Inspection · 2024-07-30
(571) 352-1453
Areas Reviewed
8VAC20-780 Administration.
8VAC20-780 Staff Qualifications and Training.
8VAC20-780 Staffing and Supervision.
8VAC20-780 Programs.
Inspector Notes
An unannounced inspection was initiated on 07/30/2024 and completed on 09/03/2024 in response to a complaint received by the licensing office on 07/29/2024 relating to allegations of inappropriate behavioral guidance. The inspector reviewed 1 child record and 3 staff records on site on 7/30/2024. This inspection included document review, tour of the facility, interviews, and observations.
The preponderance of evidence gathered during the investigation supports the allegation; therefore, the complaint is determined to be valid. Information gathered during the inspection determined non-compliance with applicable standards or law and the violations are documented on the violation notice issued to the program.
Please complete the plan of correction (POC) and date to be corrected sections for each violation cited on the violation notice. Specify how the deficient practice will be or has been corrected. Submit your POC within five (5) business days from today, which will be the close of business on 9/9/2024. A POC submitted after this date will not appear on the public website.
Violations
1Evidence:
1. Staff in the 2B classroom utilized threat of a fictional character as a means of behavior management in the classroom.
2. One staff member reported observing another staff saying to the children "Do you need to see Mr. Bear? Mr. Bear is watching you." when children were misbehaving.
3. Another staff member reported "We say Mr. Bear is listening to us when children are getting a little too loud, and say Mr. Bear is sleeping to get them to be quiet."
4. A third staff member reported hearing a staff member tell a child that "if she didn't start behaving better, the bear was going to get her."
5. Staff stated "Mr. Bear" was from the "Going on a bear hunt" song which was often played in the classroom. The center reported following a transition from class 2B to 3A, staff stated one child became visibly upset upon hearing "the bear hunt" song.
1. Staff Disciplinary Measures
2. Staff Warnings
3. Review and Training of Company Policies
4. Streamlining Complaint Process
5. Creation of Anonymous Complaint Process
6. Outreach for In-Classroom Observance and Mentoring
8. Addition of Security Cameras
9. Management Support