School of Children
2706 24th Road South
Arlington, VA 22206
(703) 486-0880
Current Inspector: Sarah Marbert (703) 479-4678
Inspection Date: Aug. 25, 2022 , Oct. 5, 2022 and Oct. 28, 2022
Complaint Related: Yes
- Areas Reviewed:
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8VAC20-780 Administration.
8VAC20-780 Administration.
8VAC20-780 Programs.
- Comments:
-
An investigation was begun on 8/25/2022 in response to an allegation being received in our office. Based on multiple interviews, the preponderance of evidence supports the allegation of using forbidden actions with a child. The complaint is valid.
Additional violations were cited that were not part of the original complaint; however, were discovered during the course of the investigation.
If you have any questions regarding this investigation, please contact me a t (703) 479-4678 or at Sarah.Marbert@doe.virginia.gov
- Violations:
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Standard #: 8VAC20-780-40-E Complaint related: No Description: Based on a review of the center Parent Handbook policies, the center failed to follow their established disciplinary policy of positive guidance and redirection.
Evidence:
When Child 1 was fighting with another child in their classroom, staff did not use positive guidance or redirection prior to removing them as a disciplinary measure from the classroom.Plan of Correction: The Director will retrain staff on positive guidance and redirection.
Standard #: 8VAC20-780-80-B Complaint related: No Description: Based on information from local authorities, the center failed to report a case of suspected abuse or neglect in accordance with
? 63.2-1509 of the Code of Virginia.
Evidence:
An allegation of physical abuse occurring at the center on 8/15/22 was not reported to local authorities. The incident was screened and accepted by local authorities for investigation.Plan of Correction: The Director will report all allegations to avoid future violations Child reported to Director the incident was made up.
Standard #: 8VAC20-780-400-B Complaint related: No Description: Based on multiple staff statements it was determined that behavioral guidance was not constructive in nature and intended to redirect children.
Evidence:
Staff did not attempt to redirect a child that was fighting with and hitting another child. Child #1 was removed from the classroom and placed in a younger aged classroom with no attempt to redirect the child, escalating the situation. (Staff B)Plan of Correction: The Director will train staff on how to redirect challenging behavior with positive guidance.
Standard #: 8VAC20-780-400-C Complaint related: No Description: Based on multiple staff statements, the center did not use time out sparingly and exceeded 1 minute for each year of age.
Evidence:
A 6 year old child was placed in another classroom (2?s room) for fighting, with ?time out? as a behavior guidance method by a staff member. The child was placed in the 2?s room for approximately 15-20 minutes exceeding the allowable 1 minute per year of age.(Staff B)Plan of Correction: During this single incident the child needed more time to calm down. Once she calmed down she was sent back to class.
Standard #: 8VAC20-780-410-1 Complaint related: Yes Description: Based on multiple statements staff members used a forbidden action on a child in care.
Evidence:
*On 8/15/22 a staff member removed a child from their assigned group by physically picking up the child in a ?bear hug? from behind. The child was ?kicking and screaming? and resisted being picked up and moved to another room.
(Staff B)
*On 8/15/22 a staff member twice grabbed a child be their arm, picking them up around their waist and putting them on the floor as the child attempted to climb over the safety gate for that room.
(Staff A)Plan of Correction: Staff members removed child from fighting. Staff members are not permitted to touch children going forward. Staff A is no longer employed
Standard #: 8VAC20-780-410-4 Complaint related: Yes Description: Based on multiple statements, staff used a forbidden action on a child in care.
Evidence:
On 8/5/22 a child was removed from their assigned classroom and placed in another area that the child could not freely exit.Plan of Correction: Children can no longer be moved to class when misbehaving. Staff must contact Director when redirecting children.
Disclaimer:
A compliance history is in no way a rating for a facility.
The online compliance history includes only information after July 1, 2003. In addition, the online compliance history includes information regarding adverse actions that may be the subject of a pending appeal. An adverse action is not final until a provider has exhausted or waived all due process rights. For compliance history prior to July 1, 2003, or information regarding the status of pending adverse actions, please contact the Licensing Inspector listed in the facility's information. The Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS) is not responsible for any errors in or omissions from the compliance history information.
