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Department of
SOCIAL SERVICES

Community Care Licensing


FACILITY EVALUATION REPORT

Facility Number: 406217524
Report Date: 07/13/2026
Date Signed: 07/13/2026 02:06:19 PM

Document Has Been Signed on 07/13/2026 02:06 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
SANTA BARBARA CC RO, 6500 HOLLISTER AVE., SUITE 200
GOLETA, CA 93117
FACILITY NAME:STEPPING STONE UNIVERSITY PRESCHOOLFACILITY NUMBER:
406217524
ADMINISTRATOR/
DIRECTOR:		BIXLER, ASHTANEFACILITY TYPE:
860
ADDRESS:10333 EL CAMINO REAL #510, 501TELEPHONE:
(805) 452-1086
CITY:ATASCADEROSTATE: CAZIP CODE:
93422
CAPACITY: 37TOTAL ENROLLED CHILDREN: 37CENSUS: 10DATE:
07/13/2026
TYPE OF VISIT:Annual/RandomUNANNOUNCEDTIME VISIT/
INSPECTION BEGAN:
11:45 AM
MET WITH:Diane CopelandTIME VISIT/
INSPECTION COMPLETED:
02:30 PM
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On 7/13/26, at 11:45 AM, Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Matthew Sapien conducted an unannounced random inspection of the abovementioned Child Care Center (CCC). LPA met with Diane Copeland, Assistant Director of the CCC, and explained the nature and purpose of the inspection. The LPA, in the company of the Facility Representative, toured the interior and exterior of the CCC. The CCC utilizes 3 classrooms (infant classroom, toddler classroom, and preschool and kindergarten classroom, 3 bathrooms (one in each classroom), and three outdoor play areas (one yard for each classroom). The remainder of the building (staff offices, break rooms, staff bathrooms, and kitchen areas) are excluded from childcare services. Importantly to note, the CCC is on the grounds of Atascadero State Hospital (ASH).

The CCC’s hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM until 3:30 PM with an extended hours option until 4:30 PM for some children. At the time of the inspection, LPA observed a 10 total of children in care (4 toddler children, 3 preschool and kindergarten children, and 3 infants) and 3 additional staff members (cleared and associated).

Each of the three classrooms at the CCC were found to be clean and orderly. The classrooms have age-appropriate equipment and furnishings for children in care. The classrooms contain various closets, compartments, and storage spaces all of which contain items, equipment, and other related objects for children in care. The bathrooms utilized at the CCC contained an appropriate numbers of toilets and sinks for children in care. The bathrooms were found to be clean, orderly, and rid of any toxic items or products for children in care.

As aforementioned, the CCC possesses staff only bathrooms, kitchen areas, offices, and break rooms all of which are off limits for children in care. There are a number of full sized and mini operational refrigerators that contain various food, milk, and other drink items for children in care (CONT. LIC 809-C, Page 2)

NAME OF LICENSING PROGRAM MANAGER: Maria Mueller
NAME OF LICENSING PROGRAM ANALYST: Matthew Sapien
LICENSING PROGRAM ANALYST SIGNATURE: DATE: 07/13/2026
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE: DATE: 07/13/2026
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
SANTA BARBARA CC RO, 6500 HOLLISTER AVE., SUITE 200
GOLETA, CA 93117
FACILITY NAME: STEPPING STONE UNIVERSITY PRESCHOOL
FACILITY NUMBER: 406217524
VISIT DATE: 07/13/2026
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Milk formula is labeled and dated. Children enjoy morning and afternoon snacks provided by the CCC. Lunches are brought from home. Filtered water is provided by the CCC via a number of five gallon water dispenser. Children bring reusable water bottles from home to drink with and cups are also available for children.

CCCs constructed before 1/1/20, are supposed to test their water (used for drinking and food preparation) for lead contamination before 1/1/23, and then every 5-years except after the date of the first test. For child care center licenses issued after 7/1/22, 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 outlined in the aforementioned PIN. Current testing runs valid through July of 2030.

LPA observed daily routine schedules, required notices, and other relevant licensing documents posted prominently at the entrance of the CCC. At the CCC, children's sign in and sign out sheets are completed on paper by parents at the entrance of each buildings. LPA found that the CCC completed their most recent disaster drill on 5/26/26. LPA reminded the Facility Representative of the responsibility of conducting at least one disaster drill every six months.

In the infant classroom, a carbon monoxide detector was tested at 12:13 PM and was found to be operational. In the preschool and kindergarten classroom, a carbon monoxide detector was also tested at 12:16 PM and was also found to be operational. In the toddler classroom, a carbon monoxide detector was also tested at 1:05 PM and was also found to be operational. The CCC's smoke detectors were not tested by the LPA as the CCC's smoke detectors are integrated into the building and their fire detection systems. Facility Representative informed LPA that the on-site fire department conduct tests of the detectors every month. Cleaning supplies, chemicals, and sharps, like kitchen knives, are stored in locked and/or elevated areas throughout the CCC. Some children currently require or use medication and appropriate written plans of correction are in order for children. LPA viewed a First Aid Kit in each classroom of the CCC. Each of the kits contained appropriate supplies and devices.

As mentioned prior, the CCC has access to three outdoor play yards for each group of children. The outside playground areas was observed to be enclosed by chain linked fencing throughout. The fence’s entry and exit gates in the yard are secure and furnishings in the area are age appropriate. The play equipment was found to be free of sharp, loose, or pointed objects. The play structures in the outdoor playground areas have adequate cushioning to absorb falls (artificial turf, sand, and wood chips). The surface of the outdoor (CONT. 809-C, Page 3)

NAME OF LICENSING PROGRAM MANAGER: Maria Mueller
NAME OF LICENSING PROGRAM ANALYST: Matthew Sapien
LICENSING PROGRAM ANALYST SIGNATURE:

DATE: 07/13/2026
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 07/13/2026
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
SANTA BARBARA CC RO, 6500 HOLLISTER AVE., SUITE 200
GOLETA, CA 93117
FACILITY NAME: STEPPING STONE UNIVERSITY PRESCHOOL
FACILITY NUMBER: 406217524
VISIT DATE: 07/13/2026
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playground area is varied. The area is made up of both wood chips, concrete pavement, dirt, artificial turf, and natural grass. Shade is provided by building overhangs, sun sails, and by large trees throughout the yard. LPA observed a number of storage compartments and containers throughout the yards, all of which were locked and contained equipment related to the CCC. Facility Representative attested to LPA that children are always supervised while outside and that the outdoor area is inspected prior to letting children outside.

A sampling of staff and children's records were reviewed. The children’s records were found to be complete and contained emergency contact information as well admission agreements, among other relevant licensing documents and forms. Staff records were also reviewed and had current pediatric CPR and First Aid certifications (EMSA approved) and Mandated Reporter Training certificates. LPA observed no bodies of water, firearms, or ammunition on site. LPA confirmed that this was the case with the Facility Representative.

LPA discussed the safe sleep regulations with licensee and discussed the Child Care Licensing Safe Sleep at https://www.cdss.ca.gov/inforesources/child-care-licensing/public-information-and-resources/safe-sleep as an additional resource. Through interview and record review, LPA confirmed that staff checks and documents napping infants every 15 minutes.

Currently, this facility does provide Incidental Medical Services (IMS) and/or administers medication to children in care. For IMS information see PIN 22-02-CCP. 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 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/.

Facility representative was reminded that all adults 18 and over, including employees and volunteers, as specified in HSC 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.

Facility representative 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 [email protected]. For additional information regarding the inspection and its tools and methods, please visit the Program website atwww.cdss.ca.gov/inforesources/community-care-licensing/inspection-process.

During the exit interview, the Facility Representative confirmed that there are no Registered Sex Offenders in the facility when the LPA completed an RSO profile in FAS on 7/13/26.

During today's inspection, no citations were issued. Facility Representative was provided with Appeal Rights (LIC 9058) and a Notice of Site Visit (LIC 9213). The Notice of Site Visit form must be posted for 30 days or a civil penalty of $100 may apply.

An exit interview was conducted, and the report was reviewed with Facility Representative, Diane Copeland.

NAME OF LICENSING PROGRAM MANAGER: Maria Mueller
NAME OF LICENSING PROGRAM ANALYST: Matthew Sapien
LICENSING PROGRAM ANALYST SIGNATURE:

DATE: 07/13/2026
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 07/13/2026
LIC809 (FAS) - (06/04)
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