Abracadabra Child Development Center
A child day center in Alexandria, Virginia 22301
700 Commonwealth Avenue, Alexandria, Virginia 22301. (703) 548-7796.
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
- 26 deficiencies in the last three years
- Jul 72026 the latest visit on record
- 86 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?
12 inspections on record, the latest on Jul 7, 2026.
26 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
26 deficiencies in 6 months of the last 36. Last cited Jul 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.
Jul 7, 2026: inspection2 deficiencies
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Hazardous substances such as cleaning materials shall be kept in a locked place using a safe locking method that prevents access by children.
“Two cans of disinfectant with warning labels, ?Keep out of reach of children,? were on a shelf in the four-year-old classroom, within reach of children.”
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When food is brought from home the food container shall be clearly dated.
“Three children’s food containers in the 3-year-old room were not dated, and two children’s food containers in the 2-year-old room were also not dated.”
Jan 12, 2026: inspection10 deficiencies
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The center is required to have agents of applicants for licensure,undergo a background check every five years.
“The most recent central registry check for agent #3 was overdue by a year and eleven months.”
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Every applicant for licensure and agent of an applicant for licensure shall provide a sworn statement disclosing whether they have been convicted of pending criminal charges for any offense within or outside the Commonwealth and whether or not he has been the subject of a founded complaint of child abuse or neglect within or outside the Commonwealth within 30 days of employment or service.
“Agent #1, #2, and #3 did not have a sworn statement on file at the time of inspection and have been in service since at least 2024.”
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Every applicant for licensure and agent of an applicant for licensure shall undergo a background check within 30 days of employment or service.
“The center did not obtain fingerprints for agent #3 who has been in service since at least 2024.”
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The center shall obtain documentation that each child has received the immunizations required by the State Board of Health before the child can attend the center.
“Child #5’s immunization record was dated ten days after their first day of care.”
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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 #2 TB was dated one month, seven days prior to date of employment and has been employed for four months.”
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A tuberculosis (TB) screening is required every two years from the last screening.
“Staff #2 updated screening was due 3 months ago. The updated screening has not yet been completed.”
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Hazardous substances must be in a locked place that prevents access by children.
“In the two year old classroom, the sanitizing solution was on the windowsill, out of reach of children.”
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The center shall implement a monthly practice evacuation drill.
“The last documented evacuation drill was in September 2025.”
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Shelter in place procedures shall be practiced a minimum of twice per year.
“Shelter-in-place drills were not conducted at least twice during 2025”
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Lockdown procedures shall be practiced at least annually.
“A lockdown drill was not conducted at least once during 2025.”
Sep 11, 2025: inspection3 deficiencies
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Staff shall complete orientation training on required topics prior to the staff member working alone with children and no later than seven days of the date of assuming job responsibilities.
“Staff #1 has been employed for 3 1/2 years and has not completed orientation training. Staff #2 has been employed for 8 months and has not completed orientation training. Staff #3 has been employed for 15 years and has not completed orientation training.”
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Each center shall maintain and keep at the center a separate record for each child enrolled that contains all of the required information.
“The record for seven children who were in care in September 2025 were missing the following required components: documentation of viewing proof of the child’s identity and age.”
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Each center shall maintain and keep at the center a separate record for each child enrolled which shall contain the first date of attendance.
“Seven children’s records did not have first date of attendance documented.”
Apr 25, 2025: inspection3 deficiencies
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8VAC20-780-240-A
“Staff are to complete the VDOE sponsored online orientation course within 90 days of hire. Staff #3 completed the course one month late.”
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8VAC20-780-40-J
“The center is requried to update at least annually injury prevention procedures based on documentation of injuires and a review of the activities and services. The center did not have documentation of annual injury prevention plan for 2024.”
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8VAC20-780-500-B
“A nonabsorbent surface for diapering or changing shall be used. The chanding pad in the 2’s classroom had ripes. The diaper changing pad was not nonabsorbent.”
Mar 18, 2024: inspection1 deficiency
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22.1-289.035-A
“Based on review of staff records, not all staff submitted to background checks every five years from their first day of employment. Evidence Staff #1 (date of hire 2/14/2019) has not submitted a new central registry search or fingerprint search every five years. Current searches expired 2/2019.”
Dec 6, 2023: inspection7 deficiencies
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8VAC20-780-160-A
“Based on a review of staff records, not all staff obtained documentation of a tuberculosis (TB) test within 30 days prior to employment.”
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8VAC20-780-280-B
“Based on an observation of the center, hazardous substances were not kept in a locked place using a safe locking method that prevents access by children.”
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8VAC20-780-40-G
“Based on a review of children’s records, the center did not meet the proof of child identity and age requirements.”
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8VAC20-780-520-A
“Based on observation of the center, nonprescription drugs and over-the-counter skin products were not used in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations. Over-the-counter medications were kept beyond the expiration date of the product.”
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8VAC20-780-520-C
“Based upon an observation of the center, diaper ointment or cream was not kept in a location inaccessible to children.”
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8VAC20-780-550-P
“Based upon a review of records for children’s serious and minor injuries, there was no documentation of future actions to prevent recurrence of the injury, or documentation of how the parent was notified.”
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8VAC20-780-560-G
“Based on an observation of the center, food containers from home were not clearly dated and labeled in a way that identifies the owner.”
Sep 25, 2023: inspection2 deficiencies
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8VAC20-780-340-F
“Based on staff interviews and statements, children under ten years of age were not always within actual sight and sound supervision of staff. Evidence Staff #1 was observed by staff #2 sleeping for approximately 3-6 minutes during the children’s naptime. Approximately 12 or the 14 children were asleep.”
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8VAC20-780-40-E
“Based on interviews and statements from staff, the operational responsibilities of the licensee did not ensure the center’s own policies and procedure were enforced. Evidence Staff #2 did not enforce the centers own policy and procedure. Center policy states staff members may not sleep in room where children are. Center policy states children must be supervised at all times. Staff #1 left children out of sight for approximately 3-6 minutes.”
May 8, 2023: inspection4 deficiencies
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8VAC20-780-160-C
“Based on review of staff records, two staff do not have documentation of a tuberculosis (TB) screening every two years. Evidence The TB screening documentation for staff #1 and #2 expired 4/2023.”
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8VAC20-780-420-B
“Based on review of children’s records, staff did not request at least annually parent confirmation that the required information in the child’s record is up to date for all records. Evidence The following children records were not updated annually: Child #1 last update 7/1/21 Child #2 last update7/12/21 Child #3 last update 9/13/21 Child #4 last update 7/18/21”
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8VAC20-780-520-B
“Based on observations, not all over the counter topicals were labeled with the child’s name. Evidence Over the counter topicals, located in the Genie classroom were not labeled with the child’s name.”
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8VAC20-780-560-G
“Based on observation, when food was brought from home, the food container shall be sealed and clearly dated and labeled in a way that identifies the owner. Evidence In every classroom, food was brought from home and not clearly dated and labeled in a way that identifies the owner.”
Nov 14, 2022: inspection7 deficiencies
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22.1-289.058
“Based on observation and interview with staff, the child day program does not have a carbon monoxide detector. Evidence The child day program is located in two buildings, carbon monoxide detectors were not observed in either building.’”
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8VAC20-770-60-C-2
“Based on review of staff records, the child day program does not have a central registry finding within 30 days of first day of employment. Evidence Staff #1 (first day of employment 9/22/22), did not have a central registry finding within 30 days of first day of employment.”
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8VAC20-780-500-B
The inspectors’ words, 146 words
“Based on observation and interviews with staff, the diapering surface is not being cleaned and sanitized per Virginia Licensing Standards after each diaper change. The disposal diapers are not being disposed of 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 Evidence The diapering surfaces in the the lower level classroom and the church building hallway are not being sprayed or dipped with a solution of soap and water, patted dry, then sprayed or dipped with a solution of bleach and water and allowed to air dry The garbage cans located in the lower level classroom and in church building are not hands-free and do not allow you to dispose of a diaper without touching the garbage pail.”
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8VAC20-780-510-B
“Based on review of medications, a prescription medication was given to a child without authorization. Evidence Albuterol was administered to child # 3 twice on August 9, 2022 and twice on August 10, 2022 without written parental or physician authorization.”
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8VAC20-780-520-C
“Based on observation, diaper ointment or cream located in the lower level classroom was not labeled with the child’s name.”
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8VAC20-780-60-A
The inspectors’ words, 93 words
“Based on review of children’s records, the center did not maintain a complete record for each child. Evidence The record for child # 2 (first day of attendance 8/14/22) did not contain information on the child’s name, address, phone number, parental information, emergency contacts, or health information. The record for child #1 (first day of attendance 7/25/22 did not contain documentation that the proof of identity was reviewed by staff. The record for child #3 (first day of attendance 4/21/18) did not contain documentation that the proof of identity was reviewed by staff.”
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8VAC20-820-120-E-1
“Based on observation the last licensing inspection was not posted. It should be displayed next to the license that states a description of specific violations of licensing standards to be corrected and the deadline for completion of such corrections. Evidence The current inspection posted was dated December 1, 2021, the last inspection conducted was May 10, 2022.”
May 10, 2022: inspection2 deficiencies
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Based on file review documentation of TB screening was not submitted at time of employment.
“Evidence: Staff file #1 did not contain documentation of TB screening before first day of employment.”
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Based on file review of 5 children’s records, 4 records did not contain documentation of viewing proof of child’s identity and age.
“Evidence: The records of children #1, #2, #3 and #4 did not contain documentation of viewing proof of child’s identity and age.”
All 12 visits on record
| Date | Visit | What the record says |
|---|---|---|
| Jul 7, 2026 | Inspection | 2 violations cited |
| Jan 12, 2026 | Inspection | 10 violations cited |
| Sep 11, 2025 | Inspection | 3 violations cited |
| Apr 25, 2025 | Inspection | 3 violations cited |
| Nov 18, 2024 | Inspection | No violations cited |
| Mar 18, 2024 | Inspection | 1 violation cited |
| Dec 6, 2023 | Inspection | 7 violations cited |
| Sep 25, 2023 | Inspection | 2 violations cited |
| May 8, 2023 | Inspection | 4 violations cited |
| Nov 14, 2022 | Inspection | 7 violations cited |
| May 10, 2022 | Inspection | 2 violations cited |
| Dec 1, 2021 | Inspection | No violations cited |
Is it licensed?
- Child Day Center: Two Year license, expires Jan 28, 2026.
- Ages: 1 year 8 months - 8 years 11 months.
- Capacity: 86 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 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 26.
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 |
|---|---|
| Abracadabra Child Development Center This child care provider | 26 |
| The Campagna Center - George Washington Early Childhood | 2 |
| Emmanuel Episcopal Church | 2 |
| YMCA Alexandria | 73 |
| The Nest Academy | 15 |
| Discovery Time Learning Center | 0 |
| Yolanda Acho | 15 |
| ChildSpace Learning Center | 34 |
| Madison Day School | 25 |
| Marco Quino | 5 |
| Discovery Time Learning Academy | 6 |
| Discovery Time STEM and Daycare of Alexandria, LLC | 0 |
| Children’s House Montessori School - Alexandria | 12 |
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.