197413515-4-24-2025-58-CC-KSCT-DG2U4H-20250424151509

Community Care Licensing

FACILITY EVALUATION REPORT

Facility Number: 197413515
Report Date: 04/24/2025
Date Signed: 04/24/2025 03:15:27 PM

Document Has Been Signed on 04/24/2025 03:15 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
EL SEGUNDO CC NORTH, 300 CONTINENTAL BLVD. STE 290A
EL SEGUNDO, CA 90245

FACILITY NAME:	GARDENA EARLY EDUCATION CENTER		FACILITY NUMBER:	197413515
ADMINISTRATOR/ DIRECTOR:	CHILDRESS, CANDIE		FACILITY TYPE:	850
ADDRESS:	1350 WEST 177TH STREET		TELEPHONE:	(310) 354-5091
CITY:	GARDENA	STATE: CA	ZIP CODE:	90248
CAPACITY: 168	TOTAL ENROLLED CHILDREN: 168	CENSUS: 89	DATE:	04/24/2025
TYPE OF VISIT:	Required - 3 Year	UNANNOUNCED	TIME VISIT/ INSPECTION BEGAN:	09:33 AM
MET WITH:	Desilisa Mitchell - Principal		TIME VISIT/ INSPECTION COMPLETED:	03:34 PM

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	Licensing Program Analyst (LPA), Keyona Scott, conducted an unannounced 3 - Year Required Annual inspection to the Early Education Center on 04/24/2025 at 9:33 AM. LPA met with Principal, Desilisa Mitchell, at 10:08 AM and was guided on a tour inside and outside of the facility. LPA observed proper teacher to children ratios. At approximately 10:10 AM, LPA observed the following: eighteen (18) children to one (1) teacher and three (3) aids during free play in classroom 1; fifteen (15) children to one (1) teacher and two (2) aids performing body movement in classroom 2; thirteen (13) children to one (1) teacher and two (2) aids conducting circle time in classroom 3; eighteen (18) children to one (1) teacher and two (2) aids having free play in classroom 4; ten (10) children to one (1) teacher and one (1) aid conducting small group time in classroom 5; fifteen (15) children to one (1) teacher and two (2) aids conducting circle time in classroom 6; nineteen (19) children to one (1) teacher and two (2) aids transitioning to outdoor play in classroom 7. As a condition of employment, all individuals working or present at the facility that is operated by a school district shall obtain a criminal record clearance or criminal record exemption. The school district shall notify the Regional Office, if there is a change of status of an individual's criminal record clearance. This is a Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) preschool program that operates adjacent to a local LAUSD High School. The preschool program serves children ages two (2) years old to five (5) years old. The preschool center operation hours are Monday through Friday 7:00 AM to 5:30 PM. Facility serves two (2) meals, breakfast and lunch and one (1) afternoon snack. LPA advised Principal to ensure that any children's food containers and/or water bottles brought from the child's home are labeled with the child's name and properly stored and/or refrigerated. The preschool children are dropped off and picked up from the front office and walked to the child's respective classroom by child's parent or authorized representative. PAGE 1

Claudia Escobedo	TELEPHONE: (424) 301-3044
Keyona Scott	TELEPHONE: (424) 301-3091
	DATE: 04/24/2025

I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.

FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 04/24/2025

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
EL SEGUNDO CC NORTH, 300 CONTINENTAL BLVD. STE 290A
EL SEGUNDO, CA 90245

FACILITY NAME: GARDENA EARLY EDUCATION CENTER	FACILITY NUMBER: 197413515
	VISIT DATE: 04/24/2025

NARRATIVE

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PHYSICAL PLANT
LPA toured all areas of the preschool. The preschool program consists of seven classrooms. LPA observed the following in the classrooms: outlet covers over the electrical outlets not in-use, circle time carpet, table and chair sets, kitchen play set, arts and crafts materials, books and other age-appropriate playthings. Cubby stations or cabinet storage areas with child's name, to store child's backpack and/or personal belongings are present in each classroom.

There are four children's restrooms located in the classrooms. There is a restroom in classroom 1 with two (2) toilets and two (2) sinks. There are adjoining restrooms in classrooms 2 and 3, classrooms 4 and 5 and classrooms 6 and 7 that are shared with each classroom respectively. There are four (4) toilets and two (2) sinks in each adjoining restroom. LPA observed the toilets and sinks to be safe, sanitary and functional.

The facility was kept clean, neat and orderly. All poisons and hazardous items are stored and inaccessible to children in care. All floors are clean and safe. LPA observed the classrooms and all food preparation areas clean and free of litter and other hazardous items. Meals and snacks are brought daily to the preschool from the local LAUSD High School.

Outdoor play area is located adjacent to the classrooms. LPA observed the outdoor play area to be in safe condition and free of sharp, loose or pointed parts. LPA observed the following age-appropriate play equipment on the play yard: slide play apparatus, train slide station, tricycles, sand station, multiple shaded areas, benches for resting and cushioned mats to absorb a fall. LPA observed two functional drinking water stations between classrooms 2 and 3 and classrooms 6 and 7. The water stations include two (2) water faucets and/or one (1) water bottle refill fountain. Drinking water is readily available both indoors and outdoors. LPA did not observe any bodies of water to include in-ground pools on the facility premises.
FACILITY RECORDS
There is at least one person present at facility that is trained in Pediatric CPR and First Aid. LPA advised Principal that all preschool staff are to complete Mandated Reporter training every two years and certificate of completion is to be placed in each staff's individual file at the school site and made readily available for review upon Department's request.

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SUPERVISOR'S NAME: Claudia Escobedo	TELEPHONE: (424) 301-3044
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Keyona Scott	TELEPHONE: (424) 301-3091
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:	DATE: 04/24/2025

I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.

FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 04/24/2025

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
EL SEGUNDO CC NORTH, 300 CONTINENTAL BLVD. STE 290A
EL SEGUNDO, CA 90245

FACILITY NAME: GARDENA EARLY EDUCATION CENTER	FACILITY NUMBER: 197413515
	VISIT DATE: 04/24/2025

NARRATIVE

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FACILITY RECORDS (continued)
LPA reviewed for the following Personnel Records of four (4) personnel files during today's inspection:

Staff Qualifications
Proof of Immunization of Measles (MMR), Pertussis (Tdap) and Influenza (Flu) or Influenza waiver
Current Pediatric CPR and First Aid Certification
TB Clearance or risk assessment
LIC 503 (Health Screening Report)
LIC 508 (Criminal Record Statement)
LIC 9108 (Statement Acknowledging Requirement to Report Child Abuse)
Mandated Reporter Training Certificate
LIC 9052 (Employee Rights)

LPA reviewed for the following Children's Records of eight (8) children's files during today's inspection:

LIC 613A (Personal Rights)
Admission agreement
LIC 700 (Identification and Emergency Information)
LIC 701 (Physician's Report)
LIC 995 (Notification of Parents' Rights)
LIC 627 (Consent for Emergency Medical Treatment)
Immunization Record

LPA observed the following posted documents during today's inspection:

Facility License
Menus - posted in each classroom
PUB 269 - Child Passenger Restraint System Poster
PUB 393 - Notification of Parents' Rights (updated copy provided with correct Regional Office name)
LIC 610 - Emergency Disaster Plan
LIC 613A- Personal Rights (updated copy provided with correct Regional Office name and address)

LPA reviewed the following documents during today's inspection:

Verification of Disaster and Fire Drills: Per review, last fire and disaster drills were conducted on 04/09/2025 and 03/05/2025. PAGE 3

SUPERVISOR'S NAME: Claudia Escobedo	TELEPHONE: (424) 301-3044
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Keyona Scott	TELEPHONE: (424) 301-3091
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:	DATE: 04/24/2025

I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.

FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 04/24/2025

LIC809 (FAS) - (06/04)

Page: 4 of 6

STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

FACILITY EVALUATION 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: GARDENA EARLY EDUCATION CENTER	FACILITY NUMBER: 197413515
	VISIT DATE: 04/24/2025

NARRATIVE

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FACILITY RECORDS (continued)
LPA reviewed the following documents during today's inspection (continued):

Daily Activity Schedule - posted in each classroom
Sign In/Out Sheets
LIC 9148 - Earthquake Preparedness

LPA identified the following locations during today's inspection:

Medication Storage Area for Children Requiring Permissible Medical Services- Per Principal, there are children currently enrolled that require permissible medical services.
Functioning Carbon Monoxide Detector, Smoke Alarm(s) and Fire Extinguisher(s)

The facility was operating in substantial compliance during today’s inspection on 04/24/2025. Per Title 22, Division 12, Chapter 3, of the California Code of Regulations, no deficiencies cited.

The following was thoroughly discussed:
Principal 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.

LPA referred Principal to the Department website for lead: Lead Toxicity Prevention and Water Testing Information.

This facility provides Incidental Medical Services – IMS. LPA reviewed storage of “medication and equipment/supplies, and reviewed children’s, personnel, and administrative records.

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 (TTY) 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/.

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SUPERVISOR'S NAME: Claudia Escobedo	TELEPHONE: (424) 301-3044
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Keyona Scott	TELEPHONE: (424) 301-3091
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:	DATE: 04/24/2025

I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.

FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 04/24/2025

LIC809 (FAS) - (06/04)

Page: 5 of 6

STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

FACILITY EVALUATION 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: GARDENA EARLY EDUCATION CENTER	FACILITY NUMBER: 197413515
	VISIT DATE: 04/24/2025

NARRATIVE

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The following was thoroughly discussed (continued):
Principal 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 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.

A notice of site visit was given and must remain posted for 30 days.

Exit interview conducted and report was reviewed with Principal, Desilisa Mitchell.

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SUPERVISOR'S NAME: Claudia Escobedo	TELEPHONE: (424) 301-3044
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Keyona Scott	TELEPHONE: (424) 301-3091
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:	DATE: 04/24/2025

I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.

FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 04/24/2025

LIC809 (FAS) - (06/04)

Page: 6 of 6