The Learning Experience

The center must maintain the required supervision ratio of 1 staff to 5 children from ages 16 to 24 months whenever children are in care.

“In the Twaddlers classroom there were 8 children in care with only 1 staff, and the youngest child was 23 months.”

Rule 8VAC20-780-350-B-2. From a complaint.

With a parent’s written permission and a written assessment by the program director and program leader, a center may choose to assign a child to a different age group if such age group is more appropriate for the child’s developmental level and the staff-to-children ratio and group size shall be for the established age group.

“Child A (23 months) was assigned to the two-year-old classroom, where a staff-to-child ratio of 1:8 was in place. However, the center did not have documentation of parent’s written permission and written assessment completed by the program director and program leader to determine that the two-year-old classroom was appropriate for Child A’s developmental level.”

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

(COMPLAINT RELATED) Children’s hands shall be washed with soap and running water or disposable wipes before and after eating meals or snacks.

“In the Toddler classroom, the children’s hands were not washed prior to being served lunch.”

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

(COMPLAINT RELATED) 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.

“1. Infant B did not have their written attendance in the classroom, the attendance was in the neighboring classroom. 2. In the twaddler classroom, there were 7 children present and 8 children listed on the attendance. 3. In the Preschool 1B classroom, there were 6 children present and 7 children listed on the attendance 4. In the Preschool 1A classroom, there were 8 children present and 7 children listed on the written attendance.”

Rule 8VAC20-780-80-A. From a complaint.

Each child shall have a physical examination before the child’s attendance or within 30 days after the first day of attendance.

“Child A enrolled for 1 year and 1 month, did not have a physical on file.”

Rule 8VAC20-780-140-A.

Each report shall include the date of the physical examination and dates immunizations were received and shall be signed by a physician, his designee, or an official of a local health department.

“1. Child A, enrolled over 1 year and 1 month had immunization records on site that were not signed or stamped by a physician his designee, or an official of a local health department. 2. Child C, enrolled over 4 months, had immunization records and physical records on site that were not signed or stamped by a physician his designee, or an official of a local health department.”

Rule 8VAC20-780-150-B.

Where playground equipment is provided, resilient surfacing shall comply with minimum safety standards.

“There was approximately 2 inches of mulch under a slide on the playground and about 1 inch of mulch on two of the fall zones.”

Rule 8VAC20-780-330-B.

For a child who cannot move without help, staff shall offer to change the places and position of the child at least every 30 minutes or more frequently depending on the child’s individual needs.

“In the Infant room, an infant was observed sitting in an infant seat for approximately 45 minutes.”

Rule 8VAC20-780-360-B.

The center shall meet the proof of child identity and age requirements as stated in 22.1- 289.049 of the Code of Virginia.

“The center did not review and document acceptable documentation for proof of age and identity for Child B who had been enrolled for 3 months.”

Rule 8VAC20-780-40-G.

Any vehicle used by the center for the transportation of children shall meet the safety standards set by the Department of Motor Vehicles and be kept in satisfactory condition to assure the safety of children.

“Two of the vans that are used for transportation for school age children had expired State inspections dated August 2026.”

Rule 8VAC20-780-580-B.

Children’s hands shall be washed with soap and running water or disposable wipes before and after eating meals or snacks.

“Staff shall wash their hands with soap and running water: Before feeding or helping children with feeding. 1. Staff A was observed feeding a child and did not wash their hands prior to feeding. 2. Staff B was observed feeding a child followed by feeding the child a bottle and did not wash the child’s hands after.”

Rule 8VAC20-780-500-A. 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 following: Date and time when parents were notified and documentation on how parents were notified.

“1. Incident report for Child A, dated 5/18/2026 did not have the date, time and how parents were noticed documented. 2. Incident report for Child A, dated 5/27/2026 did not have the date, time and how parent was noticed documented.”

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

The center is required to obtain a completed sworn statement prior to the employee’s first day of employment.

“Staff #1, who was currently working, did not have a completed sworn statement on file.”

Rule 22.1-289.035-B-1.

All staff are required to submit fingerprinting prior to employment.

“Staff #2 employed for 1 month did not have current fingerprinting. The fingerprinting was completed over 1 year and 4 months ago.”

Rule 22.1-289.035-B-2.

Children’s hands shall be washed with soap and running water after toileting, or any contact with blood, feces or urine.

“A staff member in the Infant Classroom was observed changing a child’s diaper and did not wash the child’s hands with soap and water after.”

Rule 8VAC20-780-500-A.

Disposable diapers shall be disposed in a leakproof or plastic-lined storage system that is either foot-operated or used in such a way that neither the staff member’s hand nor the soiled diaper touches an exterior surface of the storage system during disposal.

“1. In the Infant classroom, there was a soiled diaper placed on the side of the changing table not disposed of in a leak-proof container. 2. There was a diaper observed in a trashcan in the Preppers classroom, the trash can was not foot operated and would require the staff’s hand to touch the exterior surface.”

Rule 8VAC20-780-500-B.

(REPEAT VIOLATION) When food is brought from home, the following shall apply: The food container shall be sealed and clearly dated and labeled in a way that identifies the owner.

“In the Preschool classroom, there were five lunch bags containing food brought from home with no name or dates.”

Rule 8VAC20-780-560-G.

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.

“1. In the Infant classroom, there were 10 children signed in and there were only 8 children present. 2. In the Toddler-B classroom, there were 7 children signed in and there were only 5 children present.”

Rule 8VAC20-780-80-A.

All staff who work directly with children shall have within 90 days of the date of employment Current certification in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) appropriate to the ages of children in care. The training shall include an in-person competency demonstration.

“Staff 1 has been employed for more than 90 days and did not have a certification in CPR.”

Rule 8VAC20-790-600-D-1.

All staff who work directly with children shall have within 90 days of the date of employment should have a current certification in first aid appropriate to the ages of children in care.

“Staff #1 has been employed for more than 90 days and did not have a current certification in first aid.”

Rule 8VAC20-790-600-D-2.

The required ratio for children aged two is one staff per eight children.

“Staff A was observed alone supervising 9 children (youngest child 2 years) in the Preppers Classroom for approximately 6 minutes.”

Rule 8VAC20-780-350-B-3. From a complaint.

In order to promote children’s physical, intellectual, emotional, and social well-being and growth, staff shall interact with children and one another to provide needed help, comfort and support.

“(COMPLAINT RELATED) On 1/28/2026 in the Preppers classroom (Two-year-olds), Staff A was observed telling the children that due to their behavior, the staff member was leaving. Staff A then put on a coat and pretended to exit the classroom. During this time, multiple children were observed screaming and crying in response to Staff A’s actions.”

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

The following actions or threats thereof are forbidden: Physical punishment, striking a child, roughly handling.

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

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.

“In the Infant B classroom, there was a bleach and water spray solution in an unlocked cabinet in the front of the classroom as well as a spray and bleach spray solution in an unlocked cabinet in the rear of the classroom.”

Rule 8VAC20-780-280-B.

Staff shall request at least annually, parent confirmation that the required information in the child’s record is up to date.

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

Documentation shall be maintained of emergency evacuation drills.

“There was no documentation on file for an evacuation drill for the month of August 2025.”

Rule 8VAC20-780-550-G.

When food is brought from home, the food shall be sealed and clearly dated and labeled in a way that identifies the owner.

“1. In the Infant B classroom, Child #5 had food brought from home that was not dated. 2. In the Toddler B classroom, Child #6 & #7 had food brought from home that was not dated. 3. In the Twaddler classroom, Child #8 had food brought from home that was not dated. 4. In the School-Age classroom, Child #9 had food brought from home that was not dated.”

Rule 8VAC20-780-560-G.

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

“In the Infant A classroom, Child #4 had 3 bottles in the refrigerator with no dates.”

Rule 8VAC20-780-570-E.

All staff who work directly with children shall have within 90 days of the date of employment current certification in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) appropriate to the ages of children in care.

“Staff A employed for over 3 months, did not have a satisfactory CPR certification on file.”

Rule 8VAC20-790-600-D-1.

All staff who work directly with children shall have within 90 days of the date of employment current certification in first aid appropriate to the ages of children in care.

“Staff A employed for over 3 months, did not have a satisfactory first aid certification on file.”

Rule 8VAC20-790-600-D-2.

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.

“There was no documentation of immunizations in the record for Child A, who had been enrolled for over 3 months.”

Rule 8VAC20-780-130-A.

Each child shall have a physical examination before the child’s attendance or within 30 days after the first day of attendance.

“There was no physical exam in the record for Child A, who had been enrolled for over 3 months.”

Rule 8VAC20-780-140-A.

(REPEAT VIOLATION) 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.

“1. In the toddler A classroom, there was a spray bottle with bleach/water solution unlocked in an upper cabinet. 2. In the infant B classroom, there was a spray bottle with bleach/water solution unlocked in an upper cabinet.”

Rule 8VAC20-780-280-B.

The operational responsibilities of the licensee shall include ensuring compliance with center’s own policies and procedures that are required by these standards, and the terms of the current license issued by the department.

“The medication policy for the center states expired medication will not be accepted, the medication for Child B, expired over 4 months ago.”

Rule 8VAC20-780-40-E.

The center shall meet the proof of child identity and age requirements as stated in 22.1-289.049 of the Code of Virginia.

“The record for Child A, enrolled for over 3 months, was missing proof of the child’s identity and age.”

Rule 8VAC20-780-40-G.

Documentation shall be maintained of lockdown drills.

“Lockdown drill was not documented for the year 2024.”

Rule 8VAC20-780-550-G.

(REPEAT VIOLATION) When food is brought from home, the food shall be sealed and clearly dated and labeled in a way that identifies the owner.

“In the Preschool 2B classroom, there was one lunch bag with no name and date, there were several snacks in a cubby with no name and date.”

Rule 8VAC20-780-560-G.

Documentation of at least 2 references to character, reputation, and competency are to be checked prior to employment.

“Staff A, who has been actively working at the center for the past 3 months, had only one reference checked prior to employment.”

Rule 8VAC20-780-70.

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. 1. In the twaddler classroom, there were 7 children present, but 8 children were signed in the daily attendance. 2. In the infant A classroom, there were 3 children present, but 2 children were signed in the daily attendance.”

Rule 8VAC20-780-80-A.

The provider center must obtain a central registry background check report every five years from the date of the last check.

“The record for Staff #1 did not contain documentation that a central registry background check report had been completed every five years from the date of the last check. The last central registry check on file expired 3 months ago.”

Rule 22.1-289.035-A.

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

“1. In the Boulevard, inside the mail playroom, there is a hole in the wall that is 5 inches wide by two inches long. 2. In the Infant B classroom there was a shelf that was cracked, there is a wooden bolt that was exposed.”

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.

“1. In the Infant A classroom, there was a spray bottle of sanitizer unlocked in an upper cabinet. 2. In the Infant B classroom, there was a spray bottle of sanitizer unlocked in an upper cabinet by t he changing table and a bottle of sanitizer unlocked in an upper cabinet above the microwave. 3. In the Toddler A classroom, there was a spray bottle of sanitizer unlocked in an upper cabinet. 4. In the Boulevard room, there was a spray bottle of sanitizer unlocked in an upper cabinet”

Rule 8VAC20-780-280-B.

A nonabsorbent surface for diapering or changing shall be used.

“In the Twaddlers classroom, the diapering mat had tears causing it to no longer be nonabsorbent”

Rule 8VAC20-780-500-B.

Disposable diapers shall be disposed in a leakproof or plastic-lined storage system that is either foot-operated or used in such a way that neither the staff member’s hand nor the soiled diaper touches an exterior surface of the storage system during disposal.

“The trashcan that was observed in the toddler room in the diapering area was not foot operated, but a swing-top trashcan that required the use of staff’s hands to open.”

Rule 8VAC20-780-500-B.

When an authorization for medication expires, the facility shall notify parents that the medication must be picked up within 14 days of the authorization expiring or that a new authorization should be completed.

“Medication for Child #3 was onsite, but the medication authorization had expired over 5 months ago. The authorization had not been renewed and the medication was not returned or disposed of as required.”

Rule 8VAC20-780-510-P.

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

Rule 8VAC20-780-560-G.

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

“In the Infant A classroom, one child is missing the dates on their two bottles.”

Rule 8VAC20-780-570-E.

Each center shall maintain and keep at the center a separate record for each child enrolled that contains all of the required information.

“1. The record for Child #1, enrolled for 5 months, was missing the following required components: Addresses of both emergency contacts. 2. The record for Child #2, enrolled for 9 months was missing the following required components: An address for one of the emergency contacts”

Rule 8VAC20-780-60-A.

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.

“1. There were four children present in the Infant-A classroom, but five were marked present on the attendance record. 2. There were four children present in the Infant-B classroom, but only three were marked present on the attendance record.”

Rule 8VAC20-780-80-A.

Based on record review, the center did not obtain the results of a Virginia Child Abuse and Neglect Central Registry search for all staff within 30 days of employment.

“Evidence: Staff #3 (Date of Hire: 3/4/2024) and Staff #5 (Date of Hire: 3/20/24) did not have Central Registry results on file at the time of inspection.”

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

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 attends the center.

“Evidence: Child #6’s record was missing immunizations.”

Rule 8VAC20-780-130-A.

Based on observation, the center did not ensure that hazardous substances, such as cleaning materials, were kept in a locked place using a safe locking method that prevents access by children.

“Evidence: In the Toddler A classroom, there was a spray disinfectant bottle in an unlocked cabinet above the sink.”

Rule 8VAC20-780-280-B.

Based on documentation review, the center did not maintain, in a way that is accessible to all staff who work with children, a current written list of all children’s allergies, sensitivities, and dietary restrictions that is dated and kept confidential in each area room where children are present.

“Evidence: In the Toddler A classroom, Child #7 has a dairy intolerance and this was not documented on the allergy/sensitivity/dietary restriction list posted in the classroom.”

Rule 8VAC20-780-40-M.

Based on observation, the center did not ensure disposable diapers were disposed in a leakproof storage system that is either foot-operated or used in such a way that neither the staff member’s hand nor the soiled diaper touches an exterior surface of the storage system during disposal.

“Evidence: In the Infant B classroom, there was no foot-operated trash can in the diapering area.”

Rule 8VAC20-780-500-B.

Based on review of medication, the center did not obtain written parental authorization for all medications maintained on site.

“Evidence: Child #10 had an emergency medication on site and there was no accompanying parental authorization granting the center permission to administer the medication.”

Rule 8VAC20-780-510-I.

Based on record review, the center did not maintain a record for each child enrolled which contains all required information

“Evidence: Child #1’s record was missing 1 emergency contact. Child #8’s record was missing an address for 1 emergency contact and documentation of the center viewing proof of the child’s identity and age.”

Rule 8VAC20-780-60-A.

Based on documentation review, the center did not maintain a written record of daily attendance that documents the arrival and departure of each child in care as it occurs.

“Evidence: There was no written attendance in the Preschool 2B classroom and there were 10 children present. In the Infant B classroom, there were 4 infants present but only 3 were signed in on the attendance record.”

Rule 8VAC20-780-80-A.

Based on observation and staff interview, the center did not maintain, in a way that is accessible to all staff who work with children, a current written list of all children’s allergies, sensitivities and dietary restrictions that is dated is and kept confidential in each room where children are present.

“Evidence: In the Twaddler room, there was no posted allergy list. There was a child present in the classroom who has a peanut allergy.”

Rule 8VAC20-780-40-M.

Based on observation, the center did not ensure that mats used by children during the designated rest period had linens consisting of a top cover and a bottom cover.

“Evidence: 1. In the Toddler room, there were two children napping on mats with no bottom cover. 2. In the Preschool 1A room, there was one child napping on a mat with no top or bottom cover and two children napping on mats with no bottom cover.”

Rule 8VAC20-780-450-A.

Based on observation, the center did not ensure when food is brought from home it is clearly dated and labeled in a way that identifies the owner.

“Evidence: In the Twaddler room, there were 2 food pouches, a package of animal crackers, a small bag of cereal, and a food container with grapes stored in the refrigerator that were not dated or labeled.”

Rule 8VAC20-780-560-G.

Repeat violation

“Based on observation and record review, the center did not maintain a written record of daily attendance for each group of children that documents the arrival and departure of each child in care as it occurs. Evidence: 1. In the Toddler room, there were 11 children present and 15 children signed in on the attendance record. 2. In the Preschool 1A room, there were 12 children present and 14 children signed in on the attendance record.”

Rule 8VAC20-780-80-A.

Based on record review, the center did not obtain the results of a Virginia Child Abuse and Neglect Central Registry search for all staff within 30 days of employment.

“Evidence: Staff #4 (Date of Hire: 11/4/2022) did not have the results of a Virginia Child Abuse and Neglect Central Registry search on file.”

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

Based on record review, the center did not ensure that all staff complete the Virginia Department of Education-sponsored orientation course within 90 calendar days of employment.

“Evidence: Staff #2 (Date of Hire: 12/16/2022) has not yet completed the Virginia Department of Education-sponsored orientation course.”

Rule 8VAC20-780-240-A.

Based on observation, the center did not ensure that hazardous substances such as cleaning materials were kept in a locked place using a safe locking method that prevents access by children.

“Evidence: In the Twaddler classroom, an unlocked spray bottle of bleach was observed sitting on the counter in the diapering area. There were no children being diapered at that time.”

Rule 8VAC20-780-280-B.

Based on observation, the center did not ensure that prepared infant formula was dated.

“Evidence: There was a bottle of prepared infant formula in the refrigerator in the Infant A classroom for Child #1 that was not dated.”

Rule 8VAC20-780-570-E.

Based on record review, the center did not obtain documentation that two or more references as to character and reputation as well as competency were checked before employment for all staff.

“Evidence: Staff #2 (Date of Hire: 12/16/2022) did not have reference checks on file.”

Rule 8VAC20-780-70.

Based on documentation review and staff interview, the center did not maintain a written record of daily attendance that documents the arrival and departure of each child in care as it occurs for each group of children.

Rule 8VAC20-780-80-A.

Based on interviews, review of documentation and photos, the center did not maintain a written record of children’s serious and minor injuries in which entries are made on the day of occurrence.

“Evidence: Child #1 (Age 2) sustained multiple injuries including bruising and scratches on Thursday 10/13/2022 and the child’s record contained no documentation of the injuries. Staff #1 and Staff #2 both noticed marks on Child #1 on 10/13/2022 but did not write an injury report.”

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

Based on record review and staff interview, the center did not obtain documentation of a negative tuberculosis (TB) test or screening for all staff at the time of employment that was completed within the last 30 days.

“Evidence: Staff #7 (Date of Hire: 6/1/2022) had a TB test on file dated 1/4/2021.”

Rule 8VAC20-780-160-A.

Based on record review and staff interview, the center did not obtain an annual fire inspection.

“Evidence: The most recent fire inspection was completed on 4/22/2021.”

Rule 8VAC20-780-260-A.

Based on record review and staff interview, the center has not obtained an annual health inspection.

“Evidence: The most recent health inspection was completed on 9/24/2020.”

Rule 8VAC20-780-260-B.

Based on observation, the center did not ensure that all prepared infant formula bottles were not labeled with the child’s name and dated.

“Evidence: In the Infant A room, 3 of 11 bottles in the refrigerator were not dated. In the Infant B room, 3 of 7 bottles were not labeled with the child’s name or dated.”

Rule 8VAC20-780-570-E.

Based on record review and staff interview, the center did not maintain documentation that all staff have completed orientation training as required by the first day of employment.

“Evidence: Staff #7 (Date of Hire: 6/1/22) did not have orientation training documentation on file.”

Rule 8VAC20-780-70.

Based on medication review, the center did not ensure that when a medication authorization expires, the parent shall be notified that the medication needs to be picked up within 14 days or the parent must renew the authorization.

“Evidence: The medication authorization for Child #7’s emergency medication expired in October 2021 and the medication is still at the center.”

Rule 8VAC20-780-510-P.