VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES

La Petite Academy #7139
3903 Cedar Lane
Portsmouth, VA 23703
(757) 483-4325

Current Inspector: Trisha Brown (757) 404-2601

Inspection Date: April 8, 2021

Complaint Related: No

Areas Reviewed:

8VAC20-780 ADMINISTRATION. 8VAC20-780 STAFFING AND SUPERVISION. 8VAC20-780 PROGRAMS.

Comments:

This inspection was conducted by licensing staff using an alternate remote protocol, including telephone contacts, documents review, interviews and review of video footage. Two self reported incidents were received and investigation initiated on April 9, 2021 and on April 20, 2021 regarding supervision of children in the toddler room. Documentation was received during the investigation on May 10th and 20th. Additional information was obtained on December 9 and 10, 2021. During the investigation video footage was reviewed, staff and administrators were interviewed children and staff records were reviewed, face-to-name and incident reports were reviewed. The information gathered supports the self-reported incidents and violations were cited regarding lack of supervision and lack of following ratios. Information gathered during the inspection determined non-compliances with applicable standards or law and violations were documented on the violation notice issued to the program.

Violations:

Standard #:	8VAC20-780-340-F
Description:	Based on review of video footage, staff interviews and written documentation the center failed to ensure that children under 10 years of age are always within actual sight and sound supervision of staff. Evidence: 1 - On April 20th, for approximately two to four minutes children 2, 3 and 4 were alone on the center property, outside the fenced toddler playground, on the grassy area near the center dumpster. The three children exited the fenced toddler playground through a gate which did not have the child proof latches engaged. 2 - While inside the two year old classroom staff 3 observed a parent looking at something outside the classroom window. Upon opening the door staff 3 observed children 2, 3, 4 and parent 1 in the grassy area near the center dumpster. 3 - Staff 1, 2 and 3 confirm that there was not a staff member with children 2, 3 and 4 when the children were found near the dumpster by staff 3 and parent 1.
Plan of Correction:	Effective 4/21/21 playground access on this side of the building was closed off for use by any age group to prevent further issues with visual supervision. All staff were retrained as of 4/25/21 on proper face to name supervision expectations during outside play. Management continues to audit playground transitions and face to name supervision to ensure compliance.
Standard #:	8VAC20-780-350-B
Description:	Based on interviews and review of video footage the center failed to ensure that ratios are maintained as required. Evidence: 1 - Staff 1 and 2 report that on April 20, 2021, nine children in the toddler room ages,18 months to 23 months went outside with one staff member where two staff members are required. 2 - Video footage shows staff 6 exiting the building to go to the outside play space with nine children ages 18 - 23 months of age. 3 - Video footage shows that staff 6 was alone on the playground with nine children for approximately two to four minutes.
Plan of Correction:	As of 4/15/21, all staff have been retrained on playground transition policies and ratio management during these transitions. Staff have received additional assistance with classroom management and diapering prior to outside play times to avoid ratio violations when departing the classroom. Management continues to audit these transitions weekly for compliance.
Standard #:	8VAC20-780-410-1
Description:	Based on video footage review, interviews and statements, the center failed to ensure that roughly handling children is a forbidden action. Evidence: 1- In verbal and written statements Staff 1, 2 and 3 report that staff 4 was observed picking up child 2 and putting him on the ground in a ?hard? manner. 2 -Review of video footage shows staff 4 picking child 2 up and forcefully put him on the floor. Later staff 4 picked up child 1, the child's feet were dangling off the floor, the staff walked approximately 6 to 10 ft, suddenly released child1 who landed on the floor. Staff 4 then crouched down in front of child 1 and held the child's face between both her hands for several seconds then walked away. 3 - Staff 3 stated that she observed staff 4 "plop" child 2 down on the floor and squeeze his cheeks.
Plan of Correction:	The staff member involved was separated immediately after our investigation was complete. All staff were retrained the same week on classroom management, positive child redirections and interactions. Both school management and the DM conduct random classroom observations both in person and virtually through our cameras, to ensure compliance.