VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES

Golden Path Academy
101 Buccaneer Ct
Stephenson, VA 22656
(540) 546-8095

Current Inspector: Stephanie Reed (540) 272-6558

Inspection Date: Nov. 2, 2023

Complaint Related: No

Areas Reviewed:

8VAC20-780 Staffing & Supervision 8VAC20-780 Programs 8VAC20-770 Background Checks 22.1 Background Checks Code, Carbon Monoxide 63.2 Child Abuse & Neglect

Technical Assistance:

Discussed: Reporting requirements Behavioral Guidance Time Out Classroom space including the 'cozy corner'

Comments:

An unannounced inspection to investigate a self-reported incident regarding forbidden action was initiated on 11/02/2023 with the local agency beginning at 12:50 p.m. to 3:45 p.m. Staff interviews were conducted. Video footage was reviewed. Documentation was reviewed. Observation of the classroom was conducted. Additional interviews were conducted off site. Information gathered during the inspection determined non-compliance with applicable standards or law and violations were documented on the violation notice issued to the program. An exit interview was conducted by phone with the center owner and management team on 12/08/2023 at 2:00 p.m. Please provide plan of correction for the areas of noncompliance and date to be corrected by 12/13/2023. Please contact Stephanie Reed at Stephanie.Reed@doe.virginia.gov if you have any questions related to this inspection.

Violations:

Standard #:	8VAC20-770-60-C-2
Description:	Based on review of documentation, the center failed to obtain central registry background check results within 30 days of employment. Evidence: Staff #2, hired 08/09/2021, central registry background check result was dated 10/15/2021.
Plan of Correction:	Staff was hired 8/9/2021. The background check was followed-up on 9/10/21 and 9/14/21. The background error was missed in previous licensing inspections. Administration has since utilized a new and improved way of sending out background checks and documenting background check follow-ups. Administration will ensure that all central registry background check results are obtained within 30 days of employment.
Standard #:	8VAC20-780-400-B
Description:	Based on staff interviews and review of video footage, the center failed to ensure that behavioral guidance was constructive in nature, age and stage appropriate, and utilized to redirect children to appropriate behavior and resolve conflicts. Evidence: 1.Staff interviews revealed that on 10/31/2023 Child #1, age 3 years old, was disruptive at circle time, taking off their shoes and not cooperating with the daily schedule. 2.Staff interview and review of video footage showed that in an attempt to change the child?s behavior, Child #1 was sent to ?cozy corner? for approximately 45 minutes, away from their classmates and regular schedule. Additionally, Child #1?s shoes were taken away for repeatedly taking them off. 3.Review of video footage and staff interviews revealed that during nap time transition on 10/31/2023, Staff #1 instructed Staff #2 to take away Child #1?s nap items (an Encanto blanket and `stuffy?) away from Child #1 ?since she doesn?t want to lay down? and provide Child #1 with a class sheet and blanket.
Plan of Correction:	While the child was in ?cozy corner? they were not forced to go or stay there for 45 minutes. The child did have the opportunity to leave the space. Camera footage shows that the child was checked on. Administration has retrained all staff and will ensure all center staff is trained in proper behavioral guidance. Administration has rewritten their Positive Behavior Policy to notate specific direction on the use of ?cozy corner? and positive redirection.