Based on review of video recording and interviews, the center failed to ensure that when staff are supervising children, they shall always ensure their care, protection and guidance. Evidence: Child #1 was visibly upset and sat on the floor crying approximately two minutes after staff #1 had spanked the child. Staff #1 left child #1 sitting on the floor crying and went to the office and told staff #2 that she had ?popped? child #1 on the butt. Staff #2 verified that staff #1 came to her office and stated that she had popped child #1 because he had scratched her on her arm. Staff #2 stated that she told staff #1 to place child #1 in time out.
Plan of Correction:
The directors reminded staff of the standards that state the physical and emotional needs of the children shall be provided. The directors would send out reminder messages and talked with staff periodically from the time of this incident on 9/12/22 to current date.
Standard #:
8VAC20-780-340-F
Description:
Based on review of video recording and interviews, the center did not ensure that children under 10 years of age were always within actual sight and sound supervision of staff. Evidence: The video recording dated 9/12/22 showed that Staff #3 was located in the preschool area close to the front door. The video showed that during lunch staff #3 would leave this area and go to the kitchen leaving the 10 children out of actual sight supervision. The kitchen was approximately 28 feet from the classroom area. Staff #3 had her back to the children when she walked to the kitchen.
Plan of Correction:
The directors reviewed with staff that they are not to leave the classrooms under any circumstances. Walkie Talkies are in place if staff need to leave the classroom. The director also discussed that staff are not to have their backs to the children.
Standard #:
8VAC20-780-400-C
Description:
Based on review of video recording, the center failed to ensure that when time out is used as a behavior guidance technique, it shall be used sparingly and shall not exceed one minute for each year of the child?s age. Evidence: The video recording reviewed showed Staff #1 pickup child #1, three years old, and sit the child in a chair. Child #1 was in time out from 10:29 am to 11:07 am. Staff #1 stated that she was told to sit child #1 in time out by staff #2.
Plan of Correction:
The center had a staff meeting on 10/8/22 and reviewed that timeout is to be used as a last resort and only one minute per year of child's age.
Standard #:
8VAC20-780-410-1
Description:
Based on review of video footage and interviews, the center failed to ensure that children were not punished physically or roughly handled. Evidence: On 9/12/2022 at approximately 10:26 am child #1, three years old, was playing in a playhouse cube. Staff #1 grabbed child #1 by the arms and pulled the child out of the playhouse cube. Staff #1 sat child #1 on the floor lifting the child?s right leg and began spanking child #1 on the right buttocks area, three to four times.
Plan of Correction:
Staff #1 is no longer employed at the center. Staff #1 was dismissed 9/12/22. The directors have provided more training for staff members on appropriate actions to use with children.
Standard #:
8VAC20-780-560-L
Description:
Based on review of video recording, dated 9/12/2022, the staff failed to sit with children during meal times. Evidence: The video recording reviewed showed that the staff in the preschool areas did not sit with the children during lunch time on 9/12/22.
Plan of Correction:
This was immediately addressed with staff. They were reminded that they are to be sitting with children at meal times for safety reasons. This was reiterated at the staff meeting on 10/8/22. The directors are monitoring snacks and meals to ensure this is being done.
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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