VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES

Holistic Life Schools
3620 South Plaza Trail
Virginia beach, VA 23452
(757) 219-2722

Current Inspector: Kimberly Sampson (757) 354-7307

Inspection Date: May 15, 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 63.2 Child Abuse & Neglect

Comments:

The licensing inspector conducted an unannounced inspection on 05/15/2024, in response to a self- report made by the center in the area of "Programs." Interviews were conducted with staff, records reviewed and observations of the program were made relating to the allegation. Information gathered during the inspection determined non-compliance(s) with applicable standards or law and violations were documented on the violation notice issued to the program.

Violations:

Standard #:	8VAC20-780-400-A
Description:	Based on a observation and interview the center did not interact with children and one another to provide needed help, comfort and support in order to promote the child's physical, intellectual, emotional, and social well-being and growth. Evidence: Video footage confirmed Staff #1, #2 and #3 did not interact with 5-year-old, Child #1 or with each other to provide needed help, comfort or support while Staff #1 was using forbidden actions to discipline Child #1 on the playground on May 1st at approximately 4:30pm. a. Staff #2 was observed standing and watching Staff #1 use forbidden actions to discipline Child #1 as she screamed and cried, "let me go." The owner confirmed Staff #2 told her she did not intervene because she was a new employee. b. Staff #3 was observed sitting in a chair watching Staff #1 use forbidden actions to discipline Child #1 as she screamed and cried, "let me go." Staff #3 was observed at one point in the video leaning back in the chair and placing her hands at the back of her head. c. At the time of the incident there were 3 additional staff outside. The owner and video footage confirmed none of the staff intervened.
Plan of Correction:	The following corrective action was provided by the licensee: "The owner met with every staff member to confirm that everyone understands the policies of the school/ program which discourages being punitive and forbids restraints unless the student is a harm to themselves or others. The owner met with every staff member and explained that it is important that they intervene if they see any actions that are against policy or that makes them uncomfortable."
Standard #:	8VAC20-780-410-1
Description:	Based on observation, interview and record review the center did not ensure forbidden actions or threats were not used when guiding the behavior of children. Evidence: 1. On May 1, 2024, at approximately 4:30pm, Staff #1 used the following forbidden actions in response to a 5-year-old, Child #1's behavior: rough handling, forcing a child to assume an uncomfortable position and verbal remarks which are demeaning to the child. a. The center reported Child #1 had a tantrum on the playground and in response, Staff #1 grabbed Child #1 under the arms, lifting her feet off the ground and took her across the outside play area and roughly sat her down on a tire. b. Child #1 was heard on the video footage screaming, crying and continuously yelling, "let me go!" c. Staff #1 continued to grab and pull Child #1 by the arm and waist forcing her to sit on a tire and on her lap. As the child repeatedly tried to get away, staff was heard on the video footage saying, "You're not going nowhere." d. Video footage confirmed as Staff #1 had child #1 on her lap she used her arms to restrict Child #1's movement as she mocked the child's cry by making high pitched staccato-like screams.
Plan of Correction:	The following corrective action was provided by the licensee: "Staff #1 was suspended from the school/program pending investigation. Staff # 1 never returned as an employee. Later, Staff #1 resigned."
Standard #:	8VAC20-780-420-B
Description:	Based on interview and record review the center did not ensure staff promptly inform parents when persistent behavioral problems are identified; such notification shall include any disciplinary steps taken in response. Evidence: On May 1, 2024 the center did not promptly inform parents regarding a tantrum child #1 had nor that staff #1 used behavioral guidance that was not in compliance with these standards. a. The center had documentation of multiple anecdotal notes written by staff noting child #1's behavior prior to 05/01/2024. The owner confirmed Child #1 has had a history of persistent behavioral problem such as temper tantrums and refusal to follow directions. b. The parent confirmed the center called to tell her child #1 was crying and staff were unable to comfort her, however, was not notified her child had a tantrum at school or that any disciplinary actions were taken by staff in response to the child's behavior. c. The center did not have documentation that child #1 had a tantrum on 05/01/2024 or any disciplinary steps taken in response. The owner confirmed the center did not have documentation of the incident or any disciplinary steps taken in response.
Plan of Correction:	The following corrective action was provided by the licensee: "Mom WAS informed of persistent behavioral problems. Mom has known that Child #1 has had behavioral challenges since Child #1 has been enrolled. There are numerous times contact with parent has been documented. I am unclear about this violation. Staff #1 was reprimanded and dismissed shortly after incident. It is not likely that Staff #1 (or any staff member) would write an anecdotal after being reprimanded and dismissed."