DAY CARE INSPECTIONS: Chesterbrook Academy Cited for Records, Safety Violations

The Virginia Department of Social Services inspected the Chesterbrook Academy in Gainesville Jan. 15. The agency noted violations in student and staff record keeping, driver disclosure, as well as the safe maintenance of equipment. The day care center, located at 7541 Virginia Oaks Drive, was previously cited Aug. 13, 2013 for not requiring drivers to notify the facility of current moving violations. Virginia Department of Social Services Comments: Unannounced monitoring inspection was conducted beginning at 9:30 a.m. and ending at 1:15 p.m. There were 98 Children present, ages Infants through Kindergarten. All classrooms were in appropriate ratio. Children were observed having snack of goldfish and apple juice; enjoying circle time and individual activities. The children were chatting easily with their teachers, their classmates and the Licensing Inspector. Infants were observed playing on the floor with staff, being fed and changed. Medications were reviewed - see Violation Notice Staff and Children's files were reviewed - see Violation Notice. Emergency escape drills and shelter in place drills are up to date. Supplies and equipment continue to be sufficient in all classrooms. Editor's Note: Descriptions of Violations and the responses from the facility came directly from the inspection report.

Violations

Standard #: 22VAC40-185-60-A Description: Based on a review of 10 children's files, it was determine that 1 files was not complete. evidence: The file for Child b did not have addresses for the emergency contacts and documentation of the annual update for emergency information. Action to be Taken: The Staff will email the parents today to request that they bring in the annual updated form. Standard #: 22VAC40-185-180-D Description: Based on interview with the Director, it was determined that drivers do not have an agreement to notify the center is they have a traffic violation during their employment as a driver. Evidence: There is no statement in the driver's files. Action to be Taken: The Corporate Office will develop a form for driver's signature that will address the drivers of the small school buses. The Director will send it to the LI as soon as she receives it. Standard #: 22VAC40-185-270-A Description: Based on observation, it was determined that their is equipment accessible to children that poses a safety hazard. Evidence: There are two trikes on the playground that are missing one handlebar cover each. This leaves a sharp edge on end of the handlebar. Action to be Taken: The Director has replacement handlebar covers in the office. The covers will be replaced and staff will be reminded to remove trikes until the covers are replaced. Standard #: 22VAC40-185-510-C Description: Based on a review of four medications that are to be given at the center, it was determined that the permission form for one medication was over the 10 day limit. Evidence: The medication for Child #3 had a permission form that was signed by the parent on 9/2/13. There was no long term permission signed by the physician. Parental permission is effective for 10 days only. Action to be Taken: The Administrative staff will assure that medication that is given on an as needed baisi over a long time frame, has a form that is signed by both the parent and the physician. Standard #: 22VAC40-191-50-A-2-a

Description: Based on a review of 4 staff files, it was determined that one file did have a current form on file. Evidence: Staff B has a CPS check that expired 12/30/13. The form was sent to the Central Registry and returned to the center for additional information. It had not been sent back to the Central Registry office.

Action to be Taken: The Director will call the Central Registry to find out how the form can be resubmitted and will follow their directions to have it done as soon as possible. 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.”