The Merit School of Clarendon (#76)

The center shall obtain documentation of additional immunizations once every six months for children under the age of two years.

“Child F had no current documentation of additional immunizations for children under two years of age.”

Rule 8VAC20-780-130-E.

Prescription and non prescription medication shall be given to a child with written authorization from the parent.

“Child H had expired authorizations for Benadryl and Albuterol in the record.”

Rule 8VAC20-780-510-B.

All staff who work directly with children shall have current certification in CPR appropriate to the ages of children in care.

“Staff E and G had no current CPR in the record.”

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

Staff who work directly with children shall annually complete the department’s health and safety course.

“Staff E and G did not have documentation of a current completion of the annual health and safety course.”

Rule 8VAC20-790-600-F.

The child day center shall obtain a copy of the results of a criminal history record, a sex offender registry check and a search of the child abuse and neglect registry form any state in which the individual has resided in the preceding five years.

“Staff A did not have the criminal history record, the sex offender registry check nor the search of the child abuse and neglect registry for District of Columbia that was indicated on the initial paperwork turned into the center director.”

Rule 22.1-289.035-B-4. From a complaint.

Physical punishment, striking a child, roughly handling or shaking a child, restricting movement through binding or tying as punishment is forbidden.

“Child A, a seventeen month old, was observed at 5:01pm on September 21, 2026 by the parent at pick-up to be restrained in a small seat on the floor of the infant room. There had been an incident reported to the parent approximately 12 minutes prior to the arrival of the parent. There were no other children close to the child and no snack on the tray of the small seat. The child could not freely exit the small seat due to being strapped in.”

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

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

“Staff A had not informed the parents of Child A that there had been incidents of aggressive behavior in the past. Staff A made a statement to the parent on September 21, 2026 that there had been several incidents of aggressive behavior prior the incident on this date.”

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

The staff record shall contain current first aid and CPR certifications.

“Staff B’s first aid and CPR certification has been expired for three months.”

Rule 8VAC20-780-70. From a complaint.

Staff shall annually complete the department’s health and safety update course.

“Staff B’s annual health and safety update course has been expired for six months.”

Rule 8VAC20-790-600-F. From a complaint.

The center shall maintain a written record of children’s serious and minor injuries in which entries are made the day of occurrence. The record shall include documentation of how parent was notified, date and time when parents were notified and any future action to prevent recurrence of injury.

“Seven of seven records reviewed were incomplete and missing documentation of how parent was notified, date and time when parents were notified and any future action to prevent recurrence of injury.”

Rule 8VAC20-780-550-P.

8VAC20-780-280-B

“Cleaning materials shall be kept in a locked place to prevent access by children. A can of cleaning spray was located above the child hand washing sink by the classroom door and was not locked as required.”

Rule 8VAC20-780-280-B.

8VAC20-780-560-G

“When food is brought from home the container shall be labeled with name and date. Three bottles from home were not labeled with the child’s name and the date.”

Rule 8VAC20-780-560-G.

Based on interview, staff who work directly with children were not capable of communicating with emergency personnel.

“Evidence: 1. Staff # 3 confirmed that they could not communicate with emergency personnel. 2. Additionally, Staff #3 asked to be interviewed in their native language.”

Rule 8VAC20-780-180-B. From a complaint.

Based on interview, when supervising children, staff did not always ensure care, protection and guidance.

“Evidence: 1.Staff #4 confirmed that on multiple incidents when children would get hurt and they did not physically see the incident, staff would move forward with blaming Child C even if they could not confirm Child C was involved.”

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

Based on observation, interview and record review of attendance a ratio of 1 staff to 4 children was not maintained. Evidence:

“1.On 3/4/2024 the Toddler A classroom had a total of 5 children, which included Child D a 14 month old child, with 1 staff.”

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

Based on interview and a review of the center’s policies and procedures, the licensee did not ensure that the center’s activities and services were maintained in compliance with these standards, the center’s own policies and procedures that are required by these standards, and the terms issued by the department. Evidence:

Rule 8VAC20-780-40-E. From a complaint.

Based on record review and staff statement, a staff member did not provide behavioral guidance that is constructive in nature and age and stage appropriate to redirect children to appropriate behavior.

Rule 8VAC20-780-400-B. From a complaint.

Based on observation, 12 inches of space was not maintained between occupied rest cots.

“Evidence: Two occupied cots in preschool B were touching during the inspection.”

Rule 8VAC20-780-440-E. From a complaint.

Based on observation, areas of the center were not maintained.

“Evidence: There was paint peeling off the wall next to the cubbies in Preschool classroom.”

Rule 8VAC20-780-270-A.

Based on observation, hazardous substances were not kept in a locked place to prevent access by children.

“Evidence: A can of shaving cream used for a sensory activity was left unattended on the counter when a staff member left the classroom in the Toddler classroom.”

Rule 8VAC20-780-280-B.

Based on review of children’s records, the program did not document confirmation of up to date information in the child’s record.

“Evidence: Child #1 whose first day was 5/30/2022 did not have documentation of annual update for 2023.”

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

Based on written documentation, the center failed to follow it’s own policy and procedure for behavior guidance.

Rule 8VAC20-780-40-E. From a complaint.

Based on interviews and record reviews, parents were not provided at least semiannually in writing information on their child’s development, behavior, adjustments and needs.

“Evidence: There is no written documentation that the parents of Child A were made aware of behavior concerns or that and a plan put in place that was needed to support child’s needs.”

Rule 8VAC20-780-420-E-3. From a complaint.

Based on record review, staff did not complete orientation training prior to staff member working alone with children and no later than seven days of the date assuming job responsibilities.

“Evidence: Staff A ( Hire date 3/15/2023) did not have documentation available at the time of the inspection that orientation training had been completed as required.”

Rule 8VAC20-780-240-B.

8VAC20-780-270-A

“Based on observation, areas were not maintained as required. Evidence: Peeling paint on wall in Pre-school A classroom.”

Rule 8VAC20-780-270-A.

8VAC20-780-280-B

“Based on observation, hazardous substances were not kept in a locked place using a safe locking method that prevents access by children. Evidence- Sanitizer cleaning product was on the counter and not locked as required.”

Rule 8VAC20-780-280-B.

Based on observation diaper creams were not labeled as required.

“Evidence: 3 diaper creams were not labeled with the child’s name.”

Rule 8VAC20-780-520-C.

Based upon observation, hazardous substances were not kept in a locked place using a safe locking method.

“Evidence: Child sunscreen was stored within reach of children in care on top of the cubbies in the PREP classroom.”

Rule 8VAC20-780-280-B.

8VAC20-780-270-A

“Based upon observation, areas were not maintained in safe condition. Evidence: In the Toddler A classroom thre was peeling paint under a display board that had been recently re- positioned. The peeling paint was low on the wall and within reach of children in care. Cardboard box block had peeling decorative paper that was torn off and cotton stuffing was stuck in clumps on the classroom floor from a previous activity.”

Rule 8VAC20-780-270-A.