VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES

Key SACC
6404 Franconia Road
Springfield, VA 22150
(703) 618-7653

Current Inspector: Ariel Hayes (804) 629-7124

Inspection Date: Aug. 27, 2021

Complaint Related: Yes

Areas Reviewed:

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

Technical Assistance:

Technical assistance: Discussed with the center staff about implementing a plan that ensures that students cannot run out of classrooms.

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. A complaint inspection was initiated on 8/27/21 and concluded on 9/24/21. A complaint was received by the department regarding allegations in the areas of sight and sound supervision. On 8/2/21, a child left the classroom unsupervised and was out of sight and sound supervision of center staff. Center staff were contacted by telephone to conduct the investigation. 4 center staff and one other witness were interviewed. A virtual inspection was also conducted to assess the physical area to determine the whereabouts of the child. The evidence gathered during the investigation supported the allegation of non-compliance with standards or law and violations were issued. For any questions regarding this inspection, please contact me at (571)-835-4718 or mahrukh.aziz@doe.virginia.gov.

Violations:

Standard #:	22VAC40-185-340-A
Complaint related:	Yes
Description:	Based on staff interviews and virtual review of the facility, staff supervising children shall always ensure their care, protection, and guidance. Evidence: 1. On 8/2/21, approximately after 12 pm, Child # 1 opened the front door in room # 315 and walked out alone into the hallway. Child # 1 left the classroom unsupervised for approximately 6-7 minutes. Room # 315 is two doors down the hall from the SACC office. 2. Staff # 1 stated that Staff # 2 and herself were the responsible staff for Child # 1 and three other children in room # 315. Staff # 1 stated that Child # 1 was seated close to the front door on the marking on the floor. Staff # 1 stated that Child # 1 got up and casually walked out of the room. The door closed behind Child # 1. 3. Staff # 2 got up and went after Child # 1 but returned to the classroom and told Staff # 1 that she could not see him in the hallway. Both staff immediately notified Staff # 3 using their walkie talkies. Staff # 1 stated that it had been approximately 6 minutes from the time Child #1 left the classroom and was found. 4. Staff # 3 stated that on 8/2/21, he was notified by Staff # 1 that sometime after lunch Child # 1 ran out of his classroom, room # 315. 5. Staff # 3 stated that after he learned that Child # 1 had left the room, he used his walkie talkie to alert other SACC staff to look for Child #1. Staff # 3 stated that Child # 1 left room # 315, passed the first double doors at the end of the hallway, took a right into the next hallway and went through another set of double doors which led to the an open room used for club space by the courtyard. All doors leading to the outside were locked, and Child # 1 did not exit the building. 6. Child # 1 was taken to the main office for the middle school by a school staff member, and kept there until Staff # 3 arrived to get him. 7. Staff # 4 stated was interviewed and her account of the incident was similar to Staff # 3. Staff # 4 also stated that approximately 6 minutes had passed from the time Child # 1 left the room and was found by the courtyard. 8. Witness # 1 stated that Child # 1 was found by entrance 10 of the school, close to the courtyard. Child # 1 did not leave the building because all the doors were locked. 9. Witness # 1 also stated the following: a. Child # 1 was retrieved by Staff # 1 approximately 7 minutes after Child # 1 was found. b. Child # 1 was found "several hundred feet away from the room". 10. The licensing inspector conducted a virtual walkthrough of the SACC program leading from the Room # 315 to the open space used for recreational activities, where Child # 1 was found. The exact distance could not be determined, but the description of the path given by Staff # 3, matched what was observed during the walkthrough.
Plan of Correction:	Staff have reviewed the plan of action for child 1. Updates to Plan of Action are: Staff will give verbal reminders to keep child in area. Staff will position themselves between child and door exits. Staff will position themselves in the room to make sure staff can quickly get to an exit if Child 1 begins to try to exit. Staff will use verbal commands and praise to prompt Child 1 to move away from exits and to encourage Child 1 to stay in area. Child 1 will be offered more opportunities to be engaged in activities to lessen his desire to leave the room. (10/1/21) Staff will coordinate with the school to set up a communication plan and will immediately alert school personnel in the event a child runs to aid in the quick and safe return of any child that elopes. (10/8/21) Staff members involved and all staff currently working with Child 1 will participate in a Safety and Accountability training to discuss active supervision, additional strategies to ensure the care, protection and guidance of children, specific strategies on the child specific Plan of Action and address any other concerns. (10/15/21)