Tierra Encantada West Falls Church
131 Haycock Road, Falls Church, VA
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Elena Maldonado is a licensed home daycare in Falls Church, Virginia. It is licensed by the state, for up to 12 children, serving infants, toddlers and preschoolers.
It is open Monday to Friday, 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM. As a home daycare, the provider shares the address with families when you call.
Virginia Department of Education, Office of Child Care Health and Safety made 7 visits in the last 3 years and cited 15 rules across 5 of them. The visit list, in the state's words, is below.
Hours
| MondayToday | 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM |
| Thursday | 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM |
| Friday | 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM |
| Saturday | Not listed |
| Sunday | Not listed |
Programs
| Ages | Infants, toddlers and preschoolersFrom the state license |
|---|---|
| Setting | Family child care homeFrom the state license |
| Licensed capacity | 12 childrenFrom the state license |
Cost
Elena Maldonado has not listed its tuition.
State record
7 visits in the last 3 years · Last visit Mar 2, 2026: 3 rules cited
Rules cited on 5 of 7 visits · 15 rules in all
For comparison: 91% of Virginia daycares had at least one rule cited in the last 3 years; the typical daycare had 8.
A cited rule is what an inspector found on the day of a visit. It is not a rating of the daycare today.
Own this daycare? Add your response to the state record
8VAC20-800-920
“Menus for the current one-week period shall be posted or provided to parents. Provider did not have the current one-week period posted. The previous week/month was posted.”
8VAC20-800-120-B
“Assistants' and substitute providers' records shall contain the following: name, address, and phone of a person to contact in an emergency. Caregiver 2 did not have documentation of an emergency contact.”
8VAC20-800-830-A
“The emergency evacuation procedures shall be practiced monthly. No emergency evacuation drill was practiced in November 2025.”
8VAC20-800-70-A
“Before the child's first day of attendance, parents shall be provided in writing the following information: policies for the administration of medication. All 3 children's records were missing documentation that parents were provided in writing, the provider's policies for the administration of medication.”
8VAC20-800-320-B
“Child-resistant protective covers shall be installed on all unused electrical outlets and surge protectors accessible to children under five years of age. One electrical outlet was uncovered in the children's nap room.”
8VAC20-800-280
“Potentially poisonous substances, materials and supplies such as, but not limited to, cleaning agents, disinfectants, deodorizers shall be stored away from food in areas inaccessible to children. The children's main bathroom had Febreze, toilet cleaning liquid, and soft scrub cleaner accessible to children in an unlocked cabinet, under the sink.”
8VAC20-800-500-F
“Trampolines shall not be used during the hours children are in care. The provider had a trampoline in the backyard that was used by the children in care.”
8VAC20-800-240-A
“Areas and furnishings of the family day home, inside and outside, shall be maintained in a clean, safe, and operable condition. The provider had a lawn mower stored in the backyard, accessible to children.”
8VAC20-800-210-A
“Based on records reviewed, 1 of 2 caregivers did not obtain a minimum of 16 hours of annual training. Evidence: Caregiver #2 obtained 10 of 16 hours of annual training.”
22.1-289.011-F
“Repeat violation. Based on observations made, the findings from the most recent inspection were not posted in the home. Evidence: The violation notice from the 10/26/23 inspection was not posted.”
8VAC20-800-830-B
“Repeat violation. Based on records reviewed, 1 of 2 shelter-in-place drills were not practiced in the last 12 months. Evidence: The only shelter-in-place drill recorded in the last year was dated 10/26/23.”
8VAC20-800-830-B
“Repeat violation. Based on records reviewed, 1 of 2 shelter-in-place drills were not practiced in the last 12 months. Evidence: The only shelter-in-place drill recorded in the last year was dated 10/26/23.”
8VAC20-800-800-B
“Repeat violation. Based on records requested, the emergency preparedness plan was not available for review by the inspectors. Evidence: The plan was requested and not provided during the inspection.”
8VAC20-800-830-C
“Based on records reviewed, the documentation of an emergency evacuation drill did not include the day it was completed. Evidence: The record stated "December" with no day specified.”
22.1-289.023-A
“Repeat violation. Based on observations made, the Notice of Intent issued by VDOE to reduce the licensed capacity and require the licensee to contact parents, guardian, or other responsible persons regarding health and safety violations was not posted in a prominent place at each public entrance of the licensed premises. Evidence: The Notice of Intent and supporting violation notices were not posted in the home. When being discussed the licensee removed the documents from a filing cabinet in the basement.”
8VAC20-800-570-A
“Repeat violation. Based on observations made, a caregiver was left alone with 10 children totaling more than the 16 points allowed. Evidence: Caregiver #2 left the daycare area (in the basement) and went upstairs for a period of 2 minutes leaving Caregiver #3 alone with 10 children totaling 26 points. During this time an older child was observed punching a younger child in the back with their fist twice and the caregiver was unaware until the inspector alerted her.”
8VAC20-800-680-A
“Repeat violation. Based on observations made, a caregiver did not wash their hands with soap and water before serving food to the children. Evidence: Caregiver #3 was playing with children before helping to serve the morning snack. She did not wash her hands when assisting with snack.”
8VAC20-800-280
“Repeat violation. Based on observations made, the licensee failed to ensure that potentially poisonous substances were stored in areas not accessible to the children. Evidence: 1. A spray bottle labeled "bleach + water" was sitting on the front edge of an open shelf adjacent to the diaper changing table. The shelf was approximately 37" from the floor and within reach of children. 2. An assortment of cleaning supplies to include cans of spray disinfectant, toilet cleaner, rubbing alcohol, and other bathroom cleaning products were stored in an unlocked cabinet under the sink in the bathroom used by children located on the mid-level of the home and within reach of children. 3. Air freshener products (3) were found to be sitting on a table at the entrance to the home adjacent to the children's cubbies and within reach of children. 4. Two (2) containers of burn cream/gel were on top of the children's cubbies on the mid-level of the home and within reach of children.”
8VAC20-800-240-A
“Repeat violation. Based on observations made, an area of the daycare and a piece of equipment were not maintained in a safe condition. Evidence: 1. Child #15 was observed climbing onto and falling off of a stack of carpet squares (the carpet appeared to be replacement squares for the existing carpet in the daycare area) and underneath of an adjacent table. The child's head narrowly missed hitting the tabletop edge. While Child #15 was underneath the table a second child, Child #10, climbed onto the carpet squares. The carpet squares were located between the wall and a table where children were sitting. 2. The diaper changing pad had 2 areas where the vinyl cover was torn and the interior foam padding was exposed.”
8VAC20-800-90-C
“Based on records reviewed, 1 of 10 children's records did not include documentation of immunizations every 6 months until the age of 2 years old. Evidence: The immunizations on-file for Child #18 were dated April 2022 when the child was 6 months old.”
8VAC20-800-60-B
“Repeat violation. Based on records reviewed, 3 of 10 children's records reviewed did not include documentation of required information. Evidence: 1. Child #16- There was no documentation of 1 of 2 emergency contact persons to include name, address and phone number. 2. Child #17 - There was no documentation of 1 of 2 emergency contact persons to include name, address and phone number. 3. Child #18 - There was no documentation of 1 of 2 emergency contact persons to include name, address and phone number.”
8VAC20-800-920
“Based on observations made and interview conducted, the licensee failed to ensure that the menu for the current one-week period was given to or placed in an area where parents could view. Evidence: The menu was not posted in the home for viewing. When the inspector asked how parents know what food is being served/on the menu Caregiver #1 said the parents say they don't need to know.”
8VAC20-800-830-B
“Based on records reviewed, 0 of 2 shelter-in-place drills were not practiced in the last 12 months. Evidence: According to the shelter-in-place log sheet the last practice drill was conducted on 10/12/22.”
8VAC20-800-730-D
“Repeat violation. Based on observations made, the licensee failed to ensure that a medication belonging to a household member was kept in a locked place. Evidence: A bottle of over-the-counter pain reliever was found to be on an open shelf in the kitchen and not locked.”
22.1-289.023-A
“Based on observations made, the Notice of Intent issued by VDOE to reduce the licensed capacity and require the licensee to contact parents, guardians, or other responsible persons regarding health and safety violations was not posted in a prominent place at each public entrance of the licensed premises. Evidence: The Notice of Intent and supporting violation notices were not posted in the home.”
22.1-289.011-F
“Based on observations made, the licensee failed to ensure that the findings from the most recent inspection were posted in a conspicuous place on the licensed premises. Evidence: The inspection report dated 8/15/23 was not posted. The inspection acknowledgement form dated 4/19/23 was posted.”
8VAC20-800-800-B
“Based on records reviewed, the licensee failed to ensure that the emergency preparedness plan was reviewed/updated annually. Evidence: The emergency plan was last dated by the provider on 6/30/17.”
8VAC20-800-250-C
“Based on observations made, the provider failed to ensure that a toy was not hung from the sides of a crib occupied by a child over the age of 5 months old. Evidence: Child #13, who is 7 months old, was observed lying in a crib with a mobile attached and hanging over the sleep area of the crib.”
8VAC20-800-240-A
“Based on observations made, the provider failed to ensure that the backyard play area was maintained in a safe condition. Evidence: 1. Today there was major construction occurring in the driveway area that included 2 backhoes, and other construction equipment. The entire driveway had been removed and the construction crew was actively working in the area during the inspection. 2. The fence gate leading to the driveway from the backyard play area was open approximately 12" with sufficient space for a child to exit the yard and enter the construction area. 3. Multiple children were observed playing in the backyard during the inspection, and on one occasion the inspector observed a child running toward the gate.”
8VAC20-800-200-A
“Based on records reviewed and interview conducted, the provider failed to ensure that there was documentation that an assistant caregiver received orientation training from the provider by the end of the 1st week of assuming job responsibilities. Evidence: 1. There was no documentation that caregiver #2 received orientation training on job responsibilities, requirements for parental notifications, licensing standards, emergency procedures, location of emergency numbers and supplies, confidentiality, and requirement to report suspected child abuse and neglect. 2. When discussing the lack of training documentation, the provider shook her head left-right to indicate it had not been completed.”
8VAC20-800-170-A
“Based on records reviewed and interview conducted, the provider failed to ensure that 1 of 2 caregiver records included documentation of a TB screening prior to coming into contact with children. Evidence: The provider said caregiver #2 began working on 11/1/22, and to-date there was no TB screening on-file.”
8VAC20-800-80-C
“Based on records reviewed, the provider failed to ensure that 2 of 7 children’s records did not include documentation that the child’s proof of identity was verified by the provider. Evidence: 1. The records for Child #12 + #16 did not include documentation by the provider as to the method of verification. 2. The parent(s) completing the enrollment paperwork appeared to write the identity information on the form, as the handwriting was the same.”
8VAC20-800-60-B
“Based on records reviewed, the provider failed to ensure that 3 of 7 children’s records reviewed did not include required information. Evidence: 1. Child #11 ? 1 of 2 emergency contacts were documented to include name, address, and phone number; the section of the enrollment form to list allergies, intolerances to food, medication, or any other substances, and actions to take in an emergency situation was left blank. 2. Child #12 - 1 of 2 emergency contacts were documented to include name, address, and phone number; the section of the enrollment form to list allergies, intolerances to food, medication, or any other substances, and actions to take in an emergency was left blank; and the medical insurance plan number was left blank. 3. Child #16 - 1 of 2 emergency contacts were documented to include name, address, and phone number; and the medical insurance plan and number were left blank.”
8VAC20-800-40-A
“Based on observations made and records reviewed, the provider failed to ensure that the total number of children receiving care did not exceeded the maximum licensed capacity of 12 children for a period of time. Evidence: 1. Today, during the inspection, a total of 16 children (plus 1 child that lives in the home that does not apply to the licensed capacity) were observed to be in care. 2. According to attendance records, the number of children in care exceeded 12 on the following recent dates: Between 3/6/23-3/10/23 there were 13 children in care on each day; on 3/30/23 there were 13 children in care; on 3/31/23 there were 14 children in care; on 4/3/23 there were 13 children in care; on 4/4/23 there were 14 children in care; on 4/5/23 there were 13 children in care; on 4/11/23 and 4/12/13 there were 15 children in care each day; on 4/13/23 and 4/14/23 there were 14 children in care each day; and on 4/17/23 and 4/18/13 there were 15 children in care.”
8VAC20-800-120-B
“Based on records reviewed, the provider failed to ensure that 1 of 2 caregiver records included documentation of required information. Evidence: The record for Caregiver #2 did not include verification of age; job title; date of employment; name, address + phone number of an emergency contact person; documentation of at least 2 reference checks; background checks; documentation of a TB screening; and documentation of education and training.”
8VAC20-800-100-A
“Based on records reviewed, the provider failed to ensure that 2 of 7 children’s records did not include documentation of a physical exam within the first 30-days of attendance. Evidence: 1. Child #12 ? The child began attending on 3/17/23, and to-date there was no physical exam on-file. 2. Child #16 - The child began attending on 1/18/23, and to-date there was no physical exam on-file.”
8VAC20-800-960-G
“Based on observations made, the provider failed to ensure that a bottle of infant milk was not heated in the microwave oven. Evidence: The provider warmed milk in the microwave, poured it into a bottle that was given to an assistant caregiver who gave it to a child.”
8VAC20-800-830-A
“Based on records reviewed, the provider failed to ensure that required monthly emergency evacuation drills were completed and documented. Evidence: The last recorded evacuation drill was 11/22/22.”
8VAC20-800-730-D
“Based on observations made and interview conducted, the provider failed to ensure that a medication belonging to a household member was kept in a locked place. Evidence: The medication was observed sitting on the breakfast bar in the kitchen where children were eating lunch. When brought to the provider's attention, she told the inspector "it's okay."”
8VAC20-800-280
“Based on observations made and interview conducted, the provider failed to ensure that potentially poisonous substances were not stored in areas accessible to children. Evidence: 1. Clorox wipes were on an open shelf near the diaper changing table in the main daycare room and were within reach of children. 2. A spray bottle with a bleach + water solution was sitting on top of the trash can near the diaper changing table in the main daycare room and was within reach of children. 3. A spray bottle with a bleach + water solution was sitting on a counter behind the toilet in a bathroom used by children on the mid-level of the home. The bottle was not labeled, and the provider told the inspector it was a bleach + water solution. 4. A total of 9 laundry products were on the floor in the laundry room, to include: laundry detergent, fabric softener, scent beads, and bleach. Children were observed walking through this room and within 1?-2? of the products when entering the home from the backyard.”
8VAC20-800-320-B
“Based on observations made, the provider failed to ensure that electrical outlets accessible to children had protective safety covers. Evidence: 1. 2 outlets in the foyer entryway near the children’s cubbies did not have covers. 2. 1 outlet in the bathroom on the mid-level of the home did not have a cover. 3. 1 outlet in the kitchen on the end of the breakfast bar did not have a cover.”
8VAC20-800-510-C
“Based on observations made, it was determined that occupied cribs did not have at least 12? of space between each crib. Evidence: A total of 5 cribs located in a mid-level bedroom were within 3-4? of the next crib. Cribs were lined up side-to-side (service side to service side).”
8VAC20-800-520-A
“Based on observations made and interview conducted, the provider failed to ensure that a child under the age of 12 months old was provided a crib. Evidence: There was no crib for Child #16 who was observed lying in a rocking bassinet. When asked, the provider said the child does not like napping in a crib.”
8VAC20-770-60-C-2
“Based on records reviewed, the provider failed to ensure that 1 of 2 caregiver records included documentation of a completed background check within the 1st 30-days of employment. Evidence: 1. Caregiver #2 began employment on 11/1/22, and to-date a central registry search (CRS) has not been completed. 2. When asked by the inspector, the provider said the reason for not doing the background checks was because she has been waiting for a tax ID number for caregiver #2. 3. Caregiver #2 has been providing direct care to the children on a daily basis.”
22.1-289.035-B-2
“Based on records reviewed and interview conducted, the provider failed to ensure that 1 of 2 caregiver records included documentation of a completed background check prior to the 1st day of employment. Evidence: 1. Caregiver #2 began employment on 11/1/22, and to-date a criminal record check/fingerprinting ( CRC ) has not been completed. 2. When asked by the inspector, the provider said the reason for not doing background checks was because she has been waiting for a tax ID number for caregiver #2. 3. Caregiver #2 has been providing direct care to the children on a daily basis.”
8VAC20-800-690-D
“Based on observations made, the provider failed to ensure that the diapering surface was cleaned with soap and water and then sanitized with a bleach and water solution after each diaper change. Evidence: Paper towels were placed under the bottom of each child during the diaper change then disposed of afterward. No cleaning + sanitizing of the diaper pad occurred.”
8VAC20-800-530-A
“Based on observations made, the provider failed to ensure that when children were napping in/on cribs, cots, and rest mats that each were provided with top + bottom linens. Evidence: The sleep spaces for all 17 children did not include a top cover of any kind.”
8VAC20-800-570-A
“Based on observations made and records reviewed, the provider failed to ensure that each caregiver does not exceed 16 points of children. Evidence: Based on the age of each child in care today, there was a total 51 points with 3 caregivers which equates to 17 points per caregiver.”
8VAC20-800-650-E
“Based on observations made, the provider failed to immediately notify the parents of a child that hit their head on the floor. Evidence: 1. Child #2 was observed flipping a chair over backwards (the child was buckled into the chair) and hitting their head on the ceramic tiled kitchen floor. 2. The chair was flipped with force and the hit to the head was hard. 3. The 2 year-old child was observed crying and fussing afterward when put in a crib for a nap. 4. Activities and tasks continued for the duration of the inspection (more than 1 hour) and communication with the child's parent did not occur.”
8VAC20-800-680-A
“Based on observations made, the provider failed to ensure that a caregiver washed their hands with liquid soap + running water after diapering children. Evidence: Caregiver #1 was observed changing the diapers of 4 consecutive children without washing her hands. She wore + changed gloves each time.”
8VAC20-800-680-B
“Based on observations made, the provider failed to ensure that children’s hands were washed with liquid soap + warm running water after having their diaper changed. Evidence: A total of 4 children were observed having their diapers changed and afterward each child was placed in their crib or on their cot/rest mat.”
8VAC20-800-240-B
“Based on observations made and research conducted, the provider failed to ensure that no equipment, materials, or furnishings would not be used if recalled by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (USCPSC) as being hazardous. Evidence: 1. There were 2 rocking bassinets being used as a sleep space for infants today. 2. Both of the rocking bassinets were recalled 4/12/19 by the USCPSC due to reports of infant fatalities.”
8VAC20-800-200-A
“Based on records reviewed and interview conducted, it was determined that the provider did not ensure that orientation training was provided for a recently hired employee by the end of their 1st week of employment. Evidence: 1. Assistant #2 began working on 10/3/22. 2. There was no documentation of orientation training being completed for Assistant #2, to include: job responsibilities, parental notifications, State standards, emergency preparedness, location of emergency numbers and supplies, confidentiality, and requirement for reporting suspected child abuse + neglect. 3. The provider said that she was unaware of the requirement and did not provide said training to Assistant #2.”
8VAC20-800-690-D
“Based on interview conducted, it was determined that the diapering surface has not been cleaned with soap + water and then sanitized with a bleach + water solution after each use. Evidence: The provider stated that she wipes the diapering surface with household wipes.”
8VAC20-800-60-B
“Based on records reviewed, it was determined that 3 of 4 child records did not include required information. Evidence: 1. Child #5 ? 1 of 2 emergency contacts was left blank. 2. Child #7 ? There was no documentation that the parents received + signed the medication policy, or liability insurance statement. 3. Child #8 - There was no documentation that the parents received + signed the medication policy.”
8VAC20-800-120-B
“Based on records reviewed, it was determined that the provider has not maintained an employment record containing required information for Assistant #2. Evidence: The record did not include the employee’s name, address, verification of age, emergency contact information, and documentation of at least 2 reference checks.”
8VAC20-800-830-B
“Based on records reviewed, it was determined that a minimum of 2 shelter-in-place drills have not been conducted in the previous 18 months. Evidence: There were 0 shelter-in-place drills recorded during this time period.”
8VAC20-800-170-B
“Based on records reviewed, it was determined that Assistant #2 did not have a completed TB screening/test within 30-days of employment. Evidence: Assistant #2 began working on 10/3/22, and the TB test was dated as completed 3/11/21.”
8VAC20-800-830-A
“Based on records reviewed, it was determined that monthly emergency drills have not been conducted over the previous 18 months. Evidence: The last recorded emergency evacuation drill was dated as 3/23/21.”
8VAC20-790-220-B
“Based on record reviewed and interview conducted, it was determined that none of the caregivers are currently certified in Medication Administration (MAT), as required for one child that has an emergency medication on-site. Evidence: 1. The provider confirmed during the inspection that Child #3 has an emergency medication. 2. The provider’s MAT certification has not been renewed in the previous 3 years, and expired 9/17/22. 3. The assistant caregivers do not have MAT certification.”
8VAC20-800-320-B
“Based on observations made, it was determined that an unused electrical outlet in an area where children receive care did not have protective covers. Evidence: A low-level outlet on the end of the breakfast bar in the kitchen where children eat meals daily did not have protective covers.”
63.2-1721.1-A
“Based on records reviewed, it was determined that the Provider and Assistant #2, whom is also a household member, do not have a current child abuse and neglect search (Central Registry Check/ CPS ) completed in the last 5 years. Evidence: 1. Provider - The inspector requested the current CPS check and was provided an incomplete form by the provider however, the inspector's record indicates the previous CPS check for the Provider was completed on 10/7/16. 2. Assistant #2 - The previous CPS check was dated as completed on 9/9/16.”
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131 Haycock Road, Falls Church, VA
203 North Spring Street, Falls Church, VA
Falls Church, VA 22046 · infants to school-age · Home daycare: the provider shares the address with families
Falls Church, VA 22046 · infants to school-age · Home daycare: the provider shares the address with families
Falls Church, VA 22046 · infants to preschool · Home daycare: the provider shares the address with families
830 West Broad Street, Falls Church, VA
513 West Broad Street, Falls Church, VA
105 N. Virginia Ave., Falls Church, VA
303 S. Maple Ave, Falls Church, VA
FAQ
Yes. Virginia Department of Education, Office of Child Care Health and Safety lists it as licensed and operating.
Virginia Department of Education, Office of Child Care Health and Safety lists the most recent visit on March 2, 2026, with 3 rules cited. It lists 7 visits in the last 3 years.
Yes. Inspectors cited 15 rules across 5 of 7 visits in the last 3 years. For comparison: 91% of Virginia daycares had at least one rule cited in the last 3 years; the typical daycare had 8. A cited rule is what an inspector found on the day of a visit. It is not a rating of the daycare today.
12, the licensed capacity on the state record. It is licensed to serve infants, toddlers and preschoolers.
The state record does not list it as accepting subsidies. Ask the provider directly.
Monday to Friday, 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM. These are the hours on the state record. Holiday hours can differ.
It has not listed its tuition. Call (703) 615-3127 to ask.
(703) 615-3127.
Falls Church, VA 22046. It is a home daycare, so the provider shares the street address with families directly.