VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES

The Merit School of Doc Stone (#67)
95 Dunn Drive, Suite 101
Stafford, VA 22556
(540) 628-4999

Current Inspector: Beth Velke (804) 629-8302

Inspection Date: Nov. 20, 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 20 Access to minor?s records 22.1 Early Childhood Care and Education 63.2 Child Abuse & Neglect During the inspection, the inspector reviewed the areas listed above to include standards found out of compliance during the previous inspection. Unless otherwise noted as a violation within this inspection report, the provider was in compliance with the standards reviewed. If there were any serious injuries or fatalities related to a violation, the details will be included in the description of the violation.

Technical Assistance:

Effective January 1, 2025, the VDOE will begin determining compliance with ? 22.1-289.057 of the Code of Virginia, which is legislation passed by the General Assembly in 2020. The law requires all licensed child day programs, religious exempt child day centers that serve preschool age children, and certified preschools to test potable drinking water. The law requires that programs submit their plans and test results to the Virginia Department of Health Office of Drinking Water (VDH ODW) and the Superintendent. If the results of the testing indicate elevated lead levels, the program shall remediate, retest, and resubmit results to VDH ODW and the Superintendent. There is an additional alternative bottled water option that comes with additional requirements. The statutory requirement can be found online at https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title22.1/chapter14.1/section22.1-289.057/. Resources are now available for providers on the "What's New" webpage on the ChildCareVA website at https://www.childcare.virginia.gov/providers/what-s-new.

Comments:

An unannounced, on-site renewal inspection was conducted on 11/20/24. The on-site inspection began at 9:00 a.m. and ended at 1:20 p.m. The inspector reviewed compliance in the areas listed above. There were 80 children present and 11 staff. The inspector reviewed five children?s records and five staff records on-site. This inspection included document review, tour of the facility, interviews, observations, and measurements. Information gathered during the inspection determined non-compliance with applicable standards or law, and violations are documented on the violation notice issued to the program. Please complete the plan of correction (POC) and date to be corrected sections for each violation cited on the violation notice. Specify how the violation will be or has been corrected. Submit your POC within five (5) business days from today, which will be the close of business on 12/12/24. A POC submitted after this date will not appear on the public website.

Violations:

Standard #:	8VAC20-780-160-C
Description:	A tuberculosis (TB) screening is required every two years from the last screening. The tuberculosis screening for Staff #2 was dated 6/3/22. The updated screening was due five months ago and had not been completed at the time of inspection.
Plan of Correction:	Staff went to get the TB test the next day.
Standard #:	8VAC20-780-40-M
Description:	The center shall maintain, a current written list of all children's allergies, sensitivities, and dietary restrictions. The most recent allergy list observed in all classrooms had not been updated for three months, the date on the allergy list was 08/2024.
Plan of Correction:	On the review of the allergy list no new allergies were added. The school will make sure that they will update the review date each month.
Standard #:	8VAC20-780-340-A
Description:	Repeat Violation When staff are supervising children, they shall always ensure their care, protection, and guidance. The center?s Monthly Accident Log Tally for the Toddler Explorer Class, 16-24 months, reflected 43 documented accidents for the month of October 2024 and 33 documented accidents from November 1, 2024, to November 20, 2024. Documented accidents included 34 bites, 6 bumps, 5 hits, 12 falls, 14 scratches, and 5 ?other?.
Plan of Correction:	During this time the Director requested assistance from an outside resource, Infant and Toddler Connection. The child that was biting was ultimately dis-enrolled after several attempts to mitigate the biting. All accidents were reported no matter to severalty of the accidents.