Inspection · 2021-09-29
(757) 439-6816
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.
Inspector Notes
This inspection was conducted by licensing staff using an alternate remote protocol, including telephone contacts, documents review, interviews and a in person tour of the program.
A self report inspection was initiated on September 3, 2021.The local agency representative and licensing inspector conducted interviews jointly. The inspector reviewed compliance areas of staffing and supervision, programs and administrative. The inspector emailed the director a list of items required to complete the inspection and conducted in person inspection.
Information gathered during the inspection determined non-compliance(s) with applicable standards or law and violations were documented on the violation notice issued to the program.
Violations
21. On September 2, 2021 Staff #1 reported that child #1 (five years old) was missing from approximately 5:40pm-6:00pm.
2. Staff #1 reported she left Staff #2 alone to go back in the building. She reported that she went into the building for approximately five minutes and when she returned she noticed Child #1 was not on the outdoor play area. Staff #2 reported last seeing the child under the climbing wall by the pavilion.
3. Staff #1 stated that she called the police department at approximately 5:50pm to report a missing child. The police department confirmed that the child had already been located away from the center on Hampton Highway.
4. The parent arrived at the center at approximately 5:45pm to pick up Child #1. Once the location of the child was confirmed, the parent went to that location to pick up Child #1.
5. The speed limit along Hampton Highway is 55mph.
Following the event, we have taken a strategic approach to the ongoing training topics for staff including supervision and working with children with diverse abilities. We have also taken a look at our policies for admittance into our program to ensure all pertinent information about a child(ren) is giving prior to a child?s first day of care with us. We continue to work as a partner with all parents of children to ensure their specific needs are being met.
Our plan of correction following the incident for this violation includes the above steps we have taken thus far as well as ensuring while children are outside playing they are always safe and protected by new rules and training techniques for staff. For example, ensuring staff members backs are to the wooded area, parking lots, etc. to have better sight of children to ensure they do not wander into these areas. We will also be looking into barriers for our surrounding wooded areas to clearly define spaces where children should not be.
Evidence:
1. On September 2, 2021, Child #1 (five years old) was out of sight and sound supervision from approximately 5:40pm-6:00pm.
2. Child #1 left the outdoor play area and was located by a citizen approximately 0.5 miles away on Hampton Highway.
Following the event, we have taken a strategic approach to the ongoing training topics for staff including supervision and working with children with diverse abilities. We have also taken a look at our policies for admittance into our program to ensure all pertinent information about a child(ren) is giving prior to a child?s first day of care with us. We continue to work as a partner with all parents of children to ensure their specific needs are being met.
Our plan of correction following the incident for this violation includes the above steps we have taken thus far as well as ensuring while children are outside playing they are always safe and protected by new rules and training techniques for staff. For example, ensuring staff members backs are to the wooded area, parking lots, etc. to have better sight of children to ensure they do not wander into these areas. We will also be looking into barriers for our surrounding wooded areas to clearly define spaces where children should not be. We will also continue to put emphasis on staff training for sight and sound and supervision when onboarding all staff as well as ongoing trainings throughout the year.