Facility-requested visit·October 9, 2024

On 10/9/2024 Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Jillinda Chandler made an announced visit to the Hermosa Preschool, located at 1800 Prospect Ave., Hermosa Beach, CA. 90245, for the purpose of conducting a Case Management - Licensee Initiated inspection. LPA met with Hannah Ford the program director. The licensee is requesting an increase in capacity, currently the center has a capacity of 48 preschool children and the licensee is requesting to increase the capacity to 72 children ages 2-5 years. Preschool operations were currently in room 224 and 223, the preschool has been granted the use of room 222, which previously was part of the Hermosa View School. The preschool is located on the Hermosa View Elementary school campus. There is an approved fire clearance on file, conducted on 8/22/2024 by Inspector Judkins of the L.A. County Fire Department. LPA Chandler inspected and measured the additional and existing classrooms, and the following was observed: There were age appropriate furniture observed in good repair, adequate lighting, central air and heating, cots for napping. The rugs were clean and in good repair, no tripping hazards were observed, windows were clean and free from insects or debris, class rooms were equipped with operable carbon monoxide detectors and fire extinguishers that were last inspected on 2/21/2024, first aid kits with the required supplies were readily available in each classroom, no toxins or detergents were observed in the classrooms, these items were in locked cabinets. No hazardous conditions were observed during todays inspection. The center has a restroom waiver on file for exclusive use of two gender identified restrooms, located in a main hallway across from room 224 and within close proximity to the two classrooms, in this restroom there were a total of 4 sinks , 4 toilets and 2 urinals. There is also a restroom located in room 224 with 1 toilet and 1 sink, all classrooms have a sink and water faucet inside the classrooms. Since the last inspection a rest room was added to room 223 with 1 toilet and one sink and there is a restroom in the added classroom (222) with 1 toilet and 1 sink. Per the director the added restroom in 223 was constructed during summer break and there were no children present. The center currently has an outdoor activity space waiver; to allow the preschool to share the same outdoor activity space as the elementary school, on an alternating schedule, excluding the climbing apparatus. Since the last inspection there has been a section of the elementary play yard that has been enclosed with a gate 4 feet or higher, designated exclusively for the preschool program. The preschool continues to have permission to use the grass area, swings and asphalt/basketball court areas when elementary children are not present. LPA observed 2 climbing poles that were not age appropriate for children 2-4 years of age. The equipment was recommended for ages 5 - 12 with adult supervision. The director shall devise a plan to ensure the equipment is used according to the manufactures instructions. Other equipment were age appropriate, LPA advised the director that the log tunnel be monitored at all times due to the obstruction of visual supervision. LPA observed wood chips and grass for cushioning. LPA observed a covered bench piece of equipment that provided shade connected to 2 benches for resting, per the director extra shading will be added to this area. Children use their personal water containers and the school is equipped with filtered refill stations. Children are escorted to the restroom near the swings when outdoors, staff shall ensure that there are no elementary school children present and visual supervision shall be maintained at all times. Measurements for the indoor capacity were 3084.40 which accommodates the requested capacity. Measurements for the outdoor capacity were 3804.56 which will not accommodate the total indoor capacity. The licensee shall request a waiver of Title 22, section 10238.2(a) - Outdoor Activity Space, to meet the regulation, and section 101239(h) - Fixtures, to accommodate the 1 sink and toilet per 15 children. The waiver shall also request to use the shared outdoor restroom and plans to accomplish the request. Based on todays inspection the center shall be recommended for an increase to 72 children based on the measurements and the requested capacity, and pending approval of the requested waiver and recommendations. An exit interview was conducted and a copy of this report was discussed and provided to Hannah Ford - director.