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Department of
SOCIAL SERVICES

Community Care Licensing


FACILITY EVALUATION REPORT

Facility Number: 015700553
Report Date: 04/17/2026
Date Signed: 04/17/2026 04:58:53 PM

Document Has Been Signed on 04/17/2026 04:58 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:LITTLE STEPS STEAM PRESCHOOLFACILITY NUMBER:
015700553
ADMINISTRATOR/
DIRECTOR:		PRABHAKARAN, NITHYAFACILITY TYPE:
850
ADDRESS:37957 FREMONT BOULEVARDTELEPHONE:
(510) 513-1940
CITY:FREMONTSTATE: CAZIP CODE:
94536
CAPACITY: 54TOTAL ENROLLED CHILDREN: 54CENSUS: 28DATE:
04/17/2026
TYPE OF VISIT:Annual/RandomUNANNOUNCEDTIME VISIT/
INSPECTION BEGAN:
01:20 PM
MET WITH:Nithya PrabhakaranTIME VISIT/
INSPECTION COMPLETED:
05:00 PM
NARRATIVE
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On April 17, 2026, at 1:20PM, Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Randy Miranda arrived unannounced to conduct an annual inspection for compliance with health and safety regulations for children in care and met with Site Director Nithya Prabhakaran. Present for the inspection was the site director, 5 teachers, and 28 children in care (18 preschoolers and 10 toddlers). The center currently operates Monday-Friday 8:30AM – 6:00PM. Licensure - Ages served: 2 years to first grade entry with the option to have up to 17 toddlers (18M-36M) for a max capacity of 54.

The school is operated on the property of an historical home (now the administrative building) and in a newly constructed stand-alone purpose-built child care center building in the back. In the childcare center there are 3 classrooms: Young Explorers and Performers; Young Achievers and Steamers; and Young Champs. Fresh drinking water is readily accessible, and teachers provide continuous supervision. The facility is clean, well-organized, and equipped with ample age-appropriate furnishings and equipment. All surfaces, including floors and countertops, are clean and free of toxins. Hazardous items and chemicals are securely stored in a locked cabinet. There are no bodies of water accessible to children in care. Classrooms are equipped with trash cans that have tight-fitting lids for the disposal of solid waste. Children and staff restrooms are separate from one another.

First aid supplies are available in the center. Facility has a functioning carbon monoxide detector, smoke detector and 3A40BC fire extinguishers. The preschool with a toddler-option program has 5 sinks and 4 toilets available.

NAME OF LICENSING PROGRAM MANAGER: Wynn Norona
NAME OF LICENSING PROGRAM ANALYST: Randy Miranda
LICENSING PROGRAM ANALYST SIGNATURE: DATE: 04/17/2026
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE: DATE: 04/17/2026
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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Document Has Been Signed on 04/17/2026 04:58 PM - It Cannot Be Edited


Created By: Randy Miranda On 04/17/2026 at 04:07 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
, 1515 CLAY STREET STE 1102
OAKLAND, CA 94612

FACILITY NAME: LITTLE STEPS STEAM PRESCHOOL
FACILITY NUMBER: 015700553

DEFICIENCY INFORMATION FOR THIS PAGE:
VISIT DATE: 04/17/2026

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 record review, the licensee did not comply with the section cited above: Staff member completed Mandated Reporter "School Personnel" module instead of "Child Care Provider." Staff member also has Mandated Reporter certificate that expired on 8/13/2025. which poses a potential health, safety or personal rights risk to persons in care.
POC Due Date: 04/27/2026
Plan of Correction
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Renew Mandated Reporter training with the proper "Child Care Provider" module.
Type B
Section Cited
CCR
101216(f)
Personnel Requirements
(f) At least one staff member who is trained in pediatric cardiopulmonary resuscitation and pediatric first aid pursuant to Health and Safety Code Section 1596.866 shall be present when children are at the child care center or offsite for center activities.

This requirement is not met as evidenced by:
Deficient Practice Statement
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Based on record review, the licensee did not comply with the section cited above: All staff except one, has a Non-EMSA accredited CPR/1st Aid certification, which poses a potential health, safety or personal rights risk to persons in care.
POC Due Date: 04/27/2026
Plan of Correction
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All staff to register with American Red Cross, American Heart Association, or an agency that provides EMSA accredited pediatric 1st Aid/CPR certification.
Failure to correct the cited deficiency(ies), on or before the Plan of Correction (POC) due date, may result in a civil penalty assessment.
Wynn Norona
NAME OF LICENSING PROGRAM MANAGER:
Randy Miranda
NAME OF LICENSING PROGRAM ANALYST:
LICENSING PROGRAM ANALYST SIGNATURE:
DATE: 04/17/2026
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:
DATE: 04/17/2026


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: LITTLE STEPS STEAM PRESCHOOL
FACILITY NUMBER: 015700553
VISIT DATE: 04/17/2026
NARRATIVE
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The center provides snacks, and children bring their own lunches from home. Dry goods and canned foods were checked, and all items were within their expiration dates. Children and staff files were reviewed and found to be in good order, however, all but one staff member had non-EMSA accredited CPR/1st Aid certification. In addition, one staff member had an expired Mandated Reporter certificate.

All documents required to be posted were appropriately posted on the walls: License; Emergency Disaster Plan; Earthquake Preparedness checklist; Notification of Parents Rights; Personal rights; Child Seatbelt laws; menus; daily activity schedules. There is a waiver for this facility and is posted for public viewing.

Site Director 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.

Assembly Bill (AB) 2370, Chapter 676, Statutes of 2018, requires all licensed Child Care 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 childcare 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). Children bring their own water bottles, and the school also provides filtered water to children. Lead testing is complete and documented.

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/.

Site Director 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.

NAME OF LICENSING PROGRAM MANAGER: Wynn Norona
NAME OF LICENSING PROGRAM ANALYST: Randy Miranda
LICENSING PROGRAM ANALYST SIGNATURE:

DATE: 04/17/2026
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 04/17/2026
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
OAKLAND SOUTH CC RO, 1515 CLAY STREET STE 1102
OAKLAND, CA 94612
FACILITY NAME: LITTLE STEPS STEAM PRESCHOOL
FACILITY NUMBER: 015700553
VISIT DATE: 04/17/2026
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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.

There were two citations issued during today’s inspection. Please see LIC809-D. This report will remain on file for three years. A notice of site visit was given and must remain posted for 30 days. Appeal Rights provided.



Exit interview conducted and report was reviewed with site director, Nithya Prabhakaran.
NAME OF LICENSING PROGRAM MANAGER: Wynn Norona
NAME OF LICENSING PROGRAM ANALYST: Randy Miranda
LICENSING PROGRAM ANALYST SIGNATURE:

DATE: 04/17/2026
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 04/17/2026
LIC809 (FAS) - (06/04)
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