VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES

Great Beginnings Early Learning Center
618 N. Washington Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
(703) 520-9966

Current Inspector: Alyssa Simons (571) 423-6392

Inspection Date: Oct. 23, 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. 8VAC20-770 Background Checks (8VAC20-770) 20 Access to minor?s records 22.1 Background Checks Code, Carbon Monoxide 63.2 Child Abuse & Neglect

Technical Assistance:

Discussed with the provider: inspection report posting requirement, consistency of care, environmental health inspection requirement The next anticipated inspection will be the provider's renewal inspection. Provider was reminded to submit all renewal paperwork to the licensing office via the online portal 45 days prior to the expiration of the license. The new renewal application form can be found on the VDOE website, as well as the link to the online portal.

Comments:

An unannounced Monitoring Inspection took place on October 23, 2023 between the hours of approximately 10:35 a.m. and 1:20 p.m. There were 5 classrooms observed with a total of 26 children with 7 staff within the supervision guidelines. The children were observed preparing for lunch, tracing the letter "E", napping, and reading and other organized activities. Positive interaction between staff and children were observed. A complete inspection of the physical plant, children and staff records, and fire drill log was conducted during this inspection. 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. If you have any questions, please e-mail me at tameika.king@doe.virginia.gov. Thank you for your cooperation during the inspection.

Violations:

Standard #:	8VAC20-780-60-A
Description:	Based on record review, the center failed to obtain all information for children?s records. Evidence: Child #4?s record did not contain a name, address and phone number of two designated people to call in an emergency.
Plan of Correction:	Our online forms are being reformatted to add this information and we will ensure that all parents complete the new forms and provide the required information as soon as the reformatting is done.
Standard #:	8VAC20-780-210-A
Description:	Based on record review, the center failed to ensure that all program leaders met the qualifications: Evidence: 1. Staff #1 stated that Staff #3, Staff #4 and Staff #5 were lead teachers. 2. Staff #3, Staff #4 and Staff #5 did not meet program leader qualifications.
Plan of Correction:	We will organize our staffing alignment to ensure that each class group has a Lead Qualified Staff Member present during the required periods.
Standard #:	8VAC20-780-260-B
Description:	Based on record review and staff interview, the center failed to obtain annual approval from the health department for meeting requirements for water supply and sewage disposal system. Evidence: The center did not obtain approval from the health department for meeting requirements for water supply and sewage disposal system.
Plan of Correction:	Water Supply & Sewage disposal in our facility are provided and managed by the City of Alexandria. A call has been placed to the Division of Environmental health who will schedule a "courtesy inspection" since our program utilizes a licensed caterer, does not have an on -site kitchen, and is as such not subject to a health permit
Standard #:	8VAC20-780-270-A
Description:	REPEAT VIOLATION Based on observation, areas inside were not maintained in a safe and clean condition. Evidence: Mouse droppings were observed on the floor in the Penguins classroom.
Plan of Correction:	We will ensure that all shelving & furniture are pulled away from the walls to allow for proper access, cleaning, and sanitizing by the new Commercial cleaning crew that tends to all our classrooms daily.
Standard #:	8VAC20-780-340-D
Description:	Based on observation and record review, the center failed to ensure that each grouping of children had at least one staff member who meets the qualifications of a program leader. Evidence: 1. Staff #2 was observed working alone in the Cubs classroom. Staff #2 stated that Staff #7 is the lead teacher in the Cubs classroom, but was absent. Staff #2 and Staff #7 are not lead qualified. 2. Staff# 4 was observed working alone in the Penguins classroom and is the Lead teacher of the room. Staff #4 is not lead qualified. 3. Staff #5 and Staff #12 were observed in the Lambs 2 classroom. Staff #5 is the Lead teacher of the room. Staff #5 and Staff #12 are not lead qualified. 4. Staff #11 and Staff#13 were observed working in the Lambs 1 classroom. Staff #11 is the Lead teacher of the room. Staff #11 and Staff #13 are not lead qualified.
Plan of Correction:	We will reorganize our staffing alignment to ensure that each class group has a Lead Qualified Staff Member present during the required periods
Standard #:	8VAC20-780-500-A
Description:	Based on observation, the center failed to ensure that children?s and staff hands were washed with soap and running water after a diaper change. Evidence: 1. Staff #13 was observed changing Child #6?s diaper. 2. Child #6?s hands were not washed after the diaper change. 3. Staff #13 was observed using hand sanitizer after the diaper change.
Plan of Correction:	Staff will be retrained and reminded not use hand sanitizer as an alternative to soap and water, as well as to wash the infants' hands after each change
Standard #:	8VAC20-780-520-A
Description:	Based on observation, the center kept over-the-counter skin products beyond the expiration date of the product. Evidence: 1. A healing ointment located in the Ducks classroom expired September 2023. 2. A diaper rash cream located in the Ducks classroom expired May 2023.
Plan of Correction:	All topical applications are provided by each parent for the use of their child. The specific ointment and cream in question have been returned to the parents who provided them and we have asked that they provide a fresh supply.
Standard #:	8VAC20-780-520-C
Description:	Based on observation, the center failed to meet all requirements when diaper ointment was used. Evidence: A diaper ointment belonging to Child #1 was not labeled with the child?s name.
Plan of Correction:	We will post a reminder in the newsletter to ensure that parents label all topical ointments that they provide for their children. We will also make sure the teachers check for and label new supplies as they come in.