The Merit School of Wellington (#20)

8VAC20-780-130-A

“Based on review of five child records, the center did not obtain documentation that each child had received the immunizations required by the State Board of Health before the child attended the center. Evidence: The immunizations on record for Child B, with a start date of 9/6/22, were dated 10/3/22; the immunizations on record for Child C, with a start date of 12/6/21, were dated 1/13/22.”

8VAC20-780-160-A

“Based on review of four 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 TB screening on record for Staff #1, with an employment date of 10/2/23, was dated 10/6/23.”

8VAC20-780-270-A

“REPEAT Based on observation, the center did not ensure that areas and equipment of the center were maintained in a safe condition. Evidence: During the inspection on 11/13/23, the Licensing Inspector observed a child in the ?JrK? classroom for three-year-olds to five-year-olds, pull on the door of a wooden cabinet in the ?Homeliving? area of the classroom. The cabinet began to fall over on top of the child, but the teacher was able to catch the cabinet. The bins inside the cabinet containing plastic food fell out on top of the child. The wooden cabinet should be bolted to a wall so as not to be a topple hazard.”

8VAC20-780-60-A-8

“Based on review of five child records, the center did not obtain 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: The record for Child E contained documentation that the child has a diagnosed allergy to banana, but there was no written allergy care plan on record for Child E.”

8VAC20-780-130-A

“Based on review of five child records, the center did not obtain documentation that each child had received the immunizations required by the State Board of Health before the child attended the center. Evidence: The immunizations on record for Child B, with a start date of 9/6/22, were dated 10/3/22; the immunizations on record for Child C, with a start date of 12/6/21, were dated 1/13/22.”

8VAC20-780-160-A

“Based on review of four 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 TB screening on record for Staff #1, with an employment date of 10/2/23, was dated 10/6/23.”

8VAC20-780-270-A

“REPEAT Based on observation, the center did not ensure that areas and equipment of the center were maintained in a safe condition. Evidence: During the inspection on 11/13/23, the Licensing Inspector observed a child in the ?JrK? classroom for three-year-olds to five-year-olds, pull on the door of a wooden cabinet in the ?Homeliving? area of the classroom. The cabinet began to fall over on top of the child, but the teacher was able to catch the cabinet. The bins inside the cabinet containing plastic food fell out on top of the child. The wooden cabinet should be bolted to a wall so as not to be a topple hazard.”

8VAC20-780-60-A-8

“Based on review of five child records, the center did not obtain 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: The record for Child E contained documentation that the child has a diagnosed allergy to banana, but there was no written allergy care plan on record for Child E.”

8VAC20-780-350-B-1 Complaint related: Yes

“Based on interviews, it was determined that the center is not maintaining the 1 staff to 4 children ratio for infants. Evidence: Interviews revealed that on an almost daily basis since February 2023, the center is out of ratio in the infant room. From 7:30 am to 8:00am there are 9 infants and toddlers with two staff.”

8VAC20-780-160-C Complaint related: Yes

“Based on a review of recordkeeping and interview with administrative staff, it was determined that all staff did not have tuberculosis tests/screenings at least every two years from the date of the initial screening/test. Evidence: Staff A's tuberculosis test/screening was dated 10/17/20, staff B's tuberculosis test/screening was dated 9/9/19.”

8VAC20-780-350-B-4 Complaint related: Yes

“Based on interviews, it was determined that the center is not maintaining the 1 staff to 10 children ratio in the JK classroom, which serves 4-year-old children. Evidence: 1. Since February 2023, the center has been out of ratio in the JK room. On an almost daily basis from 8:45 am to 9 am there are 12 to 15, 4-year -old children with one staff. 2. On April 26, 2023 there were 11- 4 year old children with one staff from 8:30 am to 8:40 am”

8VAC20-780-350-B-2 Complaint related: Yes

“Based on interviews, it was determined that the center is not maintaining the 1 staff to 5 children ratio for toddlers, 16 to 24 months of age. Evidence: 1. Interviews revealed that since February 2023 and on average 3 to 4 times a week the center is out of ratio in the toddler room with 6 or more toddlers with 1 staff from 8:15 to 8:20 am. 2. On 5/21/23 from 8 to 8:30 am there were 6 toddlers with one staff.”

8VAC20-780-270-A

“Based on observation, it was determined that areas and equipment were not maintained in a safe manner. Evidence: 1. Exposed ground mats were sticking out of the mulch to the side of the swings on the Youth Zone playground. These rubber mats presented a tripping hazard. 2. Bolts were protruding more than 2 thread on the playground fence and gate on the Youth Zone playground. The protruding bolts present an impalement hazard. 3. The green steps to the composite play structure had large cracks approximately 2 feet long on the Preschool playground.”

22.1-289.035-B-4

“Based on a review of staff files and interview with administration, it was determined that all staff did not obtain an out of state background check. Evidence: Staff A was hired on 2/18/19 and had lived in Maryland within the last five years and does not have an out of state child abuse and neglect background check on file. There was no information provided if or when the out of state search was requested. This background check must be requested by the end of the 30th day of employment and follow up on the status of the search 45 days thereafter.”

22.1-289.035-A

“Based on a review of 7 staff files and interview with administrative staff, it was determined that all staff had not obtained the a repeat background check every five years. Evidence: Staff B's Virginia Central Registry background check was dated 12/20/17 and has not been renewed every five years.”

8VAC20-780-330-B

“Based on observation and measurement, it was determined that there was insufficient resilient surfacing underneath and surrounding play equipment. Evidence: 1. There was 1/2 to 1 inch of mulch directly under the four swings on the Youth Zone playground. The remainder of the mulch had turned to soil, soil is not an acceptable resilient surface. The standard requires at least 6 inches of mulch. 2. The poured in place resilient surfacing directly in front of steps leading to the composite play structure on the Preschool playground was cracked and measuring 2 feet long and 1/2 inch wide, consequently resulting in a lack of continuous resilient surfacing in the fall zone. 3. On the Preschool playground was a blue slide, 3 feet to the right of the slide was a 5 foot long and 2 inch wide crack in the poured in place surfacing, which results in a lack of continuous resilient surfacing in the fall zone.”

8VAC20-780-440-G

“Based on observation and interview with staff, it was determined that cribs were not used for a child under 12 months of age. Evidence: Child A, 4 months of age enrolled at the center on 2/20/23, to date the child has never slept in a crib but in an infant bouncer. Interviews revealed that the staff had not take the time to rearrange crib assignements to assign child A, a crib where the mattress can be raised to aide in safely moving the infant in and out of the crib.”

8VAC20-780-280-B

“Based on observation, it was determined that hazardous substance were not kept in a locked place. Evidence: The Licensing Inspectors observed an unlocked kitchen with sanitizing agents, peroxide, disinfectant solutions, stainless steel cleaner, germicidal agents in a cabinet above the small sink. The cabinet was unlocked. On the floor under the large sink were large buckets of sanitizing solutions.”

8VAC20-780-350-B-1 Complaint related: Yes

“Based on interviews, it was determined that the center is not maintaining the 1 staff to 4 children ratio for infants. Evidence: Interviews revealed that on an almost daily basis since February 2023, the center is out of ratio in the infant room. From 7:30 am to 8:00am there are 9 infants and toddlers with two staff.”

8VAC20-780-160-C Complaint related: Yes

“Based on a review of recordkeeping and interview with administrative staff, it was determined that all staff did not have tuberculosis tests/screenings at least every two years from the date of the initial screening/test. Evidence: Staff A's tuberculosis test/screening was dated 10/17/20, staff B's tuberculosis test/screening was dated 9/9/19.”

8VAC20-780-350-B-4 Complaint related: Yes

“Based on interviews, it was determined that the center is not maintaining the 1 staff to 10 children ratio in the JK classroom, which serves 4-year-old children. Evidence: 1. Since February 2023, the center has been out of ratio in the JK room. On an almost daily basis from 8:45 am to 9 am there are 12 to 15, 4-year -old children with one staff. 2. On April 26, 2023 there were 11- 4 year old children with one staff from 8:30 am to 8:40 am”

8VAC20-780-350-B-2 Complaint related: Yes

“Based on interviews, it was determined that the center is not maintaining the 1 staff to 5 children ratio for toddlers, 16 to 24 months of age. Evidence: 1. Interviews revealed that since February 2023 and on average 3 to 4 times a week the center is out of ratio in the toddler room with 6 or more toddlers with 1 staff from 8:15 to 8:20 am. 2. On 5/21/23 from 8 to 8:30 am there were 6 toddlers with one staff.”

8VAC20-780-270-A

“Based on observation, it was determined that areas and equipment were not maintained in a safe manner. Evidence: 1. Exposed ground mats were sticking out of the mulch to the side of the swings on the Youth Zone playground. These rubber mats presented a tripping hazard. 2. Bolts were protruding more than 2 thread on the playground fence and gate on the Youth Zone playground. The protruding bolts present an impalement hazard. 3. The green steps to the composite play structure had large cracks approximately 2 feet long on the Preschool playground.”

22.1-289.035-B-4

“Based on a review of staff files and interview with administration, it was determined that all staff did not obtain an out of state background check. Evidence: Staff A was hired on 2/18/19 and had lived in Maryland within the last five years and does not have an out of state child abuse and neglect background check on file. There was no information provided if or when the out of state search was requested. This background check must be requested by the end of the 30th day of employment and follow up on the status of the search 45 days thereafter.”

22.1-289.035-A

“Based on a review of 7 staff files and interview with administrative staff, it was determined that all staff had not obtained the a repeat background check every five years. Evidence: Staff B's Virginia Central Registry background check was dated 12/20/17 and has not been renewed every five years.”

8VAC20-780-330-B

“Based on observation and measurement, it was determined that there was insufficient resilient surfacing underneath and surrounding play equipment. Evidence: 1. There was 1/2 to 1 inch of mulch directly under the four swings on the Youth Zone playground. The remainder of the mulch had turned to soil, soil is not an acceptable resilient surface. The standard requires at least 6 inches of mulch. 2. The poured in place resilient surfacing directly in front of steps leading to the composite play structure on the Preschool playground was cracked and measuring 2 feet long and 1/2 inch wide, consequently resulting in a lack of continuous resilient surfacing in the fall zone. 3. On the Preschool playground was a blue slide, 3 feet to the right of the slide was a 5 foot long and 2 inch wide crack in the poured in place surfacing, which results in a lack of continuous resilient surfacing in the fall zone.”

8VAC20-780-440-G

“Based on observation and interview with staff, it was determined that cribs were not used for a child under 12 months of age. Evidence: Child A, 4 months of age enrolled at the center on 2/20/23, to date the child has never slept in a crib but in an infant bouncer. Interviews revealed that the staff had not take the time to rearrange crib assignements to assign child A, a crib where the mattress can be raised to aide in safely moving the infant in and out of the crib.”

8VAC20-780-280-B

“Based on observation, it was determined that hazardous substance were not kept in a locked place. Evidence: The Licensing Inspectors observed an unlocked kitchen with sanitizing agents, peroxide, disinfectant solutions, stainless steel cleaner, germicidal agents in a cabinet above the small sink. The cabinet was unlocked. On the floor under the large sink were large buckets of sanitizing solutions.”

8VAC20-780-350-B-1 Complaint related: Yes

“Based on interviews, it was determined that the center is not maintaining the 1 staff to 4 children ratio for infants. Evidence: Interviews revealed that on an almost daily basis since February 2023, the center is out of ratio in the infant room. From 7:30 am to 8:00am there are 9 infants and toddlers with two staff.”

8VAC20-780-160-C Complaint related: Yes

“Based on a review of recordkeeping and interview with administrative staff, it was determined that all staff did not have tuberculosis tests/screenings at least every two years from the date of the initial screening/test. Evidence: Staff A's tuberculosis test/screening was dated 10/17/20, staff B's tuberculosis test/screening was dated 9/9/19.”

8VAC20-780-350-B-4 Complaint related: Yes

“Based on interviews, it was determined that the center is not maintaining the 1 staff to 10 children ratio in the JK classroom, which serves 4-year-old children. Evidence: 1. Since February 2023, the center has been out of ratio in the JK room. On an almost daily basis from 8:45 am to 9 am there are 12 to 15, 4-year -old children with one staff. 2. On April 26, 2023 there were 11- 4 year old children with one staff from 8:30 am to 8:40 am”

8VAC20-780-350-B-2 Complaint related: Yes

“Based on interviews, it was determined that the center is not maintaining the 1 staff to 5 children ratio for toddlers, 16 to 24 months of age. Evidence: 1. Interviews revealed that since February 2023 and on average 3 to 4 times a week the center is out of ratio in the toddler room with 6 or more toddlers with 1 staff from 8:15 to 8:20 am. 2. On 5/21/23 from 8 to 8:30 am there were 6 toddlers with one staff.”

8VAC20-780-270-A

“Based on observation, it was determined that areas and equipment were not maintained in a safe manner. Evidence: 1. Exposed ground mats were sticking out of the mulch to the side of the swings on the Youth Zone playground. These rubber mats presented a tripping hazard. 2. Bolts were protruding more than 2 thread on the playground fence and gate on the Youth Zone playground. The protruding bolts present an impalement hazard. 3. The green steps to the composite play structure had large cracks approximately 2 feet long on the Preschool playground.”

22.1-289.035-B-4

“Based on a review of staff files and interview with administration, it was determined that all staff did not obtain an out of state background check. Evidence: Staff A was hired on 2/18/19 and had lived in Maryland within the last five years and does not have an out of state child abuse and neglect background check on file. There was no information provided if or when the out of state search was requested. This background check must be requested by the end of the 30th day of employment and follow up on the status of the search 45 days thereafter.”

22.1-289.035-A

“Based on a review of 7 staff files and interview with administrative staff, it was determined that all staff had not obtained the a repeat background check every five years. Evidence: Staff B's Virginia Central Registry background check was dated 12/20/17 and has not been renewed every five years.”

8VAC20-780-330-B

“Based on observation and measurement, it was determined that there was insufficient resilient surfacing underneath and surrounding play equipment. Evidence: 1. There was 1/2 to 1 inch of mulch directly under the four swings on the Youth Zone playground. The remainder of the mulch had turned to soil, soil is not an acceptable resilient surface. The standard requires at least 6 inches of mulch. 2. The poured in place resilient surfacing directly in front of steps leading to the composite play structure on the Preschool playground was cracked and measuring 2 feet long and 1/2 inch wide, consequently resulting in a lack of continuous resilient surfacing in the fall zone. 3. On the Preschool playground was a blue slide, 3 feet to the right of the slide was a 5 foot long and 2 inch wide crack in the poured in place surfacing, which results in a lack of continuous resilient surfacing in the fall zone.”

8VAC20-780-440-G

“Based on observation and interview with staff, it was determined that cribs were not used for a child under 12 months of age. Evidence: Child A, 4 months of age enrolled at the center on 2/20/23, to date the child has never slept in a crib but in an infant bouncer. Interviews revealed that the staff had not take the time to rearrange crib assignements to assign child A, a crib where the mattress can be raised to aide in safely moving the infant in and out of the crib.”

8VAC20-780-280-B

“Based on observation, it was determined that hazardous substance were not kept in a locked place. Evidence: The Licensing Inspectors observed an unlocked kitchen with sanitizing agents, peroxide, disinfectant solutions, stainless steel cleaner, germicidal agents in a cabinet above the small sink. The cabinet was unlocked. On the floor under the large sink were large buckets of sanitizing solutions.”

8VAC20-780-130-A

“Based on a review of six children's files and interview with the director, it was determined that child C did not have immunization record on file. Immunizations are due upon enrollment and child C has been enrolled since 9/6/22.”

8VAC20-780-60-A-8

“Based on a review of recordkeeping and interview, it was determined that child B has a diagnosed food allergy to grapefruit, pomegranate and tap water, but there was no written allergy care plan on file.”

8VAC20-780-40-M

“Based on observation and interview, it was determined that one has an allergy , but was not listed on the written allergy/sensitivity/dietary restriction list. Evidence: Child A was diagnosed with an allergy to Amoxicillin but was not listed on the allergy list. Child A enrolled on 7/25/22.”

8VAC20-780-130-A

“Based on a review of six children's files and interview with the director, it was determined that child C did not have immunization record on file. Immunizations are due upon enrollment and child C has been enrolled since 9/6/22.”

8VAC20-780-60-A-8

“Based on a review of recordkeeping and interview, it was determined that child B has a diagnosed food allergy to grapefruit, pomegranate and tap water, but there was no written allergy care plan on file.”

8VAC20-780-40-M

“Based on observation and interview, it was determined that one has an allergy , but was not listed on the written allergy/sensitivity/dietary restriction list. Evidence: Child A was diagnosed with an allergy to Amoxicillin but was not listed on the allergy list. Child A enrolled on 7/25/22.”