VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES

Culpeper Human Services Kid Central
1401 Old Fredericksburg Road
Culpeper, VA 22701
(540) 829-2124

Current Inspector: Stephanie Reed (540) 272-6558

Inspection Date: July 24, 2023

Complaint Related: No

Areas Reviewed:

8VAC20-780 Administration. 8VAC20-780 Staff Qualifications and Training. 8VAC20-780 Staffing and Supervision. 8VAC20-780 Programs.

Comments:

An unannounced monitoring inspection was initiated on 07/24/2023 and concluded on 08/09/2023 in response to a self-reported incident received on 07/24/2023 regarding staffing and supervision. Four staff members were interviewed. Information gathered during the inspection determined non-compliance with applicable standards or law and violations were documented on the violation notice issued to the program. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Licensing Inspector at (804) 629-3923.

Violations:

Standard #:	8VAC20-780-40-E
Description:	Based on document review, interviews and observation of video, the center failed to maintain compliance with the center?s own policies and procedures. Evidence: 1. On 07/24/2023, Staff #4 reported that the parent of Child #1 had received a video of Staff #1 hitting Child #1 via social media (Snapchat). Staff #4 noted that the video had been observed and confirmed that the video was taken at the center. 2. During an interview on 07/27/2023, Staff #3 confirmed that they had taken the video at the center on 07/03/2023 and that they had sent the video to a friend via social media (Snapchat). 3. Review of the video by the Licensing Inspector on 07/25/2023 confirmed that Staff #1 swatted Child #1 and had also pushed Child #1 to the ground. 3. Page 13 of the center?s policy regarding confidentiality in the ?Staff Orientation Handbook? states: ?No information or pictures of the program and the families and the children we serve shall be posted on the internet/social networking such as Facebook or Twitter. No pictures taken unless given permission by Staff Mangers.? and page 9 states: ?Unacceptable: a. ANY form of physical punishment!?.
Plan of Correction:	As noted in the Description, Program Policies reinforce the Social Media Policy as well as the "unacceptable" Punishment clearly prohibiting any form of physical punishment . Staff are trained at orientation of these policies and sign that they have read, received and understand these policies. Program will reinforce by re-offering this mandatory training on 3 levels these policies (child care aide, program leader, as well as management level). This will be completed with all staff by August 31, 202. Providing at these levels will reinforce the obligation to follow and making all aware of the layers of oversight, prevention and monitoring are in place. Personnel Action Taken with Staff #1, Staff #2 and Staff #3
Standard #:	8VAC20-780-80-B
Description:	Based on interview and observation, the center failed to ensure that any suspected incident of child abuse is reported in accordance with ? 63.2-1509 of the Code of Virginia. Evidence: 1. On 07/27/2023, Staff #3 confirmed that she witnessed Staff #1 push child #1 to the ground and swat Child #1 on 07/03/2023. Staff #3 stated that the child cried for 5 seconds after the incident, and verified that the incident was not reported.
Plan of Correction:	Program Policies, training and reporting systems all support the reporting of child abuse in accordance with CODE of VA "Mandated Reporting". Program will continue to provide training at the time of hiring as well as offering during our annual preservice training; we will be very transparent and use this situation as an example of how active supervision and staff obligation to our children is mandated by law to provide such reports of suspected abuse. Program reported when the situation was brought to their attention. Staff will be trained that lack of reporting places them at risk of CPS charges when not reporting; and in addition it takes both staff and program to keep our children safe. Program will reinforce by re-offering this mandatory training on 3 levels these policies (child care aide, program leader, as well as management level). This will be completed with all staff by August 31, 2023. Providing at these levels will reinforce the obligation to follow and making all aware of the layers of oversight, prevention and monitoring are in place. Personnel Action Taken with Staff #1, Staff #2 and Staff #3
Standard #:	8VAC20-780-410-1
Description:	Based on interview and observation of video recording, the center failed to ensure that striking a child was forbidden. Evidence: 1. The video recorded by Staff #3 on 07/03/2023 shows: Child #1 running up behind Staff #1 and then trying to squeeze between Staff #1?s chair and another piece of furniture; Staff #1 pushing Child #1 behind Staff #1?s chair; Child #1 falling backwards to the ground, grabbing Staff #1?s hair while falling; Staff #1 swatting Child #1 and saying ?Don?t pull my hair, (Child #1)?.
Plan of Correction:	Program Policies, training and monitoring systems will continue to support the enforcement of "No physical" contact when disciplining a child. Program will continue to provide training at the time of hiring as well as offering during our annual preservice training; we will be very transparent and use this situation as an example of how active supervision and staff obligation to our children is mandated. If a child is exhibiting unsafe behaviors, supporting staff may reach out to leadership for support. If a child is in immediate danger or endangering another child or staff member, leadership must be contacted asap. Program will reinforce by re-offering this mandatory training on 3 levels these policies (child care aide, program leader, as well as management level). This will be completed with all staff by August 31, 2023. Providing at these levels will reinforce the obligation to follow and making all aware of the layers of oversight, prevention and monitoring are in place. Personnel Action Taken with Staff #1