VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES

Greater Mt Vernon Com Head Start - Gum Springs Children's Center
8100 Fordson Road
Alexandria, VA 22306
(703) 799-5760

Current Inspector: Kelly Patterson-Savittiere (703) 479-4746

Inspection Date: Feb. 13, 2020 , Feb. 18, 2020 and Feb. 27, 2020

Complaint Related: No

Areas Reviewed:

22VAC40-185 ADMINISTRATION. 22VAC40-185 STAFF QUALIFICATIONS AND TRAINING. 22VAC40-185 PHYSICAL PLANT. 22VAC40-185 STAFFING AND SUPERVISION. 22VAC40-185 SPECIAL CARE PROVISIONS AND EMERGENCIES. 22VAC40-185 SPECIAL SERVICES. 22VAC40-191 Background Checks (22VAC40-191) 63.2 Facilities & Programs.

Comments:

An unannounced investigation was conducted 02/13/2020, 02/18/2020 and 02/27/2020 in response to a self- reported incident regarding sight and sound supervision.During the investigation, staff were interviewed, a child was interviewed, 2 staff and 1 child's file were reviewed and classroom 9 and the playground were observed. The preponderance of evidence supports the allegation; therefore, violations were cited related to the self-reported incident.The exit interview was conducted with the director. If you have any questions pertaining to this investigation, please contact Kimberly.Sawyer@dss.virginia.gov.

Violations:

Standard #:	22VAC40-185-40-E
Description:	Based on review of the "Active Supervision and Accountability" policy, staff did not comply with the policies of the center. Evidence: 1. The "During Transition" portion of the "Active Supervision and Accountability" section in the Staff Handbook states staff should "conduct a head count as well as a name to face count". 2. Staff B stated she counted the children on the head before they went out side. 3. Staff C stated she counted the children in Spanish before they went outside. 4. Staff B and C confirmed that they did not conduct a name to face count during transition.
Plan of Correction:	Review of GMV Handbook section Active Supervision and Safety was conducted with Staff B and Con 02/12/2020 to review the name to Face Count procedure for all transitions to and from classrooms, playgrounds, gym, bathroom, etc. and state site inspection procedure. Staff B and C assigned supervisor required to conduct daily monitoring on teacher Name to Face count procedure from 02-13-2020 until further notice. Assigned supervisor will provide weekly written feedback on procedure accuracy to teachers and director until further notice. On 02-19-2020 All program staff received follow up Name to Facee Procedure communicationand expectation of staff assigned responsibilities including an updated Name to Face sheet to complete for each transition. Name and face count procedure for all departure and arrival of classroom during May/June staff meeting. This will include review of Name to Face document completed for each transitions of groups and GMV Staff Handbook sectionActive Supervision and Safety.
Standard #:	22VAC40-185-180-B
Description:	Based on interview, staff were not capable of carrying out assigned responsibilities. Evidence: 1. Staff B and C were unaware of their accountability policy 2. Staff B and C stated they scan the room and count the children before transition. 3. The "During Transition" portion of the "Active Supervision and Accountability" section in the Staff Handbook states staff should "conduct a head count as well as a name to face count".
Plan of Correction:	Review of GMV Handbook section Active Supervision and Safety was conducted with Staff B and Con 02/12/2020 to review the name to Face Count procedure for all transitions to and from classrooms, playgrounds, gym, bathroom, etc. and state site inspection procedure. Staff B and C assigned supervisor required to conduct daily monitoring on teacher Name to Face count procedure from 02-13-2020 until further notice. Assigned supervisor will provide weekly written feedback on procedure accuracy to teachers and director until further notice. On 02-19-2020 All program staff received follow up Name to Facee Procedure communicationand expectation of staff assigned responsibilities including an updated Name to Face sheet to complete for each transition. Name and face count procedure for all departure and arrival of classroom during May/June staff meeting. This will include review of Name to Face document completed for each transitions of groups and GMV Staff Handbook sectionActive Supervision and Safety.
Standard #:	22VAC40-185-340-A
Description:	Based on interview, staff did not always ensure the care and protection of children in care. Evidence: 1. On 02/12/2020 Child A, 3 years old, was not within sight and sound supervision of staff for approximately 20 minutes. 2. Staff A stated as she walked down the hallway delivering flyers she noticed Child A was in Room 9 alone with the lights off. 3. Staff B stated at about 10:30 am she asked the children to line up to go outside. She did a head count and placed her hand on each child's head and counted them before they walked to the playground. 4. Staff D stated at approximately 11:00 am she was informed that Child A was left alone in the classroom. 5. Staff B and C confirm that they were unaware of Child A's whereabouts until Staff D brought him to them.
Plan of Correction:	Review of GMV Handbook section Active Supervision and Safety was conducted with Staff B and Con 02/12/2020 to review the name to Face Count procedure for all transitions to and from classrooms, playgrounds, gym, bathroom, etc. and state site inspection procedure. Staff B and C assigned supervisor required to conduct daily monitoring on teacher Name to Face count procedure from 02-13-2020 until further notice. Assigned supervisor will provide weekly written feedback on procedure accuracy to teachers and director until further notice. On 02-19-2020 All program staff received follow up Name to Facee Procedure communicationand expectation of staff assigned responsibilities including an updated Name to Face sheet to complete for each transition. Name and face count procedure for all departure and arrival of classroom during May/June staff meeting. This will include review of Name to Face document completed for each transitions of groups and GMV Staff Handbook sectionActive Supervision and Safety.
Standard #:	22VAC40-185-340-F
Description:	Based on interview, children under 10 years of age were not always within sight and sound supervision of staff. Evidence: 1. On 02/12/2020 Child A, 3 years old, was not within sight and sound supervision of staff for approximately 20 minutes. 2. Staff A stated as she walked down the hallway delivering flyers she noticed Child A was in Room 9 alone with the lights off. 3. Staff B stated at about 10:30 am she asked the children to line up to go outside. She did a head count and placed her hand on each child's head and counted them before they walked to the playground. 4. Staff C stated she counted in the children in line in Spanish. 5. Staff D stated she was notified by Staff A at approximately 11:00 am that Child A was left alone in the classroom. 6. Staff B and C confirm that they were unaware of Child A's whereabouts until Staff D brought him to them.
Plan of Correction:	Review of GMV Handbook section Active Supervision and Safety was conducted with Staff B and Con 02/12/2020 to review the name to Face Count procedure for all transitions to and from classrooms, playgrounds, gym, bathroom, etc. and state site inspection procedure. Staff B and C assigned supervisor required to conduct daily monitoring on teacher Name to Face count procedure from 02-13-2020 until further notice. Assigned supervisor will provide weekly written feedback on procedure accuracy to teachers and director until further notice. On 02-19-2020 All program staff received follow up Name to Facee Procedure communicationand expectation of staff assigned responsibilities including an updated Name to Face sheet to complete for each transition. Name and face count procedure for all departure and arrival of classroom during May/June staff meeting. This will include review of Name to Face document completed for each transitions of groups and GMV Staff Handbook sectionActive Supervision and Safety.