VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES

Bailey's Childcare and Learning Center
3701 George Mason Drive, Suite C2-N
Falls church, VA 22041
(703) 310-4150

Current Inspector: Margaret Allworth (703) 209-3521

Inspection Date: June 27, 2022

Complaint Related: No

Areas Reviewed:

8VAC20-780 Staffing and Supervision.

Comments:

The Licensing Inspector conducted an investigation in response to a self-report incident of a 3 1/2 year old child that went missing from the child care center on 6/23/2022. Interviews were conducted with staff. The incident-accident report and missing person policy was reviewed and staff and child record reviewed. The owner walked the inspector to the area where the child was found. The classroom and emergency door that the child possibly used to exit the child care center was observed. The information gathered during this investigation supports the allegations; violations were discussed with the center director. Please return a signed and dated copy to the licensing office within 5 calendar days of receipt. If you have any questions you may contact me at Margaret.allworth@doe.virginia.gov or 703-209-3521.

Violations:

Standard #:	8VAC20-780-340-A
Description:	Based on staff interviews and documentation reviewed, staff supervising children failed to always ensure their care and protection. Evidence: On Thursday, 6/23/2022 at approximately 4:25 pm Child #1 (3 ? years old) who has autism and is non-verbal left the child day center unattended and was later found by the police. 1.Staff #1 stated that on 6/23/2022 she stepped away from the classroom at approximately 4:25 pm to take Child #2 to the front door where their parent was waiting. The front door is about 10 steps from the classroom. When Staff #1 returned to the classroom she noticed Child #1 was missing. She opened the adjacent classroom door to search for the child. Staff #2 returned to the classroom from washing the toys at approximately 4:30 pm and noticed Child #1 was missing. Several staff began searching for the child while another staff telephoned the center owner. 2.The child day center is located in the lower level of a high rise apartment complex. According to the injury-accident report, staff began searching the bathrooms, kitchen area, closets and lobby. Staff then searched the outside of the apartment complex for approximately 15-20 minutes before Staff #3 called the authorities and the parents of Child#1. Staff #3 called the police at 4:40 pm. 3.Police found Child #1 approximately 10 minutes upon their arrival to the center. Child #1 was found outside the apartment complex near a drainage system. The drainage system is located on a hill approximately 200 feet from the front door to the apartment complex and another 40 feet down two separate hallways to the door of the child care center. Staff #3 said child #1?s face and clothes were wet, she said it was drizzling outside.
Plan of Correction:	A audible alarm will be installed on the classroom exit door. All staff will attend a mandatory training on child abuse and supervision.
Standard #:	8VAC20-780-340-F
Description:	Based on staff interviews, staff failed to ensure that children under 10 years of age were always within actual sight and sound supervision. Evidence: On Thursday, 6/23/2022 at approximately 4:25 pm Child #1, (3 ? years old) wandered away from the child day center and was found by the police around 4:50 pm. 1.Staff #1 stated that on 6/23/2022 at approximately 4:25 pm she left the classroom to take a child to their parent that was at the front door of the child care center, leaving the children remaining in the classroom unsupervised. When Staff #1 returned to the classroom she did not see Child #1. Staff #1 said she checked the adjacent classroom. When Staff #2, came back to the classroom from washing toys, staff #1 asked, ?Do you have [Child#1]?? 2.Staff #2 stated that on 6/23/2022 at approximately 4:25 pm she went to wash the toys before leaving for the day and Staff #1 was in the classroom. The 12 children in the classroom, including Child #1 were sitting at a table waiting for the 4:30 pm dinner. Staff #2 returned to the classroom at approximately 4:30 pm. Staff #2 stated she counted the children and noticed that another child and Child #1 were missing. 3.Staff #3 stated that she believes Child #1 left on 6/23/2022 through an emergency exit door in the classroom. Staff #4 said Child #1 is autistic and non-verbal, and that the child has never tried to leave the classroom but is tall enough to reach the bar to push open the door.
Plan of Correction:	A audible alarm will be installed on the classroom exit door. All staff will attend a mandatory training on child abuse and supervision.