VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES

Guidepost Montessori at Reston
11579 Cedar Chase Rd
Herndon, VA 20170
(703) 404-9733

Current Inspector: Lisa Hudson (571) 389-2459

Inspection Date: June 15, 2022

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. 8VAC20-820 THE LICENSING PROCESS. 8VAC20-820 HEARINGS PROCEDURES. 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:

Provided guidance on using substitute staff and the importance of knowing policies and procedures for those staff that are not routinely assigned to the center. Discussed the responsibilities assigned to staff who are substituting from another sister center and the importance of understanding the names and needs of each child and staff they are assigned to.

Comments:

A self-report was received on 06/14/2022. An Unannounced Monitoring Inspection was conducted today to investigate an incident involving staff supervision of a child on 06/13/2022. Staff interviews were conducted, staff records and written statements reviewed and observation of playground and Classroom 7 was completed. Violations were found in the following areas: Supervision and Programs. Thank you for your cooperation during the investigation. Please email me at: lisa.hudson@doe.virginia with questions or need for clarification.

Violations:

Standard #:	8VAC20-780-340-F
Description:	Based on staff interviews, a child was not always within sight and sound supervision of staff. Evidence: 1. On 06/13/2022 at approximately 4:30pm, Child #1(age 3 years) left Classroom 7 for an undetermined length of time and was found outside on the playground. 2. Staff #1 stated ?I only had 2 children left, [Child #1 and #2], [Child #2?s] parent just came in to pick him up and we started talking.? During this time Staff #1 stated ?[Child #1?s] parent walked into the classroom and asked where [their] son was. I looked around and as I remember, I saw [Staff #2] sitting on the carpet area and I didn?t see [Child #1]. I ran out of the classroom to look for him.? 3. Staff #2 stated, ?I was sitting on the carpet area when [Child #1?s parent] walked into the classroom and asked `Where is my son?? and then [Staff #1] ran out of the classroom and [Child #1?s parent] followed I guess to go look for [Child #1].? 4. Staff #1 found Child #1 on the playground and stated, ?He was at the fence gate. He had lifted the handle and was beginning to leave the playground.?
Plan of Correction:	1. From the date of the incident and prior, parents were given the option to pick up their children from both side entrances of the school. Since the incident, we now require all parents to drop off and pick-up their children from the front door. Even if children are playing on the playground when their parent arrives, they are still required to go through the front door and come to the playground to pick up their child. 2. Staff have been reminded to frequently count the children in their care so that they are cognizant of how many children they always have. They will count children before every transition, when leaving an area and arriving in another area. Guides will communicate with one another, especially when one child arrives or another leaves. They will be sure to take particular care on days when there are schedule changes, making sure to always monitor the exits, and spread out throughout the classroom and playground. 3. Active Supervision training has been scheduled during THRIVE (August 17 ? 19) and all staff will be required to attend. The following topics will be reviewed during the training. ? Strategies to Put Active Supervision in Place 1. Position staff 2. Set up the environment 3. Scan & count 4. Listen 5. Anticipate 6. Engage & redirect Training resources provided by Active Supervision (hhs.gov)
Standard #:	8VAC20-780-400-A
Description:	Based on a staff interview and staff written statement, staff failed to interact with one another to provide needed help, comfort and support. Evidence: 1. Staff #1 and #2 were assigned to Classroom 7 on the afternoon of 06/13/2022. 2. While interviewed, Staff #2 stated, ?I didn?t know the children?s names, who leaves from the outside and who leaves from the inside to go home.? and ?There were one or two children left in the class but I don?t know their names.? 3. Staff #2?s written statement stated ?the teacher in there did not introduce me to the kids.? The statement included ?A dad came in and asked for [Child #1] to the teacher in the room. I didn?t know who that was.? 4. While interviewed Staff #2 stated ?I don?t work at that school normally, I don?t know the lead guide?s name.? Staff #2 was asked what happened after learning there was a missing child. Staff #2 stated, ?I didn?t go look. There weren?t any more children in the room so I got my things and I left?.
Plan of Correction:	1. Lead Guides have been informed that when a new staff member or substitute comes into the classroom, they are required to tell the staff member how many children are present, introduce them to all the children, telling them their name, as well as share any allergies/medications. 2. Also, we are requiring new staff members or substitutes on campus to introduce themselves to the Lead Guide and make sure they are aware of the number of children present as well as their names. Lead Guides are also required to share the drop-off and pickup protocols as well as the approximate time children are picked up each day. 3. Lead Guides and Assistant Guides must have a clear understanding of their role. The Lead Guide will go over their class routine and schedule with the Assistant Guide and especially Substitute Guides that are not familiar with the children, the schedule, or who is authorized to pick the child up. Both duties and responsibilities are to be assigned and clearly explained. 4. We have put in place a stable team of Guides for all our classrooms. By the time we start the Fall semester, we will have every classroom adequately staffed and will not have to rely on temporary substitutes unless it is necessary (PTO, Sick Leave, etc.). We have prepared for absences and have now 2 team members who will be available to cover and support our communities.