Central Montessori School

“Based on the review of a child’s record (Child #4), and an interview with a staff member (staff #5), the agency failed to maintain documentation of health information as required by 8VAC20-780-140. Evidence: The first day of attendance for Child #4 was 9/14/23. The physical examination in the record for Child #4 was dated 2/12/24. The physical examination was not completed within 30 days after the first day of attendance. In an exit interview on 4/18/24, staff #5 acknowledged that the physical examination in the record was not completed within the required timeframe.”

“Evidence: 1. The record for Staff #3 (date of hire: 6/20/23) documented a sworn disclosure statement, indicating having resided outside of the state of Virginia within the preceding five years. 2.There was not an out of state sex offender registry, out of state criminal history name check, and out of state child abuse and neglect search documented in the record for Staff #3 for one of the two states documented on the sworn disclosure statement where Staff #3 lived within the preceding five years. 3. During an interview, with the center assistant director, it was acknowledged that Staff #3 lived in two other states within the preceding five years and the record did not document the required out of state checks for Staff #3.”

“Based on interview, the center failed to ensure when staff are supervising children, they always ensure their care, protection, and guidance. Evidence: When interviewed administration stated that child #1 was left in the care of the center on 9/22/22. Child #1, 4 years old, was left on a stairwell by staff #3 who escorted the child to the bottom of the stairs and turned around and walked away. The stairs are located on the outside of the building. Child #1 was left alone for approximately 15 minutes. The center is located in an urban area surrounded by busy streets with heavy traffic.”

“Based on interview, the center failed to ensure that children under 10 years of age always are within actual sight and sound supervision of staff. Evidence: Interviews with staff revealed the following. 1) Child #1, 4 years old, was dropped off by the parent on 9/22/22 at approximately 8:58 am. The carpool line closes at 9:00 am. 2) Staff #3 escorted child #1 to the bottom of the stairs located through a gate and on the outside of the building. The door at the top of the stairs was propped open, which typically indicates that a staff member is standing there to accept children. 3) Staff #3 closed the gate at the bottom of the stairs, turned around, and walked away leaving child #1 to go up the stairs by themselves. 4) Staff #3 cleaned up the outside carpool equipment and then helped another family who had arrived. They went into the building through the front door. 5) Staff #1 was in the classroom at the top of the stairs where the door was propped open. Staff #1 did not realize that another child was coming up the stairs to enter. Staff #1 closed the door to the classroom leaving child #1 alone outside. 6) Staff #2 went outside at approximately 9:15 am to the lower deck to prepare for a lesson when she saw Child #1 standing on the upper deck alone. 7) Staff #2 stated that child #1 was visibly upset when found. Staff #2 escorted child #1 into the center and called administration to report what had happened.”

“Based on review of documentation and interview, the center failed to admit a custodial parent into the child day program. Evidence: 1) Email dated 09/14/2022, sent out to all parents stated that some of the COVID restrictions that had been in place for this school had been lifted on August 1, 2022. These include parents being able to schedule volunteer time inside the school and scheduling a birthday celebration. 2) Email dated June 24, 2022 states ?since we are still (unfortunately) in the midst of COVID, we are currently only allowing staff and students in the building.? 3) When asked on September 22, 2022, the Director stated that parents are not allowed to enter the building without scheduling an appointment first.”

“Evidence: 1) Parent #1 asked to be updated by the child’s teacher about her child’s developmental milestones including whether the child is napping and whether the child is successfully using the restroom. The center replied via email that the best way to gain information was through the office staff who could relay the information from the teacher to the parent. It further stated that nap time is considered a planning time for the teachers and that multiple staff are in and out of the classroom so it would be difficult to give an accurate picture of naptime for one child. 2) When asked the center stated that they do not allow parents to speak to the teachers directly because it is considered ?abandonment? for a teacher to not be 100% focused on the child during the day. They stated that parents must wait to speak to the teacher for a 6 week ?adjustment? period.”

“Based on observation and interview on April 27, 2022, the center did not ensure that hazardous substances such as cleaning materials were kept in a locked place using a safe locking method that prevents access by children. Evidence: 1. In the Primary classroom, (the youngest child is 3 years old) there was an unlocked cabinet in the kitchenette area containing Lysol and Steramine tablets. The label on the Lysol stated “keep out of reach of children” and “caution.” The label on the Steramine stated “keep out of reach of children” and “warning.” 2. In the Pre-Primary classroom (the youngest child is 2 years old) there was an unlocked cabinets with Steramine tables and Lysol. The label on the Lysol stated “keep out of reach of children” and “caution.” The label on the Steramine stated “keep out of reach of children” and “warning.” 3. In the second Primary class bathroom (the youngest child is 3 years old) there was a bottle of Resolve on a shelf. The label on the Resolve stated “keep out of reach of children” and “caution.” 4. In both Primary classrooms there were buckets of Steramine sanitzer water made with Steramine tablets. The Steramine tablets have a label that state “keep out of reach of children” and “warning.” 5. Administration acknowledged the hazardous substances weren’t locked.”