VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES

The Merit School of Arlington (#69)
2201 North Pershing Drive
Suite K
Arlington, VA 22201
(571) 257-7660

Current Inspector: Ariel Hayes (804) 629-7124

Inspection Date: Nov. 25, 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. 22VAC40-80 THE LICENSING PROCESS. 22VAC40-191 Background Checks (22VAC40-191) 63.2 Child Abuse & Neglect 63.2(17) License & Registration Procedures 63.2 Facilities & Programs.

Comments:

An unannounced monitoring inspection was conducted from 9:20am-1:45pm. At the time of entrance, 63 children were in care with 15 staff members present. Children were observed reading books, washing hands, diaper changes, playing in centers, singing the ABC's, in circle time, cutting with scissors, bathroom breaks, learning Spanish and practicing how to zip. The site was clean and organized. Interactions between the children and staff were positive. A selection of staff and children records, the physical space, emergency supplies, evacuation drills, attendance records and medications were reviewed. . Areas of non-compliance are identified in the violation notice. Please contact me if you have any questions at Stacy.Doyle@dss.virginia.gov or 571-835-0386.

Violations:

Standard #:	22VAC40-185-130-A
Description:	Based on review of six children's records, the center did not obtain documentation of immunizations for a child prior to the child's first day of attendance. Evidence: 1. Child #6 began at the center on 10/21/2019 and the center did not have the child's immunization record prior to the child's first day of attendance. The immunization record was sent by email during the inspection.
Plan of Correction:	Obtained a current immunization record during licensing inspection and is on file at the center.
Standard #:	22VAC40-185-130-B
Description:	Based on review of six children's records, the center did not obtain documentation of updated immunization once every six months for children under the age of 2 years old. Evidence: 1. Child #2 was under the age of 2 years old and did not have an updated immunization record on file. The last immunization record was dated 3/15/2019. 2. Child #5 was under the age of 2 years old and did not have an updated immunization record on file. The last immunization record was dated 5/16/2019.
Plan of Correction:	Parents were contacted at the time of the licensing visit via email to submit updated vaccination records.
Standard #:	22VAC40-185-140-A
Description:	Based on review of six children's records, the center did not obtain documentation of a a physical in each child's file prior to or within 30 days of first attendance. Evidence: 1. Child #6 began at the center on 10/21/2019 and the center did not have the child's physical within 30 days of attendance or during the inspection of the child's records during the visit.
Plan of Correction:	Physical has been obtained for child #6 and is on file at the center.
Standard #:	22VAC40-185-90--A
Description:	Based on review of six children's records, the center did not obtain a written agreement between the parent and the center by the first day of the child's attendance regarding the parent picking up a child that becomes ill and that the parent will inform the center within 24 hours or the next business day after his child or any member of the immediate household has developed any reportable communicable disease. Evidence: 1. Child #6 began at the center on 10/21/2019 and did not have the parent agreement in the file regarding picking up an ill child or notifying the center within 24 hours or the next business day if the child or member of the child's family has developed any reportable communicable disease.
Plan of Correction:	Contacted parents at time of licensing visit and parents submitted page 4 of the Parent Agreement during licensing inspection and is on file at center.
Standard #:	22VAC40-185-270-A
Description:	Based on observation, areas of the center inside were not maintained in a safe and operable condition. Evidence: 1. In the Toddler Explorer B classroom, the paint was chipping/peeling near the fire pull down in the classroom and was within reach of the children. 2. In the Montessori B classroom, the paint was chipping/peeling to the left of the leaf bulletin board and was within reach of the children.
Plan of Correction:	Maintenance was contacted immediately and areas will be painted as soon as possible.
Standard #:	22VAC40-80-120-E-6
Description:	Based on observation, the center failed to place a copy of any special order issued by the department in a prominent place at each public entrance of the licensed premises to advise consumers of serious or persistent violations. Evidence: 1. The center had a Notice of Intent dated 2/15/2019 and the Special Order dated 3/19/2019 under the last inspection, but did not have the Special Order dated 10/08/2019 posted in a prominent place at each public entrance. This order must be visible and posted for a period of 12 months.
Plan of Correction:	Notice of Intent was put up on Parent Board during the licensing inspection.