Epworth United Methodist Church
124 West Freemason Street
Norfolk, VA 23510
(757) 313-5301
VDSS Contact: Heather Harrell (757) 334-4329
Inspection Date: Jan. 14, 2020 and Jan. 23, 2020
Complaint Related: Yes
- Areas Reviewed:
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63.2(17) License & Registration Procedures
- Comments:
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An unannounced complaint inspection was conducted on 1/14/2020 from 12:00 p.m. to 1:15 p.m. and exited on 1/23/2020 in response to an incident that was self-reported to the licensing office on 1/6/2020 regarding alleged noncompliance in implementation of the center's established supervision procedures.
The information gathered during the investigation supports the allegation. A violation was cited and appears on the violation notice.
Thank you for your time and cooperation during the investigation.
- Violations:
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Standard #: 63.2(17)-1716-B-2 Complaint related: Yes Description: Based on interviews and a review of written policies and procedures, the religious exempt child day center did not implement their established procedures for appropriate supervision of children in care.
Evidence:
1. The written procedures contained in the school employee handbook states that "Employees...are required to follow all policies and procedures set forth in the employee handbook".
The employee handbook states that "the following occurrences may lead to termination of an employee: Leaving a child unattended in any area of the school."
2. Staff #1 stated during an interview on 1/14/2020 that she had seven two year old children in her care on Friday, January 3rd, 2020 when she took three of the 7 children to the restroom leaving 4 children in the classroom without a staff person. Staff #1 stated that during the time that the three children were using the restroom she walked back and forth to the classroom from the restrooms about 4 times over the course of about 3 minutes.
3. The restroom is located approximately 30 feet from the classroom door. There is not visibility of the classroom from the restroom nor can the children in the restroom be observed from the classroom.
4. While staff #1 was in the restroom with the 3 children, a parent entered the classroom and reported to the Director (staff #2) in the main office which is located one story below, that there was not a staff present with the children in the classroom. Staff #1 stated that she was not aware of the parent entering her classroom while she was assisting the children in the restroom until the administrator informed her.Plan of Correction: The director, (staff #2) stated that she reviewed the applicable policies and retrained staff#1 regarding supervision of children in care following the incident. The director states that she will also review the center's polices regarding the supervision of children with all staff to ensure that these policies are clearly understood.
Along with classroom intercoms already in place, walkie talkie radios have been purchased and placed in each room, with the teacher being instructed to never leave any child unattended.
Disclaimer:
A compliance history is in no way a rating for a facility.
The online compliance history includes only information after July 1, 2003. In addition, the online compliance history includes information regarding adverse actions that may be the subject of a pending appeal. An adverse action is not final until a provider has exhausted or waived all due process rights. For compliance history prior to July 1, 2003, or information regarding the status of pending adverse actions, please contact the Licensing Inspector listed in the facility's information. The Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS) is not responsible for any errors in or omissions from the compliance history information.
