VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES

Precious Time, LLC
1600 Early Settlers Road
N. chesterfield, VA 23235
(804) 272-1062 (2)

Current Inspector: Florence Martus (804) 389-0157

Inspection Date: Jan. 16, 2024

Complaint Related: No

Areas Reviewed:

8VAC20-780 Administration. 8VAC20-780 Staff Qualifications and Training. 8VAC20-780 Staffing and Supervision. 8VAC20-780 Programs. 8VAC20-820 THE LICENSE. 8VAC20-820 THE LICENSING PROCESS. 8VAC20-820 HEARINGS PROCEDURES. 8VAC20-770 Background Checks 22.1 Early Childhood Care and Education 63.2 Child Abuse & Neglect

Technical Assistance:

n/a

Comments:

The licensing inspector completed an unannounced monitoring inspection in response to a self-reported incident regarding forbidden action that occurred at the center on January 9, 2024. The department was notified of the incident on January 12, 2024. The investigation was initiated on January 16, 2024 and completed on February 20, 2024. On January 18, 2024, the licensing inspector was onsite from approximately 11:00am to 1:25pm. Interviews were completed, video footage and observations were made, and documentation was reviewed. Additional interviews were conducted on January 16, 2024. Violations of standards were found during the inspection and are identified on the violation notice. Please complete the `plan of correction? and `date to be corrected? for each violation cited on the violation notice and return it to me within 5 business days from the date of receipt. You should specify how the deficient practice will be or has been corrected. Your plan of correction should contain: 1) steps to correct the noncompliance with the stand(s), 2) measures to prevent the noncompliance from occurring again; and 3) person(s) responsible for implementing each step and/or monitoring any preventive measure(s).

Violations:

Standard #:	8VAC20-780-40-E
Description:	Based on a review of documentation, interviews, and video footage, the center did not maintain compliance with the center?s own policies and procedures that are required by these standards. Evidence: The following was observed through video footage provided by the center on January 18, 2024: On January 9, 2024, Staff #1 grabbed Child #1 (3-year-old) by the arms and forcefully moved her away from a group of children. During interviews, Staff #2 reported that Staff #1 was terminated for using inappropriate discipline on Child #1 on January 9, 2024. It was reported that Staff #1 moved Child #1 away from the group for upsetting two children. An employee action form issued to Staff #1 on January 10, 2024 stated the following: ?A parent complaint was received on 1.9.24 indicating inappropriate discipline was used. After reviewing the video from Mon & Tus it was determined that this complaint was valid & discipline was harsh & outside of PT policy. Inappropriate discipline is grounds for immediate termination and therefore [Staff #1]?s employment will be terminated today.? The center?s discipline policy states: ?The goal of positive behavior guidance is to help the child learn self-control and build good habits. The staff shall provide opportunities for children to learn self-regulation in ways that promote their self-esteem and self-image using techniques such as: A. Setting limits that are clear, fair, consistent, appropriate and understandable B. Setting limits and patiently enforcing them C. Encouraging age appropriate behavior D. Redirecting children toward acceptable or appropriate activities and behavior E. Encouraging the use of words to express their feelings to limit and resolve conflicts F. Arranging equipment in a way that promotes desirable behavior?
Plan of Correction:	Per the Center: "The director will monitor both live and archived to ensure staff are following Precious Time expectations for appropriate discipline and guidance."
Standard #:	8VAC20-780-410-1
Description:	Based on a review of documentation, interviews, and video footage, the center did not ensure that staff did not use a forbidden action of rough handling a child. Evidence: Video footage of the Ladybug Room reviewed on January 18, 2024, revealed that on January 9, 2024, Staff #1 roughly handled a child in care. In the video, Staff #1 is observed grabbing Child #1 (3-year-old) under their arms and forcefully moving the child away from a group of children. During interview, Staff #2 reported Staff #1 was terminated on January 10, 2024, for rough handling Child #1.
Plan of Correction:	Per the Center: "All Precious Time staff will attend in-service training on appropriate child discipline and advanced guidance techniques."