VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES

The Children's Center- Executive Court
300 Executive Court
Suffolk, VA 23434
(757) 538-2523

Current Inspector: Melinda Popkin (757) 802-5281

Inspection Date: Nov. 19, 2019

Complaint Related: No

Areas Reviewed:

22VAC40-185 ADMINISTRATION. 22VAC40-185 STAFFING AND SUPERVISION.

Comments:

A self-reported incident regarding inappropriate supervision was received and an investigation was initiated on November 18, 2019. The investigation was concluded on January 16, 2020. An unannounced onsite inspections including record review, telephone and in person interviews, physical observation of the outside play space and the classroom as well as review of video tape were completed. Furthermore, the center policy and procedures were reviewed. The information gathered during the investigation supports the self-report and therefore, the report is valid. Violations regarding administration and staffing and supervision were identified and appear on the violation notice. These violations were discussed with the center director at the conclusion of the onsite investigation.

Violations:

Standard #:	22VAC40-185-40-E
Description:	Based on observation, interviews and documentation review the center has failed to demonstrate operational responsibilities including but not limited to ensuring the center?s activities, services and facilities are maintained in compliance with these standards the center's own policies and procedures that are required by these standards, and the terms of the current license issued by the department. Evidence: 1 - The center?s policy regarding supervision of children was not followed when a child was left unattended on the playground. On November 18, 2019 child 1, a two year and ten mouth old child, was left on a center playground for approximately two to three minutes alone. The child can be seen on video tape entering a climb through tube while Staff 2 and 3 walked from the playground to the building and into their classroom with five other children. The video shows staff did not stop at the gate to complete a face-to-name check sheet as required by the center policy. a. Staff 2 stated during interview and in a written statement ?We are required to complete a face-to-name sheet when we leave and return to our class and I failed to do that. Had I done my face-to-name sheet I would have realized that [child 1] was not with us and that he was still on the playground.?
Plan of Correction:	Each teacher has been retrained on the Center's Face to Name and Supervision policy on 11/21/19. Each Teacher has signed documentation in their employee file, explaining that they understand the Face to Name process and how it is conducted. Face to Name Procedure: 1. Before leaving a location, teachers are required to complete a Face to Name Check. 2. When the teacher arrives to the new location an additional Face to Name check is conducted. How to Conduct a Face to Name Check: When conducting a Face to Name check before Leaving a location, the teacher will match the child's name with the child's face. As you see each child, write in the transition location. When arriving at the location you match the child's name with their face and circle the transition location you wrote in before leaving. When moving children from one location to another, Four Face to Name checks will be conducted.
Standard #:	22VAC40-185-340-A
Description:	Based on documentation review and interviews the center failed to demonstrate that when staff are supervising children they always ensure their care and protection. Evidence: A two year, ten-month old child was left alone and unsupervised on the center playground for approximately two minutes on November 18, 2019. 1 - Staff 2 stated that she and staff 3 lined the children up and walked from the playground to the building and entered the classroom. However, it was not until she received a call from staff 1 that she realized child 1 had not come into the building when the group came in from the playground at approximately 11:40am. 2 ? Child 1 was observed on video tape alone as he was climbing out of a climb through tube and walked around on the playground until staff 1 reach the child and brought him inside.
Plan of Correction:	All teachers have been retrained on 11/21/19 on supervising children in their care. When children arrive, find the name on Face to Name Sheet and put time of Arrival and list the person checking the child into the classroom. Four Face to checks will be conducted when moving from one location to another to ensure care and protection of each child. Supervisors review Face to Name sheets daily to ensure all children have been signed in and out for accountability. When a child leave for the day, the teacher will find the name on the Face to Name Sheet and the person checking the child out the classroom will write the time of departure and place their initials next to the time. If the child rides the bus, the teacher will write the departure time and the word "bus" next to the time.
Standard #:	22VAC40-185-340-F
Description:	Based on interview and review of video tape the center failed to ensure that children under 10 years of age always shall be within actual sight and sound supervision of staff. Evidence: 1 ? At approximately 11:40am staff 1 stated that she observed child 1 on the playground. Staff 1 further stated that while looking out the window of the center lobby/office she scanned the playground and determined there were no other children or staff on the playground. Seeing that no staff were present, staff 1 went outside to bring the child back into the building. 2 ? Child 1 was not within sight/sound supervision of any staff when he was left alone and unattended on the playground for approximately 2-3 minutes on November 18, 2019.
Plan of Correction:	Supervisors will observe Face to Name procedures during transitions from classroom to playground for monitoring purpose to ensure Face to Name procedures are being followed.