VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES

The Merit School of Quantico (#66)
400 Corporate Drive, Suite 100
Stafford, VA 22554
(703) 291-5224

Current Inspector: Beth Velke (804) 629-8302

Inspection Date: June 3, 2022

Complaint Related: Yes

Areas Reviewed:

8VAC20-780-340-A

Comments:

An investigation was initiated on 06/03/2022 regarding a complaint involving care, protection, and guidance. Interviews were conducted, documentation, and children's records were reviewed. The complaint involving care, protection, and guidance is determined to be valid.

Violations:

Standard #:	8VAC20-780-340-A
Complaint related:	Yes
Description:	Based on interviews and review of documentation it was determined that staff did not always ensure children's care, protection, and guidance. Evidence: In the school age classroom, since January 2022, Child A (Age 9) had significant behavior that included throwing toys, kicking, hitting, and pushing peers. Teacher communication logs revealed that this behavior occurred frequently and was documented on a daily basis. This behavior created a significant disruption to the other children's daily activities and schedule. 1.) On 5/12/2022 it is documented that Child A kicked another child in the "private parts" because the child would not move out of the way. 2.) On 5/17/2022 it is documented that child A threw a football at another child, hitting them in the face. 3.) On 3/30/2022 it is documented that child A hit and pushed a child that was walking by. 4.) On 3/30/2022 it was documented that child A was "wrestling, pulling on, and kicking" another child while on the playground. 5.) On 2/8/2022 it is documented that child A got into a "physical altercation" with two other children while on the playground. 6.) On 1/27/2022 it was documented that child A continues to "jump, push, and hit" other children after being repeatedly asked to stop.
Plan of Correction:	There have been five incident reports in six months. (1 in January, 1 in February 2 in March and 2 in May). All incidents were addressed immediately, behavior guidance strategies were implemented consistently, a behavior plan was discussed with child and parents that included expectations for improvement. Incident #5 (2-8-22) involved several children and all children were counseled, and parents were notified. The following areas of guidance were discussed with the child as well as his parents (8VAC20-780-400): A-1 respect personal privacy, A-3 Encourage decision-making abilities, A-4 Promote ways of getting along, A-5 Encourage independence and self-direction and A-6 Use consistency in applying expectations. The behavior plan is being applied consistently and the child?s behavior has improved. Monitoring will continue.