VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES

Cadence Academy Preschool
9807 Patriot Highway
Fredericksburg, VA 22407
(540) 834-0060

Current Inspector: Florence Martus (804) 389-0157

Inspection Date: Oct. 22, 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. 8VAC20-770 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. 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:

n/a

Comments:

An unannounced monitoring inspection was initiated on 10/22/2025 and completed on 12/05/2025 with local agencies, in response to a self-report received by the licensing office on 10/21/2025 relating to programs. The inspector reviewed one child's record, and one staff record 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. 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 12/18/2025. A POC submitted after this date will not appear on the public website.

Violations:

Standard #:	8VAC20-780-40-E
Description:	The center is required to ensure the center's own policies and procedures that are required by these standards are in compliance. The center's policy on discipline/positive behavior management states, "We utilize discipline, not punishment, providing positive modeling, guidance and encouragement. Appropriate discipline involves teaching children what is and is not acceptable behavior, keeping in mind children's abilities and developmental levels. Classrooms are designed to eliminate frustration and encourage success. When a child displays inappropriate behavior, teachers will attempt to redirect the behavior by providing an alternative activity." The center's policy on discipline/positive behavior management was not followed on 10/20/25 when Staff #1 grabbed Child #1 (3-years-old) by the wrist, lifted him, pulled him toward her, and then set him down. Staff #1 stated Child #1 was not listening to her and she kept telling the child to sit down so she could talk to him.
Plan of Correction:	Per the Center: "The staff member involved in the incident was terminated immediately following the investigation. All staff will receive a refresher training on discipline and positive behavior management."
Standard #:	8VAC20-780-400-B
Description:	Behavioral guidance shall be constructive in nature, age and stage appropriate, and shall be intended to redirect children to appropriate behavior and resolve conflicts. Documentation and video footage reviewed showed that on 10/20/25, Staff #1 grabbed Child #1 (3-years-old) by the wrist, lifted him, pulled him toward her, and then set him down when the child was "not listening and being stubborn." Staff #1's interactions with Child #1 were not constructive in nature and were not intended to redirect the child to appropriate behavior.
Plan of Correction:	Per the Center: "The staff member involved in the incident was terminated immediately following the investigation. All staff will receive a refresher training on discipline and positive behavior management."