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: Nov. 14, 2018

Complaint Related: No

Areas Reviewed:

22VAC40-185 ADMINISTRATION. 22VAC40-185 PHYSICAL PLANT. 22VAC40-80 THE LICENSING PROCESS.

Technical Assistance:

Appropriate supervision of toddlers during meals and snacks was discussed with the program director. Staff must be with the toddlers to assist with and guide children's eating. If staffing patterns do not allow for direct supervision of children eating, then cots should be placed after meal time has completed.

Comments:

An unannounced, non-mandated monitoring inspection was conducted today to follow up upon the facility's submitted Intensive Plan of Correction addressing physical plant issues and violations regarding staff and children's records. A total of thirteen children, ages twenty months and older were in care with three staff. Three staff records and a sample size of five children's records were reviewed. The facility and outside play area were inspected.

Violations:

Standard #:	22VAC40-185-160-C
Description:	Based upon review of three staff records, the facility has not ensured that staff obtain documentation of follow up tuberculosis screenings at least every two years. Evidence: The most recent tuberculosis screening in the record provided for staff3 is dated 9/9/2016.
Plan of Correction:	The facility responded with the following: The requirements of staff records will be reviewed with the office manager to ensure that expectations are understood and needed action or updates are made. A check mark system will be used.
Standard #:	22VAC40-185-50-A
Description:	Based upon observation, the facility has not ensured that staff and children's records are treated confidentially. Evidence: The Supplemental Information sheet from the inspection dated 8/23/18 contains staff and children's names. The sheet was posted on the information wall near the office area. The Supplemental Information sheet indicates on the sheet itself that the information contained on the Supplemental Information sheet is confidential and that the sheet is not to be posted in the facility.
Plan of Correction:	The facility responded with the following: Supplemental Information sheets will not be posted in the future.
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: 1. There are two ceiling tiles in the front toddler classroom that are stained and warped, indicating that there continues to be leaking from the roof. Staff 1 verified that the leaking roof has not been sufficiently repaired by the landlord to stop the leaking. 2. The water heater on the upper wall in the bathroom towards the front of the building is leaking. A small amount of water was pooled on the floor. There was evidence that the leak has been prolonged as there were rust stains on the grab bar and on the recently replaced wall covering. Staff 1 verified that staff are routinely wiping up the water that has dripped onto the bathroom floor from the water heater. 3. The metal bottoms of the three downspouts from the exterior roof gutters are dented and sharp and could injure a child walking to and from the playground area. 4. There are decaying wood logs on the playground with large fungi growing on the logs.
Plan of Correction:	The facility responded with the following: The landlord has been notified that the roofing repairs have not stopped the leaking. The landlord said that as soon as the weather dries, the roof will redone again. The landlord was spoken with on October 23rd and the landlord indicated that the parts needed to repair the water heater are on order. Covers for the downspouts have been purchased by the landlord and will be placed over the bottoms of the spouts. Steps will be taken to hold the landlord accountable for the needed repairs as agreed upon. The decaying wood logs will be disposed.