This inspection was conducted by licensing staff using an alternate remote protocol with an in-person component. The inspection included telephone contacts, documents review, interviews and an in-person tour of the program. Information gathered during the inspection determined non-compliance(s) with applicable standards or law and violations were documented on the violation notice issued to the program.
Based on observation, record review and interview, the center did not ensure staff-to-children ratios were maintained whenever children were in care.
Evidence: 1. Around or about 11:15am, 4 out of 5 classrooms were out of the required ratios. a. In the seahorses classroom (9-16 months) there was 1 staff member with 6 children. The required ratio is 1 staff: 4 children b. In the minnows classroom (12 months) there was 1 staff member with 10 children. The required ratio is 1 staff: 4 children c. In the starfish classroom ( 2 years) there was 1 staff member with 20 children. The required ratio is 1 staff: 8 children d. In the sharks classroom (3-5 years) there was 1 staff member with 27 children. The required ratio is 1 staff: 10 children
2. Staff confirmed the center had been out-of-ratio for the past 2 days because they did not have a enough staff, due to illness.
3. Staff confirmed they were instructed by the owner/program director, who was not in the country, to keep the center open despite staff shortages.
Plan of Correction:
The following plan of correction was provided by the owner/program director: "We have temporarily closed and had parents pick up their children yesterday and are evaluating whether we are able to reopen safely on Monday. We are taking this time to review our staffing to be able to reopen, as well as encouraging parents to have their children stay home if possible to help us reduce our numbers and prevent the possible spread of COVID while ensuring we meet staff ratios.
Disclaimer:
This information is provided by the Virginia Department of Social Services, which neither endorses any facility nor guarantees that the information is complete. It should not be used as the sole source in evaluating and/or selecting a facility.
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http://www.dss.virginia.gov/facility/search/cc.cgi