VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES

Firefly Childcare New Dorset
2426 New Dorset Circle
Powhatan, VA 23139
(804) 822-1185

Current Inspector: Tara Barton (804) 381-8487

Inspection Date: July 18, 2023

Complaint Related: Yes

Areas Reviewed:

8VAC20-780 Administration. 8VAC20-780 Staffing and Supervision. 8VAC20-780 Programs. 8VAC20-780 Special Care Provisions and Emergencies. 8VAC20-780 Special Services.

Comments:

An announced inspection was conducted on July 18, 2023 in response to a complaint received regarding sight and sound supervision. The inspector and a representative of a local agency conducted interviews with center staff, reviewed documentation, and reviewed video footage. The evidence gathered during the inspection determined non-compliance with applicable standards or law and violations were documented on the violation notice issued to the program. Please call me if you have any questions at 804-381-8487 or e-mail tara.barton@doe.virginia.gov.

Violations:

Standard #:	8VAC20-780-40-E
Complaint related:	No
Description:	Based on interviews with staff and review of transportation policies, the facility failed to follow the center's own policies and procedures that are required by these standards. Evidence: center's field trip policy states ?During field trips, teachers will take a clipboard with a student roster supplemented by a device loaded with Brightwheel software to check students on and off the bus and maintain an accurate attendance during the trip (internet and/or wifi connection cannot be guaranteed).? On July 12, 2023, center staff did not check students on and off the bus and maintain an accurate attendance during the trip. Child A (age 5 years) was left unattended on the bus.
Plan of Correction:	1. Retrain staff for adherence to field trip policies. 2. Retrain drivers prior to bus leaving. Ongoing train any new bus drivers.
Standard #:	8VAC20-780-80-B-2
Complaint related:	No
Description:	Based on staff interviews, the facility failed to inform the department's representative as soon as practicable, but not to exceed two business days, of any injury to a child that occurs while the child is under the supervision of the center and requires outside medical attention. Evidence: Child A (age 5 years) was treated by emergency services at the water park on July 12, 2023. The center did not report the outside medical attention to department?s representative.
Plan of Correction:	We have now included this in our training.
Standard #:	8VAC20-780-340-A
Complaint related:	No
Description:	Based on staff interviews and review of video, the facility failed to ensure that when staff are supervising children, they always ensure their care, protection, and guidance. Evidence: On July 12, 2023, Staff 1 transported a group of children from the center to a waterpark, arriving at approximately 1:29 p.m. At approximately 1:48 p.m., Child A (age 5 years) is seen on video footage being escorted by a water park attendee to water park management. The child stated she had been left on the bus. The weather was approximately 92 degrees during this time. Two water park attendees stated they saw the child alone in the lower parking lot and lifted the fence to let the child into the waterpark.
Plan of Correction:	We have lowered staff to child ratio.
Standard #:	8VAC20-780-340-F
Complaint related:	No
Description:	Based on staff interviews and review of video, the facility failed to ensure children under 10 years of age always shall be within actual sight and sound supervision. Evidence: On July 12, 2023, Staff 1 transported a group of children from the center to a waterpark, arriving at approximately 1:29 p.m. Staff 1 did not check the bus to ensure all children were off the bus. Center staff did not realize that the child was missing until a passerby brought Child A (age 5 years) to water park management at approximately 1:48 p.m. The child stated she had been left on the bus. Two water park attendees stated they saw the child alone in the lower parking lot and lifted the fence to let the child into the waterpark.
Plan of Correction:	Using the new field trip form, staff calls the names of each child every time the location is changed. 1. on bus 2. off bus 3. line up all children and call names 4. call names in new location 5. call names to leave location 6. call names onto bus 7. call names off of bus at Firefly.
Standard #:	8VAC20-780-580-C
Complaint related:	No
Description:	Based on staff interviews, the center failed to ensure that during the transportation of children a list of the names of the children being transported is in the transportation vehicle. Evidence: on July 12, 2023, the facility failed to have a list of the names of the children being transported on each vehicle. Center staff stated that one master attendance sheet is used, but each bus does not have an individual list of children being transported.
Plan of Correction:	1. Each driver is given a list of names on a clipboard that are riding their bus. 2. The sheet has several columns to ensure departure and arrival as the children move from one location to another during a field trip.
Standard #:	8VAC20-780-580-K
Complaint related:	No
Description:	Based on staff interviews and documentation review, the facility failed to ensure staff shall verify that all children had been removed from vehicles at the conclusion of any trip. Evidence: On July 12, 2023, Staff #1 did not walk the length of the bus to check that the center's vehicle was empty after arriving at the water park. Child 1 (age 5 years) was left on the bus asleep. Child 1 was unsupervised from approximately 1:29 p.m. and 1:48 p.m. on July 12, 2023.
Plan of Correction:	1. Verify by calling each child's name when getting on and off the vehicle. 2. Walking to the back of the bus after off loading children.