Inspection · 2026-02-24
Date
2026-02-24
Complaint Related
No
Licensing Inspector
Rene Old
(757) 404-1784
(757) 404-1784
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
Violations
1Standard 22.1-289.031-B-2
The center shall establish and implement procedures for appropriate supervision of all children in care, including daily intake and dismissal procedures to ensure safety of children.
Written supervision procedures for the program state that staff shall not rough handle children and cell phone use is prohibited when caring for children. Staff 1 failed to follow center supervision procedures when she grabbed child 1, age 2 years, by his shirt and shook him 3 times after the child wiped his nose on her arm. Staff 1 was observed looking at a cell phone prior to this incident which occurred on 02/11/2026.
Written supervision procedures for the program state that staff shall not rough handle children and cell phone use is prohibited when caring for children. Staff 1 failed to follow center supervision procedures when she grabbed child 1, age 2 years, by his shirt and shook him 3 times after the child wiped his nose on her arm. Staff 1 was observed looking at a cell phone prior to this incident which occurred on 02/11/2026.
Plan of Correction: The incident was identified during routine video review and lasted approximately three seconds. Due to staff positioning and the brief nature of the interaction, there were no witnesses. The child did not appear to be injured and continued normal classroom activities following the incident. The staff member was shown the footage, stated she was ?pretending to be mad? and ?just playing,? and her employment was terminated the same day for violation of supervision policies. The incident was reported to the appropriate state agencies in accordance with mandated reporting requirements, and the child?s parents were promptly notified with all pertinent details. Additional video footage was reviewed to confirm the incident was isolated. All staff have since been re-trained on supervision policies, including the prohibition of rough handling and personal cell phone use while supervising children (except for approved program use). Staff also completed a signed policy acknowledgement reinforcing appropriate interactions, tone, and supervision expectations. Administration will continue increased video monitoring to ensure ongoing compliance with all supervision standards. Hickory Ridge Academy & Early Learning Center remains committed to providing a safe and nurturing environment for all students.