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Department of
SOCIAL SERVICES

Community Care Licensing


FACILITY EVALUATION REPORT

Facility Number: 073409647
Report Date: 07/22/2026
Date Signed: 07/22/2026 12:45:09 PM

Document Has Been Signed on 07/22/2026 12:45 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
OAKLAND CC RO, 1515 CLAY STREET, SUITE 1102
OAKLAND, CA 94612
FACILITY NAME:STEP BY STEP PRESCHOOL, INC.FACILITY NUMBER:
073409647
ADMINISTRATOR/
DIRECTOR:		BERNSTINE, SHONDAFACILITY TYPE:
860
ADDRESS:3500 EL PORTAL DRIVETELEPHONE:
(510) 758-7910
CITY:RICHMONDSTATE: CAZIP CODE:
94803
CAPACITY: 38TOTAL ENROLLED CHILDREN: 38CENSUS: 7DATE:
07/22/2026
TYPE OF VISIT:PrelicensingUNANNOUNCEDTIME VISIT/
INSPECTION BEGAN:
09:30 AM
MET WITH:Shonda BernstineTIME VISIT/
INSPECTION COMPLETED:
01:00 PM
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Centralized Application Bureau (CAB) Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Alecia Sifuentes and Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Nyeesha Blount met with Licensee/Director Shonda Bernstine for the purpose of a Change of Components Served Prelicensing Inspection. Licensee is currently licensed for toddlers and preschool under facility number 073408210. Licensee requests to add an infant component and school-age component therefore the facility will be converted to a single child care center license under facility number 073409647. Licensee requests an infant component for 8 infants ages 0-24 months, a toddler component for 12 toddlers ages 18-36 months, a preschool component for 13 preschool children ages 2-5 years, and a school-age component for 5 school-age children ages 6-12 years for a total capacity of 38. The program operates Monday through Saturday from 6:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. The facility will be providing breakfast and snacks. Parents will provide lunch. Parents will provide formula, breast milk, and baby food for their children.

LPA reviewed with Licensee the LIC 311A, Records to be Maintained at the Facility, for child’s records, personnel records, administrative records, and documents to be posted. Entrance Checklist was provided to the Licensee.

LPA discussed the safe sleep regulations with Licensee 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.

Report continues on LIC809-C page 2.
Belinda Devall
Alecia Sifuentes
DATE: 07/22/2026
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE: DATE: 07/22/2026
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)
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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 CC RO, 1515 CLAY STREET, SUITE 1102
OAKLAND, CA 94612
FACILITY NAME: STEP BY STEP PRESCHOOL, INC.
FACILITY NUMBER: 073409647
VISIT DATE: 07/22/2026
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LPA also informed Licensee 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.

INDOOR ACTIVITY SPACE:
There is one infant classroom located in Room #3, one toddler classroom located in Room #4, one preschool classroom located in Room #2, and one school-age classroom located in Room #1. LPA observed a sufficient amount of equipment, toys, tables, chairs, high chairs, cubbies, and napping cots. LPA observed two cribs located in the crib area which is separated from the activity space using a four-foot tall plexi-glass wall partition. There is a first aid kit located in the kitchen and preschool classroom. Medications will be stored above the refrigerator. LPA observed cleaning disinfectants are appropriately stored and inaccessible to children. Licensee stated there are no poisons or firearms on the premises. Licensee stated there will be a water pitcher and cups available in the classroom. LPA observed a functional carbon monoxide detector in near the front door. LPA observed a paper sign-in/sign-out system.

LPA measured the infant classroom. The total classroom space contains a total of 281 square feet, which will accommodate Licensee's request for 8 infants. LPA observed one sink for the infants, and within arm’s reach of a changing table. LPA measured the toddler classroom. The total classroom space contains a total of 422 square feet, which will accommodate Licensee’s request for 12 toddlers. LPA observed one sink for the toddlers. LPA measured the preschool classroom. The total classroom space contains a total of 473 square feet, which will accommodate Licensee’s request for 13 preschool children. LPA observed three sinks and three toilets for the preschool children. The preschool restroom is located down the hallway past the school-age classroom. LPA measured the school-age classroom. The total classroom space contains a total of 185 square feet, which will accommodate Licensee’s request for 5 school-age children. LPA observed one sink and one toilet for the school-age children in the school-age restroom which is located in the infant classroom. There is a separate private restroom for the staff located in Room #4. Individual measurements are recorded on the Capacity Worksheet (LIC 9024). Children who become ill during the day will be isolated in the office and will use the staff restroom, if necessary.

Report continues on LIC809-C page 3.
NAME OF LICENSING PROGRAM MANAGER: Belinda Devall
NAME OF LICENSING PROGRAM ANALYST: Alecia Sifuentes
LICENSING PROGRAM ANALYST SIGNATURE:

DATE: 07/22/2026
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 07/22/2026
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 PRESCHOOL, INC.
FACILITY NUMBER: 073409647
VISIT DATE: 07/22/2026
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OUTDOOR ACTIVITY SPACE:
There are three outdoor areas on the property, Preschool Yard #1 which includes a preschool side yard located behind the building, School-age Yard #2, and Infant/Toddler Yard #3. The outdoor play areas are fenced with a chain link fence that is at least four feet tall. LPA observed no play structures, only removable small playhouses and an airplane seesaw. LPA observed a sufficient amount of equipment and toys. There are no bodies of water on the premises. There are shaded areas supplied by building overhang and trees.

LPA measured the infant outdoor activity space. The infant outdoor area is located in Yard #3. Licensee is designating the grass area for the infants and will be utilizing a small portable gate to separate the infants from the toddlers. The outdoor play area contains a total of 601 square feet, which will accommodate Licensee's request for 8 infants. LPA measured the toddler outdoor activity space. The outdoor play area contains a total of 906 square feet, which will accommodate Licensee’s request for 12 toddlers. LPA measured the preschool outdoor activity spaces. The outdoor play areas contain a total of 980 square feet, which will accommodate Licensee’s request for 13 preschool children. LPA measured the school-age outdoor activity space which is located in the front of the building. The outdoor play area contains a total of 1,143 square feet, which will accommodate Licensee’s request for 5 school-age children. Individual measurements are recorded on the Capacity Worksheet (LIC 9024).

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, available at: http://www.ada.gov/childqanda.htm.

LPA discussed the following: 100% supervision is required at all times; personal rights; inspection authority; reporting requirements; staff to children ratios and capacity; staff qualifications; and maintaining buildings and grounds. LPA discussed with Licensee 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.

Report continues on LIC809-C page 4.

NAME OF LICENSING PROGRAM MANAGER: Belinda Devall
NAME OF LICENSING PROGRAM ANALYST: Alecia Sifuentes
LICENSING PROGRAM ANALYST SIGNATURE:

DATE: 07/22/2026
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 07/22/2026
LIC809 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 4 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 PRESCHOOL, INC.
FACILITY NUMBER: 073409647
VISIT DATE: 07/22/2026
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Licensee 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.

Licensee 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.

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 referred Licensee 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).

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 platforms. To receive important licensed related information to licensed facilities, visit the CCLD Important Information website at https://www.cdss.ca.gov/inforesources/communitycare-licensing/subscribe and select the Child Care option to receive email communication.

Report continues on LIC809-C page 5.

NAME OF LICENSING PROGRAM MANAGER: Belinda Devall
NAME OF LICENSING PROGRAM ANALYST: Alecia Sifuentes
LICENSING PROGRAM ANALYST SIGNATURE:

DATE: 07/22/2026
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 07/22/2026
LIC809 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 5 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 PRESCHOOL, INC.
FACILITY NUMBER: 073409647
VISIT DATE: 07/22/2026
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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 Licensee/Director Shonda Bernstein.

The following items are required before a license will be issued:

1. Amended granted fire clearance (STD850).

2. Preschool & School-age Restrooms Transition Plan.

3. Photo of changing table next to sink in Toddler Classroom #4.

NAME OF LICENSING PROGRAM MANAGER: Belinda Devall
NAME OF LICENSING PROGRAM ANALYST: Alecia Sifuentes
LICENSING PROGRAM ANALYST SIGNATURE:

DATE: 07/22/2026
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 07/22/2026
LIC809 (FAS) - (06/04)
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