VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES

Higher Horizons Early Head Start
6201 Leesburg Pike
Suite 5 and 8
Falls church, VA 22044
(571) 499-6642

Current Inspector: Lynette A Storr (703) 309-9153

Inspection Date: July 8, 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 (8VAC20-770) 20 Access to minor?s records 22.1 Background Checks Code, Carbon Monoxide 63.2 Child Abuse & Neglect 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.

Technical Assistance:

Reviewed 8VAC20-780-60: children's records and documentation of viewing proof of a child's identity and age and discussed fingerprint background checks during inspection. Effective January 1, 2026, child day programs and family day systems will be responsible for covering the cost of obtaining fingerprint based background checks. Please visit: https://www.childcare.virginia.gov/providers/what-s-new for more information.

Comments:

An unannounced, on-site monitoring inspection was initiated and completed on July 8, 2025, as a part of the licensure period. The on-site inspection began at 9:00 a.m. and ended at 10:15 a.m. The inspector reviewed compliance in the areas listed above. There were 27 children present and 15 staff. The inspector reviewed 5 children?s records and 5 staff records on-site. This inspection included document review, tour of the facility, 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. 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 (5) business days from today, which will be the close of business on July 16, 2025. A POC submitted after this date will not appear on the public website.

Violations:

Standard #:	22.1-289.035-A
Description:	The center is required to have employees undergo a background check every five years. The most recent central registry check and sworn disclosure statement for staff #4 was overdue by over 5 months.
Plan of Correction:	The Program Manager and HR personnel will utilize our database to development a 60-day reminder of background checks and sworn statements that are approaching expiration. The documents for staff #4 will be updated by August 1st, 2025.