Step By Step Early Learning Center
A child day center in Madison Heights, Virginia 24572
4545 South Amherst HWY, Madison Heights, Virginia 24572. (434) 847-4400.
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
- 37 deficiencies in the last three years
- Apr 302026 the latest visit on record
- 124 children, its licensed capacity
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?
19 inspections on record, the latest on Apr 30, 2026.
37 violations cited in the last three years.
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
37 deficiencies in 6 months of the last 36. Last cited Apr 2026. The last 3 years, to Nov 5, 2026.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Dec | |||||||||||
| 2024 | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
| 2025 | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
| 2026 | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov |
Hover or focus a month to read it.
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.
Virginia Department of Education, Search for Child Day Care: each inspection’s page, with its violations. Checked Nov 5, 2026. Updated weekly.
Apr 30, 2026: subsidy health and safety inspection4 deficiencies
-
Repeat violation
“The center is required to obtain background checks from any state in which the individual has resided in the preceding five years. The center has not obtained the child abuse and neglect registry search nor the search of the sex offender registry from a state in which Staff 3 has previously resided; Staff 2 who is currently employed and works alone with children.”
-
The required staff-to-child ratio for 3-year-olds up to school age eligible is 1 staff for every 10 children.
“There were two staff and 21 children (ages 3-4 years) in Classroom 4; three staff were required for this group of children.”
-
The center shall maintain compliance with their own policies and procedures that are required by the standards.
“The center’s required Medication Policy states the following: no consent if effective for longer than 10 working days except with written authorization from the child’s physician and parent. The medication authorization form for Medication 1 was effective for one year by the parent but did not include authorization by the child’s physician; the medication has been administered to the child on two occasions.”
-
Repeat violation
“For each group of children, the center shall maintain a written record of daily attendance that documents the arrival and departure of each child in care as it occurs. There were 11 children present and 12 children marked present in Classroom 1. There were 8 children present and 7 children marked present in Classroom 2. There were 12 children present and 17 children marked present in Classroom 3.”
Oct 23, 2025: inspection6 deficiencies
-
Repeat violation
“The center is required to obtain background checks from any state in which the individual has resided in the preceding five years. The record for Staff 5, who has been employed for more than 2 months, did not have documentation of requesting a child abuse and neglect registry check nor a sex offender registry check in one state that the staff member has resided in within the preceding 5 years.”
-
Repeat violation
“Documentation of the screening shall be submitted at the time of employment and prior to coming into contact with children. Staff #5 did not submit documentation of a negative tuberculosis screening prior to coming into contact with children. The documentation of a negative tuberculosis screening for Staff 5 was submitted more than 3 weeks after employment.”
-
Staff members shall submit the results of a follow-up tuberculosis screening at least every two years from the date of the initial screening.
“The tuberculosis screening for Staff 1 was overdue by 3 months.”
-
Playground equipment with moving parts or climbing apparatus must have appropriate fall zones that encompass sufficient area to include the child’s trajectory in the event of a fall.
“The required fall zone for the double-slide was 9 feet; the fall zone measured 7 feet.”
-
In each grouping of children at least one staff member who meets the qualifications of a program leader or program director shall be regularly present.
“Staff #2 did not meet qualifications of a program lead.”
-
Repeat violation
“The center shall maintain a separate record for each child enrolled that contains all of the information required by the standards. Child #4 and Child #5 did not have an annual update on file.”
Aug 6, 2025: inspection1 deficiency
-
Repeat violation
“The center is required to obtain background checks from any state in which the individual has resided in the preceding five years. The center did not request a child abuse and neglect registry from one state for Staff 4 prior to employment.”
May 6, 2025: inspection15 deficiencies
-
Providers must obtain a completed national criminal background check prior to the employee’s first day of employment.
“The national criminal background check for Staff 4 was obtained 2 weeks after the first day of employment.”
-
Repeat violation
“The center must request a search of the central registry prior to the employee’s first day of employment. Staff 2, who has been employed for more than 9 months, did not have a central registry request. Staff 3, who has been employed for more than one month, did not have a central registry request. Staff 4, who has been employed for more than 8 months, did not have a central registry request. Staff 5, who has been employed for more than one week, did not have a central registry request.”
-
The center is required to obtain background checks from any state in which the individual has resided in the preceding five years.
“The center did not request the criminal record check and child abuse and neglect registry check from one state that Staff 3 has resided in within the preceding 5 years; Staff 3 has been employed for more than 1 month.”
-
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 2, who has been attending for more than 1 month, did not have documentation of an immunization record on file.”
-
Repeat violation
The inspectors’ words, 112 words
“The center is required to obtain documentation of a negative tuberculosis screening at the time of employment and prior to coming into contact with children. The record for Staff 3, who has been working with children and has been employed for more than one month, does not contain documentation of a negative tuberculosis screening. The record for Staff 4, who has been working with children and has been employed for more than eight months, does not contain documentation of a negative tuberculosis screening. The record for Staff 5, who has been working with children and has been employed for more than one week, does not contain documentation of a negative tuberculosis screening.”
-
Staff are to complete the VDOE sponsored online orientation course within 90 days of hire.
“Staff 4, who has been employed for more than eight months, has not completed the course.”
-
Hazardous substances must be in a locked place that prevents access by children.
“There were two containers of insecticides unlocked on top of a cabinet in Room 6.”
-
Pesticides or insecticides shall not be stored in areas used by children or in areas used for food preparation or storage.
“There were two containers of insecticides on top of a cabinet in Room 6; Room 6 is used to store the children’s belongings and is used to store food.”
-
When children are in ongoing mixed age groups, the staff-to-children ratio applicable to the youngest child in the group shall apply.
“On 05/06/2025, there were 2 staff supervising 9 children, ages 3 months- 2 years, in Room 1. The staff-to-child ratio for children from birth to 16 months (1 staff:4 children) was applicable to this group of children. Three staff were required for this group.”
-
When an infant is placed in their crib, they shall be placed on their back.
“Child 2, Child 3 and Child 5 were placed on their stomachs in their cribs.”
-
The center shall develop written procedures for prevention of shaken baby syndrome or abusive head trauma, including coping with crying babies, safe sleeping practices, and sudden infant death syndrome awareness.
“The written procedures were not available for review.”
-
Documentation shall be maintained of emergency evacuation, shelter-in-place and lockdown drills.
“The emergency evacuation drill conducted in April 2025 was not documented.”
-
Repeat violation
“The center shall maintain a separate record for each child enrolled that contains all of the required information. The records for Child 2, Child 4 and Child 5 were missing information required by the standards.”
-
Documentation of at least 2 references to character, reputation, and competency are to be checked prior to employment.
“Staff 2, who has been working at the center for one month, did not have any completed reference verifications on file. Staff 5, who has been working at the center for one week, did not have any completed reference verifications on file.”
-
Repeat violation
“For each group of children, the center shall maintain a written record of daily attendance that documents the arrival and departure of each child in care as it occurs. On 05/06/2025, there were 10 children present in Room 2, but only 9 were marked present on the attendance record. There were 15 children present in Room 3 and 16 marked present on the attendance record. There were 8 children present in Room 4, but only 7 children were marked present on the attendance record.”
May 6, 2025: complaint inspection1 deficiency
-
Repeat violation
“When children are in ongoing mixed age groups, the staff-to-children ratio applicable to the youngest child in the group shall apply to the entire group. On 04/22/2025, an infant class and a preschool-aged class were combined for approximately one hour. There were between 16-18 children in the care of 2 staff members during this period of time. The staff-to-child ratio for children from birth to 16 months (1 staff:4 children) was applicable to this group of children. A minimum of 4 staff would have been required for this group.”
Nov 13, 2024: inspection7 deficiencies
-
The center must request a search of the central registry prior to the employee’s first day of employment.
“The central registry search for Staff 5, who has been employed for 1 months, has not been requested.”
-
Documentation of a negative tuberculosis (TB) screening must be submitted at the time of employment, before coming into contact with children, and shall have been completed within the last 30 days of the date of employment.
“The TB screening for Staff 5 was dated 26 days after the time of employment.”
-
Cosmetics, medications, or other harmful agents shall not be stored in areas, purses, or pockets that are accessible to children.
“There was a pocketbook on the floor of the pre-k classroom that had a container of mace visible inside; the purse was accessible to the children.”
-
In areas used by preschool age or younger, electrical outlets shall have protective covers.
“There were uncovered electrical outlets in the 2 year old classroom and in the toddler classroom.”
-
Medications shall be kept in a locked place using a safe locking method that prevents access by children.
“There was an unlocked container of prescription diaper ointment on a shelf in the diapering area of the toddler class.”
-
The center shall maintain a separate record for each child enrolled that contains all of the required information.
“Child 1 (enrolled 24 months) was missing: documentation of child updates and confirmation of up-to-date information. Child 4 (enrolled 6 months) was missing addresses for emergency contacts and documentation of viewing proof of the child’s identity and age.”
-
For each group of children, the center shall maintain a written record of daily attendance that documents the arrival and departure of each child in care as it occurs.
“On 11/13/2024: there were 16 children present in the 2 year old class and there were 17 children marked present on the attendance record; 6 children present in the infant class and there were 7 children marked present on the attendance record; and there were 21 children marked present for before school care, however, the children had departed for school and where no longer in care. The attendance records did not properly document the arrival and departure of each child as it occurred.”
Jan 18, 2024: inspection3 deficiencies
-
2nd REPEAT VIOLATION
The inspectors’ words, 130 words
“Based on review of four staff records, the center failed to obtain the finding from a search of the central registry within 30 days of hire. Evidence: 1.Staff # 1 had a documented employment date of 06/12/2023. A return search of the central registry was not in the record. Staff # 5 did not provide documentation when requested. Violation for Staff # 1 previously cited on 07/19/2023 inspection. 2.Staff # 3 had a documented employment date of 09/25/2023. A return search of the central registry was not in the record. Staff # 5 did not provide documentation when requested. 3.Staff # 4 had a documented employment date of 08/29/2023. A return search of the central registry was not in the record. Staff # 5 did not provide documentation when requested.”
-
2nd REPEAT VIOLATION
The inspectors’ words, 246 words
“Based on interview and review of staff records, the center failed to ensure that all staff had a negative tuberculosis (TB) screening at the time of employment, no more than 30 days prior to hire, and before coming in contact with children. Evidence: 1.Staff # 1 had a documented employment date of 06/12/2023 and the TB screen was not completed no more than 30 days prior to hire and before coming into contact with children. Staff # 1 did not have documentation of a TB screening or test in their record. Violation for Staff # 1 previously cited on 07/19/2023 inspection. 2. Staff # 2 had a documented employment date of 01/08/2024 and the TB screen was not completed no more than 30 days prior to hire and before coming into contact with children. Staff # 2 did not have documentation of a TB screening or test in their record. 3.Staff # 3 had a documented employment date of 09/25/2023 and the TB screen was not completed no more than 30 days prior to hire and before coming into contact with children. Staff # 3 did not have documentation of a TB screening or test in their record. 4.Staff # 4 had a documented employment date of 08/29/2023 and the TB screen was not completed no more than 30 days prior to hire and before coming into contact with children. Staff # 4 did not have documentation of a TB screening or test in their record.”
-
Based on observation, the center failed to ensure that a cot or rest mat was provided to children during the designated rest period.
“Evidence: Observed in the infant room and toddler room, three toddlers were placed in an infant bouncer for the rest period. All three children sleep in the bouncer daily and are not provided with a cot or a rest mat.”
Jul 19, 2023: inspection8 deficiencies
-
Repeat violation systemic deficiency
“Based on review of five staff’s records, the center failed to ensure that no person shall be hired for compensated employment prior to the enter obtaining an employment eligibility letter upon completion of a fingerprint background check as required by the Code of Virginia. Evidence: Staff # 4 had a documented employment date of 06/12/2023. A returned letter of eligibility was dated 07/13/2023. Staff # 6 did not provide documentation when requested.”
-
Systemic degiciency
“Based on review of five staff records, the center failed to obtain that all staff had a completed sworn statement. Evidence: Staff # 3 had a hire date of 09/21/2022. A completed sworn statement was dated 11/28/2022. Staff # 6 did not provide documentation when requested.”
-
Systemic deficiency
“Based on review of five staff records, the center failed to obtain the finding from a search of the central registry within 30 days of hire. Evidence: 1.Staff # 4 had a documented employment date of 06/12/2023. A return search of the central registry was not in the record. Staff # 6 did not provide documentation when requested.”
-
Repeat violation
“Based on record review and interviews, the center failed to ensure that each child shall have a physical examination by or under the direction of a physician before the child’s attendance or within 30 days after the first day of attendance. Evidence: 1. The record for Child # 2 contained documentation that the first date of attendance for Child # 1 was 11/18/2019; there was no documentation of a physical in the record.”
-
Repeat violation
The inspectors’ words, 145 words
“Based on interview and review of staff records, the center failed to ensure that all staff had a negative tuberculosis (TB) screening at the time of employment, no more than 30 days prior to hire, and before coming in contact with children. Evidence: 1.Staff # 3 had a documented employment date of 09/12/2022 and the TB screen was not completed no more than 30 days prior to hire and before coming into contact with children. The TB screening was dated 05/18/2022. 2.Staff # 4 had a documented employment date of 06/12/2023 and the TB screen was not completed no more than 30 days prior to hire and before coming into contact with children. 3.Staff # 5 had a documented employment date of 06/21/2023 and the TB screen was not completed no more than 30 days prior to hire and before coming into contact with children.”
-
Based on observation, staff record review, and interviews, the center failed to ensure that each grouping of children had a qualified program lead.
“Evidence: 1.Staff # 3 was observed working in the preschool room as a program leader on the day of the inspection. Staff # 3 stated she was the program lead. After review of Staff # 3 record, there was no documentation of the educational requirements for a program leader position.”
-
Based on observation of the posted list of allergies, the center failed to ensure that the list is dated.
“Evidence: The posted allergy list posted in all the classrooms was not dated.”
-
Based on review of five staff records, the center failed to ensure that all records were complete per the standard.
“Evidence: Staff # 5 had a hire date of 06/21/2023 and did not have the two required reference checks prior to employment.”
Dec 1, 2022: inspection6 deficiencies
-
Based on review of five staff records, the center failed to ensure that no person shall be hired for compensated for employment prior to the center obtaining an employment eligibility letter upon completion of a fingerprint background check as required by the Code of Virginia.
“Evidence: Staff # 2 had a documented hire date of 9/12/2022. The fingerprint letter of eligibility was dated 9/28/2022.”
-
Based on review of five staff records, the center failed to obtain the finding from a search of the central registry within 30 days of hire.
“Evidence: 1.Staff # 2 had a hire date of 9/12/2022. A return search of the central registry was not in the record. Staff # 1 did not provide documentation when requested. 2.Staff # 3 had a hire date of 8/1/2022. A return search of the central registry was not in the record. Staff # 5 did not provide documentation when requested.”
-
Based on review of five children’s records, the center failed to ensure that all children had a physical examination within 30 days of enrollment.
“Evidence: The record for Child # 1, started on 8/1/2022, physical exam within 30 days of beginning attendance. The date on the physical exam was 11/28/2022.”
-
Based on interview and review of five staff records, the center failed to ensure that all staff had a negative tuberculosis (TB) screening at the time of employment, no more than 30 days prior to hire, and before coming in contact with children.
“Evidence: Staff # 3 started employment on 8/01/2022 and was working with children on the day of the inspection without a TB screening.”
-
Based on interview and review of five staff records, the center failed to ensure that all staff had a negative tuberculosis (TB) screening at least every two years from the day of the initial screening or testing.
“Evidence: 1.Staff # 4 started employment on 10/1/2014 and the most recent TB screening was dated 12/9/2019. The Staff person was working with children on the day of the inspection without a current TB screening. 2. Staff # 5 started employment on 12/30/13 and the most recent TB screening was dated 11/18/18. The Staff person was working with children on the day of the inspection without a current TB screening.”
-
Based on observations of the upstairs classroom, the center failed to ensure that all food brought from home was labeled and dated.
“Evidence: In both classroom upstairs there were 16 lunches boxes that were not dated with today’s date. Staff 4 and 6 confirmed that they were not dated.”
Jul 13, 2022: inspection2 deficiencies
-
Based on observation of the infant room, the center failed to ensure all chemicals were locked.
“Evidence: 1.The inspector observed two containers of chemicals sitting on the counter that was accessible to the walking and mobile toddlers in the classroom.”
-
Based on observation of the upper classroom, the center failed to ensure that all staff to child ratio was met.
“Evidence: 1.Observed 18 children ages 4-8 year old’s with one staff person. The required ratio is one staff person for 10 children.”
Dec 27, 2021: inspection1 deficiency
-
Based on review of one medication, the center failed to ensure that all medication was returned to the parent after the 14 days past the authorization date.
“Evidence: 1. Child # 4 medication’s authorization was completed on 9/23/2021 and was signed by the parent. The authorization is only good for 14 days with out a physician’s signature. The medication was at the center on the day of the inspection.”
All 19 visits on record
| Date | Visit | What the record says |
|---|---|---|
| Apr 30, 2026 | Subsidy health and safety inspection | 4 violations cited |
| Oct 23, 2025 | Complaint inspection | No violations cited |
| Oct 23, 2025 | Subsidy health and safety inspection | No violations cited |
| Oct 23, 2025 | Inspection | 6 violations cited |
| Aug 6, 2025 | Inspection | 1 violation cited |
| May 6, 2025 | Complaint inspection | 1 violation cited |
| May 6, 2025 | Subsidy health and safety inspection | No violations cited |
| May 6, 2025 | Inspection | 15 violations cited |
| Nov 13, 2024 | Subsidy health and safety inspection | No violations cited |
| Nov 13, 2024 | Inspection | 7 violations cited |
| Jan 18, 2024 | Subsidy health and safety inspection | No violations cited |
| Jan 18, 2024 | Inspection | 3 violations cited |
| Jul 19, 2023 | Subsidy health and safety inspection | No violations cited |
| Jul 19, 2023 | Inspection | 8 violations cited |
| Dec 1, 2022 | Subsidy health and safety inspection | No violations cited |
| Dec 1, 2022 | Inspection | 6 violations cited |
| Jul 13, 2022 | Inspection | 2 violations cited |
| Dec 27, 2021 | Inspection | 1 violation cited |
| Dec 27, 2021 | Subsidy health and safety inspection | No violations cited |
Is it licensed?
- Child Day Center: Two Year license, expires Dec 16, 2026.
- A current subsidy provider.
- Ages: 1 month - 12 years 11 months.
- Capacity: 124 children.
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.
- 1 complaint allegation published with Virginia’s findings, 1 of them found valid.
Virginia Department of Education, Search for Child Day Care: each inspection’s page, with its violations and Search for Child Day Care: each complaint’s page, with its allegations and findings. Checked Nov 5, 2026. Updated weekly.
| Date | What | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| May 6, 2025 | Complaint | Allegation: Staff Quantity. Virginia’s finding: Reported/Valid. |
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 15 child care providers in Amherst County, the middle value for violations cited in the last three years was 7; this one had 37.
Virginia Department of Education, Search for Child Day Care: each inspection’s page, with its violations. Checked Nov 5, 2026. Updated weekly.
| Place | Violations cited in the last three years |
|---|---|
| Amelon Early Learning Center | 17 |
| Caterpillar Clubhouse #3 | 13 |
| Step By Step Early Learning Center This child care provider | 37 |
| E.M.R. Center | 33 |
| Little People’s Academy, LLC | 3 |
| Young Men’s Christian Association of Central Virigina - Amelon | 0 |
| Community Development Institute Head Start- Madison Heights | 0 |
| Temple Baptist Church | 7 |
| Little Learners Preschool | 7 |
| Ms. Pauline Henley | 20 |
| Providence Bible Day Center | 12 |
| Jessica Hartle | 3 |
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
-
Virginia Department of Education, Search for Child Day Care: each facility’s page.
Checked Nov 5, 2026. Updated weekly. No open licence; Virginia allows non-commercial use, so Care Ledger shows it free.
-
Virginia Department of Education, Search for Child Day Care: each inspection’s page, with its violations.
Checked Nov 5, 2026. Updated weekly. No open licence; Virginia allows non-commercial use, so Care Ledger shows it free.
-
Virginia Department of Education, Search for Child Day Care: each complaint’s page, with its allegations and findings.
Checked Nov 5, 2026. Updated weekly. No open licence; Virginia allows non-commercial use, so Care Ledger shows it free.
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.
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.