VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES

Wytheville Child Development Center
333 Community Blvd.
Wytheville, VA 24382
(276) 223-3531

Current Inspector: Todd Scott (276) 608-3749

Inspection Date: March 14, 2019

Complaint Related: No

Areas Reviewed:

22VAC40-185 ADMINISTRATION. 22VAC40-185 STAFF QUALIFICATIONS AND TRAINING. 22VAC40-185 PHYSICAL PLANT. 22VAC40-185 STAFFING AND SUPERVISION. 22VAC40-185 PROGRAMS. 22VAC40-80 THE LICENSE. 22VAC40-80 THE LICENSING PROCESS. 22VAC40-191 Background Checks (22VAC40-191) 63.2 Child Abuse & Neglect 63.2 Facilities & Programs.

Comments:

The inspector conducted a monitoring inspection based on a self-reported incident that was received in this office on 03/08/2018. Interviews were held with staff, records were reviewed and video was reviewed. Based on the evidence gathered, there is a preponderance of evidence gathered to support the allegation so the report is substantiated. The violation is identified on the violation notice. Please call your inspector at 276-698-9981 with any questions.

Violations:

Standard #:	22VAC40-185-410-1
Description:	Based on the review of video and interviews, a staff person roughly handled children. Evidence: 1. The inspector reviewed a video from 3/7/19 in which staff #1 was seen pulling child #1 up by the left elbow and setting her down roughly. Staff #1 held child #2's right arm and set the child down on his bottom forcefully. There was no sound on the video but it appeared that the staff person was agitated as she was pointing her finger a lot, and walking around the room taking toys from the children, on her phone, and looking out a large window that faces a pool area. 2. Staff #1 stated she did not realize how rough she had been until viewing the video.
Plan of Correction:	1. On 03/08/19, it was discovered through video that staff #1 had handled children in a rough manner. Findings of the video prompted the center owner to call a local agency to make a report on 03/8/2019 and file a complaint. The licensing inspector was also called to report the incident. 2. Staff #1 had already left work when the findings occurred. The licensee brought staff #1 in on Saturday, 03/09/19 and terminated her from the position. See the attached termination letter. Staff #1 was notified that required reporting of the incident had taken place. TRAINING: 1. On Monday 03/11/19 all center staff were notified of the incident during a mandatory staff meeting. A review of the module CWSE 5691 Recognizing and Reporting Child abuse and Neglect (for educators) was facilitated by the licensee and director. All objectives were reviewed and staff spent time discussing the content of each objective and how it applies to their own role as a mandated reporter. Staff also reviewed center policies regarding documentation as when situations are considered suspicious, reporting to the administration staff when there are concerns, and being able to report using the online system. See attached list of staff who was in attendance. 2. The center has a professional development plan. Each month training on topics as licensing standards review, conscious discipline, improving communication strategies, and developmentally appropriate practices are provided. MONITORING: The center will continue to monitor classroom environments with the following: 1. Hourly face-to-face checks with children and staff to monitor signs of stress, fatigue, or concern. 2. Review of video footage of various classrooms on a daily basis, noting any signs of stress, fatigue, or concern. 3. Continue our center wide developed professional development plan paired with technical assistance that is heavily focused on trauma informed practices, self-care, developmentally appropriate practices, guiding behavior, etc. (see attached PD plan) 4. Document face-to face checks, video monitoring to include: date, time, classroom, type of monitoring staff present, any notes, signature of person monitoring (see attached monitoring form). Ensure that new staff who begin employment at the center understand the importance of working with children in an appropriate manner and receive the high level of professional development that may have been missed prior to beginning of employment.