VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES

La Petite Academy #7136
2453 Taylor Road
2449 Suite D
Chesapeake, VA 23321
(757) 465-3893

Current Inspector: Arlene Agustin (804) 629-7519

Inspection Date: Jan. 30, 2024

Complaint Related: Yes

Areas Reviewed:

8VAC20-780 Administration. 8VAC20-780 Staff Qualifications and Training. 8VAC20-780 Physical Plant. 8VAC20-780 Staffing and Supervision. 8VAC20-780 Programs. 20 Access to minor?s records 22.1 Background Checks Code, Carbon Monoxide 63.2 Child Abuse & Neglect

Comments:

A complaint inspection was conducted on January 30,2024, in response to complaints that were received by the department on December 14, 2023, and January 8, 2024, regarding allegations in the care and protective of the children at the center. Staff were interviewed, documentation was reviewed, classroom observations were completed, and a tour of the facility was conducted. The evidence gathered during the investigation did support the allegations of non-compliance with standards or law with regards to ratios, handwashing, care, and protection. Violations were documented and are listed on the violation notice discussed with the director and the site assistant director at the exit interview.

Violations:

Standard #:	8VAC20-780-320-B
Complaint related:	Yes
Description:	Based on observation and interview, it was determined that the center did not ensure that each restroom area provided for children shall have sinks located near the toilets and that are supplied with running warm water. Evidence: 1. Several staff members throughout the center reported that the water supply for the two sinks in the two year old classroom are completely cut off where children do not have access to warm water to wash their hands. 2. Per multiple staff members at the center, the preschool room is instructed to use the 2 year old classroom?s sinks for daily handwashing however they are unable to routinely wash the children?s hands throughout the day as the water supply is either cut off to the two sinks or has very low pressure where the water only drips. 3. During the course of the inspection, the director and assistant director requested that the 2 year old teachers turn the water pressure back on to full pressure for children to access water to wash their hands. 4. Parents have reported that while observing their child in the classroom via the school camera, the children are not washing their hands.
Plan of Correction:	The sinks were set to low pressure but were immediately changed to full pressure during the inspection. Management team will periodically check the Twos classroom to make sure the water is kept on. Any issues with teachers turning the water off will result in accountability.
Standard #:	8VAC20-780-340-A
Complaint related:	Yes
Description:	Based on observation and interview, it was determined that the center failed to ensure that when staff are supervising children, they shall always ensure their care, protection, and guidance. Evidence: 1. A staff member that was diagnosed with a communicable disease on December 4, 2023, was told by management to come to work which they did. 2. The staff member that was diagnosed with a communicable disease was interacting and preparing meals for the children throughout the duration of their illness during school hours.
Plan of Correction:	Director who was in role at the time of this incident is no longer with the company. Staff members with communicable diseases will not be required to come to work.
Standard #:	8VAC20-780-350-B-1
Complaint related:	Yes
Description:	Based on observation and interview, it was determined that the center did not ensure that the staff-to-children ratios of children birth up to 16 months with a ratio of 1:4 (staff:children) are required whenever children are in care. Evidence: 1. All staff members in the infant room have reported that on several occasions in the morning, the infant room is out of ratio where there is typically one staff with 5 or 6 children. 2. In reviewing the January face to name sheets which include the times the infants and staff members arrive, there are two documented dates where the classroom is out of ratio: a. On January 8, 2024, from 6:45am to 7:05am, there was one staff to five infants. b. On January 19, 2024, from 6:46-7:25am, there was one staff to five infants. 3. Staff #1 and Staff #2 reviewed both face to names for January 8th and 19th and confirmed that per the documentation of staff, the classroom was out of ratio.
Plan of Correction:	Center Director has hired 5 more staff members to ensure we are in compliance with ratio standards. If at any point we will not have the necessary staff, Center Director will contact District Manager to determine if we need to close classrooms to avoid being out of ratio. Center Director will reiterate to staff the importance of communicating about any potential ratio concerns so they can be addressed accordingly and avoided.
Standard #:	8VAC20-780-350-B-3
Complaint related:	Yes
Description:	Based on observation and interview, it was determined that the center did not ensure that the staff-to-children ratios of 1:8 (staff: children) for 2 year old children was required whenever children are in care. Evidence: 1. Multiple staff members reported that the 2 year old classroom is out of ratio on several occasion in the morning with one staff member having over 8 children in care. 2. In reviewing the January face to name sheets for the 2 year old classroom, there were six dates documented that there were not enough staff to children: a. On January 9, 2024, from 6:46am to 7:33am, there was one staff member supervising 9 children in care. b. On January 10, 2024, from 6:41am to 7:37am, there was one staff member supervising 10 children in care. c. On January 11, 2024, from 6:45am to 7:54am, there was one staff member supervising 11 children in care. d. On January 12, 2024, from 6:42am to 7:40am, there was one staff member supervising 10 children in care. e. On January 16, 2024, from 6:43am to 7:40am, there was one staff member supervising 13 children in care. f. On January 19, 2024, from 6:36am to 8am, there was one staff member supervising 10 children. 3. Staff #1 and Staff #2 confirmed that on the given dates listed in January, it is documented that the required staff to children ratio was not followed.
Plan of Correction:	Center Director has hired 5 more staff members to ensure we are in compliance with ratio standards. If at any point we will not have the necessary staff, Center Director will contact District Manager to determine if we need to close classrooms to avoid being out of ratio. Center Director will reiterate to staff the importance of communicating about any potential ratio concerns so they can be addressed accordingly and avoided.