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Home daycare 

Shemika Dickens

Portsmouth, VA 23701 · home daycare: the provider shares the address with families
licensed capacity
9
open each week
6 days

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Licensed by the stateInspection record

About

About Shemika Dickens

Shemika Dickens is a licensed home daycare in Portsmouth, Virginia. It is licensed by the state, for up to 9 children, serving infants, toddlers, preschoolers and school-age children.

It is open Monday to Saturday, 6:00 AM to 11:00 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 10 visits in the last 3 years and cited 31 rules across 6 of them. The visit list, in the state's words, is below.

InfantsSchool-ageAccepts child care subsidyWeekend hoursOpens before 7 AMOpen until 11 PM

Ages served: infants, toddlers, preschoolers and school-age children

From the state license
Ask when you call: rates, current openings, the address and how to visit, staff-to-child ratio and teacher qualifications.
Type
Home daycare
Ages
Infants, toddlers, preschoolers and school-age children
Hours today
6:00 AM to 11:00 PM
Licensed capacity
9 children

Hours

Hours

MondayToday6:00 AM to 11:00 PM
Tuesday6:00 AM to 11:00 PM
Wednesday6:00 AM to 11:00 PM
Thursday6:00 AM to 11:00 PM
Friday6:00 AM to 11:00 PM
Saturday6:00 AM to 11:00 PM
SundayNot listed
From the state license

Programs

Programs and care

AgesInfants, toddlers, preschoolers and school-age childrenFrom the state license
SettingFamily child care homeFrom the state license
Child care subsidyAccepts state child care subsidiesFrom the state license
Licensed capacity9 childrenFrom the state license

Cost

Tuition and costs

Shemika Dickens has not listed its tuition.

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

State record

Inspection reports for Shemika Dickens

License

Status
Licensed and operating
License type
License (Two Year)
Capacity
9 children
Ages
Infants, toddlers, preschoolers and school-age children
License number
#1110708
See the state's record

Summary

10 visits in the last 3 years · Last visit May 14, 2026: 2 rules cited

Rules cited on 10 of 10 visits · 31 rules in all

  • Records and paperwork 8
  • Safety and hazards 8
  • Background checks 5
  • Health, medication and illness 4
  • Staff training and qualifications 3
  • Safe sleep 2
  • Food and nutrition 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 10 visits
  1. May 14, 2026Inspection2 rules cited
    • Records and paperwork

      8VAC20-800-70-A

      “Before the child's first day of attendance, parents shall be provided in writing all the required information. All the information required to be provided to the parents in writing was not available in the records of Child #1 and Child #2.”
    • Records and paperwork

      8VAC20-800-60-B

      “Repeat Violation A child's record shall contain all the required information. The record for Child #1 and Child #3 did not contain all the information required to be in children's records.”
  2. Nov 5, 2025Inspection3 rules cited
    • Food and nutrition

      8VAC20-800-960-E

      “Bottles shall be labeled with the child's full name and the date, if more than one infant is in care. There were two unlabeled bottles observed on the day of the inspection. More than one infant was in care.”
    • Safety and hazards

      8VAC20-800-280

      “Potentially poisonous substances, materials and supplies shall be stored in areas inaccessible to children. Disinfectant spray and disinfectant wipes were stored on a low shelf of the diaper changing table, an area accessible to children in care.”
    • Records and paperwork

      8VAC20-800-60-B

      “A child's record shall contain all the required information. The records for Child #1, Child #2, and Child #3 did not contain all the information required to be in children's records.”
  3. Nov 5, 2025Inspection3 rules cited
    • Food and nutrition

      8VAC20-800-960-E

      “Bottles shall be labeled with the child's full name and the date, if more than one infant is in care. There were two unlabeled bottles observed on the day of the inspection. More than one infant was in care.”
    • Safety and hazards

      8VAC20-800-280

      “Potentially poisonous substances, materials and supplies shall be stored in areas inaccessible to children. Disinfectant spray and disinfectant wipes were stored on a low shelf of the diaper changing table, an area accessible to children in care.”
    • Records and paperwork

      8VAC20-800-60-B

      “A child's record shall contain all the required information. The records for Child #1, Child #2, and Child #3 did not contain all the information required to be in children's records.”
  4. May 7, 2025Inspection7 rules cited
    • Records and paperwork

      8VAC20-800-120-B

      “Assistants' and substitute providers' records shall contain the following: documentation that two or more references as to character and reputation as well as competency were checked before employment. The references in the record of Caregiver #1 (employed for six months) show that both required references were not checked before employment.”
    • Records and paperwork

      22.1-289.011-F

      “The license and any other documents required by the Superintendent shall be posted in a conspicuous place on the licensed premises. The results of the most recent inspection were not posted, which is required.”
    • Background checks

      22.1-289.035-B-2

      “Providers must obtain a completed national criminal background check prior to the employee's first day of employment. The criminal background check for Caregiver #1 (employed for six months) was not obtained prior to the employee's first day of employment, which is required.”
    • Health, medication and illness

      8VAC20-800-690-D

      “The diapering surface shall be: cleaned and sanitized after each use. After a diaper change, the diaper changing table was not sanitized after it was cleaned, which is required.”
    • Background checks

      22.1-289.035-B-3

      “The provider must request a search of the central registry prior to the employee's first day of employment. The central registry search for Caregiver #1 (employed for six months) was not requested prior to the employee's first day of employment, which is required.”
    • Safety and hazards

      8VAC20-800-750-B

      “Diaper ointment does not need to be kept locked, but shall be inaccessible to children. There was a diaper ointment located on a shelf of a diaper changing table that was accessible to the children in care.”
    • Safe sleep

      8VAC20-800-520-A

      “Cribs shall be provided for children from birth through 12 months of age and for children over 12 months of age who are not developmentally ready to sleep on a cot, rest mat, or bed. At the time of the inspector's arrival, a child over the age of 12 months was sleeping in a crib. The crib is the child's designated sleeping area.”
  5. May 7, 2025Inspection7 rules cited
    • Records and paperwork

      8VAC20-800-120-B

      “Assistants' and substitute providers' records shall contain the following: documentation that two or more references as to character and reputation as well as competency were checked before employment. The references in the record of Caregiver #1 (employed for six months) show that both required references were not checked before employment.”
    • Records and paperwork

      22.1-289.011-F

      “The license and any other documents required by the Superintendent shall be posted in a conspicuous place on the licensed premises. The results of the most recent inspection were not posted, which is required.”
    • Background checks

      22.1-289.035-B-2

      “Providers must obtain a completed national criminal background check prior to the employee's first day of employment. The criminal background check for Caregiver #1 (employed for six months) was not obtained prior to the employee's first day of employment, which is required.”
    • Health, medication and illness

      8VAC20-800-690-D

      “The diapering surface shall be: cleaned and sanitized after each use. After a diaper change, the diaper changing table was not sanitized after it was cleaned, which is required.”
    • Background checks

      22.1-289.035-B-3

      “The provider must request a search of the central registry prior to the employee's first day of employment. The central registry search for Caregiver #1 (employed for six months) was not requested prior to the employee's first day of employment, which is required.”
    • Safety and hazards

      8VAC20-800-750-B

      “Diaper ointment does not need to be kept locked, but shall be inaccessible to children. There was a diaper ointment located on a shelf of a diaper changing table that was accessible to the children in care.”
    • Safe sleep

      8VAC20-800-520-A

      “Cribs shall be provided for children from birth through 12 months of age and for children over 12 months of age who are not developmentally ready to sleep on a cot, rest mat, or bed. At the time of the inspector's arrival, a child over the age of 12 months was sleeping in a crib. The crib is the child's designated sleeping area.”
  6. Nov 13, 2024Inspection2 rules cited
    • Safety and hazards

      8VAC20-800-750-B

      “There was a tooth numbing gel on a desk in the entertainment room. The tooth numbing gel was accessible to the children in care and had a manufacturer’s label that stated, ?Keep Out of Reach of Children.?”
    • Safety and hazards

      8VAC20-800-730-D

      “There was a nebulizer, and its medication found unlocked and accessible in the entertainment room. There were children observed in this room at the time of the inspection.”
  7. Nov 13, 2024Inspection2 rules cited
    • Safety and hazards

      8VAC20-800-750-B

      “There was a tooth numbing gel on a desk in the entertainment room. The tooth numbing gel was accessible to the children in care and had a manufacturer’s label that stated, ?Keep Out of Reach of Children.?”
    • Safety and hazards

      8VAC20-800-730-D

      “There was a nebulizer, and its medication found unlocked and accessible in the entertainment room. There were children observed in this room at the time of the inspection.”
  8. Jul 30, 2024Inspection12 rules cited
    • Background checks

      22.1-289.035-B-3

      “Based on record review and interview the provider did not ensure that all staff have central registry results. Evidence: 1.The record for Staff #2 (hired in 5/2024) did not contain central registry results. 2.Staff #1 confirmed that the central registry results for Staff #2 were not in their record.”
    • Health, medication and illness

      8VAC20-800-760-A-1

      “Based on observation and interview the provider did not ensure that the first aid kit contained all the required emergency supplies. Evidence: 1. The first aid kit reviewed did not contain more than one triangular bandage, which is required. 2.Staff #1 (provider) confirmed that the first aid kit only contained one triangular bandage.”
    • Records and paperwork

      8VAC20-800-60-A

      “Based on record review the provider did not ensure that children’s records contain all the required information. Evidence:. 1.The record for Child #2 was missing one parent’s phone number for their place of employment.”
    • Records and paperwork

      8VAC20-800-70-A

      “Based on record review the provider did not ensure that before the child’s first day of attendance, parents are provided, in writing, all required information. Evidence: 1.There was no documentation that the parents of Child #1 received provisions of the family day home’s emergency preparedness and response plan.”
    • Staff training and qualifications

      8VAC20-800-150-D-1

      “Based on observation, record review, and interview the provider did not ensure that an assistant 18 years of age or older who is left alone with children in care has current certification in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Evidence: 1.Upon arrival, Staff #2, an assistant, was observed caring for four children in care. a. Staff #2 was observed working alone for approximately five minutes. 2. There was no documentation that Staff #2 has current CPR certification. 3. Staff #1 confirmed that Staff #2 does not have current CPR certification.”
    • Staff training and qualifications

      8VAC20-800-150-D-2

      “Based on observation, record review, and interview the provider did not ensure that an assistant 18 years of age or older who is left alone with children in care has current certification in first aid. Evidence: 1.Upon arrival, Staff #2, an assistant, was observed caring for four children in care. a. Staff #2 was observed working alone for approximately five minutes. 2.There was no documentation that Staff #2 has current first aid certification. 3. Staff #1 confirmed that Staff #2 does not have current first aid certification.”
    • Health, medication and illness

      8VAC20-800-170-B

      “Based on record review the provider did not ensure that tuberculosis (TB) forms submitted have been completed within the last 30 days. Evidence: 1.The TB screening in Staff #2?s record (hired in 5/2024) was dated for 12/13/23, which was not within the required 30-day timeframe.”
    • Staff training and qualifications

      8VAC20-800-200-C

      “Based on record review the provider did not ensure that documentation of orientation is signed and dated by the provider and assistant. Evidence: 1.The records for Staff #2 and Staff #3 did not have documentation to show that orientation was completed, dated and signed by the provider and assistant.”
    • Safety and hazards

      8VAC20-800-240-A

      “Repeat Violation Based on observation and interview the provider did not ensure that areas and furnishings of the family day home are maintained in a safe condition. Evidence: 1.A television cord was hanging down and in reaching distance from an infant crib. 2.There were a bunch of loose cords on the floor in the entertainment room. a. Three infants, one who was crawling, were observed in this room. 3.Staff #1 (provider) confirmed that the wires found in the entertainment room and infant room were accessible to the children in care.”
    • Safety and hazards

      8VAC20-800-540-B

      “Based on observation the provider did not ensure that infant walkers are not used at the family day home. Evidence: 1. There was an infant walker located in the entertainment room of the family day home.”
    • Health, medication and illness

      8VAC20-800-680-B

      “Based on observation and interview the provider did not ensure that children’s hands are washed with liquid soap and warm running water after diapering. Evidence: 1.After a diaper change, Child #3 was accompanied, by Staff #2, back into the entertainment room. The child’s hands were not washed. a. Staff #2 confirmed that Child #3 did not wash their hands after the diaper change.”
    • Safe sleep

      8VAC20-800-530-B

      “Based on observation the provider did not ensure that cribs when being used by infants have a tight-fitting bottom cover. Evidence: 1.Three of three infant cribs did not have a tight-fitting bottom. The crib sheets on the mattresses were loose fitting.”
  9. Jul 30, 2024Inspection12 rules cited
    • Background checks

      22.1-289.035-B-3

      “Based on record review and interview the provider did not ensure that all staff have central registry results. Evidence: 1.The record for Staff #2 (hired in 5/2024) did not contain central registry results. 2.Staff #1 confirmed that the central registry results for Staff #2 were not in their record.”
    • Health, medication and illness

      8VAC20-800-760-A-1

      “Based on observation and interview the provider did not ensure that the first aid kit contained all the required emergency supplies. Evidence: 1. The first aid kit reviewed did not contain more than one triangular bandage, which is required. 2.Staff #1 (provider) confirmed that the first aid kit only contained one triangular bandage.”
    • Records and paperwork

      8VAC20-800-60-A

      “Based on record review the provider did not ensure that children’s records contain all the required information. Evidence:. 1.The record for Child #2 was missing one parent’s phone number for their place of employment.”
    • Records and paperwork

      8VAC20-800-70-A

      “Based on record review the provider did not ensure that before the child’s first day of attendance, parents are provided, in writing, all required information. Evidence: 1.There was no documentation that the parents of Child #1 received provisions of the family day home’s emergency preparedness and response plan.”
    • Staff training and qualifications

      8VAC20-800-150-D-1

      “Based on observation, record review, and interview the provider did not ensure that an assistant 18 years of age or older who is left alone with children in care has current certification in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Evidence: 1.Upon arrival, Staff #2, an assistant, was observed caring for four children in care. a. Staff #2 was observed working alone for approximately five minutes. 2. There was no documentation that Staff #2 has current CPR certification. 3. Staff #1 confirmed that Staff #2 does not have current CPR certification.”
    • Staff training and qualifications

      8VAC20-800-150-D-2

      “Based on observation, record review, and interview the provider did not ensure that an assistant 18 years of age or older who is left alone with children in care has current certification in first aid. Evidence: 1.Upon arrival, Staff #2, an assistant, was observed caring for four children in care. a. Staff #2 was observed working alone for approximately five minutes. 2.There was no documentation that Staff #2 has current first aid certification. 3. Staff #1 confirmed that Staff #2 does not have current first aid certification.”
    • Health, medication and illness

      8VAC20-800-170-B

      “Based on record review the provider did not ensure that tuberculosis (TB) forms submitted have been completed within the last 30 days. Evidence: 1.The TB screening in Staff #2?s record (hired in 5/2024) was dated for 12/13/23, which was not within the required 30-day timeframe.”
    • Staff training and qualifications

      8VAC20-800-200-C

      “Based on record review the provider did not ensure that documentation of orientation is signed and dated by the provider and assistant. Evidence: 1.The records for Staff #2 and Staff #3 did not have documentation to show that orientation was completed, dated and signed by the provider and assistant.”
    • Safety and hazards

      8VAC20-800-240-A

      “Repeat Violation Based on observation and interview the provider did not ensure that areas and furnishings of the family day home are maintained in a safe condition. Evidence: 1.A television cord was hanging down and in reaching distance from an infant crib. 2.There were a bunch of loose cords on the floor in the entertainment room. a. Three infants, one who was crawling, were observed in this room. 3.Staff #1 (provider) confirmed that the wires found in the entertainment room and infant room were accessible to the children in care.”
    • Safety and hazards

      8VAC20-800-540-B

      “Based on observation the provider did not ensure that infant walkers are not used at the family day home. Evidence: 1. There was an infant walker located in the entertainment room of the family day home.”
    • Health, medication and illness

      8VAC20-800-680-B

      “Based on observation and interview the provider did not ensure that children’s hands are washed with liquid soap and warm running water after diapering. Evidence: 1.After a diaper change, Child #3 was accompanied, by Staff #2, back into the entertainment room. The child’s hands were not washed. a. Staff #2 confirmed that Child #3 did not wash their hands after the diaper change.”
    • Safe sleep

      8VAC20-800-530-B

      “Based on observation the provider did not ensure that cribs when being used by infants have a tight-fitting bottom cover. Evidence: 1.Three of three infant cribs did not have a tight-fitting bottom. The crib sheets on the mattresses were loose fitting.”
  10. May 1, 2024Inspection5 rules cited
    • Records and paperwork

      8VAC20-800-70-A

      “Based on record review and interview the provider did not ensure that all required forms were in children’s records for review. Evidence: 1.There were no forms to inform parents of liability insurance or other required information for parents ready to be available for enrolling children in the sample children’s record. 2.The provider confirmed that the liability insurance or information for parents forms were not prepared to be in the children’s records.”
    • Background checks

      8VAC20-770-60-C-2

      “Based on record review and interview the provider did not ensure that child protective services central registry search results were obtained for all caregivers. Evidence: 1.A central registry search was not available for review in the assistant provider’s records. 2.The provider confirmed that a central registry search for the assistant provider was not available for review during the inspection.”
    • Safety and hazards

      8VAC20-800-240-A

      “Based on observation the provider did not ensure that areas and furnishings of the family day home are maintained in a safe condition. Evidence: 1.A long television cord was hanging down in the dining room, posing a strangulation hazard. 2.There were two nails protruding from a wooden fence in the backyard. 3.The gate caster on a gate in the backyard had a vertical protrusion, posing an injury hazard. 4. A sharp piece of wired landscape grate was in the garden area in the backyard.”
    • Background checks

      8VAC20-770-40-C-1-a

      “Based on record review and interview the provider did not ensure that child protective services central registry search results were obtained for all caregivers. Evidence: 1.A central registry search was not available for review in the provider’s records. 2.The provider confirmed that a central registry search for their record was not available for review during the inspection.”
    • Safety and hazards

      8VAC20-800-280

      “Based on observation the provider did not ensure that potentially poisonous substances such as cleaning agents, are stored in areas inaccessible to children. Evidence: 1.There was a large bottle of hand sanitizer in the main playroom. 2.There was a hand soap in the bathroom that children will use that had a manufacturer’s label that stated ?Keep Out of Reach of Children.?”

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 Shemika Dickens

Is Shemika Dickens licensed?

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

When was Shemika Dickens last inspected?

Virginia Department of Education, Office of Child Care Health and Safety lists the most recent visit on May 14, 2026, with 2 rules cited. It lists 10 visits in the last 3 years.

Has Shemika Dickens had rules cited by the state?

Yes. Inspectors cited 31 rules across 10 of 10 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 Shemika Dickens care for?

9, the licensed capacity on the state record. It is licensed to serve infants, toddlers, preschoolers and school-age children.

Does Shemika Dickens accept child care subsidies?

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

What are Shemika Dickens' hours?

Monday to Saturday, 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM. These are the hours on the state record. Holiday hours can differ.

How much does Shemika Dickens cost?

It has not listed its tuition. Call (757) 465-1465 to ask.

What is Shemika Dickens' phone number?

(757) 465-1465.

Where is Shemika Dickens?

Portsmouth, VA 23701. It is a home daycare, so the provider shares the street address with families directly.

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