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Little Acorn Patch of Kingstowne(Fairfax County)
5801 Castlewellan Drive
Alexandria, VA 22315
(703) 822-0803

Current Inspector: Pamela Sneed (804) 629-2691

Inspection Date: Sept. 5, 2019 , Sept. 16, 2019 and Sept. 17, 2019

Complaint Related: No

Areas Reviewed:
22VAC40-185 ADMINISTRATION.
22VAC40-185 STAFF QUALIFICATIONS AND TRAINING.
22VAC40-185 PHYSICAL PLANT.
22VAC40-185 STAFFING AND SUPERVISION.
22VAC40-185 PROGRAMS.

Comments:
A self report was received from center administration concerning the care of children. Based on interviews, video documentation and record review, the allegation is founded. Areas of non-compliance are identified in the violation notice. If you have any questions regarding the inspection, please feel free to contact me.
Thank you
Ann Dramstad
Licensing Inspector
703-314-0860
ann.dramstad@dss.virginia.gov

Violations:
Standard #: 22VAC40-185-40-E
Description: Based on orientation documentation, Staff #1 did not follow Little Acorn Patch's behavior policy for appropriate discipline as outlined in the Parent Handbook.
Evidence:
1. Staff #1 had received training as documented on 8/09/2018 on both State and LAP Center policies and procedures for guidance that is "acceptable and unacceptable discipline methods"
2. On 9/3/2019 Staff #1 stated she "failed to get any positive responses to different methods of talking with Child A, I took her to the closet to see if she could regulate in a quieter space. As I stood next to the door, I heard no change in the loudness of her crying or grumbling, so after a few seconds, I took her out.
3. Staff #1 did not work with the child to resolve conflict as outlined in The Parent Handbook, page 21. The handbook states "Our goal at Little Acorn Patch is to provide each child with the skills necessary to solve their own conflicts in a manner that is age appropriate with regard to other feelings."

Plan of Correction: Not available online. Contact Inspector for more information.

Standard #: 22VAC40-185-400-A
Description: Based on staff interviews and video documentation, two staff who were supervising a child, did not promote the child's physical, intellectual, emotional and social well being by interacting with the child to provide needed help, comfort and support.
Evidence:
1. Staff #1 was observed interacting with Child A (4 years old) in a way that did not offer comfort or support when the child was closed in a space that the child could not exit freely. Staff #1 confirmed the incident occurred on 9/3/2019 in a written statement as well as was being seen on a classroom video. The video was seen by Staff #3 and the Licensing Inspector on 9/5/2019.
2. Staff #2 confirmed that she saw the incident on 9/3/2019 when Staff #1 put Child A in the closet as she was also in the classroom. Staff #2 stated that Child A "was crying". When interviewed by the Licensing Inspector and asked if she tried to intervene to help Child A, Staff #2 stated "I'm not going to get involved"

Plan of Correction: Not available online. Contact Inspector for more information.

Standard #: 22VAC40-185-410-2
Description: Based on video documentation and staff interview statements, a forbidden action and threat were used with a child in care.
Evidence:
1. On 09/03/2019 Child A was observed crying and trying to leave the classroom on the classroom video after being placed on the rug by Staff #1 at 3:06. The child got off the rug, reached for her backpack and was seen trying to leave the class. Staff #1 was standing next to the cot closet and asked Child A "Do you need to calm down" and "Do you want to be in the closet where its quiet". Staff #1 confirmed that she placed Child A in the closet and closed the closet door. The child was place enclosed in a small confined space that and was not able to exit freely.
2. The video documentation showed Child A was in the closet for approximately seven seconds from 3:11.4-3.11.11. The video was viewed by the Licensing Inspector as well as Staff #3 on 9/5/2019.
3. Child A was heard "screaming and crying, banging on the closet door with a water bottle" and was unable to freely exit the door.
4. Staff #1 stated "I heard no change in the loudness of Child A's crying or grumbling, so after a few seconds I took her out"

Plan of Correction: Staff #1 has been an outstanding employee of the Little Acorn Patch for the past year, without incident. The center believes Staff #1 was honest and cooperative during the investigation, which occurred after a self-report. The Little Acorn Patch takes violations of this nature very seriously, and both staff members #1 and #2 have been counseled on the appropriate methods to utilized when dealing with these types of behaviors exhibited in the future. Both employees have received verbal warnings, and Staff #1 received a written policy to review for which she will sign an acknowledgement as a condition of continued employment.

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.

Virginia Quality is a voluntary quality rating and improvement system for early care and education facilities serving children ages birth through pre-K. To find programs participating in Virginia Quality, click here.

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