VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES

The Merit School of Braemar (#22)
12700 Correen Hills Drive
Bristow, VA 20136
(703) 396-7447

Current Inspector: Cathy Aylor (540) 222-6352

Inspection Date: April 1, 2024

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. 8VAC20-820 HEARINGS PROCEDURES. 8VAC20-770 Background Checks (8VAC20-770) 20 Access to minor?s records 22.1 Background Checks Code, Carbon Monoxide 32.1 Report by person other than physician 63.2 Child Abuse & Neglect

Technical Assistance:

Please monitor the poured-in-place on the playground to ensure no cracks or divots appear.

Comments:

An unannounced monitoring inspection was conducted with the Administrative staff from 2:20 pm to 4:05 pm. There were 30 children present with 6 staff providing supervision. Two infants were observed eating a snack while many of the children were napping during the walkthrough. Medications for 5 children were inspected as well as 2 allergy care plans. Five staff and children's files were reviewed. The areas of non compliance are outlined on the violation notice.

Violations:

Standard #:	22.1-289.035-A
Description:	Background checks must be repeated every 5 years. Staff A's Central Registry background check was dated 3/28/19 and a repeat background check had not been obtained.
Plan of Correction:	The updated Central Registry was applied for on March 21, 2024 prior to the due date of March 29, 2024. The form was returned due to some errors and the registry request was resubmitted on 4/20/24 and is in process.
Standard #:	8VAC20-780-270-A
Description:	The center shall be maintained in a clean, safe and operable condition. The door to the sprinkler room was unlocked and there were wires in reach of children.
Plan of Correction:	The sprinkler room door was found to be unlocked due to the maintenance being performed on the fire alarm system found in that room. On the day of the licensing visit maintenance repair men were on premises repairing the system throughout the entire day. The key was given to the maintenance team to allow them in and out access without disrupting staff from attending to the children.
Standard #:	8VAC20-780-280-B
Description:	Hazardous substances shall be kept locked. There were 15 containers of unlocked disinfectants, sanitizers and cleaning agents in the Laundry room. There were 3 containers of paint in the unlocked closet near the infant classroom.
Plan of Correction:	The disinfectants, sanitizers and cleaning agents was located on a top shelf inside the laundry in the closet in the hallway due to renovation of the building to keep them out of reach. The side lock on the closet was examined by our maintenance team and readjusted to lock more securely. none of the chemicals were on the floor where they could be reached by any child.
Standard #:	8VAC20-780-570-A
Description:	The protective belt shall be fastened securely when children are placed in high chairs. Two infants were observed in high chairs, eating a snack however the protective belts were not fastened.
Plan of Correction:	The protective belts on all chairs were examined for their ability to securely lock the children in place, while chairs are in usage. The 14 month old student who had the ability to open the clasp has been transferred to the next class as he is now able to walk and be safely transferred to the next level classroom.