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Montessori Academy of Virginia - Chesapeake
1468 Kempsville Road
Chesapeake, VA 23320
(757) 436-3995

Current Inspector: Heather Harrell (757) 334-4329

Inspection Date: Aug. 6, 2021 , Aug. 9, 2021 , Aug. 10, 2021 and Aug. 11, 2021

Complaint Related: Yes

Areas Reviewed:
22VAC40-185 ADMINISTRATION.
22VAC40-185 STAFF QUALIFICATIONS AND TRAINING.
22VAC40-185 STAFFING AND SUPERVISION.
22VAC40-185 PROGRAMS.

Technical Assistance:
The following areas of CDC standards were reviewed:
a. Standard 350.E. 7 - Balanced mixed age groupings;
b. Standard 380.A.2 - After the first 30 minutes, children not sleeping may engage in quite activities;
c. Standard 200.B - A qualified program director shall be regularly on site at least 50% of the center's hours of operation.

Comments:
This inspection was conducted by licensing staff using an alternate remote protocol, including telephone contacts, document review and interviews.

A complaint inspection was initiated on 08/06/2021 and concluded on 08/11/2021 regarding an allegation of inappropriate behavior guidance.

Based on the information gathered this complaint is found to be valid and a violation has been cited in the area of programs. An additional violation was found in the area of staffing and supervision.

These violations are listed on the violation notice and were reviewed with administrative staff at the complaint exit interview.

Violations:
Standard #: 22VAC40-185-350-E-7
Complaint related: No
Description: Based on interview and record review, the center failed to ensure that the ratio for balanced mixed-age groupings of children shall be one staff member for every 14 children. "Balanced mixed-age grouping" means a program that is planned for children who enter the program at three through five years of age. The enrollment in the balanced mixed-age grouping comprises a relatively even allocation of children in each of three ages (three to six years ) and is designed for children and staff to remain together with turnover planned only for the replacement of exiting students with children of ages that maintain the class balance.
*The program leader has received training in classroom management of balanced mixed-age groupings of at lease eight hours.

Evidence:
1. There were 14 children with one staff in both of the Pre-K K classrooms on July 13, 2021.
a. The children in both groups ranged in age from four years - six years.
b. Staff 1, staff 2 and administrative staff stated that they were following a ratio of 1:14 as the class was a balanced mixed-age group.
2. The two PreK K classrooms do not meet the definition of a balanced mixed - age group for the following reasons:
a. The allocation of children included no three year old children and six-year old children.
b. The program leader for both groups, staff 1 and staff 2, lack the required training in classroom management of balanced mixed-age groupings of at least eight hours.
c. This group, according to staff 1, staff 2 and administrative staff, was not designed for the children and staff to remain together beyond the summer months.

Plan of Correction: It was mistakenly understood by the facility that school age students of 5-6+ was in compliance during the months of summer camp; there were only four 4 year olds, who did not attend all 8 weeks of camp, in that group. It will be rectified in the future.
Moving forward, summer camp mixed ages will be addressed differently for the 2022 summer camp.

Standard #: 22VAC40-185-400-B
Complaint related: Yes
Description: Based on staff interviews, the center failed to ensure that behavioral guidance shall be constructive in nature, age and stage appropriate, and shall be intended to redirect children to appropriate behavior and resolve conflicts.

Evidence:
1. Child 1, age five years, reported that staff 1 told her she was "acting like a baby" and took her to the "baby class" because she was "being loud and not following directions."
a. Child 1 further stated that staff 1 showed her a diaper and stated If you are gonna act like a baby you will get treated like a baby and get a diaper too."
2. Staff 1 stated that child 1 had been disruptive during nap time resulting in waking up the entire class by laughing and talking.
a. When multiple verbal prompts did not quite child 1, staff 1 stated that she took child 1 down to the 2's and 3's class at the conclusion of nap.
b. Staff 1 stated the purpose of this visit was to show her how quite the younger children were. Staff 1 indicated she told child 1, "These kids wear diapers and they are quite and listen and you are a big girl and your don't want to be in here now."
c. Staff 1 stated she did walk child 1 over to the diaper changing table and picked up a diaper and told her, "We don't behave like 2's and 3's who wear diapers."
3. Staff 2 indicated that child 1 had been disruptive during nap by talking to other students and waking up sleeping children.
a. Staff 2 stated that she did tell child 1 that she was a "big girl and needed to stop acting like a baby."
4. Staff 3 stated that she viewed video footage that showed staff 1 taking child 1 into the 2's and 3's class after nap.
a. Staff 3 additionally observed staff 1 taking child 1 over to the diaper changing table and holding up a diaper.

Plan of Correction: The summer camp staff members directly involved in the complaint were relieved of their duties with given two week notice. They will not be employed by this facility in the future.

The staff handbook has detailed behavior guidelines that are reiterated to staff throughout the school year.

Moving forward, the center will increase training hours for all staff on redirection, behavior management, and conflict resolution; classroom management will be especially addressed with the summer staff.

Disclaimer:

A compliance history is in no way a rating for a facility.

The online compliance history includes only information after July 1, 2003. In addition, the online compliance history includes information regarding adverse actions that may be the subject of a pending appeal. An adverse action is not final until a provider has exhausted or waived all due process rights. For compliance history prior to July 1, 2003, or information regarding the status of pending adverse actions, please contact the Licensing Inspector listed in the facility's information. The Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS) is not responsible for any errors in or omissions from the compliance history information.

Virginia Quality is a voluntary quality rating and improvement system for early care and education facilities serving children ages birth through pre-K. To find programs participating in Virginia Quality, click here.

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