VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES

Guidepost Montessori at West Alexandria
3475 N. Beauregard St., Suite 301
Alexandria, VA 22302
(571) 206-1687

Current Inspector: Sarah Marbert (703) 479-4678

Inspection Date: July 14, 2022

Complaint Related: No

Areas Reviewed:

8VAC20-780 Administration. 8VAC20-780 Staff Qualifications and Training. 8VAC20-780 Staffing and Supervision. 8VAC20-780 Special Care Provisions and Emergencies 8VAC20-770 Background Checks (8VAC20-770) 63.2 Child Abuse & Neglect

Comments:

An investigation was begun on 7/14/22 in response to an self-reported incident being received in our office. The investigation was conducted jointly with local authorities. Please see the Violation Notice for non-compliances cited. If you have any questions, please contact me at (703) 479-4678 or at Sarah.Marbert@doe.virginia.gov.

Violations:

Standard #:	8VAC20-770-60-B
Description:	Based on a review of records, one staff record does not contain documentation of a completed Sworn Disclosure Statement (SDS) prior to employment. Evidence: 1 of 1 staff records reviewed did not contain documentation of a completed SDS. (Staff A)
Plan of Correction:	*Employee involved was terminated on 7/14/22. *All staff currently employed have records on file of the signed Sworn Disclosure statement.
Standard #:	8VAC20-780-70
Description:	Based on a review of records, one staff record is incomplete. Evidence: 1 of 1 records reviewed did not contain documentation of the following: * Date of Hire *Employee application/address *Emergency contact information *Two references: signed and dated by person taking the reference over the phone.
Plan of Correction:	*Employee involved was terminated on 7/14/22. *All staff records currently include: - Date of Hire - Employee application and address - Emergency Contact Information -Two references.
Standard #:	8VAC20-780-210-A
Description:	Based on a review of records, one staff record does not contain documentation of program leader qualifications. Evidence: 1 of 1 staff records reviewed, did no contain documentation of a experience and education(diploma or transcripts) to show they met program lead qualifications. The resume on file documents 4 months of experience.(Staff A)
Plan of Correction:	*Employee involved was terminated. *In addition, all staff files were reviewed and contain documentation of experience and education showing they meet the program lead requirements.
Standard #:	8VAC20-780-240-C
Description:	Based on a review of records, one staff record does not contain documentation of orientation within 7 days of employment, and prior to working alone with children. Evidence: Staff A's record does not contain documentation of orientation having been completed.
Plan of Correction:	*Employee involved was terminated on 7/14/22. *All staff currently employed have records on file of orientation completed within 7 days of employment, and prior to working alone with children.
Standard #:	8VAC20-780-350-O
Description:	Based on a review of documentation and staff statement, a ratio of 14:1 for a balanced-mixed-age grouping was not maintained. There is no documentation of staff requirements for training with balanced mixed age groups. Evidence: *On July 11, 2022 the Children's House 5 room was out of ratio from approximately 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM with 16 children to one staff member. *There is no documentation available for review that shows the staff person has received training in classroom management of balanced-mixed-age groupings
Plan of Correction:	*Groups of children are now separated by napping children and awake children respectively. Ratios are maintained with napping children within the appropriate ratio of 1:20 in a nap room. Ratios are maintained with children who are not napping in a separate room at 1:14. *All staff are required to take the Montessori Essentials training that reviews balancing mixed-age groups of ages 3 years to 6 years. Certificate to accompany completion of the training.
Standard #:	8VAC20-780-410-1
Description:	Based on an interview, a staff person roughly handled a child. Evidence; A child was roughly handled during rest time when the staff person grabbed the child around the wrist/arm and took them to the bathroom then placed the child back on their cot.
Plan of Correction:	*We begun an internal investigation and based on the information shared, after from the parents and other colleagues, determined the best course of action was to terminate the employee effective immediately. *Also completed a complete review with all staff on their roll as a mandated reporter - how to spot and report a suspected case of child abuse.