VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES

The Merit School of Clarendon (#76)
2311 Wilson Blvd #112
Arlington, VA 22201
(703) 566-5075

Current Inspector: Kelly Patterson-Savittiere (703) 479-4746

Inspection Date: Sept. 26, 2019

Complaint Related: No

Areas Reviewed:

22VAC40-185 ADMINISTRATION. 22VAC40-185 STAFF QUALIFICATIONS AND TRAINING. 22VAC40-185 PHYSICAL PLANT. 22VAC40-185 STAFFING AND SUPERVISION. 22VAC40-185 PROGRAMS. 22VAC40-185 SPECIAL CARE PROVISIONS AND EMERGENCIES. 22VAC40-185 SPECIAL SERVICES. 22VAC40-80 THE LICENSE. 22VAC40-191 Background Checks (22VAC40-191)

Comments:

An unannounced mandated Monitoring inspection was conducted today, 09/26/2019. There were 32 children present with 10 staff. Children were observed napping, having bottles, reading books and singing in circle time, playing in a sensory table, washing hands, having snack, and preparing for lunch. Reviewed 5 children's files, 6 staff files, emergency preparedness plan and review, injury reports, attendance, emergency evacuation log, first aid supplies, medications and authorizations, and physical plant. Violations of the Standards have been recorded on the Violation Notice. Should you have any questions regarding this inspection, please contact Georganne Buccine (georganne.buccine@dss.virginia.gov)

Violations:

Standard #:	22VAC40-185-60-A
Description:	Based on children's record review, the center did not maintain and keep a record for each child with the required information. Evidence: Child#1 did not have parent work numbers documented.
Plan of Correction:	Missing information was obtained from parent
Standard #:	22VAC40-185-240-A
Description:	Based on staff record review, staff did not receive orientation training by the end of their first day of assuming job responsibilities. Evidence: Staff#2 did not have documentation of receiving orientation training.
Plan of Correction:	Records were updated to reflect training received on the first day
Standard #:	22VAC40-185-340-A
Description:	Based on interview with staff, they were not ensuring the care, protection and guidance of children in their care. Evidence: When asked if there were any children in the room with allergies or on medication, Staff#1 said there were no children in the room with allergies or meds. Another staff member present immediately stated there was a child in the room with an allergy and named the child, the allergy and the emergency medication.
Plan of Correction:	Addressed at the time of inspection, Staff#1 was reminded of Allergy list posted in the classroom and list was reviewed with her
Standard #:	22VAC40-185-370-5
Description:	Based on observation, staff did not provide awake infants a change in space at least every 30 minutes or more often as determined by the individual infant's needs. Evidence: Child#4 was observed in a high chair from approximately 11:20am to 12:33pm.
Plan of Correction:	Feeding procedures were reviewed with Staff. Staff were reminded that children should only be placed in high chairs when food is served.
Standard #:	22VAC40-185-550-L
Description:	Based on record review, the center did not notify the parents by the end of the day of any known minor injury. Evidence: There were 3 injury reports with both center copy and parent copy of injuries still attached. The documents did not have parent signatures of receipt and center staff could not say for certain parents were notified.
Plan of Correction:	All accident reports were reviewed. Staff were retrained on accident reports and parent notification procedures.
Standard #:	22VAC40-185-550-M
Description:	Based on record review, center did not maintain a written record of children's serious and minor injuries with required information including staff and parent signatures or two staff signatures. Evidence: Three injury reports did not have signatures of staff or parents.
Plan of Correction:	Staff retrained on accident report procedures.
Standard #:	22VAC40-185-560-C
Description:	Based on observation, the center did not schedule snacks or meals so there is a period of at least 1 hour but no more than three hours between each meal or snack. Evidence: Child#4 was observed being put in a high chair at approximately 11:20am and given wheat thins. At approximately 11:40 the child was observed in the high chair being given Chees-its. At approximately 12:13, the child was offered lunch.
Plan of Correction:	Feeding schedules confirmed and reviewed with all staff
Standard #:	22VAC40-185-570-A
Description:	Based on observation, high chairs, infant carrier seats or feeding tables were not being used for children under 12 months who were not being held while being fed. Evidence: Child#2 and Child#3 were observed sitting on the floor with double stacked boppy pillows behind them being fed bottles by Staff#4
Plan of Correction:	Staff retrained on feeding procedures