VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES

Children's Harbor - Chesapeake
2400 Strawberry Lane
Chesapeake, VA 23324
(757) 543-4221

Current Inspector: Arlene Agustin (804) 629-7519

Inspection Date: Feb. 22, 2023

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. 8VAC20-820 THE LICENSING PROCESS. 8VAC20-820 HEARINGS PROCEDURES. 8VAC20-770 Background Checks (8VAC20-770) 20 Access to minor?s records 22.1 Background Checks Code 63.2 Child Abuse & Neglect

Comments:

An unannounced monitoring inspection was conducted on February 22, 2023, in response to a self report made to the Department on February 15, 2023, regarding the inappropriate child staff interaction at the center. There were two different incidents reported which occurred on the same day. Staff members were interviewed, staff and children records were reviewed, video recordings were observed, training logs were reviewed, and a tour of the facility was completed. Based on the information provided and information gathered, this self report is determined to be Valid. Information gathered during the inspection determined non-compliance with applicable standards or law and a violation was documented on the violation notice issued to the program. The violation was discussed during the exit interview with both the program manager and center director.

Violations:

Standard #:	8VAC20-780-40-E
Description:	Based on record review and interview, it was determined that the center did not ensure that the operational responsibilities of the licensee shall ensure that the center's own policies and procedures that are required by these standards are followed. Evidence: 1. Per the Children?s Harbor Teaching Handbook regarding Discipline technique and procedures it states, ?Above and beyond all other concepts of discipline is the fact that there will never be roughly handling (grabbing) of a child. ? 2. Staff #1 confirmed both Staff #3 and Staff #4 agreed and signed the document that they will abide and follow the policies and procedures that are required by the center. 3. Staff #3 and Staff #4 confirmed via documentation and signature to the Children?s Harbors Teaching Handbook to follow and abide by the center?s own policies and procedures.
Plan of Correction:	This center will have staff meeting to review Children's Harbor Teacher's Handbook to ensure that all understand forbidden action, including rough handling a child. Staff #3 and #4 were terminated February 26, 2023.
Standard #:	8VAC20-780-410-1
Description:	Based on video footage and interview, it was determined that the center did not ensure that roughly handling a child is an action that is forbidden. Evidence: 1. In observing the video footage on the playground from February 14, 2023, Staff #3, was observed pointing their finger and speaking to Child #1. Child #1 fell to the ground. While the child was on the ground in a sitting position, Staff #3 was observed putting her hand on top of the child?s head and pushing their head towards the ground in a quick motion. 2. In reviewing the video footage in the classroom during circle time, Child #1 was running and Staff #4 grabbed the child by their arms to sit down on their lap. Staff #4 proceeded to push the child on the ground putting their arms against the child?s chest to restrain them to the ground. 3. The center director, Staff #1, confirmed viewing both videos and observing the rough handling of the children for both incidents. As a result of this, Staff #1 confirmed that both Staff #3 and Staff #4 were terminated.
Plan of Correction:	This center will have staff meeting to review Children's Harbor Teacher's Handbook to ensure that all understand forbidden action, including rough handling a child. Staff #3 and #4 were terminated February 26, 2023.