The Merit School of Doc Stone (#67)

Complaint Related

“Areas and equipment of the center, inside and outside shall be maintained in a clean, safe, and operable condition. In the Montessori A class, ages three to five-years-old, and the School Age class,ceiling panels were observed that had a cluster of small black spots in a tight formation outlined with a moisture stain. The location of the panel in the pre-K class was above the entrance of the bathroom and in the School Age class it was located over a table where the children sit.”

Rule 8VAC20-780-270-A. From a complaint.

In order to promote the child’s physical, intellectual, emotional, and social well-being and growth, staff shall interact with the child and one another to provide needed help, comfort, support and encourage independence and self-direction.

Rule 8VAC20-780-400-A.

Repeat Violation

“Staff are required to promptly inform parents when persistent behavioral problems are identified; such notification shall include any disciplinary steps taken in response. Evidence: Between November 2025 and January 2026, a child in Montessori C, three-years-old, hit teachers on nine different occasions and staff failed to notify the parents of the behavior.”

Rule 8VAC20-780-420-B. From a complaint.

Repeat Violation

Rule 8VAC20-780-210-A-4-a.

Infants, who cannot turn themselves over and are awake, shall be placed on their stomachs a total of 30 minutes each day to facilitate upper body strength and to address misshapen head concerns.

“Evidence: The daily records for Child #5, three-months-old, did not contain documentation that tummy time had occurred. Staff confirmed that Child #5 did not have tummy time for three days.”

Rule 8VAC20-780-370-5.

Cribs, cots, rest mats, and beds shall be identified for use by a specific child.

Rule 8VAC20-780-440-B.

Crib sheets shall be clean and washed daily.

“Evidence: In the infant room, ages six weeks to 16 months old, Licensing Inspector observed soiled linens in four of the cribs during the inspection. The soiled linens had evidence of dried spit up, lint, hair, and food. Staff confirmed the crib sheets had not been washed for two days.”

Rule 8VAC20-780-450-C.

Program leaders are required to be at least 18 years of age, have fulfilled a high school program completion or the equivalent, and have six months of supervised programmatic experience and withing six months before being promoted or beginning work or one month after being promoted or beginning work, a minimum of 24 hours of training shall be received related to the care of children.

“Evidence: The record for Staff #1 did not contain documentation of the training hours required to be lead qualified. The required training has not been started, and the teacher has been in the lead teacher position for five weeks.”

Rule 8VAC20-780-210-A-4-a. From a complaint.

In each grouping of children at least one staff member who meets the qualifications of a program leader or program director shall be regularly present.

“Evidence: The Montessori C class, ages three and four-years-old, has not had a qualified program leader for one month.”

Rule 8VAC20-780-340-D. From a complaint.

Staff are required to promptly inform parents when persistent behavioral problems are identified; such notification shall include any disciplinary steps taken in response.

“Evidence: On October 13, 2025, between 8:00 a.m. and 8:30 a.m. Child #1, three-years-old, threw a chair in a group of ten children ages three and four-years-old when they were asked to move from their seat during breakfast. Management was called and the child was removed from the class. Staff #2 did not inform management of the behavior that caused the child to be removed and did not inform the parents of the behavior and the disciplinary steps taken in response.”

Rule 8VAC20-780-420-B. From a complaint.

The center is required to obtain a parent’s written permission and written assessment by the program director and program leader to assign a child to a different age group if such age group is appropriate for the child’s developmental level.

“Evidence: Child #1, 15 months old, was moved to the toddler classroom without a written assessment by the program director and program leader.”

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

For each group of children, the center shall maintain a written record of daily attendance that documents the arrival and departure of each child in care as it occurs.

“Evidence: In the Montessori C class (ages three, four, and five-years-old) 14 children were present, the written record reflected there were 13.”

Rule 8VAC20-780-80-A.

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.”

Rule 8VAC20-780-160-C.

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?.”

Rule 8VAC20-780-340-A.

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.”

Rule 8VAC20-780-40-M.

Repeat Violation

“When staff are supervising children, they shall always ensure their care, protection and guidance. On 5/22/24 at approximately 3:30 p.m. Three two-year-old children left the playground area through an unsecured gate and were on the sidewalk next to the parking lot.”

Rule 8VAC20-780-340-A. From a complaint.

Children under 10 years of age, shall be within actual sight and sound supervision of staff at all times.

“Three two-year-old children were out of sight and sound supervision of staff when they exited the playground onto the sidewalk next to the parking lot through an unsecured gate.”

Rule 8VAC20-780-340-F. From a complaint.

Repeat Violation

Rule 8VAC20-780-270-A.

Repeat Violation

Rule 8VAC20-780-340-A.

Based on interviews with staff, the center failed to ensure that the centers activities, services, and facilities were maintained in compliance with their own policies that are required the standards.

Rule 8VAC20-780-40-E.

Repeat Violation

“Based on observation and measurement, the facility did not ensure that where playground equipment is provided, resilient surfacing shall comply with minimum safety standards. Evidence: on the ?big? playground there was approximately two inches of mulch observed at the base of the composite play structures slide exits, fall zones and six swings.”

Rule 8VAC20-780-330-B.

Repeat Violation

“Based on observation, the center did not ensure that when food is brought from home that it is labeled in a way that identifies the owner. Evidence: There was a lunch box in the Toddler and Montessori A class with no name.”

Rule 8VAC20-780-560-G.

Repeat Violation

“Based on review of the written attendance record, the center did not ensure they maintained a written record of daily attendance for each group of children documenting arrival and departure of each child in care as it occurs. Evidence: In the Preschool class there were ten children present in the classroom, the written record reflected there were nine.”

Rule 8VAC20-780-80-A.

Based on interviews, staff who were supervising children did not always ensure their care, protection, and guidance.

“Evidence: Interviews confirmed that on 4/30/24 staff working in the two-year classroom did not intervene when Staff #1, entered the room, roughly handled, and used verbal remarks demeaning to a child in their care. Staff present at the time of the incident did not attempt to prevent Staff #1 from interacting with Child #1 and did notify administration of the interaction.”

Rule 8VAC20-780-340-A. From a complaint.

Based on documentation and interviews; a staff member engaged in forbidden actions by roughly handling a child.

“Evidence: Documentation and interviews confirmed that on 4/30/24, at approximately 2:00 p.m., Staff #1 was observed entering the two-year classroom grabbing Child #1?s upper arms in an aggressive manner and roughly moving the child into a chair.”

Rule 8VAC20-780-410-1. From a complaint.

Based on documentation and interviews; a staff member engaged in forbidden actions by using verbal remarks which are demeaning to a child.

“Evidence: Documentation and interviews confirmed that on 4/30/24, at approximately 2:00 p.m., Staff #1 entered the two-year classroom and was heard saying to Child #1, ?Are you f?ing kidding me??”

Rule 8VAC20-780-410-6. From a complaint.

Repeat Violation Based on observation, it was determined that not all areas of the center inside and outside were maintained in a clean, safe and operable condition.

Rule 8VAC20-780-270-A.

Based on observation, the facility did not ensure that diaper ointments met the minimum requirements.

“Evidence: Diaper ointment was observed on the changing table accessible to children”

Rule 8VAC20-780-520-C.

Based on observation a child was allowed to drink while walking around.

“Evidence: In the Preschool classroom, ages two-years-old, a child was observed walking and drinking from their water bottle. The requirement is that no child shall be allowed to drink or eat while walking around.”

Rule 8VAC20-780-560-M.

Based on observation, it was determined that there was an insufficient fall zone, clear of all hazardous obstacles, to the rear of the swings.

“Evidence: The Licensing Inspectors observed approximately 18 oversized outdoor building bricks, a large construction bucket and three blocks between 2 to 5 feet to the rear of the swings. These obstacles were in fall zone of the swings.”

Rule 8VAC20-780-330-B. From a complaint.

8VAC20-770-(BC)-60- C-2 Based on a review of five staff records, the center did not obtain documentation of the results of a central registry search within 30 days of employment for all staff.

“Evidence: The record for Staff #5, with a start date of 3/2/23, did not contain documentation of the results of a search of a central registry search at the time of inspection.”

Rule 8VAC20-770-60-C-2.

Based on a review of five child records, the center did not have documentation of a physical in each child record within 30 days after the first day of attendance.

“Evidence:The record for Child #5, with a start date of 8/8/20, had a physical dated 6/15/22.”

Rule 8VAC20-780-140-A.

Based on observation, the center did not ensure all areas and equipment of the center were maintained in a safe condition.

Rule 8VAC20-780-270-A.

Based on observation, hazardous substances were not kept in a locked place using a safe locking method that prevents access by children

“Evidence: 1. In the School Age class, there were nine bottles of essential oils on the table with labels stating, keep out of reach of children. 2. The kitchen, located on the perimeter of the school age class, was left open during lunch service; several large containers of cleaning solutions were accessible to children.”

Rule 8VAC20-780-280-B.

Based on observation, the center did not ensure that diapering procedures were always followed.

“Evidence: 1. In the toddler class, after diapering a child, staff #5 cleaned the surface, applied the disinfectant solution and immediately wiped it off, not allowing the surface to air dry as required. 2. In the Preschool Explorers room, the restroom contained a small foot operated trash can with no lid, filled to the top with soiled diapers.”

Rule 8VAC20-780-500-B.

Based on observation and interviews the center did not have all the required nonmedical emergency supplies at the center.

“Evidence: The center did not have a battery operated flashlight on site.”

Rule 8VAC20-780-540-E.

Based on observation, the center did not ensure that when food is brought from home that it is labeled in a way that identifies the owner.

“Evidence: In the School Age class there were two lunch boxes with no name and date and in the Montessori class there two lunch boxes that had no name and date.”

Rule 8VAC20-780-560-G.

Based on observation the center did not always ensure that infant formula was dated and labeled with the child’s name

“Evidence:In the Infant A class, there was a bottle in the refrigerator that was not labeled with the child’s name and dated.”

Rule 8VAC20-780-570-E.

Based on review of five child files, the center did not obtain all of the required documentation for a child record.

“Evidence: The record for Child # 2, did not contain documentation that the center had viewed proof of the child’s identity and age.”

Rule 8VAC20-780-60-A.

Based on a review of five staff records, the center did not obtain all required documentation for staff records.

“Evidence: 1. The record for Staff #3 did not contain documentation of an emergency contact. 2.The record for Staff #2, with a start date of 11/10/22, contained documentation of one reference. 3.The record for Staff #5, with a start date of 3/2/23 did not contain documentation of two references.”

Rule 8VAC20-780-70.

Based on review of the written attendance record, the center did not ensure they maintained a written record of daily attendance for each group of children documenting arrival and departure of each child in care as it occurs.

“Evidence: 1. In the Infant A and B class there were eleven children present in the classroom, the written record reflected there were nine. 2. In the toddler class there were ten children present in the classroom, the written record reflected there were nine.”

Rule 8VAC20-780-80-A.

Based on record review, the center did not ensure that all staff who work directly with children have current certification in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) including an in-person competency demonstration within 90 days of employment.

“Evidence: Staff #5 (Date of Hire: 3/20/2018) does not have current CPR certification including an in-person competency demonstration.”

Rule 8VAC20-790-600-D-1.

Based on record review, the center did not ensure that all staff who work directly with children have current certification in first aid within 90 days of employment.

“Evidence: Staff #5 (Date of Hire: 3/20/2018) does not have current first aid certification.”

Rule 8VAC20-790-600-D-2.

Based on record review, the center did not obtain a physical examination signed by a physician for each enrolled child prior to child’s attendance or within 30 days after the first day of attendance.

“Evidence: Child #2 (First Day of Attendance: 8/29/2018) did not have a physical examination on file.”

Rule 8VAC20-780-140-A.

Based on review of medications, the center did not ensure that prescription medications are maintained in the original, labeled contained with the pharmacy issued prescription label attached.

“Evidence: Child #7 had prescription medication on site that was not maintained with the pharmacy issued prescription label attached.”

Rule 8VAC20-780-510-I.