VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES

Great Things Christian Childcare Center
1069 N. George Washington Highway
Chesapeake, VA 23323
(757) 606-2098

Current Inspector: Nanette Roberts (757) 404-2322

Inspection Date: Jan. 26, 2023

Complaint Related: Yes

Areas Reviewed:

8VAC20-780 Administration. 8VAC20-780 Staff Qualifications and Training. 8VAC20-780 Staffing and Supervision. 8VAC20-780 Programs. 8VAC20-820 THE LICENSE. 8VAC20-820 THE LICENSING PROCESS.

Comments:

An unannounced complaint investigation was initiated on 1/26/23 and was concluded on 3/10/2023 in response to a complaint received by the licensing office on 1/26/23 regarding staffing and behavioral guidance. An additional complaint was received on 2/2/23 regarding the same allegations. Observation, record reviews, and interviews were conducted relating to the allegations on 1/26/23, 2/2/23, 2/16/23, and 2/23/23. The information gathered during the investigation does support the allegations, so the complaint is determined to be "valid". If you have any questions, contact the licensing inspector at (757)354-7307.

Violations:

Standard #:	8VAC20-780-350-B-1
Complaint related:	Yes
Description:	Based on observation and interview it was determined the center did not ensure that the proper ratio of 1:4 in he infant classroom was maintained. Evidence: 1. At the time of this inspection on 2/2/23 there were 9 infants present with only two staff. 2. Staff confirmed that the infant classroom was out of ratio during this inspection and has been at other times due to staffing shortages. 3. Staff and consumers have reported that multiple classrooms have been out of ratio during the month of January 2023.
Plan of Correction:	The provider responded with: "1. The statement is inaccurate the inspector failed to include the Director. 2. During that inspection staff were not aware that the Director was included as staff. 3. During the period of searching for qualified reliable staff the center experienced call outs, Walk outs, employee sickness, Deaths, no shows, all from all the exemployees that were interviewed by the licenses inspector. As the Center continued to maintain ratios using the owner and director, while insuring safe and consistent care for clients who desparately needed to go to work including the parent that made the erroneous complaint/allegation. Parent meetings were conducted to keep parents informed."
Standard #:	8VAC20-780-410-2
Complaint related:	Yes
Description:	Based on interview it was determined the center did not ensure that children were not confined in a space that the child cannot freely exit himself; unless used with children preschool age or younger for their intended purpose. Evidence: 1. A 3 year old child reported to their parent at pick up that staff "were mean to her and put her in a high chair". The parent followed up with the owner about this via phone and was told "the child had not been listening and they were so short staffed that the child was placed in a high chair". 2. Multiple staff reported that preschool aged (toddler to 3 y/o) children were sometimes put in highchairs for 10-15 minutes when they would not nap as to not disturb other children and as a time out. 3. Multiple staff stated that they were instructed to do this by the owner.
Plan of Correction:	The provider responded with: "Here are the facts. The owners were never interviewed for these allegtions at all the only interviews conducted were with ex employees that are no longer employed with this company. 1.The Parent in question was never told that we were short staffed. The childs increasing behavior issues including becoming physically aggressive with staff and students. A parent meeting was called in which the parent in question stated "that there was trouble at home" "in tears". Licensing was not contacted until after the child was de enrolled for continued behavioral issues. 2. Staff were never instructed/trained to use highchairs except for feeding. The interviewed staff are no longer employed here. 3. The multiple staff members interviewed were dishonest in their recollection of the events and failed to take responsibility for their poor work ethic after being redirected on several occasions by managment. The multiple staff members that were interviewed by Licensing as the sole source of the investigation are no longer employed."