VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES

Galax Early Head Start Center
8342 Carrollton Pike
Galax, VA 24333
(276) 236-2575

Current Inspector: Todd Scott (276) 608-3749

Inspection Date: Dec. 12, 2023

Complaint Related: Yes

Comments:

A complaint inspection was initiated on 12/11/23 and concluded on 1/17/24. The inspector reviewed compliance in the areas of staffing and supervision. 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.

Violations:

Standard #:	8VAC20-780-340-A
Complaint related:	Yes
Description:	Based on interviews and review of video the center failed to ensure the care of a child on 12/7/23 as required. Evidence: Video and staff statements verified that on 12/7/23 a 2 year old child had become weak and lethargic on 2 separate occasions upon entering the building from outside play. Video shows the child entering the building from outside and promptly collapsing on the floor after entering. Staff were seen working to get all children inside the door, not paying attention to the child on the floor. Once staff got all the children thru the door, the staff then went to the child and had him stand up and walk to the room. Video shows the child getting up and doing the "drunk man walk" to the classroom where he goes to the cushioned chair in the middle of the room and plops down then slides to the floor. Staff still do not see the child laying on the floor at this time. Video shows staff going about getting the children inside the classroom and getting their coats off . At this time video shows the child still on the floor and another child sitting beside him and trying to comfort him. Video shows that the children entered from outside at approximately 10:44am, which is when the child first appears to collapse onto the floor. At approximately 10:45am the children move to the classroom, where the child enters and goes to the chair. At approximately 10:47am the first staff is seen checking the child and attempts to help the child stand, in which the child cannot and lays back on the floor. At approximately 10:48am the second staff comes over and speaks with the first staff and checks the child, immediately that staff gets up, pulls out her phone and leaves the room quickly. At approximately 10:49am the third staff arrives and is seen checking the child and moves the child semi onto her lap and continues assessment and talking to the child. At this time the second staff has notified the mother and the mother reportedly requested that 911 be called. At that time the third staff said 911 didn't need to be called as she was a former EMT and the child's vital signs were ok. At approximately 10:50am other staff are seen escorting the remaining children out of the classroom to another classroom. During this time the third staff appears to be continuing assessment on the child. At approximately 10:56am the child's mom is seen entering the classroom and promptly sits with her child and the staff on the floor. At approximately 10:59am the mother picks up the child and walks out of the classroom, and then leaves the building headed to the ER. Staff failed to ensure the care of the child during this incident by not calling 911 as requested as the child appeared to be having a possible medical emergency.
Plan of Correction:	Incident was reviewed by management upon notification by staff on 12/7/23. Required steps of action were taken at that time. Further review of policies and plans occurred and any updates needed were implemented.