VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES

Gentle Touch Learning Center LLC
3621 Turnpike Road
Portsmouth, VA 23707
(757) 399-5437

Current Inspector: Emily Walsh (757) 404-2575

Inspection Date: Aug. 23, 2018

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. 22VAC40-185 SPECIAL CARE PROVISIONS AND EMERGENCIES. 22VAC40-185 SPECIAL SERVICES. 22VAC40-80 THE LICENSE. 22VAC40-191 Background Checks (22VAC40-191)

Technical Assistance:

Menus were discussed with the program director.

Comments:

An unannounced, mandated renewal inspection was conducted today. The inspector arrived at and departed at 3:00 PM and departed at 5:30 PM. Twelve children were in care with two staff at the start of the inspection. Afternoon activities and snack service were observed. A sample size of five staff records and three children's records were reviewed. It was reported that no medication is administered to the children. Injury records were reviewed. An exit meeting was conducted with the program director prior to closure of the inspection.

Violations:

Standard #:	22VAC40-185-40-E
Description:	Based upon observation and interview, the licensee has not ensured that the center's activities and services are maintained in compliance with the terms of the current license issued by the department. Evidence: During the inspection, a conversation with a child in care revealed that the child would be entering second grade this fall. The facility's current license allows care for children from the ages of 2 1/2 years through 5 years only.
Plan of Correction:	The facility responded with the following: The rising second grade child was in care for an emergency situation and will not return to care until approval to care for children through age seven is received.
Standard #:	22VAC40-185-70-A
Description:	Based upon review of five staff records, the facility has not ensured that each staff record includes all required documentation regarding when obtaining telephone reference checks. Evidence: 1. The telephone reference checks in the record provided for staff 5 do not include the signature of the person(s) making the reference calls and the results of the reference checks.\ 2. Staff 1 verified that all required information is not documented on the reference checks for staff 5.
Plan of Correction:	The facility responded with the following: Signatures of the person making the reference calls and results of the references will be added to the reference checks.
Standard #:	22VAC40-185-270-A
Description:	Based upon observation, the facility has not ensured that areas and equipment of the center, inside and outside, are maintained to be safe and operable. Evidence: 2. The following potential hazards were found on the path to the playground and on the playground. - The bottom edge of the metal downspout that the children pass on the way to the playground is dented with sharp edges. - The wooden boards that were used in the past for enclosing a garden have come apart and are potential tripping hazards. - Two of the wooden boards have two inch screws sticking out of the boards. - The is a large piece of aggregate concrete on the ground that is a potential tripping hazard. - There are seven wooden logs strewn throughout the playground area that are potential tripping hazards. - There is an unidentified plant with green and black berries growing on the back fence. - Several areas on the cinder blocks on the back of the building have peeling paint within reach of the children. - There is a long metal pipe hanging from the building that adjoins the back of the playground. The pipe is not attached to the building and is within reach of the children. The following potential hazards were found inside the building: - There is an area of vinyl flooring between classrooms 3 and 4 where the vinyl is pulling up creating a tripping hazard. - There is a flexible water pipe that goes from the ceiling to the toilet in the bathroom. The pipe can be pulled about 12 inches from the wall as it is not attached. - There are ceiling vents in classroom 2 and the multi-purpose room that have dust and spider webs.
Plan of Correction:	The facility responded with the following: Those repair issues that can be corrected immediately will be taken care of. Those requiring landlord assistance will be addressed with the landlord. Staff will receive training regarding procedures when maintenance issued are observed.
Standard #:	22VAC40-185-280-B
Description:	Based upon observation, the facility has not ensured that hazardous substances are kept in locked places using safe locking methods that prevent access by children. Evidence: 1. There was a spray bottle labeled bleach and water on an open shelf in the hallway across from the sinks. 2. There was a container of pump hand sanitizer labeled "caution, keep out of reach of children" on an open shelf in the open office area.
Plan of Correction:	The facility responded with the following: All potentially hazardous substances will be kept in locked locations in the kitchen cabinet at all times. All staff will be reminded of this requirement.
Standard #:	22VAC40-191-60-C-2
Description:	Based upon review of five staff records, the facility has not ensured that they obtain results of a central registry finding within 30 days or the employee is denied continued employ. Evidence: 1. The central registry search request provided for staff 5 was notarized on 7/16/18. Results of a central registry finding were not in the file for staff 5. 2. Staff 1 stated that staff 5 worked with the children this week. Staff 1 confirmed that no follow-up has been taken regarding the results of the registry finding.
Plan of Correction:	The facility responded with the following: The office of background investigations will be contacted to inquire as to the status of the requested search. This contact will be documented.