Happy Feet Early Learning and Child Center

8VAC20-780-340-F

“Based on observation and record review, the center failed to ensure that children under 10 years of age always shall be within actual sight and sound supervision of staff. Evidence: Child 4 (3 years ole) was observed receiving services from an outside agency in the first classroom on the right. During the time that Child 4 was receiving the services in the classroom they were not within actual sight and sound supervision of staff.”

8VAC20-780-50-A

“Based on observations, the center failed to ensure that children’s records shall be treated confidentially. Evidence: There were 2 children’s records observed laying unattended on the desk at the front entrance of the center. One of the records was open with the child’s physical, which obtained personal information, visible to anyone that approached the desk.”

8VAC20-780-480-B

“Based on record review, the center failed to maintain written permission from the parent of each child who participates in swimming or wading. Evidence: The children were observed playing in wading pools. The center did not obtain written permission from the parents of each child in participation.”

8VAC20-780-530-A

“Based on observation and record review, the center failed to ensure that at least one staff member in each classroom or area where children are present shall have a current CPR and first aid certification that shall include an in-person competency demonstration. Evidence: Staff 1 was the only staff member observed with the Pre-K class in the upstairs classroom. The CPR/first aid certification obtained by Staff 1 did not include an in-person competency demonstration.”

8VAC20-780-160-A

“Based on record review, the center failed to obtain documentation of a negative tuberculosis screening at the time of employment, that shall have been completed within the last 30 calendar days of the date of employment. Evidence: The record for Staff 1 contained a documented hire date of 02/09/2024; the tuberculosis screening was dated 02/16/2024.”

8VAC20-780-470-E

“Based on observation and record review, the center failed to ensure that children who are not toilet trained may not use portable wading pools. Evidence: Child 3 (10 months old) was observed playing in a wading pool.”

8VAC20-780-560-F-4

“Based on observation, the center failed to ensure that children three years of age or younger may not be offered foods that are considered to be a potential choking hazard. Evidence: The children in the 2 year-3 year old class were observed eating hotdogs that were not cut in a way to prevent choking during lunch. Hotdogs are considered to be a potential choking hazard.”

8VAC20-780-350-B-1

“Based on observation, the center failed to maintain the required staff-to-child ratio whenever children are in care. Evidence: There were 9 children and 2 staff members observed in the infant classroom. Child 6, the youngest child in the group, was determined to be 4 months old. The required staff-to-child ratio for children birth up to 16 months is 1:4. Three staff would be required for this group of children.”

8VAC20-780-570-E

“Based on observations, the center failed to ensure that prepared infant formula shall be refrigerated, dated and labeled with the child’s name. Evidence: There was a bottle of infant formula on sitting a shelf in the infant room that was not dated.”

8VAC20-780-500-B

“Based on observations, the center failed to ensure that the diapering surface shall be cleaned with soap and water and sanitized after each use. Evidence: Staff 1 was observed changing three children’s diapers. Staff 1 did not clean or sanitize the diapering surface in between the diaper changes.”

8VAC20-780-500-A

“Based on observations, the center failed to ensure that staff shall wash their hands with soap and running water before and after a diaper change. Evidence: Staff 1 was observed changing a diaper. Staff 1 did not wash their hands before changing the child’s diaper.”

8VAC20-780-430-I

“Based on observations, the center failed to ensure that if combs, toothbrushes, or other personal articles are used, they shall be individually assigned. Evidence: There were two pacifiers, one laying on top of a shelving unit and the other lying in the floor, in the infant class that were not labeled to indicate that they were individually assigned.”

8VAC20-780-350-B-1

“Based on observation, the center failed to maintain the required staff-to-child ratio whenever children are in care. Evidence: There were 9 children and 2 staff members observed in the infant classroom. Child 6, the youngest child in the group, was determined to be 4 months old. The required staff-to-child ratio for children birth up to 16 months is 1:4. Three staff would be required for this group of children.”

8VAC20-780-570-E

“Based on observations, the center failed to ensure that prepared infant formula shall be refrigerated, dated and labeled with the child’s name. Evidence: There was a bottle of infant formula on sitting a shelf in the infant room that was not dated.”

8VAC20-780-500-B

“Based on observations, the center failed to ensure that the diapering surface shall be cleaned with soap and water and sanitized after each use. Evidence: Staff 1 was observed changing three children’s diapers. Staff 1 did not clean or sanitize the diapering surface in between the diaper changes.”

8VAC20-780-500-A

“Based on observations, the center failed to ensure that staff shall wash their hands with soap and running water before and after a diaper change. Evidence: Staff 1 was observed changing a diaper. Staff 1 did not wash their hands before changing the child’s diaper.”

8VAC20-780-430-I

“Based on observations, the center failed to ensure that if combs, toothbrushes, or other personal articles are used, they shall be individually assigned. Evidence: There were two pacifiers, one laying on top of a shelving unit and the other lying in the floor, in the infant class that were not labeled to indicate that they were individually assigned.”

8VAC20-780-530-C

“Based on staff interviews, the center failed to ensure that there shall be at least two staff members who have a current certification in CPR and first aid present and on the premises during the center’s hours of operation, on fieldtrips and wherever children are in care. Evidence: Staff 5 stated that they were the only staff member on the premises from 6:30 am- approximately 6:45 am. Staff 5 stated that they had two children in care during that time. Staff 5 was the only staff member on the premises during that time with a current certification in CPR and first aid.”

8VAC20-780-130-E

“Based on record review, the center failed to obtain documentation of additional immunizations once every six months for children under the age of two years. Evidence: The record for Child 1 contained a documented start date of 07/12/2021. The most recent immunization record in the record for Child 1 was dated 08/10/2022; additional immunizations were not obtained every 6 months from 08/10/2022 until the child turned 2 years old.”

8VAC20-780-80-A

“Based on document review and discussion with staff, the center failed to ensure that 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. Evidence: The attendance record in the 2 year old-pre-k classroom indicated there were 9 children present. There were 7 children observed in the group at the time the attendance record was reviewed. The attendance did not document departure as it occurred.”

8VAC20-780-80-B-2

“Based on staff interviews, the center failed to ensure that the center shall inform the department’s representative as soon as practicable, but not to exceed two business days, of any injury to a child that occurs while the child is under the supervision of the center and requires outside medical attention. Evidence: Statements from Staff 1, Staff 2, Staff 6, and Staff 7 verified that Child 2 was involved in an incident while under the supervision of the center on 05/10/2023 that resulted in Child 2 requiring outside medical attention. As of the date of the inspection, 07/13/2023, the center had not notified the department’s representative of the incident.”

8VAC20-780-340-C

“Based on staff interviews, the center failed to ensure that during the stated hours of operation, there always shall be on the premises and on field trips when one or more children are present one staff member who meets the qualification of program leader or program director and an immediately available staff member, volunteer or other employee who is at least 16 years of age with direct means for communication between the two of them. Evidence: 1. Staff 5 stated that they were the only staff member on the premises from 6:30 am- approximately 6:45 am when Staff 3 arrived. Staff 5 stated that they had two children in care during that time. 2. Staff 3 stated that they observed Staff 5 alone with children upon their arrival to the center at approximately 6:45 am.”

8VAC20-780-70

“REPEAT VIOLATION Based on record review, the center failed to ensure that staff records contain all of the elements as required by the standards. Evidence: 1. The record for Staff 1 did not contain the following information: documentation that the individual possesses the education, certification and experience required by the job position (the record contained a documented job position of program leader); and documentation that two or more references as to character and reputation as well as competency were checked before employment and that documentation of references taken over the phone contain all of the elements as required by the standards (one of the references did not contain the signature of the person making the call). 2. The record for Staff 3 did not contain the following information: documentation that two or more references as to character and reputation as well as competency were checked before employment and that documentation of references taken over the phone contain all of the elements as required by the standards (one of the references did not contain the name of the person contacted). 3. The record for Staff 4 did not contain the following information: documentation that the individual possesses the education, certification and experience required by the job position (the record contained a documented job position of program leader). 4. The record for Staff 5 did not contain the following information: documentation that the individual possesses the education, certification and experience required by the job position (the record contained a documented job position of program leader).”

8VAC20-780-130-A

“Based on record review, the center failed to obtain documentation that each child has received the immunizations required by the State Board of Health before the child can attend the center. Evidence: Staff 7 verified that the first day of attendance for Child 2 was 03/13/2023. The date on the immunization record was 03/20/2023. The immunization record was not obtained before the child attended the center.”

8VAC20-780-530-C

“Based on staff interviews, the center failed to ensure that there shall be at least two staff members who have a current certification in CPR and first aid present and on the premises during the center’s hours of operation, on fieldtrips and wherever children are in care. Evidence: Staff 5 stated that they were the only staff member on the premises from 6:30 am- approximately 6:45 am. Staff 5 stated that they had two children in care during that time. Staff 5 was the only staff member on the premises during that time with a current certification in CPR and first aid.”

8VAC20-780-130-E

“Based on record review, the center failed to obtain documentation of additional immunizations once every six months for children under the age of two years. Evidence: The record for Child 1 contained a documented start date of 07/12/2021. The most recent immunization record in the record for Child 1 was dated 08/10/2022; additional immunizations were not obtained every 6 months from 08/10/2022 until the child turned 2 years old.”

8VAC20-780-80-A

“Based on document review and discussion with staff, the center failed to ensure that 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. Evidence: The attendance record in the 2 year old-pre-k classroom indicated there were 9 children present. There were 7 children observed in the group at the time the attendance record was reviewed. The attendance did not document departure as it occurred.”

8VAC20-780-80-B-2

“Based on staff interviews, the center failed to ensure that the center shall inform the department’s representative as soon as practicable, but not to exceed two business days, of any injury to a child that occurs while the child is under the supervision of the center and requires outside medical attention. Evidence: Statements from Staff 1, Staff 2, Staff 6, and Staff 7 verified that Child 2 was involved in an incident while under the supervision of the center on 05/10/2023 that resulted in Child 2 requiring outside medical attention. As of the date of the inspection, 07/13/2023, the center had not notified the department’s representative of the incident.”

8VAC20-780-340-C

“Based on staff interviews, the center failed to ensure that during the stated hours of operation, there always shall be on the premises and on field trips when one or more children are present one staff member who meets the qualification of program leader or program director and an immediately available staff member, volunteer or other employee who is at least 16 years of age with direct means for communication between the two of them. Evidence: 1. Staff 5 stated that they were the only staff member on the premises from 6:30 am- approximately 6:45 am when Staff 3 arrived. Staff 5 stated that they had two children in care during that time. 2. Staff 3 stated that they observed Staff 5 alone with children upon their arrival to the center at approximately 6:45 am.”

8VAC20-780-70

“REPEAT VIOLATION Based on record review, the center failed to ensure that staff records contain all of the elements as required by the standards. Evidence: 1. The record for Staff 1 did not contain the following information: documentation that the individual possesses the education, certification and experience required by the job position (the record contained a documented job position of program leader); and documentation that two or more references as to character and reputation as well as competency were checked before employment and that documentation of references taken over the phone contain all of the elements as required by the standards (one of the references did not contain the signature of the person making the call). 2. The record for Staff 3 did not contain the following information: documentation that two or more references as to character and reputation as well as competency were checked before employment and that documentation of references taken over the phone contain all of the elements as required by the standards (one of the references did not contain the name of the person contacted). 3. The record for Staff 4 did not contain the following information: documentation that the individual possesses the education, certification and experience required by the job position (the record contained a documented job position of program leader). 4. The record for Staff 5 did not contain the following information: documentation that the individual possesses the education, certification and experience required by the job position (the record contained a documented job position of program leader).”

8VAC20-780-130-A

“Based on record review, the center failed to obtain documentation that each child has received the immunizations required by the State Board of Health before the child can attend the center. Evidence: Staff 7 verified that the first day of attendance for Child 2 was 03/13/2023. The date on the immunization record was 03/20/2023. The immunization record was not obtained before the child attended the center.”

8VAC20-780-290-A-3

“Based on observation, the center failed to ensure that in areas used by children of preschool age or younger, electrical outlets shall have a protective cover. Evidence: There was an uncovered electrical outlet in the infant/toddler room. A child was observed playing around the area of the uncovered outlet and was observed poking the uncovered electrical outlet with their finger. All of the children in care during the 01/04/2023 inspection were of preschool age or younger.”

8VAC20-780-570-E

“Based on observation and interviews, the center failed to ensure that prepared infant formula shall be refrigerated, dated, and labeled with the child’s name. Evidence: There were two bottles sitting on a shelf in the infant room that were not dated or labeled with a child’s name. The staff verified that the two bottles contained infant formula.”

8VAC20-780-70

“Based on record review, the center failed to ensure that staff records contain all of the elements as required by the standards. Evidence: 1. The record for Staff 3 contained a documented job position of program leader. The record for Staff 3 did not contain documentation that the individual possesses the education, certification and experience required by the job position. 2. The record for Staff 4 did not contain the following information: job title; and date of employment.”

8VAC20-780-290-A-3

“Based on observation, the center failed to ensure that in areas used by children of preschool age or younger, electrical outlets shall have a protective cover. Evidence: There was an uncovered electrical outlet in the infant/toddler room. A child was observed playing around the area of the uncovered outlet and was observed poking the uncovered electrical outlet with their finger. All of the children in care during the 01/04/2023 inspection were of preschool age or younger.”

8VAC20-780-570-E

“Based on observation and interviews, the center failed to ensure that prepared infant formula shall be refrigerated, dated, and labeled with the child’s name. Evidence: There were two bottles sitting on a shelf in the infant room that were not dated or labeled with a child’s name. The staff verified that the two bottles contained infant formula.”

8VAC20-780-70

“Based on record review, the center failed to ensure that staff records contain all of the elements as required by the standards. Evidence: 1. The record for Staff 3 contained a documented job position of program leader. The record for Staff 3 did not contain documentation that the individual possesses the education, certification and experience required by the job position. 2. The record for Staff 4 did not contain the following information: job title; and date of employment.”

8VAC20-780-160-A

“Based on record review and discussion with staff, the center failed to ensure that the documentation of a negative tuberculosis screening shall be obtained prior to a staff member coming into contact with children and that the screening shall have been completed within the last 30 calendar days of the date of employment. Evidence: The record for Staff 1 contained a documented hire date of 06/20/2022. The tuberculosis screening was dated 05/11/2022; the tuberculosis screening had not been completed within the last 30 calendar days of the date of employment.”

8VAC20-780-560-G

“Based on observation and discussion with staff, the center failed to ensure that when food is brought from home, the food container shall be clearly dated and labeled in a way that identifies the owner. Evidence: There were two bottles of milk/formula in the infant room that were not dated or labeled in a way that identified the owner. The staff verified that the bottles were brought in from home.”

8VAC20-770-60-C-2

“Based on record review and discussion with staff, the center failed to obtain the findings from a search of the central registry within 30 days of employment. Evidence: 1. The record for Staff 4 contained a documented hire date of 03/01/2022. The central registry search was dated 04/18/2022. 2. The record for Staff 5 contained a documented hire date of 02/14/2022. The central registry search was dated 04/10/2022.”

8VAC20-780-500-A

“Based on observation and discussion with staff, the center failed to ensure that children’s hands shall be washed with soap and running water or disposable wipes before and after eating meals or snacks. Evidence: The children in the Pre-K/School-Age Class were observed immediately returning to activities upon the completion of their breakfast. The children in the Pre-K/School-Age Class did not wash their hands with soap and running water or disposable wipes after eating a meal.”

8VAC20-780-160-A

“Based on record review and discussion with staff, the center failed to ensure that the documentation of a negative tuberculosis screening shall be obtained prior to a staff member coming into contact with children and that the screening shall have been completed within the last 30 calendar days of the date of employment. Evidence: The record for Staff 1 contained a documented hire date of 06/20/2022. The tuberculosis screening was dated 05/11/2022; the tuberculosis screening had not been completed within the last 30 calendar days of the date of employment.”

8VAC20-780-560-G

“Based on observation and discussion with staff, the center failed to ensure that when food is brought from home, the food container shall be clearly dated and labeled in a way that identifies the owner. Evidence: There were two bottles of milk/formula in the infant room that were not dated or labeled in a way that identified the owner. The staff verified that the bottles were brought in from home.”

8VAC20-770-60-C-2

“Based on record review and discussion with staff, the center failed to obtain the findings from a search of the central registry within 30 days of employment. Evidence: 1. The record for Staff 4 contained a documented hire date of 03/01/2022. The central registry search was dated 04/18/2022. 2. The record for Staff 5 contained a documented hire date of 02/14/2022. The central registry search was dated 04/10/2022.”

8VAC20-780-500-A

“Based on observation and discussion with staff, the center failed to ensure that children’s hands shall be washed with soap and running water or disposable wipes before and after eating meals or snacks. Evidence: The children in the Pre-K/School-Age Class were observed immediately returning to activities upon the completion of their breakfast. The children in the Pre-K/School-Age Class did not wash their hands with soap and running water or disposable wipes after eating a meal.”

8VAC20-780-160-A

“Based on record review and discussion with staff, the center failed to obtain documentation of a negative tuberculosis screening at the time of employment and prior to coming into contact with children. Evidence: The record for Staff 1 did not contain documentation of a negative tuberculosis screening. The record for Staff 1 had a documented hire date of 11/02/2021.”

8VAC20-780-80-A

“Based on record review and discussion with staff, the center failed to maintain a written record of daily attendance that documents the arrival and departure of each child in care as it occurs for each group of children. Evidence: The attendance record for the Infant/Toddler Class documented that there were 5 children in attendance on 01/20/2022. Staff 3 stated that there were actually only 4 children in attendance in the Infant/Toddler Class during the virtual inspection. Staff 3 stated that a child had left earlier in the day. The written record of daily attendance did not document the departure of each child as it occurred.”

8VAC20-780-40-K

“Based on discussion with staff, the center failed to develop written procedures for prevention of shaken baby syndrome or abusive head trauma. Evidence: Staff 3 stated that the center did not have written procedure for prevention of shaken baby syndrome or abusive head trauma.”

8VAC20-780-550-E

“Based on record review and discussion with staff, the center failed to ensure that shelter in place procedures shall be practiced a minimum of twice per year. Evidence: There was only one shelter in place drill practiced in 2021.”

8VAC20-780-160-A

“Based on record review and discussion with staff, the center failed to obtain documentation of a negative tuberculosis screening at the time of employment and prior to coming into contact with children. Evidence: The record for Staff 1 did not contain documentation of a negative tuberculosis screening. The record for Staff 1 had a documented hire date of 11/02/2021.”

8VAC20-780-80-A

“Based on record review and discussion with staff, the center failed to maintain a written record of daily attendance that documents the arrival and departure of each child in care as it occurs for each group of children. Evidence: The attendance record for the Infant/Toddler Class documented that there were 5 children in attendance on 01/20/2022. Staff 3 stated that there were actually only 4 children in attendance in the Infant/Toddler Class during the virtual inspection. Staff 3 stated that a child had left earlier in the day. The written record of daily attendance did not document the departure of each child as it occurred.”

8VAC20-780-40-K

“Based on discussion with staff, the center failed to develop written procedures for prevention of shaken baby syndrome or abusive head trauma. Evidence: Staff 3 stated that the center did not have written procedure for prevention of shaken baby syndrome or abusive head trauma.”

8VAC20-780-550-E

“Based on record review and discussion with staff, the center failed to ensure that shelter in place procedures shall be practiced a minimum of twice per year. Evidence: There was only one shelter in place drill practiced in 2021.”

22.1-289.035-A Complaint related: No

“Based on discussion with staff, the center failed to ensure that no person shall be hired for compensated employment prior to the facility obtaining an employment eligibility letter upon the completion of a fingerprint background check as required by the Code of Virginia. Evidence: Staff 3 stated that there was not a staff record available for Staff 1 therefore there was not an employment eligibility letter available for review for Staff 1. Staff 1 was working in the role of a staff member on 09/30/2021.”

8VAC20-770-60-B Complaint related: No

“Based on discussion with staff, the center failed to ensure that a person must not be employed until the agency has the person completed sworn statement or affirmation. Evidence: Staff 3 stated that there was not a staff record available for Staff 1 therefore there was not a sworn statement or affirmation available for review for Staff 1. Staff 1 was working in the role of a staff member on 09/30/2021.”

8VAC20-780-70 Complaint related: No

“Based on record review and discussion with staff, the center failed to ensure that the staff record for each staff member shall contain all of the elements as required by the standards. Evidence: 1. Staff 3 stated that there was not a staff record available for Staff 1. It was determined that Staff 1 was working in the role of a staff member on 09/30/2021. 2. The record for Staff 2 did not contain the following information: verification of age requirement and documentation to demonstrate that the individual possesses the education, certification and experience required by the job position.”