VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES

Playful Platos
44675 Cape Court
Suite 180 and 189
Ashburn, VA 20147
(703) 473-7750

Current Inspector: Lisa Hudson (571) 389-2459

Inspection Date: Aug. 9, 2019

Complaint Related: Yes

Areas Reviewed:

22VAC40-185 PHYSICAL PLANT. 22VAC40-185 STAFFING AND SUPERVISION. 22VAC40-185 SPECIAL CARE PROVISIONS AND EMERGENCIES.

Technical Assistance:

Discussion on the importance of comprehending the intent of the standard regarding supervision and ratios.

Comments:

An unannounced complaint inspection was initiated on 8/9/19 regarding allegations of ratios, supervision and physical plant regulations. Staff interviews, record review, observation of all classrooms, hallways and outside playground area was made. The preponderance of evidence supports a valid finding regarding ratios and supervision. During this complaint investigation other violations were found that were not part of the allegations. Please email me at: lisa.hudson@dss.virginia.gov with any questions.

Violations:

Standard #:	22VAC40-185-270-A
Complaint related:	No
Description:	Based on observation of the Infant Room, one area of the building was not maintained in a safe manner. Evidence: Licensing Inspector observed a crock pot filled with hot water used for bottle warming located on top of a shelf. The cord for the crock pot was hanging down from the shelf and plugged into an electrical outlet. The cord was accessible to the children in care and presented an unsafe hazard.
Plan of Correction:	The hooks for the cord were fixed the same day and the crockpot was placed on top of the Refrigerator making it inaccessible to the children. In addition, a No-Spill bottle warmer has been added to the classroom so that the classroom is better equipped. (8/12/19)
Standard #:	22VAC40-185-340-F
Complaint related:	Yes
Description:	Based on staff interviews and observation of the Licensing Inspector, children were determined out of sight supervision. Evidence: l. On 07/18/19, Child #1 was taken outside to the playground area by Staff #1. According to Staff #1, they took the child outside to help clean up the toys on the playground. 2. Staff # 2 and #3 observed Child #1 through the window from the Infant Room. According the Infant Class staff, Child #1 was observed on the playground alone without any staff visible. 3. Staff #1 stated that they were around the corner of the outdoor program area watering the plants. Staff #1 stated that during this time, they did not have direct sight supervision of Child #1. 4. On 7/17/19, Staff #4 was taking Child #2 to the bathroom. According to Staff #5, Child #2 ran ahead of Staff #4 in the hallway and proceeded to run to the front door of the center, where they were found by the child's parent who was picking up the child. During this time, Child #2 was not within sight supervision of Staff #2 for an undetermined length of time. 5. During the complaint investigation on 8/9/19, Licensing Inspector observed 4 children out of sight supervision. The 4 children were running out of the multi-purpose room, running down the hall and turning the corner in the hallway and proceeded to run to the bathroom. Staff #4 was observed walking from the multi-purpose room by the time the 4 children had already turned the corner located in the hallway. 6. On 8/9/19, Licensing Inspector and Staff #1 observed one child leaving the multi-purpose room alone and was wandering down the hallway alone. Staff #5 and #6 remained in the multi-purpose room and was unaware that the child had left the multi-purpose room alone.
Plan of Correction:	Stop signs and red tape has been placed at all the corners in the Hallway and the children are trained to stop and wait for the teacher at each sign. Training has been provided to the staff to ensure children are observing the stop signs. Teachers have to ensure all STOP signs posted in the hallways are observed at all times, with no exceptions. There will be a staff member at the front and back of each line. All students will stay within these perimeters. Sight and sound supervision/ratio must be maintained at all times. Teachers will be written up if and when they are found not maintaining the ratio or violating sight and sound supervision. (8/12/19)A teachers meeting was held and all aspects of sight supervision were discussed. The stop signs and red tape has been placed to help the children understand visual barriers. No child is ever allowed to leave the class without a teacher. Teachers are instructed to repeat the class rules every day in circle-time so the children know never to leave the classroom for anything without the teacher. (8/12/19) A Safety door was installed in the hallway two days after the incident. It was in place on the day of the inspection. In addition, red tape and stop signs have been posted. Teachers have to ensure all STOP signs posted in the hallways are observed at all times, with no exceptions. There will be a staff member at the front and back of each line. All students will stay within these perimeters. Sight and sound supervision/ratio must be maintained at all times. Teachers will be written up if and when found not maintaining the ratio or violating sight and sound supervision. (8/12/19) In addition, each staff member is required to carry a Walkie Talkie Radio, which is used to page the office/floater, if cover is needed. All staff members have been trained and this process has been instituted since 8/16/19.
Standard #:	22VAC40-185-350-E-3
Complaint related:	Yes
Description:	Based on observation of the multi-pupose room, required ratios were not met. Evidence: Licensing Inspector observed 23 children with 2 Staff. Based on the ages of the children a 1 to 8 ration was required.
Plan of Correction:	Age groups are separated the majority of the time. The ratio was out when one teacher sat down with the inspector for an interview. Otherwise, the 23 children with 3 teachers would have been good. A floater has been hired to cover if and when needed to keep the ratio correct. 2 to 3-year-olds now spend most of the day in their own classrooms doing activities and having lunch in their classroom. (8/12/19)
Standard #:	22VAC40-185-510-J
Complaint related:	No
Description:	Based on observation of the Infant Class, medications were found unlocked and within reach of children in care. Evidence: Three over the counter medications were found in a plastic bag in Child #3's cubby. Hydrocortisone cream was found in a lower cubby for Child #4. Lotrimin for Child #5 was found in a lower cubby.
Plan of Correction:	The cubbies are in the Diaper area which has a door and children do not have access to it other than at diaper changes. The OTC creams/topicals/teething medications were kept in the child?s cubby. From the day of inspection, all creams/topicals are kept in a bin on the top of the shelf and out of reach of children at all times. (8/9/19)
Standard #:	22VAC40-185-520-C
Complaint related:	No
Description:	Based on observation of the Infant room, topical ointments were within reach of the children. Evidence: Saline Spray, Chest Rub, oral pain ointment and diaper ointment were found in lower cubby's all within reach of the children in care.
Plan of Correction:	The cubbies are in the Diaper area which has a door and children do not have access to it other than at diaper changes. The OTC creams/topicals/teething medications were kept in the child?s cubby. From the day of inspection, all creams/topicals are kept in a bin on the top of the shelf and out of reach of children at all times. (8/9/19)