VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES

First Steps Learning Center LLC
8146 Elm Street
Mechanicsville, VA 23111
(804) 789-1870

Current Inspector: Sharon Curlee (804) 840-8312

Inspection Date: June 3, 2025

Complaint Related: No

Areas Reviewed:

8VAC20-780 Administration. 8VAC20-780 Staff Qualifications and Training. 8VAC20-780 Physical Plant. 8VAC20-780 Staffing and Supervision. 8VAC20-780 Programs. 8VAC20-780 Special Care Provisions and Emergencies 8VAC20-780 Special Services. 8VAC20-820 THE LICENSE. 8VAC20-820 THE LICENSING PROCESS. 8VAC20-820 HEARINGS PROCEDURES. 8VAC20-770 Background Checks 63.2 Child Abuse & Neglect 22.1 Early Childhood Care and Education 20 Access to minor?s records 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.

Comments:

An unannounced, on-site monitoring inspection was initiated on June 3, 2025, and completed on June 3, 2025, as a part of the licensure period. The on-site inspection began at 10:00 am and ended at 12:45 pm. The inspector reviewed compliance in the areas listed above. There were 17 children present and four staff. The inspector reviewed five children?s records and four staff records on-site. This inspection included document review, tour of the facility, interviews, and observations. Information gathered during the inspection determined non-compliance with applicable standards or law, and violations are documented on the violation notice issued to the program.

Violations:

Standard #:	22.1-289.035-B-4
Description:	The center is required to obtain background checks from any state in which the individual has resided in the preceding five years. Staff #4, employed for two months, did not have documentation of requesting a central registry check and a criminal history record check from a state they resided in the preceding five years.
Plan of Correction:	Per the owner: I will request the out of state background checks today.
Standard #:	8VAC20-780-160-A
Description:	Each staff member shall submit documentation of a negative tuberculosis screening at the time of employment and prior to coming into contact with children. The documentation shall have been completed within the last 30 calendar days of the date of employment and be signed by a physician, physician's designee, or an official of the local health department. The record of staff #4 contained documentation of a TB screening that was completed two months prior to the date of employment.
Plan of Correction:	Per the owner: I will have staff update the TB. Going forward, we will not accept TB's older than 30 days.
Standard #:	8VAC20-780-60-A
Description:	The center shall maintain and 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. Child #9, with a diagnosed food allergy, did not have a written allergy care plan from a physician.
Plan of Correction:	Per the owner: I will ask the parent today to get a doctor's signed copy of the allergy care plan.
Standard #:	8VAC20-780-70
Description:	Repeat Staff records shall be kept for each staff person and contain all required documentation. 1. The record of staff #1, employed for 1 month and 28 days, did not contain documentation to demonstrate that the individual possesses the orientation as required. 2. The record of staff #2, employed for 1 month, did not contain documentation to demonstrate that the individual possesses the orientation as required.
Plan of Correction:	Per the owner: we reviewed everything at hire, i just didn't complete the paperwork. i will review with staff and complete them sign.
Standard #:	8VAC20-780-260-B
Description:	After the first license, annual approval from the health department shall be provided for meeting requirements for food service. The center is currently providing meals and did not obtain a food establishment inspection from the health department.
Plan of Correction:	Per the owner: I will give parents notice that the food policy is changing and have them provide meals. I will also check with the health department about getting an inspection if it is better to serve food from the center.
Standard #:	8VAC20-780-570-B
Description:	Bottles shall not be propped or used while the child is in his designated sleeping location. Two infants were observed drink a bottle while laying in their crib during the inspection on June 3, 2025.
Plan of Correction:	Per the owner: I will not allow bottles in the cribs. I will review this with staff.