VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES

Alston's Village Learning Center LLC
923 Aberdeen Road
Hampton, VA 23666
(757) 864-0222

Current Inspector: Melinda Popkin (757) 802-5281

Inspection Date: Jan. 19, 2024

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 20 Access to minor's records 22.1 Early Childhood Care and Education 63.2 Child Abuse & Neglect

Technical Assistance:

Today we discussed Safe Sleep for Infants as well as older children and the importance that infants be placed to sleep on their backs with nothing in the crib aside form possibly a light blanket, secured under their arms to ensure it does not cover their face. Sleep sacks may be an alternative to blankets for infants. Sleep sacks for infants lessen the risk level for SIDS and are a better choice than a regular blanket. If a center was using a sleep sack for an infant they would have to also have a bottom sheet and if using a sleep sack the center would have to make sure that if the size of the sleep sack would not be too large for the infant. It is imperative that, IF an infant is swaddled, that it be done correctly (with training) and with the involvement of the infant?s parents. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) offers guidance for parents on swaddling which may be downloaded at HealthyChildren.org Swaddling: Is it Safe for Your Baby? - HealthyChildren.org Children should never sleep with a blanket over their face. If a child pulls a blanket over their own face during rest time, staff should gently remove it.

Comments:

An unannounced Renewal inspection was conducted on 1/19/2024 1:50 pm to 4:25 pm. At the time of entrance, 33 children were in care with 7 staff members present. The sample size consisted of 5 children?s records and 6 staff records. Children were observed resting quietly during nap time, having an afternoon snack, and engaged in group music and movement activities. Infants were observed having an afternoon snack at tables, being held, rocked and bottle fed, and sleeping in cribs. No medication is being administered to children in care at this time. One recent incident report was reviewed. The outdoor stationary play equipment is not being used by children in care at this time due to the need for additional resilient surfacing, trip hazards and spacing and location of equipment. When weather allows for outdoor time. children are utilizing the back section of the outdoor space where there is no equipment located. 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. Repeat violations were found and are identified within this report.

Violations:

Standard #:	8VAC20-780-240-A
Description:	***REPEAT VIOLATION*** Based on a review of records and interview, the licensee did not ensure that staff complete the Virginia Department of Education- sponsored orientation course within 90 days of employment. Evidence: Six staff records were reviewed. The record for staff #6, whose date of hire was 6/20/2023, did not include documentation of the Virginia Department of Education- sponsored orientation course. This record was reviewed 11/21/2023 and a violation was cited at that time. The administrative assistant confirmed on 1/19/2024 that staff #6 had not completed the Virginia Department of Education- sponsored orientation course.
Plan of Correction:	Staff #6 will be asked to begin the required training by Monday. The administrative staff present during the inspection will work with the Program Director to write a plan of correction which will be submitted to the inspector within 10 days.
Standard #:	8VAC20-780-370-1
Description:	Based on observation and interview, staff do not always ensure that when an infant is placed in his crib, he shall be placed on his back (supine). Evidence: On 1/19/2024, the licensing inspector observed a sleeping 3 month old infant (child #6) wrapped in a thick blanket, and turned on his side in the crib. A staff person who was sitting in a rocking chair right next to the crib stated that the infant is placed into the crib that way to make him feel like he is still being held in staff?s arms. Infants must always be placed in their cribs resting flat on their back (supine) for their safety.
Plan of Correction:	The infant was moved to a supine position during the inspection. Staff will always place infants on their backs to sleep. The administrative staff present during the inspection will work with the Program Director to write a plan of correction which will be submitted to the inspector within 10 days.
Standard #:	8VAC20-780-420-E-3
Description:	Based upon a review of records, the licensee was unable to provide evidence that at least annually parents provide confirmation that the required information in the child's record is up to date. Evidence: Five children?s records were reviewed during the inspection. The records for child #3 who enrolled 8/19/2021 and the records for child #5 who enrolled 6/25/2021 did not contain an updated enrollment record or documentation that the information had been reviewed by the parent indicating that no change to the information was necessary. The Administrative staff present was unable to locate documentation of a review and/or update since the children enrolled in the center but indicated that the information is reviewed each school year.
Plan of Correction:	The administrative staff present during the inspection will work with the Program Director to write a plan of correction which will be submitted to the inspector within 10 days.
Standard #:	8VAC20-780-440-L
Description:	Based on observation, staff did not ensure that pillows nd filled comforters are not used by children under 2 years of age. Evidence: On 1/19/2024, the licensing inspector observed a 3 month old infant (child #6) wrapped in a thick, fleece blanket with a small lightly stuffed flexible pillow folded in half and resting against the baby?s cheek. When questioned, the staff sitting in the infant sleep area next to the crib stated that these objects were meant to comfort the infant by making the infant feel like he is being held and resting against a caregiver. Children under 2 years of age should never have pillows or filled comforters in their crib with them as it can pose a suffocation hazard and can increases the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome.
Plan of Correction:	The heavy blanket and pillow were removed from infant #6's crib during the inspection. Staff will ensure that children under 2 years old do not have access to pillows and will ask that a light blanket be supplied for infant #6. The administrative staff present during the inspection will work with the Program Director to write a plan of correction which will be submitted to the inspector within 10 days.