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: July 27, 2022

Complaint Related: No

Areas Reviewed:

8VAC20-780 Administration. 8VAC20-780 Staff Qualifications and Training. 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. 22.1 Background Checks Code, Carbon Monoxide

Technical Assistance:

Discussed diaper ointment authorization forms, cpr and first aid training, TB tests, background checks, age and stage appropriate supplies and equipment and activities, care, protection and guidance, physical plant

Comments:

An unannounced renewal inspection was conducted beginning at 10:00 a.m. and ending at 3:00 p.m. with the director. There were 128 children in care ages 8 months to 9 years of age with 26 staff supervising. Infants were observed napping and having playtime on the floor. Toddlers were observed during water play. Two year olds were observed during transition before lunch. Preschoolers were observed on the playground during transition after water play. Two other preschool classrooms were observed having lunch. Summer Camp was observed during lunch. Lunch today was grilled cheese, carrots, applesauce and milk. 10 children's records, 8 staff records and two board officer records were reviewed. Two medications were reviewed. Liability insurance is up to date. Staff trainings were observed. If you have questions regarding this inspection, contact Stephanie Reed at Stephanie.Reed@doe.virginia.gov.

Violations:

Standard #:	22.1-289.035-B-2
Description:	Based on review of documentation, it was determined that the center failed to obtain criminal history record check prior to the first day of employment for all staff. Evidence: Staff #5, date of hire 1/10/2022, criminal history background check was dated 1/12/2022. Staff #7, date of hire 5/3/2018, did not have a criminal history background check in the record.
Plan of Correction:	A file audit of all staff records has been completed. Missing background central registries have been placed in the mail. Documentation of monthly audits will be maintained to ensure that staff records remain in compliance
Standard #:	22.1-289.036-A
Description:	Based on review of documentation, it was determined that the center failed to obtain repeat central registry background check results every five years as required for board officers. Evidence: Board Officer # 1 most recent central registry check was dated 2/14/2017. Board Officer #2 most recent central registry check was dated 2/13/2017.
Plan of Correction:	Central registry background checks for the Board Officers have been mailed off.
Standard #:	8VAC20-770-60-C-2
Description:	Based on review of documentation, it was determined that the center failed to obtain central registry background check results within 30 days of employment. Evidence: Staff #5, date of hire 1/10/2022, central registry background check was dated 6/7/2022. Staff #6, date of hire 1/18/2022, did not have a central registry background check in the record.
Plan of Correction:	The Center will ensure that all background checks are completed prior to date of employment [prior to working directly with children].
Standard #:	8VAC20-780-260-B
Description:	Based on review of documentation, it was determined that an annual approval from the health department was not available. Evidence: The most recent health inspection was dated 6/25/2021.
Plan of Correction:	Spoke to the health department inspector and provided a copy of the previous inspection per their request. The application was mailed out and awaiting receipt of the updated health inspection certificate.
Standard #:	8VAC20-780-270-A
Description:	Based on observation, not all areas and equipment of the center were maintained in clean, safe, operable condition. In the two's class, there is chipped and peeling yellow paint along the back wall accessible to children. In the Preschool IA classroom (three year olds), there were four nap mats observed with broken seams with exposed foam (#1, #3, #13, #10). In the bathroom, there was no operable overhead light and the bathroom was very dim. An exact time frame for how long the light was inoperable could not be obtained, as staff interviews revealed only that it had been broken for ?not that long?. On the playground, there were four balls observed that were all flat. In the Summer Camp room, there was an approximately three inch long hole in the wall exposing drywall. The railing on the ?make believe steps? was loose to the touch and two of the railings were no longer attached to the wall. In the bathroom, there was a trash bag filled with cords and extension cords that created a tripping hazard.
Plan of Correction:	All classrooms will undergo painting and major repairs including, but not limited to, those repairs cited. New materials, including nap mats have been ordered as replacements. The bathroom overhead light has been replaced. The balls and other materials deemed inoperable have been removed and new outdoor materials will be purchased, as needed. The Center has undergone deep cleaning and decluttering and potentially hazardous materials and supplies have been removed from spaces occupied by children.
Standard #:	8VAC20-780-340-A
Description:	Based on observation, when supervising children, staff did not always ensure their care, protection and guidance. Evidence: In the two?s classroom there were 14 children under the care and supervision of 3 staff members. Children were observed climbing on top of toy storage bins, pulling each other down from the bins to the ground, throwing toys at one another, two children were observed walking into the bathroom together playing with the door, two other children were engaged in a disagreement, screaming at one another and another child was observed grabbing a bottle of spray sunscreen off the counter while one staff member was observed sitting and braiding a child?s hair, one staff was observed preparing to plate lunch and a third staff was doing bathroom and hand washing.
Plan of Correction:	Behavioral intervention and guidance, along with classroom management techniques was heavily reinforced during our recent Professional Development Staff Training. Classroom observations will continuously be completed to ensure that the needs of staff and children are being met.
Standard #:	8VAC20-780-430-B
Description:	Based on observation and interview with staff, it was determined that not all equipment of the center was age and stage appropriate. Evidence: The toddler classroom was observed outside on the concrete walkway during water play. Water play consisted of an ?expert gardener? brand sprinkler that is described by the manufacturer as "a 4,000 square feet oscillating sprinkler with 20 jets to ensure even coverage." The sprinkler was observed spraying water with forceful jets and at least five toddlers were screaming and crying and some were holding on to staff member's legs. Two toddlers were observed being walked beside the sprinkler by staff, being sprayed directly in the face and both children began to scream and cry. Staff interview revealed that the sprinkler is not a normal piece of equipment for the toddlers but the class splash pad recently broke and the oscillating sprinkler was used as a replacement.
Plan of Correction:	The sprinkler has been removed and will not be in use by children and staff. We will make sure to purchase an age-appropriate sprinkler prior to next year's summer program.
Standard #:	8VAC20-780-500-B
Description:	Based on observation, not all diapering requirements were met. Evidence: In the infant b classroom, the receptacle for soiled lines was not leak proof or lined. In the toddler classroom, the diaper disposal system was not foot operated and could not be used in a way to avoid the neither staff member's hand nor the soiled diaper touches an exterior surface.
Plan of Correction:	A foot-operated trashcan has been purchased for the toddler room.
Standard #:	8VAC20-780-520-B
Description:	Based on observation, sunscreen was not inaccessible to children in care. Evidence: In the two's room, a spray bottle of sunscreen was observed being accessed by a two year old and taken off the counter.
Plan of Correction:	Expectations of ensuring inaccessibility to potentially hazardous materials has been reinforced to staff. Sunscreens will remain in an upper cabinet when not in use by a staff member.