The Virginia Department of Social Services inspected Montessori School of Gainesville Oct. 21. The agency noted safety violations.
Virginia Department of Social Services Comments:
An unannounced renewal study was conducted today with the owner/director. Seventeen children were present during the initial walkthrough with 4 staff providing direct supervision. For their afternoon snack the children were provided carrots with dip and juice. The older children were outside on the playground at the beginning of the inspection. There were no children on medications. Six staff files and four children's files were reviewed today. Fire inspection: 5/29/14 Health inspection: 7/14/14 Arrival time: 2:55 p.m. Departure time: 5: 20 p.m.
Editor’s Note: Descriptions of violations and the responses from the facility came directly from the inspection report.
Standard #: 22VAC40-185-270-A
Description: Based on an inspection of the center it was determined that an area on the large playground was not maintained in a safe condition. Evidence: The Licensing Inspector observed two wooden framed structures on the playground with large rocks inside the structure. The children were using the wood structures as a balance beam and the large rocks presented a hazard if a child should fall from the wood structure onto the the large rocks.
Action to be Taken: Removed during the inspection.
Standard #: 22VAC40-185-290-3
Description: Based on an inspection of the infant classroom, it was determined that four outlets were not covered with protective covers. Evidence: It was determined that four outlets were uncovered on a power strip in the infant classroom. The power strip was accessible to the mobile infants.
Action to be Taken: Covered during the inspection.
Standard #: 22VAC40-185-330-B
Description: Based on an inspection of the older playground, it was determined that there was insufficient resilient surfacing under the fall zone. Evidence: There was no pea gravel six inches in front of the green slides on the playground.
Action to be Taken: Pea gravel will be delivered tomorrow and we will rake in the fall zone. The slides will be off limits until brought into compliance.
Standard #: 22VAC40-185-330-C
Description: Based on an inspection of the younger playground it was determined that the ground support covering presented a hazard. Evidence: The ground covering on the younger playground was exposed and presented a tripping hazard.
Action to be Taken: I will purchase mulch and cover the exposed ground covering. The playground will be off limits until brought into full compliance.
Standard #: 22VAC40-185-500-B
Description: Based on an inspection of the center, it was determined that the diapering area was used as a storage space for toys. Evidence: The Licensing Inspector observed a toy sitting on the diapering surface in the 2/3 year old classroom.
Action to be Taken: I will talk with staff about making sure that the diapering area is not used for anything other than diapering.
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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