VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES

VINCI School Merrifield
8408 Arlington Boulevard
Fairfax, VA 22031
(571) 278-1439

Current Inspector: Stacy Doyle (571) 835-0386

Inspection Date: May 20, 2024

Complaint Related: Yes

Areas Reviewed:

8VAC20-780 Administration. 8VAC20-780 Staff Qualifications and Training. 8VAC20-780 Staffing and Supervision. 8VAC20-770 Background Checks 22.1 Background Checks Code,

Comments:

The Licensing Inspector conducted an unannounced complaint inspection in response to a complaint that was received by the licensing office on 5/14/2024 relating to supervision in the Sr. Toddler Classroom. Interviews were conducted with staff and one parent and documents were reviewed. The information gathered during this investigation does support the allegation, so the complaint is determined to be valid. See the Violation Notice for findings. Please complete the ?plan of correction? and ?date to be corrected? for each violation cited on the violation notice and return it to the department within 5 business days from receipt. Please specify how the deficient practice will be or has been corrected. Please do not use staff names; list staff by positions only. Any plans of correction not received within 5 business days will result in the plans not appearing on the Violation Notice and public website. If you have any questions about this inspection, please contact the Licensing Inspector, Stacy Doyle at Stacy.doyle@doe.virginia.gov 571-835- 0386.

Violations:

Standard #:	8VAC20-780-340-A
Complaint related:	Yes
Description:	Based on interviews, staff failed to always ensure the care, protection, and guidance of one child. Evidence: 1. On the morning of 5/02/2024 at approximately 8:22am, Child #1 (Age 2 years), left the Sr. Toddler classroom unsupervised and exited the building. An adult found the child in the parking lot alone. The adult stopped Child #1?s parent that was pulling away in their car to ask if the child was their child. The center staff were unaware the child had left the building unsupervised until the parent brought the child back into the Sr. Toddler classroom. 2. Staff #1 saw Child #1 leave the Sr, Toddler classroom after the parent had dropped off the child. The classroom door was open, and she heard the parent in the lobby. Staff #1 stated ?I thought the parent would bring him back. I didn?t look for him.? When Staff #2 came to the classroom to deliver breakfast approximately 5 minutes later, Staff #1 asked Staff #2 to look for Child #1. Staff #2 told Staff #1 she didn?t see anyone in the lobby. The parent then brought the child back to the classroom. 3.Child #1 was away from the classroom for approximately 5-6 minutes. The child was crying when returned.
Plan of Correction:	Sr. Toddler door is to remain closed at all times. Ensure that a management staff is watching the door during peak time. Retrain staff to report any incident to management instantly.
Standard #:	8VAC20-780-340-F
Complaint related:	No
Description:	Based on interviews, it was determined that the center did not ensure that all children 10 years of age or younger shall always be within actual sight and sound supervision of staff. Evidence: 1. On 5/02/2024, Child #1 (Age 2 years), was not within actual sight and sound supervision of staff for approximately 5-6 minutes. 2. Staff #1 observed Child #1 leave the Sr. Toddler classroom alone after the parent had dropped off the child and assumed the parent would bring the child back. 3. The parent of Child #1 was backing out of the center?s parking lot spot, when two adults waved him down and pointed to Child #1 standing alone at the edge of the curb to the parking lot. The parent walked the child back into the center and dropped Child #1 off into the classroom. When asked who was watching Child #1, Staff #1 stated ?I was watching the other children.?
Plan of Correction:	Conduct a refresher training on child supervision. Staff shall never assume that parents know what's going on and report or ask for help immediatly.