The Learning Experience

8VAC20-780-270-A

“Areas and equipment of the center, inside and outside, shall be maintained in a clean, safe and operable condition. In the PS 3A class, four to five-years-old, a space heater was observed on top of the cubbies, the cord was hanging down within reach of the children.”

8VAC20-780-320-B

“Restrooms shall be equipped with soap, toilet paper, and disposable towels within reach of children. In the PS 1 class, three-years-old, there were no paper towels in the restroom.”

8VAC20-780-340-A

“Based on interviews, observations, and a review of records, reports and digital documentation, it was determined that staff supervising children did not always ensure their care, protection and guidance. Evidence: 1) On 4/15/2024, between approximately 4:40-4:50pm, child #1 (age 3) sustained a serious injury to their finger that required outside medical treatment. 2) Staff #1, who was alone supervising eight children, received a phone call from the manager on duty telling them to relay a message to staff on the playground. When staff #1 opened the door to relay the message, some of the children followed to the door, to peek outside, and when the door to the playground closed, child #1's finger was caught in the hinge of the doorway. 3) Interviews revealed that the manager on duty was attempting to determine the number of children with staff on the playground, and direct children to be moved, so that teachers who were due to be off at 5:00pm could do so.”

8VAC20-780-500-A

“(Repeat violation) Based on observation, the facility failed to ensure that children's hands were washed as required. Evidence: In the infant classroom one infant was observed drinking a bottle and their hands were not washed beforehand as required.”

8VAC20-780-560-F

“Based on observation, and staff interview, the facility failed to follow USDA nutritional requirements when serving lunch. Evidence: the children were observed eating pasta w/butter, peas, apple sauce and milk for lunch; no meat or meat alternative was served.”

8VAC20-780-500-A

“(Repeat violation) Based on observation, the facility failed to ensure that children's hands were washed as required. Evidence: In the infant classroom one infant was observed drinking a bottle and their hands were not washed beforehand as required.”

8VAC20-780-560-F

“Based on observation, and staff interview, the facility failed to follow USDA nutritional requirements when serving lunch. Evidence: the children were observed eating pasta w/butter, peas, apple sauce and milk for lunch; no meat or meat alternative was served.”

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

“Based on interviews, photographs and documentation review, it was determined that staff did not always ensure the care and protection of all children under their supervision. Evidence: Staff could not provide an explanation regarding a nursemaid elbow sustained by child #1 (age three) on 9/12/2023 between approximately 6:37-8:43am. It was discovered through interviews that child #1 arrived at the day care at approximately 6:37am with a happy disposition. At approximately 8:43 am, staff #1 noticed that child #1 was holding their arm and documented "sore left arm" and "notified front desk" on the daily (AM) Health Assessment Check for the Preschool 1 classroom. At approximately 9:00am, staff #2 arrived in the Preschool 1 classroom and noticed that child #1 was holding their arm across their body. At approximately 10:00am, after being outside on the playground, staff #2 stated that child #1 was still holding their arm, that the arm appeared swollen, and that the child was using their opposite hand to complete tasks so they contacted front desk staff again and asked that the parents be notified. Between approximately 11:00am ? 12:15pm, child #1 continued to complain about their arm, and was crying on and off. It was reported that front office staff did not go back to the classroom to check on child #1 or contact the child's parents. At approximately 12:15pm, staff #1 called the front desk again, and then staff #2 took child #1 up to the front office where office staff observed the injured arm. It wasn?t until approximately 12:30pm that the parents were first notified of their child's arm injury. Child #1 was picked up at approximately 3:15pm and taken for a medical evaluation. It was then determined that child #1 had nursemaid's elbow.”

8VAC20-780-500-A

“(Repeat violation) Based on observation, the facility failed to ensure that children's hands were washed as required. Evidence: 1) In the infant classroom two infants were observed drinking bottles and their hands were not washed before and after as required. 2) In the toddler classroom, not all children had their hands washed after having a diaper change. 3) In the toddler classroom, staff were observed changing diapers and did not always wash their hands before and each child's diaper change.”

8VAC20-780-330-B

“Based on an inspection of the playground, it was determined that the mulch under and around composite play equipment was not resilient. Evidence: The depth of the wood chips under and around the composite play structure on the preschool/school age playground was approximately one - three inches in depth.”

8VAC20-780-500-A

“(Repeat violation) Based on observation, the facility failed to ensure that children's hands were washed as required. Evidence: 1) In the infant classroom two infants were observed drinking bottles and their hands were not washed before and after as required. 2) In the toddler classroom, not all children had their hands washed after having a diaper change. 3) In the toddler classroom, staff were observed changing diapers and did not always wash their hands before and each child's diaper change.”

8VAC20-780-330-B

“Based on an inspection of the playground, it was determined that the mulch under and around composite play equipment was not resilient. Evidence: The depth of the wood chips under and around the composite play structure on the preschool/school age playground was approximately one - three inches in depth.”

8VAC20-780-500-A

“(Repeat violation) Based on observation, the facility failed to ensure that children's hands were washed as required. Evidence: 1) In the infant classroom two infants were observed drinking bottles and their hands were not washed before and after as required. 2) In the toddler classroom, not all children had their hands washed after having a diaper change. 3) In the toddler classroom, staff were observed changing diapers and did not always wash their hands before and each child's diaper change.”

8VAC20-780-330-B

“Based on an inspection of the playground, it was determined that the mulch under and around composite play equipment was not resilient. Evidence: The depth of the wood chips under and around the composite play structure on the preschool/school age playground was approximately one - three inches in depth.”

8VAC20-780-450-A

“Based on observation, not all nap mats had required linens. Evidence: In the toddler B classroom, one child's mat was missing a bottom linen. In the Preschool 1B class, one child's missing a bottom linen, one child was missing a top linen.”

8VAC20-780-440-E

“Based on observation, not all occupied nap mats were at least 12 inches apart. Evidence: In the toddler B classroom, five occupied cots were observed in close proximity to one another and were not spaced at least 12 inches apart. Two cots were approximately six inches apart and their blankets were touching one another. Three other cots were very close, approximately 1/2 inch to 1 inch apart with blankets/linens touching one another.”

8VAC20-780-500-A

“Based on observation, children's hands weren't washed as required. Evidence: In the Preschool 2 B classroom, children were observed finishing lunch and going to their nap mats without washing their hands after the meal as required.”

8VAC20-780-450-A

“Based on observation, not all nap mats had required linens. Evidence: In the toddler B classroom, one child's mat was missing a bottom linen. In the Preschool 1B class, one child's missing a bottom linen, one child was missing a top linen.”

8VAC20-780-440-E

“Based on observation, not all occupied nap mats were at least 12 inches apart. Evidence: In the toddler B classroom, five occupied cots were observed in close proximity to one another and were not spaced at least 12 inches apart. Two cots were approximately six inches apart and their blankets were touching one another. Three other cots were very close, approximately 1/2 inch to 1 inch apart with blankets/linens touching one another.”

8VAC20-780-500-A

“Based on observation, children's hands weren't washed as required. Evidence: In the Preschool 2 B classroom, children were observed finishing lunch and going to their nap mats without washing their hands after the meal as required.”

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

“Based on staff interviews, it was determined that staff did not always ensure children’s care, protection and guidance. Evidence: 1. In approximately October of 2022, Child #1, age 4 years old, had a toileting accident during nap and wet through their clothing. The child was changed into a dry pull up but Staff #2 did not locate Child #1?s extra clothing and did not call for assistance for extra clothing. Child #1 remained in only a pull up in their classroom with their peers from approximately 2:30 p.m. until parent pick up. 2.In approximately October of 2022, Child #1 was not provided a change of clothing after a toileting accident and because Child #1 was in a pull up, the child was kept inside during afternoon outdoor time. Additional children in the classroom were kept inside during outdoor playtime to maintain the ratio requirements. 3.When Child #1?s parent arrived for pick up, Child #1?s parent was immediately able to go to Child #1?s cubby and retrieve extra clothing.”

8VAC20-780-500-B

“Based on observation, not all diapering areas were equipped with a diaper disposal system that is either foot-operated or used in such a way that neither the staff member's hand nor the soiled diapers touches the exterior. Evidence: In the three year old class, diapers were disposed of in a swing top trash can.”

8VAC20-780-450-A

“Based on observation, not all nap cots were equipped with a top cover and bottom cover as required. Evidence: In the fours (preschool 2) classroom, one child was observed without a top or bottom cover. In the three/four year old (preschool 1) classroom, one child was observed with no bottom cover.”

8VAC20-780-70

“Based on review of documentation, it was determined that the center did not obtain documentation of two or more references prior to employment. Evidence: Staff #2, date of hire 11/1/2022, first reference was dated 11/21/2022 and did not have a second reference. Staff #3, date of hire 11/1/2022, did not have a second reference. Staff #4, date of hire 10/18/2022,did not have a second reference.”

8VAC20-780-280-B

“Based on observation, the center failed to ensure potentially hazardous substances were maintained in a locked place. Evidence: In the infants, older infants, older toddlers (twaddlers), and two/three year old (preppers) classrooms, bleach water was stored in unlocked cabinets.”

8VAC20-780-500-B

“Based on observation, not all diapering requirements were met. Evidence: In the two’s room, there was a toy stored on top of the diapering pad. In the preschool 1A classroom, there was no diapering surface and one child in disposable diapers.”

8VAC20-780-80-A

“Based on observation and review of documentation, not all attendance records were completed as children arrived. Evidence: In the Two’s classroom, there were 10 children marked present on the attendance sheet but 13 children in care.”

8VAC20-780-270-A

“Based on observation, not all areas and equipment of the center were maintained in safe condition. Evidence: On the preschool playground, there was a broken dust pan that had sharp, jagged edges that created a scratching hazard. In the preschool 1A classroom, there was a broken storage bin that had sharp edges that created a scratching hazard.”

8VAC20-780-280-B

“Based on observation, not all potentially hazardous substances were kept in a locked place. Evidence: In the two/three year old classroom, there was unlocked bleach water in an upper cabinet.”

8VAC20-780-340-A

“Based on review of documentation and interview with staff, it was determined that staff did not always ensure the care, protection and guidance of children in care. Evidence: 1. On September 15, 2022, at least two five year old children and two six year old children were in the ?Make Believe Boulevard? upstairs play area. In an attempt to get Child A to stop ?bothering? Child B; Child B, Child C and Child D laid on Child A and would not let Child A up from the floor for approximately 5 minutes and this resulted in Child A urinating on themself. 2. Staff interview confirmed that Child A called out the staff’s name and reported they needed to use the bathroom. The staff member did not get up from the table they were seated at and instead called for the child to come downstairs. According to the staff completed incident report, approximately ?five to ten minutes? passed and Child A called out for the staff again and said they had to use the bathroom but Child B was holding them down and they urinated on themself.”

8VAC20-780-340-F

“Based on review of documentation and interview with staff, it was determined that children under the age of 10 years old were not within actual sight and sound supervision of staff at all times. Evidence: Child A and Child B, age 5 years old and Child C and Child D, age 6 years old were in the upstairs play area of ?Make Believe Boulevard? without actual sight supervision from staff for approximately 15 to 20 minutes. Through interviews, it was determined that the staff who was seated at a table in the main childcare area, downstairs was unable to see and supervise Child A, Child B, Child C and Child who were upstairs.”

22.1-289.036-A

“Based on review of documentation, it was determined that the center failed to obtain repeat central registry background check results every five years as required for board officers. Evidence: Board Officer # 1 most recent central registry check was dated 2/14/2017. Board Officer #2 most recent central registry check was dated 2/13/2017.”

8VAC20-780-500-B

“Based on observation, not all diapering requirements were met. Evidence: In the infant b classroom, the receptacle for soiled lines was not leak proof or lined. In the toddler classroom, the diaper disposal system was not foot operated and could not be used in a way to avoid the neither staff member's hand nor the soiled diaper touches an exterior surface.”

8VAC20-770-60-C-2

“Based on review of documentation, it was determined that the center failed to obtain central registry background check results within 30 days of employment. Evidence: Staff #5, date of hire 1/10/2022, central registry background check was dated 6/7/2022. Staff #6, date of hire 1/18/2022, did not have a central registry background check in the record.”

8VAC20-780-260-B

“Based on review of documentation, it was determined that an annual approval from the health department was not available. Evidence: The most recent health inspection was dated 6/25/2021.”

8VAC20-780-270-A

“Based on observation, not all areas and equipment of the center were maintained in clean, safe, operable condition. In the two's class, there is chipped and peeling yellow paint along the back wall accessible to children. In the Preschool IA classroom (three year olds), there were four nap mats observed with broken seams with exposed foam (#1, #3, #13, #10). In the bathroom, there was no operable overhead light and the bathroom was very dim. An exact time frame for how long the light was inoperable could not be obtained, as staff interviews revealed only that it had been broken for ?not that long?. On the playground, there were four balls observed that were all flat. In the Summer Camp room, there was an approximately three inch long hole in the wall exposing drywall. The railing on the ?make believe steps? was loose to the touch and two of the railings were no longer attached to the wall. In the bathroom, there was a trash bag filled with cords and extension cords that created a tripping hazard.”

8VAC20-780-340-A

“Based on observation, when supervising children, staff did not always ensure their care, protection and guidance. Evidence: In the two’s classroom there were 14 children under the care and supervision of 3 staff members. Children were observed climbing on top of toy storage bins, pulling each other down from the bins to the ground, throwing toys at one another, two children were observed walking into the bathroom together playing with the door, two other children were engaged in a disagreement, screaming at one another and another child was observed grabbing a bottle of spray sunscreen off the counter while one staff member was observed sitting and braiding a child’s hair, one staff was observed preparing to plate lunch and a third staff was doing bathroom and hand washing.”

22.1-289.035-B-2

“Based on review of documentation, it was determined that the center failed to obtain criminal history record check prior to the first day of employment for all staff. Evidence: Staff #5, date of hire 1/10/2022, criminal history background check was dated 1/12/2022. Staff #7, date of hire 5/3/2018, did not have a criminal history background check in the record.”

8VAC20-780-430-B

“Based on observation and interview with staff, it was determined that not all equipment of the center was age and stage appropriate. Evidence: The toddler classroom was observed outside on the concrete walkway during water play. Water play consisted of an ?expert gardener? brand sprinkler that is described by the manufacturer as "a 4,000 square feet oscillating sprinkler with 20 jets to ensure even coverage." The sprinkler was observed spraying water with forceful jets and at least five toddlers were screaming and crying and some were holding on to staff member's legs. Two toddlers were observed being walked beside the sprinkler by staff, being sprayed directly in the face and both children began to scream and cry. Staff interview revealed that the sprinkler is not a normal piece of equipment for the toddlers but the class splash pad recently broke and the oscillating sprinkler was used as a replacement.”

8VAC20-780-520-B

“Based on observation, sunscreen was not inaccessible to children in care. Evidence: In the two's room, a spray bottle of sunscreen was observed being accessed by a two year old and taken off the counter.”

22.1-289.036-A

“Based on review of documentation, it was determined that the center failed to obtain repeat central registry background check results every five years as required for board officers. Evidence: Board Officer # 1 most recent central registry check was dated 2/14/2017. Board Officer #2 most recent central registry check was dated 2/13/2017.”

8VAC20-780-500-B

“Based on observation, not all diapering requirements were met. Evidence: In the infant b classroom, the receptacle for soiled lines was not leak proof or lined. In the toddler classroom, the diaper disposal system was not foot operated and could not be used in a way to avoid the neither staff member's hand nor the soiled diaper touches an exterior surface.”

8VAC20-770-60-C-2

“Based on review of documentation, it was determined that the center failed to obtain central registry background check results within 30 days of employment. Evidence: Staff #5, date of hire 1/10/2022, central registry background check was dated 6/7/2022. Staff #6, date of hire 1/18/2022, did not have a central registry background check in the record.”

8VAC20-780-260-B

“Based on review of documentation, it was determined that an annual approval from the health department was not available. Evidence: The most recent health inspection was dated 6/25/2021.”

8VAC20-780-270-A

“Based on observation, not all areas and equipment of the center were maintained in clean, safe, operable condition. In the two's class, there is chipped and peeling yellow paint along the back wall accessible to children. In the Preschool IA classroom (three year olds), there were four nap mats observed with broken seams with exposed foam (#1, #3, #13, #10). In the bathroom, there was no operable overhead light and the bathroom was very dim. An exact time frame for how long the light was inoperable could not be obtained, as staff interviews revealed only that it had been broken for ?not that long?. On the playground, there were four balls observed that were all flat. In the Summer Camp room, there was an approximately three inch long hole in the wall exposing drywall. The railing on the ?make believe steps? was loose to the touch and two of the railings were no longer attached to the wall. In the bathroom, there was a trash bag filled with cords and extension cords that created a tripping hazard.”

8VAC20-780-340-A

“Based on observation, when supervising children, staff did not always ensure their care, protection and guidance. Evidence: In the two’s classroom there were 14 children under the care and supervision of 3 staff members. Children were observed climbing on top of toy storage bins, pulling each other down from the bins to the ground, throwing toys at one another, two children were observed walking into the bathroom together playing with the door, two other children were engaged in a disagreement, screaming at one another and another child was observed grabbing a bottle of spray sunscreen off the counter while one staff member was observed sitting and braiding a child’s hair, one staff was observed preparing to plate lunch and a third staff was doing bathroom and hand washing.”

22.1-289.035-B-2

“Based on review of documentation, it was determined that the center failed to obtain criminal history record check prior to the first day of employment for all staff. Evidence: Staff #5, date of hire 1/10/2022, criminal history background check was dated 1/12/2022. Staff #7, date of hire 5/3/2018, did not have a criminal history background check in the record.”

8VAC20-780-430-B

“Based on observation and interview with staff, it was determined that not all equipment of the center was age and stage appropriate. Evidence: The toddler classroom was observed outside on the concrete walkway during water play. Water play consisted of an ?expert gardener? brand sprinkler that is described by the manufacturer as "a 4,000 square feet oscillating sprinkler with 20 jets to ensure even coverage." The sprinkler was observed spraying water with forceful jets and at least five toddlers were screaming and crying and some were holding on to staff member's legs. Two toddlers were observed being walked beside the sprinkler by staff, being sprayed directly in the face and both children began to scream and cry. Staff interview revealed that the sprinkler is not a normal piece of equipment for the toddlers but the class splash pad recently broke and the oscillating sprinkler was used as a replacement.”

8VAC20-780-520-B

“Based on observation, sunscreen was not inaccessible to children in care. Evidence: In the two's room, a spray bottle of sunscreen was observed being accessed by a two year old and taken off the counter.”

8VAC20-780-340-A

“Based on interviews and review of documentation, it was determined that staff did not always ensure the care, protection and guidance of all children in care. Evidence: In the prep classroom, at least four of the children’s behavioral needs exceeded the ability of what two staff could safely provide while maintaining care for all of the children in the classroom. Child #1, age 2 years old, engaged in behaviors that included climbing tables and chairs, removing her shoes and eating paper or books and putting other nonfood items in her mouth. Child #2, age 3 years old, required additional feeding assistance and a strict diet that required a great deal of time from staff. Behaviors included taking food items from the trash, tantrums and needing to be held. Child #3, age 3 years old, had a difficult time following staff directives and often engaged in behaviors that included an inability to keep his hands to himself by ways of hitting peers, scratching and pushing. This behavior required constant intervention from staff. Staff interviews revealed this behavior occurred nearly every day. Child #4, age 2, often engaged in behaviors that included climbing on tables and chairs and required constant redirection from staff to ensure the child’s safety.”

22.1-289.035-B-4

“Based on review of staff files, it was determined that the center failed to request out of state criminal history name search and central registry background checks for a staff that resided outside of Virginia in the last five years. Evidence: Staff #2, start date 4/11/2022, indicated on a sworn statement on 3/26/2022 that she resided in California in the last five years. There was no documentation of an out of state central registry background check request or an out of state criminal history name search for California as required.”

8VAC20-780-40-B

“Based on review of documentation it was determined that not all individuals involved with the day to day operations of the center were of good character and reputation. Evidence: Staff files were reviewed on June 1, 2022. During review of documentation, it was determined that CPR and First Aid certifications for Staff #2 and Staff #3 were falsified. Interview with the trainer listed on the documentation verified that he had never been to the facility or conducted trainings for Staff #2 or Staff #3.”

8VAC20-780-340-A

“Based on interviews and review of documentation, it was determined that staff did not always ensure the care, protection and guidance of all children in care. Evidence: In the prep classroom, at least four of the children’s behavioral needs exceeded the ability of what two staff could safely provide while maintaining care for all of the children in the classroom. Child #1, age 2 years old, engaged in behaviors that included climbing tables and chairs, removing her shoes and eating paper or books and putting other nonfood items in her mouth. Child #2, age 3 years old, required additional feeding assistance and a strict diet that required a great deal of time from staff. Behaviors included taking food items from the trash, tantrums and needing to be held. Child #3, age 3 years old, had a difficult time following staff directives and often engaged in behaviors that included an inability to keep his hands to himself by ways of hitting peers, scratching and pushing. This behavior required constant intervention from staff. Staff interviews revealed this behavior occurred nearly every day. Child #4, age 2, often engaged in behaviors that included climbing on tables and chairs and required constant redirection from staff to ensure the child’s safety.”

22.1-289.035-B-4

“Based on review of staff files, it was determined that the center failed to request out of state criminal history name search and central registry background checks for a staff that resided outside of Virginia in the last five years. Evidence: Staff #2, start date 4/11/2022, indicated on a sworn statement on 3/26/2022 that she resided in California in the last five years. There was no documentation of an out of state central registry background check request or an out of state criminal history name search for California as required.”

8VAC20-780-40-B

“Based on review of documentation it was determined that not all individuals involved with the day to day operations of the center were of good character and reputation. Evidence: Staff files were reviewed on June 1, 2022. During review of documentation, it was determined that CPR and First Aid certifications for Staff #2 and Staff #3 were falsified. Interview with the trainer listed on the documentation verified that he had never been to the facility or conducted trainings for Staff #2 or Staff #3.”