The Virginia Department of Social Services conducted an unannounced monitoring inspection of the Samuel L. Gravely, Jr. Elementary School Age Child Care Program and found seven violations in the areas of staffing and supervision, staff to child ratio, and child safety.
The inspection of the facility, located at 4670 Waverly Farm Drive in Haymarket, occurred Nov. 20, 2014 and Dec. 17, 2014.
Virginia Department of Social Services Comments:
An unannounced monitoring inspection was conducted beginning at 7:15 a.m. and ending at 9:00 a.m. with the center director and one staff. There were 32 children in care ranging in age five years to 10-years-old. Children were observed having free play and participating in a group game. Children lined up for rest room break and then had breakfast. Two staff records and three children's records were reviewed. Emergency drills were current and posted. Please complete the "plan of correction" and "date to be corrected" and return no later than 12/22/2014 at 4 p.m. If you have questions regarding this inspection, contact Stephanie Reed at (540) 347-6255 or S.Reed@dss.virginia.gov
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 observation, the facility was not maintained in a clean, safe condition. Evidence: Trash, loose papers, pens, pencils and markers were observed on the floor on the facility. After approximately ten minutes after the LI's arrival, staff directed the children to pick up the items. Trash was still observed after the children picked up.
Action to be Taken: We will sweep at the beginning and end of each shift to remove any items left out.
Standard #: 22VAC40-185-340-A
Description: Based on observation, staff did not ensure the care, protection and guidance of children in care. Evidence: Three school aged children were observed taking rolled-up carpets and banging them on the floor. The behavior continued for approximately five minutes and was not addressed by staff until the LI inquired about the behavior. Staff A spoke with one child. The behavior continued until Staff A removed the carpets. Two school aged children were observed chasing each other. One of the children tripped over a rolled up carpet that the other children were using to bang on the floor. Children were observed yelling, running, pushing and shoving one another throughout the inspection. Staff did not intervene to redirect this behavior. Children were observed running around the breakfast tables and knocking over the napkin dispenser in the cafeteria. Staff were not observed addressing this behavior. School cafeteria personnel were observed redirecting children's behavior.
Action to be Taken: We will find alternative redirection for the children who cannot handle cleanup. Students will not be allowed to get up from their chairs at breakfast until they raise their hands. Transitions are being monitored more closely with line games and more engaging activities.
Standard #: 22VAC40-185-350-A
Description: Based on observation, the facility did not maintain the required staff-to-children ratios. Evidence: Staff B was observed leaving the child care area to put away supplies and equipment leaving Staff A alone to supervise 32 children. The storage area is not within sight or sound of the child care area.
Action to be Taken: Staff will not leave the SACC room during clean up to store SACC items. They will be moved to the storage area during bathroom time instead when both staff are in the hallway.
Standard #: 22VAC40-185-430-K
Description: Based on observation, an individual place for children's belongings was not utilized. Evidence: Children's belongings were observed along the wall of the facility. There was not a way to differentiate children's belongings from one another. One bookbag had three coats put on top of it.
Action to be Taken: Baskets will be left out for belongings until we line up for breakfast.
Standard #: 22VAC40-185-500-A
Description: Based on observation, children's hands were not washed prior to eating. Evidence: Three children were observed eating food that was brought from home. None of the children washed their hands prior to eating.
Action to be Taken: Prior to starting activities and as students come into the room, we will make sure they wash their hands if they want to eat at a non-scheduled meal time.
Standard #: 22VAC40-185-560-N
Description: Based on observation, children were allowed to eat while walking around. Evidence: A school aged child was observed walking and dancing while eating.
Action to be Taken: Children will be reminded to remain seated while eating.
Standard #: 22VAC40-80-120-E-2
Description: Based on observation and staff interview, the most recent violation notice was not posted as required. Evidence: The violation notice from the most recent inspection conducted on April 23, 2014 was not posted and could not be located during the inspection.
Action to be Taken: A copy of the previous violation notice was received and posted immediately.
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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