VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES

Blue Mountain Childcare
27018 Lee Hwy.
Abingdon, VA 24211
(276) 525-1332

Current Inspector: Katie Gifford (276) 698-9981

Inspection Date: Feb. 26, 2024

Complaint Related: No

Areas Reviewed:

8VAC20-780 Staffing and Supervision.

Comments:

An unannounced inspection was initiated on 2/26/24 and ended on 3/8/24. The inspector was on site 2/26/24 from 1:30-2:30pm due to a self-reported incident report. One child?s record and staff records were reviewed, and interviews were held with staff. Information gathered during the inspection determined non-compliance with the applicable standards or law and violations were documented on the violation notice issued to the center.

Violations:

Standard #:	8VAC20-780-340-A
Description:	Based on interviews, the center failed to ensure that when staff are supervising children, they shall always ensure their care, protection, and guidance. Evidence: 1. On February 16, 2024, two staff and 16 children ages three and four years old were on the playground. Staff #1 reported that after taking the children from the fenced playground adjacent to the center and into the classroom, staff #2 reported to her that child #1, age four years old, had been left on the playground and that staff #3 had gotten child #1 from the playground and returned her to the classroom. Staff #1 and staff #3 were not aware that child #1 was missing and had been left on the playground. Staff #1 stated that the children were not counted that day once back in the classroom and attendance software is usually used but was not used at the time of the incident. Child #1 was left alone on the playground for approximately 12-15 minutes and staff #1 and #3 were unaware she was missing. The temperature was 54 degrees and the child was not in distress.
Plan of Correction:	From this point forward all employees of Blue Mountain Child care will be using the face to name application on Brightwheel to account for children during transition periods such as going from inside to outside and vice versa along with bathroom breaks and any other times children are moving around the classroom. this feature is for staff only and will help account for children during the day. Lead teachers shall be responsible for counting children when going to and from the playground. This shall be seconded by all teacher assistants available and the number shared between lead and assistants to confirm all kids are accounted for. Blue Mountain Childcare has cameras on all playgrounds and activity will be monitored by Blue Mountain Therapy.
Standard #:	8VAC20-780-340-F
Description:	Based on interviews, the center failed to ensure that children under 10 years of age are always within actual sight and sound supervision. Evidence: On February 16, 2024, at approximately 3:35pm staff #1 and staff #3 brought in 15 children three and four years of age from the fenced playground adjacent to the center. At approximately 3:50pm., staff #2 was inside the center and saw outside a window child #1 alone on the playground. Staff #3 got child #1 and returned her to the classroom. Child #1, four years old, was left on the playground not in sight and sound supervision for approximately 12-15 minutes and staff #1 and #3 were unaware child #1 was missing.
Plan of Correction:	From this point forward all employees of Blue Mountain Child care will be using the face to name application on Brightwheel to account for children during transition periods such as going from inside to outside and vice versa along with bathroom breaks and any other times children are moving around the classroom. this feature is for staff only and will help account for children during the day. Lead teachers shall be responsible for counting children when going to and from the playground. This shall be seconded by all teacher assistants available and the number shared between lead and assistants to confirm all kids are accounted for. Blue Mountain Childcare has cameras on all playgrounds and activity will be monitored by Blue Mountain Therapy.