VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES

Bright Start Preschool II
4915 Brenman Park Drive
Alexandria, VA 22304
(703) 461-0457

Current Inspector: Alyssa Simons (571) 423-6392

Inspection Date: July 11, 2024

Complaint Related: No

Areas Reviewed:

8VAC20-780 Administration. 8VAC20-780 Staff Qualifications and Training. 8VAC20-780 Physical Plant. 8VAC20-780 Staffing and Supervision. 8VAC20-780 Programs. 8VAC20-780 Special Care Provisions and Emergencies 8VAC20-780 Special Services. 8VAC20-820 THE LICENSE. 8VAC20-770 Background Checks (8VAC20-770) 20 Access to minor?s records 22.1 Background Checks Code, Carbon Monoxide 63.2 Child Abuse & Neglect

Technical Assistance:

Effective January 1, 2025, the VDOE will begin determining compliance with ? 22.1-289.057 of the Code of Virginia, which is legislation passed by the General Assembly in 2020. The law requires all licensed child day programs, religious exempt child day centers that serve preschool age children, and certified preschools to test potable drinking water. The law requires that programs submit their plans and test results to the Virginia Department of Health Office of Drinking Water (VDH ODW) and the Superintendent. If the results of the testing indicate elevated lead levels, the program shall remediate, retest, and resubmit results to VDH ODW and the Superintendent. There is an additional alternative bottled water option that comes with additional requirements. The statutory requirement can be found online at https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title22.1/chapter14.1/section22.1-289.057/. Resources are now available for providers on the "What's New" webpage on the ChildCareVA website at https://www.childcare.virginia.gov/providers/what-s-new

Comments:

An unannounced monitoring inspection was conducted July 11, 2024 between the hours of 10:45am - 3:00pm. There were 30 children directly supervised by 5 staff. The physical plant, 4 staff records, 5 children?s records, evacuation drills, injury reports, emergency supplies, and policies were inspected. Children were observed participating in group play, activities and eating lunch. There was an assortment of age appropriate materials for the children in care. Areas of non-compliance are identified in the Violation Notice. If you have any questions regarding this inspection, please contact the Licensing Inspector, Alyssa Simons at alyssa.simons@doe.virginia.gov or 571-423-6392. Please submit your plan of correction within five business days in order for it to be included on the public website.

Violations:

Standard #:	22.1-289.035-B-4
Description:	Based on record review and interview, the facility did not ensure that all staff have the result of a search of the child abuse and neglect registry (CPS check) or equivalent registry from any state in which an individual staff person has resided in the preceding five years before reporting to work. Evidence: 1. The record for Staff #4 (date of hire: 09/26/2023) did not contain documentation of an out-of-state CPS check. 2. Staff #4 was observed providing care at the facility on the date of inspection. 3. Staff #1, Staff #2, and Staff #3 acknowledged that there was not a record of an out-of-state CPS check being done for Staff #4.
Plan of Correction:	Staff #4 included a Virginia CPS check, but not a Maryland CPS check. A Maryland CPS check was immediately requested when the citation was made. Bright Start utilizes a database to maintain accuracy. We will also utilize a checks and balance system to ensure all "out of state" CPS checks are requested as outlined in VA licensing requirements.
Standard #:	8VAC20-780-270-A
Description:	Based on observation and interview, the center did not ensure areas and equipment of the center, inside, were maintained in a clean, safe, and operable condition. Evidence: 1. In the Zebra classroom, the play kitchen sink had a broken faucet and sharp plastic was exposed. 2. Staff #2 acknowledged the broken sink faucet.
Plan of Correction:	The play kitchen sink has been disposed. Staff has been reminded to vigilantly look out for broken items in their classrooms which can be hazardous to children. Broken items will be thrown out if they cannot be repaired.
Standard #:	8VAC20-780-280-B
Description:	Based on observation, and interview hazardous substances such as cleaning materials were not kept in a locked place using a safe locking method that prevents access by children. Evidence: 1. In the Zebra classroom kitchen, 1 bottle of cleaning powder was observed in a lower cabinet under the sink. 2. In the Zebra classroom kitchen, 1 bottle of cleaning powder, 2 jugs of cleaning liquid and 2 bottles of cleaning sprays were observed in an unlocked upper cabinet. 3. In the Zebra classroom, 2 bottles of cleaning sprays were observed in an unlocked cabinet near the teacher desk. 4. Staff # 2 acknowledged the unlocked cleaning supplies in the Zebras classroom. 5. In the Bugs classroom, 6 bottles of cleaning sprays were observed in an unlocked cabinet. 6. In the Bugs classroom, 2 jugs of cleaning liquid, 1 bottle of cleaning spray, 1 bottle of cleaning powder and 1 container of cleaning wipes were observed in an unlocked closet. 7. Staff #1 and Staff #2 acknowledged the unlocked cleaning supplies in the Bugs classroom.
Plan of Correction:	All cleaning supplies have been placed in "locked" areas. Staff have been reminded that cleaning supplies should be locked away, even when stored in areas not accessible to children.
Standard #:	8VAC20-780-290-A-3
Description:	Based on observation and interview, electrical outlets did not have protective covers that are of a size that cannot be swallowed by children. Evidence: 1. In the Zebras classroom there were two uncovered electrical outlets. 2. Staff #2 acknowledged these outlets were uncovered during the inspection.
Plan of Correction:	Electrical outlets have been covered. Staff have been reminded to check for coverings each morning, as outlets may be uncovered during cleaning. The cleaning company has also been requested to recover electrical outlets when cleaning is finished.
Standard #:	8VAC20-780-540-E
Description:	Based on observation and interview, the center did not have a battery operated radio. Evidence: 1. There was no battery operated radio at the center. 2. Staff #2 acknowledged that there was no battery operated radio at the center.
Plan of Correction:	The classroom has a battery operated radio as of 7/12/24. All classrooms will be inspected to include the presence and operation of the radio.