VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES

The Merit School of Garrisonville (#3)
664 Garrisonville Road
Stafford, VA 22554
(540) 659-5290

Current Inspector: Beth Velke (804) 629-8302

Inspection Date: Feb. 6, 2024

Complaint Related: Yes

Areas Reviewed:

8VAC20-780 Physical Plant. 8VAC20-780 Special Care Provisions and Emergencies.

Comments:

An unannounced complaint investigation was conducted on 2/6/24 in response to a complaint received in the licensing office regarding allegations related to preventing the spread of disease and clean, safe conditions. Based on a review of available documentation and interviews conducted, the allegation regarding preventing the spread of disease and clean, safe conditions were determined to be valid. If you have questions regarding this inspection, please contact the Licensing Inspector, Beth Velke, at beth.velke@doe.virginia.gov or 804-629-8302.

Violations:

Standard #:	8VAC20-780-270-A
Complaint related:	No
Description:	Based on observation, it was determined that not all areas of the center inside and outside were maintained in a clean, safe, and operable condition. Evidence: In the Hedgehogs class rabbit feces was observed under and around the tables where the children eat and engage in learning activities. Staff were unaware of the feces until the LI brought it to their attention. An interview with staff revealed the rabbit is not confined to its cage when not engaged in an activity and is allowed to roam the classroom.
Plan of Correction:	During the inspection the rabbit was placed in their cage after conversation with inspector. Moving forward, the rabbit is now confined to its cage during school hours. All staff have been notified that the rabbit is to remain in its cage during school hours or when a classroom is in use.
Standard #:	8VAC20-780-490-C
Complaint related:	No
Description:	Based on interviews, it was determined that children at the center were exposed to a communicable disease and the facility failed to notify parents within 24 hours or the next business day of the center?s having been informed. Evidence: The center received a report of an individual testing positive for COVID-19 and strep throat on 01/27/24. An interview with staff revealed that parents were not notified of possible exposure to a communicable disease.
Plan of Correction:	The day that the center was notified of the communicable disease, a notice was posted on the front door of the main building. The day of the visit, notices were put on all entrances to the building and classrooms. Moving forward, any time that the school is notified of a communicable disease we will place a notification on all entrances to the building and classrooms. Additionally, the notice of a communicable disease will also be sent out the day of notification via our parent engagement app.
Standard #:	8VAC20-780-490-E
Complaint related:	No
Description:	Based on observation and interview, the center did not ensure that when any surface has been contaminated with body fluids, it is cleaned and sanitized. Evidence: In the Hedgehog class, four-year-olds, rabbit feces was observed around and under the classroom tables. Staff was observed sweeping the feces into a dustpan, dumping it into an open trash receptacle and placing the broom and dustpan in the children?s restroom. Staff did not clean or sanitize, where the rabbit had defecated.
Plan of Correction:	The rabbit cage is cleaned daily after the children leave their classroom for the day. A separate broom and dustpan were purchased that is used solely to clean the rabbit feces. After the feces is cleaned, it is placed in a separate garbage bag that is taken immediately to the dumpster daily.