VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES

The Merit School at North Stafford (#34)
19 Soaring Eagle Drive
Stafford, VA 22556
(540) 658-1000

Current Inspector: Cathy Aylor (540) 222-6352

Inspection Date: Dec. 2, 2020 and Dec. 7, 2020

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. 22VAC40-191 Background Checks (22VAC40-191) 63.2(17) License & Registration Procedures

Technical Assistance:

Provided consultation on: 1) COVID-19 Guidance: Pursuant to the Governor?s Executive Order 63, all children ages five and older are required to wear face coverings while indoors at child care programs. While not required, children ages two through four are strongly encouraged to wear face coverings while indoors, especially if children are in close contact. This is a best practice that will decrease the risk of COVID-19 transmission when children and caregivers are in close proximity. Cloth face coverings should NOT be put on babies and children under age two because of the danger of suffocation. Cloth face coverings are NOT recommended for any child who is sleeping, has trouble breathing, or is unable to remove the cover without assistance. Groups of children may share the same physical space as long as social distancing of six feet is maintained and children do not mix between groups. The same staff and children should consistently remain in the same groups from day to day, all day, and groups should not be combined. Provided consultation on background checks: All existing employees who have lived in another state within the past five years must complete a state criminal history name check and sex offender registry check from the other state. Results must be received before December 31, 2020. All employees (who have lived in another state within the past five years) hired after July 1, 2020 must have this criminal history name check and sex offender registry check prior to employment.

Comments:

This inspection was conducted by licensing staff using an alternate remote protocol, necessary due to a state of emergency health pandemic declared by the Governor of Virginia. A renewal inspection was conducted on 12/2/2020 with an exit interview on 12/7/2020. The director was contacted by telephone and a virtual inspection was conducted. There were 41 children present, ages nine months - ten years of age, with seven staff supervising. The Inspector reviewed four children's records, four staff records, the emergency drill log, medication, the first aid kit, meals and snacks, hand washing, enhanced cleaning and sanitizing of toys and surfaces, and daily indoor and outdoor activities. The information gathered during the inspection determined non-compliance with standards that are documented on the violation notice issued to the facility. The Licensing Inspector has reviewed with the provider COVID-19 Essential Guidance for Child Care programs. If you have further questions about this inspection please contact Donna Liberman at 540-359-5244 or Donna.Liberman@dss.virginia.gov.

Violations:

Standard #:	22VAC40-185-160-A
Description:	Based on review of four staff records, the center did not have documentation of a tuberculosis (TB) test/ screening for staff within 21 days of hire or within 12 months prior to hire. Evidence: the record for staff #2 (date of hire: 10/12/2020) had a TB test/screening dated 11/14/2020.
Plan of Correction:	Management has been retrained on appropriate onboarding procedures.
Standard #:	22VAC40-185-70-A
Description:	Based on review of four staff records, the facility did not ensure that each staff record contained all required information. Evidence: 1) The records for staff #2 and staff #4 did not contain documentation that two or more references were checked before employment. 2) the record for staff #3 did not contain verification of age requirement.
Plan of Correction:	References and proof of age have since been obtained. Management has been retrained on appropriate onboarding procedures.
Standard #:	22VAC40-185-240-A
Description:	Based on review of four staff records, the facility did not have documentation that all staff received orientation training that includes job responsibilities, policies/procedures, playground safety procedures, child abuse and neglect, and confidentiality by the end of their first day of assuming job responsibilities. Evidence: The record for staff #4 (date of hire: 3/9/2020) did not have documentation of orientation training.
Plan of Correction:	Orientation has since been completed. Management has been retrained on appropriate onboarding procedures.
Standard #:	22VAC40-185-240-D-1
Description:	Based on review of documentation, and an interview with the director, it was determined that there was not always a staff member on site who had Medication Administration Training (MAT) upon agreement to administer medication to children. Evidence: there is no documentation that any staff person has current MAT certification training.
Plan of Correction:	A MAT class has been scheduled for 12/17/2020. A MAT trained staff person has been temporarily transferred to the facility to maintain compliance.
Standard #:	22VAC40-185-550-D
Description:	Based on review of the emergency drill log, and staff interview, it was determined that not all emergency evacuation procedures were practiced monthly as required. Evidence: There was not a documented evacuation drill in October, 2020.
Plan of Correction:	All fire drills will be completed monthly from now on.
Standard #:	22VAC40-191-60-B
Description:	Based on review of four staff records, it was determined that not all staff completed a sworn statement or affirmation prior to their first day of employment. Evidence: the record for staff #2 (Date of hire: 10/12/2020) did not have documentation of a sworn statement.
Plan of Correction:	A sworn disclosure statement has since been obtained. Management has been retrained on appropriate onboarding procedures.
Standard #:	22VAC40-191-60-C-2
Description:	Based on review of four staff records, the center did not have an original central registry report within 30 days of employment of a staff member. Evidence: The record for staff #3 (date of hire: 7/7/2020) did not have documentation of a central registry report.
Plan of Correction:	Background check was located on 12/8/2020 and was completed on 11/8/2016.