VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES

Astar Explorer Stem Academy
11750 Fair Oaks Mall Ste.J201
Fairfax, VA 22033
(703) 677-7008

Current Inspector: Kara Vaughan (703) 537-6241

Inspection Date: April 24, 2024

Complaint Related: Yes

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 (8VAC20-770) 20 Access to minor?s records 22.1 Background Checks Code, Carbon Monoxide 63.2 Child Abuse & Neglect

Comments:

An unannounced complaint investigation was conducted on 4/18/24 and 4/24/2024 in response to a complaint about central registry search results. Staff records and children records were reviewed during the investigation. There was no evidence to support the complaint and it is deemed "not valid". Non complaint related violations were cited and can be found on the violation notice. Please contact Kara Vaughan at kara.vaughan@doe.virginia.gov with questions regarding this inspection. Please submit your plan of correction within five business days in order for it to be included on the public website.

Violations:

Standard #:	22.1-289.035-B-4
Complaint related:	No
Description:	Based on record review, the center failed to obtain out of state criminal history checks or central registry checks from all required states that the employee has lived in in the preceding five years. Evidence: Staff 1 has listed California, Colorado and Maryland as states of previous residence, but the record for Staff 1 did not contain the results of criminal history or central registry requests for any of the listed states.
Plan of Correction:	Staff 1 has filled new form and will resubmit it once the notarization is done.
Standard #:	8VAC20-780-140-A
Complaint related:	No
Description:	Based on record review, the center failed to obtain documentation of a physical examination by or under the direction of a physician for each enrolled child. Evidence: There was no documentation of a physical examination for Child 2 or Child 3.
Plan of Correction:	We do have these 2 kids' physical documents. Staff, Isabel discharges it while changing kids file folder. We have inform kids mom to get a copy from physician on 04/25/24
Standard #:	8VAC20-780-50-A
Complaint related:	No
Description:	Based on observation, staff and children's records were not treated confidentially. Evidence: On 4/18/2024 the child day center was unoccupied by staff but, unlocked and open to the public with all child and staff records accessible. Written attendance including the first and last names of children in care was visible on the counter.
Plan of Correction:	We have a locked cabinet to keep staff and children files. but we do have a daily attendance book in the front. We will close the iron door when kids are in the pay area
Standard #:	8VAC20-780-60-A
Complaint related:	No
Description:	Based on record review, children's records did not contain all required information. Evidence: Child 2 and Child 3's record did not contain the address or last name of the second listed emergency contact.
Plan of Correction:	All the teachers and staffs have been taught and train again.
Standard #:	8VAC20-780-60-A
Complaint related:	No
Description:	Based on record review, children's records did not contain all required information. Evidence: Child 2 and Child 3's record did not contain the address or last name of the second listed emergency contact.
Plan of Correction:	Children parents were requsted to provide the extra info but the mother said only her and husband, 2 info is ok. I talked to the mother. She is seeking for a relabel person..
Standard #:	8VAC20-780-340-B
Complaint related:	No
Description:	REPEAT VIOLATION Based on observation ,during the center's hours of operation there was not one adult on on the premises in charge of the administration of the center. Evidence: On 4/24/2024 Staff 1 was the only staff member present and the staff member was working in the capacity of a teacher during the inspection.
Plan of Correction:	On 04/24/24, I was on the way to Astar Explorer facility. But huge accident has blocked all lanes. No matter or what, I have to prepared for such thing happen.
Standard #:	8VAC20-780-340-C
Complaint related:	No
Description:	REPEAT VIOLATION Based on observation, there was not always on the premises when one or more children are present one staff member who meets the qualifications of a program leader or program director and an immediately available staff member, volunteer or other employee who is at least 16 years of age, with direct means for communication between the two of them. Evidence/: On the date of inspection the only staff member present at the beginning of the inspection was Staff 1. Staff 1's record does not contain documentation of education or experience that qualifies Staff 1 as a program leader.
Plan of Correction:	In the real world, very often environment change can ruin prearranged plan. On 04/24/24, I was on the way to Astar Explorer facility. But huge accident has blocked all lanes. (Please see the picture of a warning sign.) However, we still have to prepare for such a unforeseen situation and get prepared.
Standard #:	8VAC20-780-340-F
Complaint related:	No
Description:	REPEAT VIOLATION 1. On 4/24/2024 children were observed throughout the inspection running between classrooms unattended by staff. 2. Staff 1 was observed leaving children to be supervised by a visiting non-staff member who is not authorized to supervise children independently from staff.
Plan of Correction:	We do not know our staff should be with the teachers from Farifax public schools to train our 2-speech-delay kids. The therapees asked for a private room to teach these 2 kids.
Standard #:	8VAC20-780-560-J
Complaint related:	No
Description:	Based on observation, tables were not cleaned and sanitized prior to being used for eating. Evidence: Children were observed using a table for activities and then used it to eat lunch. It was not cleaned and sanitized before being used for eating.
Plan of Correction:	Not available online. Contact Inspector for more information.