VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES

Braddock Street United Methodist Church Early Learning Center
103 South Braddock Street
Winchester, VA 22601
(540) 667-8915

Current Inspector: Stephanie Reed (540) 272-6558

Inspection Date: Sept. 22, 2021 , Oct. 4, 2021 and Oct. 18, 2022

Complaint Related: No

Areas Reviewed:

22VAC40-185 ADMINISTRATION. 22VAC40-185 PROGRAMS. 22VAC40-191 Background Checks (22VAC40-191)

Comments:

An unannounced non-mandated inspection was initiated on 09/22/2021 and concluded on 10/22/2021. The purpose of the inspection was to investigate a self-report alleged incident that occurred at the center 09/15/2021. Five staff were interviewed, one child's record, two staff records, the employee handbook and sign in and sign out documents were reviewed. Information gathered during the inspection determined non-compliance with applicable standards or law and violations were documented on the violation notice issued to the program. If you have any questions or concerns please contact the Licensing Inspector at 540-430-9257.

Violations:

Standard #:	22VAC40-185-40-E
Description:	Based on review of policies and procedures and interviews, the licensee did not ensure that the center's activities and services are maintained in compliance with the center's own policies and procedures that are required by these standards. Evidence: 1. The center did not follow their policy for behavior guidance/discipline in the employee handbook on pages 11 & 2. The policy states under Behavior Guidance: -- Employees are expected to teach children how to resolve conflicts, make decisions, and handle strong emotions in appropriate ways by using the following techniques: -- Redirect a child to another toy or activity. -- Encourage children to solve problems using words. -- Give children opportunities to make choices when appropriate. -- Use positive praise that is meaningful and specific. -- Establish clear limits and follow through with consequences consistently. 2. Staff interviews revealed that Staff #4 would grab children?s legs to make them sit ?criss cross applesauce? during circle time, and that Staff #4 would pull children by the wrists into the classroom after they had used the restroom if they refused to come into the classroom. 3. The center did not follow their policy on Mandated Reporting of Child Abuse and Neglect. In the Employee Handbook on page 15 it states ?If you suspect that a child in this Center is suffering from any type of abuse or neglect, you are required by law to report the suspected abuse to the Center?s Director. The Center Director and staff member will then decide using the questionnaire whether it is necessary to call CPS. It is the responsibility of the staff person to report the suspicion within 24 hours, as required by law.? 4. Staff #1 was made aware of an incident of Child #1 receiving bruises at school on 09/15/2021. Staff #1 did not make a report to Child Protective Services until 09/21/2021.
Plan of Correction:	Staff member was terminated effective 09/26/2021. Staff was retrained about how they are to handle a child that is having a hard time listening on 10/11/2021. A memo was distributed on 10/28/21 from the Board to inform all staff about mandated reporting. Staff had to sign the memo and return to administration. Staff will receive ongoing reminders and training about reporting and care of children. They will also be trained on 2/2022 about care and guidance of children.
Standard #:	22VAC40-185-80-B
Description:	Based on review of documentation and interview, the center failed to report any suspected incident of child abuse in accordance with Section 63.2-1509 of the Code of Virginia. Evidence: 1. Staff #1 was made aware of bruising on Child #1, three-year old, by the parent on 09/15/2021. 2. There is documentation on 09/18/2021 that Staff #1 thought about reporting to Child Protective Services, but stated that an internal investigation needed to be completed before reporting. 3. Staff #1 did not report the incident to Child Protective Services until 9/21/2021 after talking with a board member.
Plan of Correction:	On October 11, 2021 there was a staff meeting where teachers were retrained on child abuse and reporting procedures. There is also a training being planned and child abuse training is also included in orientation.
Standard #:	22VAC40-185-410-1
Description:	Based on interviews, the center failed to ensure that a child were not roughly handled. Evidence: 1. Staff #4 worked in Classroom #1 with children between 2 years of age to 3 years of age. 2. Staff #3 stated that ?when a child wasn?t listening in circle time [Staff #4], sometimes would grab the children by the upper arm to a standing position from sitting. 3. Staff #3 stated that ?when children would not sit criss cross applesauce at circle time, [Staff #4] would force the child?s leg into the correct position. [Staff #4] would grab the child?s leg and push it on the other leg, to sit in the criss cross applesauce position.? 4. Staff #5 stated that ?Staff #4 would pull children by the wrists into the classroom when the children would not go back to the classroom after using the restroom.?
Plan of Correction:	The staff member was terminated on 09/26/2021. The staff were retrained in the proper procedures for handling children on 10/11/2021. They were also trained on "if you see something, say something."
Standard #:	22VAC40-185-410-5
Description:	Based on interviews, the center failed to ensure that staff did not withhold food. Evidence: 1. Staff #3 stated that on 09/14/2021 Child #1, three-year old, had brought in a special snack to share with the class for his birthday. There were a few cookies left over from the celebration. Staff #4 stated there were three cookies leftover. 2. On 9/15/2021 Staff #4 broke up the three leftover cookies to go along with snack for thirteen children. Interview with Staff #3 revealed that Child #1 did not receive a piece of cookie because he had a ?rough nap?. 3. Staff #4 verified that Child #1 did not receive a piece of a cookie at snack time, and that Child #1 started crying.
Plan of Correction:	On 10/11/2021 staff were trained on the regulations of not withholding food.