he licensing inspector conducted an unannounced inspection based on a self-report made by the center on 07/25/2023, regarding allegations in the area of supervision. Interviews were conducted with staff, records reviewed and observations of the program were made relating to the allegation. 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.
(Repeat Violation) Based on interviews, record review and observation, the center did not ensure when staff are supervising children, they shall always ensure their care, protection, and guidance.
Evidence: The center self-reported an incident that occurred on the school-age playground approximately 3:30pm on 07/21/223.
a. Center reported staff #1 was standing in a mulched area about 6 feet away from the play structure and from that position was not able to see into the playhouse. b. The center was notified by a parent that their child witnessed an incident in the playhouse, underneath the school-age play structure. The parent reported their child #3 told her, 7-year-old child #4 and 9-year-old child #5 inappropriately touched the private areas of two 5-year-old children #1 and #2. Child #3 told the parent he was made to stand guard outside of the playhouse during the incident.
c. The center reported a second parent informed them their child #1 stated ?certain things? happened to her in the playhouse.
d. The center self-reported having trained staff #1 when supervising children on the playground to move around to ensure visibility of all of the children, including inside the playhouse, however, Staff #1 did not do so on this day.
Plan of Correction:
We will be conducting a re-train on LCG?s Playground Supervision policy with all staff at our next staff meeting scheduled on 9/6/23 that will include an open discussion of the challenges regarding proper positioning to ensure all children are within sight and sound while on the playground. Additionally, we will be creating and posting a playground diagram next to each classrooms exit indicating where staff should be positioned when multiple staff are present as well as expectations with where staff should be positioned & moving when alone to ensure sight and sound of all children while on the playground.
Standard #:
8VAC20-780-340-F
Description:
(Repeat Violation) Based on a record review, interviews and observation, the center did not ensure children under the age of 10 years were within actual sight and sound supervision.
Evidence: On 07/21/2023 at approximately 3:30pm staff #1 did not have sight supervision of all of the children on the playground.
a. The center self-reported receiving two separate parental concerns indicating their 5 year-old children were touched inappropriately by two other children ages 7 and 9 years in the small playhouse located outside underneath the school-age play structure.
b. Staff #1, who was responsible for the supervision of the children, was standing in a mulched area about 6 feet away from the play structure. Management confirmed the location of where the staff was positioned and that there was a lack of visibility into the playhouse from the position. The inspector confirmed not being able to see into the playhouse from where staff #1 was positioned.
c. The center reported Staff #1 was not able to provide any information on what the children were doing during that time on the playground. After hearing of the allegation Staff #1 resigned from her position and has not been able to be reached for further interview.
Plan of Correction:
We have temporarily secured the underneath area of the playhouse to block access while we work with our DM & facilities for a more permanent solution. Additionally, we will be conducting a re-train on LCG?s Playground Supervision policy with all staff at our next staff meeting scheduled on 9/6/23.
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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