The Merit School Learning Center #21

8VAC20-780-80-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. 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.

8VAC20-780-280-B

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.

8VAC20-780-510-P

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.

8VAC20-780-550-D

The center is required to implement a monthly practice evacuation drill. There was no evacuation drill practiced in April 2026.

8VAC20-780-550-F

Lockdown procedures are required to be practiced at least annually. The most recent lockdown drill was conducted on 2/10/25.

8VAC20-780-40-M

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.

8VAC20-780-350-B-1

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. Complaint related: Yes

8VAC20-780-350-B-3

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. Complaint related: Yes

8VAC20-780-350-B-4

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. Complaint related: Yes

8VAC20-780-350-C

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. Complaint related: Yes

8VAC20-780-290-A-3

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.

8VAC20-780-500-A

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.

8VAC20-780-450-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.

8VAC20-780-80-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.

8VAC20-780-500-B

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.