VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES

Northeast Stars Montessori
697 N. Washington Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
(703) 945-0408

Current Inspector: Mahrukh Aziz (571) 835-4718

Inspection Date: March 7, 2023

Complaint Related: No

Areas Reviewed:

8 VAC 20-780 Administration 8 VAC 20-780 Staff Qualifications and Training 8 VAC 20-780 Physical Plant 8 VAC 20-780 Staffing and Supervision 8 VAC 20-780 Programs 8 VAC 20-780 Special Care Provisions and Emergencies 8 VAC 20-780 Special Services 8 VAC 20-820 THE LICENSE 8 VAC 20-820 THE LICENSING PROCESS 8 VAC 20-770 Background Checks 20 Access to minor?s records 22.1 Background Checks Code, Carbon Monoxide 63.2 Child Abuse & Neglect

Technical Assistance:

Discussion that the posted fire inspection dated 05/06/2021 (according to Arlington County Fire & Rescue) is still sufficient. An email was sent to the center explaining that the Department was a year behind in their inspections. Discussion that both the FPC and all out-of-state background checks must be on-site prior to the staff person's first day of work.

Comments:

This monitoring inspection was initiated by licensing staff and concluded on 03/07/2023, between the hours of 9:45 am to 1 pm. There were 29 preschool-age children present with 4 staff supervising 1 large group. The inspector reviewed compliance in the areas of administration; physical plant; staffing and supervision; programming; medication; special care and emergencies; and nutrition. A total of 5 children records, 1 board officer record, and 6 staff records were reviewed. Information gathered during the inspection determined that there were (5) non-compliances with the applicable standards, code, and/or law. These violations were documented on the Violation Notice issued to the center. If you should have any questions, please call or send an email to charlie.perkins@doe.virginia.gov. Thank you. Charlie Perkins, Licensing Inspector (703) 309-3963

Violations:

Standard #:	22.1-289.035-B-2
Description:	Based on review, 2 of 6 staff files indicated that not all files contained the results of the criminal record fingerprint check (FPC), to be obtained and on file prior to reporting to the center. Evidence - 1. On the date of inspection (03/07/23), the following staff did not have documentation of a FPC available for review: Staff #4 (start date - 06/28/22), and Staff #6 (start date - 01/30/23). 2. Staff #4 was not on-site during the inspection, but has worked since their start date. Staff #6 was on-site the date of inspection.
Plan of Correction:	Fingerprint checks (FPC) will be scheduled within 10 days and confirmation will be sent to the Licensing Inspector (LI). Once findings are obtained these results will be shared with the LI. Going forward, the center will comply with not having anyone start prior to obtaining their FPC and having this finding on file within the center.
Standard #:	22.1-289.035-B-4
Description:	Based on review, 4 of 6 staff files indicated that the child day center (CDC) did not obtain a copy of the results of a sex offender registry check (SOR), and/or a search of the child abuse and neglect registry (CPS) or equivalent registry from any state in which the individual has resided in the preceding five years before reporting to the CDC. Evidence - 1. On the date of inspection (03/08/2023), the following staff were without an out-of-state CPS check for the state indicated on their completed sworn statement: Staff #3 (start date - 06/27/22), Staff #4 (start date - 06/28/22), Staff #5 (start date - 08/22/22), and Staff #6 (start date - 01/30/23). 2. On the date of inspection, the following staff were without an out-of-state SOR: Staff #4, and Staff #6. 3. Staff #3, Staff #5, and Staff #6 were observed on site during the inspection. Staff #4 was on leave, but has worked since their start date.
Plan of Correction:	It is believed that these out-of-state CPS checks have been completed and sent. A follow-up with out-of-state CPS will be conducted. New checks will be sent within 10 days and confirmation will be sent to the Licensing Inspector (LI). Once findings are either found or obtained these results will be shared with the LI. Going forward, the center will comply with not having anyone in need of an out-of-state background check (CPS, SOR, or CRC) start until all applicable findings are on file within the center.
Standard #:	8VAC20-770-60-C-2
Description:	Based on review, 3 of 6 staff files indicated that the CDC did not have a central registry finding (CPS check) within 30 days of employment. Evidence - 1. On the date of inspection (03/07/2023), the following staff were without a CPS check: Staff #3, Staff #4, and Staff #6. 2. The following were their listed start dates: Staff #3 - 06/27/2022, Staff #4 - 06/28/2022; and Staff #6 - 01/30/2023. 3. Staff #3, and Staff #6 were observed on-site on the date of inspection.
Plan of Correction:	It is believed that these CPS checks have been completed and sent. A follow-up with CPS will be conducted. New checks will be sent within 10 days and confirmation will be sent to the Licensing Inspector (LI). Once findings are either found or obtained these results will be shared with the LI.
Standard #:	8VAC20-780-60-A
Description:	Based on review, 1 of 5 children files indicated that not all of the required documentation was on file. Evidence - 1. On the date of inspection (03/07/2023), documentation of the child's proof of identification was not available for Child #3. 2. The start date for Child #3 was listed as 09/07/2022.
Plan of Correction:	The parent of Child #3 will be notified. The proof of identification will be viewed and documented.
Standard #:	8VAC20-780-240-A
Description:	Based on review, 2 of 6 staff files indicated that the Virginia Department of Education-sponsored orientation course was not completed within 90 calendar days of employment. Evidence - 1. On the date of inspection (03/07/2023), the following staff did not have a certificate of completion in their file for the Virginia Preservice Training (10 hours): Staff #4, and Staff #5. 2. Their listed start dates - Staff #4 (06/28/22), and Staff #5 (08/22/22).
Plan of Correction:	Both staff will complete their 10 hour VA Preservice training. The certificate of completion will be place in their center file.