VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES

The Springs, A Montessori School
7719 Fullerton Road
Suite D
Springfield, VA 22153
(703) 455-1000

Current Inspector: Tameika King (804) 629-7486

Inspection Date: Nov. 27, 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. 8VAC20-770 Background Checks (8VAC20-770) 20 Access to minor?s records 22.1 Background Checks Code, Carbon Monoxide 63.2 Child Abuse & Neglect

Technical Assistance:

Discussed with center management requirements for written policies and procedures for consistent staff, injury prevention, staff orientation, environmental sanitation inspection and documents required by the first day of employment. Also discussed with center management requirement to report any injuries that occur at the center and require outside medical treatment to licensing via online form. Center director was shown where to access the online form. Licensing office must receive the center's environmental sanitation inspection report and updated business entity page before license is renewed.

Comments:

An unannounced renewal Inspection took place on November 27, 2023 between the hours of approximately 9:30 a.m. and 1:05 p.m. There were 5 classrooms observed with a total of 85 children with 15 staff within the supervision guidelines. The children were observed at a Thomas EagleBear Storytelling presentation and participating in organized centers. Positive interaction between staff and children were observed. A complete inspection of the physical plant, children and staff records, fire drill log, medication and policies and procedures was conducted during this inspection. 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, please e-mail me at tameika.king@doe.virginia.gov. Thank you for your cooperation during the inspection.

Violations:

Standard #:	22.1-289.035-A
Description:	REPEAT VIOLATION Based on record review, the center failed to ensure that they received results of fingerprinting for 3 out of 10 employees prior to employment. Evidence: 1. Staff 2?s (start date: 07/09/2023) fingerprinting results were dated 07/19/2023. 2. Staff #9?s (start date: 05/30/2023) fingerprinting results were dated 05/31/2023. 3. Staff #10?s (start date: 08/14/2023) fingerprinting results were dated 08/17/2023.
Plan of Correction:	We will make sure future employees complete fingerprinting before the start date.
Standard #:	8VAC20-780-160-A
Description:	REPEAT VIOLATION Based on record review, the center failed to ensure that documentation of a negative tuberculosis (TB) screening was submitted at the of employment and completed within the last 30 calendar days of the date of employment for 2 out of 10 staff. Evidence: 1. Staff #4?s (start date:08/14/2023) TB screening was completed on 04/20/2023. 2. Staff #10?s (08/14/2023) TB screening was completed on 08/24/2023.
Plan of Correction:	We won't send paperwork more than a month in advance to ensure correct dates.
Standard #:	8VAC20-780-70
Description:	Based on record review, the center failed to obtain all information for 6 out of 10 staff records. Evidence: 1. At the time of inspection, there was no documentation that two or more references as to character and reputation as well as competency were checked before employment for Staff #2 (start date: 07/09/2023), Staff #6 (start date: 08/14/2023), Staff #7 (start date: 09/26/2023) and Staff #10 (start date: 08/14/2023). 2. At the time of inspection, Staff #1 (start date: 05/30/2023) and Staff #9 (start date: 05/30/2023) only had documentation that one reference check had been completed.
Plan of Correction:	We will make sure to keep records of the reference check calls.
Standard #:	8VAC20-780-260-B
Description:	Based on record review and staff interview, the center failed to provide annual approval from the health department meeting requirements for water supply and sewage disposal system. Evidence: 1. The center did not have documentation that an environmental sanitation inspection was completed. 2. Staff #11 confirmed that an environmental sanitation inspection had not been completed.
Plan of Correction:	We have the inspection scheduled for December 5th.
Standard #:	8VAC20-780-280-B
Description:	REPEAT VIOLATION Based on observation, the center failed to ensure that hazardous substances were kept in a locked place using a safe locking method that prevents access by children. Evidence: Two bottles of multi-purpose cleaner with bleach, one disinfectant spray, one jug of sunscreen, and two room air fresheners (label states to keep out of reach of children) were found in an unlocked cabinet under the sink in Classroom 5.
Plan of Correction:	We locked the cabinet with a safe locker that prevents access by children
Standard #:	8VAC20-780-280-G
Description:	Based on observation, the center failed to ensure that when hazardous substances were not kept in the original container, the substitute containers clearly indicate their contents. Evidence: 1. There were two spray bottles found in a cabinet in Classroom 7. 2. Staff #9 confirmed that one bottle contained sanitizer and one contained disinfectant. 3. Each bottle had a colored label that should match a color-coded chart identifying the contents. Staff #9 confirmed that the contents in the bottles did not match the chart.
Plan of Correction:	We will keep the substances in their original bottles.
Standard #:	8VAC20-780-350-F
Description:	Based on record review, the center failed to develop a written policy and procedure that describes how the center will ensure that each group of children receives care by consistent staff or team of staff members. Evidence: At the time of inspection, the center did not have a written policy and procedure that describes how the center will ensure that each group of children receives care by consistent staff.
Plan of Correction:	We are working on the policy and have it sent to licensing as soon as we have it ready
Standard #:	8VAC20-780-510-L
Description:	Based on observation, the center failed to ensure that medication was kept in a locked place using a safe locking method that prevents access by children. Evidence: An inhaler was located in a bag that was hanging on a hook, unlocked, in Classroom 7.
Plan of Correction:	We put the medication (inhaler) in the med box and locked it in the cabinet.
Standard #:	8VAC20-780-520-A
Description:	Based on observation, the center failed to ensure that over-the-counter skin products were not kept beyond the expiration date. Evidence: A healing ointment found in Classroom 7 expired in August 2023.
Plan of Correction:	The Vaseline ointment is sent back to the parents.
Standard #:	8VAC20-780-560-G
Description:	REPEAT VIOLATION Based on observation, the center failed to ensure that when food is brought from home, the food container is clearly dated and labeled in a way that identifies the owner. Evidence: 3 out of 3 infant bottles belonging to Child #5 were not dated or labeled with the child?s name.
Plan of Correction:	We sent reminders to parent and staff to label and date their belongings.