Inspection · 2025-10-27
Date
2025-10-27
Complaint Related
Yes
Licensing Inspector
Emily Walsh
(757) 404-2575
(757) 404-2575
SHSIA monitoring inspection of an approved subsidy vendor to determine compliance with current subsidy requirements regarding the health and safety of children and to promote quality standards for the children in their care.
No
Areas Reviewed
Areas of Standards Reviewed:
8VAC20-780 Administration.
8VAC20-780 Physical Plant.
8VAC20-780 Staffing and Supervision.
8VAC20-780 Programs.
8VAC20-780 Special Care Provisions and Emergencies
8VAC20-780 Special Services.
During the inspection, the inspector reviewed the areas listed above to include standards found out of compliance during the previous inspection. Unless otherwise noted as a violation within this inspection report, the provider was in compliance with the standards reviewed. If there were any serious injuries or fatalities related to a violation, the details will be included in the description of the violation.
Inspector Notes
An unannounced inspection was initiated and completed on 10/27/2025 in response to a complaint received by the licensing office on 10/9/2025 relating to allegations of physical plant, supervision, behavior management and hygiene.
This inspection included:
? tour of the facility,
? interviews, and
? observations.
The preponderance of evidence gathered during the investigation supports the allegations; therefore, the complaint is determined to be valid. Information gathered during the inspection determined non-compliance with applicable standards or law, and the violations are documented on the violation notice issued to the program.
Please complete the plan of correction (POC) and date to be corrected sections for each violation cited on the violation notice. Specify how the violation will be or has been corrected. Submit your POC within five business days from today, which will be the close of business on November 10, 2025. A POC submitted after this date will not appear on the public website.
Violations
14Standard 8VAC20-780-270-A
Repeat violation.
Areas and equipment of the center, inside and outside, shall be maintained in a clean, safe and operable condition.
The floor in the Minnows classroom is dirty and sticky. The area carpets are stained and dirty. The carpets have rolled edges and buckling areas creating tripping hazards. The walls show dirt and grime where hands have rubbed along the wall. The vinyl covered stacking climbers are dirty.
There are broken toys in the Minnows room.
There is a broken gate in the Starfish room with sharp edges.
The carpets in the Clownfish classroom have rolled edges and are stained and dirty.
Areas and equipment of the center, inside and outside, shall be maintained in a clean, safe and operable condition.
The floor in the Minnows classroom is dirty and sticky. The area carpets are stained and dirty. The carpets have rolled edges and buckling areas creating tripping hazards. The walls show dirt and grime where hands have rubbed along the wall. The vinyl covered stacking climbers are dirty.
There are broken toys in the Minnows room.
There is a broken gate in the Starfish room with sharp edges.
The carpets in the Clownfish classroom have rolled edges and are stained and dirty.
Plan of Correction: Facility response:
?
Cleaning Services: Administration has retained a professional cleaning service to perform a comprehensive deep cleaning of the facility twice monthly.
?
Updated Cleaning Guidelines: Nap-time and closing cleaning protocols have been revised and implemented in all classrooms.
?
Staff Training and Oversight: A meeting was conducted with all lead staff to review and reinforce standards for cleanliness, safety, and maintenance.
?
Carpet Maintenance: All carpets within the facility are either being professionally cleaned or replaced. Carpets that remain in acceptable condition have been secured with carpet stickers along the outer edges to prevent tripping hazards.
?
Immediate Violation Corrections:
?
Vinyl covers will be cleaned twice daily, following nap-time and at closing.
?
Broken toys and a damaged gate with sharp edges were immediately discarded.
?
Staff have been reminded to remain vigilant for any additional hazards, including sharp edges, throughout the day.
?
Cleaning Services: Administration has retained a professional cleaning service to perform a comprehensive deep cleaning of the facility twice monthly.
?
Updated Cleaning Guidelines: Nap-time and closing cleaning protocols have been revised and implemented in all classrooms.
?
Staff Training and Oversight: A meeting was conducted with all lead staff to review and reinforce standards for cleanliness, safety, and maintenance.
?
Carpet Maintenance: All carpets within the facility are either being professionally cleaned or replaced. Carpets that remain in acceptable condition have been secured with carpet stickers along the outer edges to prevent tripping hazards.
?
Immediate Violation Corrections:
?
Vinyl covers will be cleaned twice daily, following nap-time and at closing.
?
Broken toys and a damaged gate with sharp edges were immediately discarded.
?
Staff have been reminded to remain vigilant for any additional hazards, including sharp edges, throughout the day.
Standard 8VAC20-780-280-B
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.
There were the following unlocked hazardous substances:
- sanitizing fluid in an unlocked cabinet under the infant changing table
-containers of sanitizing wipes stored on the bottom 2 open shelves on a unit in the central hallway
- sanitizing fluid and diaper creams stored in a cabinet above the changing table in the Starfish classroom that did not have the childproof latch engaged.
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.
There were the following unlocked hazardous substances:
- sanitizing fluid in an unlocked cabinet under the infant changing table
-containers of sanitizing wipes stored on the bottom 2 open shelves on a unit in the central hallway
- sanitizing fluid and diaper creams stored in a cabinet above the changing table in the Starfish classroom that did not have the childproof latch engaged.
Plan of Correction: Facility response:
On 10/28/25, administration conducted a walkthrough of the facility to verify that all classrooms were equipped with the appropriate childproofing measures required for compliance. During this review, staff were also reminded that all hazardous substances must be securely locked away when not in use. 8VAC20-780-(2)-80
On 10/28/25, administration conducted a walkthrough of the facility to verify that all classrooms were equipped with the appropriate childproofing measures required for compliance. During this review, staff were also reminded that all hazardous substances must be securely locked away when not in use. 8VAC20-780-(2)-80
Standard 8VAC20-780-290-A-3
Electrical outlets shall have protective covers that are of a size that cannot be swallowed by children.
There is an uncapped electrical outlet in the Minnows classroom.
There is an uncapped electrical outlet in the Minnows classroom.
Plan of Correction: Facility response:
On 10/28/25, administration conducted a walkthrough of the facility to verify that all classrooms were equipped with the appropriate childproofing measures required for compliance.
On 10/28/25, administration conducted a walkthrough of the facility to verify that all classrooms were equipped with the appropriate childproofing measures required for compliance.
Standard 8VAC20-780-340-A
When staff are supervising children, they shall always ensure their care, protection, and guidance.
When asked, the staff in the Minnows classroom stated that they had 9 children in care when in fact they had ten children in care.
Staff in the Clownfish did not know why there were 18 children on the attendance sheet but nineteen children in attendance due to a child moving up to the classroom who was not added to the attendance sheet.
After nap time, a child in the Minnows classroom was observed eating a leftover meatball from the floor as the floor was not adequately cleaned after lunch. Staff were unaware the child was eating from the floor until it was mentioned by the inspector.
Children in the Minnows classroom were eating lunch without either staff speaking with them nor assisting them with eating.
Children in the Sea Turtles classroom were eating their lunch while both staff on duty were placing cots around the room for nap time.
When asked, the staff in the Minnows classroom stated that they had 9 children in care when in fact they had ten children in care.
Staff in the Clownfish did not know why there were 18 children on the attendance sheet but nineteen children in attendance due to a child moving up to the classroom who was not added to the attendance sheet.
After nap time, a child in the Minnows classroom was observed eating a leftover meatball from the floor as the floor was not adequately cleaned after lunch. Staff were unaware the child was eating from the floor until it was mentioned by the inspector.
Children in the Minnows classroom were eating lunch without either staff speaking with them nor assisting them with eating.
Children in the Sea Turtles classroom were eating their lunch while both staff on duty were placing cots around the room for nap time.
Plan of Correction: Facility response:
Whiteboards: Administration added new whiteboards to all classrooms. Staff were reminded to update the boards during child drop-off and pick-up times to ensure accurate communication with families and staff.
?
Attendance: All staff were reminded to verify the accuracy of attendance sheets upon receiving them. The Clownfish classroom was provided with an updated attendance worksheet at the end of the day.
?
Cleaning and Sanitization: Staff were reminded to maintain diligence during lunch cleanup to ensure all meal areas are properly cleaned and sanitized before the next meal service begins.
?
Meal Engagement: Administration visited all classrooms that participate in mealtimes to demonstrate ways to actively engage with children during meals.
?
Schedules: All classroom schedules were updated to emphasize that engaging with children is the primary focus during mealtimes. Staff were reminded that other classroom tasks should not be completed during these times.
Whiteboards: Administration added new whiteboards to all classrooms. Staff were reminded to update the boards during child drop-off and pick-up times to ensure accurate communication with families and staff.
?
Attendance: All staff were reminded to verify the accuracy of attendance sheets upon receiving them. The Clownfish classroom was provided with an updated attendance worksheet at the end of the day.
?
Cleaning and Sanitization: Staff were reminded to maintain diligence during lunch cleanup to ensure all meal areas are properly cleaned and sanitized before the next meal service begins.
?
Meal Engagement: Administration visited all classrooms that participate in mealtimes to demonstrate ways to actively engage with children during meals.
?
Schedules: All classroom schedules were updated to emphasize that engaging with children is the primary focus during mealtimes. Staff were reminded that other classroom tasks should not be completed during these times.
Standard 8VAC20-780-350-B-1
The ratio of staff to children from birth up to 16 months is 1:4 (staff:children).
At 2:45 PM there were 9 children of whom the youngest child was 15 months in care with 2 staff in the Minnows classroom.
At 2:45 PM there were 9 children of whom the youngest child was 15 months in care with 2 staff in the Minnows classroom.
Plan of Correction: Facility response:
On 10/27/25, administration was informed that children are not permitted to transition to the next age group within 30 days of their upcoming birthday.
On 10/27/25, administration was informed that children are not permitted to transition to the next age group within 30 days of their upcoming birthday.
Standard 8VAC20-780-380-A-2
Centers operating five or more hours per day shall have a designated rest period for at least on hour but no more than two hours.
Children were observed on their cots for rest period at 12:00 noon. Staff stated that the children sleep until 2:30 PM. Staff 1 confirmed that nap time is for 2 to 2 1/2 hours each day.
Children were observed on their cots for rest period at 12:00 noon. Staff stated that the children sleep until 2:30 PM. Staff 1 confirmed that nap time is for 2 to 2 1/2 hours each day.
Plan of Correction: Facility response:
On 10/28/25, administration updated all schedules to ensure compliance with licensing guidelines. The updated schedule is as follows:
?
11:00 am ? 11:30 am: Lunch
?
11:30 am ? 12:00 pm: Preparing for nap (laying out cots, re-checking pull-ups and/or diapers)
?
12:00 pm ? 2:00 pm: Nap time, during which staff will take breaks and sanitize classrooms
On 10/28/25, administration updated all schedules to ensure compliance with licensing guidelines. The updated schedule is as follows:
?
11:00 am ? 11:30 am: Lunch
?
11:30 am ? 12:00 pm: Preparing for nap (laying out cots, re-checking pull-ups and/or diapers)
?
12:00 pm ? 2:00 pm: Nap time, during which staff will take breaks and sanitize classrooms
Standard 8VAC20-780-40-E
The operational responsibilities of the licensee shall include ensuring that the center's activities, services, and facilities are maintained in compliance with these standards and the center's own policies and procedures that are required by these standards.
Violations were found in six out of the eight areas of the standards for licensed child day
centers to include administration, physical plant, staffing and supervision, programs, special
care provisions and emergencies, and special services. Violations cited require the authority ,
resources or supervision of a licensee and impact the care, safety and wellbeing of the
children enrolled.
Violations are cited in the areas of administration, staffing and supervision, programs, special care provisions and special services, and require a level of responsibility, knowledge,
skills, and/or abilities beyond those of the direct care staff or aides.
Violations were found in six out of the eight areas of the standards for licensed child day
centers to include administration, physical plant, staffing and supervision, programs, special
care provisions and emergencies, and special services. Violations cited require the authority ,
resources or supervision of a licensee and impact the care, safety and wellbeing of the
children enrolled.
Violations are cited in the areas of administration, staffing and supervision, programs, special care provisions and special services, and require a level of responsibility, knowledge,
skills, and/or abilities beyond those of the direct care staff or aides.
Plan of Correction: Facility response:
The Center Director will review compliance documents monthly and maintain a log of observations and corrective actions. Reports will be reviewed quarterly in staff meetings to ensure sustained compliance.
The Center Director will review compliance documents monthly and maintain a log of observations and corrective actions. Reports will be reviewed quarterly in staff meetings to ensure sustained compliance.
Standard 8VAC20-780-400-A
In order to promote the child's physical, intellectual, emotional, and social well-being and growth, staff shall interact with the child and one another to provide needed help, comfort, and support.
Staff in both the Minnows and Sea Turtles classrooms were observed taking care of routine duties in the classroom while not interacting with the children at all except to tell the children who were exhibiting undesirable behavior to stop. No guidance or assistance was given.
Staff in both the Minnows and Sea Turtles classrooms were observed taking care of routine duties in the classroom while not interacting with the children at all except to tell the children who were exhibiting undesirable behavior to stop. No guidance or assistance was given.
Plan of Correction: Facility response:
Administration met with all lead teachers on November 4, 2025, to provide training on classroom management and teacher sensitivity. The purpose of the training was to ensure that all teachers consistently offer help, comfort, and support to every child, especially during challenging moments.
Administration also reminded staff that they are encouraged to seek assistance and guidance from administration at any time throughout the day.
Administration met with all lead teachers on November 4, 2025, to provide training on classroom management and teacher sensitivity. The purpose of the training was to ensure that all teachers consistently offer help, comfort, and support to every child, especially during challenging moments.
Administration also reminded staff that they are encouraged to seek assistance and guidance from administration at any time throughout the day.
Standard 8VAC20-780-500-A
Repeat violation
Children's hands shall be washed with soap and running water or disposable wipes before and after eating meals or snacks.
The children in the Minnows and Sea Turtles classrooms did not wash their hands after eating lunch.
The children in the Clownfish classroom went to sit on the carpet, interacting and touching each other without washing their hands after afternoon snack.
Children's hands shall be washed with soap and running water or disposable wipes before and after eating meals or snacks.
The children in the Minnows and Sea Turtles classrooms did not wash their hands after eating lunch.
The children in the Clownfish classroom went to sit on the carpet, interacting and touching each other without washing their hands after afternoon snack.
Plan of Correction: Facility response:
A mass message was sent to all staff, and meetings were held with lead staff to explain the importance of handwashing and to remind everyone to wash their hands before and after all meals.
A mass message was sent to all staff, and meetings were held with lead staff to explain the importance of handwashing and to remind everyone to wash their hands before and after all meals.
Standard 8VAC20-780-500-B
Repeat violation.
A nonabsorbent surface shall be used for diapering or changing. For children younger than three years, this surface shall be a changing table or countertop designated for changing.
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 the exterior surface of the storage system during disposal. The diapering surface shall only be used for diapering and cleaning children.
Staff in the Sea Turtles classroom were observed changing children standing in the bathroom. No diaper changing surface was used.
Staff 2 was observed changing diapers. She used her hands to reach over the half door to the closet and lift up the lid on the diaper disposal system to dispose of the soiled diaper.
There was a play hamburger, a magnetic builder and a child's sock on the changing table in the Starfish classroom.
A nonabsorbent surface shall be used for diapering or changing. For children younger than three years, this surface shall be a changing table or countertop designated for changing.
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 the exterior surface of the storage system during disposal. The diapering surface shall only be used for diapering and cleaning children.
Staff in the Sea Turtles classroom were observed changing children standing in the bathroom. No diaper changing surface was used.
Staff 2 was observed changing diapers. She used her hands to reach over the half door to the closet and lift up the lid on the diaper disposal system to dispose of the soiled diaper.
There was a play hamburger, a magnetic builder and a child's sock on the changing table in the Starfish classroom.
Plan of Correction: Facility response:
?
Safety First for Potty Training: Even when children are actively potty training and just needing a quick check or change of soiled underwear, staff must still use the designated diaper changing surface. This is a critical safety protocol to prevent falls and ensure sanitary procedures are followed consistently.
?
Optimized Changing Area Setup:
o
The trash can near the closet was removed.
o
A new trash can was placed to the left of the changing table (specifically in Staff 2's area). This relocation is likely intended to make the disposal of gloves and soiled items more immediate and convenient, improving the flow and cleanliness of the changing process.
?
Clear Changing Surface: Staff were explicitly reminded that items should not be stored on the changing table. The changing surface must remain clear of clutter to prevent cross-contamination, ensure a safe space for the child, and allow for proper sanitization before and after each use.
These steps help maintain a high standard of health and safety for the children while reinforcing the proper protocols for staff, even during the transition phase of potty training.
?
Safety First for Potty Training: Even when children are actively potty training and just needing a quick check or change of soiled underwear, staff must still use the designated diaper changing surface. This is a critical safety protocol to prevent falls and ensure sanitary procedures are followed consistently.
?
Optimized Changing Area Setup:
o
The trash can near the closet was removed.
o
A new trash can was placed to the left of the changing table (specifically in Staff 2's area). This relocation is likely intended to make the disposal of gloves and soiled items more immediate and convenient, improving the flow and cleanliness of the changing process.
?
Clear Changing Surface: Staff were explicitly reminded that items should not be stored on the changing table. The changing surface must remain clear of clutter to prevent cross-contamination, ensure a safe space for the child, and allow for proper sanitization before and after each use.
These steps help maintain a high standard of health and safety for the children while reinforcing the proper protocols for staff, even during the transition phase of potty training.
Standard 8VAC20-780-560-F
When centers choose to provide meals or snacks, they shall follow the most recent, age appropriate nutritional requirements of the Child and Adult Care Food Program of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).
The children were served only one food group component when served only goldfish crackers and water for afternoon snack.
The children were served only one food group component when served only goldfish crackers and water for afternoon snack.
Plan of Correction: Facility response:
During the inspection, the kitchen ran out of juice after breakfast. Administration was reminded to order sufficient quantities of all items to ensure the kitchen and facility can operate smoothly.
During the inspection, the kitchen ran out of juice after breakfast. Administration was reminded to order sufficient quantities of all items to ensure the kitchen and facility can operate smoothly.
Standard 8VAC20-780-560-F-4
Children three years of age or younger may not be offered foods that are considered to be potential choking hazards.
Two and three year old children were served mini meatballs - potential choking hazards- that were not cut into pieces to minimize choking risk.
Two and three year old children were served mini meatballs - potential choking hazards- that were not cut into pieces to minimize choking risk.
Plan of Correction: Facility response:
Administration and the cook were informed of the potential choking hazard for children ages 1 to 5 years. Moving forward, all potential choking hazards will be cut appropriately each day for all classrooms.
Administration and the cook were informed of the potential choking hazard for children ages 1 to 5 years. Moving forward, all potential choking hazards will be cut appropriately each day for all classrooms.
Standard 8VAC20-780-560-L
Staff shall sit with children during meal times.
None of the staff in the Minnows classroom or the Sea Turtles classroom sat with the children during lunch.
None of the staff in the Minnows classroom or the Sea Turtles classroom sat with the children during lunch.
Plan of Correction: Facility response:
?
Enhanced Learning: Meal times become natural opportunities for conversations, vocabulary building, and discussions about food groups, colors, and textures.
?
Stronger Relationships: Staff building deeper connections with the children by sitting with them, listening, and responding to their cues.
?
Improved Behavior: Active engagement often leads to a calmer, more focused meal environment, reducing potential behavior issues that can arise when children feel ignored or rushed.
?
Clearer Expectations: Updating the schedules ensures that engaging is a primary, protected task, preventing staff from multitasking or using the time for non-child related duties.
?
Enhanced Learning: Meal times become natural opportunities for conversations, vocabulary building, and discussions about food groups, colors, and textures.
?
Stronger Relationships: Staff building deeper connections with the children by sitting with them, listening, and responding to their cues.
?
Improved Behavior: Active engagement often leads to a calmer, more focused meal environment, reducing potential behavior issues that can arise when children feel ignored or rushed.
?
Clearer Expectations: Updating the schedules ensures that engaging is a primary, protected task, preventing staff from multitasking or using the time for non-child related duties.
Standard 8VAC20-780-80-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.
At 11:00 AM, there were ten children in the Minnows classroom, however only 7 children were checked present on the written attendance record.
At lunch time, there were 19 children present in the preschool classroom and only 18 children checked in on the attendance sheet.
There was no attendance sheet currently in use in the mobile infant classroom.
The classroom attendance sheets are not up to date with the current names of children. Children's names are added in the margins.
At 11:00 AM, there were ten children in the Minnows classroom, however only 7 children were checked present on the written attendance record.
At lunch time, there were 19 children present in the preschool classroom and only 18 children checked in on the attendance sheet.
There was no attendance sheet currently in use in the mobile infant classroom.
The classroom attendance sheets are not up to date with the current names of children. Children's names are added in the margins.
Plan of Correction: Facility response:
Attendance sheets will be completed daily by 12:15 PM to accommodate children who attend public school and arrive at the facility via the school bus at that time. Staff were reminded that, in addition to using Brightwheel as the electronic attendance tracker, the physical attendance sheets must also be updated daily.
During the inspection, the infant classroom did have an attendance sheet available in the classroom, located on the refrigerator. Moving forward, any child who begins attending the facility or transitions to a new classroom after the first of the month will be manually added to the attendance sheet.
Attendance sheets will be completed daily by 12:15 PM to accommodate children who attend public school and arrive at the facility via the school bus at that time. Staff were reminded that, in addition to using Brightwheel as the electronic attendance tracker, the physical attendance sheets must also be updated daily.
During the inspection, the infant classroom did have an attendance sheet available in the classroom, located on the refrigerator. Moving forward, any child who begins attending the facility or transitions to a new classroom after the first of the month will be manually added to the attendance sheet.