VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES

The Improvement Association Child Development Center
490 Liberty Street
Emporia, VA 23847
(434) 634-2490

Current Inspector: Trisha Brown (757) 404-2601

Inspection Date: May 24, 2023

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. 8VAC20-820 THE LICENSE. 8VAC20-820 THE LICENSING PROCESS. 8VAC20-820 HEARINGS PROCEDURES. 8VAC20-770 Background Checks (8VAC20-770) 20 Access to minor?s records 22.1 Background Checks Code, Carbon Monoxide 63.2 Child Abuse & Neglect

Comments:

An unannounced monitoring inspection was from 10am through 11:30am. There were 12 children ages three through five years old in care with three staff members. Children were observed engaged in teacher and self-directed activities. A sampling of children's records and staff emergency contact information were reviewed on site. However, staff records are stored at central location, these records were reviewed digital. While at the location insurance documentation, first aid kit, emergency radio and flashlight, fire and health inspections were reviewed. the center reports there is not any medication being administered at the time of the inspection. Violations regarding physical plant and programs were observed and appear on the violation notice. These violations were discussed with the cite director during exit interview.

Violations:

Standard #:	8VAC20-780-330-B
Description:	Based on observation the center failed to maintain the required resilient surface. Evidence: 1 - There is grass and weeds growing up through the resilient surface under, around and into the use/fall zone of the climb and slide equipment. Grass and weeds negate the resiliency of the surface. 2 - Staff #1 confirmed that there is grass and weeds growing in the resilient surface.
Plan of Correction:	Not available online. Contact Inspector for more information.
Standard #:	8VAC20-780-360-A
Description:	Based on observation and interview the center failed to ensure that a variety of daily activities for all age groups is provided with opportunities for teacher-directed, self-directed, and self-chosen tasks and activities; a balance of active and quiet activities; individual and group activities; and curiosity and exploration. Evidence: 1 - There were 12 in care with three staff. However, children were given a choice of two learning centers: home living which accommodated four children, all other children were given a clear shoebox containing approximately 30 building blocks of two differnt colors. Each box was to be shared with two children. a. These were the only two choices given to children. b. Children began to cry because they wanted to play in home living but were told there was not room for any more children. 2. Staff 1 confirmed that normally more options are provided to children but not today.
Plan of Correction:	Not available online. Contact Inspector for more information.
Standard #:	8VAC20-780-410-6
Description:	Based on observation and interview the center failed to ensure that certain actions or threats thereof are forbidden including verbal remarks which are demeaning to the child Evidence: 1 - Staff #2 was observed and heard yelling at children in care, who were playing on the playground "get off the fence and stop messing with the mulch" 2 - Her voice was raised. The children jerked their heads around to her voice in a startled fashion. 3 - During these commands Staff #2 had a facial express of anger. 4 - Staff #1 confirmed that the tone of voice used by Staff #2 was demeaning and inappropriate.
Plan of Correction:	Not available online. Contact Inspector for more information.