The Merit School at The Castle (#9)

8VAC20-780-400-B

“Behavioral guidance shall be constructive in nature, age and stage appropriate, and shall be intended to redirect children to appropriate behavior and resolve conflicts. On 10/29/25, Staff #1 said to Child #1 (6-year-old) that they were going to stab them in the back of their head if they approached another parent.”

8VAC20-780-400-A

“In order to promote the child's physical, intellectual, emotional, and social well-being and growth, staff shall interact with the child and one another to provide needed help, comfort, support. Documentation reviewed and interviews conducted on 11/06/25 and 11/13/25 revealed that Staff #1 was observed yelling at staff and slamming classroom doors on several occasions in front of the children in care.”

8VAC20-780-410-1

“The following acts are forbidden: physical punishment, striking a child, roughly handling or shaking a child, restricting movement through binding or tying, forcing a child to assume an uncomfortable position, or exercise as punishment. Staff reported during interviews on October 3,2025, that they observed Teacher #1, push Child #1 to the ground and say, "How do you like it?" to Child #1. This incident occurred on the playground after Child #1 tried to push another child off of the hippo toy.”

8VAC20-780-40-E

“The center is required to ensure the center's own policies and procedures that are required by these standards are in compliance. On 03/26/25, the center had a medication on-site for Child #6 that expired over six months ago. The center’s medication policies state medication must not exceed the expiration date.”

8VAC20-780-550-D

“The center shall implement a monthly practice evacuation drill. The center did not practice an evacuation drill in December 2024.”

8VAC20-780-70

“Each staff record should contain documentation to demonstrate that the individual possesses the education, certification, and experience required by the job position, and orientation and training. The record of Staff #5, who has been employed for five months, did not contain documentation that the staff member has completed orientation training.”

8VAC20-780-40-E

“The center is required to ensure the center's own policies and procedures that are required by these standards are in compliance. On 03/26/25, the center had a medication on-site for Child #6 that expired over six months ago. The center’s medication policies state medication must not exceed the expiration date.”

8VAC20-780-550-D

“The center shall implement a monthly practice evacuation drill. The center did not practice an evacuation drill in December 2024.”

8VAC20-780-70

“Each staff record should contain documentation to demonstrate that the individual possesses the education, certification, and experience required by the job position, and orientation and training. The record of Staff #5, who has been employed for five months, did not contain documentation that the staff member has completed orientation training.”

8VAC20-790-600-D-1

“All staff who work directly with children shall have within 90 days of the date of employment current certification in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) appropriate to the ages of children in care. Staff #3 and Staff #4 obtained a certification in CPR more than four months after their date of employment. Both staff members work directly with children.”

8VAC20-790-600-D-2

“All staff who work directly with children shall have within 90 days of the date of employment current certification in first aid appropriate to the ages of children in care. Staff #3 and Staff #4 obtained a certification in first aid more than four months after their date of employment. Both staff members work directly with children.”

8VAC20-780-530-A

“At least one staff in each classroom or area where children are present shall have current certification in both CPR and first aid. Staff #5 was alone with a group of nine, three-and four-year-old children and was not certified in CPR or first aid.”

8VAC20-770-60-C-2

“For staff hired before July 1, 2024, providers must obtain the results of a central registry search for an employee, within 30 days of employment. The central registry search results in the record of Staff #1, who is currently employed, was dated 53 days after their first day of employment.”

8VAC20-780-510-F

“The medication authorization shall be available to staff during the entire time it is effective. An over-the-counter medication cream was observed for Child #2, but no medication authorization was available to staff at the time of the inspection.”

8VAC20-780-520-C

“If diaper ointment or cream is used, written parent authorization noting any known adverse reactions shall be obtained. A tube of diaper cream for Child #2 was observed, but no written parent authorization could be located at the time of the inspection.”

8VAC20-790-600-D-1

“All staff who work directly with children shall have within 90 days of the date of employment current certification in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) appropriate to the ages of children in care. Staff #3 and Staff #4 obtained a certification in CPR more than four months after their date of employment. Both staff members work directly with children.”

8VAC20-790-600-D-2

“All staff who work directly with children shall have within 90 days of the date of employment current certification in first aid appropriate to the ages of children in care. Staff #3 and Staff #4 obtained a certification in first aid more than four months after their date of employment. Both staff members work directly with children.”

8VAC20-780-530-A

“At least one staff in each classroom or area where children are present shall have current certification in both CPR and first aid. Staff #5 was alone with a group of nine, three-and four-year-old children and was not certified in CPR or first aid.”

8VAC20-770-60-C-2

“For staff hired before July 1, 2024, providers must obtain the results of a central registry search for an employee, within 30 days of employment. The central registry search results in the record of Staff #1, who is currently employed, was dated 53 days after their first day of employment.”

8VAC20-780-510-F

“The medication authorization shall be available to staff during the entire time it is effective. An over-the-counter medication cream was observed for Child #2, but no medication authorization was available to staff at the time of the inspection.”

8VAC20-780-520-C

“If diaper ointment or cream is used, written parent authorization noting any known adverse reactions shall be obtained. A tube of diaper cream for Child #2 was observed, but no written parent authorization could be located at the time of the inspection.”

8VAC20-780-80-A

“Based on review of attendance records it was determined that staff did not always document the arrival and departure of each child as it occurs. Evidence: 1.) There were thirteen children observed in the two year old classroom, however there 11 children marked present on the attendance record. 2.) There were ten children observed in the three year old classroom however, there were eight children marked present on the attendance record.”

8VAC20-780-510-E

“Based on review of medication it was determined that not all procedures regarding medication were followed. Evidence: The emergency medication for child A had an expiration date of 01/24/2024.”

8VAC20-780-80-A

“Based on review of attendance records it was determined that staff did not always document the arrival and departure of each child as it occurs. Evidence: 1.) There were thirteen children observed in the two year old classroom, however there 11 children marked present on the attendance record. 2.) There were ten children observed in the three year old classroom however, there were eight children marked present on the attendance record.”

8VAC20-780-510-E

“Based on review of medication it was determined that not all procedures regarding medication were followed. Evidence: The emergency medication for child A had an expiration date of 01/24/2024.”

8VAC20-780-60-A-8

“Based on review of children's records and review of the center's allergy list it was determined that not all children with a diagnosed food allergy had a written care plan on file. Evidence: The center's allergy list documented child A, child B, and child C to have a diagnosed food allergy. Child A, child B, and child C did not have an allergy care plan in their records to include instructions from a physician and steps to be taken in the event of a suspected allergic reaction.”

8VAC20-780-500-B

“Based on observation of the toddler classroom it was determined that not all procedures for diapering were followed to prevent items from being on the changing table that are not used for diapering. Evidence: A bucket of toys was observed on the changing table. These items are not used for diapering.”

8VAC20-780-340-A

“Based on observation of the older infant class it was determined that staff did not always ensure the care, protection, and guidance of children under their supervision. Evidence: Child D (Age 13 Months) was observed laying on their cot, drinking from a sippy cup, posing a potential choking hazard.”

8VAC20-780-60-A-8

“Based on review of children's records and review of the center's allergy list it was determined that not all children with a diagnosed food allergy had a written care plan on file. Evidence: The center's allergy list documented child A, child B, and child C to have a diagnosed food allergy. Child A, child B, and child C did not have an allergy care plan in their records to include instructions from a physician and steps to be taken in the event of a suspected allergic reaction.”

8VAC20-780-500-B

“Based on observation of the toddler classroom it was determined that not all procedures for diapering were followed to prevent items from being on the changing table that are not used for diapering. Evidence: A bucket of toys was observed on the changing table. These items are not used for diapering.”

8VAC20-780-340-A

“Based on observation of the older infant class it was determined that staff did not always ensure the care, protection, and guidance of children under their supervision. Evidence: Child D (Age 13 Months) was observed laying on their cot, drinking from a sippy cup, posing a potential choking hazard.”

8VAC20-780-80-A

“Based on observation, review of documentation, and interview, the center did not ensure that for each group of children, a written record of daily attendance was maintained that documented the arrival and departure of each child in care as it occurred. Evidence: 1. On 3/7/23 at approximately 11:18am there were six children observed in the Infants classroom. The attendance contained documentation of only five children present, and one child who was present was marked as in another classroom. 2. On 3/7/23 at approximately 11:39am there were eight children observed in the Toddler Explorers classroom. The attendance contained documentation of only seven children present. The staff stated that one child had arrived ?around 11:20?.”

8VAC20-780-570-E

“Based on observation, the center did not ensure that infant bottles were dated and labeled with the child’s name. Evidence: In the Older Infants classroom, there were two bottles observed in the refrigerator that did not contain a child’s name or the date.”

8VAC20-780-80-A

“Based on observation, review of documentation, and interview, the center did not ensure that for each group of children, a written record of daily attendance was maintained that documented the arrival and departure of each child in care as it occurred. Evidence: 1. On 3/7/23 at approximately 11:18am there were six children observed in the Infants classroom. The attendance contained documentation of only five children present, and one child who was present was marked as in another classroom. 2. On 3/7/23 at approximately 11:39am there were eight children observed in the Toddler Explorers classroom. The attendance contained documentation of only seven children present. The staff stated that one child had arrived ?around 11:20?.”

8VAC20-780-570-E

“Based on observation, the center did not ensure that infant bottles were dated and labeled with the child’s name. Evidence: In the Older Infants classroom, there were two bottles observed in the refrigerator that did not contain a child’s name or the date.”

8VAC20-780-410-1

“Based on interviews and review of documentation, the center did not ensure that a forbidden action, rough handling of a child in care, did not occur. Evidence: Interviews and documentation revealed that on 9/22/22, between 4:30pm and 5:30pm in the School Age Classroom, Child A (8-years-old) became upset when another child sat in the seat they had been sitting in. Staff #1 approached Child A to get them to move to another area to talk about the situation. When Child A did not follow, Staff #1 put their hands on Child A’s upper arms and went to move Child A to the other area. Child A said, ?Ow!? and began to cry and tell Staff #1 that Staff #1 had hurt their arm. A small bruise was later seen on Child A’s left upper arm.”

8VAC20-780-160-A

“Based on review of five staff records and interview, the center did not obtain documentation from each staff member of a negative tuberculosis (TB) screening at the time of employment and prior to coming into contact with children. Evidence: 1. The record for Staff A, with a start date of 9/12/22, did not contain documentation of a negative TB screening. 2. The record for Staff B, with a start date of 8/29/22, contained documentation of a TB screening dated 9/2/22.”

8VAC20-780-270-A

“Based on observation, the center did not ensure that areas and equipment of the center were maintained in a safe condition. Evidence: 1. On the playground there were large wooden logs surrounding a sand box area that were deteriorating and posed a possible scratch/splinter hazard. Additionally, the logs were deteriorated to the point that three screws, measuring approximately three inches, four inches, and six inches, that were meant to secure the logs to one another, were exposed and protruding and posed an impalement and scratch hazard. 2. One fence board near the basketball court was broken and jagged and posed a scratch hazard.”

8VAC20-780-60-A

“Based on review of six child records, the center did not obtain proof of identity and age for one child. Evidence: The record for Child A, with a start date of 8/9/21, did not contain documentation of viewing proof of the child’s identity and age.”

8VAC20-780-160-A

“Based on review of five staff records and interview, the center did not obtain documentation from each staff member of a negative tuberculosis (TB) screening at the time of employment and prior to coming into contact with children. Evidence: 1. The record for Staff A, with a start date of 9/12/22, did not contain documentation of a negative TB screening. 2. The record for Staff B, with a start date of 8/29/22, contained documentation of a TB screening dated 9/2/22.”

8VAC20-780-270-A

“Based on observation, the center did not ensure that areas and equipment of the center were maintained in a safe condition. Evidence: 1. On the playground there were large wooden logs surrounding a sand box area that were deteriorating and posed a possible scratch/splinter hazard. Additionally, the logs were deteriorated to the point that three screws, measuring approximately three inches, four inches, and six inches, that were meant to secure the logs to one another, were exposed and protruding and posed an impalement and scratch hazard. 2. One fence board near the basketball court was broken and jagged and posed a scratch hazard.”

8VAC20-780-60-A

“Based on review of six child records, the center did not obtain proof of identity and age for one child. Evidence: The record for Child A, with a start date of 8/9/21, did not contain documentation of viewing proof of the child’s identity and age.”

8VAC20-780-370-5 Complaint related: Yes

“Based on review of six accident/incident reports and interviews, the center did not ensure that infants were protected from older children. Evidence: An accident/incident report dated 6/1/22 contained documentation that Infant A was hit on the head by a toy bin when Infant B pulled the bin off of the shelf. Staff reported that Infant B is approximately 12-months-old and Infant A is approximately three-months-old.”

8VAC20-780-340-D Complaint related: Yes

“Based on review of five staff records, the center did not ensure that in each grouping of children at least one staff member who met the qualifications of a program leader was regularly present. Evidence: Staff A, Staff B, Staff C, Staff D, and Staff E, were named as the teachers for the Infant and Toddler Classrooms. Staff B, Staff, C, and Staff D were named as the program leaders for the two classrooms. The records were reviewed for documentation of program leader qualifications. The records did not contain documentation that qualified the staff as program leaders.”

8VAC20-780-160-A Complaint related: No

“Based on review of five staff records, the center did not ensure that each staff member submitted documentation of a negative tuberculosis (TB) screening at the time of employment and prior to coming into contact with children. Evidence: The record for Staff D, with a start date of 3/15/22, did not contain documentation of a negative TB screening.”

8VAC20-780-130-A

“Based on review of three child records and interview, the center did not obtain documentation that each child had received the immunizations required before the child attended the center. Evidence: The record for Child A, with a start date of 3/8/22, did not contain documentation of immunizations.”

8VAC20-780-160-A-1

“Based on review of two staff records and interview, the center did not ensure that documentation of tuberculosis (TB) screening for staff was submitted at the time of employment and prior to coming into contact with children. Evidence: The record for Staff #1, with a start date of 3/11/22, did not contain documentation of TB screening.”

8VAC20-780-280-B

“Based on observation, the center did not ensure that hazardous substances, such as cleaning materials, were kept in a locked place using a safe locking method that prevents access by children. Evidence: During the inspection on 3/23/22 a toilet cleaning solution was stored on an open shelf above the toilets in the children's bathroom in the "Prep" (three- to four-year-old) classroom.”

8VAC20-780-550-H

“Based on documentation review and interview, the center did not maintain a record of the dates of the practice drills for one year. Evidence: During the inspection on 3/23/22 the drill log for 2021 was made available to the Inspector, but the Director was unable to locate the log for 2022.”

8VAC20-780-550-F

“Based on documentation review and interview, the center did not ensure that lockdown procedures were practiced at least annually. Evidence: The most recent lockdown drill was documented on 5/15/2020.”

8VAC20-780-130-A

“Based on review of three child records and interview, the center did not obtain documentation that each child had received the immunizations required before the child attended the center. Evidence: The record for Child A, with a start date of 3/8/22, did not contain documentation of immunizations.”

8VAC20-780-160-A-1

“Based on review of two staff records and interview, the center did not ensure that documentation of tuberculosis (TB) screening for staff was submitted at the time of employment and prior to coming into contact with children. Evidence: The record for Staff #1, with a start date of 3/11/22, did not contain documentation of TB screening.”

8VAC20-780-280-B

“Based on observation, the center did not ensure that hazardous substances, such as cleaning materials, were kept in a locked place using a safe locking method that prevents access by children. Evidence: During the inspection on 3/23/22 a toilet cleaning solution was stored on an open shelf above the toilets in the children's bathroom in the "Prep" (three- to four-year-old) classroom.”

8VAC20-780-550-H

“Based on documentation review and interview, the center did not maintain a record of the dates of the practice drills for one year. Evidence: During the inspection on 3/23/22 the drill log for 2021 was made available to the Inspector, but the Director was unable to locate the log for 2022.”

8VAC20-780-550-F

“Based on documentation review and interview, the center did not ensure that lockdown procedures were practiced at least annually. Evidence: The most recent lockdown drill was documented on 5/15/2020.”

22VAC40-665-520-B-11

“Based on review of three children's records, the center did not obtain a written allergy 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 steps to be taken in the event of a suspected or confirmed allergic reaction. Evidence: The record for Child A contained documentation that the child is allergic to dairy. There is no allergy care plan on record for the child.”

22VAC40-665-540-A

“Based on review of three staff records, the center did not ensure that staff were evaluated by a health professional and determined to be free of communicable tuberculosis (TB) at the time of employment and prior to coming into contact with children. Evidence: 1. The TB test on record for Staff A, with a start date of 8/16/21, was dated 8/26/21. 2. The TB test on record for Staff B, with a start date of 8/23/21, was dated 8/29/21.”

22VAC40-665-520-B-11

“Based on review of three children's records, the center did not obtain a written allergy 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 steps to be taken in the event of a suspected or confirmed allergic reaction. Evidence: The record for Child A contained documentation that the child is allergic to dairy. There is no allergy care plan on record for the child.”

22VAC40-665-540-A

“Based on review of three staff records, the center did not ensure that staff were evaluated by a health professional and determined to be free of communicable tuberculosis (TB) at the time of employment and prior to coming into contact with children. Evidence: 1. The TB test on record for Staff A, with a start date of 8/16/21, was dated 8/26/21. 2. The TB test on record for Staff B, with a start date of 8/23/21, was dated 8/29/21.”