VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES

Virginia Beach Free Will Baptist Church
210 South Witchduck Road
Virginia beach, VA 23462
(757) 499-6034

VDSS Contact: Nanette Roberts (757) 404-2322

Inspection Date: March 30, 2023

Complaint Related: No

Areas Reviewed:

22.1 Religious Exempt; Background Checks Code; Carbon Monoxide 32.1 Report by person other than physician 54.1 Must be MAT Certified 63.2 Child abuse and neglect 8VAC20-770 Background Checks

Comments:

An inspection was conducted on 03/30/2023 in response to an incident self-reported by the facility. The inspector reviewed compliance in the areas of administration and supervision of children. The inspection included observation, review of documentation and interviews. A total of 2 staff records were reviewed. Information gathered during the inspection determined non-compliance with applicable law and a violation was documented on the violation notice issued to the program and discussed with the program director during the exit interview.

Violations:

Standard #:	22.1-289.031-B-2
Description:	Based upon review of documentation and video footage, the facility has not ensured that they have implemented their policy regarding appropriate supervision of children to ensure their safety. Evidence: 1. The facility's policy in the provided Employee Handbook regarding supervision of children states " All teachers should be self-controlled in order to maintain order in the classrooms. Verbal and emotional abuse of children (such as loud, mean tones, or humiliation) is not allowed." 2. Both staff 2 and staff 3 signed an agreement to abide by the facility's policy regarding supervision of children. 3. Staff 3 was observed on the facility's video footage using duct tape to attach a two year old child's shoes to his socks. The body language of staff 2 indicated frustration with the child. 4. Staff 3 was observed on the facility's video footage picking up a two year old child by the back of his clothing and dropping him onto his cot from 2 feet above the cot. The facial expression and tone of voice used by staff 3 indicated frustration and anger with the child.
Plan of Correction:	The facility responded with the following: 1. Upon review, two employees were found in violation of two specific conduct and character points of Mission Academy?s Employee Handbook. Both employees were respectively (staffer 1: 3/15/23 & staffer 2: 3/16/23) terminated as their actions and attitudes were deemed inappropriate and unbecoming of teachers at Mission Academy. 2. Upon the initial review, Mission Academy also found it appropriate to self-report these instances to our State Licensing Department and take any proper action deemed necessary. 3. Finally, while receiving advice from VA State Licensing Dept, Mission Academy Director and Pastor conducted a staff-wide meeting after hours informing and instructing all current employees on the matters and answering any questions regarding the violation or changes. (see below) a. All current Mission Academy Staff have been informed and instructed on the new policy changes to the Employee Handbook. They have received extra training in areas that have been addressed in the self-reported violation. Additionally, they are aware of the new supervision guidelines that have been implemented by Mission Academy to ensure a safe and positive environment for all children and staff. Moving forward, all new hire staff will be required to repeat back critical information from the employee handbook noting their full understanding and cooperation with our policies. Also, new hire staff will be required to complete specific specialized training resources within the first week of their employment. Finally, all staff (current and new) will con0nue to fulfill and exceed the annual 16 hours of mandatory educational training for childcare workers in the state of Virginia.