAME:DOWNTOWN CHILDREN'S CTRFACILITY NUMBER:
435700790
ADMINISTRATOR/
DIRECTOR:		MELISSA STEPHENSFACILITY TYPE:
860
ADDRESS:555 WAVERLEY STREETTELEPHONE:
(650) 321-9578
CITY:PALO ALTOSTATE: CAZIP CODE:
94301
CAPACITY: 32TOTAL ENROLLED CHILDREN: 14CENSUS: 14DATE:
11/04/2025
TYPE OF VISIT:PrelicensingANNOUNCEDTIME VISIT/
INSPECTION BEGAN:
10:30 AM
MET WITH:Melissa RothTIME VISIT/
INSPECTION COMPLETED:
03:30 PM
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Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Brindha Govindasamy met with Director of Programs Melissa Roth and Center director Hanh Higareda for the purpose of a pre-licensing inspection. Applicant is requesting a new infant program ages 0 months to 24 months (capacity 14) with an additional classroom and decreasing the existing preschool program ages two years to five years old (capacity 18). Facility is requesting to be licensed to serve a total of 32 children. The program will operate Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. LPA reviewed with applicant LIC 311A, Records to Be Maintained at the Facility, for child’s records, personnel records, administrative records. There is total of 04 classrooms in the facility. Room 1 and 2 (infants) and Room 3 and 4 (preschool).

LPA informed director, that the facility will be converted to a single childcare center license under facility number 435700790, therefore LPA will be closing the current preschool facility number 430700018.

Fire clearance was granted and received on 03/19/2025 from the Palo Alto Fire Department for 14 infants, ages 0-24 months and 18 preschoolers, ages 2 to 5 years old.

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NAME OF LICENSING PROGRAM MANAGER: Belinda Devall
NAME OF LICENSING PROGRAM ANALYST: Brindha Govindasamy
LICENSING PROGRAM ANALYST SIGNATURE: DATE: 11/04/2025
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE: DATE: 11/04/2025
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
OAKLAND SOUTH CC RO, 1515 CLAY STREET STE 1102
OAKLAND, CA 94612
FACILITY NAME: DOWNTOWN CHILDREN'S CTR
FACILITY NUMBER: 435700790
VISIT DATE: 11/04/2025
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INFANT INDOOR ACTIVITY SPACE:
The infant program is located at room 1 (designated crib room) and room 2. LPA observed sufficient amount of equipment, furniture, and toys. Facility plans to care for 06 crib aged infants. LPA observed 06 cribs on site. Per Director mats will be used for non-crib age infants. LPA observed 08 mats in the crib room. LPA noticed noise absorption wall and a chair in the crib area. Medications will be stored in a locked cabinet in the infant room. LPA observed a first aid kit in the infant room.
LPA measured infant classroom. The total classroom space for the infant classroom contains a total of 718.78 square feet, which will accommodate Applicant's request for 14 infant . There is 02 sinks available in the infant classrooms, and a separate private restroom for the staff is located by the hallway. Children who become ill during the day will be isolated in the cushion area by the crib for infants.

INFANT OUTDOOR ACTIVITY SPACE:


LPA measured the outdoor infant program area. There is 1 infant play yard. The outdoor play area for infants is separated by gate and have different schedules from the preschool children. There is turf to cushion a child's fall. LPA observed there was sufficient amount of age-appropriate equipment and toys in the infant play yard. There is no play structure present in the infant outdoor play yard area. There is sufficient shade provided by trees.

The total outdoor space for the infant play yard contains a total of 741.22, which will not accommodate Applicant's request for 14 infants. Director provided alternate outdoor playtime schedule and will request an outdoor waiver.

PRESCHOOL INDOOR ACTIVITY SPACE :
There are 2 indoor areas for the preschool children, Room 3 and 4. LPA observed a sufficient amount of equipment, furniture, mats and toys. There are 2 toilets and 3 sinks for the preschool program.
LPA measured preschool classrooms located in Room 3 and 4. The total classroom space for the preschool classrooms contains a total of 669.08 square feet, which will accommodate Applicant's request for 18 preschool children. Children who become ill during the day will be isolated in Room 3 by the couch for preschoolers.

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NAME OF LICENSING PROGRAM MANAGER: Belinda Devall
NAME OF LICENSING PROGRAM ANALYST: Brindha Govindasamy
LICENSING PROGRAM ANALYST SIGNATURE:

DATE: 11/04/2025
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 11/04/2025
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
OAKLAND SOUTH CC RO, 1515 CLAY STREET STE 1102
OAKLAND, CA 94612
FACILITY NAME: DOWNTOWN CHILDREN'S CTR
FACILITY NUMBER: 435700790
VISIT DATE: 11/04/2025
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PRESCHOOL OUTDOOR ACTIVITY SPACE:

Outdoor total measurements contain a total of 1426.30 square feet, which will accommodate Applicant’s request for 18 preschoolers. Outdoor areas for preschool children were free of hazards including, holes, broken glass, dry grasses, and other debris that pose a fire hazard. Preschool outdoor activity space is physically separate from infants outdoor activity space. Shade was provided by trees and canopy structure. The areas around and under high climbing equipment, slides equipment had cushioned with tan bark that absorbs falls. The playground is enclosed by a fence to protect children and to keep them in the outdoor activity area. The fence is at least four feet high. Any construction or equipment that could pose a hazard in the outdoor activity area shall be made inaccessible to children in care.

The Applicant shall take measures to keep the center free of flies, other insects, and rodents. Lunch and snacks are provided by the facility. Lunch is delivered by food vendor " Taste Nutrition" with an option to also be provided by parents. LPA advised Applicant as per Title 22, if food is prepared off the center premises, the following shall apply: (A)The preparation source shall meet all applicable requirements for commercial food services.(B) The center shall have the equipment and staff necessary to receive and serve the food and to clean up.(C) The center shall maintain the equipment necessary for in-house food preparation, or shall have an alternate source for food preparation and service in the event of an emergency. Commercial foods shall be approved by appropriate federal, state and local authorities. All foods shall be selected, transported, stored, prepared and served so as to be free from contamination and spoilage and shall be fit for human consumption. Drinking water is readily available for the children via water bottles from filtered water source. Children can bring their own water bottles outdoors.


LPA observed cleaning disinfectants are appropriately stored and inaccessible to children. Applicant stated there are no poisons, firearms or bodies of water on the premises. LPA ,observed fully functional carbon monoxide detector in all classrooms.

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NAME OF LICENSING PROGRAM MANAGER: Belinda Devall
NAME OF LICENSING PROGRAM ANALYST: Brindha Govindasamy
LICENSING PROGRAM ANALYST SIGNATURE:

DATE: 11/04/2025
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 11/04/2025
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
OAKLAND SOUTH CC RO, 1515 CLAY STREET STE 1102
OAKLAND, CA 94612
FACILITY NAME: DOWNTOWN CHILDREN'S CTR
FACILITY NUMBER: 435700790
VISIT DATE: 11/04/2025
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LPA discussed the following: 100% supervision is required at all times, including in the bathroom; personal rights; inspection authority; reporting requirements; staff to children’s ratios and capacity; staff qualifications; and maintaining buildings and grounds. LPA discussed with director any changes that may occur regarding the director or an employee acting in the director's absence must be reported to department within 10 working days.

Director was reminded that all adults 18 and over responsible for administration or direct supervision of staff, persons who provides care and supervision to children, and staff who have contact with children, 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.

Director was informed of the MyChildCarePlan.org site, 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.

LPAs discussed the safe sleep regulations with Director 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. LPAs also informed Applicant 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.


This facility plans to provide Incidental Medical Services – IMS. For IMS information, see PIN 22-02-CCP. A 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, available at: http://www.ada.gov/childqanda.htm 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 platform. To receive important licensed related information to licensed facilities, visit the CCLD Important Information website athttps://www.cdss.ca.gov/inforesources/community-care-licensing/subscribe and select the Child Care option to receive email communication.

Exit interview conducted and report was reviewed with Program Directors Melissa Roth.

The following items are required before a license is issued:

1. Licensing Program Manager (LPM) final file review.

2. Applicant must submit photos of changing table in the infant crib room.

3. Outdoor waiver request for infants.

NAME OF LICENSING PROGRAM MANAGER: Belinda Devall
NAME OF LICENSING PROGRAM ANALYST: Brindha Govindasamy
LICENSING PROGRAM ANALYST SIGNATURE:

DATE: 11/04/2025
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 11/04/2025
LIC809 (FAS) - (06/04)
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