VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES

Little Hearts Daycare
319 Brown Street
Martinsville, VA 24112
(276) 632-8108

Current Inspector: Rebecca Forestier (540) 309-2835

Inspection Date: Sept. 3, 2024

Complaint Related: No

Areas Reviewed:

8VAC20-780 ADMINISTRATION 8VAC20-780 STAFF QUALIFICATIONS AND TRAINING 8VAC20-780 STAFFING AND SUPERVISION 8VAC20-770 BACKGROUND CHECKS 22.1 BACKGROUND CHECKS, CODE, CARBON MONOXIDE 63.2 CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT

Comments:

An unannounced monitoring inspection was initiated on 09/03/2024 and completed on 09/05/2024 in response to a self-report received by the licensing office on 08/29/2024 relating to supervision. The inspector reviewed 2 children?s records and 1 staff record on-site. This inspection included document review, a tour of the facility, and interviews. Information gathered during the inspection determined non-compliance with applicable standards or laws, and violations are documented on the violation notice issued to the program.

Violations:

Standard #:	8VAC20-780-40-E
Description:	Based on the review of required policies and procedures and interviews with staff, the center failed to maintain the operational responsibility of the licensee to ensure that the center?s activities, services and facilities are maintained in compliance with the center?s own policies and procedures that are required by the standards. Evidence: The center?s Missing Child Policy, provided by the center, states the following: ?At all times you are to know where the children in your care are. When outside periodically count heads. Take roll call when returning inside. All children should be accounted for at all times.? On 08/14/2024, Staff 1 did not know where Child 1 (2 years old) was at all times when they were left alone on the playground for approximately 5-7 minutes. Staff 1 did not take a roll call when returning inside from the playground.
Plan of Correction:	Retrained all staff on the center's Missing Child Policy, counting children and taking roll when returning inside. Discussed the importance of always counting children. Have reminded the staff daily since the incident occurred.
Standard #:	8VAC20-780-70
Description:	Based on record review, the center failed to ensure that staff records contain all of the elements as required by the standards. Evidence: The record for Staff 1 did not contain documentation that two or more references as to character and reputation as well as competency were checked before employment.
Plan of Correction:	The references are now in the record.
Standard #:	8VAC20-780-340-A
Description:	Based on interviews, the center failed to ensure that when staff are supervising children, they shall always ensure their care, protection and guidance. Evidence: On 08/14/2024, Child 1 (2 years old) was left alone on the fenced in playground in the front of the center for approximately 5 to 7 minutes by Staff 1. The center is in a residential area next to other homes and businesses. There is a sidewalk in front of the center and the front playground is visible from the road. A parent, parked in front of the center, noticed Child 1 was alone on the playground. The parent entered the area, took the child, and rang the doorbell to re-enter the center. Staff 1 was unaware that Child 1 was left on the playground alone and did not ensure proper care and protection.
Plan of Correction:	Retrained all staff. Discussed with the staff that they are responsible for their well-being at all times while supervising the children.
Standard #:	8VAC20-780-340-F
Description:	Based on interviews, the center failed to ensure that children under 10 years of age always shall be within actual sight and sound supervision of staff. Evidence: On 08/14/2024, Child 1 (2 years old) was left alone on the center's front playground area for approximately 5-7 minutes by Staff 1. Child 1 was not within the actual sight and sound supervision of staff during the time they were alone on the playground.
Plan of Correction:	Retrained all staff on sight and sound supervision. Discussed the importance of always maintain sight and sound supervision. Have reminded the staff daily since the incident occurred.