Rhema’s “Gentle Care” Child Development Center

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 requested a criminal history record check, a sex offender registry check, and child abuse and neglect registry check from two states for Staff 3, who has been employed for one week and was working with children at the time of the inspection.”

Rule 22.1-289.035-B-4.

The center shall ensure that during transportation of children Virginia state statutes about safety belts and child restraints are followed.

“Virginia state statutes require that children through the age of seven must be properly secured in an approved car seat or booster seat. Staff 6 stated that Child 6 (age 6 years) was not in an approved car seat or booster seat while being transported to and from a recent field trip.”

Rule 8VAC20-780-580-C.

Children under 10 years of age always shall be within actual sight and sound supervision of staff.

“06/18/2026, Staff 1 left Classroom 1 and stood on the other side of the half wall in Classroom 2 for approximately one minute. During the time, the children in Classroom 1 (ages 3-4 years old) were not within sight and sound supervision of a staff member.”

Rule 8VAC20-780-340-F. From a complaint.

When time out is used it shall be used sparingly and shall not exceed one minute for each year of the child’s age.

“06/18/2026, Child 2 (age 3 years) was placed into time out on two occasions, once for approximately 10 minutes and a second time for approximately six minutes.”

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

The following actions or threats thereof are forbidden: roughly handling or shaking a child.

“06/18/2026, Staff 1 roughly handled Child 2 (age 3 years) when they jerked the child by the arm, lifted the child up by their arms, and carried the child to another area of the room for time out. 06/18/2026, Staff 1 roughly handled Child 2 (age 3 years) when they jerked the child across the floor by their ankles, lifted the child up off of the ground by their arms, and carried the child to another area of the room for time out.”

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

Children 3 years of age or younger may not be offered foods that are considered to be potential choking hazards.

“Child 3 (age 3 years) was eating a pancake and sausage link on a stick that was provided by the center. The sausage link was a potential choking hazard.”

Rule 8VAC20-780-560-F-4.

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 2 was completed more than 2 months prior to employment.”

Rule 8VAC20-780-160-A.

Staff shall wash their hands with soap and running water before preparing or serving food or beverages.

“Staff 2 did not wash their hands before preparing a bottle.”

Rule 8VAC20-780-500-A.

At least one staff member in each classroom or area where children are present shall have a current CPR and first aid certification from an organization that includes an in-person competency demonstration.

“Staff 2 does not have a current CPR and first aid certification from an organization that includes an in-person competency demonstration; Staff 2 was the only staff member observed supervising Class 1.”

Rule 8VAC20-780-530-A.

Repeat violation

“The center shall be in compliance with the center’s own policies and procedures that are required by the standards. The center’s required discipline policy states that striking a child and roughly handling a child is not permitted. On 05/28/2025, Staff 1 roughly handled Child 1 (age 4 years) and struck Child 1 five times with a pencil. The center was previously cited on 04/09/2025 for not following the center’s own discipline policy.”

Rule 8VAC20-780-40-E.

Repeat violation

Rule 8VAC20-780-410-1.

The center shall be in compliance with the center’s own policies and procedures that are required by the standards.

“The center’s required discipline policy states that roughly handling a child is not permitted and that punishment by another child is not acceptable. On 04/04/2025, two staff roughly handled multiple preschool children while in their care and allowed punishment by another child.”

Rule 8VAC20-780-40-E.

Systemic violation

“Behavioral guidance shall be constructive in nature, age and stage appropriate, and shall be intended to redirect children to appropriate behavior and resolve conflicts. On 04/04/2025, two children had a physical altercation. Instead of redirecting the children, Staff 1 held one child to allow the other child to physically retaliate.”

Rule 8VAC20-780-400-B.

Systemic violation

Rule 8VAC20-780-410-1.

Systemic violation

“The following actions or threats thereof are forbidden: punishment by another child. Staff 1 held Child 3 (age 4 years) by their shoulders and allowed Child 2 (age 4 years) to strike Child 3 in the face three times.”

Rule 8VAC20-780-410-3.

The center is required to have applicants undergo a background check every five years.

“The most recent central registry for Applicant 1 was overdue by 3 months.”

Rule 22.1-289.036-A.

A tuberculosis (TB) screening is required every two years from the date of the last screening.

“Applicant 1 confirmed that their TB screening was overdue.”

Rule 8VAC20-780-160-C.

Based on record review, the center failed to ensure that staff shall undergo a background check in accordance with the Code of Virginia prior to the employment and every five years thereafter.

“Evidence: The most recent criminal record check for Staff 5 was dated 09/11/2018. There was not an updated criminal record check obtained by 09/11/2023 available for review.”

Rule 22.1-289.035-A.

Based on observations, the center failed to ensure that when pillows are used, they shall be assigned for individual use and covered with pillowcases.

“Evidence: A child in the school-aged group was observed using a pillow from the reading area of the classroom during rest time; the pillow was not assigned for individual use and was not covered with a pillowcase.”

Rule 8VAC20-780-450-D.

Based on document review and observations, the center failed to ensure that a least one staff in each classroom or area where children are present shall have a current CPR and first aid certification from one of the recognized organizations and the training shall include an in-person competency demonstration.

“Evidence: Staff 2 was the only staff member observed in the infant class; the CPR/first aid certification obtained by Staff 2 was not from one of the recognized organizations and did not contain an in-person competency demonstration.”

Rule 8VAC20-780-530-A.

Based on record review, the center failed to ensure that every applicant for licensure of a child day center shall undergo a background check in accordance with the Code of Virginia prior to the issuance of a license and every five years thereafter.

“Evidence: The most recent criminal record check for Applicant 1 was dated 06/18/2018. There was not an updated criminal record check obtained by 06/18/2023 available for review.”

Rule 22.1-289.036-A.

Based on record review, the center failed to ensure that each staff member shall submit documentation of a negative tuberculosis screening at least every two years from the date of the original screening or test.

“Evidence: The tuberculosis screening in the record for Staff 1 was dated 12/04/2021; there was not a follow-up screening obtained by 12/04/2023.”

Rule 8VAC20-780-160-C.

Based on observation, the center failed to ensure that cleaning and sanitizing materials shall not be located above food, food equipment, utensils or single-service articles and shall be stored in areas physically separate from food.

“Evidence: There were two containers of animal crackers and various cleaning and sanitizing materials (surface disinfectant, Palmolive, air freshener) on the top shelf of a storage cabinet in the Transitional Room.”

Rule 8VAC20-780-280-D.

Based on observation and staff interviews, the center failed to ensure that if hazardous substances are not kept in original containers, the substitute container shall clearly indicate their contents.

“Evidence: There was an unlabeled clear plastic spray bottle containing a liquid solution on the top self of a cabinet in the Transitional Room. Staff 6 stated that the bottle contained a soap and water solution.”

Rule 8VAC20-780-280-G.

Based on observations and staff interviews, the center failed to ensure that infant walkers shall not be used.

“Evidence: There was an infant walker observed in the infant class. Staff 4 verified that the walker was used by children enrolled at the center.”

Rule 8VAC20-780-430-L.

Based on observations, the center failed to ensure that play yards do not use any pillows or filled comforters.

“Evidence: There was a pink tent style play yard in the infant class that contained two pillows.”

Rule 8VAC20-780-430-M.

Based on observations, the center failed to ensure that the diapering surface shall be used for diapering or cleaning children.

“Evidence: 1. The changing table in the Transitional Room had a timer, various containers of play-dough and a pacifier laying on it. 2. The changing table in the infant room had a puzzle laying on it.”

Rule 8VAC20-780-500-B.

Based on observation and staff interviews, the center failed to ensure that medication, including refrigerated medication and staff’s personal medication, shall be kept in a locked place using a safe locking method that prevents access by children.

“Evidence: There was a bottle of DG Rapid Release Pain Reliver on top of the refrigerator in the infant room. Staff 4 stated that it was their medication.”

Rule 8VAC20-780-510-L.

Based on record review, the center failed to obtain the finding from a search of the central registry within 30 days of employment.

“Evidence: The record for Staff 5 contained a documented hire date of 06/23/2023; there were not findings from the search of the central registry available for review during the inspection.”

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

Repeat violation

“Based on record review, the center failed to obtain documentation 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: The record for Child 3 contained a documented start date of 06/02/2023. There was not documentation of a physical examination in the record for Child 3.”

Rule 8VAC20-780-140-A.

Repeat violation

Rule 8VAC20-780-160-A.

Based on observation, record review and staff interviews, the center failed to maintain the required staff-to-child ratio for children 3 year olds up to school age eligibility.

Rule 8VAC20-780-350-B-4.

Based on staff interviews, the center failed to ensure that crib sheets shall be clean and washed daily.

“Evidence: Staff 4 stated that the crib sheets are washed weekly.”

Rule 8VAC20-780-450-C.

Repeat violation

Rule 8VAC20-780-500-A.

Repeat violation

Rule 8VAC20-780-80-A.

Complaint related

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

Based on document review, the center failed to obtain documentation of additional immunizations once every six months for children under the age of two years.

“Evidence: Child 2 was confirmed to be 14 months old. The most recent documentation of immunizations in the record for Child 2 was dated 10/20/2021. The documented first date of attendance for Child 2 was 12/13/2021. Documentation of additional immunizations were not obtained every six months for a child under two years.”

Rule 8VAC20-780-130-E.

Based on record review, the center failed to obtain documentation 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: The record for Child 2 contained a documented start date of 12/13/2021. There was not documentation of a physical examination in the record for Child 2.”

Rule 8VAC20-780-140-A.

Based on record review, the center failed to ensure that staff shall complete a minimum of 16 hours of training annually.

“Evidence: 1. The records for Staff 1, Staff 2, Staff 3, and Staff 4 contained documentation of completing only 12 hours of annual training for 2022. 2. The record for Staff 2 contained documentation of completing only 2 hours of annual training for 2022. 3. All 5 staff were employed for the entire 2022 year.”

Rule 8VAC20-780-245-A.

Based on record review, the center failed to ensure that there shall always be at least one staff member on duty who has obtained within the last three years instruction in performing the daily health observation of children.

“Evidence: There was no one on duty during the 01/24/2023 inspection that has obtained instruction in performing daily health observations within the last three years.”

Rule 8VAC20-780-245-L.

Based on document review, the center failed to obtain an annual fire inspection report from the appropriate fire official having jurisdiction.

“Evidence: The most recent fire inspection was conducted on 12/14/2021; a fire inspection was not conducted in 2022.”

Rule 8VAC20-780-260-A.

Repeat violation

“Based on observation, the center failed to ensure that staff shall wash their hands with soap and running water after any contact with body fluids and before preparing or serving food or beverages. Evidence: Staff 3 was observed wiping a child’s nose and did not wash their hands. Staff 3 was then observed helping to serve the children’s lunch.”

Rule 8VAC20-780-500-A.

Repeat violation

Rule 8VAC20-780-60-A.

Based on document review and interviews, the center failed to ensure that for each grouping 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.

Rule 8VAC20-780-80-A.

Based on observations and discussion with staff, the center failed to ensure that staff shall wash their hands with soap and running water before and after helping a child use the toilet.

“Evidence: Staff 1 was observed helping children use the toilet after waking from nap. Staff 1 did not wash their hands after helping each child use the toilet.”

Rule 8VAC20-780-500-A. From a complaint.

Based on observation and discussion with staff, the center failed to ensure that the diapering surface shall be cleaned with soap and water and sanitized after each use.

“Evidence: Staff 1 did not clean or sanitize the diapering surface after changing a diaper.”

Rule 8VAC20-780-500-B. From a complaint.

Based on record review and discussion with staff, the center failed to obtain a copy of the criminal record check from any state in which the individual has resided in the preceding five years.

“Evidence: The record for Staff 2 contained documentation that Staff 2 had resided outside of the state of Virginia within the preceding five years. The record for Staff 2 contained a documented hire date of 12/12/2019. There was not a criminal record check from the state in which the individual had resided in the preceding five years available for review during the 07/25/2022 inspection.”

Rule 22.1-289.035-B-4.

Based on record review and discussion with staff, the center failed to ensure that each staff member shall submit documentation of a negative tuberculosis screening at the time of employment and prior to coming into contact with children.

“Evidence: The record for Staff 5 contained a documented hire date of 05/17/2022. The tuberculosis screening in the record for Staff 5 was dated 05/27/2022.”

Rule 8VAC20-780-160-A.

Based on observation and discussion with staff, the center failed to ensure that in areas used by children of preschool age electrical outlets shall have protective covers.

“Evidence: There were two uncovered electrical outlets in the Infant Classroom.”

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

Based on record review and discussion with the staff, the center failed to ensure that the separate record for each child enrolled contains all of the elements as required by the standards.

Rule 8VAC20-780-60-A.

Based on record review and discussion with staff, the center failed to obtain a copy of the criminal record check and a sex offender registry check from any state in which the individual has resided in the preceding five years.

“Evidence: The record for Staff 1 contained documentation that Staff 1 had resided outside of the state of Virginia within the preceding five years. The record for Staff 1 contained a documented hire date of 08/04/2021. There was not a criminal record check or a sex offender registry check from the state in which the individual had resided in the preceding five years available for review during the 01/05/2022 inspection.”

Rule 22.1-289.035-B-4.

Based on observation and discussion with the staff, the center failed to maintain the required nonmedical emergency supplies as required by the standards.

“Evidence: There was not a working, battery-operated radio onsite during the 01/05/2022 inspection.”

Rule 8VAC20-780-540-D.

Based on record review and discussion with the staff, the center failed to ensure that the separate record for each child enrolled contains all of the elements as required by the standards.

Rule 8VAC20-780-60-A.