VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES

The Merit School of Wellington (#20)
10249 Hendley Road
Manassas, VA 20110
(703) 369-7929

Current Inspector: Laura Brindle (540) 905-2062

Inspection Date: Nov. 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. 8VAC20-770 Background Checks 22.1 Background Checks Code, Carbon Monoxide

Comments:

An unannounced monitoring inspection was conducted on 11/13/23 from 9:15am to 11:15am with the Director. There were 45 children in care, ranging in age from seven-months to five-years-old, supervised by eight staff. Infants were observed having free play on the floor, napping, and having a diaper change. Older children were observed participating in circle time and singing with musical instruments, having free play, playing with Legos, playing with Play-doh, and playing in structured centers. Five child records and four staff records were reviewed. The Center has 15 staff with current certification in CPR and First Aid, and 16 staff trained in Daily Health Observation. Two medications and authorization forms were reviewed and the center has four staff current in Medication Administration Training (MAT). Required postings were observed. The attendance, menu, and emergency drill log were reviewed. The most recent Fire Inspection on file was dated 10/23/23 and the most recent Health Inspection on file was dated 3/17/23. 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 Monday, 11/20/23. Plans of correction should include steps to correct the noncompliance with the standard, and measures to prevent the noncompliance from occurring again.

Violations:

Standard #:	8VAC20-780-130-A
Description:	Based on review of five child records, the center did not obtain documentation that each child had received the immunizations required by the State Board of Health before the child attended the center. Evidence: The immunizations on record for Child B, with a start date of 9/6/22, were dated 10/3/22; the immunizations on record for Child C, with a start date of 12/6/21, were dated 1/13/22.
Plan of Correction:	The current managers were not the managers in charge when the children were enrolled. The managers are aware that all children must have a current immunization record to enroll at their location. They continue to follow this standard and the children that they enroll have the needed immunizations.
Standard #:	8VAC20-780-160-A
Description:	Based on review of four staff records, the center did not ensure that each staff member submitted documentation of a negative tuberculosis (TB) screening at the time of employment and prior to coming into contact with children. Evidence: The TB screening on record for Staff #1, with an employment date of 10/2/23, was dated 10/6/23.
Plan of Correction:	District Director has reviewed with the director that the licensing standard is for an employee to have their TB test PRIOR to starting employment within the 30 days prior to their start date. Moving forward all employees will have their TB test prior to being given a start date.
Standard #:	8VAC20-780-60-A-8
Description:	Based on review of five child records, the center did not obtain a written 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 the steps to be taken in the event of a suspected or confirmed allergic reaction. Evidence: The record for Child E contained documentation that the child has a diagnosed allergy to banana, but there was no written allergy care plan on record for Child E.
Plan of Correction:	Previously this child has an intolerance to bananas and not a diagnosed allergy to bananas. The parent recently reported that the child has been diagnosed with a banana allergy. The parent has been given all new paperwork to give to the doctor to provider allergy care plan instructing the center on the necessary steps regarding a suspected or confirmed allergic reaction. Parent has been instructed that they have until December 1, 2023 to provide the necessary paperwork.
Standard #:	8VAC20-780-270-A
Description:	REPEAT Based on observation, the center did not ensure that areas and equipment of the center were maintained in a safe condition. Evidence: During the inspection on 11/13/23, the Licensing Inspector observed a child in the ?JrK? classroom for three-year-olds to five-year-olds, pull on the door of a wooden cabinet in the ?Homeliving? area of the classroom. The cabinet began to fall over on top of the child, but the teacher was able to catch the cabinet. The bins inside the cabinet containing plastic food fell out on top of the child. The wooden cabinet should be bolted to a wall so as not to be a topple hazard.
Plan of Correction:	There was no injury to the child because of this incident. The JK teacher was able to maintain sight and sound of the child and was able to keep the "refrigerator" from toppling over. We will work with our maintenance team for a recommendation for this piece of equipment.