VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES

The Nest Academy
9129 Royal Robin Lane
Lorton, VA 22079
(703) 690-0063

Current Inspector: Kristy Atanackovic (804) 629-5032

Inspection Date: March 22, 2019

Complaint Related: Yes

Areas Reviewed:

22VAC40-185 ADMINISTRATION. 22VAC40-185 STAFF QUALIFICATIONS AND TRAINING. 22VAC40-185 PHYSICAL PLANT. 22VAC40-185 STAFFING AND SUPERVISION. 22VAC40-185 PROGRAMS. 22VAC40-185 SPECIAL CARE PROVISIONS AND EMERGENCIES. 22VAC40-185 SPECIAL SERVICES. 22VAC40-191 Background Checks (22VAC40-191) 32.1 Report by person other than physician 63.2 Child Abuse & Neglect 63.2(17) License & Registration Procedures 63.2 Facilities & Programs.

Comments:

An unannounced complaint investigation was conducted on 3/22/2019 from 10:10am-3:15pm in response to a complaint that was received on 03/20/2019, regarding supervision of children in care, and inappropriate behavioral guidance. Observations were made in the center, records and video-camera footage were reviewed, and interviews with staff were conducted. Based on the information gathered during the investigation, the preponderance of evidence supports the allegations in regards to inappropriate behavioral guidance; therefore, the complaint was determined to be partially valid. The complaint related violations are identified on the Violation Notice. If you have any questions regarding this inspection, please contact the Licensing Inspector, Maria Soto at maria.soto@dss.virginia.gov or (571) 835-5058.

Violations:

Standard #:	22VAC40-185-40-E
Complaint related:	Yes
Description:	Based on interviews and review of documentation, staff did not follow the center's policies and procedures that are required by the standards, and the terms of the current license issued by the department. Evidence: The center's discipline policy states: We will try to divert the child to another activity. We talk to the child and other children involved in an incident and help them solve the problem. We will suggest alternatives and let them know what the expected behavior is. As a last resort, we will ask the child to take a few minutes to get in control and think about what has occurred. We then try to use as much positive verbal feedback as possible to encourage each child to talk about what he/she is feeling. On 3/14/2019, Staff#1 did not follow the center's discipline policy when they did not allow a group of children to go out to the playground because the children misbehaved the day before.
Plan of Correction:	The teacher was written up for not following the school's discipline policy and we had both teachers in the classroom attend a training to review our discipline policy.
Standard #:	22VAC40-185-400-B
Complaint related:	Yes
Description:	Based on observation, record review, and interviews conducted, it was determined that a staff member did not use behavioral guidance that was constructive in nature, age and stage appropriate, and intended to redirect children to appropriate behavior and resolve conflicts. Evidence: On 03/14/2019, Staff#1 did not allow a group of children to go out to the playground as a form of discipline because the children did not behave the day before. The staff stated that they kept the children inside because they wanted to have an opportunity to talk to them about their behavior at school. Extending the discipline time period to the next day is inappropriate and not positive guidance principles.
Plan of Correction:	The teacher was written up for not following the school's discipline policy and we had both teachers in the classroom attend a training to review our discipline policy.