Starting Blocks Children's Academy · Preschool, Fresno
3315 E Sierra Madre Ave, Fresno, CA 93726 · Fresno County
3 substantiated complaintsChild care center (preschool)
Starting Blocks Children's Academy is a licensed child care center in Fresno, CA, licensed for up to 39 children and serving preschool-age children. It has held its California license since 2014. Since February 2021, state licensing staff have inspected it 1 time and investigated 3 complaints, 3 of them substantiated. The state issued 30 citations, 3 of them Type A (the most serious), most often for training & qualifications (10 of 30). None came in the last 12 months. It has too few inspections so far for a statewide comparison.
Inspection record
Not enough historyCalifornia has inspected this center 1 time since Feb 8, 2021. Centers are compared once they have at least 2 inspections.
3Type A citations
27Type B citations
1Inspections
3 of 3Complaints substantiated
30 citations from 10 state visits since Feb 8, 2021 · 0 in the last 12 months · last inspected Sep 6, 2023
Every state visit
Citation issuedNo citationTop row: inspections · bottom row: complaint investigations and other visits
What inspectors cited most
Training & qualifications10
Building & playground safety7
Records & paperwork6
Caregiver conduct3
Background checks1
Other standards1
Health & medication1
Staff ratios1
Citations, newest first
Type BFeb 13, 2025Complaint investigationCaregiver conduct
Personal rights §101223
Licensee stated that they will watch video, Children’s Personal Rights in Child Care at https://ccld.childcarevideos.org and submit a letter stating what they have learned to the Departmetn by
Plan of correction due Feb 28, 2025
Type BFeb 13, 2025Complaint investigationRecords & paperwork
Admission agreements §101219
, the facility was not able to provide care to children as agreed, 1 Licensee stated they will create a formal letter stating the last day facility cared for children and submit it to the Department. In addition, Licensee will update the Department on their plan of action via a formal letter. All due on
Plan of correction due Feb 28, 2025
Type BJan 16, 2025Case management visit (other)Training & qualifications
Director qualifications and duties §101215.1
Staff #1 did not meet the requirements as a qualified staff after reviewing file, which poses/posed a potential health, safety or personal rights risk to persons in care.
Plan of correction due Jan 24, 2025
Type AJan 19, 2024Complaint investigationCaregiver conduct
Personal rights §101223(a)(1)
Through interviews obtained and video footage observations as stated in LIC9099 Complaint Investigation Report. This poses an immediate Health and Safety risk to children in care. 8 practices, on how staff should handle children and speak them during difficult situations. Director stated that she will submit proof of training materials and a sign-in sheet of all staff's signature to the Department once training is completed.
Plan of correction due Jan 22, 2024
Type AJan 19, 2024Complaint investigationCaregiver conduct
Personal rights §101223(a)(3)
Through interviews obtained and video footage observations as stated in LIC9099 Complaint Investigation Report. This poses an immediate Health and Safety risk to children in care
Plan of correction due Jan 22, 2024
Type BJan 19, 2024Case management visit (other)Records & paperwork
Reporting requirements §101212(d)
Incident that occurred on 01/12/2023 was not reported to the Department, which poses/posed a potential health, safety or personal rights risk to persons in care.
Plan of correction due Feb 2, 2024
Type BDec 21, 2023Case management visit (deficiencies)Records & paperwork
Personnel records §101217(a)
LPA reviewed deficiency with Director, Sandra Graham. A complete file for Staff 1, Staff 2, and Staff 4 will be submitted to the Department by
Plan of correction due Dec 29, 2023
Type BDec 21, 2023Case management visit (deficiencies)Training & qualifications
Director qualifications and duties §101215.1(b)
101215.1 Child Care Center Directors Qualifications and Duties (b)All child care centers shall have a director. This requirement was not met as evideance by: During record review LPA observed that Sandra Graham who is the hired Director had not submitted a 1 LPA reviewed all the required documentation with Sandra Graham. Sandra stated that all required documentation will be submitted to the Department by
Plan of correction due Jan 22, 2024
Type BNov 9, 2023Case management visit (deficiencies)Records & paperwork
Personnel records §101217(a)
Staff 5 stated that they will review deficiencies with Staff 1 and Staff 2. A complete file for Staff 1, Staff 2, and Staff 4 will be submitted to the Department by
Plan of correction due Nov 23, 2023
Type BNov 9, 2023Case management visit (deficiencies)Training & qualifications
Director qualifications and duties §101215.1(f)
LPA observed that there were no staff on site on today's date with a completed LIC308. Civil penalty was assessed on today's date for repeated violation.
Plan of correction due Nov 23, 2023
Show 20 older citations
Type BNov 9, 2023Case management visit (deficiencies)Training & qualifications
Director qualifications and duties §101215.1(d)
Staff 5 stated that they will review deficiency with Staff 1 and Staff 2. Staff 5 stated that the Department will be notified in writing the following: The hiring process of a Director and what is being done to get back in compliance. Document will be signed and dated. LPA was made aware that there is no Director on site or assistant director, which poses/posed a potential health, safety or personal rights risk to persons in care. Civil penalty was assessed on today's date for repeated violation.
Plan of correction due Nov 23, 2023
Type ASep 6, 2023InspectionBackground checks
Criminal record clearance §1596.871(c)(1)(A)
Based on record reveiw, the licensee did not comply with the section cited above in that LPA observed, that Staff 1 and Staff 2 did not have fingerprint clearance. LPA observed that Staff 3 was disassociated from facility., which poses an immediate health, safety or personal rights risk to persons in care.
Plan of correction due Sep 7, 2023
Type BSep 6, 2023InspectionBuilding & playground safety
Lead testing of drinking water §1597.16(a)(1)
Based on record review, the licensee did not comply with the section cited above in that faiclity had water tested in August 22, 2023. Yet, facility could not provide LPA with proof of documentation, which poses/posed a potential health, safety or personal rights risk to persons in care.
Plan of correction due Sep 20, 2023
Type BSep 6, 2023InspectionBuilding & playground safety
Disaster and emergency plan §101174(b)(1)
Based on record review, the licensee did not comply with the section cited above in that there was no staff present that held Designation of adminstarive authority on site, which poses/posed a potential health, safety or personal rights risk to persons in care.
Plan of correction due Sep 20, 2023
Type BSep 6, 2023InspectionBuilding & playground safety
Indoor activity space §101238.3(b)
Based on observed, the licensee did not comply with the section cited above in that LPA observed that classroom 2's carpet was lifted and can be a tripping hazard to children in care. LPA also observed loose staples on the ground and book shelf. LPA observed that classroom 3's circle time carpet to hold dark smudges and in need of a wash, which poses/posed a potential health, safety or personal rights risk to persons in care.
Plan of correction due Sep 20, 2023
Type BSep 6, 2023InspectionBuilding & playground safety
Buildings and grounds §101238(a)(1)
Based on observed, the licensee did not comply with the section cited above in that LPA observed live/active roaches in the kitchen in various areas. LPA observed roach eggs by children's dishes, and roach fecal matter inside the cabinets, which poses/posed a potential health, safety or personal rights risk to persons in care.
Plan of correction due Sep 20, 2023
Type BSep 6, 2023InspectionOther standards
Storage Space §101238.4(d)
Based on observed, the licensee did not comply with the section cited above in that LPA observed various cleaning supplies in the kitchen area that consist of: AJAX, Oven cleaner, and Colox wipes, which poses/posed a potential health, safety or personal rights risk to persons in care.
Plan of correction due Sep 20, 2023
Type BSep 6, 2023InspectionBuilding & playground safety
Outdoor activity space §101238.2(d)(2)
Based on observed, the licensee did not comply with the section cited above in that LPA observed broken wooden fence on the side of the building. Wooden fence was broken and wooden fence pieces were laid on the ground. LPA also observed a wheel with a metal pole on the side walk way of building, which poses/posed a potential health, safety or personal rights risk to persons in care.
Plan of correction due Sep 20, 2023
Type BSep 6, 2023InspectionBuilding & playground safety
Outdoor activity space §101238.2(g)
Based on observed, the licensee did not comply with the section cited above in that LPA observed that various parts of the playgrounds fence was loose on the foundation. LPA observed that fence door that lead to neighbors buildings was broken. LPA observed that parts of the fence had loose metal strips that are sharp, which poses/posed a potential health, safety or personal rights risk to persons in care.
Plan of correction due Sep 20, 2023
Type BSep 6, 2023InspectionBuilding & playground safety
Fixtures, furniture, equipment and supplies §101239(o)(1)
Based on observed, the licensee did not comply with the section cited above in that LPA observed that Little Tikes outdoor play structure did not have the plastic window viewing cover from the top level. LPA viewed in Little Tikes commercial Playgrounds website and noted that play structure had originally come with plastic window viewing covers, which poses/posed a potential health, safety or personal rights risk to persons in care.
Plan of correction due Sep 20, 2023
Type BSep 6, 2023InspectionTraining & qualifications
Mandated reporter training §1596.8662(b)(1)
Based on record review, the licensee did not comply with the section cited above in that LPA observed that Staff 1, Staff 2, Staff 4, and Staff 5 do not have a mandated certificate on record, which poses/posed a potential health, safety or personal rights risk to persons in care.
Plan of correction due Sep 20, 2023
Type BSep 6, 2023InspectionHealth & medication
Staff immunizations §1596.7995(a)(1)
Based on record review the licensee did not comply with the section cited above in that LPA observed that Staff 1, Staff 2, Staff 4, and Staff 5 do not have proof of immunization at facility/file, which poses/posed a potential health, safety or personal rights risk to persons in care.
Plan of correction due Sep 20, 2023
Type BSep 6, 2023InspectionTraining & qualifications
Director qualifications and duties §101215.1(d)
Based on record review, the licensee did not comply with the section cited above in that LPA was informed that Director is on leave and that facility does not have a current director, which poses/posed a potential health, safety or personal rights risk to persons in care.
Plan of correction due Sep 20, 2023
Type BSep 6, 2023InspectionTraining & qualifications
Director qualifications and duties §101215.1(f)
Based on record review, the licensee did not comply with the section cited above in that LPA observed that neither of Staff 3 and Staff 4 are qualified teachers and are not designated as an authorized person of facility, which poses/posed a potential health, safety or personal rights risk to persons in care.
Plan of correction due Sep 20, 2023
Type BSep 6, 2023InspectionTraining & qualifications
Staff health screening and personnel requirements §101216(f)
Based on record review, the licensee did not comply with the section cited above in that LPA observed that facility does not have any record of any staff having an updated CPR/FA certificate on site, which poses/posed a potential health, safety or personal rights risk to persons in care.
Plan of correction due Sep 20, 2023
Type BSep 6, 2023InspectionTraining & qualifications
Staff health screening and personnel requirements §101216(g)(1)
Based on record review, the licensee did not comply with the section cited above in that LPA observed that Staff 1, Staff 2, Staff 4, and Staff 5 did not have health screening on file, which poses/posed a potential health, safety or personal rights risk to persons in care.
Plan of correction due Sep 20, 2023
Type BSep 6, 2023InspectionRecords & paperwork
Personnel records §101217(a)
Based on record review, the licensee did not comply with the section cited above in that LPA observed hat there were no files for Staff 1, Staff 2, and Staff 4. LPA observed that Staff 3's file was incomplete which poses/posed a potential health, safety or personal rights risk to persons in care.
Plan of correction due Sep 20, 2023
Teacher-child ratio §101216.3(a)
Based on record review, the licensee did not comply with the section cited above in that LPA observed Staff 3 and Staff 4 who are teacher assistants caring for children. During record review it was noted that Staff 3 and Staff 4 are not qualified teachers, which poses/posed a potential health, safety or personal rights risk to persons in care.
Plan of correction due Sep 20, 2023
Type BSep 6, 2023InspectionRecords & paperwork
Reporting requirements §101212(b)
Based on record reveiw, the licensee did not comply with the section cited above in that the Department was not updated with the name of a center director or qualified teacher, which poses/posed a potential health, safety or personal rights risk to persons in care.
Plan of correction due Sep 20, 2023
Type BNov 2, 2021Case management visit (deficiencies)Training & qualifications
Mandated reporter training §1596.8662(b)(1)
During today's inspection, upon staff record review, there were staff members who had not completed and/or renewed mandated reporter training which poses a potential health, safety or personal rights risk to persons in care.
Plan of correction due Nov 9, 2021
How common are lead-in-water citations in Fresno County? See the county-by-county report →
Complaint investigations
SubstantiatedFeb 13, 2025Complaint investigationreceived Jan 16, 2025
Substantiated allegation:
Daycare staff do not ensure children's blankets and pillows are clean and sanitary
1 citation issued during this investigation, listed under Citations.
SubstantiatedFeb 13, 2025Complaint investigationreceived Jan 17, 2025
Substantiated allegation:
Staff are not following admissions agreement.
1 citation issued during this investigation, listed under Citations.
SubstantiatedJan 19, 2024Complaint investigationreceived Nov 14, 2023
Substantiated allegations:
Staff handled day care children in a rough manner.
Staff yelled at day care children.
Staff threatened day care children.
2 citations issued during this investigation, listed under Citations.
How often are complaints about daycares in Fresno County substantiated? See the county-by-county report →
About this center
Licensed capacity39 children
License typeChild care center (preschool)
License statusLicensed
Licensed sinceSep 29, 2014
LicenseeTobaise Brookins
AdministratorApril Cox
Phone(559) 227-7036
State facility #103808850
Other licenses at this address
Common questions
Does Starting Blocks Children's Academy take infants?
Not under this license, which covers preschool-age children.
Has Starting Blocks Children's Academy had any serious violations?
California issued 3 Type A citations since 2021, its most serious category. The most recent was on Jan 19, 2024, for personal rights. Each citation is listed in full above.
Have there been complaints about Starting Blocks Children's Academy?
California investigated 3 complaints since 2021 and substantiated 3. Allegations are shown only for substantiated complaints.
When was Starting Blocks Children's Academy last inspected?
Sep 6, 2023. The state issued at least one citation during that visit.
How much does Starting Blocks Children's Academy cost?
California does not publish individual centers’ prices, so ask Starting Blocks Children's Academy for its current tuition. For comparison, the median full-time price at licensed centers in Fresno County, which includes Fresno, was $858 a month for preschoolers (about $1,080 today) in the state’s 2021 Regional Market Rate Survey.
Who runs Starting Blocks Children's Academy?
The licensee is Tobaise Brookins, and the administrator listed with the state is April Cox.
Licensed centers nearby
Starting Blocks Children's Academy
3315 E Sierra Madre Ave, Fresno · under 0.1 mi away · 21 spotsToo few inspections to compareFusd-wolters
5174 N 1st St, Fresno · 0.3 mi away · 42 spotsMore citations than mostStone Soup Fresno
1343 E Bulldog Ln, Fresno · 0.4 mi away · 96 spotsMore citations than mostA Better Choice Preschool
3225 E. Gettysburg Avenue, Fresno · 0.4 mi away · 42 spotsAbout typicalA Better Choice Preschool
3225 E. Gettysburg Avenue, Fresno · 0.4 mi away · 48 spotsAmong the most citedA Better Choice Preschool
3225 E. Gettysburg Avenue, Fresno · 0.4 mi away · 10 spotsAbout typical
3315 E Sierra Madre Ave, Fresno · under 0.1 mi away · 21 spotsToo few inspections to compareFusd-wolters
5174 N 1st St, Fresno · 0.3 mi away · 42 spotsMore citations than mostStone Soup Fresno
1343 E Bulldog Ln, Fresno · 0.4 mi away · 96 spotsMore citations than mostA Better Choice Preschool
3225 E. Gettysburg Avenue, Fresno · 0.4 mi away · 42 spotsAbout typicalA Better Choice Preschool
3225 E. Gettysburg Avenue, Fresno · 0.4 mi away · 48 spotsAmong the most citedA Better Choice Preschool
3225 E. Gettysburg Avenue, Fresno · 0.4 mi away · 10 spotsAbout typical
Citations are quoted from California Department of Social Services inspection and complaint reports. Type A citations are the state’s most serious category (an immediate risk to children’s health, safety or personal rights); Type B citations are a potential risk. A citation is a finding about one rule, not a judgment about a center overall. Complaint allegations appear here only when the state substantiated them.
To read the full state reports, search facility number 103808850 on the California Care Facility Search. Data refreshed Oct 3, 2026.
Comparing centers? See how to choose a daycare: 30 questions to ask and a printable checklist.