VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES

The Learning Experience
1430 High Street
Suite 100
Williamsburg, VA 23185
(757) 808-6619

Current Inspector: Anita Drewry (757) 404-5261

Inspection Date: Jan. 18, 2024

Complaint Related: Yes

Areas Reviewed:

8VAC20-780 ADMINISTRATION. 8VAC20-780 PHYSICAL PLANT. 8VAC20-780 STAFFING AND SUPERVISION. 8VAC20-780 PROGRAMS. 8VAC20-780 SPECIAL SERVICES.

Comments:

An unannounced complaint inspection was initiated on January 18, 2024 and concluded on February 27, 2024 regarding allegations involving staffing/supervision, equipment and nutrition. Licensing Inspector interviewed staff, conducted classroom observations, reviewed facility documentation and reviewed areas and equipment inside and outside of the facility. Based on interviews, documentation and observation, there was a preponderance of evidence to support the allegations therefore the complaint is deemed valid. Violations were documented on the violation notice issued to the program.

Violations:

Standard #:	8VAC20-780-270-A
Complaint related:	Yes
Description:	Based on observation, facility did not ensure areas and equipment of the center, inside and outside, are maintained in a safe and operable condition. Evidence: On the outside playground, 1 of 2 chains was broken on the bottom portion of a green triangle climbing piece that anchors the triangle to the ground.
Plan of Correction:	Manufacturer was contacted on Jan 18th to request the broken part. The playground was closed until the part was fixed on Jan 26th.
Standard #:	8VAC20-780-350-B-2
Complaint related:	Yes
Description:	Based on staff interviews and review of documentation, the center did not maintain required staff to child ratios, 1 staff for every 6 children, as an extension of a temporary staff-to-child ratio variance granted by the Office of Child Care Health and Safety on November 1, 2023. Evidence: On January 16, 2024, the toddler A, toddler B and twaddler classrooms were combined in one group and there was not at least 1 staff for every 6 children. The staff-to-child ratio for children 16 months up to 2 years is 1:5 but the center had an approved variance for 1:6. 1. Staff reported 1 staff was present with 7 children, ages 16 months up to 2 years, in the twaddler classroom on the morning of January 16, 2024. Staff reported the second staff arrived to the group at 7:30 am. 2. Facility?s attendance sheet document 7 children were signed in the toddler and twaddler classrooms prior to 7:30 am on January 16, 2024.
Plan of Correction:	Additional staff have been hired to meet or exceed required state staff-to-child ratio requirements. We have adjusted staff schedules so that more staff come in between 6:45 am and 7:15 am. Two days of teacher training were conducted February 19th and February 20th which included reviewing staff-to-child ratios requirements.
Standard #:	8VAC20-780-350-B-3
Complaint related:	Yes
Description:	Based on staff interviews and review of documentation, the center did not maintain required staff to child ratios, 1 staff for every 9 children, as an extension of a temporary staff-to-child ratio variance granted by the Office of Child Care Health and Safety on November 1, 2023. Evidence: On January 16, 2024, Preppers A and Preppers B classrooms were combined in one group and there was not at least 1 staff for every 9 children. The staff-to-child ratio for children 2 years old is 1:8 but the center had an approved variance for 1:9. 1. Staff reported that there was only one staff present with up to 14 children, ages 2 years, in the Preppers classroom on the morning of January 16, 2024. Staff reported the second staff arrived to the group at approximately 10:00 am ? 10:15 am. 2. Facility?s attendance sheet documented that 15 children were signed in the Preppers classroom prior to 10:00 am on January 16, 2024.
Plan of Correction:	Additional staff have been hired to meet or exceed required state staff-to-child ratio requirements. We have adjusted staff schedules so that more staff come in between 6:45 am and 7:15 am. Two days of teacher training were conducted February 19th and February 20th which included reviewing staff-to-child ratios requirements.
Standard #:	8VAC20-780-560-F
Complaint related:	Yes
Description:	Based on observation and interview, facility did not ensure when center provides meals or snacks that there is a menu for the current week that is dated and lists any substituted food. Evidence: The following was found regarding the menu and foods served on January 16, 2024: 1. On January 18, 2024, the posted menu for the current week was not dated. 2. The menu stated cheese, fresh fruit and water were served for the AM snack on Tuesday (January 16, 2024). Program Director confirmed crackers and sunbutter were served on January 16, 2024. The substituted items were not listed on the menu. 3. Staff confirmed parents were not notified of the menu change.
Plan of Correction:	We created a template for the cook to use when there is a menu change and if there is a change, we send out an app notification to all the families in the school. The template will also be posted by the menu board in the hallway. A laminated arrow was made to point to the date that is current.