VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES

Ocean Learning Center
9266 Chelsea Avenue
Norfolk, VA 23503
(757) 588-0426

Current Inspector: Emily Walsh (757) 404-2575

Inspection Date: July 14, 2023

Complaint Related: Yes

Areas Reviewed:

8VAC20-780 Administration. . 8VAC20-780 Physical Plant. 8VAC20-780 Staffing and Supervision.

Comments:

A complaint investigation was conducted on 7/14/2023. The inspector arrived at 11:00 AM and departed at 2:00 PM .There were 28 children present with 3 staff supervising. The complaint alleged inadequate care of the children, release of children to unauthorized persons and inadequate building cleanliness. The inspector reviewed compliance in the areas of administration, physical plant and staffing and supervision, The investigation included observation and staff interviews. Although the building shows wear and tear due to the age of the building, a preponderance of evidence did not support the allegation that the facility is unclean. However, information gathered during the investigation did determine non-compliance with applicable standards or law and violations were documented on the violation notice issued to the program and discussed with the program director during the exit interview.

Violations:

Standard #:	8VAC20-780-40-E
Complaint related:	Yes
Description:	Based upon interviews, the facility has not ensured that the center's activities are maintained in compliance with the center's own policies and procedures as required by the standards. Evidence: Staff 1 stated that in late May there was an incidence where the facility's procedure for verifying that only persons authorized by the parent are allowed to pick up children at the end of the day. Staff 1 stated that a child was allowed to be picked up from the facility by a relative. Facility staff on duty did not require identification of this person, nor did the staff check to ensure that the relative was a person authorized by the parent to take the child.
Plan of Correction:	Not available online. Contact Inspector for more information.
Standard #:	8VAC20-780-340-A
Complaint related:	Yes
Description:	Based upon interviews, the facility has not ensured that when supervising children, staff shall always ensure their care and protection. Evidence: 1. Interviews revealed that on 6/7/2023, child 1, nine years old, was not given an asthma rescue inhaler treatment when she expressed to staff 2 that she was having difficulty breathing. The child was told to sit in the lobby. The parent was not contacted. 2. Staff 2, on duty with child 1 on the day of the incident, stated that she "forgot" that child 1 had an albuterol inhaler stored at the facility for emergency use and that she, staff 2, had a lot on her mind at the time.
Plan of Correction:	Not available online. Contact Inspector for more information.
Standard #:	8VAC20-780-340-I
Complaint related:	Yes
Description:	Based upon staff interviews, the facility has not ensured that staff oversee each child's departure from the center. Evidence: Staff 1 acknowledged that there was an incident in late May when a child was picked up by a relative without the required staff oversight to ensure the safety of the departing child. Staff did not verify the identification of the person picking up the child nor did staff check the child's record to ensure that the person picking up the child was authorized by the parent to pick up the child.
Plan of Correction:	Not available online. Contact Inspector for more information.