VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES

Building Blocks Preschool and Childcare Center
844 Jerome Avenue
Norfolk, VA 23518
(757) 583-6389

Current Inspector: Heather Harrell (757) 334-4329

Inspection Date: Dec. 5, 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. 8VAC20-770 Background Checks (8VAC20-770) 20 Access to minor's records 22.1 Background Checks Code, Carbon Monoxide 63.2 Child Abuse & Neglect

Comments:

A monitoring inspection was conducted on 12/5/23 from 11:00am until 2:30pm. At the time of the inspection, there were 82 children in care with 19 staff present. A sample of 9 children's records and 8 staff records were reviewed. Children were observed participating in learning activities and arts and crafts projects, eating lunch and resting quietly during nap time. Lunch service, infant feeding and restroom and handwashing procedures were also observed. First aid and emergency supplies, the emergency preparedness plan, children's injury reports, medication, documentation of emergency practice drills and required center postings were reviewed. Information gathered during the inspection determined non-compliance with applicable standards or law. Violations were documented on the violation notice issued to the program and discussed with the center director during the exit interview.

Violations:

Standard #:	22.1-289.035-B-4
Description:	Based on record review and interview, it was determined that the center did not ensure that a copy of the results of a search of the child abuse and neglect registry is obtained from any state in which the individual has resided in the preceding five years. Evidence: 1. Staff 1 has a hire date of 1/18/23. Staff 1 indicated on her sworn statement or affirmation that she has resided in Maryland within the past five years. The results of a search of the Maryland child abuse and neglect registry were not available for staff 1. 2. The center director confirmed that the out-of-state search of the child abuse and neglect registry was not completed for staff 1.
Plan of Correction:	The center responded with the following: The out-of-state central registry search for staff 1 will be completed. Once received, the results will be placed in the staff record and forwarded to the licensing inspector. Going forward, management will ensure that all background checks are completed within the required time frames.
Standard #:	8VAC20-780-70
Description:	Based on record review and interview, the center did not ensure that staff records contain all the required information. Evidence: 1. The record for staff 1 (date of hire: 1/18/23) contains documentation that only one reference as to character and reputation as well as competency were checked before employment, where two are required. 2. The center director confirmed that only one reference check was completed for staff 1.
Plan of Correction:	The center responded with the following: The second reference check for staff 1 was obtained and was placed in staff 1's record.
Standard #:	8VAC20-780-330-B
Description:	Based on playground observation and measurement, it was determined that the center did not ensure that where playground equipment is provided, resilient surfacing shall comply with minimum safety standards when tested in accordance with the procedures described in the American Society for Testing and Materials standard F1292-99. Evidence: 1. There was approximately 2 inch of mulch in the fall zones of the playground equipment on the preschool playground, where 6 inches are required. 2. The center director confirmed that there is not at least 6 inches of resilient surfacing surrounding the playground equipment.
Plan of Correction:	The center responded with the following: An order for mulch was placed. Management will ensure the mulch on the playground is raked regularly and new mulch will be ordered as needed.