VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES

The Merit School at The Castle (#9)
6306 Old Plank Road
Fredericksburg, VA 22407
(540) 786-2434

Current Inspector: Sharon Allen (540) 272-2941

Inspection Date: Oct. 12, 2021

Complaint Related: No

Areas Reviewed:

22VAC40-665 INTRODUCTION 22VAC40-665 ADMINISTRATION 22VAC40-665 STAFF QUALIFICATIONS & TRAINING 22VAC40-665 STAFFING & SUPERVISION 22VAC40-665 PROGAMS 22VAC40-665 SPECIAL CARE PROVISIONS & EMERGENCIES 22VAC40-665 SPECIAL SERVICES

Technical Assistance:

Technical Assistance was provided regarding the timing of the annual lockdown drill and the requirements for allergy care plans for children and tuberculosis (TB) tests for staff.

Comments:

This inspection was conducted by licensing staff using an alternate remote protocol, including telephone contact, documentation review, and interview. A subsidy health and safety inspection (SHSI) was initiated on 10/12/21 and concluded on 10/13/21. There were 43 children present with eight staff supervising. A licensing inspection was also conducted on this date. Both inspections combined cover subsidy health and safety regulations. Only subsidy requirements that are not covered in licensing standards were reviewed during this supplemental inspection. Information gathered during the inspection determined non-compliance with applicable standards or law and violations were documented on the violation notice issued to the program. If you have questions regarding this inspection you may contact the Licensing Inspector, Laura Brindle, at laura.brindle@doe.virginia.gov or 540-905-2062.

Violations:

Standard #:	22VAC40-665-520-B-11
Description:	Based on review of three children's records, the center did not obtain a written allergy care plan for each child with a diagnosed food allergy to include instructions from a physician regarding the food to which the child is allergic and steps to be taken in the event of a suspected or confirmed allergic reaction. Evidence: The record for Child A contained documentation that the child is allergic to dairy. There is no allergy care plan on record for the child.
Plan of Correction:	Child A has two doctor's forms on file for a suspected milk intolerance/allergy. Child's physical form states that there is a milk allergy and the allergist's form does not state that there is a milk allergy. Child's enrollment form (completed by the mother) states that they have an intolerance to milk. Director has spoken to the mother and she will provide updated paperwork from one of the physicians to update the forms with an action plan to determine steps to be taken in the event of a suspected or confirmed allergic reaction by 11/5/2021. Child A brings all of their food from home to minimize the risks of exposure. All managers that process child records have been retrained on the proper policies and procedures for food allergies and intolerances, to include matching documentation on all paperwork and ensuring that a plan has been created in the event of a suspected or confirmed allergic reaction.
Standard #:	22VAC40-665-540-A
Description:	Based on review of three staff records, the center did not ensure that staff were evaluated by a health professional and determined to be free of communicable tuberculosis (TB) at the time of employment and prior to coming into contact with children. Evidence: 1. The TB test on record for Staff A, with a start date of 8/16/21, was dated 8/26/21. 2. The TB test on record for Staff B, with a start date of 8/23/21, was dated 8/29/21.
Plan of Correction:	Staff were free of communicable tuberculosis and received their TB tests within 10 days after employment. However, they did not receive test and results within 30 days prior to employment under the new standard. All managers that hire new staff have been retrained on this standard and new hire records will be reviewed by the Director and/or the District Director prior to the employee's first day of work.