VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES

Vinci School Arlington
3508 Langston Blvd
Arlington, VA 22207
(571) 278-1439

Current Inspector: Ann Dramstad (703) 314-0860

Inspection Date: Aug. 23, 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. 8VAC20-780 Special Care Provisions and Emergencies 8VAC20-780 Special Services. 8VAC20-770 Background Checks (8VAC20-770) 22.1 Background Checks Code, Carbon Monoxide

Technical Assistance:

Consultation was given on the need for additional staff to be available during rest time to meet the ratios once children start waking up or do not go to sleep, creating a schedule of the day for infants that is flexible and allows for outside time, rest time and general infant care. The current posted schedule is for Toddlers. Infants should get outside in the stroller as weather permits, In addition, the center must ensure that repeat violations are corrected. An Intensive Plan of Correction (IPOC) will be required by State Licensing. The IPOC will need to address how ratios will be maintained at all times of operation and all staff meet licensing qualifications for their job responsibilities. The additional paperwork will be sent in a separate document to the facility.

Comments:

An unannounced complaint investigation was conducted jointly with the local Child Care Office. The allegations included care of children, nutrition, daily activities and staff qualifications. Interviews with staff, observation of meal time and prep, physical space, schedules of the day and infant care were all reviewed to investigate the allegations. Based on the preponderance of evidence, the complaint was valid. 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. Feel free to contact me if you need any assistance. Ann Dramstad, Children?s Inspector Office of Child Care Health and Safety Division of School Readiness 703-314-0860 ann.dramstad@doe.virginia.gov

Violations:

Standard #:	8VAC20-780-40-E
Complaint related:	Yes
Description:	Based on observation and a review of the center policy, a staff member failed to follow the center's cell phone use policy while supervising children. Evidence: 1. The center policy states "Personal cell phone use is strictly forbidden while on duty (supervising children)" 2. Observed a staff member in the Jr. Toddler classroom on their phone while supervising the group of toddlers at the smart board.
Plan of Correction:	The staff member was written up and re-trained on when it is appropriate to use a cell phone (only during nap time).
Standard #:	8VAC20-780-180-B
Complaint related:	Yes
Description:	Based on observation and staff statements, a staff member who works directly with children is unable to communicate with emergency personnel. Evidence: Staff #1 speaks very limited English. When interviewed, the staff member confirmed that they would be unable to communicate with #911 in English.
Plan of Correction:	This staff member is used as a floater only and is not left alone with children without an English speaking staff member.
Standard #:	8VAC20-780-210-A-3-b
Complaint related:	No
Description:	Based on staff record review and interviews, 3 out of 5 staff do not meet program leader qualifications. Evidence: 1. Staff #2 and #3 are in the process of obtaining their CDA but have not completed the credentialing program. They have taken courses but have not submitted the required portfolio or been observed to receive the credential. 2. Staff #4 has not taken the necessary coursework, submitted the portfolio or been observed to earn their CDA.
Plan of Correction:	2 new staff members were hired with lead qualifications.
Standard #:	8VAC20-780-280-B
Complaint related:	No
Description:	Based on observation, a hazardous substance was not kept in a locked place that prevents access by children. Evidence: Observed a large red bottle of carpet cleaner in the gross motor class space on the counter.
Plan of Correction:	All cleaners were placed in a locked cabinet.
Standard #:	8VAC20-780-350-B-3
Complaint related:	No
Description:	Based on observation, the center exceeded the ratio in the Sr. Toddler classroom Evidence: Repeat Violation A 1:8 ratio was exceeded by 3 children when a staff member left the classroom for approximately 2 minutes during the inspection. (11:28-11:30)
Plan of Correction:	Staff member was written up and re-trained on when its appropriate to leave the classroom and to always acquire coverage before leaving the room.
Standard #:	8VAC20-780-350-I
Complaint related:	No
Description:	Based on observation, the staff to child ratio was not met during rest time in the Sr/Jr CASA classroom when more than 1/2 the children were awake. Evidence: There were eleven of the thirteen children awake in the classroom with 1 staff member. This exceeds the ratio of 1:10. In addition, an additional staff member was not available to offer immediate assistance as stated by center staff administration.
Plan of Correction:	Although all children were laying on their cots quietly, an additional teacher has been added in order to allow 2 people in the room during nap time.
Standard #:	8VAC20-780-520-C
Complaint related:	No
Description:	Based on observation, the center failed to meet requirements for accepting diaper ointment. Evidence: 1. A sample of diaper ointments in the Senior Toddler classroom found 6 ointments unlabeled. 2. Diaper ointments in the Senior Toddler classroom were accessible to children in a low shelf by the diaper changing table.
Plan of Correction:	New locks have been purchased for diaper creams. Staff has been trained to check creams to ensure names have not been rubbed off after multiple uses.
Standard #:	8VAC20-780-560-F
Complaint related:	Yes
Description:	Based on staff statements, children are not allowed second helpings of food. Evidence: Multiple staff confirmed that there are times when a child request seconds and no food is available to allow an additional helping. On most days this occurs when its' a "Dr. Dan" meal such as pizza. Based on observation, the center offered food to children that was a potential choking hazard. Evidence: On 8/23/2023, whole cherry tomatoes were offered to both the Jr and Senior Toddler classrooms and were not cut in half lengthwise to prevent a choking hazard.
Plan of Correction:	A larger potion of food has been purchased; more than the amount of enrolled students for lunch. Also, Jr. and Sr. Toddler veggies are being cut in half.
Standard #:	8VAC20-780-560-L
Complaint related:	No
Description:	Based on observation, staff did not sit with children during meal time. Evidence: Observed both staff in the Sr. Toddler class room not sitting with the 2 tables of children during lunch time.
Plan of Correction:	Staff have been retrained to always sit with children during lunch or meal times.