VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES

La Petite Academy #7143
1569 Mill Dam Road
Virginia beach, VA 23454
(757) 481-6078

Current Inspector: D'Nae Goodwin (757) 404-3063

Inspection Date: Feb. 9, 2023

Complaint Related: Yes

Areas Reviewed:

8VAC20-780 Administration 8VAC20-780 Staffing and Supervision 8VAC20-780 Programs 8VAC20-780 Special Care Provisions and Emergencies

Comments:

An investigation was initiated on 1/30/23 in response to a complaint received by the department on 1/27/23 regarding allegations in the areas of staffing and supervision and children's injuries. Video footage provided by the center was reviewed on 2/9/23 and an on-site inspection was conducted on 2/23/23. Interviews with staff were completed and documents related to the complaint were reviewed. Based on information gathered during the investigation, the portion of the complaint regarding staffing and supervision is determined to be valid. Violations not related to the complaint were also found in the areas of administration and special care provisions and emergencies. Violations are cited on the violation notice issued to the program and were discussed with center management at the conclusion of the investigation.

Violations:

Standard #:	8VAC20-780-60-A
Complaint related:	No
Description:	Based on record review and interview, the center did not ensure that children's records contain all the required items. Evidence: 1. The record for child 1 (date of enrollment: 11/21/22) contains only one name, address and phone number of a designated person to call in an emergency if a parent cannot be reached, where two are required. 2. The center director confirmed that the record for child 1 is lacking one of the required two emergency contacts.
Plan of Correction:	The center responded with the following: A complete file audit was completed by LCG support central. Employees and families were given 2 weeks to turn in and complete all missing paperwork. Moving forward, all families will complete a paperwork appointment before the child?s first day to unsure all paperwork is complete will all required information.
Standard #:	8VAC20-780-340-A
Complaint related:	Yes
Description:	Based on a review of video footage and interview, the center did not ensure that when staff are supervision children, they shall always ensure their care and protection. Evidence: 1. The licensing inspector viewed video footage of the two's classroom from 1/25/23 between the hours of 4:00pm and 5:00pm. Staff 1 was alone in the classroom supervising 10 children. During the course of that hour, multiple children were observed climbing onto chairs, tables and bookshelves by the window and two other children were observed playing in water at the sinks in the classroom and dumping the water onto the floor. 2. It took several minutes before staff 1 redirected the children who were climbing on the furniture to safer activities as he was changing other children's diapers during that same time. 3. Staff 1 did not intervene with the children playing in the water at the sink until a parent arrived in the classroom to pick up their child, who then alerted him to the situation. Staff 1 could then be seen going over to the children and cleaning the water up off the floor with paper towels. 4. Staff 1 was unable to immediately ensure the children's safety in the above incidents due to being the only staff person in the classroom.
Plan of Correction:	The center responded with the following: Based on the review of the footage in reference to when staff are supervising children. The 2?s room is now staffed with 2 full-time staff members during operational hours and we have enacted a walkie talkie system for teachers and management to use when they need additional help during transition times. Each staff member has been trained during NEO (New Employee Orientation) and during our biannual teacher in-service day to always ensure the face-to-name checks, ratio (every hour) are correct with accurate numbers. Each staff member is fully aware to position themselves around the classroom to ensure strict and continuous ongoing supervision inside the classroom.
Standard #:	8VAC20-780-350-B-3
Complaint related:	Yes
Description:	Based on a review of video footage and interview, the center did not ensure that the staff-to-children ratio of 1:8 for 2 year old's is maintained. Evidence: 1. On 1/25/23, staff 1 was caring for 10 2-year old children alone from 3:30pm until 4:45pm. The number and ages of the children required 2 staff to be present. that the 2-year old classroom was out of ratio for approximately 45 minutes on 1/25/23.
Plan of Correction:	The center responded with the following: Staff-to-children ratio in 2?s classroom of 1:8 will be maintained at all times. The center has hired and trained an additional teacher for the 2?s room to support ratio coverage. We have enacted a walkie talkie system for teachers and management to use when they need additional help during transition times.
Standard #:	8VAC20-780-500-A
Complaint related:	No
Description:	Based on a review of video footage and interview, the center did not ensure that children's hands shall be washed with soap and running water after toileting and that staff shall wash their hands with soap and running water before and after a diaper change. Evidence: 1. The licensing inspector reviewed video footage from 1/25/23 of the 2-year old classroom. Staff 1 was observed changing 2 children's diapers. Staff 1 did not wash his hands before or after changing each child's diaper and did not ensure that either child washed their hands after having their diaper changed. a. Both children were observed to be playing and touching toys and furniture in the classroom directly after having their diaper changed and without washing their hands. 2. Staff 1 confirmed that he did not wash his hands before or after diaper changes and that the children did not wash their hands after having their diaper changed.
Plan of Correction:	The center responded with the following: The staff were retrained at teacher Inservice day (2/20/22) on proper handwashing and diaper changing processes. Children are guided with teachers to ensure all steps of proper handwashing are followed. Center management will continue to check on handwashing and coach in the moment with staff for changes. We are adding handwashing posters to all sinks to ensure that there is a visual reminder to all children and staff for proper handwashing.