Little Ambassadors’ Academy - Yorktown

The center is required to have employees undergo a background check every five years.

“At the time of the inspection, the most recent out of state criminal history check for Staff #5 was overdue by over eight months.”

Rule 22.1-289.035-A.

The center is required to keep a current list of all known allergies, sensitivities, and dietary restrictions in each room or area where children are present. The list must be dated and kept confidential.

“-The list between the Fox and Panda classrooms was posted in the shared kitchen area in plain sight. -The list in the Fox classroom dated 8/24/26 did not reflect the current list for the classroom. Child #8 was no longer enrolled in the classroom and the allergy list did not reflect this change.”

Rule 8VAC20-780-40-M.

Prescription and nonprescription medication shall be given to a child that is maintained in the original, labeled container.

“Child #8 did not have prescribed medication in the original container.”

Rule 8VAC20-780-510-B.

The center is required to obtain a completed sworn statement prior to the employee’s first day of employment.

“The sworn statement for Staff #1 was signed after their first day of employment.”

Rule 22.1-289.035-B-1.

At least every two years from the date of the first initial screening or testing, staff members shall obtain and submit the results of a follow-up tuberculosis screening.

“Staff #1 had a tuberculosis test dated 9/20/2022. Results of a follow-up screening had not been obtained at the time of the inspection.”

Rule 8VAC20-780-160-C.

Areas and equipment of the center, inside and outside, shall be maintained in a clean, safe, and operable condition.

“1) The fence surrounding the fish pond was rusted with chipped and peeling paint. 2) There was an exposed tree root on the hill down from the gazebo causing a tripping hazard.”

Rule 8VAC20-780-270-A.

Cleaning and sanitizing materials shall not be located above food, food equipment, utensils or single serve articles and shall be stored in areas physically separate from food.

“In the Foxes classroom, single serve containers of cereal was found in a cabinet on a shelf next to Lysol and Clorox wipes.”

Rule 8VAC20-780-280-D.

The center shall maintain, in a way that is accessible to all staff who work with children, a current written list of all children’s allergies, sensitivities, and dietary restrictions. The list shall be dated and kept confidential in each room or area where children are present.

“Three out of six classrooms had an allergy chart posted without a cover sheet, not keeping the children’s information confidential.”

Rule 8VAC20-780-40-M.

The center shall maintain a written record of children’s serious and minor injuries in which entries are made the day of occurrence. The record shall include the date and time of injury, name of injured child, type and circumstance of injury, staff present and treatment, date and time when parents were notified, any future action to prevent recurrence, staff and parent signatures, and documentation on how parent was notified.

“Three out of six injury reports reviewed did not contain the time the parent was notified.”

Rule 8VAC20-780-550-P.

Each center shall maintain and keep at the center a separate record for each child enrolled which shall contain a written care plan for each child with a diagnosed food allergy, to include instructions from a physician regarding the food to which the child is allergic and the steps to be taken in the event of a suspected or confirmed allergic reaction.

“Child #1, with a food allergy, has a FARE (Food Allergy Research & Education) Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Emergency Care Plan that expired two years ago. A 2024 physical examination confirmed the allergy is still present. There was no updated FARE form or written care plan on file.”

Rule 8VAC20-780-60-A.

Based on record review, all staff did not obtain an updated tuberculosis screening.

“Evidence: Staff 3 has a tuberculosis screening which was last obtained on 4/7/2022.”

Rule 8VAC20-780-160-C.

Based on observation, hazardous substances such as cleaning materials were not kept in a locked place using a safe locking method.

“EVidence: In the kangaroo classroom, hand sanitizer was observed on a shelf accessible to children.”

Rule 8VAC20-780-280-B.

Based on review of documentation and interviews, staff did not ensure children’s care, protection, and guidance.

Rule 8VAC20-780-340-A.

Based on review of documentation and interviews, a child under 10 years of age was not within actual sight and sound supervision of staff.

“Evidence: 1) A document in Staff 1’s record indicated that on November 15, 2023, Staff 1 left Child 1 alone in the bathroom located in the cubs classroom from 10:45am until 11:05am. 2) Staff stated they left Child 1 unattended in the bathroom.”

Rule 8VAC20-780-340-F.

Based on record review, the center did not follow their own polices and procedures that are required by the standards.

“Evidence: 1) A document found in Staff 1’s record states “the Cubs team left a child unattended in the bathroom after taking their children to the playground.” 2) The policy states, “All children must be kept within sight and sound at all times. Teachers are to NEVER leave any child unattended.””

Rule 8VAC20-780-40-E.

Based on review of documentation and interview, staff failed to immediately report potential child abuse or neglect in accordance with 63.2-1509 of the Code of Virginia.

“Evidence: 1) A document in Staff 1’s record stated that on November 15, 2023 administration viewed videofootage that determined Staff 1 left Child 1 alone in a classroom from 10:45am until 11:05am. 2) According to documentation, on November 15, 2023 staff did not do a name to face which resulted in Child 1 being unattended for 20 minutes. 3) According to current school policy, “employees at Little Ambassadors? Academy are mandated reporters for child abuse and neglect and are required by law to report immediately. “”

Rule 8VAC20-780-80-B.

Based on observation, the center did not maintain a ratio staff to child ratio of 1:10 for 3 year olds to school age children.

“Evidence: In the Foxes classroom at 10:29am, 1 teacher was supervising 15 children who were sitting and eating their morning snack. At 10:31am, another staff member entered the classroom to bring the classroom back into ratio.”

Rule 8VAC20-780-350-B-4.

Based on record review, records and reports on staff shall be maintained and made accessible.

“Evidence: At the time of inspection, staff files were inaccessible.”

Rule 8VAC20-780-50-B.

Based on observation, food containers shall be sealed and clearly dated and labeled in a way that identifies the owner.

“Evidence: Four lunches were observed with no date.”

Rule 8VAC20-780-560-G.

Based on observation, areas and equipment of the center, inside and outside, were not maintained in a clean, safe, and operable condition.

“Evidence: The wooden cover to the pond pump, located on the playground, was cracked and splintered.”

Rule 8VAC20-780-270-A.