The Merit School at North Stafford (#34)

Each child shall have a physical examination by or under the direction of a physician: Within 30 days after the first day of attendance.

“Child A enrolled over 30 days, did not have a physical on file.”

Rule 8VAC20-780-140-A.

The required ratio for children 16 months to 24 months is one staff per five children.

“Upon entering the n the toddler classroom (youngest child age 17 months) there were 13 children and 2 staff.”

Rule 8VAC20-780-350-B-2.

Children’s hands shall be washed with soap and running water or disposable wipes before and after eating meals or snacks.

“In the Infant B classroom, children did not wash hands prior to eating snack. Staff shall wash their hands with soap and running water: Before and after helping a child use the toilet and after any contact with body fluids. Staff A assisted a child with changing their soiled clothes in the bathroom; the staff did not wash hands after.”

Rule 8VAC20-780-500-A.

Staff shall be: Of good character and reputation.

“On 10/5/2026, Staff A falsely documented that Child A used the potty at a specific time. It was determined that Child A did not use the potty, and the child’s diaper was not checked at the documented time.”

Rule 8VAC20-780-180-A.

When a child’s clothing or diaper becomes wet or soiled, the child shall be cleaned and changed immediately.

“On 10/5/2026, Child A, age 2, did not receive a diaper change for over four hours. Child A’s diaper was not checked or removed during the routine diaper change after nap time. At pick-up, Child A’s diaper was observed to be saturated.”

Rule 8VAC20-780-500-B.

Hazardous substances such as cleaning materials, insecticides, and pesticides shall be kept in a locked place using a safe locking method that prevents access by children.

“In the JK-A classroom there is a spray bottle of animal cage surface cleaner in a basket on top of the rabbit cage, accessible to children.”

Rule 8VAC20-780-280-B.

Areas and equipment of the center, inside and outside, shall be maintained in a clean, safe and operable condition. Unsafe conditions shall include protruding nails, bolts or other components that could entangle clothing or snag skin.

“On the Preschool Playground, on the metal fence, there is one bolt at the lower end of the gate that protrudes and does not have adequate coverings with nuts.”

Rule 8VAC20-780-270-A.

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

“1. In the Toddlers classroom, there was a spray bottle of sanitizer and a spray bottle of disinfectant in an unlocked upper cabinet. 2. In the Prep-A classroom there was a spray bottle of sanitizer and a spray bottle of disinfectant in an unlocked upper cabinet. 3. In the JK-A classroom there was a spray bottle of sanitizer and a spray bottle of disinfectant in an unlocked upper cabinet.”

Rule 8VAC20-780-280-B.

Staff shall request at least annually parent confirmation that the required information in the child’s record is up to date.

“The record for Child A was overdue for an annual review with parent confirmation by 7 months.”

Rule 8VAC20-780-420-E-3.

Areas and equipment of the center, inside and outside, shall be maintained in a clean, safe and operable condition.

“In the Prep-B classroom there was a ceiling tile in the bathroom that was positioned in a way that was not secure, posing a safety risk.”

Rule 8VAC20-780-270-A.

When food is brought from home, the food container shall be sealed and clearly dated and labeled in a way that identifies the owner.

“There was a small bag of cheerios with no name and date in the Preschool B classroom. (Child #1) There was a lunch bag with no name and date in the Prep-2 classroom. (Child #2)”

Rule 8VAC20-780-560-G.

8VAC20-780-270-A

Rule 8VAC20-780-270-A.

8VAC20-780-40-M

“Based on observation, and interviews with staff, the facility failed to maintain a current written list of all children’s allergies, sensitivities, and dietary restrictions. Evidence: the written list that was posted was dated 2/25/22. Children with dates of attendance after 5/31/22, who had allergies, sensitivities and dietary restrictions, were not included on the list; staff confirmed that the list was not up to date.”

Rule 8VAC20-780-40-M.

8VAC20-780-510-E

“Based on review of medication and authorization forms, the facility did not follow the center’s procedures for administering medication as required. Evidence: child #6’s long-term medication was on-site with a parent’s authorization dated 4/22/22 and no physician’s authorization.”

Rule 8VAC20-780-510-E.

8VAC20-780-80-A

Rule 8VAC20-780-80-A.

8VAC20-780-130-E

“Based on review of documentation, the center failed to obtain documentation of additional immunizations once every six months for children under the age of two years. Evidence: the last immunization documented in the record for child #1 was 1/28/2020 and the last immunization documented in the record for child #2 was dated: 9/3/2021.”

Rule 8VAC20-780-130-E.

8VAC20-780-270-A

“Based on observation, not all areas of the center were maintained in a safe condition. Evidence: the playground fence was lined with plastic spikes held on by cable ties. There was one tie per unit, giving the unit of spikes latitude to move in almost every direction. The spikes are sharp, could cause impalement, and were within reach of children on the gate between the older and younger children’s playgrounds.”

Rule 8VAC20-780-270-A.

8VAC20-780-40-M

“Based on observation, and an interview with staff, the center failed to maintain a current written list of all children’s allergies, sensitivities, and dietary restrictions. Evidence: the written allergy list posted in the explorer and toddler classrooms was dated: 6/9/21. Staff stated that the list was not up to date.”

Rule 8VAC20-780-40-M.

8VAC20-780-80-A

“Based on a review of written attendance records, the facility did not ensure all children were included on all attendance records. Evidence: there were three babies listed on the baby steps attendance sheet, but there were eight babies observed in attendance.”

Rule 8VAC20-780-80-A.