VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES

The Kensington School Two, LLC
115 Norge Lane
Suite B
Williamsburg, VA 23188
(757) 808-6756

Current Inspector: Tiffany Jones (757) 403-3045

Inspection Date: Feb. 21, 2023

Complaint Related: Yes

Areas Reviewed:

8VAC20-780 ADMINISTRATION. 8VAC20-780 STAFF QUALIFICATIONS AND TRAINING. 8VAC20-780 Physical plant. 8VAC20-780 STAFFING AND SUPERVISION. 8VAC20-780 PROGRAMS. 8VAC20-770 Background Checks 8VAC20-820 THE LICENSE. 22.1 Background Checks Code; carbon monoxide detectors

Comments:

An unannounced complaint inspection was initiated by the inspector on February 21, 2023 and completed on June 26, 2023 regarding concerns of programs. During the inspection the following were completed: interviews with staff, a review of records/documentation, observation of the classroom in which the incident occurred, and a review of video footage of the incident. Additionally, there were staff and collateral interviews conducted by a local agency representative and the inspector, and a review of pertinent documentation during the investigative process. The preponderance of the evidence gathered during the investigation does support the allegation related to programs; therefore, the complaint is determined to be valid. 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 regarding this inspection please contact the inspector, Tiffany Jones at 757-403-3045.

Violations:

Standard #:	8VAC20-780-400-A
Complaint related:	No
Description:	Based on video footage, and interviews, the center did not ensure that behavioral guidance shall be constructive in nature, age and stage appropriate, and shall be intended to redirect children to appropriate behavior and resolve conflicts. Evidence: 1. Staff #1 was observed on video footage, in two separate incidents on February 15, 2023, using physical methods considered to be forbidden actions, to manage the behavior of Child #1 transitioning from lunch and then again during naptime. 2. Staff #1?s interactions with Child #1 were not constructive in nature and was not intended to redirect the child to appropriate behavior. 3.Interviews with Staff #1, Staff #2, Staff #3, and Staff #4 confirmed the actions displayed by Staff #1 towards Child #1 on February 15, 2023 in Classroom 12 as reviewed on videos.
Plan of Correction:	The teacher involved in the complaint at The Kensington School, Two LLC. was terminated on 2/27/2023. The Kensington School has cameras in all common areas, classrooms and outside. The Kensington School provided camera footage to VDOE as well as the family involved in the complaint. During orientation and training all employees receive a copy of our discipline policy. Page 15 of the Employee Handbook states... All Kensington School staff members are required to follow the discipline policies set forth by The Kensington School. Listed below are the disciplinary guidelines that are to be maintained within The Kensington School. Always keep in mind that our objective is to provide quality education and in a caring and nurturing environment. ? Discipline should be constructive and help the child to learn rather than force him/her to conform to adult standards ? The child?s age, intelligence, emotional and past experiences should be considered when the need for discipline arises. ? Establish clear and simple rules that are age appropriate for the children in your classroom. Children must know what is expected of them. ? Use positive statements regarding the children?s behavior. ? Enforce rules and limits consistently. Realize that your children will often ?forget? to follow classroom rules. ? Consequences should fit the situation and should be fair, age appropriate and non-punitive. ? No corporal/physical punishment will be allowed. ? Do not associate food, naps or bathroom procedures with punishment. ? A kind, understanding firm voice should be used. No yelling. ? Punishment shall not be humiliating, shaming, or frightening to a child. ? Verbal abuse, threats or derogatory remarks about a child?s family are not permitted. ? Children will not be singled out from their peers or group activities as a form of punishment. ? A ?cool down? period in which the child is to think about the unacceptable behavior is usually the most proper and effective method of discipline. The period of time will vary according to the age of the child and the reason for the discipline but should never exceed three minutes. At the end of this ?cool down? the teacher should talk to the child about their feelings, emotions, and positive choices in the future. A ?cool down? area should be a comfy area the child can safely calm down or quietly reflect. ? When behavior is uncontrollable and disruptive and/or harmful to children, administration will notify the parents. All employees were reminded of Disciplinary Policy.
Standard #:	8VAC20-780-410-1
Complaint related:	No
Description:	Based on interviews and review of video footage, the center did not ensure actions or threats thereof are forbidden. 1. Video footage was reviewed of incidents that occurred on February 15, 2023, in classroom 12, of forbidden interactions of Staff #1 with Child #1. 2. There was an observation of Child #1 standing between the refrigerator and the wall swinging the refrigerator door back and forth. Staff #1 stood up, walked in the direction of Child #1, and proceeded to grab Child #1 by their torso lifting the child up off the ground. Staff #1 and Child #1 were facing each other, and the child?s legs were off the floor. 3. Staff #1 roughly grabbed Child# 1 by one forearm and walked the child across the back of the room seating the child forcefully into a chair in front of her and readjusted the child?s position multiple times by grabbing the child?s arms and legs. There were also observations of Staff #1 forcefully moving Child #1?s hand off her leg multiple times. 4. Interview with Staff #1 confirmed on February 15, 2023, there was an incident in Classroom 12 involving Child #1 at lunch after putting the lunch bags in the refrigerator. Child #1 remained standing between the wall and the refrigerator moving the door back and forth. Staff #1 stated ?I went over and moved him.? When asked to describe how Child #1 was moved, Staff#1 stated, ?I grabbed Child #1 by the arm.? 5. Interview with Staff #2 confirmed being present in classroom 12 during the incident on February 15, 2023. Staff #2 stated Staff #1 handled the situation with Child #1. Staff #2 reported Staff #1?s method of grabbing Child #1 by the arm was ?more aggressive?. 6. There was a review of video footage of a separate incident at naptime on February 15, 2023, in which Child #1 was observed walking around between tables. Child #1 was at one end of a rectangular table and Staff #1 was at the opposite end of the table. Staff #1 grabbed Child #1 by one arm and roughly pulled Child #1 across the top of the table towards the staff member.
Plan of Correction:	The teacher involved in the complaint at The Kensington School, Two LLC. was terminated on 2/27/2023. The Kensington School has cameras in all common areas, classrooms and outside. The Kensington School provided camera footage to VDOE as well as the family involved in the complaint. During orientation and training all employees receive a copy of our discipline policy. Page 15 of the Employee Handbook states... All Kensington School staff members are required to follow the discipline policies set forth by The Kensington School. Listed below are the disciplinary guidelines that are to be maintained within The Kensington School. Always keep in mind that our objective is to provide quality education and in a caring and nurturing environment. ? Discipline should be constructive and help the child to learn rather than force him/her to conform to adult standards ? The child?s age, intelligence, emotional and past experiences should be considered when the need for discipline arises. ? Establish clear and simple rules that are age appropriate for the children in your classroom. Children must know what is expected of them. ? Use positive statements regarding the children?s behavior. ? Enforce rules and limits consistently. Realize that your children will often ?forget? to follow classroom rules. ? Consequences should fit the situation and should be fair, age appropriate and non-punitive. ? No corporal/physical punishment will be allowed. ? Do not associate food, naps or bathroom procedures with punishment. ? A kind, understanding firm voice should be used. No yelling. ? Punishment shall not be humiliating, shaming, or frightening to a child. ? Verbal abuse, threats or derogatory remarks about a child?s family are not permitted. ? Children will not be singled out from their peers or group activities as a form of punishment. ? A ?cool down? period in which the child is to think about the unacceptable behavior is usually the most proper and effective method of discipline. The period of time will vary according to the age of the child and the reason for the discipline but should never exceed three minutes. At the end of this ?cool down? the teacher should talk to the child about their feelings, emotions, and positive choices in the future. A ?cool down? area should be a comfy area the child can safely calm down or quietly reflect. ? When behavior is uncontrollable and disruptive and/or harmful to children, administration will notify the parents. All employees were reminded of Disciplinary Policy.