VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES

Ms. Cynthia Johnson
5402 Lomax Way
Woodbridge, VA 22193
(703) 580-8618

Current Inspector: Beth Velke (804) 629-8302

Inspection Date: July 3, 2020 , July 6, 2020 , July 7, 2020 , July 14, 2020 and July 16, 2020

Complaint Related: Yes

Areas Reviewed:

22VAC40-111 Administration 22VAC40-111 Personnel 22VAC40-111 Household Members 22VAC40-111 Care of Children 22VAC40-111 Preventing the Spread of Disease

Technical Assistance:

Threat of physical discipline is also prohibited.

Comments:

A joint complaint investigation was conducted with a representative from the local agency and law enforcement regarding an allegation related to the forbidden action of physical discipline of a child at the family day home. This investigation was conducted by licensing staff using an alternate remote protocol, necessary due to a state of emergency health pandemic declared by the Governor of Virginia. The investigation was initiated on June 17, 2020. Interviews were conducted on July 3, July 6, and July 7. One staff record, one child?s record, and photographs were reviewed. The complaint regarding physical discipline was determined to be valid. If there are any questions regarding this investigation, contact Shawanda Henderson at 540-216-1434 or s.henderson@dss.virginia.gov.

Violations:

Standard #:	22VAC40-111-30-B
Complaint related:	Yes
Description:	Based on interview, it was determined that the family day home did not ensure compliance with the home's own policies. Evidence: Staff A reported being trained on the discipline policies of the family day home which include using time-out, talking to children, going over what the child should be doing, and speaking with parents about children's behavior. On 6/15/20, Staff A reported that they spoke with Child 1 "all day" about the child's behavior and then "popped" the child with a wooden spoon provided by the parent on the bottom.
Plan of Correction:	After mentioning to the parent Child 1's behavior and the parent observing the unhappy faces on the daily log, the parent apologized for her child's behavior and lack of participation. She encouraged the child to have good days. The following day, after discussing her disappointment in the child's daily work log, the parent handed a spoon to Staff A and declared (in front of the child) that if her children didn't do as they were told, Staff A had permission to hit the child with the spoon. She stated that she owned more spoons at home and the rule applied to both of her children. This is the reason that the staff were stunned when the violations were dispersed. The form of punishment and instructions to carry out the deed came directly from Child 1's parent. During the local agency interview, I became aware of the situtation. Following the discussion, I immediatley spoke with Staff A that, although the mother requested and gave permission to punish Child 1, under no circumstances is our staff to tap any child. I reiterated that our responsibility is to ensure the safety and well-being for children in a nurturing environment. Staff A was never told to use corporal punishment on a child. I have implemented the following guidelines to our training: -Quarterly in-house refresher training on our Family Day Home Child Care Policies and Licensing Standards. -Annual staff training in toilet training, difficult children, self care for caregivers Teacher Parent Relationship, Classroom Management, Best Practices, COVID-19. - COVID-19: Due to life stressors I will be more aware of my staff's well-being and job performance. I will grant more breaks and time off if needed. - I will ensure all staff is healthy, willing, and capable of fulfilling their job requirements.
Standard #:	22VAC40-111-640-1
Complaint related:	Yes
Description:	Based on interview, it was determined that a forbidden action, striking a child, had occurred on 6/15/20. Evidence: Staff A reported that they had to talk to Child 1, age 3 years old, "all day" about behavior and the child was not doing what was asked. After refusing to use the restroom, Child 1 had an accident and Staff A asked the child to help clean up the mess. When the child again refused, Staff A stated they then "popped" the child "a couple times with the wooden spoon" on the bottom.
Plan of Correction:	In reference to this incident, Staff A has been employed at my program since 2006. Staff A is an excellent worker and in the past 14 years, has never received a complaint, concern, or criticism from myself nor any clients. Upon hearing of the complaint regarding Staff A striking a child, my employee and I were distraught, bewildered, and stunned by the accusation. Nevertheless, I have enabled a plan to amend our training and enhance our core foundation and principles. Since this compliant has been brought to my attention we have completed trainings with Appelbaum Institute on June 30, 2020 entitled "Teacher Parent Relationships, Classroom Management, Best Practices and COVID-19 concerns". Additionally, I have registered myself and staff A for a course at Virginia Cooperative Extension entitled "When Families Get Angry" scheduled for August 12 - August 26, 2020. We will continue to provide quality child care and I will reiterate licensing standards and the Family Day Home Policies about physical/corporal punishment. I will stress that by no means is striking a child permitted at any time or acceptable in my childcare facility.
Standard #:	22VAC40-111-690-J
Complaint related:	Yes
Description:	Based on interview, it was determined that the family day home did not ensure that toilet training was relaxed and pressure free. Evidence: Staff A reported that they "kept telling" Child 1 to go to the bathroom but the child urinated on themself after refusing several refusals. Staff A then reported telling the Child 1, "let's clean it up" but the child again refused. Staff A reported they then "popped" the child "a couple times with the wooden spoon" on the bottom.
Plan of Correction:	During the time in question, I consulted with the mother about Child 1 occasionally soiling themselves to determine if there were some underlying issues. She admitted that she did not know why Child 1 was soiling themselves. Similar to our encouragement, the mother also insisted the child go to the bathroom to reassure her, but the child continued the behavior. At times, the child would purposely urinate while standing in the middle of the bathroom or sit in the classroom chairs during class time and urinate on herself. Staff is completely aware of the Family Home Policy on toilet training. Staff A asked the child to help clean up the wet floor. I have reiterated to Staff A that at no time are they to expect or tell a child to clean up behind themselves. Additionally, I have relayed that if a child has soiled themselves, it is solely the responsibility of the staff to freshen up the child and to disinfect unsanitary spaces.