La Petite Academy #7136

“The center shall maintain a written record of children’s serious and minor injuries in which entries are made the day of occurrence. Staff #1 stated that Child #1 was able to run out of the classroom two different times and there were no written record reports documented regarding the incidents. Staff #1 stated she has written approximately four incident reports regarding minor injuries just this month for Child #1. In reviewing written incident reports, Staff #1 did not write any of the reports this month and the past month for Child #1.”

“Where playground equipment is provided, resilient surfacing shall comply with minimum safety standards when tested in accordance with the procedures described in the American Society for Testing and Materials standard F1292-99 and 3 (Use Zones for Equipment) of the National Program for Playground Safety’s “Selecting Playground Surface Materials: Selecting the Best Surface Material for Your Playground,” February 2004, and shall be under equipment with moving parts or climbing apparatus to create a fall zone free of hazardous obstacles. The resilient surfacing mulch on the outdoor playground is measuring approximately 2.5 inches in depth and at the end of the slides, the landing area had areas of dirt and minimal mulch.”

“Evidence: 1. Staff #1 allowed 6 toddlers (ages 16 months to 2 years old) to go outside on the playground without a staff member in front of them or already on the playground. 2. Child #1 was able to exit the toddler playground unsupervised running the parameter of the preschool building. 3. Staff #2, toddler teacher, was the last to get out the door and while completing the name to face attendance, notice that Child #1 was not present. 4. Staff #3, preschool teacher, observed Child #1 running alone the sidewalk outside her window and immediately called for the Director to get the child outside.”

“Based on observation and interview, it was determined that the center failed to ensure that children under 10 years of age always shall be within actual sight and sound supervision of staff. Evidence: 1. Child #1, age 2, was left on the playground on March 13, 2024, without adult supervision for approximately 2 minutes. 2. In viewing the video footage of the incident, the staff members responsible for the children during outdoor play went into the classroom leaving Child #1 outside on the playground alone without supervision. 3. In interviewing multiple staff members present during the day of the incident, they confirmed that Child #1 was left outside without staff supervision for approximately 1 to 3 minutes.”

“Based on record review and interview, it was determined that the center did not ensure that ratio for children 16 months and under are one staff member to four children. Evidence: 1. In speaking with multiple staff members, they reported that in the morning, the children are out of ratio and not enough staff are present to supervise the children. 2. In reviewing the Face-To-Name Transition Sheet for the center, there were two staff members supervising nine children, all age 1 years old, until 8:56am. The first child came into the center at 6:32am and the ninth child in that classroom came in at 8:42am. 3. In speaking with the regional manager and the director, they confirmed that the morning of March 4, 2024, the 1 year old classroom was out of ratio.”

“Based on observation and interview, it was determined that the center did not ensure that areas and equipment of the center be maintained in a safe and operable condition. Evidence: 1. In the 2 year old classroom, there were areas that pose as an injury hazard to the children in care including: a. There is a 2 inch metal piece protruding out from the changing table in reach and at the height of the children. b. There is a wooden step bridge play apparatus that several children were observed walking up and over which is unstable and wobbly. c. There are two area carpets that have several threads that are coming off the edges of the carpet which poses as a tripping hazard. d. The area rug in front of the children’s sink is buckled and does not lay flat to the floor. The corner of the rug is lifted off the ground that poses as a tripping hazard. e. The area rug in the children’s free play area is buckled and does not lay flat to the floor. The corner of the rug is lifted off the ground being held by a wooden toy. This poses as a tripping hazard to the children in care. 2. Staff #1, Director, confirmed the areas of the 2 year old classroom that pose as injury hazards to the children. 3. The two sinks used by the 2 year olds and preschool children are completely turned off or put at a low water pressure in which children do not have access to wash their hands.”

“Based on observation and interview, it was determined that the center did not ensure that hazardous substances such as cleaning materials be kept in a locked place using a safe locking method that prevents access by children. Evidence: 1. In the 2 year old classroom, there was a cleaning spray bottle that was labeled that it contained bleach and water in an unlocked cabinet under the changing table. This area was accessible to children in care. 2. In the dining area where children eat lunch, there is an unlocked cabinet with a spray bottle of bleach and water as well as a bottle of bleach. There were accessible to children. 3. Staff #1, Director, confirmed that the two cabinets were not locked.”

“Based on observation and interview, it was determined that the center did not ensure that children under 10 years of age always shall be within actual sight and sound supervision of staff. Evidence: 1. After outdoor free-play for the 2 year old class, all 18 children came back into the center and placed their jackets in their cubbies with the assistance of the teachers. One of the eighteen children was observed to remain in a different and separate classroom and the three teachers had no knowledge the child was not in the classroom for approximately 2-3 minutes. 2. Director who was present in the 2 year old area confirmed that the child was missing from the classroom for approximately 2-3 minutes.”

“Based on observation and interview, it was determined that the center did not ensure that when disposing of diapers, they shall be disposed in a leakproof or plastic-lined storage system that is either foot-operated or used in such a way that neither the staff member’s hand nor the soiled diaper touches an exterior surface of the storage system during disposal. Evidence: 1. In the 2 year old classroom, the diaper disposal storage system has a broken lid. The two year old teachers confirmed that it is broken and their hands or soiled diapers touch the exterior surface of the storage system. 2. Staff #1, the director, also confirmed that the diaper disposal storage system is broken.”

“Based on record review and interview, it was determined that the center did not ensure that they 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 when parents were notified. Evidence: 1. In reviewing 5 injury reports from the month of January 2024, all 5 reports did not have the date and time the parents were notified of their child’s injury. 2. Staff #1 confirmed that there were no dates and times of when the parents were notified in the injury reports.”

“Based on observation and interview, it was determined that the center did not ensure that each restroom area provided for children shall have sinks located near the toilets and that are supplied with running warm water. Evidence: 1. Several staff members throughout the center reported that the water supply for the two sinks in the two year old classroom are completely cut off where children do not have access to warm water to wash their hands. 2. Per multiple staff members at the center, the preschool room is instructed to use the 2 year old classroom’s sinks for daily handwashing however they are unable to routinely wash the children’s hands throughout the day as the water supply is either cut off to the two sinks or has very low pressure where the water only drips. 3. During the course of the inspection, the director and assistant director requested that the 2 year old teachers turn the water pressure back on to full pressure for children to access water to wash their hands. 4. Parents have reported that while observing their child in the classroom via the school camera, the children are not washing their hands.”

“Based on observation and interview, it was determined that the center did not ensure that the staff-to-children ratios of children birth up to 16 months with a ratio of 1:4 (staff:children) are required whenever children are in care. Evidence: 1. All staff members in the infant room have reported that on several occasions in the morning, the infant room is out of ratio where there is typically one staff with 5 or 6 children. 2. In reviewing the January face to name sheets which include the times the infants and staff members arrive, there are two documented dates where the classroom is out of ratio: a. On January 8, 2024, from 6:45am to 7:05am, there was one staff to five infants. b. On January 19, 2024, from 6:46-7:25am, there was one staff to five infants. 3. Staff #1 and Staff #2 reviewed both face to names for January 8th and 19th and confirmed that per the documentation of staff, the classroom was out of ratio.”

“Based on observation and interview, it was determined that the center did not ensure that the staff-to-children ratios of 1:8 (staff: children) for 2 year old children was required whenever children are in care. Evidence: 1. Multiple staff members reported that the 2 year old classroom is out of ratio on several occasion in the morning with one staff member having over 8 children in care. 2. In reviewing the January face to name sheets for the 2 year old classroom, there were six dates documented that there were not enough staff to children: a. On January 9, 2024, from 6:46am to 7:33am, there was one staff member supervising 9 children in care. b. On January 10, 2024, from 6:41am to 7:37am, there was one staff member supervising 10 children in care. c. On January 11, 2024, from 6:45am to 7:54am, there was one staff member supervising 11 children in care. d. On January 12, 2024, from 6:42am to 7:40am, there was one staff member supervising 10 children in care. e. On January 16, 2024, from 6:43am to 7:40am, there was one staff member supervising 13 children in care. f. On January 19, 2024, from 6:36am to 8am, there was one staff member supervising 10 children. 3. Staff #1 and Staff #2 confirmed that on the given dates listed in January, it is documented that the required staff to children ratio was not followed.”

“Based on record review, it was determined that the center did not ensure to obtain a copy of the results of a criminal history record information check from any state in which the individual has resided in the preceding five years. Evidence: 1. Staff #2 (date of hire 09/08/2023) noted on their signed Sworn Statement dated 09/08/2023 that they lived in another states outside of Virginia in the past five years. There was no background check for that State. 2. Staff #1, confirmed there was no out of state background check completed for Staff #2 prior to hire and was working with children at the center.”

“8VAC20-780-160. A. Based on record review and interview, it was determined that the center did not ensure that each staff member submit documentation of a negative tuberculosis screening. Documentation of the screening shall be submitted at the time of employment and prior to coming into contact with children. Evidence: 1. Four of the six staff records reviewed did not have documentation of a negative tuberculosis (TB) screening in their record and were currently working at the center with children. a. Staff #3 (date of hire 8/28/2023) did not results of a TB screening; b. Staff #4 (date of hire 10/23/2023) did not have results of a TB screening: c. Staff #5 (date of hire 9/11/2023) did not have results of a TB screening; d. Staff #6 (date of hire 7/10/2023) did not have results of a TB screening. 2. Staff #1 confirmed that Staff #3, Staff #4, Staff #5, and Staff #6 did not have documentation of a negative TB screening.”

“Based on record review and interview, it was determined that the center did not ensure that each center shall maintain and keep at the center a separate record for each child enrolled which shall contain the work phone number and place of employment of each parent who has custody. Evidence: 1. Child #3 (date of enrollment 9/04/2023) did not have the parent’s work number listed in their record. 2. Child #4 (date of enrollment 10/31/2023) did not have the work phone number listed for a parent. 3. Child #5 (date of enrollment 5/15/2022) did not have the work phone number listed for a parent. 4. Staff #1, confirmed that there was missing work phone numbers in the records for Child #3, Child #4, and Child #5.”

“Based on record review and interview, it was determined that the center did not ensure that 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. Evidence: 1. Child #1 has a diagnosed food allergy confirmed by a physician however there was no instructions from a physician the steps to be taken in the event of a suspected or confirmed allergic reaction. 2. Child #2 has a diagnosed food allergy confirmed by a physician however there was no allergy action plan signed by a physician with regards to steps to be taken in the event of a suspected or confirmed allergic reaction. Child #2 had an emergency medication on site. 3. Staff #1 confirmed that there was no documentation of the steps to be taken in the event of a suspected or confirmed allergic reaction for Child #1 and Child #2?s allergies.”

“Based on observation and interview, it was determined that the center did not ensure that areas and equipment of the center, inside and outside, be maintained in a safe condition. Evidence: 1. There is peeling paint to the ledge that is in reach of children in the preschool room. 2. There were two cracked plastic containers on the playground that poses as a pinching hazard to the children in care. 3. There is peeling paint along the entire exterior wall of the toddler playground. 4. The 2 year old classroom had the following: a. There were staples coming off the wall with sharp edges in reach of children in care which poses an injury hazard; b. There was a wooden shelf that was upright and children were using as a play boat. It was not sturdy and poses as a tipping and injury hazard to the children in care; c. In the 2 year old bathroom, there were cleansing wipes in the bathroom on top of the toilet paper holder that had a warning label to keep out of reach of children. d. The toilets in the 2 year old bathroom had exposed screws/bolts to both sides of the toilet that were rusted. This poses as an injury hazard to children. 5. In the school age classroom boy’s bathroom, there is a 2-3 inch hole on top of the sink in reach of the children in care. 6. Staff #1 confirmed all the concerned areas above regarding the peeling paint, concerns to the 2 year old classroom, and the hole in the school age room.”

“Based on record review and interview, it was determined that the center did not ensure that 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. Evidence: 1. Child #1 has a diagnosed food allergy confirmed by a physician however there was no instructions from a physician the steps to be taken in the event of a suspected or confirmed allergic reaction. 2. Staff #1 confirmed that there was no documentation of the steps to be taken in the event of a suspected or confirmed allergic reaction for Child #1?s allergy.”

“Based on record review and interview, it was determined that the center did not ensure that they obtain a copy of the results of a criminal record and a search of the child abuse and neglect registry or equivalent registry from any state in which the individual has resided in the preceding five years. Evidence: 1) The record for Staff #2, (date of hire 07/19/2022) did not contain documentation of a completed criminal record check and child abuse and neglect registry check from outside of the state of Virginia. The Virginia Child Abuse registry application indicated by Staff #2 that they previously lived outside of the state of Virginia within the last five years. 2) Staff #1 confirmed the required out of state background checks were not obtained for the staff record for Staff #2.”

“Based on record review and interview, it was determined that the center did not ensure that the sworn statements were signed and completed prior to working with children. Evidence: 1. Three of the six staff records reviewed did not have a Sworn Disclosure Statement. a. Staff #2 (date of hire 7/19/22) did not have a sworn disclosure and was present at the center working with children. b. Staff #3 (date of rehire 8/8/22) did not have a sworn disclosure and was present at the center working with children. c. Staff #4 (date of hire 4/18/22) did not have a sworn disclosure and was present at the center working with children. 2. Staff #1, the assistant director, confirmed that Staff #2, Staff #3, and Staff #4 did not have a sworn disclosures in their record.”

“8VAC20-780-160. Based on record review and interview, it was determined that the center did not ensure that each staff member submit documentation of a negative tuberculosis screening. 1. Documentation of the screening shall be submitted at the time of employment and prior to coming into contact with children. 2. The documentation shall have been completed within the last 30 calendar days of the date of employment and be signed by a physician, physician’s designee, or an official of the local health department. Evidence: 1. Staff #4 (date of hire 4/18/22) did not have a tuberculosis screening completed. 2. Staff #2 (date of hire 7/19/22) completed their tuberculosis screening on 8/06/22 which is outside of the required timeframe. 3. Staff #3 (date of hire 8/08/22) completed their tuberculosis screening on 7/26/2021 which is outside of the required timeframe. 4. Staff #1 confirmed that Staff #2, Staff #3, and Staff #4 did not have their tuberculosis screening completed within the required timeframes.”

“Based on record review and interview, it was determined that the center did not ensure that staff records have a name, address, and telephone number of a person to be notified in an emergency and be kept at the center. Evidence: 1. Three of the six staff records reviewed did not have emergency contacts kept at the center. a. Staff #2 (date of hire 7/19/22) did not have an emergency contact. b. Staff #3 (date of hire 8/8/22) did not have an emergency contact. c. Staff #4 (date of hire 4/18/22) did not have an emergency contact. 2. Staff #1 confirmed that Staff #2, Staff #3, and Staff #4 did not have emergency contacts at the center.”