Merit Children's Academy LLC

Based on the video footage reviewed, children were observed being inappropriately physically pulled and lifted by staff.

Based on video surveillance, a 4-year-old was observed being placed in an infant classroom with infants (4?6 months).

This standard was evaluated during the investigation and found to be deficient. Evidence showed that during naptime, a staff member attempted to make a child sleep by pushing the child’s head down onto a mat and covering the child's head with a blanket.

During the investigation, it was determined that a staff member used harsh and cruel actions by yanking a blanket and striking a child’s back while patting.

Infant feeding instruction were not updated in three of the five infant classroom.

Your Health/sanitation inspection expired on 9/14/2023.

This standard was evaluated as part of an investigation and was deficient. Upon reviewing the video footage, it was observed that the child was in a state of distress and crying without any intervention or support from the caregivers responsible for the child's care.

The operation does not have a current annual fire inspection as required. The last inspection was conducted December 2022.

A caregiver did not intervene when a child cried which allowed prolonged exposure to hot turf which caused burns to the child’s hands and legs.

There was no record of monthly smoke detector checks available. This deficiency was corrected as smoke detector checks were conducted during the inspection.

1 of 10 staff files reviewed did not include 2 of the 24 required annual training hours.

3 of 10 student files reviewed did not include current immunization records.

Children in the two year old classroom were confirmed to not have conducted hand washing prior to being served lunch. The deficiency was corrected during the inspection as hand washing was conducted after caregivers were made aware of the need to do so.

An individual with an inactive background check was allowed to supervise children in care. The deficiency was corrected during the inspection as the individual was removed from the classroom.

An outlet in the three year old classroom was observed to be uncovered and exposed while children were present. The deficiency was corrected during the inspection. A cover was applied to the outlet to ensure safety.

A caregiver was observed shoving a toddler's head as a form of discipline.

An infant was confirmed to have fallen from a high chair.

1 of 10 staff files did not include a health statement.

A child was observed sleeping in a restrictive device.