VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES

Little Light House Care R&R
711 Brick Kiln Blvd
Newport news, VA 23602
(757) 817-5009

Current Inspector: Anita Drewry (757) 404-5261

Inspection Date: Oct. 26, 2022

Complaint Related: Yes

Areas Reviewed:

8VAC20-780 ADMINISTRATION. 8VAC20-780 PHYSICAL PLANT. 8VAC20-780 STAFFING AND SUPERVISION. 8VAC20-780 PROGRAMS.

Comments:

A complaint inspection was initiated on October 26, 2022 and concluded on December 15, 2022. A complaint was received by the department regarding allegations in the areas of staffing and supervision. The evidence gathered during the investigation supported the allegation of non-compliance with standards or law and violations were issued. Any violations not related to the complaint but identified during the course of the investigation can be found on the violation notice.

Violations:

Standard #:	8VAC20-780-340-A
Complaint related:	No
Description:	Based on interviews and review of documentation, facility did not ensure when staff are supervising children that they always ensure their care, protection, and guidance. Evidence: Child #1 (age 2 years) has been enrolled in the facility since February 9, 2022. Facility stated they were aware child can be difficult to manage and has gotten away from staff/caregivers in the past. They did not ensure a plan was in place to prevent child from leaving the classroom and building unsupervised. 1. Staff #2 stated regarding child #1, ?he?s a runner?. Staff #2 explained they have to watch him closely because he will run out of the classroom. 2. Facility documentation ?Summary of Meetings between (parent), Director and Supervisors? states child #1 ?has opened the classroom doors and tried to leave the building several times.? 3. Staff #4 stated teachers sometimes have difficulty managing child #1?s behaviors. Staff #4 will at times keep him with her as she has known him for a long time and he responds well to her. 4. Collateral stated that child #1 has gotten away from various family members and the facility is aware of that. 5. On 10/25/2022, between approximately 8:00 am ? 8:30 am, child #1 left the building without staff supervision and was found by a stranger outside approximately 173? away from the facility. Staff did not see the child leave the classroom or building. The child crossed a busy parking lot and was standing outside the back patio of an apartment. According to Weather Underground, it was sunny and 57 degrees during this time.
Plan of Correction:	Not available online. Contact Inspector for more information.
Standard #:	8VAC20-780-340-F
Complaint related:	No
Description:	Based on interviews and review of documentation, facility did not ensure children under 10 years of age always are within sight and sound supervision of staff. Evidence: On 10/25/2022 between approximately 8:00 am ? 8:30 am, child #1 (age 2 years) was found alone outside, without any supervision, in a grassy area behind a neighboring apartment complex. The witness who saw the child, returned the child to the facility. Individuals reported the following: 1. Staff #1 stated that on the morning of 10/25/2022, he was managing the facility front door as children were being dropped off for the day. Staff #1 received a call from staff #2 through the walkie talkie stating that child #1 had ran. Staff #1 began checking areas as he went to the 2?s classroom. Once in the 2?s classroom, staff #2 pointed to the back door of the facility. Staff #1 was walking to the back door when the door opened and a lady come in that door with child #1. Staff #1 met the lady and child by the kitchen at the back door. Staff #1 then took child to staff #4, the Supervisor/Director at the time, where he stayed in her care for the remainder of the day. 2. Staff #2 stated that on the morning of 10/25/2022, she and staff #3 were working in the 2?s classroom with approximately 12 children. Staff #2 stated she contacted staff #1 through the walkie talkie and reported ?(child #1) is not in my classroom.? Staff #2 stated she did not see child #1 leave the classroom. 3. Staff #3 stated that on the morning of 10/25/2022, he and staff #2 were working in the 2?s classroom. They were doing a count of children when they realized they did not see child #1. Staff #3 stated he did not see child #1 leave the classroom. Staff #3 stated everything happened in about 10 minutes from the time they realized he was missing to when he was back in the facility. 4. Staff #4 stated that on the morning of 10/25/2022, she was working in the infant room when she heard over the walkie talkie that child #1 was missing. Staff #4 checked various doors to make sure they were locked. Staff #4 stated it was approximately 10 ? 12 minutes from when they announced the child was missing to when he was back in the facility. 5. Witness stated that on 10/25/2022 between approximately 8:00 am ? 8:30 am, she was sitting on her patio when she saw a young child walk up and stand on the grassy area close to her patio. Witness asked the child questions and then in response to asking where his mom was, the child pointed in the direction of the facility. The witness walked the child to the facility back door and opened the unlocked door. Witness walked the child into a large room when a staff member ?stood up? and stated child?s name in a questioning tone. The staff was sitting on the other side of a partition in a smaller classroom area and not in the large room. The staff member walked over to the child and took him by the hand. Staff did not ask the witness any questions. Witness did not know the name of the staff but described him as a thin male approximately 5? 9? ? 5? 10?. Witness believed the staff did not know the child was missing. The distance from the grassy area to the facility back door is approximately 173?.
Plan of Correction:	Installed alarm systems on all doors. Staff took extra trainings. Camera system upgraded.