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: July 10, 2019

Complaint Related: No

Areas Reviewed:

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.

Comments:

An unannounced inspection was conducted today, 7/10/19, with another local agency in response to a self-reported incident. Based upon multiple interviews, the preponderance of evidence does not support a violation being cited regarding the self-reported incident. Violations of the Standards that were observed during the investigation are identified in the Violation Notice. Should you have any questions regarding this investigation, please contact Licensing Inspector, Georganne Buccine (georganne.buccine@dss.virginia.gov)

Violations:

Standard #:	22VAC40-185-350-C
Description:	Based on observation, staff-to-children ratio applicable to the youngest child in the group was not applied to the entire group. Evidence: There were 21 children (Infants-Preschool) observed with 5 staff on the large playground. Youngest child in the group required a 4:1 ratio or 20 children to 5 staff, therefore the group was out of ratio.
Plan of Correction:	Area was over by 1 teacher. Child ratio was corrected immediately during licensing inspection.
Standard #:	22VAC40-185-370-5
Description:	Based on observation, play spaces did not ensure infants were being protected from older children. Evidence: Infants were observed on the large playground with Toddlers, Pre-school and School-Age children.
Plan of Correction:	Reviewed playground schedule with all staff to ensure appropriate ages are on the playground at their designated playground time.
Standard #:	22VAC40-185-430-B
Description:	Based on observation, materials and equipment available were not age and stage appropriate for the children. Evidence: 1. Child #1 (under 2yrs) was observed playing on a piece of playground equipment manufactured for children ages 2-5yrs old. 2. Observed Infants and Toddlers playing with a slip n slide manufactured for children ages 5yrs and above.
Plan of Correction:	Child was re-directed to another area during licensing inspection and equipment was removed from playground immediately during inspection.
Standard #:	22VAC40-185-500-A
Description:	Based on observation, staff did not wash their hands with soap and running water after a diaper change and before feeding a child. Evidence: Staff#1 was observed diapering Child#2 (11 months). After discarding the diaper, Staff #2 was observed picking up Child#2 off the diaper changing station, walking to the refrigerator, retrieving Child#2's bottle and handing it to Child#2 without washing their hands.
Plan of Correction:	Immediately addressed during visit and then reviewed with staff member handwashing procedures.
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 are not held while being fed. Evidence: Child #2 (11 months) was observed being handed a bottle by Staff#1 while laying down on a boppy pillow.
Plan of Correction:	An 11.5 month old child is able to hold their own bottle, crawl and turn over. Reviewed with all staff proper feeding procedures for infants to 12 months of age. Corrected immediately during licensing visit.