VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES

United Community Learning Center
2709 Popkins Lane
Alexandria, VA 22306
(703) 765-0909

Current Inspector: Kara Vaughan (703) 537-6241

Inspection Date: Nov. 19, 2019

Complaint Related: No

Areas Reviewed:

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

Comments:

An investigation was conducted in response to a self-reported incident received on 11/18/2019 regarding the supervision, and care and protection of an infant. Based upon multiple interviews, violations are identified in the Violation Notice. If you have any questions regarding this inspection, please contact the Licensing Inspector, Anansa Archer-Hicks at (703) 268-3295, or anansa.archer-hicks@dss.virginia.gov.

Violations:

Standard #:	22VAC40-185-40-E
Description:	Based on record review and staff interview, the center failed to ensure that the operational responsibilities of the licensee included ensuring that the center's activities, services, and facilities are maintained in compliance with these standards, and the center's own policies and procedures that are required by these standards. Evidence: 1. On 11/15/2019 in the Infant II classroom (children ages 8-15 months), Child #1 (age: 9 months old) was left sitting and strapped in a high chair, eating Ritz crackers for snack, from approximately 3:10pm to 3:15pm with no staff member present. 2. The center's Policies and Procedures Manual states, "Infants will not be left unattended in swings, bouncy seats or other restrictive settings".
Plan of Correction:	The teacher who left the infant unsupervised to use the restroom was terminated for violating licensing and the center's policy for maintaining safety and supervision of children. All staff are oriented and trained on health, safety best practices.
Standard #:	22VAC40-185-70-A
Description:	Based on record review, 1 of 5 staff records did not contain documentation that two or more references as to character and reputation as well as competency were checked before employment. Evidence: Staff B's (date of hire: 10/1/2018) record did not contain documentation of completed reference checks.
Plan of Correction:	The Human Resource department will contact references for all staff and provide documentation of reference checks.
Standard #:	22VAC40-185-340-A
Description:	Based on staff interview, staff supervising children did not ensure their care and protection. Evidence: 1. On 11/15/2019, Staff E left the Infant II classroom (children ages 8-15 months) to use the bathroom, leaving Child #1 (age: 9 months old) in the classroom unsupervised from approximately 3:10pm to 3:15pm. 2. Staff D found Child #1 in the Infant II classroom, sitting in a high chair, eating Ritz crackers for snack. There were no other staff members present in the Infant II classroom at that time.
Plan of Correction:	The teacher who left the infant unsupervised to use the restroom was terminated for violating licensing and the center's policy for maintaining safety and supervision of children. All staff are oriented and trained on health, safety best practices.
Standard #:	22VAC40-185-340-F
Description:	Based on staff interview, the center did not ensure that children under 10 years of age were always within actual sight and sound supervision of staff. Evidence: On 11/15/2019, Staff E left the Infant II classroom (children ages 8-15 months) to use the bathroom, leaving Child #1 (age: 9 months old) in the classroom unsupervised from approximately 3:10pm to 3:15pm.
Plan of Correction:	The teacher who left the infant unsupervised to use the restroom was terminated for violating licensing and the center's policy for maintaining safety and supervision of children. All staff are oriented and trained on health, safety best practices.