VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES

AlphaBEST Education, Inc. - Florence Bowser Elementary
4540 Nansemond Parkway
Suffolk, VA 23435
(757) 636-5396

Current Inspector: Melinda Popkin (757) 802-5281

Inspection Date: Feb. 15, 2023

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 8VAC20-780 Special Services. 8VAC20-820 THE LICENSE. 8VAC20-820 THE LICENSING PROCESS. 8VAC20-820 HEARINGS PROCEDURES. 8VAC20-770 Background Checks 20 Access to minor's records 22.1 Early Childhood Care and Education 63.2 Child Abuse & Neglect

Technical Assistance:

Today we discussed food allergies versus food preferences or food sensitivities. If it is documented that a child has a food "allergy" then the child's record must contain an allergy plan, completed and signed by the child's physician. If a food is NOT an allergen, then please discuss and have the parent change and initial the paperwork and indicate that they merely prefer the child not eat the specified food or that the child has a sensitivity to a specified food and it is preferred that they do not eat that food. This is an important distinction and should be handled accordingly.

Comments:

A monitoring inspection was initiated and concluded on 2/15/2023. There were 39 children present with4 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 5 child records and 2 staff records were reviewed. The inspection started at 2:15 pm and concluded at 4:00 pm. 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.

Violations:

Standard #:	8VAC20-780-280-B
Description:	Based on observation, the licensee did not ensure that all hazardous substances such as cleaning materials, insecticides, and pesticides are kept in a locked place using a safe locking method that prevents access by children. Evidence: There was a container of powdered carpet and room deodorizer located on a surface at approximately 3 feet from floor level in the cafeteria where 39 children, ages 4 to 10 years old were being cared for during the inspection. The container was labeled "Keep out of reach of children" and had additional warnings to include "harmful if swallowed". Staff acknowledged that the substance was accessible to children.
Plan of Correction:	The substance was removed from the area and placed in a location inaccessible to children in care. Staff will scan the area for hazards upon arrival to the site each day and make corrections prior to the children's arrival if there are accessible hazards present.
Standard #:	8VAC20-780-290-A-3
Description:	Based on observation, the licensee did not ensure that electrical outlets, not in use and accessible to children in care are fitted with protective covers. Evidence: There were 7 wall plates with 2 outlets each that were not fitted with protective covers located at about 1 foot from floor level in the cafeteria where 39 children 4- 10 years old were being cared for. Staff confirmed that there were preschool aged children present and that the outlets were not capped.
Plan of Correction:	Outlet covers were obtained and installed in the accessible outlets during the inspection. Staff will scan the area for uncapped outlets upon arrival to the site each day and make any necessary corrections prior to the children's arrival.