VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES

Strong Foundation Academy
17926 Main Street
Dumfries, VA 22026
(703) 441-7828

Current Inspector: Angela Dudek (804) 629-8167

Inspection Date: Nov. 19, 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 20 Access to minor?s records 22.1 Early Childhood Care and Education 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.

Comments:

An unannounced, on-site monitoring inspection was initiated and completed on 11-19-25. The on-site inspection began at 12:00pm and ended at 1:35pm. The inspector reviewed compliance in the areas listed above. There were 26 children present and 5 staff. The inspector reviewed 4 children?s records and 5 staff records on-site. This inspection included document review, tour of the facility, interviews, observations, and measurements. The Provider requested a measurement of playground dimensions in addition to the inspection so this was completed as a part of the monitoring inspection. 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 11-28-25. A POC submitted after this date will not appear on the public website.

Violations:

Standard #:	22.1-289.035-B-4
Description:	The Provider is required to request a check of the criminal history record, the central registry record and the sex offender registry record from all states in which staff members have resided within the last five years prior to employment. The record for Staff #3 did not contain documentation that a criminal history record check, a central registry check or a sex offender registry clearance from all states where they resided within the last five years was requested prior to employment.
Plan of Correction:	During the inspection, Staff #3 mistakenly stated that she had stayed" in Califomia, which was interpreted as out-of-state residency. Following clarification with the staff member, it was confirmed that she has been a Virginia resident and never formally resided or established domicile in California. She had temporarily stayed with her sister for short periods while assisting her on a family matter, but this did not constitute out--of-state residence requiring additional background checks. The misunderstanding arose from a language barrier, and the staff member clarified the information immediately after the inspection. To prevent future miscommunication, all new hires will complete a written residency attestation, and the Director will conduct a verbal verification using clear, translated language when appropriate. Any future statements regarding prior locations will be reviewed to determine whether they constitute actual residency under the regulatory definition.
Standard #:	22.1-289.035-B-4
Description:	The Provider is required to request a check of the criminal history record, the central registry record and the sex offender registry record from all states in which staff members have resided within the last five years prior to employment. The record for Staff #3 did not contain documentation that a criminal history record check, a central registry check or a sex offender registry clearance from all states where they resided within the last five years was requested prior to employment.
Plan of Correction:	taken care of it
Standard #:	8VAC20-780-160-C
Description:	The Center is required to obtain documentation of a negative tuberculosis (TB) test or screening for staff every 2 years from the date of the initial screening or testing. 1)An updated TB test for Staff #1 was completed 5 weeks after it was due. 2)An updated TB test for Staff #2 was completed 2 weeks after it was due.
Plan of Correction:	Not available online. Contact Inspector for more information.
Standard #:	8VAC20-780-160-C
Description:	The Center is required to obtain documentation of a negative tuberculosis (TB) test or screening for staff every 2 years from the date of the initial screening or testing. 1)An updated TB test for Staff #1 was completed 5 weeks after it was due. 2)An updated TB test for Staff #2 was completed 2 weeks after it was due.
Plan of Correction:	Staff #1 and Staff #2 each obtained updated negative TB screening results immediately upon returning from extended leave, and both results were placed in their respective files on the same date. Although both staff were not working during the period in which the screenings expired and presented their negative results prior to coming back no contact with the children, thus being in Compliance with the Code, We acknowledge the requirement that updated screenings must be documented every two years.
Standard #:	8VAC20-780-330-B
Description:	(Repeat Violation) The Provider is required to ensure that the required resilient surfacing surrounding playground equipment with moving parts or climbing apparatus created a sufficient fall zone. On the playground, there is a straight slide that is 33 inches in height with less than 1 inch of wood chips at the end of the slide instead of the required 6 inches.
Plan of Correction:	Not available online. Contact Inspector for more information.
Standard #:	8VAC20-780-330-B
Description:	(Repeat Violation) The Provider is required to ensure that the required resilient surfacing surrounding playground equipment with moving parts or climbing apparatus created a sufficient fall zone. On the playground, there is a straight slide that is 33 inches in height with less than 1 inch of wood chips at the end of the slide instead of the required 6 inches.
Plan of Correction:	The required depth of resilient surfacing under and around the 33-inch slide was restored immediately following the inspection once weather conditions permitted safe raking and redistribution. The mulch had shifted due to rain and recent child play, which could not be addressed until later in the day when the weather conditions allowed for drying, and thus the children did not go out to play until the area was brought back into compliance with the required six-inch depth. Weather permitting, staff inspect and rake the surfacing before playground use each day to ensure mulch is properly in code compliance.
Standard #:	8VAC20-780-410-1
Description:	The Center is required to ensure that movement of a child is not restricted through binding or tying. During inspection and upon entry into the infant room, Child #1 (age 6 months old) was observed lying in their crib, with a blanket swaddled around them, and tied in a knot so that movement was restricted.
Plan of Correction:	got fixed immediately. will do more training about this.
Standard #:	8VAC20-780-410-1
Description:	The Center is required to ensure that movement of a child is not restricted through binding or tying. During inspection and upon entry into the infant room, Child #1 (age 6 months old) was observed lying in their crib, with a blanket swaddled around them, and tied in a knot so that movement was restricted.
Plan of Correction:	At the time of the inspection, the infant was observed with a swaddle blanket that had been provided by the parents, who had specifically requested that it be used during naptime. Immediately upon notification by the inspector, the infant was removed from the tie bow blanket provided by the parents and the practice was discontinued. Staff were instructed that swaddling with any device that restricts a child's movement is strictly prohibited in the center. A written reminder of the safe sleep policy has been distributed to all infant-room staff and the Director has reviewed the policy directly with the staff involved. The Director will ensure that any comfort items or sleep aids provided by the parents are reviewed and approved (or denied) before use in the classroom.