Inspection · 2022-03-22
Date
2022-03-22
Complaint Related
Yes
Licensing Inspector
Tara Barton
(804) 381-8487
(804) 381-8487
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 Staffing and Supervision.
8VAC20-780 Programs.
Inspector Notes
An unannounced complaint investigation was conducted with local agency representatives regarding a report of a forbidden action. On March 22, 2022, the inspector completed interviews with staff, made observations of children in care, and reviewed records. Copies of pertinent documentation and a video recording were obtained in conjunction with local agencies on March 23, 2022 and April 11, 2022. The evidence 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 call me if you have any questions at 804-381-8487 or e-mail tara.barton@doe.virginia.gov.
Violations
3Standard 8VAC20-780-340-F
Based on observation on a video recording, the facility failed to have children under 10 years of age always within actual sight and sound supervision of staff. On January 19, 2022, the video shows that there is no staff present in the second and third grade group (7 to 9 year olds) for approximately two minutes. The children are seen engaged in inappropriate rough housing.
Plan of Correction: At no time is a staff member to leave the room with children present. They must use walkie talkies to communicate if they need to step out. Staff training on these guidelines has been completed on a one-on-one basis the week of 1/31/2022 to 2/4/2022. It is now a priority conversation in orientation for new staff.
Standard 8VAC20-780-40-E
Based on a review of documentation and staff interviews, the center did not ensure that the center's policies and procedures regarding forbidden actions were followed. Evidence: The center's discipline action agreement states "We will not use physical force or corporal punishment to correct children." On January 19, 2022, Staff A used physical force by grabbing Child A by the ankles, picking him up under the arms, and slamming him on the couch. Staff A admitted to using physical force.
Plan of Correction: Staff A is no longer employed with center (1/21/2022). We have implemented a no touch policy. This entails the following procedure: if a child is not listening to redirection and has increased potential to cause harm, the room will be cleared of other children and the guardians will be called to retrieve the child immediately. This will begin the discipline 3 steps to removal from Firefly Childcare as outlined in our enrollment contract. Staff have been redirected to remain in the room with the child bit not physically intervene and call for second staff person if appropriate.
Standard 8VAC20-780-410-1
Based on staff interviews, video recording, and documentation from other agencies, the facility did not ensure staff refrained from using a forbidden action. Evidence: on January 19, 2022, Staff A is observed on video recording roughly handling Child 1 (age 8). Child A is seen displaying inappropriate play with a peer by hitting, kicking, and jumping on top of him. Staff A holds Child A (age 8) by his right wrist in time out on the couch next to him. Child A gets up after approximately two minutes and jumps on the other couch. Staff A gets up, grabs Child A by the ankles, pulls him along the couch towards him, and picks him up under his arms. He then carries the child to the other couch and slams him on it. He then forcefully pulls the child into a sitting position next to him. The child is seated on the couch for about 11 minutes. Staff A admitted to using physical force. Staff B stated that the video recording was that of the day care center.
Plan of Correction: Staff A is no longer employed with center (1/21/2022). We have implemented a no touch policy. This entails the following procedure: if a child is not listening to redirection and has increased potential to cause harm, the room will be cleared of other children and the guardians will be called to retrieve the child immediately. This will begin the discipline 3 steps to removal from Firefly Childcare as outlined in our enrollment contract. Staff have been redirected to remain in the room with the child bit not physically intervene and call for second staff person if appropriate.