The Virginia Department of Social Services inspected the Minnieland Academy Day Centers at Gainesville and Bristow and cited the facilities for violations.
(The Minnieland Academy at Bristow report follows this one.)
When the DSS visited the Minnieland Academy at Gainesville, located at 8299 Harness Shop Road, Sept. 11, the agency noted violations in record-keeping and criminal history records of staff.
Virginia Department of Social Services Comments:
An unannounced monitoring inspection was conducted from 1:50pm-5:30pm with the assistant director. There were 81 children present with 13 staff. The children were observed napping, listening to a book, working on a wood art project, and eating snack. The snack served was graham crackers, strawberry spread, and water. Three children's and four staff records were reviewed. Four medications were reviewed. The fire inspection and health inspections are current and up to date.
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 review of four staff records, it was determined that the record was incomplete. Evidence: Staff A hired on 7/28/14 was missing documentation of two or more references in the record.
Action to be Taken: All phone reference forms will be signed at the time of the phone call.
Standard #: 22VAC40-191-60-C-1
Description: Based on review of four staff records, it was determined that the center did not obtain a criminal history record report within 30 days of employment. Evidence: Staff A hired 7/28/14 did not have documentation of a completed criminal history record.
Action to be Taken: Staff will not be left alone with children until we receive, both, CPS and criminal history forms.
Standard #: 63.2-1720-F
Description: Based on review of four staff records, it was determined that the center failed to prohibit an employee from having direct contact with children until a criminal history record has been received or ensure that a person works under the direct supervision of another employee for whom a criminal history record has been obtained. Evidence: Staff A with a hire date of 7/28/14 was missing documentation of a completed criminal history record and was not working under direct supervision of an employee with a completed background check
Action to be Taken: Staff will not be able to work in the center if we do not receive both, CPS and criminal history forms within 30 days of hire.
The Minnieland Academy at Bristow, located at Bristow Center Drive in Bristow, was inspected Oct. 9, where DSS found a violation in the safe maintainance of the grounds.
Virginia Department of Social Services Comments:
Unannounced monitoring Inspection was conducted with the Director beginning at 8:00 and ending at 12:00. There were 70 children present ages infant through Junior Kindergarten. All classrooms were in appropriate ratio. Observed children arriving with their parents. A parent took the time to tell the Licensing Inspector how pleased they were with the care that their child received. Age and stage appropriate activities were observed throughout the Center, including art, circle, building, science and outdoor play. The school age classroom has a moveable miniature garden that the children planted and tended. Reviewed Medications for 11 children - documentation complete Reviewed 5 children's files and 4 staff files - complete Emergency escape drills and shelter in place drills are up to date as are Health and Fire Inspections Reviewed Accident Log and accident report forms - complete.
Standard #: 22VAC40-185-270-A
Description: Based on observation, not all areas of the facility were maintained in a safe condition. Evidence: The fencing at the bottom of the gate between the two playgrounds, has become unraveled at the bottom, leaving sharp ends exposed.
Action to be Taken: The gate was repaired 10/16/14. At our next staff meeting we will discuss procedures for monitoring and reporting hazards to management.
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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