VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES

The Goddard School
7801 Heritage Village Plaza
Gainesville, VA 20155
(571) 222-5576

Current Inspector: Laura Brindle (540) 905-2062

Inspection Date: Feb. 29, 2024

Complaint Related: No

Areas Reviewed:

8VAC20-780 Administration. 8VAC20-780 Staff Qualifications and Training. 8VAC20-780 Staffing and Supervision. 8VAC20-780 Programs. 8VAC20-770 Background Checks 22.1 Background Checks Code 63.2 Child Abuse & Neglect

Comments:

An unannounced inspection was initiated with center management on 2/29/24 from approximately 11:50am to 2:15pm in response to a self-report made by the center based on an allegation of a forbidden action, rough handling of a child in care. Documentation was reviewed, one child record was reviewed, three staff records were reviewed, a classroom observation was conducted, and interviews were conducted on-site and off-site. The preponderance of evidence supported the allegation, and a violation was cited. Other violations were found during the inspection that were not part of the original allegation, and those can be reviewed on the Violation Notice as well. If you have any questions regarding the inspection, you may contact the Licensing Inspector, Laura Brindle, at laura.brindle@doe.virginia.gov or 540-905-2062. Please complete the "Plan of Correction" and "Date to be Corrected" areas on the Violation Notice for each violation cited and return to me by close of business on 3/13/24. Plans of correction should include steps to correct the noncompliance with the standard, and measures to prevent the noncompliance from occurring again.

Violations:

Standard #:	63.2-1509-A
Description:	Based on interview and review of documentation, center staff who had reason to suspect that a child was abused, did not report the matter immediately to the local department. Evidence: On 2/22/24, at approximately 12:20pm, Child A, a three-year-old, had a potty accident. A staff member reported observing Staff #1 grab the face of Child A and use one hand to squeeze the child?s cheeks to force the child to look at them, and then yell in Child A?s face, with their noses touching. The staff member reported that it seemed like an extreme reaction and as if Staff #1 ?fully lost [their] temper.? The staff member did not report the incident to management until approximately 4:05pm on 2/23/24. The center did not report the incident to the local department until approximately 3:30pm on 2/26/24.
Plan of Correction:	Administrators have reviewed the Mandated Reporter training and the Virginia Code language related to timeliness of reporting. Administrators have revised internal procedures on reporting of allegations, with specific focus on ensuring timeliness of reporting to the appropriate authorities/agencies. All staff will attend a meeting to review mandating reporting and the timeliness of reporting. A director will review mandated reporter training with all new staff members during their onboarding process. Mandated Reporter requirements will also be specifically addressed at least once a year during a monthly faculty meeting.
Standard #:	8VAC20-780-70
Description:	REPEAT VIOLATION: Based on review of three staff records, the center did not obtain all required documentation for staff records. Evidence: The record for Staff #1 did not contain documentation that two or more references as to character and reputation as well as competency were checked before employment.
Plan of Correction:	The administration team will immediately review each staff member's file to ensure that all documentation required by Virginia Licensing is correct and complete. Any deficiencies identified will be remedied. The administration team will continue to get the required references for all newly hired employees.
Standard #:	8VAC20-780-410-1
Description:	Based on interview and review of documentation, a staff member utilized a forbidden action, rough handling of a child in care. Evidence: On 2/22/24, at approximately 12:20pm, a witness reported that Child A, a three-year-old, had a potty accident. The witness then observed Staff #1 grab the face of Child A and use one hand to squeeze the child?s cheeks to force the child to look at them, while yelling in the child?s face with their noses touching, ?You?re too old to be having accidents, you should know to pee in the potty!?
Plan of Correction:	The Goddard School does not and will not tolerate the behavior described in the violation notice. Proper professional conduct is outlined in the Goddard School Employee Handbook that all faculty have access to. Staff #1 was placed on leave during the investigation. Staff #1 has been given additional training on proper child guidance, interactions, and behavior. Staff #1 will be receiving additional in-class guidance from the administration team. To ensure appropriate care is consistently being provided, all staff members will further their understanding of child safe handling practices during a mandatory training session. The school strives to ensure all children are provided with a safe, loving, and nurturing environment. The School will continue to work with its staff to implement the corrective actions outlined in our Plan of Correction to reinforce appropriate, nurturing childcare.