VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES

Cadence Academy Preschool
9807 Patriot Highway
Fredericksburg, VA 22407
(540) 834-0060

Current Inspector: Florence Martus (804) 389-0157

Inspection Date: July 10, 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 8VAC20-770 Background Checks 22.1 Early Childhood Care and Education 32.1 Report by person other than physician 63.2 Child Abuse & Neglect

Technical Assistance:

n/a

Comments:

An unannounced monitoring inspection was initiated on 07/10/24 and completed on 10/02/24 with local agencies, in response to a self-report received by the licensing office on 07/02/24 relating to behavioral guidance. The inspector reviewed one child?s record and two staff records on-site. This inspection included document review, tour of the facility, interviews, and observations. Information gathered during the inspection determined non-compliance with applicable standards or law, and violations are documented on the violation notice issued to the program. Though not a part of the original self-report, violations that were not reported were found related to staff records and 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 violation will be or has been corrected. Submit your POC within five (5) business days from today, which will be the close of business on 10/10/24. A POC submitted after this date will not appear on the public website.

Violations:

Standard #:	8VAC20-780-160-A
Description:	(REPEAT VIOLATION) Each staff member shall submit documentation of a negative tuberculosis screening at the time of employment and prior to coming into contact with the children. The documentation shall have been completed within the last 30 calendar days of the date of employment. The screening for Staff #1 was completed seven months after employment and the screening for Staff #2 was completed three months prior to the date of employment.
Plan of Correction:	Per the Center: "Management at the time Staff #1 and Staff #2 were hired, who did not ensure that a negative tuberculosis screening was obtained prior to employment and also no earlier than 30 days before employment, has separated from the company. Staff #1 and Staff #2 have separated from the company. Current management will continue to ensure staff files are compliant."
Standard #:	8VAC20-780-40-E
Description:	The center shall ensure that the center's own policies and procedures that are required by these standards are be maintained in compliance. The center's policy on discipline/positive behavior management was not followed on 07/02/24 when Staff #1 pulled Child #1 (3-year-old) by the hood of his jacket and grabbed him by the arms to remove two toys out of his hands. The center's policy on discipline/positive behavior management states, "We utilize discipline, not punishment, providing positive modeling, guidance and encouragement. Appropriate discipline involves teaching children what is and is not acceptable behavior, keeping in mind children's abilities and developmental levels. Classrooms are designed to eliminate frustration and encourage success. When a child displays inappropriate behavior, teachers will attempt to redirect the behavior by providing an alternative activity."
Plan of Correction:	Per the Center: "The center self-reported the policy violation related to Staff #1 to the child care licensing office. Staff #1 has separated from the company. Remaining staff were reminded of their requirement to follow center policies."
Standard #:	8VAC20-780-70
Description:	(REPEAT VIOLATION) Documentation of at least 2 references to character, reputation, and competency are to be checked prior to employment. Staff #1, who had been actively working at the center for over one year, did not have a second reference verification on file.
Plan of Correction:	Per the Center: "Management at the time Staff #1 was hired, who did not ensure 2 references were on file prior to employment, has separated from the company. Current management will continue to ensure staff files are compliant. Staff #1 has separated from the company."
Standard #:	8VAC20-780-400-B
Description:	(REPEAT VIOLATION) Behavioral guidance shall be constructive in nature, age and stage appropriate, and shall be intended to redirect children to appropriate behavior and resolve conflicts. The following was observed through video footage provided by the center: On 07/02/24, at approximately 8:34am, Child #1 (3 year old) is observed running away from Staff #1 with two toys in his hands. Staff #1 approaches Child #1, pulls him by the hood of his jacket, causing the child to fall to the ground. Staff #1 then grabs the child's arms and takes the toys out of his hands. Child #1 gets up and continues to run around the classroom, throwing toys and a chair. Staff #2 observed the interaction between Staff #1 and Child #1, but did not intervene.
Plan of Correction:	Per the Center: "The center self-reported the behavioral guidance rule violation related to Staff #1 to the child care licensing office. Staff #1 has separated from the company. Staff #2 has separated from the company. Remaining staff were reminded of their requirement to follow VA behavioral guidance rules."