VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES

Montessori Kids Universe Cameron Square
410 S Pickett Street
Alexandria, VA 22304
(703) 795-0206

Current Inspector: Nancy Radcliffe (703) 268-3728

Inspection Date: March 18, 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. 8VAC20-770 Background Checks 20 Access to minor?s records 22.1 Background Checks Code, Carbon Monoxide 63.2 Child Abuse & Neglect

Comments:

A monitoring inspection was initiated today regarding a self-reported incident received by the Fairfax Licensing Office on March 14, 2024. There were 67 children with 16 staff directly supervising. Staff interviews were conducted, video footage reviewed along with class observations, 5 staff records and 5 children's records were reviewed, and emergency procedures reviewed. The children were observed going outside, and during free play. There was an assortment of age appropriate materials for the children in care. Areas of non-compliance are identified in the Violation Notice. If you have any questions regarding this inspection, please contact the Licensing Inspector: Nancy Radcliffe at nancy.radcliffe@doe.virginia.gov or call 703-268-3728.

Violations:

Standard #:	8VAC20-780-140-A
Description:	Based on review of children's records, each child did not have a physical examination by or under the direction of a physician. Evidence Child #1 (first day of attendance 8/7/2023) and child #2 (first day of attendance 8/15/2023), did not have a physical examination signed by a physician.
Plan of Correction:	We will make sure all physical forms are signed by a physician. We will double check all the forms to ensure they are signed.
Standard #:	8VAC20-780-270-A
Description:	Based on observation, areas of the center were not maintained in a clean and safe condition. Evidence There is peeling, chipped paint accessible to children along the side and back wall of the Nido 2 classroom.
Plan of Correction:	We are closed for Spring Break next week. Walls will be fixed.
Standard #:	8VAC20-780-340-A
Description:	REPEAT VIOLATION Based on staff interviews and review of video footage, when staff were supervising children, they did not always ensure their care, protection and guidance. Evidence On March 13, 2024 at approximately 5:00pm staff #1 was with five children in the Toddler One classroom. At approximately 5:01pm child #3 (18 months old), entered the bathroom in the Toddler One classroom. At approximately 5:02pm staff #1 lines the children up and leaves the classroom, leaving child #3 in the bathroom. At approximately 5:07pm a contracted cleaning person enters the classroom and begins cleaning. At approximately 5:08pm child #3 exits the bathroom when a contracted cleaning person opens the door and asks staff #2 to come into the classroom to get child #3. Staff #1 did not know child #3 was left alone in the classroom for approximately 6 minutes.
Plan of Correction:	Staff #1 was terminated as a result of this incident. The next day following this incident we held a mandatory staff meeting where the circumstances of this incident were discussed with the team. Staff were informed that beginning Friday, March 15, a Name to Face check sheet must be completed any time that children leave the classroom to go to another classroom or outside. In addition we have created a log sheet to be completed with the count of the children as the classrooms leave and return to the building. All staff are required to complete the Infant-Toddler Care: Quality Supervision and Supervision: Staff: Child Ratios courses offered by Better Kid Care. The staff orientation program is being expanded to cover supervision and other important topics in greater depth. The safety and proper supervision of children is our top priority and it is our expectation that these measures will mitigate the risk of further incidents.
Standard #:	8VAC20-780-340-F
Description:	REPEAT VIOLATION Based on staff interviews and review of video footage, children under 10 years of age were not always within actual sight and sound supervision of staff. Staff did not check on a child that has not returned from the restroom after five minutes. Evidence On March 13, 2024 at approximately 5:00pm staff #1 was with five children in the Toddler One classroom. At approximately 5:01pm child #3 (18 months old), entered the bathroom in the Toddler One classroom. At approximately 5:02pm staff #1 lines the children up and leaves the classroom, leaving child #3 in the bathroom. At approximately 5:07pm a contracted cleaning person enters the classroom and begins cleaning. At approximately 5:08pm child #3 exits the bathroom when a contracted cleaning person opens the door and asks staff #2 to come into the classroom to get child #3. Staff #1 did not check on child #3 who was in the bathroom over five minutes and did not know child #3 was left alone in the classroom out of sight and sound for approximately 6 minutes.
Plan of Correction:	Staff #1 was terminated as a result of this incident. The next day following this incident we held a mandatory staff meeting where the circumstances of this incident were discussed with the team. Staff were informed that beginning Friday, March 15, a Name to Face check sheet must be completed any time that children leave the classroom to go to another classroom or outside. In addition we have created a log sheet to be completed with the count of the children as the classrooms leave and return to the building. All staff are required to complete the Infant-Toddler Care: Quality Supervision and Supervision: Staff: Child Ratios courses offered by Better Kid Care. The staff orientation program is being expanded to cover supervision and other important topics in greater depth. The safety and proper supervision of children is our top priority and it is our expectation that these measures will mitigate the risk of further incidents.