VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES

Independence Head Start
911 East Main Street
Independence, VA 24348
(276) 768-1746

Current Inspector: Todd Scott (276) 608-3749

Inspection Date: Feb. 23, 2022

Complaint Related: No

Areas Reviewed:

8VAC20-780 Programs.

Comments:

An unannounced monitoring inspection was conducted on 02/28/2022 and 04/11/2022 based on a self-reported incident made to this licensing office on 02/23/2022 concerning allegations concerning care of a child. Interviews were conducted and a video recording was reviewed. The evidence gathered during the investigation supported the self-report of non-compliance with standards or law and violations were issued.

Violations:

Standard #:	8VAC20-780-400-B
Description:	Based on review of recorded video and interview with staff, the facility failed to provide behavioral guidance that was constructive in nature, age and stage appropriate, and was intended to redirect children to appropriate behavior and resolve conflicts. 1. Staff #1 states that child #1's behavior was worse than ever the morning of 02/22/2022. At approximately 10:33 a.m., child #1 is seen throwing blocks at staff #1. Child #1 then chases a peer around a table. Child #1 is then observed kicking a chair four times and hitting staff #1 in the hands. Child #1 then throws two blocks at staff #1. 2. Staff #2 was sitting at a desk in front of the computer and or on a cell phone and did not assist staff #1 in redirecting child #1. Staff #3 was interacting with and supervising 7 children in the room and did not respond to assist staff #1 with redirecting child #1.
Plan of Correction:	1. Staff members in the classroom came to the office and viewed the camera footage that occurred on 2/22/22 After viewing the footage, staff #1 was suspended until further notice. Staff #2 resigned. 2. All employees have been trained that children are to be actively engaged in activities and monitored based on the Positive Behavior Intervention Systems (PBIS). This traning was held in 08/2021 and there are monthly staff meeting to review. 3. Two head start supervisors were in the classroom for 3 days modeling best practices and classroom management interactions. 4. The classroom has been rearranged by the head start director and the child development specialist to limit blind spots. 5. Staff from other centers have been placed at this center in order to complete the remainder of the year.
Standard #:	8VAC20-780-410-1
Description:	Based on a review of recorded video and interview with staff, a staff member roughly handled a child. Evidence: 1. On 02/22/2022, at approximately 10:33 a.m., staff #1 grabs child #1, four years old, by both wrists and swings him around so that his feet are off the floor 2-4 inches and sets him forcefully on a cushioned child-size bench that is approximately 18 inches high. Child #1 then slides down from the bench on to the floor and staff #1 picks him up forcefully by by both upper arms and sets him back on the bench. Child was observed crying.
Plan of Correction:	1. Staff members in the classroom came to the office and viewed the camera footage that occurred on 2/22/22 After viewing the footage, staff #1 was suspended until further notice. Staff #2 resigned. 2. All employees have been trained that children are to be actively engaged in activities and monitored based on the Positive Behavior Intervention Systems (PBIS). This training was held in 08/2021 and there are monthly staff meeting to review. 3. Two head start supervisors were in the classroom for 3 days modeling best practices and classroom management interactions. 4. The classroom has been rearranged by the head start director and the child development specialist to limit blind spots. 5. Staff from other centers have been placed at this center in order to complete the remainder of the year.