VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES

KinderCare Learning Centers - Skipwith
3206 Skipwith Road
Henrico, VA 23294
(804) 270-0292

Current Inspector: Jennifer Moore (540) 430-0384

Inspection Date: Nov. 13, 2020 , Nov. 23, 2020 and Dec. 10, 2020

Complaint Related: No

Areas Reviewed:

22VAC40-185 ADMINISTRATION. 22VAC40-185 STAFF QUALIFICATIONS AND TRAINING. 22VAC40-185 STAFFING AND SUPERVISION. 22VAC40-185 PROGRAMS. 22VAC40-191 Background Checks (22VAC40-191)

Comments:

This inspection was conducted by licensing staff using an alternate remote protocol, necessary due to a state of emergency health pandemic declared by the Governor of Virginia. The licensing inspector conducted an unannounced inspection by phone on 11/13/2020, in response to a self-reported incident that the Department received on 10/30/2020 regarding behavior guidance. Interviews with staff were completed. The inspector completed additional interviews on 11/23/2020 and additional records were reviewed on 12/10/2020. The preponderance of the evidence gathered during the investigation validates the self-reported incident of inappropriate behavioral guidance. Violations were cited regarding behavior guidance and center policies. See the violation notice for more details. Please complete the ?plan of correction? and ?date to be corrected? for each violation listed on the violation notice and return it to me within 5 business days from receipt. Your plan of correction should contain: 1) steps to correct the noncompliance with the standard(s), 2) measures to prevent the noncompliance from occurring again; and 3) person(s) responsible for implementing each step and/or monitoring any preventative measures. Please do not use staff names; list staff by positions only. If you have any questions about this inspection, please contact the licensing inspector at (804) 662-9038.

Violations:

Standard #:	22VAC40-185-40-E
Description:	Based on record review and interviews, the center did not maintain compliance with their own policies and procedures required by standards. Evidence: The center's policies and procedures regarding behavior guidance were not followed on October 28, 2020 when Teacher A inappropriately grabbed Child A?s left arm in an attempt to redirect Child A from hugging another student. The center?s policies and procedures for unacceptable child guidance states that "Certain discipline methods are simply not acceptable at KCE, including: Spanking, grabbing, pinching, or any physical punishment or restraint". These policies and procedures were not followed during the above described incident on October 28, 2020.
Plan of Correction:	We have provided [Teacher A's] documents pertaining to the self-reported incident November of 2020. On November 3rd, 2020, I, my Assistant Director, District Quality Advisor and District Leader interviewed [Teacher A], strategized ways to respond to similar situations differently should they happen in the future and reviewed Proper Child Guidance. I also reviewed The Behavior Guidance Plan and Positive Child Guidance Handbook with [Teacher A]. Additionally, we have been observing the classroom to ensure that Proper Child Guidance is being followed.
Standard #:	22VAC40-185-400-B
Description:	Based on interviews, the center did not ensure behavioral guidance was constructive in nature, age and stage appropriate, and intended to redirect children to appropriate behavior and resolve conflicts. Evidence: 1. On 11/13/2020, the center's representative revealed to the inspector that on 10/28/2020 there were two teachers in a classroom (Teacher A and Teacher B) when Witness A allegedly observed, through a window, Teacher A handle Child A inappropriately. 2. During the 11/23/20 inspection Teacher B reported that on 10/28/2020, Teacher A grabbed Child A?s left wrist to stop Child A from hugging another child, making the other child feel uncomfortable. Teacher B stated the following, ?[Teacher A] grabbed [child A?s] left wrist and it was forceful enough to make [Child A] stumble, but not enough to make [Child A] hurt.? Teacher B also reported that Teacher A ?seemed aggravated.? 3. During the 11/23/20 inspection Witness A reported that they were standing outside of the classroom?s window on 10/28/2020 and observed the following: Child A was hugging another child. Teacher A then ?yanked? Child A?s left arm and child A then took two or three steps and dropped to the ground. The actions of Teacher A described by Teacher B and Witness A was not constructive in nature, age and stage appropriate or intended to redirect Child A to appropriate behavior and resolve conflicts.
Plan of Correction:	We have provided [Teacher A's] documents pertaining to the self-reported incident November of 2020. On November 3rd, 2020, I, my Assistant Director, District Quality Advisor and District Leader interviewed [Teacher A], strategized ways to respond to similar situations differently should they happen in the future and reviewed Proper Child Guidance. I also reviewed The Behavior Guidance Plan and Positive Child Guidance Handbook with [Teacher A]. Additionally, we have been observing the classroom to ensure that Proper Child Guidance is being followed.