VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES

La Petite Academy #7140
1921 South Independence Boulevard
Virginia beach, VA 23456
(757) 471-6104

Current Inspector: Brandie Viscayda

Inspection Date: Oct. 8, 2021 and Oct. 12, 2021

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 PROGRAMS. 22VAC40-185 SPECIAL CARE PROVISIONS AND EMERGENCIES. 22VAC40-80 THE LICENSE. 22VAC40-191 Background Checks (22VAC40-191) 63.2 Child Abuse & Neglect

Comments:

An unannounced monitoring inspection was initiated on 10/08/2021 and completed on 10/12/2021 in response to a self reported incident regarding inappropriate behavior guidance. Based on the information gathered, which included staff interviews, a review of written polices, a review of children and staff records and a review of center video violations were found in the areas of behavior guidance and forbidden actions. The violations are listed on the violation notice issued to the facility and were reviewed with the program director at the exit interview.

Violations:

Standard #:	22VAC40-185-400-B
Description:	Based on interviews and a review of center video, 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. A review of center video shows two children on the carpeted area of the classroom at approximately 3:45 pm on 10/05/2021. Staff 1 is observed walking over to the children and lifting child 1 up by the wrist. Child 1 is then dragged across the carpet, his feet briefly leaving the floor, while staff 1 continues to hold on to his wrist. 2. Staff 1 stated that child 1 and another child were "rolling around on the carpet while I was doing circle time." a. Staff 1 stated she provided several verbal prompts which did not bring child 1 back to circle time. b. Staff 1 stated she then went over and removed child 1 by picking him up under his arms and bringing him back to circle time nevertheless, child 1 left circle time and resumed rolling around on the floor with another child. c. Staff 1 stated she attempted an additional verbal prompte however, this failed to bring child 1 back to circle time. d. Staff 1 stated she then went over to child 1 and "took his hand and picked him up off the floor." "I picked him up and stood him up....I sat him down next to me." e. Shortly thereafter, child 1 began crying and stating that his arm hurt according to staff 1. 3. The facility positive guidance and redirection policy states, "No staff member is permitted to use physical punishment on any child." Pulling is listed as a prohibited form of punishment. a. Administrative staff stated that staff 1 did not properly redirect child 1 when she lifted him up by his arm and pulled him across the carpet.
Plan of Correction:	Staff 1 no longer works for the company. Staff were retrained on positive guidance and behavior by 10/13/2021 after we self-reported. This classroom is supported by our behavior and guidance team and management ensures classroom observations to ensure full compliance. DM will periodically observe to ensure compliance.
Standard #:	22VAC40-185-410-1
Description:	Based on review of center video and interviews, the center failed to ensure that the following actions are forbidden: Roughly handling of children. Evidence: 1. Video footage on 10/05/2021 at approximately 3:45 pm shows staff 1 lifting child 1, age 3 years, by the wrist and dragging child 1 across the carpeted area. For a brief moment, child 1's feet leave the floor as he is being picked up and dragged. 2. Staff 1 stated she went over to child 1 and "took his hand and picked him up off the floor." "I picked him up and stood him up....I sat him down next to me." 3. Staff 1 stated that approximately one minute later, child 1 was crying and stated that his arm hurt. a. Staff 1 administered first aid in the form of an ice pack and took child 1 to the office. 4. Staff 2 stated that child 1 was brought to the office at approximately 4:20 pm. a. Child 1 was holding his arm and cried when any attempt was made to move the arm according to staff 2. 5. Child 1 was taken for medical treatment on 10/05/2021 where he was diagnosed with nursemaid's elbow. a. The parent of child 1 stated that the physician stated the ligament had been pulled out of place when someone had pulled child 1 up by the arm.
Plan of Correction:	Staff 1 no longer works for the company. Staff were retrained on positive guidance and behavior by 10/13/2021 after we self-reported. All staff must follow proper safety and redirection techniques in order to continue employment. Management ensures classroom observations are complete periodically to ensure compliance. DM will periodically observe to ensure compliance.