AlphaBEST at Dumfries Elementary
3990 Cameron Street, Dumfries, VA
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Strong Foundation Academy is a licensed child care center in Dumfries, Virginia. It is licensed by the state, for up to 35 children, serving infants, toddlers, preschoolers and school-age children.
It is open Monday to Friday, 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM. It describes a STEM / STEAM approach, with infant care, 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 25 rules across 6 of them. The visit list, in the state's words, is below.
Hours
| Monday | 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Thursday | 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Friday | 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Saturday | Not listed |
| SundayToday | Not listed |
Programs
| Ages | Infants, toddlers, preschoolers and school-age childrenFrom the state license |
|---|---|
| Programs | Infant care, preschool and toddler care |
| Approach | STEM / STEAM |
| Staff | Teachers receive ongoing training |
| Safety | Parent app (Playground app) |
| Child care subsidy | Accepts state child care subsidiesFrom the state license |
| Parent updates | Parent app (Playground app) |
| Licensed capacity | 35 childrenFrom the state license |
Cost
Strong Foundation Academy has not listed its tuition.
State record
11 visits in the last 3 years · Last visit Mar 23, 2026: 1 rule cited
Rules cited on 11 of 11 visits · 25 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
8VAC20-780-330-B
“(Repeat Violation) The Provider is required to ensure that the required resilient surfacing surrounding playground equipment with moving parts or climbing apparatus created a sufficient fall zone. On the playground, there are steps to enter the equipment that are 33 inches in height with 4 inches of wood chips measured on the right side of the equipment instead of the required 6 inches.”
8VAC20-780-410-1
“The Center is required to ensure that movement of a child is not restricted through binding or tying. During inspection and upon entry into the infant room, Child #1 (age 6 months old) was observed lying in their crib, with a blanket swaddled around them, and tied in a knot so that movement was restricted.”
8VAC20-780-330-B
“(Repeat Violation) The Provider is required to ensure that the required resilient surfacing surrounding playground equipment with moving parts or climbing apparatus created a sufficient fall zone. On the playground, there is a straight slide that is 33 inches in height with less than 1 inch of wood chips at the end of the slide instead of the required 6 inches.”
22.1-289.035-B-4
“The Provider is required to request a check of the criminal history record, the central registry record and the sex offender registry record from all states in which staff members have resided within the last five years prior to employment. The record for Staff #3 did not contain documentation that a criminal history record check, a central registry check or a sex offender registry clearance from all states where they resided within the last five years was requested prior to employment.”
22.1-289.035-B-4
“The Provider is required to request a check of the criminal history record, the central registry record and the sex offender registry record from all states in which staff members have resided within the last five years prior to employment. The record for Staff #3 did not contain documentation that a criminal history record check, a central registry check or a sex offender registry clearance from all states where they resided within the last five years was requested prior to employment.”
8VAC20-780-160-C
“The Center is required to obtain documentation of a negative tuberculosis (TB) test or screening for staff every 2 years from the date of the initial screening or testing. 1)An updated TB test for Staff #1 was completed 5 weeks after it was due. 2)An updated TB test for Staff #2 was completed 2 weeks after it was due.”
8VAC20-780-330-B
“(Repeat Violation) The Provider is required to ensure that the required resilient surfacing surrounding playground equipment with moving parts or climbing apparatus created a sufficient fall zone. On the playground, there is a straight slide that is 33 inches in height with less than 1 inch of wood chips at the end of the slide instead of the required 6 inches.”
8VAC20-780-160-C
“The Center is required to obtain documentation of a negative tuberculosis (TB) test or screening for staff every 2 years from the date of the initial screening or testing. 1)An updated TB test for Staff #1 was completed 5 weeks after it was due. 2)An updated TB test for Staff #2 was completed 2 weeks after it was due.”
8VAC20-780-410-1
“The Center is required to ensure that movement of a child is not restricted through binding or tying. During inspection and upon entry into the infant room, Child #1 (age 6 months old) was observed lying in their crib, with a blanket swaddled around them, and tied in a knot so that movement was restricted.”
8VAC20-780-410-1
“The Center is required to ensure that movement of a child is not restricted through binding or tying. During inspection and upon entry into the infant room, Child #1 (age 6 months old) was observed lying in their crib, with a blanket swaddled around them, and tied in a knot so that movement was restricted.”
8VAC20-780-330-B
“(Repeat Violation) The Provider is required to ensure that the required resilient surfacing surrounding playground equipment with moving parts or climbing apparatus created a sufficient fall zone. On the playground, there is a straight slide that is 33 inches in height with less than 1 inch of wood chips at the end of the slide instead of the required 6 inches.”
22.1-289.035-B-4
“The Provider is required to request a check of the criminal history record, the central registry record and the sex offender registry record from all states in which staff members have resided within the last five years prior to employment. The record for Staff #3 did not contain documentation that a criminal history record check, a central registry check or a sex offender registry clearance from all states where they resided within the last five years was requested prior to employment.”
22.1-289.035-B-4
“The Provider is required to request a check of the criminal history record, the central registry record and the sex offender registry record from all states in which staff members have resided within the last five years prior to employment. The record for Staff #3 did not contain documentation that a criminal history record check, a central registry check or a sex offender registry clearance from all states where they resided within the last five years was requested prior to employment.”
8VAC20-780-160-C
“The Center is required to obtain documentation of a negative tuberculosis (TB) test or screening for staff every 2 years from the date of the initial screening or testing. 1)An updated TB test for Staff #1 was completed 5 weeks after it was due. 2)An updated TB test for Staff #2 was completed 2 weeks after it was due.”
8VAC20-780-330-B
“(Repeat Violation) The Provider is required to ensure that the required resilient surfacing surrounding playground equipment with moving parts or climbing apparatus created a sufficient fall zone. On the playground, there is a straight slide that is 33 inches in height with less than 1 inch of wood chips at the end of the slide instead of the required 6 inches.”
8VAC20-780-160-C
“The Center is required to obtain documentation of a negative tuberculosis (TB) test or screening for staff every 2 years from the date of the initial screening or testing. 1)An updated TB test for Staff #1 was completed 5 weeks after it was due. 2)An updated TB test for Staff #2 was completed 2 weeks after it was due.”
8VAC20-780-410-1
“The Center is required to ensure that movement of a child is not restricted through binding or tying. During inspection and upon entry into the infant room, Child #1 (age 6 months old) was observed lying in their crib, with a blanket swaddled around them, and tied in a knot so that movement was restricted.”
22.1-289.035-B-3
“(Repeat Violation) For staff hired after 7/1/24, the Provider is required to request a Central Registry check prior to employment. The record for Staff #1 did not contain documentation that the Central Registry check had been requested prior to hire.”
22.1-289.011-F
“The Center is required to post the license in a conspicuous place on the licensed premises. The license was posted inside a locked office not in a conspicuous place.”
8VAC20-780-500-B
“The Center is required to ensure that disposable diapers were disposed in a 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. The foot-operated storage system for disposal of diapers was not able to be operated by foot causing the staff member to have to touch the exterior surface of the trash can with their hand or a soiled diaper to open the trash can.”
8VAC20-780-340-F
“(Repeat Violation) The Center is required to ensure that children under 10 years of age always be within actual sight and sound supervision of staff. Upon arrival for the inspection in the Preschool classroom (ages 16 months-3 years), there was 1 staff member with 7 children resting on 1 side of a half wall that divides the room and there was no teacher with the 10 resting children on the other side of the half wall. The 10 children were alone and without sight and sound supervision.”
22.1-289.035-B-3
“(Repeat Violation) For staff hired after 7/1/24, the Provider is required to request a Central Registry check prior to employment. The record for Staff #1 did not contain documentation that the Central Registry check had been requested prior to hire.”
22.1-289.011-F
“The Center is required to post the license in a conspicuous place on the licensed premises. The license was posted inside a locked office not in a conspicuous place.”
8VAC20-780-500-B
“The Center is required to ensure that disposable diapers were disposed in a 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. The foot-operated storage system for disposal of diapers was not able to be operated by foot causing the staff member to have to touch the exterior surface of the trash can with their hand or a soiled diaper to open the trash can.”
8VAC20-780-340-F
“(Repeat Violation) The Center is required to ensure that children under 10 years of age always be within actual sight and sound supervision of staff. Upon arrival for the inspection in the Preschool classroom (ages 16 months-3 years), there was 1 staff member with 7 children resting on 1 side of a half wall that divides the room and there was no teacher with the 10 resting children on the other side of the half wall. The 10 children were alone and without sight and sound supervision.”
8VAC20-780-340-A
“The Center is required to ensure the care, protection and guidance of all children in care. Evidence: During inspection, Child #2 (8 months old) and Child #3 (8 months old) were sleeping in cribs where the sheets were loosely wrinkled around and under the children. Safe sleep guidelines require no loose bedding where babies are sleeping.”
8VAC20-780-40-M
“The Center is required to maintain a current and dated written list of children’s allergies, sensitivities, and dietary restrictions that is accessible to all staff in each group or area where children are present. Evidence: The allergy list did not contain four of Child #1`s diagnosed food allergies.”
22.1-289.035-B-3
“For staff hired after 7/1/24, the Provider is required to request a Central Registry check prior to employment. Evidence: The record for Staff #3 did not contain documentation that the Central Registry check had been requested prior to hire.”
8VAC20-780-350-B-3
“The Center is required to maintain the required supervision ratio of staff to children whenever children are in care. Evidence: During the inspection, the center did not maintain the required supervision ratio of 1 staff for every 8 children in the front classroom where the youngest child was age 2. Staff #1 took a child to the restroom in another room and left Staff #2 alone with 13 children.”
8VAC20-780-560-G
“The Center is required to ensure that food brought from home is clearly dated and labeled in a way that identifies the owner. Evidence: In the Infant classroom, Child #4 had brought food and milk from home that was stored in a lunch bag unrefrigerated and was not labeled with the child’s name or date.”
8VAC20-780-340-A
“The Center is required to ensure the care, protection and guidance of all children in care. Evidence: During inspection, Child #2 (8 months old) and Child #3 (8 months old) were sleeping in cribs where the sheets were loosely wrinkled around and under the children. Safe sleep guidelines require no loose bedding where babies are sleeping.”
8VAC20-780-40-M
“The Center is required to maintain a current and dated written list of children’s allergies, sensitivities, and dietary restrictions that is accessible to all staff in each group or area where children are present. Evidence: The allergy list did not contain four of Child #1`s diagnosed food allergies.”
22.1-289.035-B-3
“For staff hired after 7/1/24, the Provider is required to request a Central Registry check prior to employment. Evidence: The record for Staff #3 did not contain documentation that the Central Registry check had been requested prior to hire.”
8VAC20-780-350-B-3
“The Center is required to maintain the required supervision ratio of staff to children whenever children are in care. Evidence: During the inspection, the center did not maintain the required supervision ratio of 1 staff for every 8 children in the front classroom where the youngest child was age 2. Staff #1 took a child to the restroom in another room and left Staff #2 alone with 13 children.”
8VAC20-780-560-G
“The Center is required to ensure that food brought from home is clearly dated and labeled in a way that identifies the owner. Evidence: In the Infant classroom, Child #4 had brought food and milk from home that was stored in a lunch bag unrefrigerated and was not labeled with the child’s name or date.”
8VAC20-780-240-B
“Based on review of 3 staff records and interview with staff, the center did not ensure that staff complete orientation prior to the staff member working alone with children and no later than 7 days of the date of assuming job responsibilities. Evidence: The orientation for Staff #1 (date of hire 4/23/24) was completed on 5/19/24.”
8VAC20-780-240-E
“Based on review of 3 staff records, the center did not ensure that staff complete a First Aid and CPR orientation appropriate to the age of the children in care within 30 days of the first day of employment. Evidence: The file for Staff #1 (date of hire 4/23/24) did not contain documentation of a completed First Aid and CPR orientation within 30 days of employment.”
8VAC20-780-430-C
“Based on observation, the Provider did not ensure that play equipment have no pinch points. Evidence: On the playground, on the curvy slide, there is slice in the slide approximately 7 inches in length that could pinch a child’s skin.”
8VAC20-780-330-B
“Based on observation and inspection of the playground, the licensee did not to ensure that the required resilient surfacing surrounding playground equipment with moving parts or climbing apparatus created a sufficient fall zone. Evidence: 1)On the playground, there is an airplane seesaw that is 28 inches in height with less than 1 inch of wood chips under the seat on the far side of the playground instead of the required 6 inches. 2)On the playground, there is a straight slide that is 33 inches in height with less than 1 inch of wood chips at the end of the slide instead of the required 6 inches. 3)On the playground, there is a curvy slide that is 43 inches in height with less than 1 inch of wood chips at the end of the slide instead of the required 6 inches. 4) On the playground, there are curved stairs leading up to a platform on the equipment that is 24 inches in height with 3 inches of wood chips in front of the stairs instead of the required 6 inches.”
8VAC20-780-160-C
“Based on review of 3 staff records, the center did not obtain documentation of a negative tuberculosis (TB) test or screening for staff every 2 years from the date of the initial screening or testing. Evidence: The record for Staff #2 (date of hire 3/22/22) did not have documentation of a negative TB test or screening within 2 years of the last TB test. The most recent TB test on file was dated 3/30/22.”
8VAC20-780-240-B
“Based on review of 3 staff records and interview with staff, the center did not ensure that staff complete orientation prior to the staff member working alone with children and no later than 7 days of the date of assuming job responsibilities. Evidence: The orientation for Staff #1 (date of hire 4/23/24) was completed on 5/19/24.”
8VAC20-780-240-E
“Based on review of 3 staff records, the center did not ensure that staff complete a First Aid and CPR orientation appropriate to the age of the children in care within 30 days of the first day of employment. Evidence: The file for Staff #1 (date of hire 4/23/24) did not contain documentation of a completed First Aid and CPR orientation within 30 days of employment.”
8VAC20-780-430-C
“Based on observation, the Provider did not ensure that play equipment have no pinch points. Evidence: On the playground, on the curvy slide, there is slice in the slide approximately 7 inches in length that could pinch a child’s skin.”
8VAC20-780-330-B
“Based on observation and inspection of the playground, the licensee did not to ensure that the required resilient surfacing surrounding playground equipment with moving parts or climbing apparatus created a sufficient fall zone. Evidence: 1)On the playground, there is an airplane seesaw that is 28 inches in height with less than 1 inch of wood chips under the seat on the far side of the playground instead of the required 6 inches. 2)On the playground, there is a straight slide that is 33 inches in height with less than 1 inch of wood chips at the end of the slide instead of the required 6 inches. 3)On the playground, there is a curvy slide that is 43 inches in height with less than 1 inch of wood chips at the end of the slide instead of the required 6 inches. 4) On the playground, there are curved stairs leading up to a platform on the equipment that is 24 inches in height with 3 inches of wood chips in front of the stairs instead of the required 6 inches.”
8VAC20-780-160-C
“Based on review of 3 staff records, the center did not obtain documentation of a negative tuberculosis (TB) test or screening for staff every 2 years from the date of the initial screening or testing. Evidence: The record for Staff #2 (date of hire 3/22/22) did not have documentation of a negative TB test or screening within 2 years of the last TB test. The most recent TB test on file was dated 3/30/22.”
8VAC20-780-340-F
“Based on staff interviews and observation, the center did not ensure that children under 10 years of age always be within actual sight and sound supervision of staff. Evidence: During inspection in the Preschool classroom (age 2), a child was observed leaving the classroom to go to the bathroom down the hall and out of sight and sound supervision of a staff member.”
8VAC20-780-80-A
“Based on review of the written attendance record and interview with staff, the center did not ensure they maintained a written record of daily attendance for each group of children documenting the arrival and departure of each child in care as it occurs. Evidence: 1)During inspection in the Preschool classroom, there were 8 children present, but the written record reflected there were 33 children present. 2)During inspection in the Toddler classroom, there were 4 children present, but there was no written record present in this classroom.”
8VAC20-780-340-F
“Based on staff interviews and observation, the center did not ensure that children under 10 years of age always be within actual sight and sound supervision of staff. Evidence: During inspection in the Preschool classroom (age 2), a child was observed leaving the classroom to go to the bathroom down the hall and out of sight and sound supervision of a staff member.”
8VAC20-780-80-A
“Based on review of the written attendance record and interview with staff, the center did not ensure they maintained a written record of daily attendance for each group of children documenting the arrival and departure of each child in care as it occurs. Evidence: 1)During inspection in the Preschool classroom, there were 8 children present, but the written record reflected there were 33 children present. 2)During inspection in the Toddler classroom, there were 4 children present, but there was no written record present in this classroom.”
8VAC20-780-350-B-1
“Based on observation, the facility did not ensure that the ratio for children in the infant classroom was maintained at 1 staff to 4 children. Evidence: observed in the infant classroom five children and one staff member. The staff stated that the child was not in there long, and removed one of the children from the classroom.”
8VAC20-780-510-L
“Based on observation, the facility did not ensure that medications are kept in a locked place. Evidence: observed that the first aid kits were kept in a cabinet near the director's office that remained unlocked during the inspection visit. Observed in a first aid kit kept in the closet had several packets of aspirin inside.”
8VAC20-780-350-B-1
“Based on observation, the facility did not ensure that the ratio for children in the infant classroom was maintained at 1 staff to 4 children. Evidence: observed in the infant classroom five children and one staff member. The staff stated that the child was not in there long, and removed one of the children from the classroom.”
8VAC20-780-510-L
“Based on observation, the facility did not ensure that medications are kept in a locked place. Evidence: observed that the first aid kits were kept in a cabinet near the director's office that remained unlocked during the inspection visit. Observed in a first aid kit kept in the closet had several packets of aspirin inside.”
8VAC20-780-280-B
“Based on observation, the facility did not ensure that hazardous substances were kept inaccessible to children at all times. Evidence: observed hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes accessible to children in the 4 year old classroom on the second level of the school. The items were given to the staff by a parent.”
8VAC20-780-280-B
“Based on observation, the facility did not ensure that hazardous substances were kept inaccessible to children at all times. Evidence: observed hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes accessible to children in the 4 year old classroom on the second level of the school. The items were given to the staff by a parent.”
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3990 Cameron Street, Dumfries, VA
Dumfries, VA 22026 · infants to school-age · Home daycare: the provider shares the address with families
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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 23, 2026, with 1 rule cited. It lists 11 visits in the last 3 years.
Yes. Inspectors cited 25 rules across 11 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.
35, 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, 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM. These are the hours on the state record. Holiday hours can differ.
It has not listed its tuition. Call (703) 441-7828 to ask.
(703) 441-7828.
17926 Main Street, Dumfries, VA 22026. The nearest other daycare we list is Strong Foundation Academy II, under 0.1 miles away.