The Virginia Department of Social Services recently inspected two local school-age programs at Prince William County schools in Gainesville and cited the centers for violations ranging from staff record keeping to storage of hazardous material.
In an unannounced monitoring inspection Mar. 13, Buckland Mills Elementary School was cited for four violations.
Virginia Department of Social Services Comments:
An unannounced monitoring inspection was conducted today. The director and three additional staff were present with 31 children. One of the staff left during the inspection. The children were playing red light/green light, afterward they went to the bathroom and washed hands, were given snack (cereal bar and milk) and then transitioned into homework/center time. Five children had medications on site. A sample of four children and three staff files were reviewed today. Fire inspection: 10/17/13 Health inspection: 1/15/14 Arrival time: 4:10 p.m. Departure time: 5:55 p.m.
Editor's Note: Descriptions of violations and the responses from the facility came directly from the inspection report.
Standard #: 22VAC40-185-70-A
Description: Based on an interview with the director and the EC teacher, it was determined that there was no file on site for one staff person. Evidence: Staff B has been working with the children for three years as the EC teacher. The center reported that they did not have a file for staff B.
Action to be Taken: We will start a file for staff B and get all of the required information.
Standard #: 22VAC40-185-190-A
Description: Based on a review of staff files and an interview with the director, it was determined that one staff did not have documentation to show that she meets the qualifications for her position. Evidence: There was no documentation on file to show that Staff A has at least 48 semester hours with at least 12 of those hours in a child related field to meet the program director position.
Action to be Taken: Documentation of my Associates of Science degree was on file but there was no transcript information to show I have the credit hours. I will obtain the transcripts and keep a copy on file at the center.
Standard #: 22VAC40-185-540-E
Description: Description: Based on an inspection of the program and an interview with the director, it was determined that there was no battery operated radio available . Evidence: The radio the center had was not operational.
Action to be Taken: We will buy a new radio and make sure it is battery operated.
Standard #: 22VAC40-191-60-C-1
Description: Based on review of three staff files and an interview with the director, it was determined that one staff did not have a criminal history record report within 30 days of employment. Evidence: Staff A ( hired on 10/21/13) does not have a criminal history record report on file. Staff A has been allowed to work at the center without having this background check.
Action to be Taken: I called the Corporate office and they have the criminal record report and they will fax it over today.
The DSS visited the Glenkirk Elementary SAC Program, located on 8584 Sedge Wren Drive, for a renewal inspection Feb. 24 and cited the facility for failing to store hazardous material.
Virginia Department of Social Services Comments:
36 children were in in care during the renewal inspection. with five staff present. The age range of the children was from five to eleven years old. Licensing inspector observed the children during an escape practice. snack and free play. The children did not go out side due to the cold and the play ground being wet. All required paper work was posted.
Standard #: 22VAC40-185-280-B
Description: Based on observation of the day care area not all hazardous substances were not kept in a locked place. Evidence: There was A&D ointment sitting on a desk accessible to the children. The ointment had a warning of, keep out of the reach of children
Action to be Taken: The Director removed the ointment and spoke with staff reminding them to keep all hazardous substances locked.
Full reports of each provider are located online and are available for public viewing.
The Virginia Department of Social Services inspects all licensed child welfare agencies at least twice a year, with at least one unannounced inspection each year.
“In order to determine continued compliance with standards during the effective dates of the license, the department’s licensing representative will make announced and unannounced inspections of the facility or agency during the hours of its operation,” the agency states on their website. “The licensee is responsible for correcting any areas of noncompliance found during renewal or monitoring inspections.”
VDSS cautions that a compliance history is in no way a rating for a facility and online compliance reports do not include consideration that some information regarding “adverse actions” may be the subject of pending appeals.
According to the agency, “through the administration of the licensing program, the Department of Social Services assumes responsibility to ensure that licensed facilities and agencies provide children and adults with at least a minimum level of care in accordance with regulations prescribed by the State Board of Social Services and Child Day-Care Council.”
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