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STEPHEN H. COWLES/CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Playback58@gmail.com

FRANKLIN—State officials are investigating a Franklin daycare center for allegedly placing toddlers who misbehaved in a dark supply closet called “The Monster Room” and failing to prove that all employees had criminal background checks.

Sara Holland, director of Little Hearts Big Minds Day Care off Armory Drive, said Tuesday she was advised by the state not to comment and said the center remains open.

The Virginia Department of Social Services on May 2 reported 12 violations after making an unannounced visit to the daycare center, including that the facility allegedly failed to ensure hazardous substances were kept in a locked place.

Trish Meyer, the licensing administrator for the Eastern Region of the Virginia Department of Social Services, said her agency is evaluating the situation and may consider additional action.

Meyer added that an anonymous complaint triggered the inspection.

Cassie Powell of Courtland questions the claims, especially after learning 2-year-olds were interviewed.

“Where’s the proof?,” Powell said. “How reliable?”

She has two children who attend the daycare.

“I’ve never had a problem,” Powell said. “I love the daycare so much. I know most of the girls personally. The assistant is the number one person I call for a private babysitter.  What am I going to do with my kids if the place closes?”

She added that she learned one of the employees had recently quit, and that person is trying to contact parents for her own daycare.

Other violations and actions taken include:

• The center failed to ensure that employees submitted a negative tuberculosis screening. To correct the matter, a specific staff member had a screening done by May 8.

• The center failed to ensure a repeat TB screening at least every two years since the date of the initial screening was submitted. A different staff member also had a screening done by May 8.

• The center failed to ensure the required records were kept for employees. All records have since been updated.

• The center failed to ensure hazardous substances were kept in a locked place. The supply area has since been secured, and neither children nor staff members have access to that room.

• The center failed to ensure children under 10 were in sight and sound of staff. The teacher for infants has been reminded to not leave children for any reason. Further, other staff was reminded that children are not to be left alone,  including nap time.

• The center failed to ensure the required ratio of one staff member for every four children from birth age to 16 months. An additional staff member has been hired for the infant room.

• The center failed to ensure the required ratio of one staff member for every five children from 16 months to 2 years old. All staff members have been reminded that if a couple of children have to go to the bathroom, they should take the whole class to avoid leaving another staff member with any children to avoid being out of ratio.

• The center failed to ensure the required ratio of one staff member for every 10 children from three years to school age. A room aide has been added to the class for 4-yea-olds.

• The center failed to ensure infants got outdoor time. The infant teachers have been trained that weather permitting all infants must go outside at least one hour a day. Since May 3, that class goes out in the morning and afternoon.

• The center failed to ensure behavioral guidance was constructive in nature, age and stage appropriate. To avoid any potential timeouts, the director installed a locked door on May 3. Also, the director gave staff handouts as reminders on correct and incorrect ways to talk to children and adults. The staff got training on injury prevention and playground safety. Four staff members are registered for a child abuse and neglect training course. A new qualified and experienced staff member has been hired as the lead teacher in the infant room.

• The center failed to ensure children weren’t confined in a small space where they can’t freely exit. The director is the only person with access to the supply closet.