VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES

KinderCare Learning Centers - Culpeper
673 Sunset Lane
Culpeper, VA 22701
(540) 825-6333

Current Inspector: Kelly Adriazola (804) 840-8245

Inspection Date: Sept. 10, 2024

Complaint Related: Yes

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.

Comments:

An unannounced, inspection was initiated on September 10, 2024 and completed on September 18, 2024, in response to a complaint received by the licensing office on September 5, 2024, relating to allegations of forbidden actions and behavioral guidance. The inspector reviewed one child's record and one staff record on-site. This inspection included document review and interviews. The preponderance of evidence gathered during the investigation supports the allegation(s); therefore, the complaint is determined to be valid. Information gathered during the inspection determined noncompliance with applicable standards or law and the violations 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 deficient practice will be or has been corrected. Submit your POC within five (5) business days from today, which will be the close of business on September 25, 2024. A POC submitted after this date will not appear on the public website.

Violations:

Standard #:	63.2-1509-A*
Complaint related:	No
Description:	Based on interviews, staff who had reason to suspect that a child is abused or neglected failed to report the matter immediately to the local department of the county or city wherein the child resides or wherein the abuse or neglect is believed to have occurred or to the Department?s toll-free child abuse and neglect hotline. Evidence: On August 8, 2024, one administrative staff witnessed the incident and two other administrative staff were aware, that staff #1 grabbed child #1 (age 2 years) by the hair on the back of the child?s head and yanked with such force that it pulled that child backwards several inches; however, none of these three administrative staff reported the incident to the local department of the county or city wherein the child resides or wherein the abuse or neglect is believed to have occurred or to the Department?s toll-free child abuse and neglect hotline.
Plan of Correction:	Teacher involved in the incident was immediately put on administrative leave and is no longer a KinderCare employee. Mandated reporting expectations were reviewed with management to ensure prompt reporting in the future.
Standard #:	8VAC20-780-40-E
Complaint related:	No
Description:	Based on a review of documents and interviews, the licensee failed 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 these standards. Evidence: 1. Page 4 of the center?s discipline policy titled ?Respect and Protect Children,? states ?we address behavior problems with kindness, we teach children how to handle difficult situations with care and patience. Here?s a few ways you can get started: a) be a good role model b) intervene verbally, with a calm, gentle voice c) re-direct children?s attention and engage them in a positive activity.? Page 5 of the center?s discipline policy titled ?Respect and Protect Children? states ?certain discipline methods are simply not acceptable at KCE, including: spanking, grabbing, pinching, or any physical punishment or restraint.? On August 8, 2024, there was a negative interaction between child #1 and another child and staff #1 responded by pulling child #1 backwards several inches by grabbing the child?s hair at the back of the head. 2. Page 5 of the center?s policy titled ?Respect and Protect Children? states ?You are a mandatory reporter of suspected child abuse and neglect? and ?As employees of KCE, we are all charged with protecting children, even those who may not be directly in our care.? Page 26 of the KinderCare Family Handbook regarding the center?s policy on reporting suspected child abuse states ?Mandated reporting also applies if a staff member uses an inappropriate discipline method or behaves in a way that puts children at risk. If this happens, the Center Director will communicate with parents, report to licensing and accrediting agencies as needed, report the incident to KinderCare?s National Support Center, and work with the staff member and Human Resources to determine the best course of action for their employment.? One administrative staff witnessed, and two other administrative staff were aware of the above-mentioned incident involving staff #1 and child #1 (age 2 years) and failed to report the incident to the regulatory authority. This incident had not been reported to the parents at the time of the investigation.
Plan of Correction:	Teachers receive continued professional development at staff meetings, quarterly trainings and during Professional Development Days. Behavior Guidance and how to support unwanted behavior is a continued focus in trainings. Center management completes teacher observations to follow up on trainings and to provide ongoing support to teachers.
Standard #:	8VAC20-780-400-B
Complaint related:	Yes
Description:	Based on interviews, the center failed to ensure behavioral guidance shall be constructive in nature, age and state appropriate, and shall be intended to redirect children to appropriate behavior and resolve conflicts. Evidence: On August 8, 2024, administrative staff witnessed a negative interaction between child #1 and another child and in response, staff #1 grabbed hair on the back of child #1?s (age 2 years) head and pulled the child backwards several inches.
Plan of Correction:	Teachers receive continued professional development at staff meetings, quarterly trainings and during Professional Development Days. Behavior Guidance and how to support unwanted behavior is a continued focus in trainings. Center management completes teacher observations to follow up on trainings and to provide ongoing support to teachers.
Standard #:	8VAC20-780-410-1
Complaint related:	Yes
Description:	Based on interviews, the center failed to ensure rough handling is forbidden. Evidence: On August 8, 2024, administrative staff witnessed staff #1 grab child #1 (age 2 years) by the hair on the back of the child?s head and yank with such force that it pulled that child backwards several inches.
Plan of Correction:	Teachers receive continued professional development at staff meetings, quarterly trainings and during Professional Development Days. Behavior Guidance and how to support unwanted behavior is a continued focus in trainings. Center management completes teacher observations to follow up on trainings and to provide ongoing support to teachers.