Inspection · 2024-01-08
Date
2024-01-08
Complaint Related
Yes
Licensing Inspector
Stephanie Salvatori
(571) 389-0980
(571) 389-0980
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 Staff Qualifications and Training.
8VAC20-780 Staffing and Supervision.
Inspector Notes
A complaint investigation was initiated on January 8, 2024 from a report received by the Fairfax Licensing Office on January 3, 2024.
The information gathered during the investigation does support the allegation, so the complaint is determined to be ?valid.? Areas of non-compliance are identified in the Violation Notice. If you have any questions, contact Nancy Radcliffe at nancy.radcliffe@doe.virginia.gov
Please submit your plan of correction within five business days in order for it to be included on the public website.
Violations
2Standard 8VAC20-780-340-A
Repeat Violation
Based on review of video footage, when staff was supervising children, they did not always ensure their care, protection and guidance.
Evidence
On 1/2/2023 at approximately 12:15pm, child #1 was sitting in a 6-inch mealtime chair.
Staff #1 was sitting across from child #1 at the table.
Staff #2 was sitting on the bookcase approximately 2 feet in front of child #1.
Child #1 turned around in the chair, lost their balance and fell backwards out of the chair hitting their forehead. Neither staff intervened to stop the child from falling out of the chair.
Staff #2 picked up child #1 and provided comfort.
Based on review of video footage, when staff was supervising children, they did not always ensure their care, protection and guidance.
Evidence
On 1/2/2023 at approximately 12:15pm, child #1 was sitting in a 6-inch mealtime chair.
Staff #1 was sitting across from child #1 at the table.
Staff #2 was sitting on the bookcase approximately 2 feet in front of child #1.
Child #1 turned around in the chair, lost their balance and fell backwards out of the chair hitting their forehead. Neither staff intervened to stop the child from falling out of the chair.
Staff #2 picked up child #1 and provided comfort.
Plan of Correction: When the fall occurred, Staff #1 was feeding another child across the table from Child #1 and Staff #2 was engaging with another child 2 feet in front of Child #1. Child #1 was engaging with one of the classroom materials while choosing to do so in one of the classroom chairs, the seat of which is 5.5 inches from the floor. Child #1 is 11 months old and has been able to walk since 9 months and could have gotten up from the chair on her own at any time. Just prior to falling, Child #1 had twisted her body to the side in the chair but was not kneeling or standing in the chair, which clearly would have been unsafe. Montessori philosophy promotes the independence of the child and supports her freedom of movement and choice to engage with the materials and classroom equipment. If the child's behavior is perceived as unsafe, the child is redirected to other activities. Although we do our best to prevent accidents, they are unavoidable in their entirety as children are learning to control their rapidly growing bodies. After the fall, the child was attended to immediately with comfort and care.
Standard 8VAC20-780-550-P
Based on review of emergency procedures, the center did not maintain a written record of a child?s serious and minor injuries in which entries were made the day of occurrence.
Evidence
Child #1 (11 months old) fell out of a 6 inch mealtime chair on 1/2/2024 at approximately 12:15PM bumping their head.
The parent of child #1 was informed of the incident at approximately 3:45pm when they picked up their child.
A written report was given to the parent on 1/3/2023.
The report states child #1was trying to pull out a chair from the table area and didn?t pull it out fully. That?s when they tried to sit down and fell.
Video footage proves that the report provided an inaccurate account of the incident. Child #1 was sitting in the chair, turned around and fell backwards out of the chair hitting their head.
Evidence
Child #1 (11 months old) fell out of a 6 inch mealtime chair on 1/2/2024 at approximately 12:15PM bumping their head.
The parent of child #1 was informed of the incident at approximately 3:45pm when they picked up their child.
A written report was given to the parent on 1/3/2023.
The report states child #1was trying to pull out a chair from the table area and didn?t pull it out fully. That?s when they tried to sit down and fell.
Video footage proves that the report provided an inaccurate account of the incident. Child #1 was sitting in the chair, turned around and fell backwards out of the chair hitting their head.
Plan of Correction: Proper procedures were not followed for reporting and documenting an injury to the head. Disciplinary action has been taken for Staff #1, Staff #2 and the center director, who failed to verify the accuracy of the reporting before signing the accident report and discussing with parents. All staff have been retrained on proper reporting procedures for head or face injuries as well as the proper completion of written accident report documentation. This was completed by January 24, 2024.