The Merit School at North Stafford (#34)

8VAC20-780-80-A

“Based on review of the written attendance record, the facility did not ensure all children were included on the written attendance record. Evidence: 1) In the infant A class, 4 children were listed on the attendance record and 9 children were observed in the class 2) In the toddler class, 7 children were listed on the attendance record and 10 children were observed 3) In the 2?s/3?s class, 7 children were listed on the attendance record and 8 children were observed 4) In the 3?s class, 14 children were listed on the attendance record and 15 children were observed 5) In the school age class, 12 children were listed on the attendance record and 14 children were observed”

8VAC20-780-270-A

“Based on observation, it was determined that not all areas inside and outside of the center were maintained in a safe condition. Evidence: 1) On the garden playground there were two fence balusters bent in such a way that there was a gap wide enough to allow the ten toddler children playing on the playground to fit through the fence and exit into the parking lot 2) The fence post leading to the swimming pool from the large playground was slanted outward from the top down causing a possible entrapment or strangulation risk 3) There are large cracks in the plastic border maintaining the mulch on the playground that are sharp 4) The window casing closest to the garden playground was bent and broken with a sharp edge exposed. 5) The electrical box next to the light switch in the gym was falling off the wall leaving wires underneath exposed and accessible to children”

8VAC20-780-510-E

“Based on review of medication and authorization forms, the facility did not follow the center’s procedures for administering medication as required. Evidence: child #6's long-term medication was on-site with a parent’s authorization dated 4/22/22 and no physician's authorization.”

8VAC20-780-40-M

“Based on observation, and interviews with staff, the facility failed to maintain a current written list of all children’s allergies, sensitivities, and dietary restrictions. Evidence: the written list that was posted was dated 2/25/22. Children with dates of attendance after 5/31/22, who had allergies, sensitivities and dietary restrictions, were not included on the list; staff confirmed that the list was not up to date.”

8VAC20-780-80-A

“Based on review of the written attendance record, the facility did not ensure all children were included on the written attendance record. Evidence: 1) In the infant A class, 4 children were listed on the attendance record and 9 children were observed in the class 2) In the toddler class, 7 children were listed on the attendance record and 10 children were observed 3) In the 2?s/3?s class, 7 children were listed on the attendance record and 8 children were observed 4) In the 3?s class, 14 children were listed on the attendance record and 15 children were observed 5) In the school age class, 12 children were listed on the attendance record and 14 children were observed”

8VAC20-780-270-A

“Based on observation, it was determined that not all areas inside and outside of the center were maintained in a safe condition. Evidence: 1) On the garden playground there were two fence balusters bent in such a way that there was a gap wide enough to allow the ten toddler children playing on the playground to fit through the fence and exit into the parking lot 2) The fence post leading to the swimming pool from the large playground was slanted outward from the top down causing a possible entrapment or strangulation risk 3) There are large cracks in the plastic border maintaining the mulch on the playground that are sharp 4) The window casing closest to the garden playground was bent and broken with a sharp edge exposed. 5) The electrical box next to the light switch in the gym was falling off the wall leaving wires underneath exposed and accessible to children”

8VAC20-780-510-E

“Based on review of medication and authorization forms, the facility did not follow the center’s procedures for administering medication as required. Evidence: child #6's long-term medication was on-site with a parent’s authorization dated 4/22/22 and no physician's authorization.”

8VAC20-780-40-M

“Based on observation, and interviews with staff, the facility failed to maintain a current written list of all children’s allergies, sensitivities, and dietary restrictions. Evidence: the written list that was posted was dated 2/25/22. Children with dates of attendance after 5/31/22, who had allergies, sensitivities and dietary restrictions, were not included on the list; staff confirmed that the list was not up to date.”

8VAC20-780-80-A

“Based on a review of written attendance records, the facility did not ensure all children were included on all attendance records. Evidence: there were three babies listed on the baby steps attendance sheet, but there were eight babies observed in attendance.”

8VAC20-780-40-M

“Based on observation, and an interview with staff, the center failed to maintain a current written list of all children's allergies, sensitivities, and dietary restrictions. Evidence: the written allergy list posted in the explorer and toddler classrooms was dated: 6/9/21. Staff stated that the list was not up to date.”

8VAC20-780-130-E

“Based on review of documentation, the center failed to obtain documentation of additional immunizations once every six months for children under the age of two years. Evidence: the last immunization documented in the record for child #1 was 1/28/2020 and the last immunization documented in the record for child #2 was dated: 9/3/2021.”

8VAC20-780-270-A

“Based on observation, not all areas of the center were maintained in a safe condition. Evidence: the playground fence was lined with plastic spikes held on by cable ties. There was one tie per unit, giving the unit of spikes latitude to move in almost every direction. The spikes are sharp, could cause impalement, and were within reach of children on the gate between the older and younger children's playgrounds.”