The Merit School of Stafford Lakes # 25

The center is required to maintain a written record of daily attendance for each group of children that documents the arrival and departure of each child in care as it occurs.

“At approximately 12:05pm on 10/8/25 there were 19 children observed in the ?Prep? classroom for children three- to four-years-old. The written attendance record contained documentation of 11 children present due to children being signed out for an activity but not signed back in. Staff then updated the record and documented 20 children present, while 19 were still present.”

Rule 8VAC20-780-80-A.

When a child’s clothing or diaper becomes wet or soiled, the center is required to ensure that the child is cleaned and changed immediately.

“On 6/12/25, Child A, three-years-old, participated in water play at the center from approximately 10:00am-10:40am. Child A was not changed out of their wet clothes following water play and was found to be napping in their wet clothes during pickup at approximately 1:40pm.”

Rule 8VAC20-780-500-B. From a complaint.

(Repeat Violation) Areas and equipment of the center, inside and outside, shall be maintained in a safe condition.

“1. In the two-year-old classroom, the wooden lid to the sensory table was observed to have corners that were deteriorating and chipping away. 2. On the playground, three sitting scooter boards were observed to have handles that were broken off, posing a scratch hazard.”

Rule 8VAC20-780-270-A.

8VAC20-780-270-A

“Based on observation, the center did not ensure that equipment of the center was maintained in a safe condition. Evidence: On 4/17/24, a toilet in the school age bathroom was observed to be missing a cap to cover a screw that was protruding from the base of the toilet approximately 1.5 inches. The screw was rusting and posed an injury hazard.”

Rule 8VAC20-780-270-A.

8VAC20-780-510-H

“Based on review of nine medications, the center did not ensure that nonprescription medication was in the original container with the direction label attached. Evidence: On 4/17/24, there were five medication tablets in a plastic bag with Child A’s name written on the bag. There was no medication container or direction label in the bag with the medication.”

Rule 8VAC20-780-510-H.

22.1-289.035-A

“Based on review of five staff records, it was determined that the facility did not have a repeat central registry report for all staff every five years as required. Evidence: The record for staff #1 had a central registry search report dated: 7/27/2017.”

Rule 22.1-289.035-A.

8VAC20-780-40-L

“Based on staff interview, the facility failed to inform all staff who work with children of children’s allergies, sensitivities and dietary restrictions. Evidence: when asked, not all staff could state which children in the group had allergies, sensitivities and/or dietary restrictions.”

Rule 8VAC20-780-40-L.

8VAC20-780-500-B

“Based on observation, and an interview, the facility failed to ensure that diapers (and wipes) are disposed of in a leakproof or plastic-lined storage system that is either foot operated or used in such a way that neither the staff member’s hand nor the soiled diaper touches an exterior surface of the storage system during disposal. Evidence: Staff in the infant room used their hand to open the trash can lid to dispose of the diaper, wipes and gloves after a diaper change.”

Rule 8VAC20-780-500-B.

8VAC20-780-510-E

“Based on observation, and review of documentation, the facility failed to follow their own medication procedures as required. Evidence: 1) there was an over-the-counter medication (infant’s pain relief) on site, and the short-term authorization form, signed only by the parent, was dated 10/5/2022 and expired: 10/15/2022. 2) there was an over-the-counter (children’s allergy relief) medication on site that did not have an authorization form signed by the parent or physician.”

Rule 8VAC20-780-510-E.

8VAC20-780-550-F

“Based on documentation review, and an interview with staff, it was determined that lockdown procedures were not practiced at least annually. Evidence: the last documented lockdown drill was conducted on: 7/21/2021.”

Rule 8VAC20-780-550-F.

8VAC20-780-490-C

“Based on interviews and a review of documentation, 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: there were approximately eight positive cases of COVID-19 reported to the facility between 8/1 and 8/20/2022 and there is no documentation that all parents were informed of their child’s exposure within 24 hours of notification.”

Rule 8VAC20-780-490-C. From a complaint.

8VAC20-780-520-C

Rule 8VAC20-780-520-C. From a complaint.