VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES

Karter School of Cascades
21290 Springlake Court
Sterling, VA 20166
(703) 430-8657

Current Inspector: Kristy Atanackovic (804) 629-5032

Inspection Date: Nov. 2, 2022

Complaint Related: Yes

Areas Reviewed:

8VAC20-780 Administration. 8VAC20-780 Staff Qualifications and Training. 8VAC20-780 Staffing and Supervision. 8VAC20-780 Programs. 8VAC20-780 Special Care Provisions and Emergencies 8VAC20-780 Special Services. 8VAC20-820 THE LICENSE. 8VAC20-770 Background Checks (8VAC20-770) 20 Access to minor?s records 63.2 Child Abuse & Neglect 8VAC20-790 Subsidy Regulations.

Technical Assistance:

Discussed with the Director: Incident Reporting.

Comments:

An unannounced complaint investigation was conducted jointly with a local agency on November 2, 2022, in the afternoon between 1:00 pm and 2:30 pm, due to the concerns of forbidden actions. The investigation included interviews with center management, a review of children's records, staff records, and video footage. The preponderance of evidence supports the allegation and the complaint has been deemed valid. For violation details, please refer to the Violation Notice. If you have any questions, please e-mail me at kristy.atanackovic@doe.virginia.gov.

Violations:

Standard #:	63.2-1509-A
Complaint related:	No
Description:	Based on interviews, the center failed to contact the local department or the department's toll-free child abuse and neglect hotline to report an allegation of suspected child abuse or neglect. Evidence: On October 27, 2022, the center received notification from the local authorities about a recording of Staff #1 rough handling Child #1, which occurred at the center on October 18, 2022. The facility did not contact the local department or the department's toll-free child abuse and neglect hotline to report the allegation as mandated.
Plan of Correction:	This incident was discovered on 10/27 while leadership and a detective were investigating a former teacher. Leadership believed licensing, CPS, and the detective were working together, but moving forward leadership will ensure that each agency is notified independently.
Standard #:	8VAC20-780-40-E
Complaint related:	No
Description:	Based on video observation and a review of the center?s written policies, it was determined the center failed to comply with its own policies and procedures as it relates to behavior guidance. Evidence: 1. On October 18, 2022, Staff #1 is seen rough handling Child #1 (4-year-old) onto their nap mat after asking the child to lie on their nap mat during nap time. 2. Staff #1 failed to adhere to the center?s written policy for the discipline of children, which states: ?Our number one tool for inappropriate behavior is redirection. Redirection requires the team member to guide the child to the appropriate behavior.?
Plan of Correction:	This teacher had already been terminated when this incident was discovered. All Karter Staff were retrained.
Standard #:	8VAC20-780-340-A
Complaint related:	No
Description:	Based on video observation, the center failed to ensure care, protection, and guidance. Evidence: Staff #1 failed to ensure care, protection, and guidance when attempting to place Child #1 on their nap mat. Instead, Staff #1 used rough handling as a method to put the child down for nap.
Plan of Correction:	This teacher had already been terminated when this incident was discovered. All Karter Staff were retrained.
Standard #:	8VAC20-780-400-B
Complaint related:	No
Description:	Based on video observation, the center failed to use behavioral guidance that was age and stage-appropriate, constructive in nature and intended to redirect children to appropriate behavior and resolve conflicts. Evidence: 1. On October 18, 2022, Staff #1 is seen throwing, grabbing, and flipping Child #1 (4-year-old) on their nap mat after asking the child to lie on their nap mat during nap time. 2. Staff #1?s method of behavior guidance with Child#1 was not age and stage-appropriate, and constructive in nature.
Plan of Correction:	This teacher had already been terminated when this incident was discovered. All Karter Staff were retrained.
Standard #:	8VAC20-780-410-1
Complaint related:	No
Description:	Based on video observation, the center failed to maintain compliance relating to forbidden actions involving physical punishment, striking a child, roughly handling or shaking a child, restricting movement through binding or tying, forcing a child to assume an uncomfortable position, or exercising as punishment. 1. Evidence: On October 18, 2022, Staff #1 is seen on video rough handling Child #1 (4-year-old), during naptime. 2. On video, Staff #1 is heard repeatedly asking Child #1 to "lay down" before picking up, swinging, and throwing the child onto their nap mat. Afterward, Staff #1 grabbed Child #1's right arm and leg and flipped the child over approximately four times to place them on their nap mat. Once the child was lying down on the nap mat, Staff #1 wrapped a blanket around the child?s entire body from head to toe and started to pat the child to sleep.
Plan of Correction:	This incident was discovered on 10/27 while leadership and the Loudoun County Sheriff's Office were investigation a former teacher. This teacher had already been terminated when this incident was discovered.