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Child care center 

Joyful Care Children's Academy

3575 Bridge Road Ste. 1, Suffolk, VA 234352.6· 20 reviews
licensed capacity
61
open each week
5 days

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Licensed by the stateInspection record

About

About Joyful Care Children's Academy

Joyful Care Children's Academy is a licensed child care center in Suffolk, Virginia. It is licensed by the state, for up to 61 children, serving infants, toddlers and preschoolers.

It is open Monday to Friday, 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM. It describes a Play-based approach, with infant care, pre-k, preschool and toddler care.

Virginia Department of Education, Office of Child Care Health and Safety made 11 visits in the last 3 years and cited 10 rules across 3 of them. The visit list, in the state's words, is below.

InfantsPreschool / pre-KAccepts child care subsidyOpens before 7 AM

Ages served: infants, toddlers and preschoolers

From the state license. Ages it lists: 6 weeks to 5 years
Ask when you call: rates, current openings and staff-to-child ratio.
Type
Child care center
Ages
Infants, toddlers and preschoolers
Hours today
Closed today
Licensed capacity
61 children

Hours

Hours

Monday6:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Tuesday6:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Wednesday6:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Thursday6:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Friday6:00 AM to 6:00 PM
SaturdayNot listed
SundayTodayNot listed
From the state licenseHours it lists: “M-F 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM”

Programs

Programs and care

AgesInfants, toddlers and preschoolersFrom the state license. It lists: 6 weeks to 5 years
ProgramsInfant care, pre-k, preschool and toddler care
ApproachPlay-based
StaffTrained in early childhood education; ongoing professional development; current certifications in child safety, CPR and first aid
Child care subsidyAccepts state child care subsidiesFrom the state license
Parent updatesParent app (Procare)
Licensed capacity61 childrenFrom the state license
A daycare without an item may still offer it; ask.

Cost

Tuition and costs

Joyful Care Children's Academy has not listed its tuition.

Ask the daycare for its ratesIt has not listed its tuition.

State record

Inspection reports for Joyful Care Children's Academy

License

Status
Licensed and operating
License type
License (Two Year)
Capacity
61 children
Ages
Infants, toddlers and preschoolers
License number
#1109046
See the state's record

Summary

11 visits in the last 3 years · Last visit May 20, 2026: 6 rules cited

Rules cited on 7 of 11 visits · 10 rules in all

  • Safety and hazards 3
  • Supervision and ratios 2
  • Health, medication and illness 2
  • Building, equipment and play areas 1
  • Background checks 1
  • Records and paperwork 1

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

See all 22 visits
  1. May 20, 2026Inspection6 rules cited
    • Supervision and ratios

      8VAC20-780-350-B-3

      “The required ratio for children two years old is one staff per eight children. Two staff were present with seventeen children in the two and three year old group.”
    • Safety and hazards

      8VAC20-780-280-B

      “Hazardous substances must be in a locked place that prevents access by children. Hand sanitizer was observed unlocked in three classrooms, two of the rooms within reach of children.”
    • Building, equipment and play areas

      8VAC20-780-270-A

      “The center shall ensure that areas and equipment of the center, inside and outside, are maintained in a clean, safe and operable condition. Children's cots in the 2's room were stacked in a way to place the fitted sheet against cot legs that are placed on the floor. A three-wheeler on the playground was missing the seat.”
    • Safety and hazards

      8VAC20-780-260-A

      “The center shall have an annual fire inspection report from the appropriate fire official having jurisdiction. The fire inspection is overdue by three months.”
    • Background checks

      22.1-289.035-B-4

      “The center is required to obtain background checks from any state in which the individual has resided in the preceding five years. Staff #5, employed for a month, did not have documentation of requesting a central registry check and sex offender search from one state.”
    • Supervision and ratios

      8VAC20-780-350-B-4

      “The required ratio for children three years old up to school age is one staff per ten children. One staff was present with eleven children in the Pre-K room.”
  2. Sep 15, 2025Visit2 rules cited
    • Safety and hazards

      8VAC20-780-570-A

      “Children in high chairs or feeding tables shall be securely fastened with the safety belt. Infants observed in high chairs did not have the safety belt securely fastened.”
    • Health, medication and illness

      8VAC20-780-500-C

      “Toilet chairs shall be emptied promptly and cleaned and sanitized after each use. One of three potty chairs in the 2's & 3's class bathroom had yellow liquid substance in the bowl.”
  3. Sep 15, 2025Inspection2 rules cited
    • Safety and hazards

      8VAC20-780-570-A

      “Children in high chairs or feeding tables shall be securely fastened with the safety belt. Infants observed in high chairs did not have the safety belt securely fastened.”
    • Health, medication and illness

      8VAC20-780-500-C

      “Toilet chairs shall be emptied promptly and cleaned and sanitized after each use. One of three potty chairs in the 2's & 3's class bathroom had yellow liquid substance in the bowl.”
  4. Sep 15, 2025Inspection2 rules cited
    • Safety and hazards

      8VAC20-780-570-A

      “Children in high chairs or feeding tables shall be securely fastened with the safety belt. Infants observed in high chairs did not have the safety belt securely fastened.”
    • Health, medication and illness

      8VAC20-780-500-C

      “Toilet chairs shall be emptied promptly and cleaned and sanitized after each use. One of three potty chairs in the 2's & 3's class bathroom had yellow liquid substance in the bowl.”
  5. Mar 13, 2025Visit2 rules cited
    • Health, medication and illness

      8VAC20-780-160-A

      “Documentation of a negative tuberculosis (TB) screening must be submitted at the time of employment, before coming into contact with children, and shall have been completed within the last 30 days of the date of employment. Staff #1's TB was dated two months prior to the date of employment.”
    • Records and paperwork

      8VAC20-780-60-A

      “Each center shall maintain and keep at the center a separate record for each child enrolled that contains all of the required information. The record for Child #5, enrolled for two months, was missing the name and phone number of the child's physician”
  6. Mar 13, 2025Inspection2 rules cited
    • Health, medication and illness

      8VAC20-780-160-A

      “Documentation of a negative tuberculosis (TB) screening must be submitted at the time of employment, before coming into contact with children, and shall have been completed within the last 30 days of the date of employment. Staff #1's TB was dated two months prior to the date of employment.”
    • Records and paperwork

      8VAC20-780-60-A

      “Each center shall maintain and keep at the center a separate record for each child enrolled that contains all of the required information. The record for Child #5, enrolled for two months, was missing the name and phone number of the child's physician”
  7. Mar 13, 2025Inspection2 rules cited
    • Health, medication and illness

      8VAC20-780-160-A

      “Documentation of a negative tuberculosis (TB) screening must be submitted at the time of employment, before coming into contact with children, and shall have been completed within the last 30 days of the date of employment. Staff #1's TB was dated two months prior to the date of employment.”
    • Records and paperwork

      8VAC20-780-60-A

      “Each center shall maintain and keep at the center a separate record for each child enrolled that contains all of the required information. The record for Child #5, enrolled for two months, was missing the name and phone number of the child's physician”
  8. Jul 23, 2024InspectionNo rules cited
  9. Jul 23, 2024InspectionNo rules cited
  10. Apr 29, 2024InspectionNo rules cited
Show 12 earlier visits
  1. Apr 29, 2024InspectionNo rules cited
  2. Oct 16, 2023Inspection2 rules cited
    • Background checks

      22.1-289.035-B-2

      “Repeat Violation Based on review, facility did not ensure 2 of 5 staff have a fingerprinting results letter prior to beginning employment. Evidence: The following was found during record review: 1. The record for staff #1 (start date 6/15/2023) had a fingerprinting results letter dated 6/21/2023. 2. The record for staff #2 (start date 8/9/2023) had a fingerprinting results letter day 8/16/2023.”
    • Building, equipment and play areas

      8VAC20-780-330-B

      “Based on observation, facility did not ensure there is resilient surfacing in required fall zones under and around outside play equipment that is climbing and/or has moving parts. Evidence: The following was observed on the playground: 1. There was 3.5' of fall zone between the side of the blue plastic playset with slide and the fence. 2. There was 3' of fall zone from the jeep slide to the fence. 3. There was 3' of fall zone from the corner of the plastic slide playset to the wood border and then concrete area.”
  3. Oct 16, 2023Inspection2 rules cited
    • Background checks

      22.1-289.035-B-2

      “Repeat Violation Based on review, facility did not ensure 2 of 5 staff have a fingerprinting results letter prior to beginning employment. Evidence: The following was found during record review: 1. The record for staff #1 (start date 6/15/2023) had a fingerprinting results letter dated 6/21/2023. 2. The record for staff #2 (start date 8/9/2023) had a fingerprinting results letter day 8/16/2023.”
    • Building, equipment and play areas

      8VAC20-780-330-B

      “Based on observation, facility did not ensure there is resilient surfacing in required fall zones under and around outside play equipment that is climbing and/or has moving parts. Evidence: The following was observed on the playground: 1. There was 3.5' of fall zone between the side of the blue plastic playset with slide and the fence. 2. There was 3' of fall zone from the jeep slide to the fence. 3. There was 3' of fall zone from the corner of the plastic slide playset to the wood border and then concrete area.”
  4. May 17, 2023Complaint investigation2 rules cited
    • Safety and hazards

      8VAC20-780-280-B Complaint related: Yes

      “Based on observation, facility did not ensure hazardous substances are kept in a locked place. Evidence: The following was observed: 1. Multi-purpose cleaner labeled caution and keep out of reach of children was stored in an unlocked cabinet under the diapering table in the toddler room. 2. Hand sanitizers were stored on diapering tables in the classrooms.”
    • Health, medication and illness

      8VAC20-780-500-B Complaint related: Yes

      “Based on observation and interview, facility did not clean and sanitize the diapering surface after each diaper change as required. Evidence: The following was observed: 1. A cloth rag was observed on the diapering tables in three classrooms. Staff reported they use the rag throughout the day to wipe off the diapering pad after cleaning and/or sanitizing the surface. The same rag is used in each room for the entire day. 2. Staff changed a child's diaper in the toddler room. She sprayed the diapering surface with bleach/water solution and returned two minutes later to wipe the surface. Staff did not clean the surface.”
  5. Mar 30, 2023Complaint investigation2 rules cited
    • Supervision and ratios

      8VAC20-780-340-C Complaint related: No

      “Based on interview, facility did not ensure during stated hours of operation there shall always be on the premises, when one or more children are present, one staff member and an immediately available staff member, volunteer or other employee. Evidence: On this date, staff #1 arrived at 6:00 AM and was present in the building with 3 children until staff #2 arrived at 6:09 AM. Both staff confirmed staff #1 was present with children and there was no other staff or employees on the premises.”
    • Supervision and ratios

      8VAC20-780-350-B-2 Complaint related: No

      “Based on observation and interview, facility did not ensure there is at least 1 staff per 5 children when the youngest in the group is of toddler age (16 months up to 24 months). Evidence: On this date at approximately 7:20 AM, Staff #3 was present with 6 children in the toddler classroom. The youngest child in the group is 16 months old. Staff #3 stated the second staff is expected arrived at 8:00 AM.”
  6. Jan 25, 2023Inspection11 rules cited
    • Records and paperwork

      8VAC20-780-70

      “Based on a review of staff records and staff interview, the licensee did not ensure staff records included documentation that two or more references as to character and reputation as well as competency were checked before employment. Evidence: The following records had inadequate reference check information: 1. The record for staff #3 did not include a second reference check. 2. The record for staff #1, 2, and 5 did not include reference check documentation.”
    • Safety and hazards

      8VAC20-780-290-A-3

      “Based on observation, licensee failed to ensure electrical outlets have protective covers in areas where preschool age children are served. Evidence: In the Early Preschool (2's) room, 3 electrical outlets were observed without covers. Each outlet was lower to the floor and within reach of children.”
    • Supervision and ratios

      8VAC20-780-340-F

      “Based on observation, licensee failed to ensure children under 10 years of age are always within actual sight and sound supervision of staff, except that staff need only be able to hear a child who is using the restroom provided certain requirements are met. Evidence: At approximately 2:05 PM, 1 staff member was observed with 21 children in the Early Preschool (2's) classroom. Staff member was observed going into the restroom in the rear of the classroom and changing a child's diaper. While changing the child's diaper, the children in the room were not within sight supervision of staff.”
    • Supervision and ratios

      8VAC20-780-350-B-1

      “Based on observation, the licensee did not ensure there is at least one staff for every four children for groups with infant age children (birth up to 16 months old). Evidence: At approximately 1:50 PM, staff #4 was observed with 6 children in the waddlers classroom which has children age 10 months to 16 months old. Staff reported no one else was working with her today in the classroom.”
    • Supervision and ratios

      8VAC20-780-350-I

      “Based on observation, licensee failed to ensure there is at least 1 staff member with 16 children during the designated rest time when the group includes children age 2 years. Evidence: At approximately 2:05 PM, 1 staff was present in the Early Preschool (2's) room with 21 children. Children were observed napping.”
    • Background checks

      22.1-289.035-B-4

      “Based on record review and staff interview, the licensee did not obtain a copy of the results of a criminal history record information check and a search of the child abuse and neglect registry or equivalent registry from any state in which the individual has resided in the preceding five years. Evidence: Staff #3?s, first date of employment October 18, 2022, did not contain out of state criminal records checks for Alabama where they had lived within the last five years.”
    • Discipline and child guidance

      8VAC20-780-40-K

      “Based on interview, licensee failed to ensure there is a written procedure for prevention of shaken baby syndrome or abusive head trauma, including coping with crying babies. Evidence: Director stated there is not a written procedure addressing prevention of shaken baby syndrome or abusive head trauma, including coping with crying babies.”
    • Records and paperwork

      8VAC20-780-60-A

      “Based on record review and licensee interview, the licensee did not ensure to maintain an up-to-date record for each enrolled child with all the required information. Evidence: The licensee confirmed the following items were missing from the children’s records that were reviewed: The records for child #1, child #3, and child #5 did not include the employment phone # for one or more parents listed.”
    • Health, medication and illness

      8VAC20-780-60-A-8

      “Based on a review of children’s records and staff interview, the licensee did not ensure there was 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. Evidence: Child # 4 has a diagnosed food allergy (kiwi, peanut, egg, tree nuts). The child’s record did not include a written care plan, to include instructions from a physician.”
    • Safe sleep

      8VAC20-780-440-E

      “Based on observation, licensee failed to ensure there is at least 12 inches of space between occupied cots and rest mats. Evidence: In the Early Preschool (2's) room, 5 cots were observed approximately 5"-6" apart from each other.”
    • Food and nutrition

      8VAC20-780-570-E

      “Based on observation, licensee failed to ensure prepared infant bottles are dated and labeled with the child's name. Evidence: In the Waddlers (10 months - 16 months) room, 3 of 6 prepared bottles were not labeled with the child's name and date.”
  7. Jan 25, 2023Inspection11 rules cited
    • Records and paperwork

      8VAC20-780-70

      “Based on a review of staff records and staff interview, the licensee did not ensure staff records included documentation that two or more references as to character and reputation as well as competency were checked before employment. Evidence: The following records had inadequate reference check information: 1. The record for staff #3 did not include a second reference check. 2. The record for staff #1, 2, and 5 did not include reference check documentation.”
    • Safety and hazards

      8VAC20-780-290-A-3

      “Based on observation, licensee failed to ensure electrical outlets have protective covers in areas where preschool age children are served. Evidence: In the Early Preschool (2's) room, 3 electrical outlets were observed without covers. Each outlet was lower to the floor and within reach of children.”
    • Supervision and ratios

      8VAC20-780-340-F

      “Based on observation, licensee failed to ensure children under 10 years of age are always within actual sight and sound supervision of staff, except that staff need only be able to hear a child who is using the restroom provided certain requirements are met. Evidence: At approximately 2:05 PM, 1 staff member was observed with 21 children in the Early Preschool (2's) classroom. Staff member was observed going into the restroom in the rear of the classroom and changing a child's diaper. While changing the child's diaper, the children in the room were not within sight supervision of staff.”
    • Supervision and ratios

      8VAC20-780-350-B-1

      “Based on observation, the licensee did not ensure there is at least one staff for every four children for groups with infant age children (birth up to 16 months old). Evidence: At approximately 1:50 PM, staff #4 was observed with 6 children in the waddlers classroom which has children age 10 months to 16 months old. Staff reported no one else was working with her today in the classroom.”
    • Supervision and ratios

      8VAC20-780-350-I

      “Based on observation, licensee failed to ensure there is at least 1 staff member with 16 children during the designated rest time when the group includes children age 2 years. Evidence: At approximately 2:05 PM, 1 staff was present in the Early Preschool (2's) room with 21 children. Children were observed napping.”
    • Background checks

      22.1-289.035-B-4

      “Based on record review and staff interview, the licensee did not obtain a copy of the results of a criminal history record information check and a search of the child abuse and neglect registry or equivalent registry from any state in which the individual has resided in the preceding five years. Evidence: Staff #3?s, first date of employment October 18, 2022, did not contain out of state criminal records checks for Alabama where they had lived within the last five years.”
    • Discipline and child guidance

      8VAC20-780-40-K

      “Based on interview, licensee failed to ensure there is a written procedure for prevention of shaken baby syndrome or abusive head trauma, including coping with crying babies. Evidence: Director stated there is not a written procedure addressing prevention of shaken baby syndrome or abusive head trauma, including coping with crying babies.”
    • Records and paperwork

      8VAC20-780-60-A

      “Based on record review and licensee interview, the licensee did not ensure to maintain an up-to-date record for each enrolled child with all the required information. Evidence: The licensee confirmed the following items were missing from the children’s records that were reviewed: The records for child #1, child #3, and child #5 did not include the employment phone # for one or more parents listed.”
    • Health, medication and illness

      8VAC20-780-60-A-8

      “Based on a review of children’s records and staff interview, the licensee did not ensure there was 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. Evidence: Child # 4 has a diagnosed food allergy (kiwi, peanut, egg, tree nuts). The child’s record did not include a written care plan, to include instructions from a physician.”
    • Safe sleep

      8VAC20-780-440-E

      “Based on observation, licensee failed to ensure there is at least 12 inches of space between occupied cots and rest mats. Evidence: In the Early Preschool (2's) room, 5 cots were observed approximately 5"-6" apart from each other.”
    • Food and nutrition

      8VAC20-780-570-E

      “Based on observation, licensee failed to ensure prepared infant bottles are dated and labeled with the child's name. Evidence: In the Waddlers (10 months - 16 months) room, 3 of 6 prepared bottles were not labeled with the child's name and date.”
  8. Sep 22, 2022Inspection4 rules cited
    • Building, equipment and play areas

      8VAC20-780-330-B

      “Based on observation, facility did not ensure there was at least 6? of fall zone around climbing equipment and equipment with moving parts on the outside playground. Evidence: There was 2.5? of fall zone between the two plastic slides and the wooden border of the playground and other play equipment.”
    • Health, medication and illness

      8VAC20-780-500-B

      “Based on observation, facility did not ensure disposable diapers are disposed of in a leakproof or plastic-lined storage system that is either foot-operated or used in such a way that neither the staff member’s hand nor the soiled diaper touches an exterior surface of the storage system during disposal. Evidence: The diaper pail in the waddler classroom is hand operated as it requires an exterior button to be pushed in order to open.”
    • Background checks

      22.1-289.035-B-2

      “Based on review, facility did not ensure 2 of 5 staff have a completed Office of Background Investigations (OBI) criminal history check letter of eligibility prior to first date of employment. Evidence: The following was found during review of staff records: 1. The record for staff #1 (start date 9/13/2022) had an OBI fingerprinting letter of eligibility dated 9/14/2022. 2. The record for staff #5 (start date 8/3/2022) had an OBI fingerprinting letter of eligibility dated 8/10/2022.”
    • Safe sleep

      8VAC20-780-440-E

      “Based on observation, facility did not ensure there is at least 12? of space between occupied cots, beds and rest mats. Evidence: Children were observed napping in the Early Preschool classroom. There was 2? ? 3? of space between 6 of the cots.”
  9. Sep 22, 2022Inspection4 rules cited
    • Building, equipment and play areas

      8VAC20-780-330-B

      “Based on observation, facility did not ensure there was at least 6? of fall zone around climbing equipment and equipment with moving parts on the outside playground. Evidence: There was 2.5? of fall zone between the two plastic slides and the wooden border of the playground and other play equipment.”
    • Health, medication and illness

      8VAC20-780-500-B

      “Based on observation, facility did not ensure disposable diapers are disposed of in a leakproof or plastic-lined storage system that is either foot-operated or used in such a way that neither the staff member’s hand nor the soiled diaper touches an exterior surface of the storage system during disposal. Evidence: The diaper pail in the waddler classroom is hand operated as it requires an exterior button to be pushed in order to open.”
    • Background checks

      22.1-289.035-B-2

      “Based on review, facility did not ensure 2 of 5 staff have a completed Office of Background Investigations (OBI) criminal history check letter of eligibility prior to first date of employment. Evidence: The following was found during review of staff records: 1. The record for staff #1 (start date 9/13/2022) had an OBI fingerprinting letter of eligibility dated 9/14/2022. 2. The record for staff #5 (start date 8/3/2022) had an OBI fingerprinting letter of eligibility dated 8/10/2022.”
    • Safe sleep

      8VAC20-780-440-E

      “Based on observation, facility did not ensure there is at least 12? of space between occupied cots, beds and rest mats. Evidence: Children were observed napping in the Early Preschool classroom. There was 2? ? 3? of space between 6 of the cots.”
  10. Mar 30, 2022VisitNo rules cited
  11. Nov 9, 2021InspectionNo rules cited
  12. Nov 9, 2021InspectionNo rules cited

Copied from Virginia Department of Education, Office of Child Care Health and Safety on October 2, 2026; the state's records start around Oct 2012. Rule wording, severity and dates are the state's.

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FAQ

Questions about Joyful Care Children's Academy

Is Joyful Care Children's Academy licensed?

Yes. Virginia Department of Education, Office of Child Care Health and Safety lists it as licensed and operating.

When was Joyful Care Children's Academy last inspected?

Virginia Department of Education, Office of Child Care Health and Safety lists the most recent visit on May 20, 2026, with 6 rules cited. It lists 11 visits in the last 3 years.

Has Joyful Care Children's Academy had rules cited by the state?

Yes. Inspectors cited 10 rules across 7 of 11 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.

How many children can Joyful Care Children's Academy care for?

61, the licensed capacity on the state record. It is licensed to serve infants, toddlers and preschoolers.

Does Joyful Care Children's Academy accept child care subsidies?

Yes. The state record says it accepts child care subsidies.

What are Joyful Care Children's Academy's hours?

Monday to Friday, 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM. These are the hours on the state record. Holiday hours can differ.

How much does Joyful Care Children's Academy cost?

It has not listed its tuition. Call (757) 967-0606 to ask.

What is Joyful Care Children's Academy's phone number?

(757) 967-0606.

Where is Joyful Care Children's Academy?

3575 Bridge Road Ste. 1, Suffolk, VA 23435. The nearest other daycare we list is AlphaBEST Education, Inc. - Creekside Elementary, 0.9 miles away.

Sources: Virginia Department of Education, Office of Child Care Health and Safety (license and visits).