VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES

Columbia Baptist Child Development Center
103 West Columbia Street
Falls church, VA 22046
(703) 534-5739

Current Inspector: Keesha Minor (571) 596-3660

Inspection Date: Sept. 8, 2023

Complaint Related: Yes

Areas Reviewed:

8VAC20-780 Administration. 8VAC20-780 Staffing and Supervision. 8VAC20-770 Background Checks (8VAC20-770) 20 Access to minor?s records 63.2 Child Abuse & Neglect

Comments:

A complaint allegation regarding behavior guidance was received by the Fairfax Area Licensing office on 09/07/2023. An investigation was initiated on 09/08/2023, with another local agency. Based on interviews with staff there was a preponderance of evidence to support the allegation; therefore, the complaint is valid. Information gathered during the inspection determined non-compliance with an applicable standard and the violation was documented and issued to the program. If you have any questions about this inspection, please contact the inspector at Ariel.Hayes@doe.virginia.gov or 804-629-7124.

Violations:

Standard #:	8VAC20-780-400-B
Complaint related:	Yes
Description:	AMENDED Based on interviews with staff, the center did not ensure behavioral Guidance was constructive in nature, and age and stage appropriate. Evidence: 1. It was stated by Staff A that ?they put the backpack with weight on child #1 to calm the body. They could not redirect the child and the child just liked to go.?
Plan of Correction:	The Center ensures the use of behavioral guidance that is constructive, and age and stage-appropriate. Implementing non-invasive, non-punitive sensory-based strategies that are research and practice-based offers teachers up-to-date ways to support positive behavior in children that is conductive to learning. The Center is committed to continuing its efforts to stay up-to-date and implement research and practice-based strategies to support children's learning and development. In this case, using age-appropriate lightweight, was consistent with the training provided to the teacher by licensed occupational therapists (Training dates: 08/22/22, 08/21/23, and 04/12/2024). Research shows that this kind of input has a calming and organizing effect on the body. Therefore, occupational therapists recommend the use of weight, as well as pressure on the muscles and joints, to provide this kind of input. The licensing inspector and the parents involved in this matter were unfamiliar with the benefits of using sensory-based strategies in the classroom. The Center will expand its efforts to educate parents whose children attend the Center about the aforementioned strategies and associated benefits to, (a) afford parents the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the positive behavior guidance strategies used in the Center, (b) give them the space to talk with Center staff about any potential concern or misconception, and (c) avoid the misconceptions that led to the complaint. The school year 2024-2025 Parent Handbook, which was distributed in February 2024 to all returning and new families, includes a section education parents on the kinds and benefits of sensory-based strategies commonly used in our center. This information will be made available to non-returning families by May 2024. The center will continue its robust effort to use up-to-date behavioral guidance that is constructive, and age and stage-appropriate. This includes continuing to offer specialized training to teachers on sensory-based strategies, and other topics.