VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES

AlphaBEST Education, Inc. - Florence Bowser Elementary
4540 Nansemond Parkway
Suffolk, VA 23435
(757) 636-5396

Current Inspector: Melinda Popkin (757) 802-5281

Inspection Date: Feb. 22, 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 various components of : 1. Food allergies and required documentation 2. Medication and required documentation The allergy list should clearly differentiate between actual diagnosed food allergies and food preferences or food sensitivities. This list should be maintained and regularly updated for accuracy. For diagnosed food allergies, an allergy care plan, signed by the child's physician, must be obtained and kept on site regardless of whether the child requires medication for a reaction. Medication must be accompanied by a written, signed authorization form. The standards require that medication of any type is only administered with written authorization from the child's parent. Prescription medication, or nonprescription medication authorized to be administered for more than 10 days, must additionally have signed authorization from the child's physician. EACH medication must have its own written authorization. Multiple medications may not be authorized on the same form. A care plan that lists the medications as part of the action taken to care for the child in events such, as an allergic reaction or asthma event, do NOT satisfy the need for a written authorization to administer the medication.

Comments:

An unannounced monitoring inspection was conducted on 2/22/2024 from 3:25 pm- 6:00pm. At the time of entrance, 70 children, ages 4 to 12 years old were in care with 5 staff members present. The sample size consisted of 7 children?s records (as well as additional children's allergy and medication documents) and 7 staff records. Children were observed arriving to the program, having an afternoon snack, working on homework assignments and engaging in table top activities and socialization. Hand washing, table sanitizing, and parent pick up were also observed. Medication administration was observed. However, 12 medications stored on site were reviewed with regard to storage, labeling, written authorizations and required documentation. 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 #:	8VAC20-780-60-A-8
Description:	Based on a review of records and interview, the licensee did not ensure that a written care plan is obtained for each child with a diagnosed food allergy, to include instructions from a physician regarding the food to which the child is allergic and the steps to be taken in the event of a suspected or confirmed allergic reaction. Evidence: The program's food allergy list contained the names of 12 children who were identified as having food allergies. Child #8 was listed as having a mild egg allergy. Staff stated that an allergy care plan had not been obtained for child #8 because exposure to the allergen does not require medication. Each child with an identified food allergy must have an allergy care plan from their physician, regardless of whether medication is the required response to an exposure.
Plan of Correction:	Staff will speak with child #8's parent today and require that an allergy care plan, signed by the child's physician, is obtained within 2 weeks. Children's records will be reviewed to confirm documentation of allergies and cross reference the allergy "list" to ensure that only diagnosed allergies are listed as "allergies" on the list. Other food sensitivities or preferences will be designated as such. Each child with a diagnosed food allergy will obtain a physician signed allergy care plan if there is not one already on file.