Merit Academy

2.229.H · Sharp tools and instruments must be stored in areas inaccessible to children.

A stapler, adult scissors, and tape with a sharp cutter on the edge were accessible to children in room 90. Correction: Sharp tools must be stored inaccessible to children. Corrected at the time of visit by Kristi R. removing the items making them inaccessible. Nothing additional needed. Correct by 05/05/2025

Corrected by May 5, 2025

View state record

2.138.A · Emergency drills, lockdown and active shooter on premises drills must be held at least quarterly but often enough so that all occupants are familiar with the drill procedure and their conduct during a drill is a matter of established routine. Fire drills must be held monthly and be consistent with local fire department procedures. Tornado drills must be held monthly from March to October. A record of all emergency drills held over the past twelve (12) months must be maintained by the facility or center, including date and time of drill, number of adults and children participating, and the amount of time taken to evacuate.

The program did not have a record of drills that have been completed for licensing to review. Correction: A record of all emergency drills held must be maintained by the center. Submit written correction to licensing specialist. Correct by 05/05/2025

Corrected by May 5, 2025

View state record

2.220.K · Topical preparations such as petroleum jelly, diaper rash ointments, sunscreen, insect repellent, and other ointments may be administered to children with written authorization from the parent(s)/guardian(s). These FAX 303-866-4453 Phone 303-866-5948 ________________________________________________ preparations may not be applied to open wounds or broken skin unless there is a written order by the prescribing health care provider.

Ten (10) out of ten (10) child files did not have signed sunscren permission. Correction: The program must obtain written permission to administer sunscreen to enrolled children. Submit written correction to licensing specialist. Correct by 05/05/2025

Corrected by May 5, 2025

View state record

2.206.A · At the time of enrollment, and upon amendments to policies and procedures, the center must give the parent(s)/guardian(s) the center’s policies and procedures and provide the opportunity to ask questions. Written copies must be available either electronically or in hard copy. The center must obtain a signed document stating that the parent(s)/guardian(s) have received the policies and procedures, and by signing the policies and procedures document, the parent(s)/guardian(s) agree to follow, accept the conditions of, and give authorization and approval for the activities described in the policies and procedures.

Ten out of ten child files did not have a signed document stating the parents have received the policies and procedures. Correction: Upon enrollment parents must be given a copy of the policies and procedures and sign a document indicating they have received and understand them. Submit written correction to licensing specialist. Correct by 05/05/2025

Corrected by May 5, 2025

View state record

2.207.A · For security purposes, a sign-in/sign-out sheet or other mechanism for parents/guardians, or staff if children are being transported, must be maintained daily by the center. It must include, for each child in care, the date, the child's name, the time when the child arrived at and left the center, and the parent /guardian or staff member's signature or other unique identifier. For children who are transported, parent(s)/guardian(s) must verify the accuracy of the sign-in/sign-out sheet at least weekly.

The sign in/out sheet in room 90 did not indicate arrival times or have parents signatures for any of the children in care today. Additionally, only some parents initialed their sign in for children in room 89. Correction: Sign in/out must include the date, child's name, arrival time, departure time and parent signature. Submit written correction to licensing specialist. Correct by 05/05/2025

Corrected by May 5, 2025

View state record

2.209.A · An admission record must be completed for each child prior to or at the time of the child's admission. This record must be updated annually and when changes occur. The admission record must include:

Ten (10) out of ten (10) child files reviewed had blank preschool admission records. Correction: An admission record for each child must be obtained prior to the child starting preschool. Submit written correction to licensing specialist. Correct by 05/05/2025

Corrected by May 5, 2025

View state record

2.209.A.7 · An admission record must be completed for each child prior to or at the time of the child's admission. This record must be updated annually and when changes occur. The admission record must include: A dated, written authorization for emergency medical care signed and updated annually by the parent(s)/guardian(s). The authorization must be notarized if required by the local hospital, clinic, or emergency health care facility;

Ten (10) out of ten (10) child files did not have authorization for emergency medical care. Correction: Written authorization for emergency medical care must be signed by parents and updated annually. Submit written correction to licensing specialist. Correct by 05/05/2025

Corrected by May 5, 2025

View state record

2.217.A.15.d · The licensed room capacity must not be exceeded at any time.

The licensed capacity in room 89 is 10 children. Upon arrival the classroom was caring for 15 children ages 3-6 years old. Correction: The licensed room capacity must not be exceeded at any time. Correct immediately and submit written correction to licensing specialist. Correct by 05/05/2025

Corrected by May 5, 2025

View state record

2.229.C · Items labeled “keep out of reach of children” must be inaccessible to children.

Bubbles, sunscreen, wipes, hand sanitizer, and shaving cream were all accessible to children in room 90, all items were labeled, "keep out of reach of children." Correction: Items labeled, "keep out of reach of children," must be inaccessible to children at all times. Corrected at the time of visit by Kristi R. removing the items making them inaccessible. Nothing additional needed. Correct by 05/05/2025

Corrected by May 5, 2025

View state record

2.219.B.1 · At the time of admission, the parent(s)/guardian(s) must provide for each child entering the center: Documentation of school-required immunization status or certificate of medical or nonmedical exemption, is required by the Colorado Board of Health. Up-to-date school-required immunizations must be documented as specified on the FAX 303-866-4453 Phone 303-866-5948 ________________________________________________ Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment certificate of immunization or on an “approved alternate” Certificate of Immunization, defined in Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment rules located in 6 CCR 1009-2 rule section VI(A), (May 15, 2023), no later editions or amendments are incorporated. These regulations are available from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment at no cost at www.sos.state.co.us/CCR. These regulations are also available for public inspection and copying at the Colorado Department of Early Childhood, 710 S. Ash St., Bldg. C, Denver, CO 80246, during regular business hours. Colorado law requires proof of immunization status or exemption be provided prior to or on the first day of admission.

Eight (8) out of ten (1) child files were missing or had incorrect immunization records. Correction: Immunization records must be obtained prior to the first day of care for enrolled children and recorded as required by CDPHE. Submit written correction to licensing specialist. Correct by 05/05/2025

Corrected by May 5, 2025

View state record

2.219.B.2 · Within thirty (30) calendar days of admission, and within thirty (30) calendar days following the expiration date of a previous health statement, the parent(s)/guardian(s) of each child must submit a statement of the child’s current health status or written verification of a scheduled appointment with a health care provider. The statement of the child’s current health status must be signed and dated by a health care provider who has seen the child within the last twelve (12) months, or within the last six (6) months for children less than two and one-half (2½) years of age. The statement must include when the next visit is required by the health care provider. All health statements must be kept at the center.

Ten (10) out of ten (10) child files were missing signed health statements. Correction: Within thirty (30) days of enrollment or expiration parents must submit a signed and dated health statement for their enrolled child. Submit written correction to licensing specialist. Correct by 06/04/2025

Corrected by Jun 4, 2025

View state record

2.127.D · All facilities, except family child care homes must post in every room of the child care facility, excluding bedrooms and living areas, the license capacity of the room and the staff-to-child ratio required by regulation to be maintained for the age of children cared for in the room. FAX 303-866-4453 Phone 303-866-5948 ________________________________________________

Neither classroom 89 or 90 had posted the licensed room capacity or staff to child ratio in their rooms. Correction: Each licensed room must post the licensed room capacity and staff to child ratio that must be maintained. Submit written correction to licensing specialist. Correct by 05/05/2025

Corrected by May 5, 2025

View state record

2.223.A.2 · The time a child arrives and leaves the center each day must be recorded. Staff members must complete written attendance verification periodically throughout the day, including during transitions.

Periodic written attendance was not being completed in either classroom, during transitions from the lunch room or to the playground. Correction: Written periodic attendance must be completed throughout th day, including during transitions. Submit written correction to licensing specialist. Correct by 05/05/2025

Corrected by May 5, 2025

View state record

2.223.D.5.a · If preschool-age children are in care for longer than five (5) hours, the center must provide at least a thirty (30) minute rest period meeting the following: A firm cot or two (2) inch mat with a sheet and blanket, or other suitable covering, must be provided for each child;

One (1) cot in each classroom did not have a sheet during nap time. Correction: Preschool-age children must be provided a sheet and blanket for nap time. Submit written correction to licensing specialist. Correct by 05/05/2025

Corrected by May 5, 2025

View state record

2.227.A.8 · Transportation arrangements for school-age children must be by agreement between the center and the children's parents, i.e., whether the child can walk, ride a bicycle, or travel in a car. The center must monitor the children to be sure they arrive at the center when expected and follow up on their whereabouts if they are late. Written permission from parents or guardians for their children to attend community functions after school hours must include agreements regarding transportation.

One (1) child in care rides the bus before and after school, and another child leaves in a van to go to after school care, however written transportation agreements were not available to review. Correction: Written permission from parents must be obtained when children are being transported to and from the facility.

View state record

2.232.A.5 · A minimum of one hundred fifty (150) square feet of shaded area in the fenced play area must be provided to guard children against the hazards of excessive sun and heat. Shaded areas must be provided year-round.

The shade on the playground had been blown down by the wind. Correction: Shade must be provided to children on the playground year round. Submit written correction to licensing specialist. Correct by 05/05/2025

Corrected by May 5, 2025

View state record

2.237.H · In rooms used by children, all electrical outlets that are accessible to children must have protective covers, or safety outlets must be installed.

An uncovered outlet was observed in room 89. Correction: Outlets must have safety covers in rooms accessible to children. Corrected at the time of visit by Kristi R. removing the items making them inaccessible. Nothing additional needed. Correct by 05/05/2025

Corrected by May 5, 2025

View state record

2.238.H · Centers must comply with the locally adopted fire code, including but not limited to the following: Every exit must be clearly visible, or the route to reach it must be conspicuously indicated. Each path of escape must be clearly marked.

The exits in rooms 89 and 90 were not clearly marked. Correction: Every exit must be clearly marked. Submit written correction to licensing specialist. Correct by 05/05/2025

Corrected by May 5, 2025

View state record

2.121.D.4.a · Criminal background check requests must be successfully completed prior to an individual caring for children or allowing the individual unsupervised access to children in child care centers (less than 24-hour care), school-age child care facilities, family child care homes, and qualified exempt provider homes.

A CBI and FBI clearance letter are missing for Laina C., Additionally, Kristi R., Emma L., and Bella C., are all missing CBI clearance letters. Correction: All individuals requiring a background check must review Navigating the Background Check Investigation Unit's

View state record

2.213.B · All staff must complete a Department-approved standard precautions training prior to working with children. This training must be renewed annually and will be counted towards ongoing professional development.

Laina C., and Bella C., had expired Standard Precautions training. Correction: Staff must annually complete a Department-approved standard precautions training prior to working with children. Correct by 08/19/2024

Corrected by Aug 19, 2024

View state record

2.133.A · Prior to caring for children, all staff must complete a Department-approved training in emergency and disaster preparedness: Evacuation, Shelter in Place, Lockdown, and Active Shooter on Premises Plans for Children in Care. For seasonal children’s resident camp programs, operating no more than 90 days per calendar year, at least one on site director must be trained in the Department approved training.

Bella C., had not yet completed an emergency and disaster preparedness training. Correction: Staff must complete a Department-approved training in emergency and disaster preparedness prior to working with children. Correct by 08/19/2024

Corrected by Aug 19, 2024

View state record

2.206.A · At the time of enrollment, and upon amendments to policies and procedures, the center must give the parent(s)/guardian(s) the center’s policies and procedures and provide the opportunity to ask questions. Written copies must be available either electronically or in hard copy. The center must obtain a signed document stating that the parent(s)/guardian(s) have received the policies and procedures, and by signing the policies and procedures document, the parent(s)/guardian(s) agree to follow, accept the conditions of, and give authorization and approval for the activities FAX 303-866-4453 Phone 303-866-5948 ________________________________________________ described in the policies and procedures.

The enrollment paperwork did not include an area where parents could sign indicating they have received the policies and procedures. Correction: The center must obtain a signed document from parents stating the parents have received the policies and procedures. Correct by 08/19/2024

Corrected by Aug 19, 2024

View state record

2.206.B · The written policies and procedures must be developed, implemented, and followed, and must include at a minimum the following information:

The program has begun creating their policies and procedures but were missing several required policies and procedures from their handbook to include: (B5) - Admission and Registration (B7) - Identifying where child are at at all times (B8 a-d) - Procedure for positive guidance, teaching strategies, interventions (B9) - Steps taken prior to suspension (B13) - procedures for video viewing and special activities (B18) - Children who arrive late (B19) - Medication adminstration and storage (B20) Children's personal belongings (B22) - Potty training (B23) - Visitors (B24) - Parent/Teacher Conferences (B25) - Filing a complaint with licensing (B26) - Reporting child abuse (B29) - Dressing children appropriately (B30) - Notification when children are withdrawn Correction: The program must write and develop all required policies and procedures. Correct by 08/19/2024

Corrected by Aug 19, 2024

View state record

2.209.A.2 · An admission record must be completed for each child prior to or at the time of the child's admission. This record must be updated annually and when changes occur. The admission record must include:Parent(s)/guardian(s) names; home and e-mail addresses; telephone numbers, including home, work, and cell numbers; employer name and work address; and, any special instructions as to how the parent(s)/guardian(s) may be reached during the hours that the child is in care at the center;

The enrollment paperwork was missing the parent/guardians employer address. Correction: The enrollment paperwork must include the parents employer name, number, and work address. Correct by 08/19/2024

Corrected by Aug 19, 2024

View state record

2.209.A.3 · An admission record must be completed for each child prior to or at the time of the child's admission. This record must be updated annually and when changes occur. The admission record must include: Names, addresses, and telephone numbers of persons authorized to pick up the child from the center.

The enrollment paperwork was missing the home address for any authorized pick-up person. Correction: The enrollment paperwork must include the name, address and phone number for persons authorized to pick up children from care. Correct by 08/19/2024

Corrected by Aug 19, 2024

View state record

2.209.A.4 · An admission record must be completed for each child prior to or at the time of the child's admission. This record must be updated annually and when changes occur. The admission record must include:Names, addresses, and telephone numbers of persons who can assume responsibility for the child in the event of an emergency if the parent(s)/guardian(s) cannot be reached immediately.

The enrollment paperwork was missing the home address for any emergency contact. Correction: The enrollment paperwork must include the name, address and phone number for any emergency contact for the enrolled child. Correct by 08/19/2024

Corrected by Aug 19, 2024

View state record

2.209.A.5 · An admission record must be completed for each child prior to or at the time of the child's admission. This record must be updated annually and when changes occur. The admission record must include: Name, address, and telephone numbers of the child's health care provider, dentist, and if applicable, their hospital of choice.

The enrollment paperwork was missing the name, address and number for the child's dentist and hospital of FAX 303-866-4453 Phone 303-866-5948 ________________________________________________ choice. Correction: The enrollment paperwork must include the name, address and number for the child's dentist and hospital of choice. Correct by 08/19/2024

Corrected by Aug 19, 2024

View state record

2.210.A.3 · A record must be maintained, either written or electronic, for each staff member that includes the following: Immunization record or statement, and health history.

Laina C., Kristi R., Emma L., and Bella C., were all missing an immunization record or statement. Correction: A record of staff immunizations or immunization statement must be kept in the staff files. Correct by 09/18/2024

Corrected by Sep 18, 2024

View state record

2.212.G · All staff members must submit to the center a medical statement, signed and dated by a physician or other health care provider, verifying that they are in good mental, physical, and emotional health appropriate for the position for which they have been hired. This statement must be dated no more than six (6) months prior to employment or within thirty (30) calendar days after the first date of employment. Subsequent self-reported health histories must be submitted annually.

Laina C., Kristi R., Emma L., and Bella C., were all missing a health statement signed and dated by a health care professional. Correction: Within thirty (30) days of hire all staff must submit a health statement signed and dated by a health care professional. Correct by 09/18/2024

Corrected by Sep 18, 2024

View state record

2.120.C.1.a · The Trails child abuse or neglect records request must be made on the state-prescribed form, FAX 303-866-4453 Phone 303-866-5948 ________________________________________________ accompanied by the required fee within the following required time frames: Child care centers (less than 24-hour care), school-age child care facilities, family child care homes, and qualified exempt providers must meet the following: For all individuals whose activities involve the care or supervision of children or who have unsupervised access to children, requests must be submitted and successfully completed prior to caring for children or allowing unsupervised access to children.

TRAILS requests have not yet been submitted for Laina C., Kristi R., Emma L., and Bella C. Correction: All individuals requiring a background check must review Navigating the Background Check Investigation Unit's (BIU) Webpage powerpoint. Submit verification that Laina C., Kristi R., Emma L., and Bella C. have reviewed the powerpoint within 24 hours. Submit documentation of TRAILS Clearance Letters for Laina C., Kristi R., Emma L., and Bella C. with written response to Specialist. Correct by 08/19/2024

Corrected by Aug 19, 2024

View state record

2.213.D · Staff working with children less than three (3) years of age must complete a Department-approved prevention of shaken baby/abusive head trauma training prior to working with children less than three (3) years of age. This training must be renewed every two (2) years and will be counted towards ongoing professional development.

Bella C., had an expired Shaken Baby training. Correction: Staff must complete a Department-approved prevention of Shaken Baby/abusive head trauma training prior to working with children and renew it every two (2) years. Correct by 08/19/2024

Corrected by Aug 19, 2024

View state record

2.213.F · Within thirty (30) calendar days of employment, all employees caring for children, not required by rule to be certified in First Aid and CPR, must complete the Department-approved Introduction to First Aid and CPR module. The module must be renewed every two (2) years.

Bella C., had not yet completed a department-approved Introduction to First Aid and CPR module. Correction: Staff not required by rule to be certified in CPR and First Aid must complete a Department-approved Introduction to First Aid and CPR module. Correct by 09/18/2024

Corrected by Sep 18, 2024

View state record

2.213.G · Within thirty (30) calendar days of employment, all employees and regular volunteers must be trained using a Department-approved training about child abuse prevention, which includes common symptoms and signs of child abuse, how to report, where to report, and when to report suspected or known child abuse or neglect. This training must be renewed annually.

Bella C., had an expired child abuse training. FAX 303-866-4453 Phone 303-866-5948 ________________________________________________ Correction: Staff must complete a department-approved training about child abuse prevention annually. Correct by 08/19/2024

Corrected by Aug 19, 2024

View state record

2.213.H · Within ninety (90) calendar days of employment, all staff required to register with the Colorado Shines Professional Development Information System (listed in rule section 2.208(D)) must complete the Department-approved training course: Introduction to the Early Intervention and Preschool Special Education Programs. This course is required once and will be counted towards ongoing professional development.

Emma L., and Bella C., had not yet completed a Department-approved: Introduction to the Early Intervention and Preschool Special Education Programs training. Correction: Staff must complete a Department-approved: Introduction to the Early Intervention and Preschool Special Education Programs training. Correct by 09/18/2024

Corrected by Sep 18, 2024

View state record

2.213.L · All staff must have at least one (1) hour of child development training within ninety (90) days of employment. This training must include the major domains (cognitive, social, emotional, physical development and approaches to learning). This training is required once and will count toward ongoing training requirements if taken after the date of hire.

Emma L., and Bella C., had not yet completed one hour of child development training. Correction: Staff must complete one hour of child development training within ninety (90) days of hire. Correct by 09/18/2024

Corrected by Sep 18, 2024

View state record

2.213.I · Within ninety (90) calendar days of employment, all staff required to register with the Colorado Shines Professional Development Information System (listed in rule section 2.208(D)) must complete the Department-approved Recognizing the Impact of Bias on Early Childhood Professionals training or other Department-approved training on implicit bias. This course is required once and will be counted towards ongoing professional development.

Bella C., had not yet completed a Department-approved: Recognizing the Impact of Bias on Early FAX 303-866-4453 Phone 303-866-5948 ________________________________________________ Childhood Professionals training. Correction: Staff must complete a Department-approved: Recognizing the Impact of Bias on Early Childhood Professionals training. Correct by 09/18/2024

Corrected by Sep 18, 2024

View state record

2.217.A.9 · At least one (1) staff member with the current Department-approved medication administration training and delegation must be on duty at all times.

None of the staff had current medication administration training or delegations. Correction: At least one (1) staff member with current department-approved medication administration training and delegation. Correct by 08/19/2024

Corrected by Aug 19, 2024

View state record

2.217.C.6 · For the Department-approved child care health consultant, the center must maintain documentation of a brief biography highlighting applicable knowledge, experience, and approximate dates worked as a school nurse or child care health consultant.

The program did not have a biography for their CCHC, Nicole A. Correction: A brief biography for the department-approved CCHC must be maintained at the center. Correct by 09/18/2024

Corrected by Sep 18, 2024

View state record

2.220.K · Topical preparations such as petroleum jelly, diaper rash ointments, sunscreen, insect repellent, and other ointments may be administered to children with written authorization from the parent(s)/guardian(s). These preparations may not be applied to open wounds or broken skin unless there is a written order by the prescribing health FAX 303-866-4453 Phone 303-866-5948 ________________________________________________ care provider.

The enrollment paperwork did not include a topical preparations permission. Correction: Written authorizations from parents for topical preparations such as sunscreen must be on file for each child. Correct by 08/19/2024

Corrected by Aug 19, 2024

View state record

2.227.A.2 · The center must obtain written permission from the parent(s)/guardian(s) for any transportation of their child(ren) while in care.

The enrollment paperwork did not include written permission for children to ride the district bus. Correction: Written permission must be obtained in order for the program to transport children. Correct by 08/19/2024

Corrected by Aug 19, 2024

View state record