VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES

La Petite Academy - Leesburg
6 Cardinal Park Dr. SE
Leesburg, VA 20175
(571) 977-4542

Current Inspector: Keesha Minor (571) 596-3660

Inspection Date: March 22, 2023

Complaint Related: Yes

Areas Reviewed:

8VAC20-780 Physical Plant. 8VAC20-780 Staffing and Supervision. 8VAC20-780 Programs. 8VAC20-780 Special Care Provisions and Emergencies

Technical Assistance:

A discussion was held with the center Director regarding the following topics: 1. Standard 780-440-B: Cribs, cots, rest mats, and beds shall be identified for use by a specific child. 2. Standard 780-310-G: A separate space shall be designated for children who are ill or injured. 3. Standard 780-490-B: If a child needs to be excluded according to subsection A of this section, the following shall apply: 1. Arrangements shall be made for the child to leave the center as soon as possible after the signs or symptoms are noticed; and 2. The child shall remain in the designated quiet area until leaving the center. 4. Standard 780-350-Q: With a parent's written permission and a written assessment by the program director and program leader, a center may choose to assign a child to a different age group if such age group is more appropriate for the child's developmental level and the staff-to-children ratio and group size shall be for the established age group. 5. Code of VA 22.1-289.018. Inspections and Interviews. The authority of representatives of the Department of Education to inspect all aspects of facility operations, to interview agents and employees, and to conduct announced and unannounced inspections. 6. Code of VA 22.1-289.027. Offenses; penalty. It is a Class 1 misdemeanor for any person to interfere with an authorized agent of the Superintendent in the discharge of his duties, or to knowingly make false or untrue reports with respect to the operation of the facility.

Comments:

An unannounced complaint inspection was conducted on 3/22/2023 from 8:45am to 1:30pm. The complainant reported concerns regarding special care provisions and emergencies. Staff interviews, documentation review, and observation of all classrooms were made. The preponderance of evidence does not support a valid finding regarding standards related to special care provisions and emergencies; however, during this complaint investigation other violations were found that were not part of the allegations. If you have any questions regarding this inspection, please contact Maria Soto at 571-835-5058 or maria.soto@doe.virginia.gov

Violations:

Standard #:	8VAC20-780-350-B-1
Complaint related:	No
Description:	Based on review of attendance documentation and interview, the center did not maintain a 1 :4 ratio in the Infant classroom. Evidence: On 2/7/2023 from approximately 8:23am to 8:30am, one staff was alone with 6 infants in the Infant classroom.
Plan of Correction:	Upon further fact finding with the use of other attendance records onsite. It was founded that classrooms were not left out of ratio. However, staff failed to log their presence into the Face to Name sheet correctly. Retraining on record keeping and face to name sheets were completed with all staff members.
Standard #:	8VAC20-780-350-B-3
Complaint related:	No
Description:	Based on review of attendance documentation and interview, the center did not maintain a 1:8 ratio in the Twos classroom. Evidence: 1.On 2/1/2023 from approximately 8:50am to 9:00am, one staff was alone with 9 children in the Twos classroom. 2.On 2/2/2023 from approximately 8:45am to 9:00am, one staff was alone with 9 children in the Twos classroom.
Plan of Correction:	Upon further fact finding with the use of other attendance records onsite. It was founded that classrooms were not left out of ratio. However, staff failed to log their presence into the Face to Name sheet correctly. Retraining on record keeping and face to name sheets were completed with all staff members.
Standard #:	8VAC20-780-350-C
Complaint related:	No
Description:	Based on review of attendance documentation and interview, the center did not maintain the required ratio in the Toddler classroom. Evidence: 1.On 2/10/2023 from approximately 8:10am to 9:00am, one staff was alone with 6 children in the Toddler classroom. Child #3 (11 months), Child #7 (15 months) and Child #8 (15 months) were under 16 months of age, which required the group to go by the 1:4 ratio for infants to 16 months old. 2.On 2/22/2023 from approximately 8:20am to 9:00am, one staff was alone with 7 children in the Toddler classroom. Child #2 (9 months), Child #3 (10 months), Child #4 (10 months) and Child #6 (15 months) were under 16 months of age, which required the group to go by the 1:4 ratio for infants to 16 months old. 3.On 2/24/2023 from approximately 8:05am to 9:00am, one staff was alone with 6 children in the Toddler classroom. Child #2 (9 months), Child #3 (10 months), and Child #7 (14 months) were under 16 months of age, which required the group to go by the 1:4 ratio for infants to 16 months old.
Plan of Correction:	Upon further fact finding with the use of other attendance records onsite. It was founded that classrooms were not left out of ratio. However, staff failed to log their presence into the Face to Name sheet correctly. Retraining on record keeping and face to name sheets were completed with all staff members.
Standard #:	8VAC20-780-440-G
Complaint related:	No
Description:	Based on observation and interview the center did not ensure that cribs are used for children under 12 months of age and for children over 12 months of age who are not developmentally ready to sleep on a cot or mat. Evidence: 1. In the Toddler classroom, Child #1 (10 months) and Child #2 (10 months) do not have cribs in the classroom. 2. Staff confirmed that both children sleep on mats.
Plan of Correction:	During the exit interview with inspector, it was agreed that there was in fact 2 crib in the Toddler classrooms. During exit interview it was discussed that, child #1 does not sleep at the center and does not require a crib. Child #2 has a signed request by the parent for them not to be placed in crib as they have transitioned to a Montessori toddler bed at home and does not regression.