Hearth Record

Little Acorn Patch of Kingstowne

A child day center in Alexandria, Virginia 22315

5801 Castlewellan Drive, Alexandria, Virginia 22315. (703) 822-0803.

Virginia’s own record, on legacy.dss.virginia.gov

Watch and the shortlist are kept with a free account, on every device. Your watch list. Virginia’s own record is on legacy.dss.virginia.gov.

The short answer

The last 24 months 21 deficiencies in 6 months of the last 36. Last cited Aug 2026. Every month

Each figure’s source sits beside it, in its section below.

What these words mean4
Inspection (survey)
A visit by state inspectors, often unannounced, who check a place against the rules it must meet. For nursing homes and other places Medicare pays, CMS calls these visits surveys: a standard survey of a nursing home comes at least every 15 months, and a complaint survey whenever a complaint calls for one. Source: CMS; 42 CFR 488.308.
Deficiency, citation, violation
What inspectors write up when a place didn’t meet a rule: the rule, what they saw, and when. CMS calls it a deficiency; states may say citation or violation. It is the inspectors’ finding, not a court’s, and the place is usually asked for a plan to correct it. Source: CMS, statement of deficiencies (Form CMS-2567); each state’s licensing agency.
Licence status
Whether the state’s licence lets the place operate now, in the state’s own words: licensed, on probation (allowed to keep operating on conditions, after problems), provisional, pending or expired. Source: Each state’s licensing agency.
Capacity
The most people the licence or certification lets the place care for at once: residents, children, beds or apartments, as the state counts them. It isn’t how many are there now. Source: Each state’s licensing agency.

What did inspectors find?

12 inspections on record, the latest on Aug 25, 2026.

21 violations cited in the last three years.

Source:

Virginia Department of Education, Search for Child Day Care: each inspection’s page, with its violations. Checked Nov 5, 2026. Updated weekly.

When those deficiencies happened

21 deficiencies in 6 months of the last 36. Last cited Aug 2026. The last 3 years, to Nov 5, 2026.

21 deficiencies by month over the last 3 years. Each cell is one month.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
2023 Dec
2024 JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
2025 JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
2026 JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNov

Hover or focus a month to read it.

No visit on record Visited, nothing cited A stronger orange is more serious, on its source’s own levels, read onto four bands: from the least serious it publishes to the most
Source:

Hearth Record drew this from the dates and levels in the source’s own records.

Each deficiency, in its source’s words

Grouped by visit, newest first, with the level its source gave it.

Source:

Virginia Department of Education, Search for Child Day Care: each inspection’s page, with its violations. Checked Nov 5, 2026. Updated weekly.

Aug 25, 2026: inspection4 deficiencies
  • The center shall obtain documentation that each child has received the immunizations required by the State Board of Health before the child can attend the center.

    “Child B did not have immunizations on record by their first day of care 10 days ago.”

    Rule 8VAC20-780-130-A.

  • Areas and equipment of the center, inside and outside, shall be maintained in a clean, safe and operable condition.

    “Wood fencing boards along the toddler playground need to be sanded and secured.”

    Rule 8VAC20-780-270-A.

  • There shall be at least 12 inches of space between occupied cots, beds, and rest mats. Exception: Twelve inches of space are not required where cots, beds, or rest mats are located adjacent to a wall or a divider as long as one side is open at all times to allow for passage.

    “There were 4 toddler cots that were less than 12 inches apart when observing nap time routines.”

    Rule 8VAC20-780-440-E.

  • Each center shall maintain and keep at the center a separate record for each child enrolled which shall contain required information.

    “Child A’s record was 10 days over due for the annual update. Child B is missing two emergency contacts identified in their record.”

    Rule 8VAC20-780-60-A.

Apr 30, 2026: inspection3 deficiencies
  • Areas and equipment of the center, inside and outside, shall be maintained in a clean, safe and operable condition.

    “There is peeling paint on the walls in the 3’s classroom and the wooden house structure on the playground has a whole in the floor posing a tripping hazard.”

    Rule 8VAC20-780-270-A.

  • Where playground equipment is provided, resilient surfacing shall comply with minimum safety standards when tested in accordance with the procedures described in the American Society for Testing and Materials standard F1292-99 as shown in Figures 2 (Compressed Loose Fill Synthetic Materials Depth Chart) and 3 (Use Zones for Equipment) on pages 6-7 of the National Program for Playground Safety’s “Selecting Playground Surface Materials: Selecting the Best Surface Material for Your Playground,” February 2004, and shall be under equipment with moving parts or climbing apparatus to create a fall zone free of hazardous obstacles. Fall zones are defined as the area underneath and surrounding equipment that requires a resilient surface. A fall zone shall encompass sufficient area to include the child’s trajectory in the event of a fall while the equipment is in use. Falls zones shall not include barriers for resilient surfacing. Where steps are used for accessibility, resilient surfacing is not required.

    “The mulch on the playground surrounding monkey bars and fall zones need to be replenished.”

    Rule 8VAC20-780-330-B.

  • Each center shall maintain and keep at the center a separate record for each child enrolled which shall contain required information regarding emergency care plan.

    “Child A did not have a complete emergency care plan signed by a physician.”

    Rule 8VAC20-780-60-A.

Oct 31, 2025: inspection2 deficiencies
  • Areas and equipment of the center, inside and outside, shall be maintained in a clean, safe and operable condition.

    “There were 2 broken ride on bikes, 2 red bikes with rust on the playground for older children,”

    Rule 8VAC20-780-270-A.

  • The center shall inform the department’s representative as soon as practicable, but not to exceed two business days, of any injury to a child that occurs while the child is under the supervision of the center and requires outside medical attention.

    “A child was injured and required outside medical attention on 8/13/2025. No report was made to the depart as required.”

    Rule 8VAC20-780-80-B-2.

May 27, 2025: inspection8 deficiencies
  • Staff shall complete background checks every 5 years.

    “The previous criminal record check for Staff #10 was dated as completed 10/15/19.”

    Rule 22.1-289.035-A.

  • The center shall obtain documentation that each child has received the immunizations required by the State Board of Health before the child can attend the center.

    “The immunizations on-file for Child #5 were dated as completed 46 days after the first day of attendance.”

    Rule 8VAC20-780-130-A.

  • Each child shall have a physical examination by or under the direction of a physician within the first 30-days of attendance.

    “The physical exam on-file for Child #5 was completed 46 days after the first day of attendance.”

    Rule 8VAC20-780-140-A.

  • Staff shall complete a TB screening every 2 years.

    “The most recent TB test on-file for Staff #6 was dated as completed 5/12/23.”

    Rule 8VAC20-780-160-C.

  • Staff shall complete orientation training in subsection C of this section no later than 7 days of the date of assuming job responsibilities.

    “There was no documentation of orientation training for Staff #19.”

    Rule 8VAC20-780-240-B.

  • Areas and equipment of the center, inside and outside, shall be maintained in a safe condition. Unsafe conditions shall include, but not be limited to, visible cracked surfaces, that could entangle clothing or snag skin, and chipped or peeling paint.

    The inspectors’ words, 103 words

    “Approximately 12 large plastic blocks located on the outside play area had cracks and holes with sharp edges. A plastic climbing cube located on the outside play area had a 6” crack on one side. The outdoor trashcan had a circular hole with jagged edges, reported to be caused by squirrels. A downspout located on the play area of the school was cracked. Low-level of building siding located just outside the play area door was cracked and had a hole with jagged edges. A section of drywall located in a 2 1/2 year old classroom was chipped to expose the drywall dust inside.”

    Rule 8VAC20-780-270-A.

  • 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 how the parent was notified of the child’s injury.

    “4 of 11 written injury reports did not include documentation of how the parent was notified.”

    Rule 8VAC20-780-550-P.

  • Staff records shall be kept for each staff person and include documentation of at least 2 written reference checks.

    “There was documentation of 1reference check in the record for Staff #19.”

    Rule 8VAC20-780-70.

Sep 13, 2024: inspection2 deficiencies
  • Hazardous substances such as cleaning materials, insecticides, and pesticides shall be kept in a locked place using a safe locking method that prevents access by children.

    “A container of laundry detergent was in an unlocked lower level cabinet in the 4-5 year old classroom; and a can of spray disinfectant, surface cleaning wipes, and a spray bottle of bleach + water solution were unlocked in a toddler classroom.”

    Rule 8VAC20-780-280-B.

  • The staff-to-child ratios, of 1 staff to 5 children for children ages 16-24 months are required whenever children are in care.

    “There were 2 staff caring for 15 children for a period of about 5 minutes.”

    Rule 8VAC20-780-350-B-2.

Jun 12, 2024: inspection2 deficiencies
  • 8VAC20-780-160-A

    “Based on records reviewed, 1 of 3 staff records did not include documentation of a TB screening completed within 30 calendar days of employment. Evidence: Staff #3-The TB test on-file was dated12/5/22. The date of employment was 1/22/24.”

    Rule 8VAC20-780-160-A.

  • 8VAC20-780-70

    “Based on records reviewed, 1 of 3 staff records did not include documentation of reference checks prior to the date of employment. Evidence: 2 of 2 reference checks for Staff #3 were dated after the date of employment, which was 1/22/24. The reference checks were dated 2/1/24 and 2/6/24.”

    Rule 8VAC20-780-70.

Jun 28, 2023: inspection6 deficiencies
  • Based on observations made, the licensee failed to ensure that required documents were posted in the facility.

    The inspectors’ words, 189 words

    “Evidence: 1. On 3/16/23, a 10-page written document titled Notice of Intent was issued by VDOE to the licensee of it’s intent to place the licensee on probation and require the licensee to contact parents, guardians, or other responsible persons regarding health and safety violations. 2. The Notice of Intent document was not posted in a manner reflective of compliance with posting requirements. 3. The Notice of Intent document was found to have an “edited” version of pages 1-2 (combined into 1 page), framed and placed in a window of an office behind a decorative wreath. 4. The full 10-page Notice of Intent document was not posted. 5. Instructions for posting requirements were written within the Notice of Intent and stated: Pursuant to 8VAC20-820-120-E-6, General Procedures and Information for Licensure and ?? 22.1-289.011 and 22.1-289.023 of the Code of Virginia, a copy of this Notice of Intent, and attached Violation Notice, and the Special Order, upon receipt shall be posted in a prominent place at each public entrance of the licensed premises. 6. A photo of the framed document was taken by the inspector today. Refer to Photo #1.”

    Rule 22.1-289.023-A.

  • 8VAC20-780-270-A

    “Based on observations made, the licensee failed to ensure that a piece of playground equipment was maintained in a safe condition. Evidence: The yellow paint on the spring see-saw equipment was peeling off.”

    Rule 8VAC20-780-270-A.

  • Based on observations made, staff failed to ensure that hazardous substances were kept in a locked place using a safe locking method that prevents access by children.

    “Evidence: 1. A bleach product was found in an unlocked lower level cabinet in a 4-5 year old classroom. 2. 2 bottles of spray insecticide were found in an unlocked closest in a 4-5 year old classroom. While the closet had a lock, the key was left in the door lock.”

    Rule 8VAC20-780-280-B.

  • Based on observations made, the licensee failed to ensure that resilient surfacing met the minimum safety standards in fall zones of all playground equipment.

    “Evidence: 1. The wood mulch used as resilient surfacing in fall zones of all playground equipment was approximately 1”-1 1/2” in depth. 2. The wood mulch was scattered and exposed dirt/sand and tree roots in fall zones. 3. The wood mulch was used to cover the full fall zone beyond the rubber matting that may have been placed at the base of equipment.”

    Rule 8VAC20-780-330-B.

  • 8VAC20-780-330-C

    “Based on observations made, the licensee failed to ensure that ground supports of playground equipment were covered with materials that protect children from injury. Evidence: The metal ground supports on the spring see-saws were not covered and had 8 bolt heads exposed.”

    Rule 8VAC20-780-330-C.

  • 8VAC20-780-510-G

    “Based on observations made, staff failed to ensure that an over-the-counter medication was labeled as required. Evidence: The medication was not labeled with the child’s name, dosage amount, and time(s) to be given.”

    Rule 8VAC20-780-510-G.

Mar 8, 2023: inspection8 deficiencies
  • 8VAC20-780-160-A

    “Based on observations made and interview conducted, it was determined that a private contractor present in a classroom had no documentation of a TB test/screening. Evidence: There was no documentation of a TB test/screening for an individual working with Child #7 1:1 in the classroom daily. The individual has been hired privately by the parents of Child #7.”

    Rule 8VAC20-780-160-A.

  • 8VAC20-780-160-B

    “Based on records reviewed, it was determined that 1 of 5 staff records did not include an acceptable form of documentation of a TB test/screening. Evidence: Staff #8 - The TB test on-file and dated 9/23/22 was not signed by a physician, physician designee, or health department official. There was no signature from a medical professional on the document.”

    Rule 8VAC20-780-160-B.

  • Based on observations made, it was determined that hazardous substances were not stored in a locked place preventing access by the children.

    “Evidence: 1. In the 2’s room, a total of 8 cleaning products were found to be on an open bathroom shelf and on the floor and accessible to the children. 2. In the 3’s room, a total of 4 cleaning products were found accessible in the bathroom and on top of the paper towel dispenser in the classroom.”

    Rule 8VAC20-780-280-B.

  • Based on observations made, it was determined that fall zones and resilient surfacing surrounding 2 pieces of playground equipment were insufficient.

    The inspectors’ words, 162 words

    “Evidence: 1. Tall slide: On the climbing ladder side of the equipment roots from a nearby tree were exposed through the wood mulch by several inches and posed as a hazard. The tree roots were within inches of the piece of equipment and were within the 6’ fall zone minimum requirement. 2. Tall slide: On the slide side of the equipment a rubber mat that was placed over the wood mulch was not secured to the ground was approximately 24” away from the bottom of the slide exit. 3. Tall slide: The wood mulch surrounding the equipment was less than 6” in depth and had areas of exposed dirt. 4. Yellow trike-go-round: The fall zone on 2 sides of this piece of equipment was less than 6’ from the wooden fence. On one side the fall zone was measured to be approximately 24” from the trike to the fence, and on another side it was 30” from the trike to the fence.”

    Rule 8VAC20-780-330-B.

  • Based on records reviewed, it was determined that 2 of 8 children’s records did not include documentation that at least annually parents had reviewed and confirmed required information in the child’s record was up to date.

    “Evidence: 1. Child #4 - The child’s first day of attendance was 6/16/19, and to-date there was no documentation of the annual review by parents. 2. Child #5 - The child’s first day of attendance was 8/23/21, and to-date there was no documentation of the annual review by parents.”

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

  • 8VAC20-780-550-F

    “Based on records reviewed, it was determined that an annual lockdown drill had not been practiced. Evidence: There was no record of a lockdown drill being conducted in 2022.”

    Rule 8VAC20-780-550-F.

  • Based on records reviewed, it was determined that 2 of 4 written injury reports did not document required information.

    “Evidence: 1. Child #6 - The injury report dated 3/7/23 did not include documentation of the date, time, and how the parent was notified of the child’s injury. These areas of the report were left blank. 2. Child #7 - The injury report dated 3/1/23 did not include documentation of the date, time, and how the parent was notified of the child’s injury. These areas of the report were left blank.”

    Rule 8VAC20-780-550-P.

  • 8VAC20-780-60-A-8

    “Based on records reviewed, it was determined that 3 of 7 records of children with medications on-site did not include a written allergy action care plan from the child’s physician. Evidence: The records for Child #1, #2, and #3 did not include a written plan and steps to be taken in the event of a suspected or confirmed allergic reactions.”

    Rule 8VAC20-780-60-A-8.

May 19, 2022: complaint inspection1 deficiency
  • Based on interviews conducted and records reviewed, it was determined that forbidden actions of physical punishment were used as a form of discipline by a staff member.

    The inspectors’ words, 647 words

    “Evidence: 1. On 5/12/2022, Child #8 was physically rough handled and restrained by Staff #5 because the child was not lying quietly during naptime. a. Child #8 described the 5/12/22 incident as ??he was pulling on my neck so hard?I started to cry a little bit?it was super duper hard?it made me choke?he grabbed me with his hard hands?he was pushing on my neck so hard?he looks at me with a mean face when he does that?? b. A child witnessing Staff #5 physically restrain Child #8 on 5/12/22 stated ?I’m worried about people getting hurt? It was normal naptime and then it got crazy? I saw him choke [name of Child #8] with one hand?[name of Child #8] tried to take his hand off but [name of Staff #5] was holding his arm so he couldn’t?[name of Child #8] made a choking sound and said ?stop? but [name of Staff #5] didn’t stop?? The witness child explained that [name of Staff #5] did this to [name of Child #8] because they were talking during nap time, and they are expected to remain quiet and not talk at all. c. Another child witnessing Staff #5 physically restrain Child #8 stated ??[name of Staff #5] put his hands on [name of Child #8?s] neck lots of times?I heard [name of Child #8] cough when [name of Staff #5] did it?? d. The center’s ?Nap Slip? report given to the parent of Child #8 on 5/12/22 stated ?I rested with a quiet activity.? There was no documentation of any concerns about the child noted on this daily report. e. The center’s ?My Day in Little Acorn Patch? report given to the parent of Child #8 on 5/12/22 documented no concerns about the child for this date. f. When interviewed about the incident Staff #5 said he told Staff #1 that he ?hugged? the child. g. While ?hugging? Child #8, Staff #5 stated he asked the child ??Are you going to sleep?...and the child replied ?yes??? h. Staff #5 further stated ??I’m not dumb enough to choke a child?the hug was not to make him not breathe?it was less than 5 seconds?? 2. Multiple additional children interviewed reported of Staff #5 ??giving hard taps on the back or shoulder?? of children, and that ??[name of Staff #5] wacked children on the head??, and ??[name of Staff #5] hit [name of Child #8] lots of times on the head??, and ??[name of Staff #5] hit me sometimes on the head?? and ??[name of Staff #5] uses something to hit? children in the head??. a. Multiple children reported Staff #5 does this when children are not listening. b. When interviewed on 6/2/22, Staff #5 stated that a ?love tap? was used multiple times as a form of redirecting behavior. c. When interviewed on 6/2/22, Staff #5 demonstrated a ?love tap? as striking a child on the head with a finger, book, or pencil. d. When interviewed on 5/24/22, Staff #1 stated that Staff #5 had reported to ?flicking Child #9 on the head with a pencil.? 3. When interviewed on 6/2/22, Staff #5 stated that he used ?physical restraints? in late October and November of 2021 by ?wrapping my arms around the [name of Child #8]? and restricting the child’s movement. 4. When interviewed on 6/2/22, Staff #5 stated ?that [name of Child #8?s] behavior does not justify my actions.? 5. Staff #5 signed the training verification on 9/8/2020 for the ?Center’s policy on acceptable and unacceptable discipline methods.? 6. When interviewed on 6/2/22, Staff #5 was asked if there were any other ?hugs? with other students, he said that he ??arm locked Child #7?? and described this action as the child’s arms being straight down on their side and he hugging them from behind, wrapping his arms around the child’s shoulder and placing an open palm on the child’s shoulder area??”

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

All 12 visits on record
Visits on record
DateVisitWhat the record says
Aug 25, 2026Inspection4 violations cited
Apr 30, 2026Inspection3 violations cited
Oct 31, 2025Inspection2 violations cited
Oct 31, 2025Complaint inspectionNo violations cited
May 27, 2025Inspection8 violations cited
Sep 13, 2024Inspection2 violations cited
Jun 12, 2024Inspection2 violations cited
Dec 21, 2023InspectionNo violations cited
Jun 28, 2023Inspection6 violations cited
Mar 8, 2023Inspection8 violations cited
May 19, 2022Complaint inspection1 violation cited
Mar 29, 2022InspectionNo violations cited

Is it licensed?

  • Child Day Center: Two Year license, expires Sep 25, 2028.
  • Ages: 1 year - 12 years 11 months.
  • Capacity: 150 children.
Source:

Virginia Department of Education, Search for Child Day Care: each facility’s page. Checked Nov 5, 2026. Updated weekly.

Has Virginia acted against it?

  • 2 complaint inspections on record.
  • 3 complaint allegations published with Virginia’s findings, 2 of them found valid.
On record, newest first
DateWhatDetail
Jul 21, 2022ComplaintAllegation: Activities. Virginia’s finding: Reported/Valid.
Jul 21, 2022ComplaintAllegation: Physical Abuse/Neglect. Virginia’s finding: Reported/Valid.
Jul 21, 2022ComplaintAllegation: Staff Quality/Training. Virginia’s finding: Not Reported/Found.

Who does the caring?

  • Virginia doesn’t publish staffing levels for individual providers. State rules set staff-to-child ratios by age.

Who owns it?

  • Virginia’s search doesn’t list owners.

How is it rated?

  • Virginia’s search doesn’t show a quality rating.

How does it compare nearby?

  • Among 1353 child care providers in Fairfax County, the middle value for violations cited in the last three years was 7; this one had 21.
Source:

Virginia Department of Education, Search for Child Day Care: each inspection’s page, with its violations. Checked Nov 5, 2026. Updated weekly.

11 of the 1,353 in Fairfax County, as the source lists them, same ZIP code first
PlaceViolations cited in the last three years
KinderCare Learning Center #7512219
Hayfield SACC13
SACC at Lane4
KinderCare Learning Centers #146840
Northern Virginia Academy of Early Learning-Landsdowne28
Chesterbrook Academy #80722
Little Acorn Patch of Kingstowne This child care provider21
SACC at Island Creek9
Bila Hamdael3
Sandra Scruggs12
Azeb Idris18
Feriha Ibrahim9

What the record doesn’t say

  • Virginia doesn’t grade how serious a violation is, so no severity is shown.
  • Virginia publishes a complaint’s allegations and findings only when its inspection found a violation and the records are linked.
  • Virginia doesn’t publish staffing levels or owners for individual providers.
  • A plan of correction sent late, or not at all, isn’t online: Virginia says to ask the inspector.
  • Virginia’s pages show about the last five years of inspections; for older ones, Virginia says to contact the licensing inspector.
  • Virginia says this information may not be accurate, up to date or complete, and shouldn’t be the only source in choosing care.

Sources

If you believe something here is wrong, a correction starts with the agency whose record this copies: Virginia Department of Education. Virginia’s own record is on legacy.dss.virginia.gov. If Hearth Record copied something wrongly, it will fix it and log the correction publicly, with its date: how corrections work.

Source:

This copy of the record was made on Nov 5, 2026.

From the provider

The public record above comes first. Anything the provider adds will appear here, below it, and say who wrote it.

Replies

None. Replies aren’t open yet. When they open, the provider will be able to answer any finding for free, and the reply will show beside that finding, unedited and dated.

Paid listing

None. Paid listings aren’t open yet. When they open, anything paid for will say “Paid by the provider”, and paying will never change a finding, a rating or the order of results.

How to read a record

Four things every record does, shown on an example record made up for this guide.

An example record, made up for this guide

An example nursing home

Made up for this guide: no real place is shown

Not fully inspected in over two years (CMS flag)

11 health citations at the latest inspection cycle

The state average is 14.3.

Source:

CMS, State and US Averages and Health Deficiencies. Released Oct 28, 2026. Updated monthly.

From the homeNone yet. Replies and paid listings aren’t open, and when they open they will sit here, below the record.

1 of 4

Every fact names its source.

Who published it, when, and how often it changes sit beside each fact, with a link to the agency’s own file.

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