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: Sept. 22, 2022

Complaint Related: No

Areas Reviewed:

8VAC20-780 Administration. 8VAC20-780 Staff Qualifications and Training. 8VAC20-780 Physical Plant. 8VAC20-780 Staffing and Supervision. 8VAC20-780 Programs. 8VAC20-780 Special Care Provisions and Emergencies. 8VAC20-780 Special Services. 8VAC20-770 Background Checks 22.1 Background Checks Code, Carbon Monoxide

Comments:

An unannounced renewal inspection was conducted on 9/22/22 from 11:00am to 1:25pm with the Director. There were 53 children in care, ranging in age from one-month- to four-years-old, supervised by 12 staff. The children were observed eating lunch, washing hands, having diapers changed, reading books, and getting ready for nap. Lunch was chicken stir-fry with rice, mixed vegetables, mandarin oranges, and milk. Six child records and five staff records were reviewed. The Center has 15 staff with current certification in CPR and First Aid, and all staff trained in Daily Health Observation Training. Four medications and medication authorization forms were reviewed and the center has two staff current in Medication Administration Training (MAT). The attendance, liability insurance, menu, and emergency drill log were reviewed. The playground and buses were observed. The most recent Fire Inspection on file was dated 4/18/22 and the most recent Health Inspection on file was dated 12/2/21. If you have questions regarding this inspection, please contact the Licensing Inspector, Laura Brindle, at laura.brindle@doe.virginia.gov or 540-905-2062. Please complete the "Plan of Correction" and "Date to be Corrected" areas on the Violation Notice for each violation cited and return to me by close of business on 9/26/22. Plans of correction should include steps to correct the noncompliance with the standard, and measures to prevent the noncompliance from occurring again.

Violations:

Standard #:	8VAC20-780-160-A
Description:	Based on review of five staff records and interview, the center did not obtain documentation from each staff member of a negative tuberculosis (TB) screening at the time of employment and prior to coming into contact with children. Evidence: 1. The record for Staff A, with a start date of 9/12/22, did not contain documentation of a negative TB screening. 2. The record for Staff B, with a start date of 8/29/22, contained documentation of a TB screening dated 9/2/22.
Plan of Correction:	Staff A - Negative TB result obtained on 9-26-2022 and documentation is on file. All staff have current negative TB results.
Standard #:	8VAC20-780-60-A
Description:	Based on review of six child records, the center did not obtain proof of identity and age for one child. Evidence: The record for Child A, with a start date of 8/9/21, did not contain documentation of viewing proof of the child?s identity and age.
Plan of Correction:	Child A ? birth certificate was viewed and documented on the child?s enrollment form on 9-23-2022 by management.
Standard #:	8VAC20-780-270-A
Description:	Based on observation, the center did not ensure that areas and equipment of the center were maintained in a safe condition. Evidence: 1. On the playground there were large wooden logs surrounding a sand box area that were deteriorating and posed a possible scratch/splinter hazard. Additionally, the logs were deteriorated to the point that three screws, measuring approximately three inches, four inches, and six inches, that were meant to secure the logs to one another, were exposed and protruding and posed an impalement and scratch hazard. 2. One fence board near the basketball court was broken and jagged and posed a scratch hazard.
Plan of Correction:	1: Wooden logs will be replaced within the next 30 days. The three screws were removed on 9-26-22. 2: Fence board was replaced on 9-26-22.