VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES

Mary Bethune Head Start Center
1030 Cowford Road
Halifax, VA 24558
(434) 575-7916 (231)

Current Inspector: Tara K Martin (804) 588-2371

Inspection Date: May 7, 2024

Complaint Related: No

Areas Reviewed:

8VAC20-780 Administration 8VAC20-780 Staff Qualifications and Training 8VAC20-780 Physical Plant 8VAC20-780 Staffing and Supervision 8VAC20-780 Programs 8VAC20-780 Special Care Provisions and Emergencies 8VAC20-780 Special Services 8VAC20-770 Background Checks 22.1 Early Childhood Care and Education 63.2 Child Abuse & Neglect

Comments:

An unannounced monitoring inspection was conducted on 05/07/2024. There were 15 children, ages 4 years - 5 years, and 2 staff members providing direct care and supervision present during the inspection. The inspector reviewed compliance in the areas of administration, staff qualifications and trainings, physical plant, staffing and supervision, programs, emergencies, and nutrition. The children were observed during teacher directed activities, child directed activities, outdoor time, and mealtime. A total of 5 children?s records, and 2 staff records were reviewed. The inspector arrived for the inspection at approximately 10:15 am and departed at approximately 11:30 am. Information gathered during the inspection determined non-compliance with applicable standards or law and violations were documented on the violation notice issued to the provider.

Violations:

Standard #:	8VAC20-780-130-A
Description:	REPEAT VIOLATION Based on record review, the center failed to obtain documentation that each child has received the immunization required by the State Board of Health before the child can attend the center. Evidence: 1. Child 4 had a documented first date of attendance as 09/05/2023. The immunization record was obtained 10/02/2023. 2. Child 5 had a documented first date of attendance as 08/22/2023. The immunization record was obtained 10/12/2023.
Plan of Correction:	Provider will obtain immunization before children are enrolled.
Standard #:	8VAC20-780-270-A
Description:	Based on observation, the center failed to ensure that areas and equipment of the center, inside and outside, shall be maintained in a clean, safe and operable condition. Evidence: The air vent cover, located on the floor close to circle rug, was bent in the middle creating a gap between the floor and vent cover. This gap was big enough for children to get fingers in. The same vent was also rusted, and sharp on the edge creating a cutting hazard.
Plan of Correction:	During the inspection, staff bent the vent to eliminate the gap and will report to administration for replacement or repair.