VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES

Christopher Academy
3300 Cedar Lane
Portsmouth, VA 23703
(757) 484-6776

Current Inspector: Heather Harrell (757) 334-4329

Inspection Date: Jan. 27, 2025

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 (8VAC20-770) 20 Access to minor's records 22.1 Background Checks Code, Carbon Monoxide 63.2 Child Abuse & Neglect During the inspection, the inspector reviewed the areas listed above to include standards found out of compliance during the previous inspection. Unless otherwise noted as a violation within this inspection report, the provider was in compliance with the standards reviewed. If there were any serious injuries or fatalities related to a violation, the details will be included in the description of the violation.

Comments:

An unannounced, on-site renewal inspection was initiated on 1/27/25 and completed on 1/27/25. The on-site inspection began at 11:25am and ended at 2:30pm. The inspector reviewed compliance in the areas listed above. There were 44 children present and 7 staff. The inspector reviewed 5 children?s records and (9) staff/board member records on-site. This inspection included document review, a tour of the facility, interviews and observations. Information gathered during the inspection determined non-compliance with applicable standards or law, and violations are documented on the violation notice issued to the program.

Violations:

Standard #:	22.1-289.036-A
Description:	The center is required to have each officer or agent undergo background checks every five years. The most recent national criminal background check for board member 1 is overdue by a year and four months.
Plan of Correction:	The center responded with the following: Board member 1 was contacted during the inspection and an appointment for fingerprints was scheduled immediately. Once results are received, they will be forwarded to the licensing inspector.
Standard #:	8VAC20-780-70
Description:	Documentation to demonstrate that the individual possesses the education required for the job position is required for each staff person. The record for staff 1, who has been employed for over 6 years, does not contain documentation that she possessed the education required for her documented job position.
Plan of Correction:	The center responded with the following: Staff 1 was promoted from an assistant to a lead teacher during the course of employment and proof of education was not obtained at time of promotion. Management will obtain proof of staff 1's education and it will be placed in the staff record.