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 Physical Plant.
Inspector Notes
A complaint investigation was initiated on January 8, 2024 from a report received by the Fairfax Licensing Office on January 8, 2024. Interviews were conducted, inspection of the Center was conducted, and review of video footage was reviewed. Information gathered during the investigation determined the complaint is ?valid?. Violations resulting from this complaint investigation can be viewed on the violation notice. If you have any questions, contact Nancy Radcliffe at nancy.radcliffe@doe.virginia.gov
Violations
1Standard 8VAC20-780-280-A
REPEAT VIOLATION
Based on observation, interviews, and video footage, the center did not ensure conditions exist that would be nonhazardous to the health and safety of children.
Evidence:
1.On January 8, 2024 mouse droppings were observed in the back of the CASA 1 classroom. Children have access to the droppings.
2. Interview with witness #1 and witness #2 confirmed there is still mice activity in the Center.
3. Video footage from December 18, 2023 was reviewed of child witness #3 stating they have seen mice running in their classroom during naptime.
.
Based on observation, interviews, and video footage, the center did not ensure conditions exist that would be nonhazardous to the health and safety of children.
Evidence:
1.On January 8, 2024 mouse droppings were observed in the back of the CASA 1 classroom. Children have access to the droppings.
2. Interview with witness #1 and witness #2 confirmed there is still mice activity in the Center.
3. Video footage from December 18, 2023 was reviewed of child witness #3 stating they have seen mice running in their classroom during naptime.
.
Plan of Correction: Since the original violation notice on the mouse droppings we have implemented a comprehensive plan of correction including engaging an extermination company with a national presence and reputation. They have conducted two major trapping efforts including one most recently during the Christmas holidays. Excluders were installed on all exterior doors and the excluders on the doors to the service hallways were replaced and better installed. The landlord has been engaged in this process as well and has installed excluders on all doors leading the outside, the loading dock, and the retail trash room. Those efforts were fruitful and the mouse activity has diminished significantly in the last few weeks. During all of this time we have had a staff person assigned to come in early and clean the classrooms to reduce the presence of the droppings. Unfortunately, this is not the type of problem that is quickly resolved. We have spent thousands of dollars to address this and will continue to be vigilant going forward even once the problem is resolved. I have attached a letter from the extermination company attesting to the work they have done and to their assessment of the current situation.