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Department of
SOCIAL SERVICES

Community Care Licensing


COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT

Facility Number: 313623396
Report Date: 07/30/2026
Date Signed: 07/30/2026 01:11:39 PM

Substantiated


STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT		CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
SACRAMENTO CC RO, 9835 GOETHE ROAD, SUITE 100
SACRAMENTO, CA 95827
This is an official report of an unannounced visit/investigation of a complaint received in our office on
07/27/2026 and conducted by Evaluator Lea Habtom
PUBLIC
COMPLAINT CONTROL NUMBER: 03-CC-20260727170020
FACILITY NAME:GUIDING STARS ACADEMYFACILITY NUMBER:
313623396
ADMINISTRATOR:WILLIAMS, AMBERFACILITY TYPE:
850
ADDRESS:595 A STREETTELEPHONE:
(916) 645-1099
CITY:LINCOLNSTATE: CAZIP CODE:
95648
CAPACITY:30CENSUS: 27DATE:
07/30/2026
UNANNOUNCEDTIME BEGAN:
09:15 AM
MET WITH:Mallory ShepardTIME COMPLETED:
01:25 PM
ALLEGATION(S):
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Staff do not keep outdoor area free from chicken coop odor
Cleanliness of the chicken coop is a health hazard to the children in care
INVESTIGATION FINDINGS:
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On July 30, 2026, Licensing Program Analysts (LPA) Lea Habtom met with owner, Mallory Shepard, to open and close a complaint. Upon arrival, LPA observed 27 preschool children being supervised by 4 staff. All staff present during today’s inspection have fingerprint clearances and associations.

The outdoor area is not kept free from chicken coop odor and Cleanliness of the chicken coop is a health hazard to the children in care

During the investigation, LPA Lea Habtom toured the facility, conducted observations, and interviewed individuals pertinent to the investigation. The reporting party raised concerns about the odor and the cleanliness of the chicken coop that is attracting flies. The facility has a chicken coop with chickens and ducks located by the outdoor playground and the side of the school. LPA observed the area of the chicken coop and could smell a strong odor beginning from the front door leading to the chicken coop area near the playground.

Report continued on LIC 9099-C
Substantiated
Estimated Days of Completion:
SUPERVISORS NAME: Mai Lor
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Lea Habtom
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 07/30/2026
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 07/30/2026
This report must be available at Child Care and Group Home facilities for public review for 3 years.
LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 1 of 3
Control Number 03-CC-20260727170020
STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT (Cont)		CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
SACRAMENTO CC RO, 9835 GOETHE ROAD, SUITE 100
SACRAMENTO, CA 95827
FACILITY NAME: GUIDING STARS ACADEMY
FACILITY NUMBER: 313623396
VISIT DATE: 07/30/2026
NARRATIVE
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There were a significant number of flies surrounding the chicken coop by the playground. Based on the information gathered, LPA L Habtom has concluded that the allegations staff do not keep outdoor area free from chicken coop odor and the cleanliness of the chicken coop is a health hazard to the children in care to be SUBSTANTIATED: meaning that the allegation is valid because the preponderance of the evidence standard has been met.

Deficiency page included on page LIC 9099-D. This report was reviewed with the owner, Mallory Shepard. A notice of site visit was provided to be posted for 30 days. Appeal rights provided.

SUPERVISORS NAME: Mai Lor
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Lea Habtom
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 07/30/2026
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 07/30/2026
LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 2 of 3
Control Number 03-CC-20260727170020
STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT (Cont)		CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
SACRAMENTO CC RO, 9835 GOETHE ROAD, SUITE 100
SACRAMENTO, CA 95827

FACILITY NAME: GUIDING STARS ACADEMY
FACILITY NUMBER: 313623396
DEFICIENCY INFORMATION FOR THIS PAGE:
VISIT DATE: 07/30/2026
Deficiency Type
POC Due Date /
Section Number
DEFICIENCIES
PLAN OF CORRECTIONS(POCs)
Type B
08/31/2026
Section Cited
CCR
101238(a)(1)
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101238(a)(1)Buildings and Grounds: 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. (1)The licensee shall take measures to keep the center free of flies, other insects, and rodents.
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The director states she will change the bedding where the chickens are on from dirt to sand to help with clean up and potentially reduce the number of flies. The director states she will also move the chicken coop to the corner away from the playground.
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This requirement was not met as evidenced by interviews and observations of a smell coming from the chicken coop. Also, the flies surrounding the chicken coop which is a potential health and safety risk to the children in care.
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The director agreed to continue to inspect the coop daily. LPA will return for to clearn the deficiency.
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Failure to correct the cited deficiency(ies), on or before the Plan of Correction (POC) due date, may result in a civil penalty assessment.
SUPERVISOR'S NAME: Mai Lor
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Lea Habtom
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 07/30/2026
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 07/30/2026
LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 3 of 3