VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES

WAVE Children's Learning Center
1000 North Great Neck Road
Virginia beach, VA 23454
(757) 962-9403

Current Inspector: Nanette Roberts (757) 404-2322

Inspection Date: Sept. 21, 2023 and Nov. 8, 2023

Complaint Related: Yes

Areas Reviewed:

8VAC20-780 Administration. 8VAC20-780 Physical Plant. 8VAC20-780 Staffing and Supervision. 8VAC20-780 Special Care Provisions and Emergencies 8VAC20-780 Special Services. 63.2 Child Abuse & Neglect

Comments:

An investigation was initiated on 9/21/2023 and concluded on 11/8/2023 in response to a complaint received regarding concerns in the areas of potential injury, inappropriate interactions, and program activities. This complaint was investigated jointly with the local agency. Interviews were conducted with staff and records were reviewed. Observations were made, including the review of video footage over the course of multiple days relating to the allegations. Based on the information gathered during the investigation, the complaint is determined to be valid. Violations are cited on the violation notice provided to the center and were discussed with the center director at the conclusion of the investigation.

Violations:

Standard #:	8VAC20-780-40-E
Complaint related:	Yes
Description:	Based on record review, interviews and a review of video footage, it was determined the facility did not ensure that the activities, services, and facilities are maintained in compliance with the center's own policies and procedures. Evidence: 1. Infant room staff were observed repeatedly picking up children by the arms, hands and shoulders. The facility's General Staff Policy regarding injury prevention states "Children should be picked up under the arms (hands around rib cage). Never pick up a child by their hands or arms". a. On 9/12/2023 staff #2 was observed carrying a child from a changing table to a crib. The staff member held onto the child?s upper arms with the child's body approximately 12? away from the staff member?s body. This method of carrying left the child's torso unsupported and the child?s body weight supported only by the staff members grip on the child?s upper arms. b.On 9/13/2023 staff #3 was observed pulling an infant by the left upper arm and moving the child into a seated position by holding only the one upper arm of the infant.
Plan of Correction:	Staff have been retrained in person on the proper way to move and pick up children as of 11/9/2023. Staff also completed an online training to accompany heir in-person training. Management will continue to monitor through camera reviews and in classroom observations daily for compliance.
Standard #:	8VAC20-780-410-1
Complaint related:	Yes
Description:	Based on observation and interviews, it was determined the center did not ensure that forbidden actions, including the rough handling of children did not occur. Evidence: 1. On 9/12/2023 staff #1 and staff #3 were observed on video handling children inappropriately in the infant room. a.Staff #1 was observed grasping child #1 (7 month old) by both upper arms and moving the child, with the torso unsupported and the child?s body swinging, from an exersaucer to a bouncer seat. Staff #1 quickly put the child into the bouncer causing the seat to noticeably rock and bounce. b. Staff #1 was observed grasping and moving child #2 (11 month old) approximately 3 feet by only the left shoulder. The child?s weight was only supported by the staff members grasp on the child's shoulder. c. Staff #1 was observed grasping child #2 (11 month old) by both upper arms, lifting him quickly and moving him. The staff member put the child on a mat abruptly and the child?s bottom bounced as he made contact with the floor. d. Staff #1 was observed pulling child #6 (6 months old) out of an exersaucer and carrying her only by the upper arms. She put the child down on the floor mat, quickly arranged the child into a prone position on her stomach and walked away. e.Staff #3 was observed grasping child #3, (12 month old) by the left forearm. Holding only the child?s forearm the staff member lifted the child off the ground and moved her to another place on the mat. The child put out her right hand to brace herself as she was put down on the floor. 2. On 9/13/2023 staff #1, staff #2 and staff #3 were observed inappropriately handling children in the infant room. a. Staff #1 was observed grasping child #2 (11 month old) by the right upper arm, lifting him off the ground approximately 1 foot, and moving him with a pushing motion to another spot on the mat. The child bounced as he landed on the mat and put his left hand down on the mat to brace himself. b. Staff #2 was observed seated in a rocking chair and reaching for child #4 (11 month old). The staff member held the child?s left ankle, and slid the child on the floor from the side of the chair to the front of the chair. c.Staff #3 was observed holding child #3 (12 month old) by both upper arms. Lifting the child approximately 12 inches off the floor, she quickly moved the child to another area of the mat and let go of the child. The child landed abruptly on the mat. d.Staff #3 was observed holding child #3 by the right hand and upper left arm. She walked with the child hanging, with torso unsupported, in this grasp approximately 6 feet and abruptly put the child down. Staff #3 then turned and walked away. e. Staff #3 was observed pulling child #6 (6 month old) by the foot and sliding the child from a mat to the floor. Staff #3 then grasped child #3 (12 month old) by the upper arms and quickly lifted the child up, approximately 1foot ff the floor, moving the child backwards, she abruptly set the child back down on the mat. f. Staff #3 was observed quickly approaching child #3 from behind. The staff member picked up the child by both upper arms, swung the child around and abruptly placed the child on the floor approximately 6feet away.
Plan of Correction:	Staff have been retrained in person on the proper way to move and pick up children as of 11/9/2023. Staff also completed an online training to accompany their in-person training. Management will continue to monitor through camera reviews and in classroom observations daily for compliance.