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Department of
SOCIAL SERVICES

Community Care Licensing


FACILITY EVALUATION REPORT

Facility Number: 197417672
Report Date: 09/02/2025
Date Signed: 09/02/2025 05:15:39 PM

Document Has Been Signed on 09/02/2025 05:15 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 RO, 300 CONTINENTAL BLVD. STE 290A
EL SEGUNDO, CA 90245
FACILITY NAME:GROWING GARDEN PRESCHOOL, THEFACILITY NUMBER:
197417672
ADMINISTRATOR/
DIRECTOR:		SARA MINTZFACILITY TYPE:
830
ADDRESS:2108 VAIL AVENUETELEPHONE:
(310) 214-4999
CITY:REDONDO BEACHSTATE: CAZIP CODE:
90278
CAPACITY: 15TOTAL ENROLLED CHILDREN: 15CENSUS: 11DATE:
09/02/2025
TYPE OF VISIT:Required - 3 YearUNANNOUNCEDTIME VISIT/
INSPECTION BEGAN:
01:31 PM
MET WITH:Sara MintzTIME VISIT/
INSPECTION COMPLETED:
03:50 PM
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On 9/2/2025 Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Judy Laureano conducted an unannounced 3 Year Required Inspection for the infant license at above mentioned facility. LPA met with Sara Mintz, Facility Director. LPA toured the infant program both indoors and outdoors. Facility is a combo center with a preschool license on the same site. Facility operates Monday through Friday 7:45 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Facility is licensed to provide services to children 15 weeks to 2 years old for a total capacity of 15 children.

LPA observed 5 sleeping infants with one teacher providing care and supervision and 6 children with 3 staff members outside.

The facility has sufficient age appropriate furniture, and equipment including cribs, cots or mats, changing tables and feeding chairs. There is indoor and outdoor activity space for infants that is physically separate.

Each crib, mat or cot is occupied by only one infant at time and cribs are kept free from all loose articles including blankets and pillows and there are no objects hanging above or attached to the crib. Infants are not swaddled while in care. Staff physically checks on sleeping infants every fifteen minutes and documents any signs of distress which includes but is not limited to flushed skin color, increase in body temperature, restlessness and labored breathing. Documentation for infants up to 12 months includes sleeping position if it is other than on their back. Director confirmed that a teacher is always supervising sleeping infants and completes the infant safe sleep log. Individual Infant Sleeping Plan is completed and in file for each infant up to 12 months of age. Infants up to 12 months of age are placed on their backs for sleeping. Staff-infant ratio requirements are being met while infants are sleeping.

NAME OF LICENSING PROGRAM MANAGER: Loyce Phillips
NAME OF LICENSING PROGRAM ANALYST: Judy Laureano
LICENSING PROGRAM ANALYST SIGNATURE: DATE: 09/02/2025
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE: DATE: 09/02/2025
This report must be available at Child Care and Group Home facilities for public review for 3 years.

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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.

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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 RO, 300 CONTINENTAL BLVD. STE 290A
EL SEGUNDO, CA 90245
FACILITY NAME: GROWING GARDEN PRESCHOOL, THE
FACILITY NUMBER: 197417672
VISIT DATE: 09/02/2025
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There are no baby walkers on the premises. Changing tables have at least a 1-inch-thick padding covered with washable vinyl or plastic. Sides are raised to a minimum of 3 inches. Changing table is within an arm's reach of a sink. LPA observed diapering log and facility admin confirm that parents receive a copy of log during pick up time.

Sanitary solution (bleach solution) is out of reach to infants in care. Disinfectants and cleaning solutions are kept in a locked cabinet, making the content inaccessible to the children in care. Younger infants sleep in a separate room while older infants sleep on cots.

There is no swimming pool or other bodies of water on the premises. There are no firearms or ammunition allowed or stored on the premises. LPA observed working fire extinguishers throughout the facility. A centralized fire alarm, smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors throughout the classroom. All electrical outlets were observed to be covered.

Solid waste storage containers have tight-fitting covers and are in good repair. Drinking water is available both indoors and outdoors.

Facility is open to take children who might need medication, currently facility does not have a child enrolled in the infant program that requires medication. Medication will be stored in the director's office. Prescription medications shall be administered in accordance with the label directions as prescribed by the child’s physician. Medication should be in its original content with all necessary LIC forms completed.

Fire drills and earthquakes drills are completed and logged by staff and log was reviewed by LPA. First Aid Kit bags were observed in the classroom. LPA reminded facility director to have a system in place where items are check annually.

Furniture and equipment are in good condition, free of sharp, loose or pointed parts. Playground equipment is in safe condition, free of sharp, loose or pointed parts. The surface of the outdoor activity space is maintained in a safe condition and is free of hazards. LPA observed age appropriate play equipment and toys.

NAME OF LICENSING PROGRAM MANAGER: Loyce Phillips
NAME OF LICENSING PROGRAM ANALYST: Judy Laureano
LICENSING PROGRAM ANALYST SIGNATURE:

DATE: 09/02/2025
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 09/02/2025
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 RO, 300 CONTINENTAL BLVD. STE 290A
EL SEGUNDO, CA 90245
FACILITY NAME: GROWING GARDEN PRESCHOOL, THE
FACILITY NUMBER: 197417672
VISIT DATE: 09/02/2025
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Prior to working or volunteering in a licensed child care facility, all individuals subject to a criminal record review have received a criminal record clearance or exemption. Upon notification from the Department, the licensee will comply and act immediately to terminate the employment of, remove from the facility or bar from entering the facility for any person it is deemed necessary while the Department considers granting or denying an exemption.

Capacity and limitations as specified on the license are being maintained.

The name of the child care center director or fully-qualified teacher(s) designated to act in the director’s absence has been reported to the Department.

The person who signs the child in/out of the facility shall use their full legal signature and record the time of day.

All children are under supervision, including visual supervision, of a teacher at all times. There is a ratio of one teacher supervising no more than four infants in care.

LPA reviewed a sample of children’s files and observed 6 files were complete. All files were observed to be complete with contact information for authorized representative and or relatives or others who can assume responsibility for the child, medical assessment, individual feeding plan, and Infant Needs and Services Plan. LPA reminded director to make sure all documents, such as physician’s reports, are filled out completely.

At least one person trained in CPR and Pediatric First Aid is present when children are at the facility or at offsite activities. LPA reminded facility to ensure all Pediatric CPR and Pediatric First Aid is EMSA Approved. LPA reviewed 3 staff files and observed files to be incomplete, Mandated Reporter Training was not available for review, Type B citation was issued. Staff files (3) did not have LIC 503, Health Screening available for review, Type B citation issued.

LPA emailed a copy of the LIC311A and LIC 125 to use as a reference when auditing program and program files.

Licensee 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.

NAME OF LICENSING PROGRAM MANAGER: Loyce Phillips
NAME OF LICENSING PROGRAM ANALYST: Judy Laureano
LICENSING PROGRAM ANALYST SIGNATURE:

DATE: 09/02/2025
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 09/02/2025
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 RO, 300 CONTINENTAL BLVD. STE 290A
EL SEGUNDO, CA 90245
FACILITY NAME: GROWING GARDEN PRESCHOOL, THE
FACILITY NUMBER: 197417672
VISIT DATE: 09/02/2025
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Assembly Bill (AB) 2370, Chapter 676, Statutes of 2018, requires all licensed Child Care Centers (CCCs) constructed before January 1, 2010, to test their water (used for
drinking and food preparation) for lead contamination before January 1, 2023, and then every 5-years after the date of the first test.
For child care center licenses issued after July 1, 2022, 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 PIN 21-21.1-CCP. PIN 22-05-CCP Page Four

LPA discussed the safe sleep regulations with licensee and discussed the Child Care Licensing Safe Sleep webpage at https://www.cdss.ca.gov/inforesources/child-care-licensing/public-information-and-resources/safe-sleep as an additional resource. LPA also informed licensee [or facility representative] of the importance of checking for recalled infant devices on the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) website at https://www.cpsc.gov/ and recommended they register all infant devices with the CPSC to be notified of any recalls on their purchased equipment.

Licensee 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.

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

Exit interview conducted and report was reviewed with director Sara Mintz.

NAME OF LICENSING PROGRAM MANAGER: Loyce Phillips
NAME OF LICENSING PROGRAM ANALYST: Judy Laureano
LICENSING PROGRAM ANALYST SIGNATURE:

DATE: 09/02/2025
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 09/02/2025
LIC809 (FAS) - (06/04)
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Document Has Been Signed on 09/02/2025 05:15 PM - It Cannot Be Edited


Created By: Judy Laureano On 09/02/2025 at 03:04 PM
Link to Parent Document Below:
STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

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

FACILITY NAME: GROWING GARDEN PRESCHOOL, THE
FACILITY NUMBER: 197417672

DEFICIENCY INFORMATION FOR THIS PAGE:
VISIT DATE: 09/02/2025

DEFICIENCIES & PLANS OF CORRECTION (POCs)
Type B
Section Cited
CCR
101216(g)(1)
Personnel Requirements
(1) Except as specified in (3) below, good physical health shall be verified by a health screening, including a test for tuberculosis, performed by or under the supervision of a physician not more than one year prior to or seven days after employment or licensure.

This requirement is not met as evidenced by:
Deficient Practice Statement
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Based on record review, the licensee did not comply with the section cited above in 3 out of 3 staff files did not have a completed LIC 503 which poses/posed a potential health, safety or personal rights risk to persons in care.
POC Due Date: 09/16/2025
Plan of Correction
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Director agrees to submit completed LIC 503 to LPA via email by POC due date of 9/16/2025
Type B
Section Cited
HSC
1596.8662(b)(1)
Administration of Child Day Care Licensing
(1) On or before March 30, 2018, a person who, on January 1, 2018, is a licensed child day care provider, administrator, or employee of a licensed child day care facility shall complete the mandated reporter training provided pursuant to paragraphs (2) and (3) of subdivision (a), and shall complete renewal mandated reporter training every two years following the date on which he or she completed the initial mandated reporter training.

This requirement is not met as evidenced by:
Deficient Practice Statement
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Based on record review the licensee did not comply with the section cited above in 3 out of 3 staff files did not have a completed Mandated Reporter Training, which poses/posed a potential health, safety or personal rights risk to persons in care.
POC Due Date: 09/16/2025
Plan of Correction
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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.
Loyce Phillips
NAME OF LICENSING PROGRAM MANAGER:
Judy Laureano
NAME OF LICENSING PROGRAM ANALYST:
LICENSING PROGRAM ANALYST SIGNATURE:
DATE: 09/02/2025
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:
DATE: 09/02/2025


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