AlphaBEST @ Churchland Elementary
A child day center in Portsmouth, Virginia 23703
5601 Michael Lane, Portsmouth, Virginia 23703. (757) 807-0869.
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
- 14 deficiencies in the last three years
- Sep 92026 the latest visit on record
- 75 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?
18 inspections on record, the latest on Sep 9, 2026.
14 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
14 deficiencies in 3 months of the last 36. Last cited Jan 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.
Jan 21, 2026: subsidy health and safety inspection2 deficiencies
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8VAC20-780-280-B
“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. The school age area of the program had a can of disinfectant spray on a cabinet, a canister of hand sanitizer wipes and a small bottle of hand sanitizer spray on a table. All items were unlocked, accessible to children and had the label ?keep out of reach of children.?”
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8VAC20-780-340-A
“When staff are supervising children, they shall always ensure their care, protection, and guidance. Staff #1 and staff #2 were unaware of the number of children in their areas.”
Oct 8, 2024: subsidy health and safety inspection1 deficiency
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8VAC20-790-600-B
“Within the first 90 days of employment or subsidy vendor approval all staff who work directly with children shall complete Virginia Preservice Training for Child Care Staff. 1. Staff #2 who has been employed for a year did not have documentation of a completed 10 hour Virginia Preservice training in their record. 2. Staff #1 who has been employed for 8 months did not have documentation of a completed 3 hour Virginia Preservice training in their record.”
Oct 8, 2024: inspection3 deficiencies
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22.1-289.035-B-2
“Providers must obtain a completed national criminal background check prior to the employee’s first day of employment. Staff #2, who had been employed for a year, did not have a completed national criminal background check available in their record.”
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22.1-289.035-B-3
“The center must request a search of the central registry prior to the employee’s first day of employment. Staff #1, who had been employed for 8 months, did not have a central registry search requested.”
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22.1-289.035-B-4
“The center is required to obtain background checks from any state in which the individual has resided in the preceding five years. Staff #1, employed for 8 months, did not have documentation of requesting a central registry check from one state and no documentation of requesting a central registry check or criminal history check from a different state.”
Mar 11, 2024: subsidy health and safety inspection1 deficiency
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Based on record review, it was determined that the center did not ensure that all staff who work directly with children shall have within 90 days of the date of current certification in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) appropriate to the ages of children in care.
“Evidence: Staff #1(date of hire 11/6/2023) did not have a certification of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) or first aid in their record.”
Mar 11, 2024: inspection7 deficiencies
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Based on record review and interview, it was determined that the center did not ensure that they obtain a copy of the results of a criminal history record information check, a sex offender registry check, and a search of the child abuse and neglect registry or equivalent registry from any state in which the individual has resided in the preceding five years.
The inspectors’ words, 92 words
“Evidence: 1. Staff #1 (date of hire 11/06/2023), present at the center caring for children, signed on the Sworn Statement Disclosure on 11/01/2023, that they lived outside of the state of Virginia in the past five years. 2. Staff #2 (date of hire 02/12/2024), present at the center caring for children, signed on the Sworn Statement Disclosure on 02/08/2024, that they lived outside of the state of Virginia in the past five years. 3. There were no out of state background check results for Staff #1 and Staff #2 in their record.”
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Based on observation and interview, it was determined that the center did not ensure that the license and any other documents required by the Superintendent shall be posted in a conspicuous place on the licensed premises.
“Evidence: 1. The most recent violation notice from October 5, 2023, was not posted on the parent board. 2. Staff #1 (Assistant Director) confirmed that the most recent inspection from October 5, 2023, was not posted.”
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8Vac20-780-140 a
“Based on observation and interview, it was determined that the center did not 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. Child #1 was enrolled into the program on 9/4/2023 and did not have a physical in their child record. 2. Staff #1 (Assistant Director) confirmed that the child did not have a physical in their record.”
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Based on record review and interview, it was determined that the center did not ensure that documentation of the screening shall be submitted at the time of employment and prior to coming into contact with children.
“Evidence: 1. The record for Staff #1 did not contain documentation of a tuberculosis screening and was working with children at the time of the inspection. 2. Staff #1 confirmed that there was no documentation of a tuberculosis screening in the record.”
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Based on record review, it was determined that the center did not ensure that within 30 days of the first day of employment, staff must complete orientation training in first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), as appropriate to the age of the children in care.
“Evidence: Staff #1 was hired on 11/6/2023. There was no documentation of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) or first aid in the record.”
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Based on observation and interview, it was determined that the center did not ensure that hazardous substances such as cleaning materials be kept in a locked place using a safe locking method that prevents access by children.
“Evidence: 1. There was an unlocked cabinet with dish soap, shaving cream and a bottle liquid starch accessible to children. These all have warning labels to keep away from children. 2. Staff #1 (Assistant Director) confirmed that the items were unlocked and accessible to children.”
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Based on record review, it is was determined that the center did not ensure that documentation to demonstrate that the individual possesses the education, certification, and experience required by the job position.
“Evidence: The record of Staff #1 did not contain any documentation of program leader qualifications.”
Oct 5, 2023: inspection5 deficiencies
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8VAC20-780-130-A
“Based on record review and interview, it was determined that the center did not ensure to that each child has received the immunizations required by the State Board of Health before the child can attend the center. Evidence: 1. Child #1 (date of enrollment 9/05/2023) did not have the immunization documentation required prior to attendance in their record. 2. Staff #2 confirmed that Child #1 did not have their immunization records in their case record.”
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8VAC20-780-140-A
“Based on record review and interview, it was determined that the center did not 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. Child #1 (date of enrollment 9/5/2023) did not have a physical examination document in their record. 2. Staff #1 confirmed that Child #1 did not have a physical examination document in their record.”
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8VAC20-780-160-A
“Based on record review and interview, it was determined that the center did not ensure that each staff member shall submit documentation of a negative tuberculosis screening. The documentation of the screening shall be submitted at the time of employment and prior to coming into contact with children. Evidence: 1. Staff #2 did not have documentation of a negative tuberculosis screening. 2. Staff #1 confirmed that the record for Staff #2 was not complete and were missing items for their record.”
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8VAC20-780-550-D
“Based on record review and interview, it was determined that the center did not ensure to implement monthly practice evacuation drill. Evidence: 1. Staff #1 stated that there were no practice evacuation drills conducted for this school year of 2023-2024. 2. The fire drill log did not have a practice drill listed for September 2023.”
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8VAC20-780-70
“Based on record review and interview, it was determined that the center did not ensure that documentation of two or more references as to character and reputation as well as competency were checked before employment. Evidence: 1. Staff #2 (date of hire 10/05/23) had only one of the required two or more references as to character and reputation as well as competency were checked before employment. 2. Staff #1 confirmed that the record for Staff #2 was not complete and were missing items for their record.”
Oct 20, 2022: inspection3 deficiencies
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8VAC20-780-60-A
The inspectors’ words, 161 words
“8VAC20-780-60. A.3 Based on record review and interview, it was determined that the center did not ensure that each center shall maintain and keep a separate record for each child enrolled which shall contain the work phone number of each parent who has custody. Evidence: 1. Child #1 (date of enrollment 9/02/22) did not have their father’s work phone number in their record. 2. Child #2 (date of enrollment 9/02/22) did not have their mother’s work phone number in their record. 3. Child #3 (date of enrollment 9/02/22) did not have their parents? work phone number in their record. 4. Child #4 (date of enrollment 9/02/22) did not have their mother’s work phone number in their record. 5. Child #5 (date of enrollment 9/02/22) did not have their parents? work phone number in their record. 6. Staff #1 confirmed that Child #1, Child #2, Child #3, Child #4 and Child #5 did not have the work number of their custodial parent.”
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8VAC20-780-60-A
The inspectors’ words, 104 words
“8VAC20-780-60. A.5 Based on record review and interview, it was determined that the center did not ensure that each center shall maintain and keep a separate record for each child enrolled which shall contain the address of two designated people to call in an emergency of a parent cannot be reach. Evidence: 1. Child #3 did not have the addresses for their emergency contacts listed to their record. 2. Child #4 did not have the addresses for their emergency contacts listed to their record. 3. Staff #1 confirmed that Child #3 and Child #4 did not have the emergency contact addresses to their record.”
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8VAC20-780-60-A-8
The inspectors’ words, 143 words
“Based on record review and interview, it was determined that the center did not ensure that each enter shall keep at the center a separate record for each child enrolled which shall contain a written care plan 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: 1. Child # 5 does not have an allergy action care plan with instructions from a physician regarding the child’s food allergy. 2. Child # 6 does not have an allergy action care plan with instructions from a physician regarding the child’s allergy to shellfish. 3. Staff #1 confirmed that Child #5 and Child #6 does not have an allergy action care plan to their record.”
Feb 23, 2022: inspection10 deficiencies
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8VAC20-770-60-C-2
“Based on record review and interview it was determined the center did not ensure that each employee had a central registry finding within 30 days of employment. Evidence: 1. The record for staff #3 did not contain documentation of central registry findings. Staff #3 has been employed for more than 30 days. 2. Staff confirmed that this documentation was not available during this inspection.”
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8VAC20-780-130-A
“Based on record reviews and interviews it was determined 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: 1. The record for child #1, child #2, and child #3 did not contain documentation of immunization records. 2. Staff confirmed that the records for child #1, child #2, and child #3 did not contain immunizations.”
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8VAC20-780-140-A
“Based on record reviews and interviews it was determined the center did not ensure each child had a physical examination by or under the direction of a physician within the required time frame. Evidence: 1. The record for child #1, child #2, and child #3 did not contain documentation of a physical exam. 2. Staff confirmed that the records for child #1, child #2, and child #3 did not contain physical exams.”
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8VAC20-780-280-B
“Based on observation and interview it was determined the center did not ensure that all hazardous substances were kept in a locked place using a safe locking method that prevents access by children. Evidence: 1. There were several different chemicals in containers in an unlocked cabinet in the cafeteria where children were in care. 2. Staff confirmed that the lock does not work on the cabinet where chemicals are kept.”
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8VAC20-780-340-D
“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 #2 and staff #3 were the only staff on duty during this inspection. 2. The records for staff #2 and staff #3 did not contain documentation to demonstrate program leader qualifications. 3. Staff confirmed that this documentation was not available during this inspection.”
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8VAC20-780-550-A
“Based on record review and interview it was determined the center did not have a site specific written emergency preparedness plan. Evidence: 1. The emergency preparedness plan was not specific to the location, there were references to Maryland in the plan at the site. 2. Staff confirmed that this information was not site specific during this inspection.”
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8VAC20-780-60-A
The inspectors’ words, 100 words
“Based on record review and interview it was determined the center did not ensure children’s records contained all of the required documentation. Evidence: 1. The record for child #2(enrolled 9/6/21) did not contain addresses for the two required emergency contacts. 2. The record for child #3 did not contain first date of attendance and addresses for the two required emergency contacts. 2. 3 of 3 children’s records did not contain documentation of previous day care or schools attended by the child. 3. Staff confirmed this information was not available during this inspection. ( A-2 , Low likelihood / serious harm)”
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8VAC20-780-70
“Based on record review it was determined the center did not ensure that each staff record contained documentation to demonstrate that the individual received the orientation and training as required in 8VAC20-780-240 and 8VAC20-780-245. Evidence: 1. The record for staff #2(hired 3/23/21) did not contain signed and dated documentation of orientation. 2. The record for staff #3 did not contain date of hire and signed and dated documentation of orientation.”
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8VAC20-780-90-A
“Based on record review and interview it was determined the center did not ensure each child’s record contained signed written agreements between the parent and the center by the child’s first day of attendance as required. Evidence: 1. The record for child #2 did not contain the required written agreements. 2. Child #2 was in attendance during this inspection. 3. Staff confirmed this information was not available during this inspection.”
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8VAC20-820-120-E-2
“Based on observation and interview it was determined the center did not ensure that the findings of the most recent inspection of the center were posted on the premises. Evidence: 1. The results for the most recent inspection was not posted in the center. 2. Staff confirmed that the most recent inspection results were not posted.”
Oct 8, 2021: subsidy health and safety inspection1 deficiency
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22VAC40-665-580-B
“Based on record review and interview it was determined the center did not ensure that each staff member who work directly with children completed the required Virginia Preservice Training for Child Care staff within the first 90 days of employment. Evidence: 1. There was no documentation of the Virginia Preservice Training in the record for Staff #1 or Staff #2. 2. Staff confirmed that this documentation was not available during the inspection.”
Oct 1, 2021: inspection8 deficiencies
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22VAC40-185-130-A
“Based on record review and interview it was determined the center obtain documentation that each child has received the immunizations required by the State Board of Health before the child can attend the center. Evidence: 1. There was no documentation of immunization for child #2. 2. There was no documentation of immunization for child #3. 3. Staff confirmed that there was no immunization documentation available for child #2 and child #3 during this inspection. 4. Child #2 and child #3 were in attendance during this inspection.”
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22VAC40-185-140-A
The inspectors’ words, 103 words
“Based on record review and interview it was determined the center did not ensure each child had a physical exam by or under the direction of a physician within the required time frame. Evidence: 1. There was no documentation of physical exam for child #1(enrolled 9/27/21) 2.There was no documentation of physical exam for child #2. 3. There was no documentation of physical exam for child #3. 4. Staff confirmed that there was no physical exam documentation available for child #1, child #2, and child #3 during this inspection. 5. Child #1, child #2 and child #3 were in attendance during this inspection.”
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22VAC40-185-340-D
The inspectors’ words, 94 words
“Based on interview and observation it was determined the center did not ensure that each group of children had at least one staff member who meets the qualifications of a program leader or program director regularly present. Evidence: 1. Staff #1 was supervising 8 children during the inspection. A. Staff #1 reported they were the program leader. B. Staff #1 was unable to tell this inspector how they were qualified as a program leader. 2. There was no documentation in the record for staff #1 to demonstrate how they qualified as a program leader.”
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22VAC40-185-50-B
The inspectors’ words, 164 words
“Based on observation, interview, and record review it was determined the center did not maintain and make accessible records and reports on children and staff. Evidence: 1. The center failed to make accessible the required documents to initiate and complete the required inspection within the required time frame. 2. This inspector provided the center with the initial inspection request on 10/01/21. Inspector did not receive the requested information by the required 10/4/21. This inspector followed up on 10/6/21 and 10/8/21 regarding the initial inspection request. These documents were received on 10/8/21. 3. The record review request was sent on 10/8/21. Records were not made accessible by the required 10/12/21. Inspector followed up on 10/12/21, 10/21/21, 10/28/21, and 11/3/21. 4. As of 11/3/21 many of the documents requested were not received electronically and were unavailable during the virtual tour. 5. Inspector emailed and spoke with site director, area director, and regional manager in attempts to gain access to the documents needed to complete the inspection.”
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22VAC40-185-540-C
“Based on observation and interview it was determined that the center did not ensure first aid kit contained all the required items. Evidence: 1. There was no ice pack and first aid manual in the first aid kit. 2. Staff confirmed that these items were not present during this inspection.”
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22VAC40-185-60-A
“Based on record review and interview it was determined the center did not ensure that each child enrolled in the program had a record that contained all of the required components. Evidence: 1. There was no record available for child #2. 2. There was no record available for child #3. 3. Staff confirmed that these records could not be located for this inspection. 4. These children were in attendance during this inspection.”
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22VAC40-185-70-A
The inspectors’ words, 123 words
“Based on record review and interview it was determined the center did not ensure that each staff record contained all of the required components. Evidence: 1. The staff record for staff #1 did not contain documentation of the date of hire, 1 of the 2 required reference checks, and written information to demonstrate that the individual possesses the education, orientation training, staff development, certification, and experience required by the job position(program lead). 2. The record for staff #2 did not contain the employee’s job title, date of hire, and written information to demonstrate that the individual possesses the education, orientation training, staff development, certification, and experience required by the job position. 3. Staff confirmed that these records were not available during this inspection.”
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22VAC40-191-60-C-2
“Based on record review and interview it was determined the center did not ensure that each employee had a central registry finding within 30 days of employment. Evidence: 1. The record for staff #1 did not contain documentation of central registry findings. 2. Staff confirmed that this documentation was not available during this inspection.”
All 18 visits on record
| Date | Visit | What the record says |
|---|---|---|
| Sep 9, 2026 | Subsidy health and safety inspection | No violations cited |
| Jan 21, 2026 | Subsidy health and safety inspection | 2 violations cited |
| Oct 17, 2025 | Subsidy health and safety inspection | No violations cited |
| Oct 17, 2025 | Inspection | No violations cited |
| Mar 13, 2025 | Subsidy health and safety inspection | No violations cited |
| Mar 13, 2025 | Inspection | No violations cited |
| Oct 8, 2024 | Subsidy health and safety inspection | 1 violation cited |
| Oct 8, 2024 | Inspection | 3 violations cited |
| Mar 11, 2024 | Subsidy health and safety inspection | 1 violation cited |
| Mar 11, 2024 | Inspection | 7 violations cited |
| Oct 5, 2023 | Subsidy health and safety inspection | No violations cited |
| Oct 5, 2023 | Inspection | 5 violations cited |
| Oct 20, 2022 | Subsidy health and safety inspection | No violations cited |
| Oct 20, 2022 | Inspection | 3 violations cited |
| Feb 23, 2022 | Subsidy health and safety inspection | No violations cited |
| Feb 23, 2022 | Inspection | 10 violations cited |
| Oct 8, 2021 | Subsidy health and safety inspection | 1 violation cited |
| Oct 1, 2021 | Inspection | 8 violations cited |
Is it licensed?
- Child Day Center: Two Year license, expires Mar 2, 2028.
- A current subsidy provider.
- Ages: 4 years - 12 years.
- Capacity: 75 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?
- 0 complaint inspections on record.
- No complaint allegations published with findings.
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.
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 88 child care providers in the City of Portsmouth, the middle value for violations cited in the last three years was 12; this one had 14.
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 |
|---|---|
| AlphaBEST @ Churchland Elementary This child care provider | 14 |
| La Petite Academy #7139 | 20 |
| Mrs. Sheran Oliver | 12 |
| Christopher Academy | 4 |
| Dana Harris | 15 |
| LaShama Porter | 10 |
| Small Voices’ Academy | 15 |
| Raquel Owens | 42 |
| Sweethaven Baptist Church | 0 |
| Ms. Sonitha Blizzard | 5 |
| Scharlese Hicks | 12 |
| YMCA Child Care at Portsmouth YMCA | 47 |
| Ms. Clara Robinson | 5 |
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
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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.
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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.