VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES

Smart Cookie Learning Center II
3201 Broad Rock Blvd.
Richmond, VA 23224
(804) 231-3808

Current Inspector: Lauren Bickford (540) 280-0742

Inspection Date: Aug. 21, 2024

Complaint Related: Yes

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 (8VAC20-770) 20 Access to minor?s records 22.1 Early Childhood Care and Education 63.2 Child Abuse & Neglect

Comments:

An unannounced inspection was initiated with a local agency on 08/21/2024 and completed on 09/13/2024 in response to a complaint received by the licensing office on 08/20/2024 relating to allegations of supervision. The inspector reviewed one child?s records and two staff records on-site. This inspection included document review, interviews, tour of the facility, observations and measurements. The preponderance of evidence gathered during the investigation supports the allegation(s); therefore, the complaint is determined to be valid. Though not a part of the original complaint, violations that were not reported were found related to child records and are documented on the violation notice issued to the program. Please complete the plan of correction (POC) and date to be corrected sections for each violation cited on the violation notice. Specify how the deficient practice will be or has been corrected. Submit your POC within five (5) business days from today, which will be the close of business on 09/20/2024. A POC submitted after this date will not appear on the public website. If you have any questions, please reach out to the licensing inspector. Lauren Bickford, Licensing Inspector Office of Child Care Health and Safety Division of Early Childhood Care and Education 540-280-0742 lauren.bickford@doe.virginia.gov

Violations:

Standard #:	8VAC20-780-40-E
Complaint related:	Yes
Description:	Based on a review of documentation and interview, the licensee did not ensure operational responsibilities that the center?s activities and services are maintained in compliance with the center?s own policies and procedures that are required by the standards. Evidence: 1. Review of the document titled ?Staff Handbook?, under 8.1 Daily Preparation, it states that staff will ?Supervise and ensure the safety and well-being of the children at all times, being alert to the needs of children as individuals and as a group.? 2. Review of the document titled ?Staff Handbook? under 8.7 Parent Communication, it states ?Conversations at pick-up and drop-off should be brief; your chief responsibility remains the supervision of the children. If you feel a parent needs more time or attention, ask to schedule a time to meet when you are not in the classroom.? 3. On August 19th, 2024, staff #2 was consoling child #1 on the carpet while playing with blocks. Staff #2 stated that other parents entered the center to drop off and had their back to the child to greet parents that were dropping off. Staff #1 stated at this time, they went to assist another child that was crying and had their back to child #1. Child #1 (2 years) exited the building through the front door and made their way to the sidewalk of a road that has a speed limit of 40mph."
Plan of Correction:	Not available online. Contact Inspector for more information.
Standard #:	8VAC20-780-60-A
Complaint related:	No
Description:	Based on review of records, the center did not ensure to maintain and keep at the center a separate record for each child enrolled that contains all required information. Evidence: 1. Child #1 record did not contain work phone number and place of employment of each parent who has custody.
Plan of Correction:	Not available online. Contact Inspector for more information.
Standard #:	8VAC20-780-340-A
Complaint related:	Yes
Description:	Based on a review of documents and interviews, the center did not ensure that when staff are supervising children, they shall always ensure their care, protection, and guidance. Evidence: 1. Staff #1 and staff #2 were supervising nine children on the morning of August 19th, 2024. 2. Staff #1 and #2 were unaware that Child #1 (age 2) walked out of the classroom sometime between 7:50am-8am. Child #1 exited the building through the front door and made their way to the sidewalk of a road that has a speed limit of 40mph. 3. Staff #1 reported that they heard a chime on the door and realized that Child #1 was not in the classroom. 4. Staff #1 reported going outside to retrieve the child and acknowledged that an unknown passerby was outside and asked if everything was ok. 5. The passerby notified a local agency that the child was outside unsupervised and reported that at approximately 8am, the passerby noticed a toddler walking on the sidewalk. The toddler was dragging a blanket and crying. The individual turned their car around, and went to engage with the child. Another passerby pointed out a local daycare in the area. The location of the child found was approximately 100-150 feet away from the local daycare. The individual took the child to the local daycare where a staff acknowledged the child was part of the facility. It was reported that the staff was unaware the child was missing.
Plan of Correction:	Not available online. Contact Inspector for more information.
Standard #:	8VAC20-780-340-F
Complaint related:	Yes
Description:	Based on interview, the center did not ensure that children under 10 years of age were within actual sight and sound supervision of staff as required. Evidence: 1. On August 19, 2024, two staff were supervising nine children. In the morning, one child (aged 2) walked out of the front door of the center unaccompanied, leaving the child out of sight and sound supervision. 2. In an interview, staff #1 and #2 acknowledged that they both had their backs to the child and acknowledged the child left the center.
Plan of Correction:	Not available online. Contact Inspector for more information.