The Children's Center - Suffolk Head Start
860 Davis Boulevard
Suffolk, VA 23434
(757) 809-5557
Current Inspector: Melinda Popkin (757) 802-5281
Inspection Date: March 10, 2020
Complaint Related: No
- Areas Reviewed:
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22VAC40-185 STAFFING AND SUPERVISION.
22VAC40-185 PROGRAMS.
- Comments:
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A self-reported incident was received on March 4, 2020 and initiated on the same day regarding supervision and forbidden actions. On site investigation took place on March 10, 2020 and included staff interviews, record review and classroom observation. Video footage of February 13 and 25 was received and reviewed. The investigation concluded on June 30, 2020. The information gathered supports the information provided in the initial report and violations regarding supervision and forbidden actions were cited and may be reviewed on the violation notice.
- Violations:
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Standard #: 22VAC40-185-340-A Description: Based on observation and interview the center failed to demonstrate care protection and guidance of children.
Evidence:
1 - Review of video footage provided by the center shows multiple incidents on February 13, 2020 and February 25, 2020 where staff were not directly supervising the children in care.
a. Staff 1 and 2 were seen walking into a large closet with their back to the children in care and typing on the a laptop computer, head down, looking at the computer screen.
b. Further review of video footage shows several children in care playing on the far side of the classroom unsupervised. Reportedly, child 1 is hit by another other child in care. However, when questioned staff 1 or staff 2 state that they had not seen what had actually occurred.Plan of Correction: Staff were retained in the need for maintaining supervision of all children at all times in order to ensure the care protection and guidance of children present.
Standard #: 22VAC40-185-410-8 Description: Based on observation and interview the center failed to demonstrate compliance in not using forbidden actions or threats thereof regarding punishment by applying unpleasant or harmful substances.
Evidence:
1 - Video footage provided by the center shows more than one occasion where staff 1 uses a spray bottle, reportedly filled with water, to spray directly at children in care.
a. Footage viewed for February 25, 2020, during nap time, shows an unidentified child who is awake and moving around on his cot. Staff 2 leaves the classroom. Staff 1 is seen on video pointing a finger at the unidentified child approximately three times. Staff 1 then reaches into an upper cabinet, pulls out a spray bottle, stands up points the bottle in the direction of the awake child, making a squeezing motion while holding the spray bottle as she walks over to the awake child.
2 - Staff 1 stated verbally and in writing that when she used a spray bottle "strategy for children it is for redirection..."
3 - Staff 2 confirmed that she has witnessed staff 1 use a spray bottle containing water to stop children from fighting and to pay attention.Plan of Correction: As soon as this information was brought to the attention of management all staff were retained in appropriate redirection techniques and informed that a spray bottle is never to be used.
Disclaimer:
A compliance history is in no way a rating for a facility.
The online compliance history includes only information after July 1, 2003. In addition, the online compliance history includes information regarding adverse actions that may be the subject of a pending appeal. An adverse action is not final until a provider has exhausted or waived all due process rights. For compliance history prior to July 1, 2003, or information regarding the status of pending adverse actions, please contact the Licensing Inspector listed in the facility's information. The Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS) is not responsible for any errors in or omissions from the compliance history information.
