VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES

Children's Harbor - Olde Towne
620 London Street
Portsmouth, VA 23704
(757) 397-2980

Current Inspector: Arlene Agustin (804) 629-7519

Inspection Date: Feb. 28, 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 28, 2023, from 10am to 1:40pm in response to a self report made to the Department on February 22, 2023, regarding the supervision of children at the center. Staff members were interviewed, staff and children records were reviewed, training logs were reviewed, video footage was reviewed, and a tour of the facility was completed. Based on the information obtained, it was determined that the self report is 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 the center director.

Violations:

Standard #:	8VAC20-780-340-F
Description:	Based on interviews, record review and video footage, it was determined that the center did not ensure that children under 10 years of age always be within actual sight and sound supervision of staff. Evidence: 1. On February 21, 2023, at approximately 4:25pm, Child #1, age 4 year old, was left outside on the playground alone for approximately 5 minutes. 2. Staff #4 confirmed that while taking out the trash in the later afternoon, they observed Child #1 alone on the playground without adult supervision and with no other individuals on the playground. 3. Staff #2 was approached by Staff #4 that they saw Child #1 on the playground alone without adult supervision. Staff #2 approached Staff #3, child?s teacher, regarding how many children were in their classroom. Staff #3 was not aware that they were missing a child until they were informed by Staff #2. 4. Staff #3 which is Child #1?s teacher, confirmed on a written statement to Children?s Harbor that they were missing a child when back into the classroom from the playground. 5. In reviewing the video footage of the date and time of the incident, Staff #3 is observed lining up the children to go back inside the building from the playground leaving Child #1 alone on the playground. Staff #3 is observed to be ahead of all the children in line not looking back at the class walking and facing forward towards the entrance of the building. 6. In reviewing the video footage of the date and time of the incident, it was observed that Child #1 was alone on the playground for approximately 5 minutes without sight and sound supervision of staff.
Plan of Correction:	The center responded with the following: The staff member was terminated. All staff members were required to have a refresher training regarding the supervision of children in which they signed they attended the training on a training log. Standards were reviewed during a unit meeting. Administrative staff will communicate with their staff the importance of child supervision inside and outside of the building. Administration will also take an active role to count and check the face to name sheets to ensure that all children are accounted for.