VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES

The Gingerbread Cottage Preschool, Inc. - Mechanicsville
8116 Walnut Grove Road
Mechanicsville, VA 23111
(804) 569-6110

Current Inspector: Jennifer Moore (540) 430-0384

Inspection Date: May 9, 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 22.1 Early Childhood Care and Education 63.2 Child Abuse & Neglect

Comments:

A monitoring inspection was conducted on 5/9/2023 with the licensing inspector on site from approximately 9:00 am to 12:15 pm. The center director and center staff were available throughout the inspection to answer any questions. There were 30 children present with 4 staff supervising. The inspectors reviewed compliance in the areas of administration, physical plant, staffing and supervision, programming, medication, special care and emergencies and nutrition. The center is equipped with toys, supplies and items were available to children. Medication is administered when required and medication and medication authorizations were reviewed. During the inspection, the children and staff were observed participating in a variety of activities to include outdoor play. Interviews were conducted with staff and areas of the facility were inspected to include all classrooms, bathrooms and the playground areas. A total of 4 child records and4 staff records were reviewed. Information gathered during the inspection determined non-compliance with applicable standards or law and violations were documented on the violation notice issued to the program. If you have any questions about this inspection, please contact the Licensing Inspector at 804-929-3771.

Violations:

Standard #:	8VAC20-780-40-K
Description:	Based on record review, the center did not ensure to develop written procedures for prevention of shaken baby syndrome or abusive head trauma, including coping with crying babies, safe sleeping practices, and sudden infant death syndrome awareness. Evidence: The center did not have a developed procedure for prevention of abusive head trauma.
Plan of Correction:	Although we only enroll children ages 3 to 5 years old and do not have any infants in our care, we will add an abusive head trauma procedure to our staff handbook.
Standard #:	8VAC20-780-550-B
Description:	Based on record review, the center did not ensure that the emergency preparedness plan contained all of the required procedural components. Evidence: The emergency preparedness plan did not contain the following: 1. Evacuation Procedures: a. Accommodations or special requirements for children with special needs. b. Reunification of children with parent or authorized person. 2. Shelter-In-Place Procedures: a. Accommodations or special requirements for children with special needs. b. Reunification of children with parent or authorized person. c. Communication with parents. d. Securing essential documents. e. Methods to ensure any supplies to meet healthcare needs are taken to the assembly point. 3. Lockdown Procedures: a. Methods to account for children at a safe location. b. Reunification of children with parent or authorized person. c. Method of communication with parents and emergency responders. 4. Continuity of operations to ensure essential functions are maintained in an emergency. 5. Staff training requirement, drill frequency and plan review and update.
Plan of Correction:	We will review and update our already detailed and comprehensive emergency preparedness plan over the summer while we are closed. In accordance with Standard 245, all staff are already certified in CPR/First Aid. In accordance with Standard 550, all required emergency drills are already carried out and documented on a prescribed basis. All necessary procedures (including the staff training requirement) will be clearly stated in our revised emergency preparedness plan.