VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES

The L.E.E. Academy
15816 Jefferson Davis Hwy
S. chesterfield, VA 23834
(804) 410-5741

Current Inspector: Heather Dapper (804) 625-2304

Inspection Date: Dec. 7, 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. 8VAC20-770 Background Checks (8VAC20-770) 22.1 Background Checks Code, Carbon Monoxide 63.2 Child Abuse & Neglect

Technical Assistance:

n/a

Comments:

A joint investigation was initiated on December 7, 2023, with a local agency in response to a self-report of a child requiring outside medical treatment on December 5, 2023. The inspector and agency conducted an investigation at the center on December 11, 2023 and December 19, 2023. The inspection concluded on February 9, 2024. Interviews were conducted and records were reviewed. 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. Please complete the plan of correction and the date to be corrected for each violation listed on the violation notice and return it to the department within 5 business days from receipt. Your plan of correction should contain: 1) steps to correct the noncompliance with the standard(s); 2) measures to prevent the noncompliance from occurring again; and 3) person(s) responsible for implementing each step and/or monitoring any preventative measures. Please do not use staff names, list staff by positions only. Heather Dapper Licensing Inspector Office of Child Care Health and Safety Division of Early Childhood Care and Education Phone # (804) 625-2304 heather.dapper@doe.virginia.gov

Violations:

Standard #:	8VAC20-780-340-A
Description:	Based on interviews, the care, protection, and guidance of a child was not ensured by supervising staff. Evidence: During lunch on 12/05/2023, Staff #1 placed a hot cup of ramen noodles within reach of child #1 (3 years old). Staff #1 directed the child not to touch the hot noodles and began to walk away to get a bowl when child #1 began screaming and crying. Staff #1 reported that the child knocked over the cup and the contents spilled over onto the table and the child. 2. Child #1 was transported to a local hospital, admitted, and treated for second degree burns on his left calf and thigh. 3. Staff #1 and staff #3 stated that the child was transported to the hospital for burns sustained at the center.
Plan of Correction:	Due to our facility not providing lunches, parents were responsible for bringing in the child's lunch at this time. Parents were notified that they are not allowed to bring in any lunches containing hot liquids such as soups or noodles. All staff were notified of the policy change and it was added to the handbook.
Standard #:	8VAC20-780-400-B
Description:	Based on interviews, behavioral guidance was not age and stage appropriate. Evidence: 1. During lunch on 12/05/2023, a cup of ramen noodles was placed in front of child #1, three years of age. 2. Staff #1 reported that she directed child #1 not to touch the hot noodles. 3. Child #1 reached for the cup and the contents spilled onto the child. 4. Child #1 was hospitalized for second degree burns on his left calf and thigh.
Plan of Correction:	Staff previously placed all meals at the head of table out of reach of children until all were placed, they said their grace together, and then pulled their meal towards them to eat. We have changed the policy where children are provided meals through a caterer and they all receive the same meal daily that is individually wrapped. Staff are spread throughout the room during lunch and meals are not distributed until grace has been said to stop the enticement of the child to grab food prior to everyone being served. All staff were notified of changes and implemented them immediately.