VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES

KinderCare Learning Centers #000540
8604 Pohick Road
Springfield, VA 22153
(703) 455-7322

Current Inspector: Jenifer Nalli (703) 309-9153

Inspection Date: Feb. 7, 2020

Complaint Related: Yes

Areas Reviewed:

22VAC40-185 ADMINISTRATION. 22VAC40-185 STAFF QUALIFICATIONS AND TRAINING. 22VAC40-185 PHYSICAL PLANT. 22VAC40-185 STAFFING AND SUPERVISION. 22VAC40-80 THE LICENSE. 22VAC40-191 Background Checks (22VAC40-191)

Technical Assistance:

Technical assistance was offered regarding implementing systems to ensure that ratios are met, including accurate documentation on the Child Supervision Records.

Comments:

An unannounced inspection was conducted on 2/7/20 from 7:40 am to 10:50 am to investigate a complaint received by the licensing office on 2/6/20. The allegations made were related to classrooms being over ratio in the infant and preschool classrooms, and the center not having a sufficient number of staff. Four staff members were interviewed, the center's Child Supervision Records were reviewed, and classroom observations were made. Based on the preponderance of evidence, the complaint is deemed valid. Areas of non-compliance are listed in the violation notice. For any questions regarding this inspection you may contact me at mahrukh.aziz@dss.virginia.gov or 571-835-4718.

Violations:

Standard #:	22VAC40-185-40-E
Complaint related:	Yes
Description:	Based on record reviews, the licensee did not ensure that the center's activities were maintained in compliance with the center's own policies and procedures that are required by these standards. Evidence: 1. The center's policy for Supervision of Children, states that "Staff members responsible for the children must keep the Child Supervision Record (CSR) accurate and current at all times." 2. Documentation on the CSR for the 3's classroom and identified by Staff #2 as being for 2/6/20, did not include the date and time in for four children. 3. Documentation on the CSR for the School Age classroom, dated 2/6/20, did not include the time of arrival for four school age children on that day.
Plan of Correction:	CSR training was conducted on the day of the inspection. Additional CSR training was scheduled for 2/29/20. The director and the assistant director will personally do 15 min checks in the classrooms, validating the CSR.
Standard #:	22VAC40-185-270-A
Complaint related:	No
Description:	Based on observation, inside areas of the center were not maintained in a safe condition. Evidence: In the toddler room, a floor tile adjacent to the diaper changing table was found to be broken and raised, causing a potential tripping and injury hazard.
Plan of Correction:	Floor tiles were replaced.
Standard #:	22VAC40-185-280-B
Complaint related:	No
Description:	Based on observation, hazardous substances such as cleaning materials were not kept in a locked place using a safe locking method that prevents access by children. Evidence: In the 3's classroom, two bottles of cleaning materials were stored in an open plastic bin on the floor next to the sink, making them accessible to the children.
Plan of Correction:	The bin was removed and the bottles were stored in a different cabinet during the inspection.
Standard #:	22VAC40-185-340-F
Complaint related:	Yes
Description:	Based on observation, center staff did not ensure that children under 10 years of age are always within actual sight and sound supervision. Evidence: 1. On 2/7/20, at approximately 7:40 am, Staff # 5 was caring for five children under the age of 16 months in the infant classroom. 2. Staff # 5 left the infant classroom, walked down the hallway and into another classroom to call an administrative staff member. Staff #5 was out of the classroom for approximately 30 seconds. 3. When Staff # 5 left the room, there were no other staff members present in the infant room, leaving the infants out of sight and sound supervision.
Plan of Correction:	Child safety, CSR records and regulations Standards training was conducted immediately. Additional Standards Training was scheduled on 2/29/20. The staff members started using walkie talkies as main communication at the center.
Standard #:	22VAC40-185-350-E-1
Complaint related:	Yes
Description:	Based on record reviews and staff interview, the center did not maintain the ratio of 1 staff member for every 4 children from birth to the age of 16 months. Evidence: 1. Documentation on the Child Supervision Records (CSRs) for the infant and toddler rooms dated 2/6/20 shows that Staff # 5 was alone in the infant room with five children (2 infants and 3 toddlers) from 7:15 am to 7:20 am, when Staff #6 took the three toddlers to the toddler room. 2. Documentation on the 2/6/20 CSR for the infant room additionally showed that Staff # 5 was alone with five infants in the infant classroom from 7:50 am to 8:00 am.
Plan of Correction:	Additional staff members were scheduled in the morning hours in anticipation of last minute call outs. Management reiterated the importance of time and attendance protocols as it relates to call outs, reminding the staff that they must give ample notice (2 hours) of intent to call out to allow management to find replacement staff to cover the classrooms.
Standard #:	22VAC40-185-350-E-3
Complaint related:	Yes
Description:	Based on observation, the center did not maintain the ratio of 1 staff to every 8 two-year-old children. Evidence: 1. On 2/7/20 from approximately 8:00 am to 8:05 am, Staff #1 was alone with nine 2-year old children. 2. The CSR from 2/6/20 showed that Staff # 3 had a total of ten children from 6:20 am to 7:00 am in the school age classroom. The ages and number of children included three 2-year-old children, two 4-year-old children and five children ages 5-8 years old. The ratio of 1 staff to every 8 children was required based on the age of the youngest child present (2 years).
Plan of Correction:	Additional staff members were scheduled in the morning hours in anticipation of last minute call outs. Management reiterated the importance of time and attendance protocols as it relates to call outs, reminding the staff that they must give ample notice (2 hours) of intent to call out to allow management to find replacement staff to cover the classrooms.
Standard #:	22VAC40-185-350-E-4
Complaint related:	Yes
Description:	Based on observation and staff interview, the center did not maintain the ratio of 1 staff person to every 10 children from three years to the age of eligibility to attend public school. Evidence: 1. Staff # 2 stated that on 2/6/20 between 7:30 am to 8:30, she was alone with 16 children, including ten 3-year-olds and six 4-year-olds. 2. On 2/7/20 from approximately 8:39 am to 8:42 am, in the 3-year-old classroom, Staff # 1 and Staff # 2 were supervising 21 children, ages 3 and 4 years.
Plan of Correction:	Additional staff members were scheduled in the morning hours in anticipation of last minute call outs. Management reiterated the importance of time and attendance protocols as it relates to call outs, reminding the staff that they must give ample notice (2 hours) of intent to call out to allow management to find replacement staff to cover the classrooms.
Standard #:	22VAC40-185-350-E-5
Complaint related:	Yes
Description:	Based on observation, the center did not maintain the ratio of 1 staff to every 18 children from age of eligibility to attend public school through eight years. Evidence: On 2/7/20, from approximately 8:20 am to 8:42 am, Staff # 4 was alone with 20 children 5-8 years.
Plan of Correction:	Additional staff members were scheduled in the morning hours in anticipation of last minute call outs. Management reiterated the importance of time and attendance protocols as it relates to call outs, reminding the staff that they must give ample notice (2 hours) of intent to call out to allow management to find replacement staff to cover the classrooms.