<meta name="robots" content="noindex">
Department of
SOCIAL SERVICES

Community Care Licensing


COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT

Facility Number: 191870909
Report Date: 09/09/2024
Date Signed: 09/09/2024 11:58:17 AM

Substantiated


STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT		CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
EL SEGUNDO CC NORTH, 300 CONTINENTAL BLVD. STE 290A
EL SEGUNDO, CA 90245
This is an official report of an unannounced visit/investigation of a complaint received in our office on
06/13/2024 and conducted by Evaluator Silva Garibyan
PUBLIC
COMPLAINT CONTROL NUMBER: 58-CC-20240613112601
FACILITY NAME:WESTMINSTER AVENUE EARLY EDUCATION CENTERFACILITY NUMBER:
191870909
ADMINISTRATOR:SCRUGGS, LIZAFACILITY TYPE:
850
ADDRESS:1010 MAIN ST.TELEPHONE:
(310) 392-4581
CITY:VENICESTATE: CAZIP CODE:
90291
CAPACITY:117CENSUS: 30DATE:
09/09/2024
UNANNOUNCEDTIME BEGAN:
07:30 AM
MET WITH:Felicia Torrence, PrincipalTIME COMPLETED:
12:00 PM
ALLEGATION(S):
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
Child sustained an injury while in care
INVESTIGATION FINDINGS:
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
On 09/09/2024 Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Silva Garibyan arrived at Westminster Avenue Early Education Center to deliver the findings of a complaint received by the Department on 06/13/24 associated to Complaint Control Number 58-CC-20240613112601. LPA met with Felicia Torrence, Principal and explained the purpose of the visit. During today’s visit, there were five teachers, eight aides providing care to 30 children.
During the investigation into the allegation listed above, LPA obtained copies of the incident report and conducted interviews with five staff.

Per the reporting party, C1 was bitten by another child and sustained two punctures on their nose. The emergency room doctor prescribed antibiotics to prevent infection.

Substantiated
Estimated Days of Completion:
SUPERVISORS NAME: Betty Bell
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Silva Garibyan
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 09/09/2024
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 09/09/2024
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 6
Control Number 58-CC-20240613112601
STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT (Cont)		CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
EL SEGUNDO CC NORTH, 300 CONTINENTAL BLVD. STE 290A
EL SEGUNDO, CA 90245
FACILITY NAME: WESTMINSTER AVENUE EARLY EDUCATION CENTER
FACILITY NUMBER: 191870909
VISIT DATE: 09/09/2024
NARRATIVE
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
When interviewed, S1, S2, S3, and S4 all stated that all four of them were supervising the children and observed C1 and C2 fighting over toys. The children were redirected to different areas multiple times. After finishing the art project, C1 approached C2 again and tried to take the toy from C2. C2 unexpectedly bit C1 on the nose.

Based on interviews conducted, the preponderance of evidence standard has been met, therefore the above allegation is found to be SUBSTANTIATED. Title 22, Division 12 Chapter 1Article 06. Continuing Requirements 101223 Personal Rights cited on the attached LIC9099D. Type A deficiency cited. Copy of report, 9099D, Appeal Rights, LIC9224 and Notice of Site visit issued. A copy of this report will be posted for 30 days, a copy given to the parents of each child enrolled and the parent of any child that enrolls for 12 months.

Exit interview conducted and report was reviewed with Felicia Torrence, Principal.

SUPERVISORS NAME: Betty Bell
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Silva Garibyan
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 09/09/2024
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 09/09/2024
LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 2 of 6
Control Number 58-CC-20240613112601
STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT (Cont)		CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
EL SEGUNDO CC NORTH, 300 CONTINENTAL BLVD. STE 290A
EL SEGUNDO, CA 90245

FACILITY NAME: WESTMINSTER AVENUE EARLY EDUCATION CENTER
FACILITY NUMBER: 191870909
DEFICIENCY INFORMATION FOR THIS PAGE:
VISIT DATE: 09/09/2024
Deficiency Type
POC Due Date /
Section Number
DEFICIENCIES
PLAN OF CORRECTIONS(POCs)
Type A
09/16/2024
Section Cited
CCR
101223(a)(2)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
The licensee shall ensure that each child is accorded the following personal rights:
To be accorded safe, healthful and comfortable accommodations, furnishings and equipment to meet his/her needs.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Principle will submit a plan to address the personal rights violation to ensure Section 101223(a)(2) is being always complied with. Plan of correction due on 09/16/2024 to be submitted to LPA Garibyan
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
This requirement was not met as evidenced by: the child was bitten by another child and sustained two punctures on their nose which poses an immediate health, safety or personal rights risk to persons in care.
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Failure to correct the cited deficiency(ies), on or before the Plan of Correction (POC) due date, may result in a civil penalty assessment.
SUPERVISORS NAME: Betty Bell
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Silva Garibyan
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 09/09/2024
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 09/09/2024
LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 3 of 6
STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT		CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
EL SEGUNDO CC NORTH, 300 CONTINENTAL BLVD. STE 290A
EL SEGUNDO, CA 90245
This is an official report of an unannounced visit/investigation of a complaint received in our office on
06/13/2024 and conducted by Evaluator Silva Garibyan
PUBLIC
COMPLAINT CONTROL NUMBER: 58-CC-20240613112601

FACILITY NAME:WESTMINSTER AVENUE EARLY EDUCATION CENTERFACILITY NUMBER:
191870909
ADMINISTRATOR:SCRUGGS, LIZAFACILITY TYPE:
850
ADDRESS:1010 MAIN ST.TELEPHONE:
(310) 392-4581
CITY:VENICESTATE: CAZIP CODE:
90291
CAPACITY:117CENSUS: 30DATE:
09/09/2024
UNANNOUNCEDTIME BEGAN:
07:30 AM
MET WITH:Felicia Torrence, PrincipalTIME COMPLETED:
12:00 PM
ALLEGATION(S):
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
• Staff did not prevent child from biting another child in care
• Staff did not seek medical attention for child in a timely manner
• Staff do not allow child's authorized representative to inspect the facility
INVESTIGATION FINDINGS:
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
On 09/09/2024 Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Silva Garibyan arrived at Westminster Avenue Early Education Center to deliver the findings of a complaint received by the Department on 06/13/24 associated to Complaint Control Number 58-CC-20240613112601. LPA met with Felicia Torrence, Principal and explained the purpose of the visit. During today’s visit, there were five teachers, eight aides providing care to 30 children.
During the investigation into the allegation listed above, LPA conducted interviews with seven staff and two parents.

The first allegation indicates that “Staff did not prevent child from biting another child in care"

Per the reporting party, C1 was bitten by another child due to lack of supervision.
Unsubstantiated
Estimated Days of Completion:
SUPERVISORS NAME: Betty Bell
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Silva Garibyan
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 09/09/2024
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 09/09/2024
This report must be available at Child Care and Group Home facilities for public review for 3 years.
LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 4 of 6
Control Number 58-CC-20240613112601
STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT (Cont)		CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
EL SEGUNDO CC NORTH, 300 CONTINENTAL BLVD. STE 290A
EL SEGUNDO, CA 90245
FACILITY NAME: WESTMINSTER AVENUE EARLY EDUCATION CENTER
FACILITY NUMBER: 191870909
VISIT DATE: 09/09/2024
NARRATIVE
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
When interviewed, S1, S2, S3, and S4 all stated that they were assigned a different classroom area to supervise the children. S2 redirected C1 a few times and brought C1 to the rug area. C1 kept taking toys out of C2's hands. S3 was at the table working on the spider project with the children one-on-one. It was C1's turn, so C1 went to the table to work on the project with S3. C1 finished and went to the science area where C2 was. C1 tried to take the toy out of C2's hand again. C2 unexpectedly bit C1's nose. The incident was so unexpected, they were all surprised at what happened

The second allegation indicates that “Staff did not seek medical attention for child in a timely manner"

Per the reporting party, the facility did not describe the severity of the injury, so the child was not picked up and did not receive timely medical attention. The child had two punctures on their nose. The emergency room doctor prescribed antibiotics to prevent infection.
When interviewed, S1, S2, S3. S4, and S7 all stated that the child stopped crying minutes after the incident. The staff members cleaned C1's nose and applied first aid immediately. At first the injury did not seem bad. There was just some redness on the child's nose. As the day progressed, the injury got a little bit worse. 
The third allegation indicates that “Staff do not allow child's authorized representative to inspect the facility"

When interviewed, all seven staff stated that parents are always welcome to visit the school at any time and the school always encourages the parents to be involved. Per S7, if it is a regular visit to observe the child’s classroom, they are open to freely enter however cannot interact or interrupt the class process. If they would like to meet with a teacher or staff member, they can schedule a time to do so.

When interviewed, P1 and P2 stated that they are always open to visit and enter the school at any time. Per P1, although the outside gate is locked, they are always given access, if staff is outside they will open the gate or they can call for the gate to be opened and can go observe the children and are never denied entrance. P1 explained that they take their children to speech therapy and sometimes comes later or earlier and is always freely entering with no issues.

SUPERVISORS NAME: Betty Bell
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Silva Garibyan
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 09/09/2024
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 09/09/2024
LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 5 of 6
Control Number 58-CC-20240613112601
STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT (Cont)		CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
EL SEGUNDO CC NORTH, 300 CONTINENTAL BLVD. STE 290A
EL SEGUNDO, CA 90245
FACILITY NAME: WESTMINSTER AVENUE EARLY EDUCATION CENTER
FACILITY NUMBER: 191870909
VISIT DATE: 09/09/2024
NARRATIVE
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
Based on the investigation conducted by the Department, the allegations have been determined to be Unsubstantiated. A finding that the allegations are unsubstantiated means that although the allegations may have happened or is valid, there is not a preponderance of the evidence to prove that the allegations occurred.
A notice of site visit was given and must remain posted for 30 days.

Exit interview conducted and report was reviewed with Felicia Torrence, Principal.
SUPERVISORS NAME: Betty Bell
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Silva Garibyan
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 09/09/2024
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 09/09/2024
LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 6 of 6