Inspection · 2025-08-20
Date
2025-08-20
Complaint Related
No
Licensing Inspector
Dominick Fields
(540) 359-5244
(540) 359-5244
SHSIA monitoring inspection of an approved subsidy vendor to determine compliance with current subsidy requirements regarding the health and safety of children and to promote quality standards for the children in their care.
No
Areas Reviewed
8VAC20-780 Administration.
8VAC20-780 Staff Qualifications and Training.
8VAC20-780 Physical Plant.
8VAC20-780 Staffing and Supervision.
8VAC20-780 Programs.
8VAC20-780 Special Care Provisions and Emergencies
8VAC20-780 Special Services.
8VAC20-770 Background Checks
20 Access to minor?s records
22.1 Early Childhood Care and Education
63.2 Child Abuse & Neglect
During the inspection, the inspector reviewed the areas listed above to include standards found out of compliance during the previous inspection. Unless otherwise noted as a violation within this inspection report, the provider was in compliance with the standards reviewed. If there were any serious injuries or fatalities related to a violation, the details will be included in the description of the violation.
Inspector Notes
An unannounced on-site monitoring inspection was initiated on 08/20/2025 and completed on 9/24/2025 in response to a self-report received by the licensing office on 08/20/2025 relating to supervision, behavioral guidance, and forbidden actions. The inspector reviewed five children?s records and seven staff records onsite on 08/20/2025, 08/21/2025, 08/25/2025 and 08/27/2025. This inspection included: document review, tour of the facility, interviews and observations.
Information gathered during the inspection determined non-compliance with applicable standards or law, and violations are documented on the violation notice issued to the program. Though not a part of the original self report, violations that were not reported were found related to staff member documentation and are documented on the violation notice issued to the program.
Please complete the plan of correction (POC) and date to be corrected sections for each violation cited on the violation notice. Specify how the violation will be or has been corrected. Submit your POC within five (5) business days from today, which will be the close of business on 10/1/2025. A POC submitted after this date will not appear on the public website.
Violations
6Standard 63.2-1509-A
The following persons who, in their professional or official capacity, have reason to suspect that a child is an abused or neglected child, shall report the matter immediately to the local department of the county or city wherein the child resides or wherein the abuse or neglect is believed to have occurred or to the Department's toll-free child abuse and neglect hotline: any teacher or other person employed in a public or private school, kindergarten or child day program; or any person providing full-time or part-time child care for pay on a regularly planned basis.
A staff member acknowledged that they recorded a video on June 5, 2025, showing Staff #1 dragging Child #1 by the wrist from the classroom into the hallway. The staff member did not report the incident immediately to CPS.
During a different event, Staff #3 acknowledged witnessing an incident between Staff #1 and Child #1. Staff #3 looked into the hallway when they heard Child #1 crying and screaming while being dragged by the arm down the hallway passing Classroom #2 and Classroom #1 towards the kitchen by Staff #1. Staff #2 also heard the incident. Staff #3 and Staff #2 discussed what they witnessed and heard. Staff #2 and Staff #3 did not report the incident immediately to CPS, but acknowledged they should have reported the incident.
A staff member acknowledged that they recorded a video on June 5, 2025, showing Staff #1 dragging Child #1 by the wrist from the classroom into the hallway. The staff member did not report the incident immediately to CPS.
During a different event, Staff #3 acknowledged witnessing an incident between Staff #1 and Child #1. Staff #3 looked into the hallway when they heard Child #1 crying and screaming while being dragged by the arm down the hallway passing Classroom #2 and Classroom #1 towards the kitchen by Staff #1. Staff #2 also heard the incident. Staff #3 and Staff #2 discussed what they witnessed and heard. Staff #2 and Staff #3 did not report the incident immediately to CPS, but acknowledged they should have reported the incident.
Plan of Correction: Training & Certification: Laurel Learning Center has always provided Mandated Reporter Training for all staff and will continue to do so annually. All staff completed a course offered by Virginia Department of Education and Community College Workforce Alliance in May 2025 entitled ?Child Abuse and Neglect: Recognition and Reporting.? New hires complete this training as part of onboarding within the first week.
Quick Reference Tools: A one-page guide detailing CPS hotline and reporting steps is posted in each classroom, staff lounge, and office.
Daily Oversight: Directors review all incident reports daily to confirm immediate and accurate reporting.
Quick Reference Tools: A one-page guide detailing CPS hotline and reporting steps is posted in each classroom, staff lounge, and office.
Daily Oversight: Directors review all incident reports daily to confirm immediate and accurate reporting.
Standard 8VAC20-780-340-A
REPEAT VIOLATION
When staff are supervising children, they shall always ensure their care, protection, and guidance.
On 6/5/2025, Staff #1 dragged Child #1 (age: 4 years) across the floor by the child's wrist into hallway as the child screamed and cried. Staff #6 can be heard on video telling the child, "Come on, get up."
In a separate incident, Staff #3 acknowledged witnessing Staff #1 dragging Child #1 by the arm down the hallway passing Classroom #2 and Classroom #1 as the child screamed and cried. Staff # 2 admitted to hearing the child crying and screaming. Staff #2 and Staff #3 discussed the incident and did not intervene.
When staff are supervising children, they shall always ensure their care, protection, and guidance.
On 6/5/2025, Staff #1 dragged Child #1 (age: 4 years) across the floor by the child's wrist into hallway as the child screamed and cried. Staff #6 can be heard on video telling the child, "Come on, get up."
In a separate incident, Staff #3 acknowledged witnessing Staff #1 dragging Child #1 by the arm down the hallway passing Classroom #2 and Classroom #1 as the child screamed and cried. Staff # 2 admitted to hearing the child crying and screaming. Staff #2 and Staff #3 discussed the incident and did not intervene.
Plan of Correction: Staff Accountability: Staff #2 and #3 were placed on paid administrative leave on August 28, 2025, pending review and investigation (Staff #1, resigned). Upon return and final conclusion of investigations, corrective coaching will reinforce expectations for immediate intervention and reporting.
Culture of Responsibility: Our center has long promoted a ?See Something, Say Something? culture, empowering all staff to act immediately if a child?s safety is at risk. This culture will continue to be reinforced in all trainings and staff communications. A refresher training will be provided to all staff annually.
Parents have been encouraged to contact the Director with any questions or concerns.
Monitoring: Supervisors will conduct daily unannounced classroom walk-throughs to observe staff-child interactions and ensure consistent adherence to guidance policies.
This incident also contributed to Staff #2 and #3 being placed on administrative leave.
Culture of Responsibility: Our center has long promoted a ?See Something, Say Something? culture, empowering all staff to act immediately if a child?s safety is at risk. This culture will continue to be reinforced in all trainings and staff communications. A refresher training will be provided to all staff annually.
Parents have been encouraged to contact the Director with any questions or concerns.
Monitoring: Supervisors will conduct daily unannounced classroom walk-throughs to observe staff-child interactions and ensure consistent adherence to guidance policies.
This incident also contributed to Staff #2 and #3 being placed on administrative leave.
Standard 8VAC20-780-40-E
The operational responsibilities of the licensee shall include ensuring
that the center's activities, services, and facilities are maintained in
compliance with these standards, and the center's own policies and
procedures.
The center has a discipline policy required by the standards that states, "Children will be provided with positive guidance and under no circumstances is physical discipline permitted at any time."
Staff #1 failed to follow the center?s discipline policy. Video footage shows Staff #1 dragging Child #1 (age:4 years) by the wrist from the classroom into the hallway, then yanking the child up from the floor by the wrist on June 5, 2025.
The center's Mandated Reporting Policy states, "If a staff suspects a child has been abused, they must report the matter immediately to the Child Protective Services (CPS)."
A staff member acknowledged that they recorded a video on June 5, 2025 showing Staff #1 dragging Child #1 by the wrist from the classroom into the hallway. The staff member did not report the incident immediately to CPS.
On a separate occasion, on a undisclosed date, Staff #3 admitted to witnessing a previous incident between Staff #1 and Child #1. Staff #3 looked into the hallway and witnessed Child #1 crying and screaming while being dragged by the arm down the hallway passing Classroom #2 and Classroom #1 towards the kitchen by Staff #1. Staff #2 also heard Child #1 screaming and crying. Staff #3 then informed Staff #2 of what they witnessed.
Staff #2 and Staff #3 did not report the incident immediately to CPS, but acknowledged the incident should've been reported.
that the center's activities, services, and facilities are maintained in
compliance with these standards, and the center's own policies and
procedures.
The center has a discipline policy required by the standards that states, "Children will be provided with positive guidance and under no circumstances is physical discipline permitted at any time."
Staff #1 failed to follow the center?s discipline policy. Video footage shows Staff #1 dragging Child #1 (age:4 years) by the wrist from the classroom into the hallway, then yanking the child up from the floor by the wrist on June 5, 2025.
The center's Mandated Reporting Policy states, "If a staff suspects a child has been abused, they must report the matter immediately to the Child Protective Services (CPS)."
A staff member acknowledged that they recorded a video on June 5, 2025 showing Staff #1 dragging Child #1 by the wrist from the classroom into the hallway. The staff member did not report the incident immediately to CPS.
On a separate occasion, on a undisclosed date, Staff #3 admitted to witnessing a previous incident between Staff #1 and Child #1. Staff #3 looked into the hallway and witnessed Child #1 crying and screaming while being dragged by the arm down the hallway passing Classroom #2 and Classroom #1 towards the kitchen by Staff #1. Staff #2 also heard Child #1 screaming and crying. Staff #3 then informed Staff #2 of what they witnessed.
Staff #2 and Staff #3 did not report the incident immediately to CPS, but acknowledged the incident should've been reported.
Plan of Correction: Immediate Response: Cornerstones was made aware of a video posted online on August 19, 2025, of a teacher using inappropriate disciplining practices. The video was believed to have been taped on June 5, 2025. CPS and Licensing were notified by Laurel Learning Center management the same day and investigations began on August 20, 2025. Cornerstones also immediately started its own internal investigation. Staff #1 was immediately placed on paid administrative leave and subsequently resigned. Staff #2 and #3 was also placed on paid administrative leave pending all investigations on August 28,2025.
Ongoing Staff Training: Laurel Learning Center has always provided comprehensive trainings on positive guidance and mandated reporting. To reinforce these practices, all staff will participate in a refresher training on the Discipline Policy and Mandated Reporter Policy. These trainings emphasize both compliance and the ethical responsibility to protect children. In addition, Laurel Learning Center has updated its policy on the use of personal devices in classrooms, and video and photo policies. This will be reviewed with all staff.
Continued Practice & Reflection: Staff meetings will include scenario-based discussions and policy refreshers, ensuring that every staff member is prepared to respond effectively in real-world situations.
Ongoing Staff Training: Laurel Learning Center has always provided comprehensive trainings on positive guidance and mandated reporting. To reinforce these practices, all staff will participate in a refresher training on the Discipline Policy and Mandated Reporter Policy. These trainings emphasize both compliance and the ethical responsibility to protect children. In addition, Laurel Learning Center has updated its policy on the use of personal devices in classrooms, and video and photo policies. This will be reviewed with all staff.
Continued Practice & Reflection: Staff meetings will include scenario-based discussions and policy refreshers, ensuring that every staff member is prepared to respond effectively in real-world situations.
Standard 8VAC20-780-400-B
Behavioral guidance shall be constructive in nature, age and stage appropriate, and shall be intended to redirect children to appropriate behavior and resolve.
Video footage shows Staff #1 dragging Child #1 (age: 4 years) by the wrist from the classroom into the hallway on June 5, 2025.
Video footage shows Staff #1 dragging Child #1 (age: 4 years) by the wrist from the classroom into the hallway on June 5, 2025.
Plan of Correction: Immediate Response: Staff #1 was placed on administrative leave on August 19, 2025, and subsequently resigned. CPS and Licensing were notified by LLC management the same day we learned of the incident.
Professional Development: Laurel Learning Center has consistently provided Positive Guidance training for all staff. To strengthen this foundation, all staff will complete a refresher with annual follow-up sessions scheduled.
Ongoing Support: Classroom teams will regularly debrief during supervision meetings about challenging behaviors to enhance reflective practices and ensure constructive guidance.
Professional Development: Laurel Learning Center has consistently provided Positive Guidance training for all staff. To strengthen this foundation, all staff will complete a refresher with annual follow-up sessions scheduled.
Ongoing Support: Classroom teams will regularly debrief during supervision meetings about challenging behaviors to enhance reflective practices and ensure constructive guidance.
Standard 8VAC20-780-410-1
The following actions or threats thereof are forbidden: roughly handling a child.
Video footage shows Staff #1 dragging Child #1 (age:4 years) by the wrist from the classroom into the hallway on June 5, 2025.
Video footage shows Staff #1 dragging Child #1 (age:4 years) by the wrist from the classroom into the hallway on June 5, 2025.
Plan of Correction: Immediate Response: Staff #1 was placed on administrative leave on August 19, 2025, and subsequently resigned. CPS and Licensing were notified by LLC management the same day we learned of the incident.
Professional Development: Laurel Learning Center has consistently provided Positive Guidance for all staff. To strengthen this foundation, all staff will complete a refresher with annual follow-up sessions scheduled.
Ongoing Support: Classroom teams will regularly debrief during supervision meetings about challenging behaviors to enhance reflective practices and ensure constructive guidance.
Professional Development: Laurel Learning Center has consistently provided Positive Guidance for all staff. To strengthen this foundation, all staff will complete a refresher with annual follow-up sessions scheduled.
Ongoing Support: Classroom teams will regularly debrief during supervision meetings about challenging behaviors to enhance reflective practices and ensure constructive guidance.
Standard 8VAC20-780-70
REPEAT VIOLATION
The following staff records shall be kept for each staff person: documentation that two or more references as to character and reputation as well as competency were checked before employment and documentation to demonstrate that the individual possesses the education and experience required by the job position.
The records for Staff #1, who had been actively working at the center for the past 14 months did not have evidence of two or more references, orientation training, and education on file.
The following staff records shall be kept for each staff person: documentation that two or more references as to character and reputation as well as competency were checked before employment and documentation to demonstrate that the individual possesses the education and experience required by the job position.
The records for Staff #1, who had been actively working at the center for the past 14 months did not have evidence of two or more references, orientation training, and education on file.
Plan of Correction: File Audit & Improvement: A comprehensive audit of all personnel files was conducted on September 5, and missing documentation will be corrected. Staff #1 resigned.
Enhanced Hiring Procedures: A Hiring Compliance Checklist ensures no staff member begins work without complete orientation, education verification, and reference documentation. We will assure full adherence to this compliance checklist immediately.
Sustained Compliance: HR will conduct quarterly file audits to maintain ongoing accuracy and regulatory compliance.
Enhanced Hiring Procedures: A Hiring Compliance Checklist ensures no staff member begins work without complete orientation, education verification, and reference documentation. We will assure full adherence to this compliance checklist immediately.
Sustained Compliance: HR will conduct quarterly file audits to maintain ongoing accuracy and regulatory compliance.