VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES

The Learning Experience
12631 Smoketown Road
Woodbridge, VA 22192
(703) 590-4740

Current Inspector: Donna Liberman (540) 359-5244

Inspection Date: June 1, 2022

Complaint Related: No

Areas Reviewed:

8VAC20-780-340 8VAC20-780-400

Technical Assistance:

Discussed supervision, care protection and guidance and behavioral needs and ensuring that parental involvement requirements are followed as required by the standards.

Comments:

An inspection was conducted on June 1, 2022 addressing a self-reported incident regarding supervision and behavioral guidance. Interviews were conducted, documentation was reviewed. Information gathered during the inspection determined non-compliances with applicable standards or laws and a violation was documented on the violation notice issued to the program. If you have questions regarding this inspection, contact Stephanie Reed at Stephanie.Reed@doe.virginia.gov

Violations:

Standard #:	8VAC20-780-340-A
Description:	Based on interviews and review of documentation, it was determined that staff did not always ensure the care, protection and guidance of all children in care. Evidence: In the prep classroom, at least four of the children?s behavioral needs exceeded the ability of what two staff could safely provide while maintaining care for all of the children in the classroom. Child #1, age 2 years old, engaged in behaviors that included climbing tables and chairs, removing her shoes and eating paper or books and putting other nonfood items in her mouth. Child #2, age 3 years old, required additional feeding assistance and a strict diet that required a great deal of time from staff. Behaviors included taking food items from the trash, tantrums and needing to be held. Child #3, age 3 years old, had a difficult time following staff directives and often engaged in behaviors that included an inability to keep his hands to himself by ways of hitting peers, scratching and pushing. This behavior required constant intervention from staff. Staff interviews revealed this behavior occurred nearly every day. Child #4, age 2, often engaged in behaviors that included climbing on tables and chairs and required constant redirection from staff to ensure the child?s safety.
Plan of Correction:	We acknowledge that our efforts to create an inclusive environment requires additional staffing and training. We are in the process of meeting with families to discuss behavioral plans, classroom transitions and possible discontinuation of services for children whose needs may exceed the ability of our staff. On a program level, we are working with Corporate to review and adhere to the TLE behavioral correction plan and if needed, proceed with the disenrollment process. A staff in-service is also scheduled for 8/19/22 to further support staff development in this area.