Gedell Gresham
West Point, VA 23181 · infants to school-age · Home daycare: the provider shares the address with families
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Smart Start is a licensed child care center in West Point, Virginia. It is licensed by the state, for up to 100 children, serving infants, toddlers, preschoolers and school-age children.
It is open Monday to Friday, 6:30 AM to 6:00 PM.
Virginia Department of Education, Office of Child Care Health and Safety made 11 visits in the last 3 years and cited 9 rules across 6 of them. The visit list, in the state's words, is below.
Hours
| MondayToday | 6:30 AM to 6:00 PM |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 6:30 AM to 6:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 6:30 AM to 6:00 PM |
| Thursday | 6:30 AM to 6:00 PM |
| Friday | 6:30 AM to 6:00 PM |
| Saturday | Not listed |
| Sunday | Not listed |
Programs
| Ages | Infants, toddlers, preschoolers and school-age childrenFrom the state license |
|---|---|
| Child care subsidy | Accepts state child care subsidiesFrom the state license |
| Licensed capacity | 100 childrenFrom the state license |
Cost
Smart Start has not listed its tuition.
State record
11 visits in the last 3 years · Last visit Feb 25, 2026: no rules cited
Rules cited on 7 of 11 visits · 9 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
8VAC20-790-600-F
“Staff are required to complete the department’s health and safety update course annually. Staff #1 did not complete the training in 2024. Training is one year overdue.”
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 #1, employed for one year and three months, did not have documentation of requesting a central registry check or sex offender registry check from one state.”
8VAC20-790-600-F
“Staff are required to complete the department’s health and safety update course annually. Staff #1 did not complete the training in 2024. Training is one year overdue.”
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 #1, employed for one year and three months, did not have documentation of requesting a central registry check or sex offender registry check from one state.”
8VAC20-780-160-C
“A tuberculosis (TB) screening is required every two years from the last screening. The tuberculosis screening in the record for Staff #1 was completed two weeks after its expiration date.”
22.1-289.035-A
“The center is required to have employees undergo a background check every five years. The central registry finding in the record for Staff #2 was completed one month after it expired.”
8VAC20-790-600-F
“Staff are required to complete the department’s health and safety update course annually. Staff #1 has not completed training since hire date in 2022. Training is one year overdue.”
8VAC20-780-160-C
“A tuberculosis (TB) screening is required every two years from the last screening. The tuberculosis screening in the record for Staff #1 was completed two weeks after its expiration date.”
22.1-289.035-A
“The center is required to have employees undergo a background check every five years. The central registry finding in the record for Staff #2 was completed one month after it expired.”
8VAC20-790-600-F
“Staff are required to complete the department’s health and safety update course annually. Staff #1 has not completed training since hire date in 2022. Training is one year overdue.”
8VAC20-780-160-C
“A tuberculosis (TB) screening is required every two years from the last screening. The tuberculosis screening in the record for Staff #1 was completed two weeks after its expiration date.”
22.1-289.035-A
“The center is required to have employees undergo a background check every five years. The central registry finding in the record for Staff #2 was completed one month after it expired.”
8VAC20-790-600-F
“Staff are required to complete the department’s health and safety update course annually. Staff #1 has not completed training since hire date in 2022. Training is one year overdue.”
8VAC20-780-340-A Complaint related: Yes
“COMPLAINT RELATED Based on interviews the center did not ensure care and protection for children at all times. Evidence: 1.On 07/12/2024, a total of eight staff were interviewed , whom confirmed that the center was being painted during the hours of operation for at least four hours, for two consecutive business days. 2.Staff reported concerns for the infant children, as infants are unable to report effects and express themselves. 3.Staff also reported concerns for two asthmatic children in the facility, and that the fumes were strong in those classroom areas. 4.The paint manufacturer was contacted and stated that it is not recommended to paint in areas with infant children. During painting, rooms should be well ventilated and following completion of paint job, allow 3-4 hours until children are allowed into freshly painted rooms. 5. Administrative staff acknowledged that it was not a safe choice to paint during the hours of operation.”
8VAC20-780-70
“Based on a review of five staff records, the center did not ensure that records for staff were complete. Evidence: 1. The record for staff 1 was missing documentation that the individual possesses the education and training required by the job position. Staff 1?s hire date was 12/13/2023. 2. The record for staff 2 was missing documentation that the individual possesses the education and training required by the job position, and two or more references as to character and reputation as well as competency were checked before employment or volunteering. Staff 2?s hire date was 12/21/2023. 3. The record for staff 5 was missing documentation of two or more references as to character and reputation as well as competency were checked before employment or volunteering. Staff 5?s hire date was 4/22/2024.”
8VAC20-780-160-A
“(Repeat violation) Based on review of staff records, the center did not obtain documentation of a negative tuberculosis screening within the last 30 calendars days of the date of employment. Evidence: 1. The record for staff 1 (hire date 12/12/2023), contained a negative tuberculosis screening dated for 2/22/2024. 2. The record for staff 2 (hire date 12/21/2023), contained a negative tuberculosis screening dated for 4/22/2024.”
8VAC20-770-60-B
“Based on review of staff records, the center did not obtain a completed sworn statement or affirmation for each staff member prior to date of hire. Evidence: The record for staff 2 (Date of hire 12/21/2023) did not contain a completed sworn statement or affirmation.”
8VAC20-780-550-F
“Based on record review, the center did not ensure that lockdown procedures shall be practiced at least annually. Evidence: 1. The evacuation drill log did not contain documentation that a lockdown drill had been practiced between September 2022 ? August 2023. 2. The director stated that she was not aware that a lockdown drill had not been completed.”
8VAC20-780-160-A
“Based on record review, the center did not obtain a Tuberculosis (TB) test/screening for all staff within the last 30 calendar days of the date of employment. 1. Staff 5?s record contained a tuberculosis (TB) test dated 9/28/2021. Staff 5?s dated of hire was 7/24/2023. 2. The director stated that she was not aware that she needed an updated tuberculosis (TB) test when she was rehired.”
8VAC20-780-270-A
“Based on observation, the center did not maintain a safe condition in one classroom. Evidence: A pair of teacher scissors was found sitting on top of a set of cubbies near the door in classroom 1.”
8VAC20-780-280-B
“Based on observation, the center did not ensure that all hazardous substances such as cleaning materials, insecticides, and pesticides shall be kept in a locked place using a safe locking method that prevents access by children. Evidence: 1. In classroom 1, there was a clear bottle labeled ?bleach no water? hanging over the sink where children wash their hands.”
8VAC20-780-290-A-3
“Based on observation, the center failed to ensure that all electrical outlets shall have protective covers that are of a size that cannot be swallowed by children. Evidence: 1. In classroom 2, there were 3 electrical outlets not covered with protective covers. 2. Staff was aware that outlets were not covered.”
8VAC20-780-550-E
“Based on record review, the center did not ensure that a shelter in place procedures shall be practiced a minimum of twice per year. Evidence: 1. Reviewed the evacuation drill log and found that there was no shelter in place drills practice from September 2022 ? August 2023. 2. The director was aware that a shelter in place drill had not been practiced.”
8VAC20-780-550-F
“Based on record review, the center did not ensure that lockdown procedures shall be practiced at least annually. Evidence: 1. The evacuation drill log did not contain documentation that a lockdown drill had been practiced between September 2022 ? August 2023. 2. The director stated that she was not aware that a lockdown drill had not been completed.”
8VAC20-780-160-A
“Based on record review, the center did not obtain a Tuberculosis (TB) test/screening for all staff within the last 30 calendar days of the date of employment. 1. Staff 5?s record contained a tuberculosis (TB) test dated 9/28/2021. Staff 5?s dated of hire was 7/24/2023. 2. The director stated that she was not aware that she needed an updated tuberculosis (TB) test when she was rehired.”
8VAC20-780-270-A
“Based on observation, the center did not maintain a safe condition in one classroom. Evidence: A pair of teacher scissors was found sitting on top of a set of cubbies near the door in classroom 1.”
8VAC20-780-280-B
“Based on observation, the center did not ensure that all hazardous substances such as cleaning materials, insecticides, and pesticides shall be kept in a locked place using a safe locking method that prevents access by children. Evidence: 1. In classroom 1, there was a clear bottle labeled ?bleach no water? hanging over the sink where children wash their hands.”
8VAC20-780-290-A-3
“Based on observation, the center failed to ensure that all electrical outlets shall have protective covers that are of a size that cannot be swallowed by children. Evidence: 1. In classroom 2, there were 3 electrical outlets not covered with protective covers. 2. Staff was aware that outlets were not covered.”
8VAC20-780-550-E
“Based on record review, the center did not ensure that a shelter in place procedures shall be practiced a minimum of twice per year. Evidence: 1. Reviewed the evacuation drill log and found that there was no shelter in place drills practice from September 2022 ? August 2023. 2. The director was aware that a shelter in place drill had not been practiced.”
8VAC20-790-600-F
“Based on record review and interview, the vendor did not ensure that each staff complete annually the Virginia Annual Health and Safety Update Course sponsored by the Department as required. Evidence: 1. The record of staff #4 (DOH: 07/01/2019) contained documentation of the Virginia Annual Health and Safety Update dated 10/19/2021. 2. The record of staff #5 (DOH: 08/16/2022) contained documentation of the Virginia Annual Health and Safety Update dated 08/16/2022. 3. The administrator acknowledged that the training update had not been completed annually as required.”
8VAC20-790-600-D-1
“Based on review, two center staff did not have current certification in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) appropriate to the ages of children in care. Evidence: 1. Staff #2 (Date of hire 4/4/2022) did not have current certification in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). 2. Staff #3 (Date of hire 11/28/2022) did not have current certification in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).”
8VAC20-790-600-D-2
“Based on review, two center staff did not have current certification in first aid appropriate to the ages of children in care. Evidence: 1. Staff #2 (Date of hire 4/4/2022) did not have current certification in first aid appropriate to the ages of children in care. 2. Staff #3 (Date of hire 11/28/2022) did not have current certification in first aid appropriate to the ages of children in care.”
8VAC20-780-290-A-3
“Based on observation, the center failed to have protective covers on electrical outlets in areas used by preschool age or younger children. Evidence: 1. The Preschool classroom (Ages 3years ? 5 years) had one outlet that was not covered with an outlet cover located on the wall near the door within reach of children. 2. In the entry area above a bench, an outlet was not covered with and outlet cover. The outlet cover is within reach of children.”
8VAC20-780-40-M
“Based on observation, the center did not maintain, in a way that is accessible to all caregivers, a current written list of all children's allergies, sensitivities, and dietary restrictions. This list shall be dated and kept confidential. Evidence: 1. The allergy list was not kept in a confidential manner, as the list was observed posted on the front wall near the door in the 2?s and 3?s classroom.”
8VAC20-780-270-A
“Based on observation it was determined the center did not ensure that all areas and equipment of the center, inside and outside, were maintained in a clean, safe and operable condition. Evidence: 1. In the 2?s and 3?s classroom, there was a hole in the wall approximately 2-3 inches located on the back wall under the window seal.”
8VAC20-790-600-F
“Based on record review and interview, the vendor did not ensure that each staff complete annually the Virginia Annual Health and Safety Update Course sponsored by the Department as required. Evidence: 1. The record of staff #4 (DOH: 07/01/2019) contained documentation of the Virginia Annual Health and Safety Update dated 10/19/2021. 2. The record of staff #5 (DOH: 08/16/2022) contained documentation of the Virginia Annual Health and Safety Update dated 08/16/2022. 3. The administrator acknowledged that the training update had not been completed annually as required.”
8VAC20-790-600-D-1
“Based on review, two center staff did not have current certification in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) appropriate to the ages of children in care. Evidence: 1. Staff #2 (Date of hire 4/4/2022) did not have current certification in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). 2. Staff #3 (Date of hire 11/28/2022) did not have current certification in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).”
8VAC20-790-600-D-2
“Based on review, two center staff did not have current certification in first aid appropriate to the ages of children in care. Evidence: 1. Staff #2 (Date of hire 4/4/2022) did not have current certification in first aid appropriate to the ages of children in care. 2. Staff #3 (Date of hire 11/28/2022) did not have current certification in first aid appropriate to the ages of children in care.”
8VAC20-780-290-A-3
“Based on observation, the center failed to have protective covers on electrical outlets in areas used by preschool age or younger children. Evidence: 1. The Preschool classroom (Ages 3years ? 5 years) had one outlet that was not covered with an outlet cover located on the wall near the door within reach of children. 2. In the entry area above a bench, an outlet was not covered with and outlet cover. The outlet cover is within reach of children.”
8VAC20-780-40-M
“Based on observation, the center did not maintain, in a way that is accessible to all caregivers, a current written list of all children's allergies, sensitivities, and dietary restrictions. This list shall be dated and kept confidential. Evidence: 1. The allergy list was not kept in a confidential manner, as the list was observed posted on the front wall near the door in the 2?s and 3?s classroom.”
8VAC20-780-270-A
“Based on observation it was determined the center did not ensure that all areas and equipment of the center, inside and outside, were maintained in a clean, safe and operable condition. Evidence: 1. In the 2?s and 3?s classroom, there was a hole in the wall approximately 2-3 inches located on the back wall under the window seal.”
8VAC20-780-410-1 Complaint related: No
“Based on a review of documentation, interviews, and video footage, the center did not ensure that staff did not use a forbidden action of rough handling a child. Evidence: 1) Video footage of the infant classroom reviewed on February 24, 2023, revealed that on December 8, 2023, Staff #1 roughly handled an infant in care. In the video, staff were observed feeding an infant, while another teacher was preparing formula. There was a third teacher who entered the classroom 15 seconds into the video with an infant that was asleep. The infant was placed on a mat on the floor with a blanket. The video, which was 1 minutes and 39 seconds in length, shows Staff #1 enter the classroom and places her things down. She then proceeds to pick up child # 1 by his right arm and swings him as she grabs his left arm and the child is dangling in the air. Staff #1 then proceeds to take a few steps toward a bean bag on the floor while holding Child #1 by both arms. Staff #1 picks up a stuff animal with one hand and drops it on the floor while holding child #1 by the left arm as the child dangled in the air while she then kicks the bean bag with her foot. Staff #1 then grabs child #1?s right arm and is holding the child by both arms. A staff then takes child #1 and holds the child in her arms. Child #1?s feet were observed off the ground for a approximately 17 seconds.”
8VAC20-780-440-G Complaint related: No
“Based on observation and video footage, the center failed to use a crib for children under 12 months of age who are not developmentally ready to sleep on a cot or mat. Evidence: 1. A teacher placed a sleeping infant on a mat. The teacher then covered the infant with a blanket.”
8VAC20-780-130-A
“Based on record review, the center did not obtain documentation of a physical exam for children within one month of attendance. Evidence: Child #3 first date of attendance was 9/13/2022 and their record did not contain a physical exam. Child #5 first date of attendance was 9/13/2022 and their record did not contain a physical exam.”
8VAC20-820-120-E-2
“Based on observation and interview, the center failed to post the most recent inspection of the facility. Evidence: 1. The inspection posted in the hall on the bulletin board was dated 1/7/20. The most recent inspection was dated 5/5/22. 2. The director verified the most current inspection was not posted.”
8VAC20-780-130-A
“Based on record review, the center did not obtain documentation of a physical exam for children within one month of attendance. Evidence: Child #3 first date of attendance was 9/13/2022 and their record did not contain a physical exam. Child #5 first date of attendance was 9/13/2022 and their record did not contain a physical exam.”
8VAC20-820-120-E-2
“Based on observation and interview, the center failed to post the most recent inspection of the facility. Evidence: 1. The inspection posted in the hall on the bulletin board was dated 1/7/20. The most recent inspection was dated 5/5/22. 2. The director verified the most current inspection was not posted.”
8VAC20-780-280-B
“Based on observation, the center did not ensure all hazardous substances such as cleaning materials were kept in a locked place using a safe locking method that prevented access by children. Evidence: During the inspection, the kitchen door was observed propped open. A rolling cart located in the kitchen contained a variety of cleaning products.”
8VAC20-780-70
“Based on review of six staff records, observation and interview, the center did not ensure one staff record contained the required information. Evidence: The record for Staff #1 (hire date 04/04/2022) did not the name, address and phone number of one person to be notified in case of emergency and information regarding any health problems that may interfere with fulfilling the job responsibilities. Staff #1 was observed working during the inspection. A member of management confirmed the information was not in the record while the licensing inspector was on site.”
8VAC20-780-60-A
“Based on the review of five children's records and interview, the center did not ensure one child's contained the required information. Evidence: The record for Child #1 contained the name, address and phone number for one designated person to call in an emergency if a parent cannot be reached. Name, address and phone number is required for two designated emergency contacts other than the child's parent. A member of management confirmed this information during the inspection.”
8VAC20-780-280-B
“Based on observation, the center did not ensure all hazardous substances such as cleaning materials were kept in a locked place using a safe locking method that prevented access by children. Evidence: During the inspection, the kitchen door was observed propped open. A rolling cart located in the kitchen contained a variety of cleaning products.”
8VAC20-780-70
“Based on review of six staff records, observation and interview, the center did not ensure one staff record contained the required information. Evidence: The record for Staff #1 (hire date 04/04/2022) did not the name, address and phone number of one person to be notified in case of emergency and information regarding any health problems that may interfere with fulfilling the job responsibilities. Staff #1 was observed working during the inspection. A member of management confirmed the information was not in the record while the licensing inspector was on site.”
8VAC20-780-60-A
“Based on the review of five children's records and interview, the center did not ensure one child's contained the required information. Evidence: The record for Child #1 contained the name, address and phone number for one designated person to call in an emergency if a parent cannot be reached. Name, address and phone number is required for two designated emergency contacts other than the child's parent. A member of management confirmed this information during the inspection.”
22VAC40-665-540-A
“Based on review of three staff records and interview, the vendor did not ensure two staff members obtained a tuberculosis (TB) screening that had been completed within the last 30 calendar days of the date of employment. Evidence: 1. The record for Staff #1 (hire date 03/08/2021) contained a TB screening dated 03/12/2021. 2. The record for Staff #2 (hire date 06/21/2021) contained a TB screening date 06/29/2021. 3. The director confirmed this information was accurate.”
22VAC40-665-580-H
“Based on review of three staff records and interview, the vendor did not ensure one staff completed the department's health and safety update course. The record for Staff #3 (hire date 07/01/2019) did not contain documentation that the Virginia Annual Health and Safety Update Training was completed. A member of management confirmed Staff #3 had not taken the required training as of 10/15/2021.”
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West Point, VA 23181 · infants to school-age · Home daycare: the provider shares the address with families
3135 King William Avenue, West Point, VA
West Point, VA 23181 · infants to school-age · Home daycare: the provider shares the address with families
207 West Euclid Boulevard, West Point, VA
3340 King William Avenue, West Point, VA
1020 Main Street, West Point, VA
11705 New Kent Highway, New Kent, VA
7770 Invicta Lane, New Kent, VA
6501 New Kent Highway, New Kent, 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 February 25, 2026, with no rules cited. It lists 11 visits in the last 3 years.
Yes. Inspectors cited 9 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.
100, the licensed capacity on the state record. It is licensed to serve infants, toddlers, preschoolers and school-age children.
Yes. The state record says it accepts child care subsidies.
Monday to Friday, 6:30 AM to 6:00 PM. These are the hours on the state record. Holiday hours can differ.
It has not listed its tuition. Call (804) 843-4869 to ask.
(804) 843-4869.
610 18th Street, West Point, VA 23181.