Hearth Record

The Nest Academy

A child day center in Alexandria, Virginia 22301

2609 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, Virginia 22301. (703) 549-1549.

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 13 deficiencies in 4 months of the last 36. Last cited May 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?

22 inspections on record, the latest on May 6, 2026.

15 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

13 deficiencies in 4 months of the last 36. Last cited May 2026. The last 3 years, to Nov 5, 2026.

13 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.

May 6, 2026: subsidy health and safety inspection2 deficiencies
  • The diapering surface shall be cleaned with soap and at least room temperature water and sanitized after each use.

    “Staff in a toddler classroom cleaned and sanitized the diaper changing surface , but did not allow it to dry for a period of at least two minutes.”

    Rule 8VAC20-780-500-B.

  • Prepared infant formula shall be refrigerated, dated and labeled with the child’s name.

    “Two bottles in an infant room refrigerator were not labeled with the date.”

    Rule 8VAC20-780-570-E.

May 6, 2026: inspection2 deficiencies
  • Immunization records are required to be signed and dated by a physician, his designee, or an official of the local health department.

    “The immunization record for child #3 and child #4 were not signed.”

    Rule 8VAC20-780-150-B.

  • SYSTEMIC DEFICIENCY 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 5/6/2025, in infant room #1 only 6 children were marked “ arrived” , there were 7 children present at the time of inspection. On 5/2/2025 and 4/17/2025 room #3 one child did not have departure marked on attendance sheet.”

    Rule 8VAC20-780-80-A.

Dec 2, 2024: inspection4 deficiencies
  • 22.1-289.011-F

    “The license and any other documents required shall be posted in a conspicuous place on the licensed premises. The findings from the most recent inspection, dated 5/20/2024, were not posted in a conspicuous place on the premises.”

    Rule 22.1-289.011-F.

  • 8VAC20-780-160-A

    “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. Staff #4 TB screening was dated 49 days prior to date of employment and has been employed for over four months.”

    Rule 8VAC20-780-160-A.

  • 8VAC20-780-560-G

    “When food is brought from home the food container must be clearly dated. 2:6 bottles with milk brought from home were not dated, in the infant room.”

    Rule 8VAC20-780-560-G.

  • 8VAC20-780-80-A

    “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. At approximately 10:30am on 12/2/24, there were 14 children present in the twos room, but only 10 were marked present on the written attendance records.”

    Rule 8VAC20-780-80-A.

May 20, 2024: inspection4 deficiencies
  • 8VAC20-780-290-A-3

    “Based on observation, electrical outlets in preschool classrooms did not have protective covers that are of a size that cannot be swallowed by children. Evidence: Toddlers classroom had two electrical outlets that were not in use and not covered.”

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

  • 8VAC20-780-550-A

    “Based on document review, the center did not review the emergency preparedness plan annually. Evidence: Date of last emergency plan review 1/27/23.”

    Rule 8VAC20-780-550-A.

  • 8VAC20-780-550-G

    “Based on review of documentation, the center did not have all required information on drill records. Evidence: 1. Emergency evacuation, shelter-in-place, and lockdown drills did not document the method used for notification of the drill. 2. Emergency evacuation, shelter-in-place, and lockdown drills did not document the number of staff participating.”

    Rule 8VAC20-780-550-G.

  • 8VAC20-780-80-A

    “The center did not have record of daily attendance that documents the arrival and departure of each child in care as it occurs. Evidence: Based on record review, interview and observation toddlers classroom had 7 children in the room and only 2 children were marked present on attendance record.”

    Rule 8VAC20-780-80-A.

Dec 4, 2023: complaint inspection1 deficiency
  • Based on record review and staff interviews, the center failed to ensure that the staff-to-child ratios are required whenever children are in care.

    The inspectors’ words, 132 words

    “Evidence: 1. On Monday, November 27, 2023, at approximately 4:45 pm, there were 11 infants (ages ranging from 4 months to 1 year old) and two staff in the Infant 2 classroom. 2. During interviews, Staff #1 stated that they left the Infant 2 classroom for approximately two minutes and went to the Infant 1 classroom to get infant bottles and clean up a water spill on the Infant 1 classroom floor. 2. Staff #1 and Witness #1 confirmed that the Infant 2 classroom had 11 infants and 2 staff during the two minutes when Staff #1 was absent from the classroom, exceeding the 1:4 ratio. 3. Staff #1 confirmed that on Monday, November 27, 2023, at approximately 4:45 pm, they left the Infant classroom out of ratio for approximately two minutes.”

    Rule 8VAC20-780-350-B-1. From a complaint.

Nov 29, 2023: inspection2 deficiencies
  • Based on record review, the facility did not ensure staff identified as program leaders met program leader qualifications.

    “Evidence: Staff #1’s (DOH: 10/2/2023) record does not contain all the documentation necessary to verify that they have the required education/experience and/or training for the job position of program leader. Staff #3’s (DOH: 5/2/2023) record does not contain all the documentation necessary to verify that they have the required education/experience and/or training for the job position of program leader. Staff #4’s (DOH: 3/6/2023) record does not contain all the documentation necessary to verify that they have the required education/experience and/or training for the job position of program leader.”

    Rule 8VAC20-780-210-A.

  • Based on observation, behavioral guidance was not constructive in nature, age and stage appropriate, and intended to redirect a child to appropriate behavior.

    “Evidence: During the inspection, the Licensing Inspector heard Staff #5 yelling at a child: “Look the other way.” The staff member used a rough and loud tone of voice with the child, as all the children were lying down on their cots to rest.”

    Rule 8VAC20-780-400-B.

Aug 11, 2023: complaint inspection6 deficiencies
  • Based on observation, the findings of the most recent inspection of the facility were not posted.

    “Evidence: The Violation Notice issued on 7/14/2023 was not posted. The inspection posted was issued on 5/4/2023.”

    Rule 22.1-289.011-F. From a complaint.

  • Based on record review and interview, an out-of-state child abuse and neglect search was not requested for an employee who currently resides outside of the State of Virginia.

    “Evidence: 1.Staff #2’s record contains a form of ID from another state, an out-of-state search was not completed for the state where they currently reside. 2.Staff #2 was interviewed and confirmed that they currently reside outside the State of Virginia, but they moved after the center had completed their background check searches.”

    Rule 22.1-289.035-B-4. From a complaint.

  • Based on record review and interview, it was determined the center did not ensure that there was a program leader qualified with each group of children in care.

    “Evidence: 1. Staff #1 was the assigned lead teacher in the Preschool classroom. 2. Staff #3 was the assigned lead teacher in the Toddlers classroom. 3. The records for staff #1 and staff #3 did not contain documentation to demonstrate program leader qualifications.”

    Rule 8VAC20-780-210-A-4-a. From a complaint.

  • Repeat Violation Based on observations and interviews, the facility did not ensure that when children are in mixed age groups, the staff-to-children ratio applicable to the youngest child in the group is applied to the entire group.

    “Evidence: At approximately 11:50am, 11 children between the ages of 21 months and 2 years were observed in the Twos classroom with 2 staff members. The required ratio based on the youngest child was 1 staff for every 5 children.”

    Rule 8VAC20-780-350-C. From a complaint.

  • Based on observation, the center did not keep 12 inches of space between occupied cots.

    “Evidence: During the inspection there were 4 occupied cots that were less than 12 inches apart.”

    Rule 8VAC20-780-440-E. From a complaint.

  • Based on observation, the center did not ensure that there shall be at least thirty inches of space between service sides of occupied cribs and other furniture where that space is the walkway for staff to gain access to any occupied crib.

    “Evidence: 1. Four occupied cribs lacked 30 inches of space on the service side. a. The service side for crib 1 measured 12 inches. b. The service side for crib 2 measured 4 inches. c. The service side for crib 3 measured 16 inches. c. The service side for crib 4 measured 18 inches”

    Rule 8VAC20-780-440-J. From a complaint.

Jul 14, 2023: complaint inspection4 deficiencies
  • 8VAC20-780-350-L

    “Based on observation, the 1:10 ratio for children ages 3-5 was not maintained on 7/14/2023. Evidence: In the combined caterpillar and butterflies classroom, 19 children were laying on their mats with 1 staff member for approximately 2-3 minutes but the ratios could not double yet as 14 children were still awake. The children were not resting or in an inactive state.”

    Rule 8VAC20-780-350-L. From a complaint.

  • 8VAC20-780-380-A

    The inspectors’ words, 105 words

    “Based on observation and multiple staff statements, the center has failed to follow the general posted schedule. Evidence: 1. The Cuddle Bug schedule list lunch from 11:15-11:30 and rest time from 12:00-2:30. On 7/14/2023 the class was already laying down and the room was completely cleaned up at 11:40 am. Staff #1 stated that all the children were on their rest mats and had finished lunch. 2. The Caterpillars and Butterflies were combined on 7/14/2023. The schedule list lunch from 11:20-11:50 and rest time from 12:00 to 2:30. On the day of the inspection all children were already laying down on their mats at 11:40.”

    Rule 8VAC20-780-380-A. From a complaint.

  • 8VAC20-780-380-A-2

    “Based on observation and staff statements, the designated rest time exceed the maximum of 2 hours in the 4 older classrooms. Evidence: 1. All 4 classrooms have daily schedules that list rest time from 12:00-2:30 (2 1/2 hours). 2. On 7/14/2023 and 7/17/2023 the children were already laying down at approximately 11:45 and staff stated that rest time would be until 2:30.”

    Rule 8VAC20-780-380-A-2. From a complaint.

  • 8VAC20-780-560-L

    “Based on staff statements, the staff are not sitting with children during meal times. Evidence: 1. The Licensing Inspector asked the staff administration if staff were sitting with the children during lunch time. The staff stated that children are not allowed to talk or socialize. At least one teacher is putting out rest mats rather than sitting with the children during meal time”

    Rule 8VAC20-780-560-L. From a complaint.

May 4, 2023: inspection5 deficiencies
  • Based on observation, cleaning materials were not kept in a locked place using a safe locking method that prevents access by children.

    “Evidence: In the Two’s classroom a spray bottle labeled “Bleach” was observed unlocked on a top shelf in the classroom’s bathroom.”

    Rule 8VAC20-780-280-B.

  • Based on observations and interviews, the facility did not ensure that when children are in mixed age groups, the staff-to-children ratio applicable to the youngest child in the group is applied to the entire group.

    The inspectors’ words, 100 words

    “Evidence: 1. At approximately 11:20am, 10 children between the ages of 2 years and 4 years were observed in the Caterpillars classroom with 1 staff member. The required ratio based on the youngest child was 1 staff for every 8 children. 2. At approximately 11:40am, during naptime, 9 children between the ages of 15 months to 22 months were observed in the Cuddle Bugs classroom with 1 staff member. The required ratio based on the youngest child was one staff for every 4 children. During the designated rest period, ratios do not change for children under 16 months of age.”

    Rule 8VAC20-780-350-C.

  • Based on observation, the center did not ensure that one staff member shall not supervise more than one room or area during rest time.

    “Evidence: 1.One staff was observed supervising 20 children (3-5 years old) during nap time from the doorway between the Caterpillars and the Butterflies classrooms. 2.One classroom would have been left unattended if this staff had to attend to a child in one of the classrooms during nap.”

    Rule 8VAC20-780-350-M.

  • Based on observations and interviews, it was determined that children in the Caterpillars classroom are being reassigned from their regularly assigned classroom to the Tender Times classroom repeatedly and causally, which is disruptive to a child’s schedule and attachment to their staff members and group.

    “Evidence: Observations and interviews revealed that three children in the Caterpillar classroom are routinely and often moved to the Tender Times classroom during lunch time in an attempt to maintain ratios.”

    Rule 8VAC20-780-350-Q.

  • Based on record review, required records were not kept for each staff person.

    “Evidence: Staff #2’s record did not include documentation of a translated education diploma needed to qualify the staff member for their current position. The diploma on-file has not been translated into English, as required.”

    Rule 8VAC20-780-70.

Nov 7, 2022: inspection6 deficiencies
  • Based on record review, the center did not obtain documentation that each child has received the immunizations required by the State Board of Health before the child can attend the center.

    “Evidence: Child #5’s record does not contain documentation to verify that the child has received the immunizations required prior to their first day of attendance.”

    Rule 8VAC20-780-130-A.

  • Based on record review, the center did not obtain a physical examination for a child in care, within 30 days of attendance.

    “Evidence: Child #5’s record does not contain a physical examination. The child’s first day of attendance was documented as 9/12/2022.”

    Rule 8VAC20-780-140-A.

  • Based on record review, the center did not obtain for each staff member, documentation of a negative tuberculosis (TB) screening that was completed within 30 days of employment.

    “Evidence: Staff #3’s TB screening was completed on 5/24/2022. The staff member first day of employment was documented as 7/15/2022.”

    Rule 8VAC20-780-160-A.

  • 8VAC20-780-350-I

    “Based on observation and interview, the center did not maintain the correct staff-to-children ratio in the toddler class. Evidence: 1. From approximately 11:30 am to 12:10pm, there were 9 children napping in the toddler classroom and 1 staff present. The staff stated the ages of the children present and four were children under the age of 16 months. 2. Ratios may double at nap time in the toddler group, for children 16 months and up, but infants, (children under 16 months) do not have a double ratio at nap time.”

    Rule 8VAC20-780-350-I.

  • Based on observation, prepared infant formula was not dated.

    “Evidence: Six out of ten bottles of prepared infant formula were labeled with the child’s name, but without a date.”

    Rule 8VAC20-780-570-E.

  • Based on record review, a written care plan was not obtained for each child with a diagnosed food allergy, to include instructions from a physician regarding the food to which the child is allergic and the steps to be taken in the event of a suspected or confirmed allergic reaction.

    “Evidence: Child #3’s physical form indicates that the child has an allergy to sesame seeds, their record did not contain a written allergy care plan.”

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

May 12, 2022: inspection2 deficiencies
  • Based on record review and interview, the center did not obtain out-of-state child abuse and neglect findings for an employee that has resided outside the state of Virginia within the last 5 years.

    “Evidence: Staff#1 (DOH: 02/14/2022) has resided outside the state of Virginia within the last 5 years, their records did not contain documentation to verify that an out-of-state child abuse and neglect search was completed.”

    Rule 22.1-289.035-B-4.

  • Based on observation and interview, the center was not equipped with at least one carbon monoxide detector.

    “Evidence: The center was not equipped with at least one carbon monoxide detector during the inspection.”

    Rule 22.1-289.058.

All 22 visits on record
Visits on record
DateVisitWhat the record says
May 6, 2026Subsidy health and safety inspection2 violations cited
May 6, 2026Inspection2 violations cited
Dec 9, 2025Subsidy health and safety inspectionNo violations cited
Dec 9, 2025InspectionNo violations cited
May 6, 2025Subsidy health and safety inspectionNo violations cited
Dec 2, 2024Subsidy health and safety inspectionNo violations cited
Dec 2, 2024Inspection4 violations cited
May 20, 2024Subsidy health and safety inspectionNo violations cited
May 20, 2024Inspection4 violations cited
Dec 4, 2023Complaint inspection1 violation cited
Nov 29, 2023Subsidy health and safety inspectionNo violations cited
Nov 29, 2023Inspection2 violations cited
Aug 11, 2023Complaint inspection6 violations cited
Jul 14, 2023Complaint inspection4 violations cited
May 4, 2023Subsidy health and safety inspectionNo violations cited
May 4, 2023Inspection5 violations cited
Nov 7, 2022Subsidy health and safety inspectionNo violations cited
Nov 7, 2022Inspection6 violations cited
May 12, 2022Subsidy health and safety inspectionNo violations cited
May 12, 2022Inspection2 violations cited
Dec 15, 2021Subsidy health and safety inspectionNo violations cited
Dec 15, 2021InspectionNo violations cited

Is it licensed?

  • Child Day Center: Two Year license, expires Jan 1, 2027.
  • A current subsidy provider.
  • Ages: Birth - 5 years 11 months.
  • Capacity: 77 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?

  • 3 complaint inspections on record.
  • 4 complaint allegations published with Virginia’s findings, 2 of them found valid.
On record, newest first
DateWhatDetail
Dec 6, 2023ComplaintAllegation: Supervision. Virginia’s finding: Reported/Valid.
Jul 17, 2023ComplaintAllegation: Activities. Virginia’s finding: Not Reported/Found.
Jul 17, 2023ComplaintAllegation: Food service/Nutrition. Virginia’s finding: Not Reported/Found.
Jul 17, 2023ComplaintAllegation: Supervision. 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 171 child care providers in the City of Alexandria, the middle value for violations cited in the last three years was 7; this one had 15.
Source:

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

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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