VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES

Higher Horizons Day Care Center
5920-B Summers Lane
Falls church, VA 22041
(703) 820-2457

Current Inspector: Leah Pagala (703) 537-6757

Inspection Date: April 28, 2022

Complaint Related: No

Areas Reviewed:

8VAC20-780 Administration. 8VAC20-780 Physical Plant. 8VAC20-780 Staffing and Supervision. 8VAC20-780 Programs. 8VAC20-780 Special Care Provisions and Emergencies. 8VAC20-780 Special Services. 8VAC20-820 THE LICENSE.

Technical Assistance:

Discussed Revised Regulations and Asbestos Management Plan. Please continue to monitor water temp as it fluctuated throughout the building.

Comments:

An unannounced inspection was conducted in person today from 10:15- 12:00. The classrooms, the groupings, the transition from outside to inside, handwashing, and activities were observed. A sampling of children's files were also review. The program consisted of painting, block building, making flower art, and story time and the children were asking lots of questions. Bathrooms and the water temperature throughout the building was also checked. Please call with questions 703-479-4679

Violations:

Standard #:	8VAC20-780-60-A
Description:	Based on record review of 5 children's files, it was determined not all files are maintained to contains all information required. Evidence: 1. Children's files need to maintain parent's place of employment and phone number. Files #1 did not contain phone number. Files 2-4 were blank. 2. Files are required to contain 2 emergency contacts with addresses, and phone numbers. Files 2 and 3 were missing addresses for the contacts.
Plan of Correction:	We will discuss with families and if there is no employment information, we will request they record it on the sheet. We will also review emergency contact information for all the children to ensure the information is complete.
Standard #:	8VAC20-780-60-A-8
Description:	Based on record review of child 3's file, it was determined a written care plan for the child with a diagnosed food allergy, did not include instructions from a physician regarding the food to which the child is allergic and the steps to be taken in the event of a suspected or confirmed allergic reaction. Evidence: 1. The form included a food allergy and an action plan to administer a prescription medication but did not cover what to do in the event of a suspected reaction only what to do if child ingested the food.
Plan of Correction:	We will look into our allergy plans so we can set up procedures to include both suspected allergic reaction and confirmed reaction.
Standard #:	8VAC20-780-270-A
Description:	Based on observation, it was determined there were areas and equipment in the center not maintained in a clean and or safe condition. Evidence: 1. Two classrooms had laminated chipping and broken off that exposed absorbent board. There were also 5 cabinet doors that were not securely fastened into the cabinet and were not safe as one fell to the floor upon opening the door. 2. Another class had wooden cabinets that had chipped and broken off wood particles that exposes a hazard of splinters. 3. Three classes had cords dangling down from the blinds that could pose a hazard as well as a room with broken off, bent and crumpled blinds.
Plan of Correction:	We will discuss with maintenance and put in a work order to improve and or replace items.
Standard #:	8VAC20-780-560-O
Description:	Based on interview and record review it was determined the center does not have written procedures to train staff on steps to take when preparing or serving food to avoid cross contamination to prevent an allergic reaction. Evidence: 1. Staff acknowledged there are children enrolled with food allergies and they don't serve them the food but did not have a procedures on teaching staff how to avoid cross contamination.
Plan of Correction:	We will review and create a plan for all staff. In the meantime we will talk with staff to be sure they are taking precautions.