VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES

Spring Hill Academy
6309 Grovedale Drive
Alexandria, VA 22310
(703) 848-5105

Current Inspector: Mahrukh Aziz (571) 835-4718

Inspection Date: Feb. 18, 2025

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. 20 Access to minor's records 63.2 Child abuse and neglect

Technical Assistance:

Attendance, center's policies about prevention of injuries, staffing and staff placement in classroom to prevent injuries.

Comments:

An unannounced inspection was initiated on 2/18/25 and completed on 3/6/25 in response to a complaint received by the licensing office on 1/31/25 relating to allegations of supervision and children's injuries. The inspector reviewed 1 child's record and on-site. This inspection included document review, tour of the facility, interviews, and observations. The preponderance of evidence gathered during the investigation supports the allegations; therefore, the complaint is determined to be valid. Information gathered during the inspection determined non-compliance with applicable standards or law and the violations 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 violation will be or has been corrected. Submit your POC within five (5) business days from today, which will be the close of business on 3/12/25. A POC submitted after this date will not appear on the public website.

Violations:

Standard #:	8VAC20-780-40-E
Complaint related:	Yes
Description:	The center did not follow it's own policies and procedures that are required by the licensing standards. 1. The center's active and positive supervision policy states that, "Adults who are involved, aware and appreciative of young children's behaviors are in the best position to safeguard their well-being. They know each child's abilities and establish clear and simple safety rules. Be aware of potential hazards. Position yourself strategically -standing nearby and being in the play area will encourage kids to remember the play time rules and discourage kids from throwing toys in frustration. Your presence not serves as reminder but also enables you to intervene quickly when needed". 2. On 1/30/25 at 10:45 am there were three staff members with 16 children present in the 2's classroom. 3. Staff # 3 stated that Staff # 1 had three children in the bathroom, Staff # 2 had 1 child in the diapering area, and Staff # 3 had majority of the rest of the children at another table completing an art activity. Child # 1 and Child # 2 were not in Staff # 3's group. 4. Staff # 3 stated that Child # 1 was sitting on a chair at a different table and left to go to the bathroom. Child # 2 came and sat down on the chair that Child # 1 was sitting on. When Child # 1 returned from the bathroom and wanted to sit on the same chair, Child # 2 did not move and Child # 2 bit Child # 1 on the hand. 5. Staff # 4 stated that video footage was reviewed due to some discrepancy in the report. Child # 2 was sitting on a chair and when Child # 2 went to use the bathroom, Child # 1 sat on his chair. When Child # 2 returned from the bathroom and wanted to sit back on the same chair, Child # 1 did not move which resulted in Child # 1 slightly shoving Child # 2. Child # 1 put out their right hand and was then bit by Child # 2 on the hand. 5. Staff # 2 stated that she was aware that Child # 2 has bit children before and usually they try to separate the children and shadow them. Staff # 2 did not see this incident when it occurred. Staff # 2 stated that Child # 1 was halfway across the room when the incident occurred. 6. Staff # 1 and Staff # 3 were not in close proximity to be able to prevent the biting incident, as they were each doing other activities in different areas of the room.
Plan of Correction:	Teachers have been retrained on our center policies and supervision procedures. Active supervision and strategic positioning where they have eyes on children at all times to be able to assist children. Additional support has been given to the staff in classroom where there is a high volume of children.
Standard #:	8VAC20-780-80-A
Complaint related:	No
Description:	For each group of children, the center shall maintain a written record of daily attendance that documents the arrival and departure of each child in care as it occurs. On 1/30/25, Child # 2's attendance was neither recorded in the electronic system used by the center or on the written attendance log.
Plan of Correction:	Daily attendance sheet is provided and retraining of all staff has occurred. Additionally, a teacher sign in/sign out has been created to better monitor. A member from the management team will check two times daily to ensure all children and staff are checked in.
Standard #:	8VAC20-780-550-P
Complaint related:	Yes
Description:	The center shall maintain a written record of children's serious and minor injuries in which entries are made the day of occurrence. 1. Child # 1 was bit on his finger in the right hand by another child on 1/30/25 in the 2's classroom at 10:45 am. 2. The parents were provided with an accident report by the center that did not have an accurate description of what led to the biting incident, and was missing the date and time when parents were notified.
Plan of Correction:	An accident and incident binder is always present at the center. Accident and incident reports are always given at the day of the accident. The parents are always notified verbally if the incident just occurred and the accident report is being worked on at the time of pick up. An incident report is given to the parent of the child who hit, bit, or hurt another child.