Merritt Academy
9201, 9203, 9205 & 9211 Arlington Blvd
Fairfax, VA 22031
(703) 273-8000
Current Inspector: Karen Dickens (571) 423-6978
Inspection Date: June 26, 2023
Complaint Related: No
- Areas Reviewed:
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? 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.
- Comments:
-
An inspection in response to a self-reported incident was initiated on June 26, 2023 and concluded on June 28, 2023. The report received by the department included information of a staff member using inappropriate behavioral guidance techniques.
The Center?s video recordings were observed, staff interviews were conducted, and the center?s staff and children?s records were reviewed in response to the self-reported incident.
The evidence gathered during the investigation supported the self-report of non-compliance with standards or law, and violations were issued. Any violations not related to the self-report but identified during the course of the investigation can also be found on the violation notice.
- Violations:
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Standard #: 8VAC20-780-400-B Description: Based on video observation and staff interviews, behavioral guidance was not constructive in nature, age and stage appropriate, and intended to redirect children to appropriate behaviors.
Evidence:
1. On 06/14/2023, at approximately 4:47pm, in response to Child #1 (22 months) coloring on an attendance document attached to a clipboard, Staff # 1(date of hire-09/13/2022) said ?Look at what this[child] is doing? Why are you doing that?? Staff #1 pinches Child #1?s nose using their two fingers and Child #1 begins to cry. Staff #2 (Date of hire-10/18/2021)walks over to Child #1 and said ?Hey [Child #1], no, you are okay.? Staff #1 said ?It was a pinch. Come here. Why did you do this young lady? Why did you do this??
2. Staff #2 takes Child #1 to the other side of the classroom to comfort them. Staff #2 asks Child #1, ?What happened? Were you coloring? Then what happened?? Child #1 continues to cry for approximately a minute before calming down, getting some water, and returning to play.
3. Staff #2 stated that there were no marks on the child and the child appeared to be okay after stopping crying.
4. Staff #1 remained on the other side of the classroom opening bubble wrap for the class. Staff #1 did not attempt to comfort or talk to Child #1 while crying.
5. On 06/08/2023, at approximately 10:20am, Staff #1 is observed with a yard stick in their hand during show and share time. Child #2(three years old) is seated backwards in their chair. Staff #1 taps the back of Child #2 with the yard stick and says, ?Turn around, turn around.?
6. Child #2 turns around in their chair and holds their back.
7. Staff #1 states, ?[Staff #3], I think I got [Child #2] in the back too good.?Plan of Correction: Merritt Academy firmly believes in using positive and developmentally appropriate behavior management guidance. A concern about Staff #1?s actions was brought to our attention on 6/15, during our teacher work-day. Staff #1 was immediately suspended, pending investigation, and was then terminated without ever returning to the classroom. Our trainings for teachers, as recently as 6/15 and 6/16 (planned before knowing of this incident), focus on how we can support teachers and students for success using positive guidance. This begins with good routines and developmentally appropriate expectations and continues with positive behavior management to guide students to make good choices. The actions of Staff #1 violated Merritt standards and we took swift action to release this employee. We then self-reported to VDOE and informed the families of the students in the classroom. We regret something of this nature happened in our environment. As an administration we often spot-check classroom management via video and in-person observations. We are reviewing our observation routines to ensure our staff are supported and receive additional trainings when necessary.
Disclaimer:
A compliance history is in no way a rating for a facility.
The online compliance history includes only information after July 1, 2003. In addition, the online compliance history includes information regarding adverse actions that may be the subject of a pending appeal. An adverse action is not final until a provider has exhausted or waived all due process rights. For compliance history prior to July 1, 2003, or information regarding the status of pending adverse actions, please contact the Licensing Inspector listed in the facility's information. The Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS) is not responsible for any errors in or omissions from the compliance history information.
