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: Feb. 13, 2023

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. 8VAC20-820 THE LICENSE. 8VAC20-820 THE LICENSING PROCESS. 8VAC20-770 Background Checks (8VAC20-770) 20 Access to minor?s records 22.1 Background Checks Code, Carbon Monoxide 63.2 Child Abuse & Neglect

Comments:

An unannounced monitoring inspection was conducted on 02/13/2023. There were a total of 50 children observed with 12 staff members. The children were observed participating in whole group circle time, small group centers, and nap time. The inspector reviewed compliance in the areas of administration, physical environment, care of children, handwashing, medication, emergencies, and nutrition. A total of 6 child records, and 4 staff records were reviewed. Information gathered during the inspection determined non-compliances with applicable standards or law and violations were documented on the violation notice issued to the program. During the monitoring inspection, a self-reported incident received by the department involving the area of behavioral guidance was investigated. Interviews were conducted with staff, documents were reviewed and child/staff records were reviewed. The information gathered during the self-report inspection determined violations with applicable standards or law. A violation notice was given to the center along with this summary. Violations were issued in regards to the self-reported incident. Please contact me if you have any questions at ariel.hayes@doe.virginia.gov or 804-629-7124.

Violations:

Standard #:	8VAC20-780-60-A
Description:	Based on a review of child records(1 of 6), the center did not maintain a separate record for each child containing the required information. Evidence: Child # 1 did not have documented proof of identification. Child # 1 was missing 1 emergency contacts address.
Plan of Correction:	Address for emergency contact has been obtained and is on file at the center.
Standard #:	8VAC20-780-270-A
Description:	Based on observation of the playground, areas and equipment of the center, inside and outside, were not maintained in a clean, safe, and operable condition. Evidence: There were several large cracks in the blue and yellow rubber flooring on the playground. Under the basketball court there were cracks (shoe width) on the yellow outline of the basketball court.
Plan of Correction:	Maintenance has been notified regarding playground surfacing. Correction to the cracks will be address and fixed.
Standard #:	8VAC20-780-280-B
Description:	Based on observation, hazardous substances such as cleaning materials were not kept in a locked place using a safe locking method that prevents access by children. Evidence: 1. There was unlocked chlorox, lysol, and a bleach spray in an upper unlocked cabinet by the bathroom in the Montessori B classroom. 2. There was unlocked disinfectant in an upper unlocked cabinet by the sink in the Montessori A classroom. 3. There was swifter wet mopping wipes unlocked in a lower cabinet under the sink in the toddler classroom.
Plan of Correction:	Hazardous Substance was in a cabinet. Teachers have been retrained on ensuring all cabinets are locked at all times.
Standard #:	8VAC20-780-400-B
Description:	Based on staff interviews, and staff statement, behavioral guidance was not constructive in nature, age and stage appropriate and was not intended to redirect children to appropriate behavior and resolve conflict. Evidence: Staff #1 stated "I put my pointer and middle fingers together and tapped his forehead. I lightly pushed back to tilt his forehead back so his eyes could meet mine and sternly told him to let go."
Plan of Correction:	Teacher tilted child head back to gain child's attention because the child was wrapped around the teachers leg and the teacher asked the child to remove themselves their leg. Once teacher got the attention of the child, the child removed their grip and the teacher walked to the other side of the playground.