VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES

Children of America Prince William
13871 Hedgewood Drive
Woodbridge, VA 22191
(703) 583-4708

Current Inspector: Sharon Allen (540) 272-2941

Inspection Date: May 22, 2024

Complaint Related: Yes

Areas Reviewed:

8VAC20-780-340 8VAC20-780-400 8VAC20-780-410

Comments:

An investigation was initiated from 1:30 pm - 3:30 pm in response to a complaint received by the department regarding behavioral guidance and a forbidden action. Interviews were conducted, documentation, child records, and staff records were reviewed. There was not a preponderance of evidence to support the complaint regarding behavioral guidance and forbidden actions. The complaint is determined to be not valid. 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. If you have questions regarding this inspection you may contact Sharon Allen at 540-272-2941 or sharon.allen@doe.virginia.gov.

Violations:

Standard #:	8VAC20-780-340-A
Complaint related:	No
Description:	Based on interviews it was determined that staff did not always ensure the care, protection, and guidance of children in their care. Evidence: Through interviews it was determined that child A (Age 3 years) was left alone in the Multi-Purpose Classroom (City Place Classroom) for an undisclosed amount of time in the afternoon. The exact date of this incident could not be determined however it reportedly occurred during the beginning of March 2024. It was reported that child A was using the bathroom in the classroom when the rest of the class exited City Place with Staff A and Staff B to return to the Pre-School Classroom. Staff C could hear crying from City Place and found child A alone in the classroom. Staff A and Staff B were unaware that Child A was not in their care until the child was returned to them by staff C.
Plan of Correction:	Both teachers have been terminated as of June 18, 2024 as a result of moving children without calling for management and leaving a child behind. All staff have been retrained on the movement log policy and their signed acknowledgement of this training will be completed in its entirety by June 28, 2024, reassuring teachers are calling anytime children are moved. Management will count the children and sweep the location to prevent a child from being left behind.
Standard #:	8VAC20-780-340-F
Complaint related:	No
Description:	Based on interviews it was determined that children under ten years of age were not always within actual sight and sound supervision of staff. Evidence: Through interviews it was determined that child A (Age 3 years) was left alone in the Multi-Purpose Classroom (City Place Classroom) for an undisclosed amount of time in the afternoon. The exact date of this incident could not be determined however it reportedly occurred during the beginning of March 2024. It was reported that child A was using the bathroom in the classroom when the rest of the class exited City Place with Staff A and Staff B to return to the Pre-School Classroom. Staff C later found child A alone in the City Place Classroom.
Plan of Correction:	Both teachers have been terminated on June 18, 2024. All staff will properly follow the movement log policy stating teachers are to call when moving a class from one destination to another, management will count children and sweep the location. At July's staff meeting on July 10, 2024 the focus will be on the Zero Tolerance Policy. The Zero Tolerance Policy foster culture to help detour as well as ensure any abuse, neglect, supervision, or other inappropriate actions are held accountable with formal documentation that could result in termination. The intent of the policy is to be proactive and eliminate the risk of such violation from occurring in the future.