VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES

Steppin Stones Academy and Preschool Inc.
665 Newtown Road
Suites 117-121
Virginia beach, VA 23462
(757) 201-3099

Current Inspector: D'Nae Goodwin (757) 404-3063

Inspection Date: Oct. 17, 2023

Complaint Related: No

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. 8VAC20-820 THE LICENSE. 8VAC20-820 THE LICENSING PROCESS. 8VAC20-820 HEARINGS PROCEDURES. 8VAC20-770 Background Checks (8VAC20-770) 20 Access to minor?s records 22.1 Background Checks Code, Carbon Monoxide 63.2 Child Abuse & Neglect

Comments:

An unannounced renewal inspection was initiated and concluded on October 17, 2023. There were 32 children in care with eight staff and two administrators. Children present ranged in age from six months through four years old. Children and staff records were reviewed. Children were observed in teacher and self-directed activities including but not limited transitions, outside play, meals and snacks and restroom routines. Violations regarding physical plant, tuberculosis screening, playground equipment were observed, discussed with the assistant program director during the exit interview and appear on the violation notice.

Violations:

Standard #:	8VAC20-780-160-A
Description:	Based on record review and interview the center failed to ensure that each staff member submits documentation of a negative tuberculosis screening prior to coming in contact with children. Evidence: 1 - Staff #2 did not have any documentation of a negative tuberculosis screening on file. a. Staff #2 has documented date of hire as October 7, 2023. b. Staff #2 was present providing direct to children enrolled in the program. 2 - Staff #1 confirmed that there was not documentation of tuberculosis screening in the record of Staff #2.
Plan of Correction:	1. Staff #2 was a rehire and will receive her tb screening asap.
Standard #:	8VAC20-780-270-A
Description:	Based on observation and interview the center failed to ensure that areas and equipment are maintained in safe and operable condition. Evidence: 1 - On the playground there was a storage unit that is missing it's top and doors and therefore, is unstable and poses a toppling hazard. 2 - There was peeling paint throughout the center with in reach of children including but not limited to the toddler room the cafeteria and the school age room. 3 - There was a cracked plastic chair in the four year old room. Children were present being cared for this room during the inspection. 4 - In the two-year old Child #1 picked up a tiny blue bead was holding it in her hand. The bead poses a choking hazard. Staff #3 was unaware that the child had the bead until it was point out to her.
Plan of Correction:	1. The storage unit was discarded and removed from the playground. 2. The facility is being repainted. These areas will be touched up first. 3. The chair was removed and discarded during the inspection. 4. The bead was a part of an age-appropriate toy that broke. It was discarded during the visit. To prevent re-occurrence the teachers have been instructed to monitor and do a daily walk thru at the beginning and end of the day to ensure the items in the class are not hazardous to the children.
Standard #:	8VAC20-780-330-B
Description:	Based on observation the center failed to ensure that where playground equipment is provided resilient surfacing is in compliance with minimum safety standards when tested in accordance with the procedures described in the American Society for Testing and Materials. Evidence: 1 - There is climb and slide on the playground however, there is not any resilient surface under around and into the fall/use zone of the equipment. 2 - Staff #1 confirmed that there was not any resilient under and around the climb and slide equipment.
Plan of Correction:	1. The slide was removed and discarded during the visit. To prevent re-occurrence the Asst. Director will conduct a weekly facility check to ensure there are no hazards on site.
Standard #:	8VAC20-780-500-B
Description:	Based on observation the center failed to ensure that the diaper changing surface is nonabsorbent. Evidence: The diaper changing pad in the boys bathroom is torn and had a hole in the covering. Therefore, the surface was absorbent rather than nonabsorbent.
Plan of Correction:	1. . We do use butcher paper to cover the changing table however, In the future we will try to invest in a heavy duty changing pad because this pad was bought about a month ago. To prevent re-occurrence the Asst. Director will conduct a weekly facility check to ensure there are no hazards on site.