Routine inspection·October 12, 2023

On 10/12/2023 Licensing Program Analys (LPA) Cristina Castellanos and Judy Laureano conducted an unannounced Annual Required Inspection at Torrance Tykes at T.E. located at 2125 Lincoln Avenue, Torrance, CA 90501. LPAs were greeted by Marisela Bazalar (Rodriguez), Designated Site Supervisor and Deborah (Debbie) Celano, Child Development Instructor. LPAs toured the facility both indoors and outdoors and observed the following: Classroom K2: 18 children and 3 staff members Classroom K1: 15 children and 3 staff members Facility operates Monday through Friday with two sessions: 8:15 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. and 12:15 to 3:15 p.m. Facility is licensed to serve children ages 3 through entry into First grade for a max capacity of 40 children. Facility operates in the Torrance School District. Medication is stored in a lock box above the refrigerator. Currently the facility does not have any preschool children that need medication. LPA reminded facility to ensure all medication and documentation is current. 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. Medications are made inaccessible and stored in a locked classroom cabinet. An Allergy list was observed posted on the refrigerator. Facility has a designated district custodial staff that cleans and disinfects as needed and every day in the evening. Teachers do the day-to-day cleaning in the classroom. Disinfectants and cleaning solutions were observed to be on the top cabinet of the kitchen area as well as the closet in the classroom. LPAs reminded staff members to always have the closet door locked while children are present. Page 2 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. LPAs reminded staff members the importance of maintaining all play equipment in a safe condition. LPAs observed one tricycle with worn out handles. The surface of the outdoor activity space is maintained in a safe condition and is free of hazards. Areas around high climbing equipment have cushioning materials to observed falls. All toilets and hand washing facilities are in safe and sanitary operating condition. Floors in the facility are clean and safe. Solid waste storage containers have tight-fitting covers and are in good repair. Children\342\200\231s bathrooms were observed and inspected. Torrance Tykes at T.E. provides snacks and meals for the facility. The menu is posted on the refrigerator located in the kitchen area. Parents receive an email with a weekly menu. All kitchen, food preparation and storage areas are clean, free of litter/rubbish and free of rodents/vermin. LPAs reminded staff members that copies of the menus served shall be dated and kept on file for at least 30 days. Preschool program coordinates to ensure that all dietary restrictions are being adhered to. LPAs observed \342\200\234Allergy List\342\200\235 on kitchen refrigerator to ensure all staff are aware of the allergies. LPAs observed First Aid Kit in the classroom. Solid waste storage containers have tight-fitting covers and are in good repair. Drinking water is available both indoors and outdoors. Children bring in their own refillable water container and classroom has a water fountain in the classroom and outside accessible to the children in care. Facility communicates with families via email. The facility is free of flies, insects, and rodents. Facility contracts with a Pest control vendor to ensure that facility stays pest free. LPA observed working fire extinguisher and carbon monoxide detector throughout the facility. Classroom was observed with a centralized fire and smoke alarm system. Page 3 Prior to working or volunteering in a licensed childcare 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. At least one person trained in CPR and Pediatric First Aid is present when children are at the facility or at offsite activities. Current CPR and Pediatric First Aid was observed for all staff taken on 08/17/2023. Marisela Bazalar (Rodriguez) and Deborah Celano both hold a Child Development Program Director Permit. LPAs discussed the importance of making sure all Pediatric CPR and Pediatric First Aid training is EMSA approved. LPAs reviewed a sample of children\342\200\231s files and observed all 6 files were complete. LPA provided updated LIC 311A to facility director and LIC 125 to use as a reference when auditing files. The name of the child care center director or fully-qualified teacher(s) designated to act in the director\342\200\231s 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. 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. 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 Laureano emailed M. Rodriguez and D. Celano PIN 21-21.1-CCP. This facility provides Incidental Medical Services \342\200\223 IMS. LPAs reviewed storage of \342\200\234medication and equipment/supplies, currently facility does not have a child with medication. 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/ . Facility admin, Marisela Bazalar (Rodriguez), 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 . Notice of site visit was given and must remain posted for 30 days. Exit interview conducted and report was reviewed with the Designated Facility Director, Marisela Bazalar (Rodriguez).