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Department of
SOCIAL SERVICES

Community Care Licensing


FACILITY EVALUATION REPORT

Facility Number: 334842035
Report Date: 04/02/2026
Date Signed: 04/02/2026 11:54:13 AM

Document Has Been Signed on 04/02/2026 11:54 AM - It Cannot Be Edited

STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

FACILITY EVALUATION REPORT		CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
RIVERSIDE SE CC RO, 3737 MAIN STREET, STE 700
RIVERSIDE, CA 92501
FACILITY NAME:FIRST STEP PRESCHOOLFACILITY NUMBER:
334842035
ADMINISTRATOR/
DIRECTOR:		BARAJAS, SANDRAFACILITY TYPE:
850
ADDRESS:84711 AVENUE 51TELEPHONE:
(760) 398-4828
CITY:COACHELLASTATE: CAZIP CODE:
92236
CAPACITY: 30TOTAL ENROLLED CHILDREN: 30CENSUS: DATE:
04/02/2026
TYPE OF VISIT:Annual/RandomUNANNOUNCEDTIME VISIT/
INSPECTION BEGAN:
07:35 AM
MET WITH:Sandra BarajasTIME VISIT/
INSPECTION COMPLETED:
12:10 PM
NARRATIVE
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On 04/02/2026, at 7:35 am, Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Gabriela Hernandez conducted an unannounced annual inspection. LPA met with Director Sandra Barajas, who provided a tour of the preschool center. Upon LPAs arrival, there were 6 children present. During the visit, Director confirmed they have 27 children enrolled. At the time of LPAs departure, there were 18 children with 3 teachers.

During the inspection, several key facility items were observed and updated where necessary. These included the facility's license, the Emergency Disaster Plan (LIC610) and Earthquake Preparedness Checklist (LIC9148), the Parent’s Rights Poster (PUB393), Personal Rights (LIC613A), the Child Car Seat Law notice, and the menu. The facility was found to be operating within the limits stated on its license.

Classrooms were adequately equipped with age- and size-appropriate furniture and materials. Per observation, there was furniture that was not in good repair, such as children's table and storage cubby. Type B deficiency was issued. Drinking water is available both indoors and outdoors, sippy cups, water dispenser/water fountain and disposable cups. The facility representative confirmed that no weapons were present on the premises. There were no accessible bodies of water on-site. Director Sandra Barajas is aware that any wading pools or similar products must be emptied immediately after use and stored in an upright position.

Medications, disinfectants, cleaning solutions, and other hazardous materials were stored in locations accessible to children; LPA observed cleaning supplies stored under kitchen sink with no lock and desitin cream in the children's bathroom cubbies. Type B deficiency issued. The facility’s floors were observed to be safe and clean, and bathroom facilities were sanitary and in proper working condition. The playgrounds were enclosed by a secure, wrought iron fence surrounding the perimeter of the center. Outdoor activity areas contained age- and size-appropriate equipment in good condition.

The food preparation area was clean, free of litter and pests, and all food was properly stored to prevent contamination. Storage containers for solid waste had tight-fitting covers, which were kept on and in good repair. The sign-in/sign-out records were reviewed and found to be in compliance with regulations. Disaster drills are conducted at least every six months, with the most recent drill occurring on October 16, 2025.

NAME OF LICENSING PROGRAM MANAGER: Pauline Beschorner
NAME OF LICENSING PROGRAM ANALYST: Gabriela Hernandez
LICENSING PROGRAM ANALYST SIGNATURE: DATE: 04/02/2026
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE: DATE: 04/02/2026
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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STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

FACILITY EVALUATION REPORT (Cont)		CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
RIVERSIDE SE CC RO, 3737 MAIN STREET, STE 700
RIVERSIDE, CA 92501
FACILITY NAME: FIRST STEP PRESCHOOL
FACILITY NUMBER: 334842035
VISIT DATE: 04/02/2026
NARRATIVE
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 A review of staff and children’s records was conducted as part of this evaluation. Children's records were complete, however staff records were not complete. S2 and S3 are missing health screening reports. Type B deficiency issued. The staff records confirmed that all present staff met the minimum qualifications for their respective positions. 4 of 4 staff members on-site held current Pediatric CPR/First Aid certifications, with expiration dates recorded. Both the opening and closing staff members also had valid CPR/First Aid certifications. Director had completed Health and Safety Training. Additionally, a review of staff records confirmed that all facility staff and other individuals requiring caregiver background checks had received criminal record and child abuse index clearances or exemptions.

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 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 on December 30, 2022 in accordance to the Written Directives (Interim Licensing Standards) outlined in PIN 21-21.1-CCP.

LPA referred Director Sandra Barajas 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).

· CCC COMPLETED TESTING AND NO LEAD EXCEEDANCES

Incidental Medical Services (IMS) policy was discussed. For IMS information see PIN 22-02-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) or (800) 514-0383 (TTY), and the link to publication: Commonly Asked Questions about Child Care Centers and the ADA" available at https://www.ada.gov/resources/child-care-centers/.

NAME OF LICENSING PROGRAM MANAGER: Pauline Beschorner
NAME OF LICENSING PROGRAM ANALYST: Gabriela Hernandez
LICENSING PROGRAM ANALYST SIGNATURE:

DATE: 04/02/2026
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 04/02/2026
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
RIVERSIDE SE CC RO, 3737 MAIN STREET, STE 700
RIVERSIDE, CA 92501
FACILITY NAME: FIRST STEP PRESCHOOL
FACILITY NUMBER: 334842035
VISIT DATE: 04/02/2026
NARRATIVE
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The director was informed about the MyChildCarePlan.org website, a consumer education resource that HELPS families obtain child care by connecting them to child care providers and Resource and Referral Agencies (R&Rs) throughout California.

LPA reviewed reporting requirements with the Director, emphasizing that any unusual incidents or injuries must be reported within 24 hours via phone and within seven days in writing. Reports may be submitted by calling the Duty Officer at (951) 782-4200 or emailing UnusualIncidentReportsDO10@dss.ca.gov.

To improve the quality of inspections, 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.

The Director was asked to update and submit the following documents to licensing within 30 days, if applicable:

· LIC 500 Personnel Report


· LIC 610 Emergency & Disaster Plan
· Parent Handbook, Program Curriculum, Admission Policies & Procedures, and Fee Schedule (if changed or more than two years old)
· LIC 309 Administrative Organization (if changed or more than two years old)
· LIC 308 Designation of Administrative Responsibility (if changed or outdated)

See LIC809-D for cited deficiencies.

A Notice of Site Visit was provided and must remain posted for 30 days.

An exit interview was conducted, and this report was reviewed with Sandra Barajas. Appeal rights were discussed and provided during the exit interview.

NAME OF LICENSING PROGRAM MANAGER: Pauline Beschorner
NAME OF LICENSING PROGRAM ANALYST: Gabriela Hernandez
LICENSING PROGRAM ANALYST SIGNATURE:

DATE: 04/02/2026
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 04/02/2026
LIC809 (FAS) - (06/04)
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Document Has Been Signed on 04/02/2026 11:54 AM - It Cannot Be Edited


Created By: Gabriela Hernandez On 04/02/2026 at 11:01 AM
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
, 3737 MAIN STREET, STE 700
RIVERSIDE, CA 92501

FACILITY NAME: FIRST STEP PRESCHOOL
FACILITY NUMBER: 334842035

DEFICIENCY INFORMATION FOR THIS PAGE:
VISIT DATE: 04/02/2026

DEFICIENCIES & PLANS OF CORRECTION (POCs)
Type B
Section Cited
CCR
101239(n)
Fixtures, Furniture, Equipment and Supplies
(n) Furniture and equipment shall be maintained in good condition, free of sharp, loose or pointed parts.

This requirement is not met as evidenced by:
Deficient Practice Statement
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Based on observation, the licensee did not comply with the section cited above in that LPA observed furniture (storage cubby/ childrens table) in the classroom that was not in good repair which poses a potential health, safety or personal rights risk to persons in care.
POC Due Date: 04/09/2026
Plan of Correction
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Licensee will repair or replace furniture items and send proof to Community Care Licensing (CCL) by the end of the business day on the Plan of Correction (POC) due date of 04/09/2026.
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 observation, the licensee did not comply with the section cited above in that certain parts of the classroom where drywall is deteriorating which poses a potential health, safety or personal rights risk to persons in care.
POC Due Date: 04/09/2026
Plan of Correction
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Licensee will repair the walls where drywall is deteriorating and send photos of repair to Community Care Licensing (CCL) by the end of the business day on the Plan of Correction (POC) due date of 04/09/2026.
Failure to correct the cited deficiency(ies), on or before the Plan of Correction (POC) due date, may result in a civil penalty assessment.
Pauline Beschorner
NAME OF LICENSING PROGRAM MANAGER:
Gabriela Hernandez
NAME OF LICENSING PROGRAM ANALYST:
LICENSING PROGRAM ANALYST SIGNATURE:
DATE: 04/02/2026
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:
DATE: 04/02/2026


LIC809 (FAS) - (06/04)
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Document Has Been Signed on 04/02/2026 11:54 AM - It Cannot Be Edited


Created By: Gabriela Hernandez On 04/02/2026 at 11:01 AM
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
, 3737 MAIN STREET, STE 700
RIVERSIDE, CA 92501

FACILITY NAME: FIRST STEP PRESCHOOL
FACILITY NUMBER: 334842035

DEFICIENCY INFORMATION FOR THIS PAGE:
VISIT DATE: 04/02/2026

DEFICIENCIES & PLANS OF CORRECTION (POCs)
Type B
Section Cited
CCR
101238(g)
Buildings and Grounds
(g) Disinfectants, cleaning solutions, poisons and other items that could pose a danger if readily available to children shall be stored where inaccessible to children.

This requirement is not met as evidenced by:
Deficient Practice Statement
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Based on observation, the licensee did not comply with the section cited above in that LPA observed cleaning items under the kitchen sink and desitin cream in the childrens bathroom which poses a potential health, safety or personal rights risk to persons in care.
POC Due Date: 04/09/2026
Plan of Correction
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Licensee will submit a plan of operation stating how they will ensure all hazardous items/cleaning items will be stored inaccessible to children in care. The plan will be submitted to Community Care Licensing (CCL) by the end of the business day on the Plan of Correction (POC) due date of 04/09/2026. Licensee will submit photos confirming all poisonous items are locked.
Type B
Section Cited
CCR
101216(g)(1)
Personnel Requirements
(1) Except as specified in (3) below, good physical health shall be verified by a health screening, including a test for tuberculosis, performed by or under the supervision of a physician not more than one year prior to or seven days after employment or licensure.

This requirement is not met as evidenced by:
Deficient Practice Statement
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Based on record review and interview, the licensee did not comply with the section cited above in that S2 and S3 did not have a current health screening report and Tuberculosis test which poses a potential health, safety or personal rights risk to persons in care.
POC Due Date: 04/16/2026
Plan of Correction
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Licensee states they will have staff obtain a current health screening report and TB test. Licensee will submit a copy of both items Community Care Licensing (CCL) by the end of the business day on the Plan of Correction (POC) due date of 04/16/2026.
Failure to correct the cited deficiency(ies), on or before the Plan of Correction (POC) due date, may result in a civil penalty assessment.
Pauline Beschorner
NAME OF LICENSING PROGRAM MANAGER:
Gabriela Hernandez
NAME OF LICENSING PROGRAM ANALYST:
LICENSING PROGRAM ANALYST SIGNATURE:
DATE: 04/02/2026
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:
DATE: 04/02/2026


LIC809 (FAS) - (06/04)
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Document Has Been Signed on 04/02/2026 11:54 AM - It Cannot Be Edited


Created By: Gabriela Hernandez On 04/02/2026 at 11:01 AM
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
, 3737 MAIN STREET, STE 700
RIVERSIDE, CA 92501

FACILITY NAME: FIRST STEP PRESCHOOL
FACILITY NUMBER: 334842035

DEFICIENCY INFORMATION FOR THIS PAGE:
VISIT DATE: 04/02/2026

DEFICIENCIES & PLANS OF CORRECTION (POCs)
Type B
Section Cited
CCR
101227(a)(1)
Food Service
(1) All food shall be safe and of the quality and in the quantity necessary to meet the needs of the children. Each meal shall include, at a minimum, the amount of food components as specified by Title 7, Code of Federal Regulations, Part 226.20, (Revised January 1, 1990) Requirements for Meals, for the age group served. All food shall be selected, stored, prepared and served in a safe and healthful manner.

This requirement is not met as evidenced by:
Deficient Practice Statement
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4
Based on observation, the licensee did not comply with the section cited above in that Licensee had served bagels and cheese that were expired which poses a potential health, safety or personal rights risk to persons in care.
POC Due Date: 04/09/2026
Plan of Correction
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2
3
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Licensee will submit plan of operation explaining how they will ensure that all food served will be stored and prepared in a safe and heathfull manner. The plan will be submitted to Community Care Licensing (CCL) by the end of the business day on the Plan of Correction (POC) due date of 04/09//2026.
Section Cited
Deficient Practice Statement
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2
3
4
POC Due Date:
Plan of Correction
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2
3
4
Failure to correct the cited deficiency(ies), on or before the Plan of Correction (POC) due date, may result in a civil penalty assessment.
Pauline Beschorner
NAME OF LICENSING PROGRAM MANAGER:
Gabriela Hernandez
NAME OF LICENSING PROGRAM ANALYST:
LICENSING PROGRAM ANALYST SIGNATURE:
DATE: 04/02/2026
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:
DATE: 04/02/2026


LIC809 (FAS) - (06/04)
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