Montessori Academy of Virginia - Chesapeake

22VAC40-185-350-E-7 · Based on interview and record review, the center failed to ensure that the ratio for balanced mixed-age groupings of children shall be one staff member for every 14 children. "Balanced mixed-age grouping" means a program that is planned for children who enter the program at three through five years of age. The enrollment in the balanced mixed-age grouping comprises a relatively even allocation of children in each of three ages (three to six years ) and is designed for children and staff to remain together with turnover planned only for the replacement of exiting students with children of ages that maintain the class balance.

*The program leader has received training in classroom management of balanced mixed-age groupings of at lease eight hours. Evidence: 1. There were 14 children with one staff in both of the Pre-K K classrooms on July 13, 2021. a. The children in both groups ranged in age from four years - six years. b. Staff 1, staff 2 and administrative staff stated that they were following a ratio of 1:14 as the class was a balanced mixed-age group. 2. The two PreK K classrooms do not meet the definition of a balanced mixed - age group for the following reasons: a. The allocation of children included no three year old children and six-year old children. b. The program leader for both groups, staff 1 and staff 2, lack the required training in classroom management of balanced mixed-age groupings of at least eight hours. c. This group, according to staff 1, staff 2 and administrative staff, was not designed for the children and staff to remain together beyond the summer months.

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8VAC20-780-70 · Documentation of at least two references to character, reputation, and competency are to be checked prior to employment. Staff #1 only had no documentation of reference verifications on file.

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8VAC20-780-280-B · Hazardous substances such as cleaning materials shall be kept in a locked place using a safe locking method that prevents access by children. Three packs of wax melts with the warning labels, ?Keep out of reach of children,? were unlocked in a cabinet in the 2-3 year old classroom.

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8VAC20-780-130-A · Based on record review and interview, the center did not ensure that documentation that each child has received the immunizations required by the State Board of Health was obtained before attending the center.

Evidence: 1. The record for child #1 (enrolled in 2022) and present on the day of the inspection, did not contain documentation of immunizations. 2. Staff #1, the director confirmed that the child was in attendance and that the documentation for immunization was not in the record for child #1.

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8VAC20-780-270-A · Based on observation, interview and tour it was determined that the center did not ensure that areas and equipment of the center, inside and outside, shall be maintained in a safe condition.

Evidence: 1. At the entrance to the playground, there are approximately 12 rubber floor mats measuring two feet by two feet. Some of the mat?s edges were not connected which created a space that exposed the ground creating a tripping hazard. 2. The outdoor playground has several large metal bolts along the perimeter of the area that are approximately an inch and a half in diameter that were protruding out of the ground posing as a tripping and snagging hazard. 3. The astroturf that is covering the cement ground has a non-visible dip approximately three feet in diameter creating a tripping hazard. 4. A plastic ground barrier that surrounds a tree has broken edges creating a pinch point for children?s fingers. 5. Staff #1 (Director) confirmed that the hazards were present in the outdoor area that created an unsafe environment.

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8VAC20-780-400-A · Based on interviews, the center failed to ensure that staff shall interact with the child to provide needed help, comfort and support in order to promote the child's physical, emotional, and social well-being and growth.

Evidence: Center staff failed to provide needed help, comfort and support to child 1 during the following incident: 1. On 9/19/23, child 1 (age 3 years) had a toileting accident while using the bathroom in the pre-k classroom. Child 1, who had gotten feces on her body and clothing, was left in a dimly lit bathroom with the door mostly closed by center staff for a period of at least 30 minutes until her mother arrived to clean and change her. a. Staff 1, the pre-k teacher working in the classroom on 9/19/23, and staff 2, center director, acknowledged that they did not provide any needed help or support to child 1 in washing her hands, cleaning feces off her body or changing into clean clothes after she had a toileting accident. Staff 1 stated that she could not go into the bathroom to help child 1, that she was busy with the other children in the classroom and stated "I am not required to help her wipe with poop accidents." Staff 2 stated it is school policy that staff do not help wipe children in the pre-k class if there is a toileting accident and do not assist in changing the child if their clothing becomes soiled, as they are supposed to be fully toilet-trained. She stated that if a child has a toileting accident they will call the parents or the emergency contact to come to the center and assist the child. c. Child 1's mother stated when she arrived at the center on 9/19/23 her child was naked in the bathroom with the door closed and there was dried feces on her legs, vagina, buttocks and clothing, as well as the floor and wall. She stated the bathroom was "very dim", the light was flickering, and was only furnished with toilet paper and a step stool. Child 1's mother stated she used half a pack of wipes she brought with her from home to clean the feces off her child and brought clean clothes for her to wear. She stated that even though her child had a change of clothing at the center, they were not put on her.

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8VAC20-780-140-A · Based on record review and interview, the center did not ensure that each child shall have a physical examination by or under the direction of a physician before the child's attendance or within 30 days after the first day of attendance.

Evidence: 1. The record for child 1 (date of enrollment: 8/31/20) does not contain documentation of a physical examination. 2. The center director confirmed that the record for child 1 is lacking documentation of a physical examination.

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