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: Jan. 29, 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 8VAC20-770 Background Checks (8VAC20-770) 20 Access to minor?s records 22.1 Background Checks Code, Carbon Monoxide

Comments:

An unannounced monitoring inspection was conducted on 01/29/2024 from 10:50 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. There were 163 children present, ranging in ages from three months to six years old with 37 staff supervising. The inspector reviewed compliance in the areas of administration, physical plant, staffing and supervision, programming, medication, special care and emergencies and nutrition. A total of 10 child records and 10 staff records were reviewed. 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. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Licensing Inspector at (804) 629-3923.

Violations:

Standard #:	8VAC20-780-40-E
Description:	Based on review of policies and interview, the center failed to follow the center?s own policies and procedures. Evidence: 1. The safe sleep policy provided by the center stated, ?Infants will be placed on a firm mattress, with a fitted sheet? and ?No toys, mobiles, soft objects, stuffed animals, pillows, bumper pads, blankets, positioning devices or extra bedding will be in the crib.? 2. In the Infant 1 classroom, there were two infants observed sleeping in a crib with a blanket. 3. In the Infant 1 classroom, there were signs on the cribs that stated if parents permitted blankets for the infant while sleeping. Staff in the classroom confirmed that they allow the infants to have blankets in the cribs if the parent permits. 4. In the Infant 2 classroom, there were seven cribs observed with loose sheets. Staff confirmed the crib sheets were loose.
Plan of Correction:	The center follows safe sleep guidelines, as per standard 8VAC20-780-60, which requires documenting any blanket permission slips and opt-out requests. During the inspection, it was observed that the Infant 1 classroom had permission from parents to use lightweight blankets. According to the center's policy, a one-piece blanket sleeper or sleep sack may be used if additional warmth is needed, and the infant's head should remain uncovered during sleep. This policy can also be interpreted as allowing the use of a lightweight blanket, which was provided. Additionally, the center purchased and supplied brand-new fitted sheets to all infant classrooms and retrained staff on the center's policies.
Standard #:	8VAC20-780-270-A
Description:	Based on observation, the center did not ensure that all areas were maintained in a clean, safe and operable condition. Evidence: 1. In the Beginning Blue Classroom the wall next to the dramatic play area had several areas of peeling paint. The peeling paint is accessible to the children. 2. In the Pre-School Classroom there is an area of peeling paint next to the door that leads to the playground. The peeling pain is accessible to children.
Plan of Correction:	The center conducted health and safety checks and found that some repairs were needed. The administration team was not aware of these repairs due to the placement of furniture and shelving. The administrative team has already scheduled the repair of the paint in both classrooms.
Standard #:	8VAC20-780-510-F
Description:	Based on review of medications and medication documentation, the center failed to ensure that the medication authorization shall be available to staff during the entire time it is effective. Evidence: 1. Child #1 had an emergency medication, (Children's Benadryl), on site. The medication authorization form signed by the parent expired on 12/20/2023. 2. The allergy plan signed by the physician on 02/15/2023 requires Benadryl to be administered as part of the allergy action plan. 3. Administration verified the date on the medication authorization form, and verified there was not a new one on file.
Plan of Correction:	The administration team had previously communicated with the parents about obtaining the 1-year medication form for the unused Children's Benadryl. After review, the parents were informed in person about their expired 1-year and 10-day medication forms, and thus, written documentation was not found. The administration team has followed up with the parents regarding a new form, and they will ensure that all medications have the appropriate documentation.
Standard #:	8VAC20-780-520-A
Description:	Based on review of over-the-counter skin products and interview, the center failed to ensure that over the counter skin products are not used past their expiration date. Evidence: 1. In the Toddler Gold classroom, Child #11?s Butt Paste had expired on 10/2023. Staff #11 confirmed that the Butt Paste had been last administered on 01/24/2024. 2. In the Infant 3 classroom, Child #9?s Destin had expired on 7/2023. Staff #9 confirmed that the Destin had been used regularly ?up until a few weeks ago?.
Plan of Correction:	The staff members in the Toddler Gold classroom received an unopened box of Butt Paste from a parent and failed to check its expiration date. In the Infant 3 Classroom, two Destin diaper rash creams were found. The staff used the unexpired Desitin cream regularly, and the expired one was to be picked up by the parent. The administration team retrained the staff on the center's policies regarding topical ointments.
Standard #:	8VAC20-780-550-F
Description:	Based on review of emergency drills, the center failed to ensure that a lockdown drill was practiced at least annually. Evidence: There was no documentation of a lockdown drill being completed for 2023.
Plan of Correction:	The center conducted a lockdown drill and shelter-in-place drill on August 25, 2023. However, they failed to document it. The administration team will ensure that all lockdown drills are properly documented in the future.