An investigation was initiated from 11:45 am - 2:45 pm regarding a complaint received by the department involving nutrition and food services, and care, protection, and guidance. Interviews were conducted, documentation, children's records and staff records were reviewed. The investigation regarding nutrition and food services, and care, protection, and guidance was determined to be valid.
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 questions regarding this inspection you may contact Sharon Allen at 540-272-2941 or sharon.allen@doe.virginia.gov.
Based on interviews and review of documentation it was determined that staff did not always ensure the care, protection, and guidance of children while in their care. Evidence: On 09/29/2023 a basket of a variety of snacks was served to the school age room and placed on the snack table for after school snack. Some of the snacks contained peanut butter cookies. Child A (age 6 years) with a written allergy care plan and a diagnosed food allergy to peanuts, selected and ate a peanut butter cookie. Child A approached staff A and informed them that their tongue was "itchy." Staff A instructed the child to inform staff B. Child A then informed staff B that their tongue was "itchy" and the child was instructed to get a drink of water. The child then reportedly retrieved their snack brought from home to eat and played outside for the remainder of the afternoon. After child A was picked up by their parent's the child began vomiting and reported to their parent that they had eaten a peanut butter cookie. The parent called to inform administration of the incident. It was reported that Staff A knew that child A had eaten the peanut butter cookie but was unaware of the child's peanut allergy. Staff B was aware of the child's allergy but was unaware that the child had eaten the peanut butter cookie. The list of children with diagnosed food allergies was reportedly located in the school age classroom at the time of the incident.
Plan of Correction:
Staff A & Staff B were immediately counseled and retrained on health and allergy protocols and prior to the child returning to school on 10-2-2023.
All remaining staff were re-trained on health and allergy protocols at the Staff Meeting on 10-3-2023 to include re-emphasizing where the allergy list is posted in each classroom and to contact a manager immediately if there is a potential allergic reaction.
Standard #:
8VAC20-780-560-P
Complaint related:
Yes
Description:
Based on interviews and review of documentation it was determined that children with diagnosed food allergies were not prohibited from being served food identified in their written allergy care plan. Evidence: On 09/29/2023 a basket of assorted snacks was served to the school age room for afternoon snack. The snacks were placed on a picnic table. Child A (age 6 years) selected and ate a peanut butter cookie from the variety of snacks on the table. Child A has a written care plan on file prohibiting them from eating foods with peanut products.
Plan of Correction:
The snack items served were not the usual food items and were not intended for the children. These items were immediately removed from the kitchen. Moving forward, management and staff will work together to ensure that all food allergies are addressed when serving any food items to mitigate contact with allergens.
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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