VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES

Merritt Academy
9201, 9203, 9205 & 9211 Arlington Blvd
Fairfax, VA 22031
(703) 273-8000

Current Inspector: Karen Dickens (571) 423-6978

Inspection Date: Sept. 12, 2022

Complaint Related: No

Areas Reviewed:

? 8VAC20-780 Administration. ? 8VAC20-780 Staff Qualifications and Training. ? 8VAC20-780 Physical Plant. ? 8VAC20-780 Staffing and Supervision. ? 8VAC20-780 Programs. ? 8VAC20-780 Special Care Provisions and Emergencies ? 8VAC20-780 Special Services. ? 8VAC20-820 THE LICENSE. ? 8VAC20-820 THE LICENSING PROCESS. ? 8VAC20-820 HEARINGS PROCEDURES. ? 8VAC20-770 Background Checks (8VAC20-770) ? 20 Access to minor?s records ? 22.1 Background Checks Code, Carbon Monoxide ? 63.2 Child Abuse & Neglect ? 8VAC20-790 Subsidy Regulations.

Technical Assistance:

Clarification was provided regarding the need for a physician's directive for allergy plans. Recommendations provided regarding rearranging class 53 to maximize the programming space. Discussed best practice of using tight fitting sheets for cribs.

Comments:

An unannounced monitoring inspection was conducted today between the hours of 10:00am-2:00pm. There were a total of 222 children with 57 staff members present. Children were observed during lunch time, engaged in group activities, handwashing, diapering, sensory activities, sorting,singing and outdoor play time. A selection of staff and children records, medications and other documents were reviewed. The physical space, emergency supplies, evacuation drills, attendance records, and the Emergency Preparedness Plan were reviewed. Areas of non-compliance are identified in the violation notice. Please contact me if you have any questions at Karen.dickens@doe.virginia.gov.

Violations:

Standard #:	22.1-289.035-B-4
Description:	Based on record review, the center did not obtain a copy of the results of an out of state criminal history information check for an individual that resided outside the state of Virginia in the past 5 years prior to the first date of employment. Evidence: 1. Staff #2 (Start date-08/29/2022) lived in Washington DC in the past 5 years. An out of state background check was not conducted prior to the first date of employment. The Out of State background check was conducted and mailed on 08/29/2022.
Plan of Correction:	While the National FBI Fingerprint check, references, and other trainings were completed prior to this employee starting, we are working to get this out-of-state check back as quickly as possible and have made multiple attempts to get it back.
Standard #:	8VAC20-780-270-A
Description:	Based on observation, areas and equipment of the center, inside and outside, were not maintained in a clean, safe and operable condition. Evidence: 1. In class #54, one side of the diapering station had an area that was splintered and within reach of the children in care. 2. In class #44, the foot pedal of the trashcan was broken and not fully operational.
Plan of Correction:	The Diaper changing station and trash can were both replaced.
Standard #:	8VAC20-780-280-B
Description:	Based on observation, hazardous substances were not kept in a locked place using a safe locking method that prevents access by children. Evidence: 1. In class #57, air freshener and a bottle of bleach solution was found on a shelf in an unlocked bathroom. 2. In class #43, a bottle of bleach and water solution was not locked up in the diapering area of the classroom. The bleach and water solution was located on a high shelf and inaccessible to children. 3. In the hallway located near the K-3 classroom, the door to the mechanical room with cleaning solutions was unlocked. 4. In class#12 and class #13, bleach and water solutions and staff's personal belongings were located in low cabinets that had safety locks that were worn and not operational.
Plan of Correction:	All of the cited items were locked during the inspection. New locks were put on the cabinets and a review of all child locks was made.
Standard #:	8VAC20-780-500-B
Description:	Based on observation, diapering surface was found non-absorbent. Evidence: 1. In class #53 and Class #55, the diapering surfaces were no longer absorbent due to cracks in the plastic coverings.
Plan of Correction:	The diaper pads were replaced.
Standard #:	8VAC20-780-570-E
Description:	Based on observation, infant bottles were not dated. Evidence: 1. In Class #53, infant bottles were not dated for Child #1, Child #2, and Child #3.
Plan of Correction:	The bottles were dated. The parents and teachers have been given reminders to date the bottles each day. The teachers have been reminded of the procedures if a parent has not dated a bottle.