Inspection · 2024-03-08
Date
2024-03-08
Complaint Related
Yes
Licensing Inspector
Laura Lunceford
(571) 835-5058
(571) 835-5058
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 Staffing and Supervision
8VAC20-780 Programs
8VAC20-780 Special CareProvisions and Emergencies
8VAC20-780 Special Services
63.2 Child Abuse and Neglect
Inspector Notes
An unannounced investigation was initiated on 3/8/2024 and concluded on 6/21/2024 regarding an allegation received by multiple agencies. Interviews were conducted and documentation and program policies were reviewed. Information gathered during the inspection determined non-compliance with applicable standards or law and violations were documented on the violation notice issued to the program. Please be aware that the plan of correction must be provided within 5 business days of the receipt of the Violation Notice if you want it displayed on the public website.
If there are any questions regarding this inspection please contact Kelly.savittiere@doe.virginia.gov
Violations
6Standard 8VAC20-780-180-B
Based on interview, staff who work directly with children were not capable of communicating with emergency personnel.
Evidence:
1. Staff # 3 confirmed that they could not communicate with emergency personnel.
2. Additionally, Staff #3 asked to be interviewed in their native language.
Evidence:
1. Staff # 3 confirmed that they could not communicate with emergency personnel.
2. Additionally, Staff #3 asked to be interviewed in their native language.
Plan of Correction: Staff #3 is no longer employed. English was not her first language. All current staff speak English fluently.
Standard 8VAC20-780-340-A
Based on interview, when supervising children, staff did not always ensure care, protection and guidance.
Evidence:
1.Staff #4 confirmed that on multiple incidents when children would get hurt and they did not physically see the incident, staff would move forward with blaming Child C even if they could not confirm Child C was involved.
Evidence:
1.Staff #4 confirmed that on multiple incidents when children would get hurt and they did not physically see the incident, staff would move forward with blaming Child C even if they could not confirm Child C was involved.
Plan of Correction: Staff have been retrained on incidents and accident reporting. Reporting should be based on what is reported or observed by staff to ensure the care and protection has been maintained for all students in care. Staff have been trained on reporting factual information not what they believed to have happened. Reporting of incidents and accidents will continue to be reviewed by managers to ensure all students are safe, protected and guided through their day in a positive environment.
Standard 8VAC20-780-350-B-1
Based on observation, interview and record review of attendance a ratio of 1 staff to 4 children was not maintained.
Evidence:
1.On 3/4/2024 the Toddler A classroom had a total of 5 children, which included Child D a 14 month old child, with 1 staff.
Evidence:
1.On 3/4/2024 the Toddler A classroom had a total of 5 children, which included Child D a 14 month old child, with 1 staff.
Plan of Correction: Staff have been reminded that the 1 to 5 ratio for toddlers does not begin until all children in the group are 16 months old.
Standard 8VAC20-780-40-E
Based on interview and a review of the center?s policies and procedures, the licensee did not ensure that the center?s activities and services were maintained in compliance with these standards, the center?s own policies and procedures that are required by these standards, and the terms issued by the department.
Evidence:
1. The center?s Continuity of Care policy for Infant Toddler Care Assignments states ? each caregiver shall be assigned up to 4 infants or up to 5 toddlers. These children once assigned, shall remain in the care of that caregiver until the child transitions to the next group.
2. Staff confirmed that the center moved children on a regular basis in Toddler A and Toddler B classrooms due to staffing.
3. The center failed to follow their own Behavior Guidance policy that states "Discipline will be constructive in nature and include the following techniques:
Using limits that are fair, consistently applied, and appropriate and understandable for the child?s level.
4. Staff confirmed that seatbelts on toddler chairs were used to make sure the children would sit during circle time in The Toddler B classroom.
5. Staff #1?s statement confirmed that a child was ?plucked? on the stomach.
Evidence:
1. The center?s Continuity of Care policy for Infant Toddler Care Assignments states ? each caregiver shall be assigned up to 4 infants or up to 5 toddlers. These children once assigned, shall remain in the care of that caregiver until the child transitions to the next group.
2. Staff confirmed that the center moved children on a regular basis in Toddler A and Toddler B classrooms due to staffing.
3. The center failed to follow their own Behavior Guidance policy that states "Discipline will be constructive in nature and include the following techniques:
Using limits that are fair, consistently applied, and appropriate and understandable for the child?s level.
4. Staff confirmed that seatbelts on toddler chairs were used to make sure the children would sit during circle time in The Toddler B classroom.
5. Staff #1?s statement confirmed that a child was ?plucked? on the stomach.
Plan of Correction: Staff have been retrained on our continuity of care and appropriate behavioral guidance to promote a safe, appropriate and consistent environment that meets the child's level of understanding. While appropriate measures have been in place, managers will continue to walk and observe classrooms to ensure procedure are being followed.
Standard 8VAC20-780-400-B
Based on record review and staff statement, a staff member did not provide behavioral guidance that is constructive in nature and age and stage appropriate to redirect children to appropriate behavior.
Evidence:
On 02/22/2024 Child A was ?plucked ? on the stomach by Staff #1 when they were running around the classroom, making noise and saying ?no?.
2.On 03/04/2024 Child B was grabbed by the right wrist and moved from the shamrock activity to the carpet to calm down by Staff #2. Child B was observed pulling away from Staff #2 while being moved and fell to the ground.
3. Multiple staff interviews confirmed that children on a regular basis were sitting in toddler chairs with seatbelts on so that they would sit and participate in circle time and not able to move freely.
Evidence:
On 02/22/2024 Child A was ?plucked ? on the stomach by Staff #1 when they were running around the classroom, making noise and saying ?no?.
2.On 03/04/2024 Child B was grabbed by the right wrist and moved from the shamrock activity to the carpet to calm down by Staff #2. Child B was observed pulling away from Staff #2 while being moved and fell to the ground.
3. Multiple staff interviews confirmed that children on a regular basis were sitting in toddler chairs with seatbelts on so that they would sit and participate in circle time and not able to move freely.
Plan of Correction: All staff have been retrained on redirection of behavior that provides appropriate positive guidance as well as continuing to provide an environment that is filled with fun and safe activities that children can choose that promotes a positive environment. Staff #1 was immediately terminated.
Standard 8VAC20-780-440-E
Based on observation, 12 inches of space was not maintained between occupied rest cots.
Evidence:
Two occupied cots in preschool B were touching during the inspection.
Evidence:
Two occupied cots in preschool B were touching during the inspection.
Plan of Correction: All cots were originally 12 inches apart. During naptime children moved their cots to be closer to their friend. Staff have been re-trained to make sure the children leave their cots separated by at least 12 inches.