VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES

North Branch School
221 Mickens Road
Afton, VA 22920
(540) 456-8450

Current Inspector: Kelly Campbell (540) 309-2494

Inspection Date: Oct. 12, 2023

Complaint Related: No

Areas Reviewed:

8VAC20-780 Administration. 20 Access to minor?s records 8VAC20-780 Staff Qualifications and Training. 22.1 Early Childhood Care and Education 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

Comments:

An unannounced on-site renewal inspection was conducted on 10/12/2023. There were 12 children, ages 3 years-5 years, and 3 staff members present during the inspection. The inspector observed the following: free choice activities outside, large motor play outside, and snack. A total of 5 children?s records and 5 staff records, were reviewed. The inspector discussed the following with staff: attendance requirements, playground safety. The inspector arrived at 9:12 AM and departed at 11:30 AM. The inspection was amended on 11/14/2023 for corrections of standard numbers in the violation notice and supplemental form and the addition of language to repeat and systemic violations. Kelly Campbell Licensing Inspector Office of Child Care Health and Safety Division of Early Childhood Care and Education Phone# 540-309-2494 Kelly.campbell@doe.virginia.gov

Violations:

Standard #:	22.1-289-036-B-4
Description:	Based on record review of two corporate officers, the center failed to ensure that required background checks are repeated every 5 years per the Code of Virginia. Evidence: 1.Staff # 4 had a sworn statement date of 10/17/2017. The sworn statement was not updated after 5 years.
Plan of Correction:	The board officer will complete the sworn statement ASAP.
Standard #:	8VAC20-780-140-A
Description:	Based on record review and interviews, the center failed to ensure that each child shall have a physical examination by or under the direction of a physician before the child?s attendance or within 30 days after the first day of attendance. Evidence: 1. The record for Child # 2 contained documentation that the first date of attendance was 08/31/2023. There was no physical exam in child # 2 record.
Plan of Correction:	The Administration will have the parent to bring in a physical exam ASAP. All records will be reviewed.
Standard #:	8VAC20-780-280-B
Description:	Based on observation, the center failed to ensure that all chemicals were locked using a safe locking method that prevents access by children. Evidence: 1.In the kitchen area sitting on the floor was a can of FlexFuel that was accessible. The door between the kitchen and preschool classroom is unlocked.
Plan of Correction:	The Flexfuel will be removed ASAP and will remind staff.
Standard #:	8VAC20-780-340-F
Description:	Based on observation, the center failed to ensure that all children under the age of 10 years was within actual sight and sound supervision of staff. Evidence: According to the attendance at 9:13 AM there were 12 children in care with three staff members. Children # 1 and 2 could not be located on the playground which is surrounded by woods. Staff # 3 was looking for the two missing children. At approximately 9:17 the two missing children were found hiding in the woods. The two children were observed to be out of sight and sound supervision for approximately four minutes.
Plan of Correction:	North Branch Preschool?s correction plan now in place to address and resolve the sight and sound supervision violation 8VAC20-780-(5)-340-F from October 12, 2023 is as follows: NBS Preschool playground area has been reconfigured to eliminate the wooded area behind the swings where children are able to crouch out of sight. This area has been roped off with invisible yellow rope, and is now off limits from the rest of the playground. Students have been shown and instructed about the changes, new rules are in place, enforced and monitored.