VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES

HoneyTree Early Learning Center - Riverwalk
1824 Jefferson Street, S.E.
Roanoke, VA 24014
(540) 343-5905

Current Inspector: Nicole Scott (804) 588-2372

Inspection Date: Feb. 22, 2023

Complaint Related: Yes

Areas Reviewed:

8VAC20-780 STAFFING AND SUPERVISION. 8VAC20-780 PROGRAMS.

Comments:

A complaint was received by the Office of Child Care Health and Safety on February 21, 2023 in the areas of supervision and staffing. An unannounced complaint inspection was conducted on February 22, 2023. There were 44 children in care during the inspection. There were 2 staff present upon arriving to the center and 7 additional staff arrived during the inspection. The information gathered during the inspection did support the complaint and therefore the complaint was determined to be valid. Information gathered during the course of the investigation determined non-compliance with applicable standards or law. Violations both related and unrelated to the complaint were documented on the violation notice issued to the provider. The inspector arrived at 7:40 AM and departed at 10:40 AM.

Violations:

Standard #:	8VAC20-780-340-A
Complaint related:	Yes
Description:	Based on observation, the center failed to ensure when staff are supervising children, they shall always ensure their care, protection, and guidance. Evidence: When the inspector arrived at approximately 7:40 AM, there were 18 children under the supervision of 2 staff. All children were combined in the main area. There were 5 infants in infant bouncer seats. The staff person sitting with the infants also had one child on their lap and another standing holding onto their leg. By approximately 7:55 AM, the total number of children was at 35 and still under the care of 2 staff. Staff #3 stated the children?s ages were up to 3 years old. There were six infants in bouncer seats crying and two children were in the staff?s lap crying. There were also two children in infant carrier seats crying and other children attempting to rock the seats to console the children. Children were observed running around, knocking children to the ground with a ride and push toy truck. Parents were dropping children off at this time. A child was dropped off with a go-go squeeze pouch and was sharing with other children. There were multiple children crying at drop off and no one to console them because the two staff were attending to others. Children were observed trying to run out the door into the entrance area behind their parents and staff trying to stop them and keep them inside the doors. Staff #3, #4 and #5 arrived to help between approximately 8:02-8:05 AM. The children were then split into 3 classrooms.
Plan of Correction:	Center Director will ensure that children are separated by age so that care, protection and guidance is being always provided. Morning drop-off routine will be reviewed and discussed with all staff to eliminate any future concerns. Staff schedules will be altered to meet staff-to-child ratio during this time to provide for a smooth transition for parents and children.
Standard #:	8VAC20-780-350-C
Complaint related:	Yes
Description:	Based on observation, the center failed to ensure that when children are in ongoing mixed age groups, the staff-to-children ratio is applicable to the youngest child in the group. Evidence: 1. When the inspector arrived on 2/22/2023 at approximately 7:40 AM, 18 children were in care under the supervision of 2 staff. All children were combined in the main area. The youngest child was 5 months.After approximately 15 minutes, there were 35 children in care, 6 children being infants, under the care of 2 staff. 9 staff would be required. 2. Staff #3 stated this has been an ongoing problem since October and they have been asking for help in the mornings to help with the number of children. 3. Staff #4 stated this has been a problem since October/ November and despite asking for help in the morning they have not received any. Staff stated the numbers are always that high in the morning.
Plan of Correction:	Center Director/ Administration is now aware of ratio issues during the morning drop-off. A system has been put in place to monitor numbers during the day to make scheduling adjustments as needed. The required number of staff will be on -site in order to endure staff to children ratios are always met.
Standard #:	8VAC20-780-440-G
Complaint related:	No
Description:	Based on observation and interview, the center failed to ensure that cribs shall be used for children under 12 months of age. Evidence: By approximately 9:40 AM, there were 12 infants under 12 months of age. There were 6 cribs in the infant classroom. An infant, age 4 months, was observed sleeping in a bouncer seat. Staff #6 stated that the smaller infants slept in the infant bouncer seats and the older infants used the cribs.
Plan of Correction:	Staff will remind that children are not allowed to drink or eat wile walking around. Staff will place children at a table/ highchair during mealtime and snack. If parents should bring their children in with outside food, staff will encourage them to seat their children at a table.
Standard #:	8VAC20-780-500-A
Complaint related:	No
Description:	Based on observation, the center failed to wash children?s hands or staff hands with soap and running water after toileting. Evidence: 1. Children were observed getting a diaper change by Staff # 5. Once completed, they were sent to play. There was no handwashing for the children. 2. Staff # 5 did not wash their hands after diapering the children.
Plan of Correction:	Staff will be provided with additional training on proper toileting/ hand- washing procedures. The Center Director has posted all new signage at classroom sinks to outline protocol and classroom observations to monitor.
Standard #:	8VAC20-780-500-B
Complaint related:	No
Description:	Based on observation, the center failed to ensure the diapering area shall have a nonabsorbent surface for diapering or changing. For children younger than three years, this surface shall be a changing table, or a countertop designed for changing. Evidence: 1. A child, who had a bowl movement, was observed being changed on the tiled floor. There was no nonabsorbent surface being used. 2. Other children were observed in the classroom standing up during a diaper change. There was no diaper changing table in the classroom. Staff #3 stated the children?s ages were 2 years up to 3 years old.
Plan of Correction:	Staff will be given additional training on proper diapering procedures. Center Director has posted all new signage at diapering stations to outline protocol and will conduct classroom observation to monitor. Children requiring diaper changes will be kept in classroom that have the required surfacing for diapers.
Standard #:	8VAC20-780-560-M
Complaint related:	No
Description:	Based on observation, the center failed to ensure no child shall be allowed to drink or eat while walking around. Evidence: In the main area, 3 children were observed with go-go squeeze pouches walking around eating them. In classroom #2, a child was observed walking around drinking a bottle.
Plan of Correction:	Classrooms with children under 12 months of age will always have the required number of cribs. Staff will receive additional training on sleeping infants.