VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES

Connections Early Learning Center
422 College View Drive
Bridgewater, VA 22812
(540) 828-2200

Current Inspector: Beth Orebaugh (540) 847-9173

Inspection Date: May 7, 2025

Complaint Related: Yes

Areas Reviewed:

8VAC20-780 Programs. 63.2 Child Abuse & Neglect

Comments:

An unannounced inspection was initiated on 05/07/2025 and completed on 06/30/2025 with a local agency, in response to a complaint received by the licensing office on 05/05/2025 relating to allegations of physical abuse, verbal abuse, and behavioral guidance. The inspector reviewed 1 children?s records and 4 staff records on-site. This inspection included: document review, interviews, and observations. The preponderance of evidence gathered during the investigation supports the allegation(s); 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 7/16/2025. A POC submitted after this date will not appear on the public website.

Violations:

Standard #:	8VAC20-780-40-E
Complaint related:	Yes
Description:	The operational responsibilities of the licensee shall include ensuring that the center?s activities, services, and facilities are maintained in compliance with these standards, the center?s own policies and procedures that are required by these standards, and the terms of the current license issued by the department. The center?s food policy in the staff handbook states ?Food may not be removed as punishment. Meals are social times when staff sit with children and children are encouraged to eat as independently as possible.? The center?s discipline policy includes ?Guidelines are stated positively. Guidance techniques are non-punitive and accompanied by an explanation of expectations.? Staff 5 removed and threw away Child 3?s (age 3) food in response to the child continuing to hum/sing at the table during lunchtime.
Plan of Correction:	1.Staff Meeting Review: Policies will be reviewed in detail at the staff meeting on 8/15/25. 2.Ongoing Monitoring: The Director and Assistant Director will conduct weekly classroom observations for 6 weeks starting 7/14/25 to ensure compliance with behavior guidance policies
Standard #:	8VAC20-780-400-B
Complaint related:	Yes
Description:	Behavioral guidance shall be constructive in nature, age and stage appropriate, and shall be intended to redirect children to appropriate behavior and resolve conflicts. Approximately fifteen minutes into the lunch period and after two requests and warnings to stop humming/singing at the table, Staff 5 threw child 3?s (age 3 years) lunch in the trash.
Plan of Correction:	1.Performance Improvement Plan (PIP): The staff member has been placed on a 90-day PIP from 7/16/25?10/14/25 to ad-dress specific performance concerns. Weekly classroom observations and feed-back will be conducted and documented. An early childhood consultant will provide coaching and modeling. The staff member must complete Conscious Discipline training by 8/15/25 and submit a certificate and reflective summary. 2.Policy Review & Staff Sign-Off: All staff must review: ?The center?s Behavioral Guidance and Intervention Policy ?Virginia State Licensing regulations on behavioral guidance and prohibited actions Staff must sign an acknowledgment form by 7/25/25.