The Virginia Department of Social Services conducted an unannounced investigation June 29 in response to a complaint filed against Children of America-Manassas Bull Run.
Licensing Inspector Linda Reynolds cited the day care center, located at 11730 Sudley Manor Drive in Manassas, for violations in care, protection and guidance of children and classroom ratios.
Virginia Department of Social Services Comments:
An unannounced complaint investigation was conducted beginning at 9:05 a.m. and ending at 11:10 a.m.. The complaint related to Care, protection and Guidance of children and Classroom Ratio was deemed to be Valid. An Action Plan was developed with the center at the time of the investigation. That action plan will be monitored by the Licensing Inspector.
Editor’s Note: Descriptions of violations and the responses from the facility came directly from the inspection report.
Standard #: 22VAC40-185-340-A
Complaint related: Yes
Description: Based on staff interviews and documentation review, the center failed to ensure the care, protection, and guidance of children. Evidence: On June 26, 2015 at 8:40 a.m., Child A obtained a cut on his upper left forehead when he ran into a bookcase, requiring emergency medical assistance and seven stitches, while Staff A was speaking with a parent. The classroom was out of supervision ratio with 11 three year old children and one staff (the required staff-to-children ratio is one staff member for every ten children).
Action to be Taken: The Acting Director will move one staff person into the classroom earlier in the morning so that the classroom will be in ratio at all times.
Standard #: 22VAC40-185-350-E-4
Complaint related: Yes
Description: Based on staff interviews and documentation review, the center failed to maintain the required supervision ratio staff to children. Evidence: On June 26, 2015 at 8:40 a.m., Staff A had 11 three year old children under her supervision. The required supervision ratio for three year olds is one staff member for every ten children.
Action to be Taken: The Acting Director will move a staff person into the classroom earlier in the morning so that the classroom is is ratio.
Standard #: 22VAC40-185-350-F
Complaint related: Yes
Description: Based on interviews with staff, it was determined that the facility moved children from one classroom to another when the ratio deemed it necessary. Evidence: The ratio in the three year old classroom is 1:10, On multiple occasions, when the 11th child arrived for care, the oldest three year old was sent to the PreK classroom.
Action to be Taken: Transition will not occur during non learning time and will be confined to after 9:00 a.m.
Standard #: 22VAC40-185-430-B
Complaint related: No
Description: Based on observation, it was determined that the facility failed to have adequate supplies and equipment in the Two Year Old Class Room. Evidence: While walking down the hall, the Licensing Inspector noticed that there were multiple empty shelves in the two year old classroom. When inspecting after the Acting Director went into the classroom and put things on shelves, there were still only minimal supplies for the seven two year olds who are regularly in attendance.
Action to be Taken: The Acting Director will move the supplies from a classroom that is not open and assure that each classroom has sufficient supplies.
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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