VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES

STEPS, Inc. - Appomattox Head Start
185 Learning Lane
Appomattox, VA 24522
(434) 352-7066

Current Inspector: Kelly Campbell (540) 309-2494

Inspection Date: April 28, 2022

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 (8VAC20-770) 22.1 Background Checks Code, Carbon Monoxide

Comments:

An unannounced on-site renewal inspection was conducted on 04/28/2021 . There were 12 children, ages 3 years- 5 years, and 4 staff members present during the inspection. The inspector observed the following: morning snack, free choice activities, large motor play inside, and center play. A total of 4 children?s records and 3 staff records, were reviewed. The inspector discussed the following with staff: attendance requirements, playground safety.

Violations:

Standard #:	22.1-289.035-A
Description:	Based on review of three staff's records, the center failed to ensure that all out of state background checks were obtained per the Code of Virginia. Evidence: 1. Staff # 1 disclosed on their Sworn Statement that they had lived out side of Virginia in the past five years. The staff person lived in three states, two of the states participated in the NFF (national fingerprint file). Staff person was missing the sex offender check for both of these states. The last state did not participate in the NFF and the staff person was missing the criminal record check and the sex offender from that state.
Plan of Correction:	The administration will use the guidance on the DOE website to help obtaining the required out of state background checks.
Standard #:	8VAC20-770-40-C-1-a
Description:	Based on review of board officer's and agents for the program, the center failed to ensure that all background checks were completed per the requirement of the Code of Virginia. Evidence: 1. Board officer # 2 that took office on 7/1/2020 was missing a signed Sworn Statement and a returned CPS check on the day of the inspection. 2. Board officer # 4 that took office 7/1/2019 was missing a signed Sworn Statement on the day of the inspection. 3. Agent # 3 that took office on 1/23/2020 was missing a completed CPS check on the day of the inspection.
Plan of Correction:	The administration will contact OBI to verify the status of the CPS checks and will have the board officers to complete a new Sworn Statement.
Standard #:	8VAC20-780-60-A
Description:	Based on review of four children's records, the center failed to ensure that all required items were obtained. Evidence: 1. All four children reviewed was missing the physician's contact phone number.
Plan of Correction:	During the inspection the administration added the contact phone number to the enrollment form.
Standard #:	8VAC20-780-270-A
Description:	Based on observation, the center failed to ensure that all areas and equipment inside and outside were maintained in a clean, safe and operable condition. Evidence: 1. Observed a large metal dome shaped climber in the playground area. The backside of the bolts that were used to fasten the pieces together posed a snag, protrusion and puncture hazard to the children in care. 2. The large plastic climber had a broken step to the ladder. There were layers of duck tape around the step trying to hold it together. This posed a falling hazard to the children.
Plan of Correction:	The center has purchased new equipment in July of 2021. The administration of the building were the class room is held has not yet given the approval for the new equipment to be installed. The center's administration will contact the building's administration to inform them of the violation of the unsafe equipment to help expedite the process of getting the new equipment installed and the older broken equipment removed.