The Goddard School

The center shall ensure that areas and equipment of the center, inside and outside, are maintained in a clean, safe and operable condition.

“Areas and equipment of the center were not maintained in a safe condition. In the elephant’s classroom, serving children ages three to four years, peeling paint was present on the wall near the exit door. In the Raccoons classroom, serving children ages 18 to 24 months, a wooden panel was loose and had a piece of chipped wood protruding approximately one inch.”

Rule 8VAC20-780-270-A.

Hazardous substances such as cleaning materials shall be kept in a locked place using a safe locking method that prevents access by children.

“A bottle containing bleach-and-water cleaning solution was stored unlocked in the two-year-old classroom. The bottle was hanging on a rack within reach of children.”

Rule 8VAC20-780-280-B.

Behavioral guidance shall be constructive in nature, age and stage appropriate, and shall be intended to redirect children to appropriate behavior and resolve conflicts.

Rule 8VAC20-780-400-B. 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 the staff present.

“During a record review of injury reports, the May 12, 2026 injury report for child B did not include staff D who was present at the time of the injury.”

Rule 8VAC20-780-550-P. From a complaint.

Repeat violation

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

Behavioral guidance must be constructive in nature, age and stage appropriate, and must be intended to redirect children to appropriate behavior and resolve conflicts.

“On October 21, 2025, during transition from the playground back into the classroom, Child A attempted to enter the doorway ahead of peers and pushed another child in order to get inside first. Staff #1’s behavioral guidance was not constructive or appropriate as Staff #1 placed both hands on Child A (age 3) and pushed the child.”

Rule 8VAC20-780-400-B.

The diapering surface shall be used only for diapering or cleaning children.

“Staff E was using the diaper changing table to complete administrative tasks. A binder and documents were placed on the diaper changing surface.”

Rule 8VAC20-780-500-B.

The center must ensure that areas and equipment of the center, inside and outside, are maintained in a clean, safe and operable condition.

Rule 8VAC20-780-270-A.

REPEAT VIOLATION: Up-to-date information is required to be requested from the parent for each child’s record at least annually.

“The information in the record of child #4 had not been updated in over 9 months.”

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

The center is required to obtain annual parent confirmation that the required information on the child’s record is up to date.

“Child #1’s last annual update of their record was outdated by 1 year and 11 months.”

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

When food is brought from home the food container must be clearly dated.

“Three children’s food containers in the Ponies room were not dated.”

Rule 8VAC20-780-560-G.

Based on observation of the center’s video recordings and staff interviews, staff did not ensure care, protection and guidance while supervising children.

Rule 8VAC20-780-340-A.

Based on observation of the center’s video recordings and staff interviews, the center did not ensure that all children under 10 years of age were always within actual sight and sound supervision of staff.

“Evidence: 1. On 06/13/2024, at approximately 8:50am (video time stamp), 3 children (Aged: 2 years) opened the exit door in the room, left the fitness room unsupervised, and entered the enclosed outdoor playground. These 3 children were not within actual sight and sound supervision by Staff #1 and Staff #2 for approximately 1.5 minutes.”

Rule 8VAC20-780-340-F.

22.1-289.035-B-4

“Repeat Violation Based on review of staff records, the center did not obtain the results of the criminal history record information check registry check from any state in which the individual had resided in the preceding five years prior to the first day of employment.. Evidence: 1. Staff #1 (Date of hire 11/20/2023) had a criminal history record check from Massachusetts dated 11/27/2023 had was received after the hire date.”

Rule 22.1-289.035-B-4.

8VAC20-780-160-A

“Based on review of three staff records, the center did not have documentation of a tuberculosis screening that was completed within the last 30 calendar days at the time of employment and prior to coming into contact with children. Evidence: 1. Staff #1 (Date of hire 11/20/2023) had a tuberculosis screening or test dated 10/03/2022. 2. Staff #2 (Date of hire 12/01/2023) had a tuberculosis screening or test dated 7/14/2023.”

Rule 8VAC20-780-160-A.

8VAC20-780-270-A

“Repeat Violation Based on observation, areas of the center inside and outside were not maintained in a safe and operable condition. Evidence: 1. In the Penguins classroom, paint was peeling near the back window and door (7 small areas approximately a inch long each. 2. The playground step had a rubber covering that was peeling on the 1st step approximately 12 inches long and on the 3rd step approximately 2 inches long.”

Rule 8VAC20-780-270-A.

8VAC20-780-280-B

“Repeat Violation Based on observation, hazardous substances such as cleaning materials were not kept in a locked place. Evidence: 1. In the Penguin classroom, a container of Clorox wipes were inside a high unlocked cabinet near the toilet. 2. In the Ponies classroom, a box of Borax laundry booster cleaner was on top of a shelf. A spray bottle of bleach water was hanging on a shelf by the sink. 3. In the Bear Cubs classroom, a spray bottle of bleach water was inside an unlocked cabinet.”

Rule 8VAC20-780-280-B.

8VAC20-780-290-A-3

“Based on observation, the center failed to cover all unused electrical outlets with protective covers. Evidence: 1. In the Ponies classroom, one unused outlet near the circle time carpet area was not covered.”

Rule 8VAC20-780-290-A-3.

8VAC20-780-510-P

“Based on review of medication, the center did not dispose of medication when an authorization for medication expired and the parent did not pick up the medication within 14 days or renew the authorization. Evidence: 1. One child had medication authorization forms that expired on 2/03/2024 and the parent did not pick the medication up within 14 days or renew the authorization and the center had the medications at the center.”

Rule 8VAC20-780-510-P.

8VAC20-790-600-F

“Repeat Violation Based on review of training, one staff did not complete the department’s health and safety update course annually. Evidence: 1. Staff A completed the Health and Safety update training on 9/28/2022 and had not completed the 2023 health and safety update course annually.”

Rule 8VAC20-790-600-F.

22.1-289.035-B-4

Rule 22.1-289.035-B-4.

8VAC20-780-240-E

“Based om review of staff records, staff did not complete orientation training in first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), as appropriate to the age of the children in care within 30 days of the first day of employment. Evidence: 1. Staff #1(Date of hire 5/01/2023) completed the orientation training first aid and CPR on 6/08/2023. 2. Staff #2 (Date of hire 9/01/2023), Staff #3 (Date of hire 8/30/2023) and Staff #4 (Date of hire 8/15/2023) did not have documentation of completing orientation training in first aid and CPR.”

Rule 8VAC20-780-240-E.

8VAC20-780-270-A

“Repeat Violation Based on observation, areas of the center inside were not maintained in a safe and operable condition. Evidence: 1. In the Penguin classroom, the paint was chipping (small quarter size circle) to the right of the blue chairs. 2. In the Ducklings classroom, a mattress plastic cover had 3 rips/tears (2 were approximately a 1/2 inch long and 1 was approximately 3 inches long)”

Rule 8VAC20-780-270-A.

8VAC20-780-280-B

“Repeat Violation Based on observation, hazardous substances such as cleaning materials were not kept in a locked place. Evidence: In the Bear Cubs classroom bathroom that children use, a bottle of bleach water was inside the (High) cabinet on the 3rd shelf and was not kept locked.”

Rule 8VAC20-780-280-B.

Based on review of a staff written statement and interview, a staff member used a forbidden action of striking two children in care.

Rule 8VAC20-780-410-1.

8VAC20-780-50-A

“Repeat Violation Based on observation, children’s records were not treated confidentially. Evidence: 1. In the Ponies classroom, the allergy list was inside a plastic slide cover attached to the outside of the cabinet and was not kept confidential.”

Rule 8VAC20-780-50-A.

8VAC20-780-70

“Based on record review, staff records did not include all required information. Evidence: 1. Staff #1 (Date of hire 5/01/2023) did not have documentation that two references were checked before employment.”

Rule 8VAC20-780-70.

8VAC20-790-600-F

Rule 8VAC20-790-600-F.

8VAC20-780-270-A

“Based on observation, areas of the center inside and outside were not maintained in a safe and operable condition. Evidence: 1. In the Elephants classroom, the paint was chipping under the calendar on the wall. 2. In the Penguin classroom, the chair fabric was tearing/peeling near the arm rest. 3. On the playground, the brown border is bowing and creating a space under it in 3 separate areas.”

Rule 8VAC20-780-270-A.

8VAC20-780-280-B

“Based on observation, hazardous substances such as cleaning materials were not kept in a locked place. Evidence: 1. In the Ducklings class, a spray bottle of bleach water was on top of the counter near the sink and not locked. 2. In the Elephants class, a container of Lysol wipes, Lysol spray, air wick spray, poo pourri spray and Febreze spray were on a higher shelf in the classroom not locked.”

Rule 8VAC20-780-280-B.

8VAC20-770-60-C-2

“Based on review of staff records, the center did not obtain the central registry findings within 30 days of employment. Evidence: 1. Staff #3 (Date of hire 8/01/2022) did not have the central registry findings within 30 days of employment. The center had documentation that it was returned for revision.”

Rule 8VAC20-770-60-C-2.

8VAC20-780-270-A

Rule 8VAC20-780-270-A.

8VAC20-780-420-E-3

“Based on review of children’s records, the center did not obtain at least annually parent confirmation that the required information in the child’s record is up to date. Evidence: 1. Child #5 (start date 3/21/2021) did not have documentation that the parent confirmed the required information in the child’s record was up to date. The last signature was listed 3/21/2021.”

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

8VAC20-780-50-A

“Based on observation, children’s records were not treated confidentially. Evidence: 1. In the Elephants classroom, the allergy list was in a sleeve on the bookshelf with confidential allergy information not covered and in view to others.”

Rule 8VAC20-780-50-A.

8VAC20-780-560-G

“Based on observation, food brought from home was not all clearly dated. Evidence: 1. In the Hippos classroom, five children had lunch boxes in their cubbies that were not dated with today’s date.”

Rule 8VAC20-780-560-G.

8VAC20-780-70

“Based on review, the center did not obtain a complete record for a staff member. Evidence: 1. Staff #3 (Date of hire 8/01/2022) was listed as a teacher, but did not have documentation to demonstrate that the individual possesses the education required by the job position.”

Rule 8VAC20-780-70.

8VAC20-770-60-C-2

Rule 8VAC20-770-60-C-2.

8VAC20-780-270-A

“Based on observation, areas and equipment of the center, inside and outside, were not maintained in a safe and operable condition. Evidence: 1. In the Raccoon classroom, the blue soft steps had small holes on the surface. 2. On the preschool playground, there were 12 large cracks in the poured in place playground surface near the slides and equipment. On the toddler playground, there were 4 small cracks in the poured in place playground surface.”

Rule 8VAC20-780-270-A.

8VAC20-780-500-B

“Based on observation, the center’s diaper surface did not meet all requirements. Evidence: 1. In the Bunnies classroom, the diaper changing pad had 3 small holes and was not nonabsorbent.”

Rule 8VAC20-780-500-B.