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

Community Care Licensing


FACILITY EVALUATION REPORT

Facility Number: 197407844
Report Date: 09/02/2025
Date Signed: 09/02/2025 05:12:24 PM

Document Has Been Signed on 09/02/2025 05:12 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:
197407844
ADMINISTRATOR/
DIRECTOR:		MINTZ, SARAFACILITY TYPE:
850
ADDRESS:2108 VAIL STREETTELEPHONE:
(310) 214-4999
CITY:REDONDO BEACHSTATE: CAZIP CODE:
90278
CAPACITY: 141TOTAL ENROLLED CHILDREN: 141CENSUS: 50DATE:
09/02/2025
TYPE OF VISIT:Required - 3 YearUNANNOUNCEDTIME VISIT/
INSPECTION BEGAN:
09:54 AM
MET WITH:Sara Mintz, DirectorTIME VISIT/
INSPECTION COMPLETED:
01:30 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
On 09/2/2025 Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Judy Laureano conducted an unannounced 3 Year Required Inspection at the above-mentioned facility. LPA was greeted by Rabbi David Libson who stated Director will be arriving shortly. Director arrived at approximately 12:00 p.m.

LPA toured and inspected the facility in accordance with the facility sketch. Teacher/child ratios are maintained, and adequate supervision is being provided.

LPA observed all 4 preschool classrooms and observed 50 children and 9 staff members providing care and supervision.

Facility operates Monday through Friday, 7:45 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Facility is licensed to care for children ages 2 to entry into First grade for a capacity of 141 preschool children. The facility is a combination center with an infant program on same site.

Staff was observed operating within proper ratios. Classrooms were observed and inspected. Classrooms were observed to have fine and gross motor activities centers. Children’s cubbies were observed in the classrooms. Furniture and equipment are in good condition, free of sharp, loose or pointed parts.

LPA observed allergy/medical list posted in each classroom. Facility is open to enrolling children that might need incidental medical services. Medication, if needed, is stored in the director'sl office. LPA reviewed medication storage and LIC required forms with director.

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.

LIC809 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 1 of 8
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)
Page: 2 of 8
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: 197407844
VISIT DATE: 09/02/2025
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
Page 2
LPA reminded the facility to ensure that all medication is stored with all necessary LIC forms. All prescription and nonprescription medication shall be centrally stored in accordance with the following requirements: medication shall be kept in a safe place inaccessible to the children in care and each container shall have an unaltered label.

Facility has a designated custodial staff that cleans and disinfects the preschool classrooms. Teachers are responsible for the day-to-day cleaning. Disinfectants, cleaning solutions and other hazardous items are stored away, content inaccessible to the children in care.

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.

Facility provide meals and snacks to children in care and menu is provided to families. LPA observed menus posted in each classroom. LPA advised, copies of the menus as served shall be dated and kept on file for at least 30 days. Menus shall be made available for review by the child's authorized representative and the Department upon request. Water is readily available to children in care. LPA observed, filtered water jugs in each classroom and in the outdoor yard. Children bring their own refillable water bottles and water bottles are available for children both indoors and outdoors and teachers assist children in refilling their water bottles.



LPA observed all toilets and hand washing facilities. LPA observed toilets and sinks to accommodate the facility’s capacity. Toilets flush properly, toilets and sinks are reachable by the children in care. Floors in the facility are clean and safe. Solid waste storage containers have tight-fitting covers and are in good repair.

Parent board was observed with all necessary postings. LPA emailed facility the LIC 126 and LIC 311A to ensure that all documents used are up to date.
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)
Page: 3 of 8
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: 197407844
VISIT DATE: 09/02/2025
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
Page 3
The facility is free of flies, insects and rodents. 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. Fire extinguishers, working fire alarm and carbon monoxide detector were observed in the space. Per director, Fire and Earthquake drills are completed. LPA reviewed Emergency Disaster Drill log.

At least one person trained in CPR and Pediatric First Aid is present when children are at the facility or at offsite activities. LPA discussed the importance of making sure all Pediatric CPR and Pediatric First Aid training is EMSA approved. LPA reviewed 5 staff files and observed files missing proof of Mandated Reporter Training, Type B citation was issued. LPA observed 3 out of 5 files did not have a completed Health Screening on file (LIC 503), Type B citation was issued.

LPA reviewed Guardian print out and staff files and observed G. Disessa-Gallegos did not have a current criminal record clearance. Director confirmed that school year started on 8/27/2025, school has been in session for 3 days. Type A citation was issued with a civil penalty. Director instructed staff member to complete the livescan process before the end of the inspection.

LPA reviewed a sample of children’s files and observed 6 files complete with immunization record and all necessary CCL documents.

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. Facility maintains a ratio of one teacher supervising no more than 12 children in care.

Facility representative 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)
Page: 4 of 8
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: 197407844
VISIT DATE: 09/02/2025
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
Page 4
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.

Incidental Medical Services (IMS) policy was discussed. For IMS information see PIN 22-02-CCP. When any IMS is provided, an updated Plan of Operation that includes IMS must be submitted to the Department. 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/.

Facility administrator, Sara Mintz, was informed of the MyChildCarePlan.org website; a consumer education website that helps families obtain child care by connecting them child care providers and Resource and Referral Agencies (R&Rs) throughout California.

3 deficiencies were cited during today’s visit in accordance to the California Code of Regulations Title 22, Division 12, Chapter 1.

LPA Laureano informed licensee Sara Mintz that this report dated 9/2/2025 documents 1 Type A citation which shall be posted for 30 consecutive days as there is an immediate risk to the health, safety, or personal rights of children in care. Also, LPA Laureano informed the director Sara Mintz to provide a copy of this licensing report dated 9/2/2025 that documents any Type A citation to parents/guardians of all children currently enrolled by the next business day or the next day the children are in care, and to any newly enrolled parents/guardians for 12 months from the date of this report. A signed Acknowledgement of Receipt of Licensing Report (LIC 9224), or other written statement, must be placed in the child's file for verification.

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

Exit interview conducted and report was reviewed with facility 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)
Page: 5 of 8
Document Has Been Signed on 09/02/2025 05:12 PM - It Cannot Be Edited


Created By: Judy Laureano On 09/02/2025 at 01:25 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: 197407844

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

DEFICIENCIES & PLANS OF CORRECTION (POCs)
Type A
Section Cited
HSC
1596.871(c)(1)(A)
Administration of Child Day Care Licensing
Subsequent to initial licensure, a person specified in subdivision (b) who is not exempt from fingerprinting shall obtain either a criminal record clearance or an exemption from disqualification, pursuant to subdivision(f) of this section or Section 1522.7, from the State Department of Social Services prior to employment, residence, or initial presence in the facility.

This requirement is not met as evidenced by:
Deficient Practice Statement
1
2
3
4
Based on observation and record review, the licensee did not comply with the section cited above 1 out of 3 staff not having current criminal record clearance, which poses an immediate health, safety or personal rights risk to persons in care.
POC Due Date: 09/02/2025
Plan of Correction
1
2
3
4
Director agrees to have staff member complete livescan and submit proof of completion to LPA via email and staff will not be present at facility until criminal record clearance is cleared via Guardian.
Section Cited
Deficient Practice Statement
1
2
3
4
POC Due Date:
Plan of Correction
1
2
3
4
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


LIC809 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 6 of 8
Document Has Been Signed on 09/02/2025 05:12 PM - It Cannot Be Edited


Created By: Judy Laureano On 09/02/2025 at 01:25 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: 197407844

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

DEFICIENCIES & PLANS OF CORRECTION (POCs)
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
1
2
3
4
Based on record review, the licensee did not comply with the section cited above in 5 out 5 files did not have current 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
1
2
3
4
Director agrees to have staff complete Mandated Reporter Training and submit proof of completion to LPA via email by POC due date of 9/16/2025.
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
1
2
3
4
Based on record review, the licensee did not comply with the section cited above in 3 staff files did not have a completed health screening, 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
1
2
3
4
Director agrees to have staff members complete a health screening and proof, LIC 503, will be sent to LPA via email by POC due date of 9/16/2025
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


LIC809 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 7 of 8