The Merit School Learning Center #21

Hazardous substances such as cleaning materials are required to be kept in a locked place using a safe locking method that prevents access by children.

“On 5/12/26 two spray bottles containing cleaning materials were observed in the sink of the changing table in the Toddler classroom.”

Rule 8VAC20-780-280-B.

The center is required to maintain a current written list of all children’s allergies, sensitivities, and dietary restrictions that is accessible to all staff who work with children.

“On 5/12/26 there was no allergy list available in the Twos classroom. There were children present in the classroom with dietary restrictions.”

Rule 8VAC20-780-40-M.

When an authorization for medication expires, the center is required to notify the parent that the medication needs to be picked up within 14 days or the parent must renew the authorization.

“The medication authorization for Child G observed on 5/12/26 contained documentation that the authorization needed to be updated prior to 4/10/26.”

Rule 8VAC20-780-510-P.

The center is required to implement a monthly practice evacuation drill.

“There was no evacuation drill practiced in April 2026.”

Rule 8VAC20-780-550-D.

Lockdown procedures are required to be practiced at least annually.

“The most recent lockdown drill was conducted on 2/10/25.”

Rule 8VAC20-780-550-F.

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.

“1. On 5/12/26 at approximately 11:30am, ten children were observed in the Toddler classroom. The attendance record contained documentation of nine children present. The tenth child reportedly arrived at approximately 8:30am. 2. On 5/12/26 at approximately 11:45am, 15 children from the JK and Montessori classes were observed combined in the Montessori classroom. There was no written attendance record available for either class.”

Rule 8VAC20-780-80-A.

The required ratio for children from birth up to 16-months-old is one staff to four children.

“1. On 3/24/26 from approximately 8:26am to 8:31am, one staff member in the Baby Steps room was observed supervising six children. The youngest child present was 15-months-old and required a one to four ratio. 2. From approximately 8:48am until 9:01am the staff member was observed supervising five children in the Baby Steps room. A sixth child arrived at approximately 9:01am and the staff member was alone until 9:10am. The youngest child present was 15-months-old and required a one to four ratio.”

Rule 8VAC20-780-350-B-1. From a complaint.

The required ratio for two-year-old children is one staff to eight children.

“On 3/24/26 one staff member was observed over the one to eight ratio in the Two’s room from approximately 8:46am until 9:13am. The staff member was supervising as many as 13 children alone before the second staff member arrived.”

Rule 8VAC20-780-350-B-3. From a complaint.

The required ratio for children three-years-old up to school age eligible is one staff to 10 children.

“On 3/24/26 one staff member was observed supervising 11 three- and four-year-old children from approximately 8:53am until 9:04am.”

Rule 8VAC20-780-350-B-4. From a complaint.

When children are in ongoing mixed age groups, the staff-to-children ratio and group size applicable to the youngest child in the group is required to apply to the entire group.

“On 3/24/26 from approximately 7:26am to 7:30am, two staff were observed supervising 12 children in a mixed age group. The youngest child present at the time was 21-months-old, and required a 1:5 ratio.”

Rule 8VAC20-780-350-C. From a complaint.

In areas used by children of preschool age or younger, electrical outlets are required to have protective covers.

“On 2/13/26 an electrical outlet was observed to be uncovered on the back wall of the indoor gym at about waist-height of the children.”

Rule 8VAC20-780-290-3.

Children’s hands are required to be washed with soap and running water after toileting.

“On 2/13/26 a three-year-old was observed going into the restroom located in the indoor gym at the center. The sink is located just outside of the restroom, and when the child came out of the restroom, they returned to play without washing their hands.”

Rule 8VAC20-780-500-A.

Cribs, cots, mats, and beds used by children other than infants during the designated rest period are required to have linens consisting of a top cover and a bottom cover or a one-piece covering which is open on three edges.

“On 12/3/25, at approximately 12:07pm, a child in the ?Prep? classroom for three- and four-year-olds, was observed to be laying directly on their cot without a bottom cover.”

Rule 8VAC20-780-450-A.

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.

“On 12/3/25, at approximately 12:07pm, eight children were observed in the ?Prep? classroom for three- and four-year-olds. There were only six children on the attendance record.”

Rule 8VAC20-780-80-A.

A nonabsorbent surface for diapering or changing is required.

“On 6/9/25 a small crack was observed on the changing pad in the Toddler class, making the surface absorbent.”

Rule 8VAC20-780-500-B.

8VAC20-780-40-M

“Based on review of documentation, and staff interviews, the facility failed to maintain a current written list of all children’s allergies, sensitivities and dietary restrictions. The list shall be dated and kept confidential in each area where children are present. Evidence: 1) The list was dated 8/21/2023 and not current per staff interview; 2) The list included children that no longer attend; and 3) The list did not include all children that had sensitivities and preferences/dietary restrictions”

Rule 8VAC20-780-40-M.

8VAC20-780-60-A-8

“Based on review of documentation, the center did not have a written care plan for each child with a diagnosed food allergy from a physician regarding the food which the child is allergic and the steps to be taken in the even of a suspected or confirmed allergic reaction. Evidence: Child #2, enrolled 3/27/2022, has a diagnosed food allergy to Egg and did not have an allergy care plan on file.”

Rule 8VAC20-780-60-A-8.

8VAC20-780-400-A

Rule 8VAC20-780-400-A.

8VAC20-780-130-A

“Based on review of documentation, the center failed to obtain documentation of immunizations prior to a child’s attendance Evidence: Child #1, start date 8/8/2022, immunizations were dated 10/3/2022. Child #3, start date 6/14/2021, immunizations were dated 9/15/2022.”

Rule 8VAC20-780-130-A.

8VAC20-780-140-A

“Based on review of documentation, it was determined that the center failed to obtain documentation of a physical exam for each child enrolled by the 30th day of attendance. Evidence: Child #1, start date 8/8/20222, physical was dated 10/3/2022. Child #3, stat date 6/14/2021, physical was dated 9/15/2022.”

Rule 8VAC20-780-140-A.

8VAC20-780-240-B

“Based on review of documentation, it was determined that the center did not have documentation of required orientation training prior to staff working alone with children and no later than seven days of assuming job responsibilities. Evidence: Staff #1, date of hire 7/21/2022, orientation training was dated 9/7/2022.”

Rule 8VAC20-780-240-B.

22.1-289.035-A

“Based on review of documentation, it was determined that the center failed to obtain Central registry background checks every five years. Evidence: Staff #3?s central registry background check results were dated 9/29/2016.”

Rule 22.1-289.035-A.

8VAC20-780-160-A

“Based on review of staff records, the center did not obtain tuberculosis (TB) screenings or test results before staff came in contact with children or TB documentation that was completed no later than 30 days before employment. Evidence: Staff #4, start date 4/19/2022, did not have documentation of a TB in the file. Staff #5, start date 1/11/2022, TB documentation was dated 9/22/2021.”

Rule 8VAC20-780-160-A.

8VAC20-780-245-J-3

“Based on review of documentation and interview with staff, the center failed to ensure staff were properly trained in emergency medication administration for rectal medications. Evidence: Child #3, has prescription diazepam on site, that is required to be administered rectally and no staff on site have the required Medication Administration Training (MAT) Rectal Medication Certification.”

Rule 8VAC20-780-245-J-3.

8VAC20-780-510-E

“Based on review of documentation and interview with staff, it was determined that the center did not follow it’s medication policy that includes obtaining parent authorization for all medication for children in care. Evidence: Child #3, has nonprescription Tylenol on site and there was no signed authorization from the parent.”

Rule 8VAC20-780-510-E.

8VAC20-780-510-I

“Based on observation, the center failed to ensure medication requirements were followed. Evidence: In the Two’s classroom/Preschool Explorers, a tube of prescription triamcinolone acetonide was observed in an unlocked plastic cubby above the diapering area. The prescription medication did not have the original medication label, was not labeled with the child’s name, the dosage amount, and the time or times to be given.”

Rule 8VAC20-780-510-I.

8VAC20-780-510-L

“Based on observation, the center failed to ensure medication was kept in a locked place. Evidence: In the Two’s classroom/Preschool Explorers, a tube of prescription triamcinolone acetonide was observed in an unlocked plastic cubby above the diapering area.”

Rule 8VAC20-780-510-L.

8VAC20-780-520-C

“Based on observation, not all diaper ointments were labeled with the child’s name as required. Evidence: In the toddler room, a pertroleum jelly and aquaphor were observed and were not labeled. In the preschool explorers room, an aquaphor healing cream, two aquaphor tubes, one vaseline and one bourdeaux butt paste was not labeled”

Rule 8VAC20-780-520-C.