Discussion of a self-reported incident that occurred at the center on 10/01/2020.
Comments:
This inspection was conducted between the hours of 10:55 am through 11:10 am by licensing staff using an alternate remote protocol, necessary due to a state of emergency health pandemic declared by the Governor of Virginia. This unannounced Non-mandated Monitoring Inspection (NMI) was conducted as a result of an incident reported by the center to the Division of Licensing. Evidence was gathered through the interview process. If you should have any future questions, please call or send an e-mail to charles.perkins@dss.virginia.gov. Thank you.
Charlie Perkins, Licensing Inspector (703) 309-3963
Based on interview, children under the age of 10 years were not within actual sight/sound.
Evidence - 1. The Director stated (during an interview conducted on the date of inspection - 10/07/2020), that a total of 9 children within the Explorers Room (5 1/2 up to 10 years) were not within sight/sound supervision for approximately several minutes while they occupied both the girls and boys bathrooms. This incident occurred on 10/01/2020 at approximately 3 pm. 2. Staff #1 instructed the 4 boys and 5 girls to go together as a group in their respected bathrooms; 4 boys in the boys bathroom and 5 girls in the girls bathroom. This action was done in lieu of the children closing their eyes while the teacher hid leaves for them to find throughout the classroom. 3. The purpose of the children going into the bathrooms was to shield/hide their eyes as part of this game developed by the teacher. It was not to use the bathroom as designed or as a punishment in a confined space. No children were reported hurt or injured. 4. This incident was self-reported to the Division of Licensing by the center.
Plan of Correction:
This center was handled by the center on an administrative level. Further training and instruction on policies and procedures with regards to appropriate sight/sound supervision shall be given to all staff.
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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