Sparks Early Learning Academy

8VAC20-780-340-D Complaint related: No

“Based on review of one staff record and interviews it was determined that a program leader was not regularly present in each grouping of children. Evidence: On 06/26/24 Staff A was solely caring for five children in the toddler classroom from 9:00 am - 4:30 pm. Staff A is not program leader qualified.”

8VAC20-780-430-B Complaint related: No

“Based on observation it was determined that not all equipment was age and stage appropriate. Evidence: Two balloons were observed on the floor in the toddler classroom posing a potential choking hazard. There were seven children in the classroom ranging in ages from 14 months - two years old.”

8VAC20-780-340-F Complaint related: Yes

“REPEAT VIOLATION Based on interviews it was determined that children under the age of ten years of age did not always remain within sight and sound supervision of staff. Evidence: It was reported that staff go between the infant room and adjoining room to change diapers and wash hands. While staff are changing diapers or washing hands in the adjoining room, infants are in the infant classroom out of sight and sound supervision.”

8VAC20-780-500-A Complaint related: No

“Based on interviews it was determined that staff are not washing hands after diapering. Evidence: The changing table located in the toddler room is not accompanied by a handwashing sink. It is reported that staff are using hand sanitizer after diapering instead of washing their hands.”

8VAC20-780-350-B-1 Complaint related: No

“Based on observation of it was determined that a 1:4 staff to child ratio was not always maintained while infants are in care. Evidence: Seven children ages ranging from 14 months - two years were observed in the toddler classroom, resting being supervised by one staff from 12:50 pm - 1:10 pm.”

8VAC20-780-340-F

“REPEAT VIOLATION Based on observation it was determined that not all children were always within sight and sound supervision of staff. Evidence: The LI (licensing inspector) observed child A (Age 4 years) walk upstairs to the hallway restroom without supervision of staff.”

8VAC20-780-70

“Based on review of four staff records and interviews it was determined that not all records contained documentation to demonstrate that the individual possesses the education and experience required for their position. Evidence: Staff B, C and D were reported as program leaders however, their records did not contain documentation to support that they qualify for this position.”

8VAC20-780-510-P

“Based on review of medication it was determined that not all medication was sent home within 14 days of written authorization being expired. Evidence: The written authorization form for the medication on site for child B expired 07/01/2023.”

8VAC20-780-560-M

“Based on observation of the two year old room it was determined that children were permitted to drink while walking around. Evidence: Three children were observed drinking water out of sippy cups while walking around the classroom.”

8VAC20-780-140-A

“Based on review of five children's records it was determined that not all records contained documentation of a physical within the first 30 days of enrollment. Evidence: The record for child C (start date: 12/04/23) did not contain documentation of a physical.”

8VAC20-780-160-A

“Based on review of four staff records it was determined that not all records contained documentation of a TB (tuberculosis) screening on file before coming into contact with children. Evidence: The record for staff B (start date: 4/25/24) did not have documentation of a TB screening on file.”

8VAC20-780-500-A

“Based on observation it was determined that not all procedures for handwashing were followed. Evidence: Staff A was observed wiping 4 children's noses. Staff A did not wash their hands before or after each child's nose was wiped.”

8VAC20-780-340-F

“REPEAT VIOLATION Based on observation it was determined that not all children were always within sight and sound supervision of staff. Evidence: The LI (licensing inspector) observed child A (Age 4 years) walk upstairs to the hallway restroom without supervision of staff.”

8VAC20-780-70

“Based on review of four staff records and interviews it was determined that not all records contained documentation to demonstrate that the individual possesses the education and experience required for their position. Evidence: Staff B, C and D were reported as program leaders however, their records did not contain documentation to support that they qualify for this position.”

8VAC20-780-510-P

“Based on review of medication it was determined that not all medication was sent home within 14 days of written authorization being expired. Evidence: The written authorization form for the medication on site for child B expired 07/01/2023.”

8VAC20-780-560-M

“Based on observation of the two year old room it was determined that children were permitted to drink while walking around. Evidence: Three children were observed drinking water out of sippy cups while walking around the classroom.”

8VAC20-780-140-A

“Based on review of five children's records it was determined that not all records contained documentation of a physical within the first 30 days of enrollment. Evidence: The record for child C (start date: 12/04/23) did not contain documentation of a physical.”

8VAC20-780-160-A

“Based on review of four staff records it was determined that not all records contained documentation of a TB (tuberculosis) screening on file before coming into contact with children. Evidence: The record for staff B (start date: 4/25/24) did not have documentation of a TB screening on file.”

8VAC20-780-500-A

“Based on observation it was determined that not all procedures for handwashing were followed. Evidence: Staff A was observed wiping 4 children's noses. Staff A did not wash their hands before or after each child's nose was wiped.”

8VAC20-780-340-F

“Based on observation and interviews it was determined that children under the age of ten years of age did not always remain within sight and sound supervision of staff. Evidence: Staff A was observed walking between the infant room and the adjoining room used for diaper changing and feeding infants. While staff A changed an infant there were two children observed sleeping in the adjoining infant room that were not within sight and sound supervision of staff A.”

8VAC20-780-70

“Based on review of three staff records it was determined that not all records were complete. Evidence: The records for staff A (start date: 11/21/23) and staff B (start date: 09/25/23) did not have documentation of at least two references on file.”

8VAC20-780-340-F

“Based on observation and interviews it was determined that children under the age of ten years of age did not always remain within sight and sound supervision of staff. Evidence: Staff A was observed walking between the infant room and the adjoining room used for diaper changing and feeding infants. While staff A changed an infant there were two children observed sleeping in the adjoining infant room that were not within sight and sound supervision of staff A.”

8VAC20-780-70

“Based on review of three staff records it was determined that not all records were complete. Evidence: The records for staff A (start date: 11/21/23) and staff B (start date: 09/25/23) did not have documentation of at least two references on file.”

8VAC20-780-500-B

“Based on observation it was determined that not all procedures were followed as required. Evidence: 1.) There are two rips in the diaper pad in the toddler room making the diaper pad no longer nonabsorbent. 2.) There is a rip in the diaper pad in the two's/three's classroom making the diaper pad no longer nonabsorbent. 3.) The portable sinks utilized for handwashing after diapering in the toddler room and the two's/three's room does not have a heating mechanism allowing for warm water for handwashing.”

8VAC20-780-500-B

“Based on observation it was determined that not all procedures were followed as required. Evidence: 1.) There are two rips in the diaper pad in the toddler room making the diaper pad no longer nonabsorbent. 2.) There is a rip in the diaper pad in the two's/three's classroom making the diaper pad no longer nonabsorbent. 3.) The portable sinks utilized for handwashing after diapering in the toddler room and the two's/three's room does not have a heating mechanism allowing for warm water for handwashing.”

8VAC20-780-500-B

“Based on observation it was determined that not all procedures were followed as required. Evidence: 1.) There are two rips in the diaper pad in the toddler room making the diaper pad no longer nonabsorbent. 2.) There is a rip in the diaper pad in the two's/three's classroom making the diaper pad no longer nonabsorbent. 3.) The portable sinks utilized for handwashing after diapering in the toddler room and the two's/three's room does not have a heating mechanism allowing for warm water for handwashing.”

8VAC20-780-560-F-4 Complaint related: Yes

“Based on interviews and photos it was determined that foods considered to be choking hazards were not prohibited for children under three years. Evidence: On 03/22/2023 children in the toddler room were served sausage links cut into rounds instead of strips posing a potential choking hazard. On 04/05/2023 children in the toddler room were served apples cut into chunk size pieces and served to children in the toddler room instead of strips posing a potential choking hazard.”

8VAC20-780-510-L

“Based on observation of the infant room it was determined that not all medication was kept locked. Evidence: The medication for child A was observed in an unlocked refrigerator in the infant room.”

8VAC20-780-500-B

“Based on observation of the infant room it was determined that not all diapering procedures were followed. Evidence: The LI observed debris on the changing table, indicating that the changing table was not cleaned and sanitized after use.”

8VAC20-780-270-A

“Based on observation of the pre-k bathroom it was determined that not all areas were maintained in safe and operable condition. Evidence: 1. The wood paneling on the wall behind the toilet was observed to be splintering. 2. Chipping paint was observed on the bottom left of the bathroom vanity.”

8VAC20-780-160-A

“Based on review of three staff records it was determined that not all records contained documentation of a TB (tuberculosis) screening by the first day of employment. Evidence: The record for staff B (start date: 01/09/2023) did not have documentation of a TB screening.”

8VAC20-780-350-B-1

“Based on observation and interviews it was determined that required ratios were not maintained for children birth through 16 months with one staff per 4 children. Evidence: The LI (Licensing Inspector) observed staff A caring for 5 children ages 11 months - 2 years.”

8VAC20-780-290-A-3

“Based on observation of the two's and three's classroom it was determined that not all outlets had protective covers. Evidence: The LI observed an electrical outlet uncovered near the entryway door.”

8VAC20-780-280-B

“Based on observation of the two's/three's room it was determined that not all hazardous substances were kept locked. Evidence: 1. Soap and bleach water was observed in an unlocked lower cabinet of the changing table. 2. Hand sanitizer was observed on a low toy shelf.”

8VAC20-780-510-L

“Based on observation of the infant room it was determined that not all medication was kept locked. Evidence: The medication for child A was observed in an unlocked refrigerator in the infant room.”

8VAC20-780-500-B

“Based on observation of the infant room it was determined that not all diapering procedures were followed. Evidence: The LI observed debris on the changing table, indicating that the changing table was not cleaned and sanitized after use.”

8VAC20-780-270-A

“Based on observation of the pre-k bathroom it was determined that not all areas were maintained in safe and operable condition. Evidence: 1. The wood paneling on the wall behind the toilet was observed to be splintering. 2. Chipping paint was observed on the bottom left of the bathroom vanity.”

8VAC20-780-160-A

“Based on review of three staff records it was determined that not all records contained documentation of a TB (tuberculosis) screening by the first day of employment. Evidence: The record for staff B (start date: 01/09/2023) did not have documentation of a TB screening.”

8VAC20-780-350-B-1

“Based on observation and interviews it was determined that required ratios were not maintained for children birth through 16 months with one staff per 4 children. Evidence: The LI (Licensing Inspector) observed staff A caring for 5 children ages 11 months - 2 years.”

8VAC20-780-290-A-3

“Based on observation of the two's and three's classroom it was determined that not all outlets had protective covers. Evidence: The LI observed an electrical outlet uncovered near the entryway door.”

8VAC20-780-280-B

“Based on observation of the two's/three's room it was determined that not all hazardous substances were kept locked. Evidence: 1. Soap and bleach water was observed in an unlocked lower cabinet of the changing table. 2. Hand sanitizer was observed on a low toy shelf.”

8VAC20-780-510-L

“Based on observation of the infant room it was determined that not all medication was kept locked. Evidence: The medication for child A was observed in an unlocked refrigerator in the infant room.”

8VAC20-780-500-B

“Based on observation of the infant room it was determined that not all diapering procedures were followed. Evidence: The LI observed debris on the changing table, indicating that the changing table was not cleaned and sanitized after use.”

8VAC20-780-270-A

“Based on observation of the pre-k bathroom it was determined that not all areas were maintained in safe and operable condition. Evidence: 1. The wood paneling on the wall behind the toilet was observed to be splintering. 2. Chipping paint was observed on the bottom left of the bathroom vanity.”

8VAC20-780-160-A

“Based on review of three staff records it was determined that not all records contained documentation of a TB (tuberculosis) screening by the first day of employment. Evidence: The record for staff B (start date: 01/09/2023) did not have documentation of a TB screening.”

8VAC20-780-350-B-1

“Based on observation and interviews it was determined that required ratios were not maintained for children birth through 16 months with one staff per 4 children. Evidence: The LI (Licensing Inspector) observed staff A caring for 5 children ages 11 months - 2 years.”

8VAC20-780-290-A-3

“Based on observation of the two's and three's classroom it was determined that not all outlets had protective covers. Evidence: The LI observed an electrical outlet uncovered near the entryway door.”

8VAC20-780-280-B

“Based on observation of the two's/three's room it was determined that not all hazardous substances were kept locked. Evidence: 1. Soap and bleach water was observed in an unlocked lower cabinet of the changing table. 2. Hand sanitizer was observed on a low toy shelf.”