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

Community Care Licensing


FACILITY EVALUATION REPORT

Facility Number: 073404969
Report Date: 07/24/2026
Date Signed: 07/24/2026 03:56:01 PM

Document Has Been Signed on 07/24/2026 03:56 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 CC RO, 1515 CLAY STREET, SUITE 1102
OAKLAND, CA 94612
FACILITY NAME:STEP BY STEP MONTESSORIFACILITY NUMBER:
073404969
ADMINISTRATOR/
DIRECTOR:		WOOD, RACHELFACILITY TYPE:
850
ADDRESS:1507 HEATHER DRIVETELEPHONE:
(925) 825-4364
CITY:CONCORDSTATE: CAZIP CODE:
94521
CAPACITY: 40TOTAL ENROLLED CHILDREN: 40CENSUS: 15DATE:
07/24/2026
TYPE OF VISIT:Annual/RandomUNANNOUNCEDTIME VISIT/
INSPECTION BEGAN:
01:30 PM
MET WITH:Rachel WoodTIME VISIT/
INSPECTION COMPLETED:
04:05 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
On 07/24/2026 at 1:30 pm Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Kayla Merchant conducted an unannounced Annual/Random Inspection at Step By Step Montessori. LPA met with Director, Rachel Wool and explained the purpose of today's inspection. Facility's operating days and hours are Monday to Friday from 7:00 am - 5:00 pm in 2 rooms. All staff present today have criminal record clearances.

The physical plant was inspected. LPA toured the premises.
Indoor space: 2 classrooms, restrooms, and pantry were inspected. During inspection, children were napping in both rooms.

Classroom 1: 2 teachers and 8 children


Classroom 2: 2 teachers and 7 children

Disinfectants, cleaning solutions, and other items that are dangerous to the health and safety of children were stored in places inaccessible to them. Cabinets, drawers, and rooms used for storage were locked. Furniture and equipment were age appropriate and in good condition, free of sharp, loose, or pointed parts. Restrooms for children were observed to be in safe, sanitary, and functioning condition. Floors were clean and free from tripping hazard. Foods was stored safely. Facility provides AM and PM snacks only. Food storage area were clean, free of litter, rubbish, and rodents/vermin. Trash cans for solid waste had tight-fitting covers on and were in good repair. LPA observed a working Fire extinguisher, Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors. Log shows that the last Fire Drill was conducted on June 2026. Facility does not provide transportation for children, but Director understands that children cannot be left alone, unattended in parked vehicles. Facility’s License, Parents’ Rights Poster PUB 393, Personal Rights, Activity Schedules, and Menus were observed to be posted.

Sherelle Johnson
Kayla Merchant
DATE: 07/24/2026
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE: DATE: 07/24/2026
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 6
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 6
STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

FACILITY EVALUATION REPORT (Cont)		CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
OAKLAND CC RO, 1515 CLAY STREET, SUITE 1102
OAKLAND, CA 94612
FACILITY NAME: STEP BY STEP MONTESSORI
FACILITY NUMBER: 073404969
VISIT DATE: 07/24/2026
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
**Page 2**
Outdoor Space: Outdoor playground was inspected and observed to be fenced and safe. The play equipment was maintained in good condition and free of hazards. LPAs observed a climbing structure, play structure, rocket, tunnel and sandbox. Areas around and under high climbing equipment and slides were cushioned with material that absorbs falls. Shade is provided by way of covered areas. There were no bodies of water observed. Drinking water is arranged to be readily available to children during indoor and outdoor activities.

File Review: Children sign in and out procedures and logs were reviewed. A sampling of Children and Staff files was taken for review. 1 child is missing LIC 702. There was at least one Teacher with current certification in Pediatric CPR/First Aid present at the facility during inspection. Children's Roster was reviewed, and a copy obtained.

On or before March 30, 2018 any person who works in a child care facility shall complete Mandated Reporter training and renew the training every 2 years. Website provided: https://www.mandatedreporterca.com/training/child-care-providers. Review of staff files show that 1 staff certificate recently expired.

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 as specified in Health and Safety Code section 1597.16.


For child care 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.).
LPA verified that the lead testing was completed in accordance to the Written Directives (Interim Licensing Standards) outlined in PIN 21-21.1-CCP.

CCC COMPLETED TESTING AND NO LEAD EXCEEDANCES

LPA referred licensee [or facility representative] to the Department website for lead: Lead Toxicity Prevention and Water Testing Information (https://www.cdss.ca.gov/inforesources/child-care-licensing/water-testing-information)

NAME OF LICENSING PROGRAM MANAGER: Sherelle Johnson
NAME OF LICENSING PROGRAM ANALYST: Kayla Merchant
LICENSING PROGRAM ANALYST SIGNATURE:

DATE: 07/24/2026
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 07/24/2026
LIC809 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 3 of 6
STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

FACILITY EVALUATION REPORT (Cont)		CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
OAKLAND CC RO, 1515 CLAY STREET, SUITE 1102
OAKLAND, CA 94612
FACILITY NAME: STEP BY STEP MONTESSORI
FACILITY NUMBER: 073404969
VISIT DATE: 07/24/2026
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
**Page 3**
Incidental Medical Services (IMS) policy was discussed. For IMS information see PIN 2202-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) 5140383 (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/.

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.

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.

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.

Exit interview conducted and report was reviewed with the Owner, Marzi Haghighi.

A notice of site visit was given must remain posted for 30 days.

NAME OF LICENSING PROGRAM MANAGER: Sherelle Johnson
NAME OF LICENSING PROGRAM ANALYST: Kayla Merchant
LICENSING PROGRAM ANALYST SIGNATURE:

DATE: 07/24/2026
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 07/24/2026
LIC809 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 4 of 6