VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES

Kids Come 1st Inc
1605 South Church Street
Smithfield, VA 23430
(757) 357-2006

Current Inspector: Melinda Popkin (757) 802-5281

Inspection Date: Feb. 26, 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 the deterioration of the aging fence and the importance of being consistently vigilant and expedient about repairs until the fence can be replaced. The program director stated that the swings on the playground are not being used and that all staff are aware that children may not use them. The PD stated that she plans to remove the swings from the frame and re-purpose the Frame for another use. All outdoor play equipment used for climbing or having moving parts, utilized by children in care, require specific fall zones and resilient surfacing. This applies to both fixed in place equipment and smaller toddler equipment which is portable and may be moved easily. Please ensure that equipment which is not to be used is clearly marked and staff are diligent in ensuring that they are not used. Removal of equipment in disrepair or not meeting safety standards is advisable. .

Comments:

An unannounced Renewal inspection was conducted on 2/26/2024 from 10:25 am-1:45 pm. At the time of entrance, 57 children, ages 3 months to 4 years old, were in care with 13 staff members present. The sample size consisted of 5 children?s records and 4 staff records. Children were observed engaged in table top crafts and activities, play centers and free play, being read to during circle time and eating lunch, which children bring from home and staff reheat as needed. Infants were observed playing in activity seats, sleeping in cribs, being held and fed, and having tummy time on blankets which were spread on the floor. Medication administration was not observed and the center does not routinely administer medication. Diaper ointments were reviewed with regard to storage, labeling, documenting and written authorization. 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 #:	22.1-289.035-B-2
Description:	* REPEAT VIOLATION* Based on a review of records and interview, the licensee did not always ensure that the results of a Federal Fingerprint based Criminal Record Search are obtained prior to employment or volunteer service. Evidence: Four staff records were reviewed. The record for staff #4, whose date of employment was documented as 12/27/2023, did not contain the results of a Criminal History Search conducted at the time of employment in this program. A copy of the results from staff #4's previous employment, dated 9/22/2023, were in the record. The program Director confirmed that the Criminal Record Results were from staff #4's previous employer and that a new Criminal Record Check had not been obtained for her current employment. at this program.
Plan of Correction:	The program director stated that she would submit an online request for "Portability" of staff #4's background checks in order to allow the current background check results to be utilized in her current employment.
Standard #:	8VAC20-780-270-A
Description:	* REPEAT VIOLATION* Based on observation and interview, the licensee did not ensure that all areas and equipment of the center, inside and outside, are maintained in a clean, safe and operable condition. Evidence: The inspector observed that the fence surrounding the outdoor play area was in disrepair to include deteriorating wood, and protruding nails that could entangle clothing or snag skin. There were 5 exposed nails which had split and poked through the dried rotting wood on the 7th and 8th fence panels along the right side of the play area as you exit the building. There was a broken piece of wood nailed into place over one back fence panel to cover an area of disrepair. The piece of patched wood had broken off, leaving a sharp splintered end that is accessible to the children when they are on the outdoor play area. On the outdoor play space, there were two aluminum vent surrounds mounted on the exterior wall of the building, which each had sharp corners and sharp edges. The vent surrounds were at a height accessible to children in care. The program director acknowledged the state of disrepair of the fence at the time of the inspection and the presence of the sharp areas on the vent surrounds.
Plan of Correction:	The program director stated that she will contact the individual that does repairs for the facility and have the fence repaired and the vent surrounds removed or covered this week. Staff will be instructed to keep children of f of the fence line and away from the area where the vent surrounds are mounted. The program director will inspect the fence periodically to locate and have repairs completed for areas of the fence that are deteriorating, to ensure there are no safety hazards present.