VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES

Laurel Learning Center
11484 Washington Plaza West
Suite 200
Reston, VA 20190
(571) 323-1414

Current Inspector: Sarah Marbert (703) 479-4678

Inspection Date: Dec. 20, 2018

Complaint Related: No

Areas Reviewed:

22VAC40-185 ADMINISTRATION. 22VAC40-185 STAFFING AND SUPERVISION. 22VAC40-185 SPECIAL SERVICES.

Comments:

An unannounced inspection was begun in response to the receipt of a self reported incident in our office. A joint investigation was conducted with local authorities. Based upon a review of documentation and multiple staff interviews, violations were cited. See Violation notice for further details. Staff member A declined an interview request. If you have any questions regarding this investigation, please contact me at 703-479-4678 or at Sarah.Marbert@dss.virginia.gov.

Violations:

Standard #:	22VAC40-185-40-E
Description:	Based upon a review of policies and procedures, the center did not establish all required policies and procedures in writing. Evidence: There is no written policy for transporting children. Per administrative staff, policies reviewed with staff were only given directions orally.
Plan of Correction:	Laurel Learning Center has written policies and procedures including written policy for transporting children. All staff met with Administrative Assistant, Bernie Bennecoff and discussed all written policies and procedures.
Standard #:	22VAC40-185-340-A
Description:	Based upon staff interviews, a staff member that was responsible for supervising children did not ensure care, protection and guidance for children in care. Evidence: *Staff C stated on 9/20/18 at 10:45 AM and again on 10/04/2018, that on Thursday September 20, 2018 Staff A was transporting Child #1 (5 years old) and 5 other children on the bus and did not ensure that all children disembarked from the vehicle at their elementary school (8:25 AM), nor at the facility parking lot once the bus returned at approximately 8:30 AM. *At 10:20 AM, another staff member (Staff B) found the child in the parking lot, off the bus, running back and forth between buses. Child #1 saw Staff B and darted onto the bus as she approached. The parking lot has no barrier to prevent access from the parking lot to a busy, major thoroughfare with a speed limit of 25mph and the distance measuring 48 feet from the bus.
Plan of Correction:	All School Age children upon arrival each morning are marked present on the corresponding bus roster, either lake Anne Elementary or Forest Edge Elementary. The children that are transported to Lake Anne are transported in the Laurel Van and are counted and the roster goes with the driver. When the children disembark for the van at Lake Anne Elementary School the driver marks a slash through the child's name that is present for transportation, The same procedure occurs in the afternoon. The Forest Edge children are walked to the bus stop on North Shore Drive and the same procedure is used. The bus rosters are signed by the drivers and confirmed with the center director or program manager then files in the appropriate month tab kept in a binder.
Standard #:	22VAC40-185-340-F
Description:	Based on interviews, a child under 10 years of age was not kept within actual sight and sound supervision. Evidence: Staff C stated Child #1 (age 5 years) was left out of actual sight and sound supervision for approximately two hours between 8:30 AM -10:20 AM on the bus. Staff B stated they found the child in the parking lot, off the bus, running back and forth between buses at 10:20 AM.
Plan of Correction:	All staff are reminded the ALL children MUST be within sight and sound at all times.
Standard #:	22VAC40-185-580-K
Description:	Based upon interviews, staff did not verify that all children had been removed from the vehicle at the conclusion of a trip. Evidence: Staff C stated on 9/20/18 that Staff A did not verify that all children had been removed from the center's transportation vehicle once it returned to the center. Staff B stated Child #1 (5 years old) was found on the vehicle at approximately 10:20 AM.
Plan of Correction:	Laurel van/bus drivers and any staff supervising children on Laurel van or bus must walk to the back of the Laurel vehicles after all children have departed. Staff should check under seats too. Staff should be the last person to disembark from the bus/van.