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Child care center 

The Goddard School - River's Bend

13036 Rivers Bend Boulevard, Chester, VA 238364.7· 96 reviews
licensed capacity
286
open each week
5 days

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Licensed by the stateInspection record

About

About The Goddard School - River's Bend

The Goddard School - River's Bend is a licensed child care center in Chester, Virginia. It is licensed by the state, for up to 286 children, serving infants, toddlers, preschoolers and school-age children.

It is open Monday to Friday, 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM. It describes its programs: after-school care, before-school care, infant care and pre-k.

Virginia Department of Education, Office of Child Care Health and Safety made 16 visits in the last 3 years and cited 11 rules across 7 of them. The visit list, in the state's words, is below.

InfantsPreschool / pre-KBefore- and after-schoolAccepts child care subsidy

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

From the state license
Ask when you call: rates, current openings, staff-to-child ratio and teacher qualifications.
Type
Child care center
Ages
Infants, toddlers, preschoolers and school-age children
Hours today
7:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Licensed capacity
286 children

Hours

Hours

MondayToday7:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Tuesday7:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Wednesday7:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Thursday7:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Friday7:00 AM to 6:00 PM
SaturdayNot listed
SundayNot listed
From the state licenseHours it lists: “Mon-Fri 7:00 am - 6:00 pm”

Programs

Programs and care

AgesInfants, toddlers, preschoolers and school-age childrenFrom the state license
ProgramsAfter-school care, before-school care, infant care, pre-k, preschool and toddler care
CurriculumWonder of Learning®
EnrichmentSports & Fitness, Yoga & Mindfulness
SafetyOutdoor playground
Child care subsidyAccepts state child care subsidiesFrom the state license
TransportationTransportation (Before School Transportation)
LanguagesAmerican Sign Language
AccreditationCognia (AdvancED) accredited
Licensed capacity286 childrenFrom the state license
A daycare without an item may still offer it; ask.

Cost

Tuition and costs

The Goddard School - River's Bend has not listed its tuition.

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

State record

Inspection reports for The Goddard School - River's Bend

License

Status
Licensed and operating
License type
License (Two Year)
Capacity
286 children
Ages
Infants, toddlers, preschoolers and school-age children
License number
#1105958
See the state's record

Summary

16 visits in the last 3 years · Last visit Aug 4, 2026: 1 rule cited

Rules cited on 11 of 16 visits · 11 rules in all

  • Health, medication and illness 3
  • Background checks 2
  • Safety and hazards 2
  • Staff training and qualifications 1
  • Supervision and ratios 1
  • Food and nutrition 1
  • Building, equipment and play areas 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 24 visits
  1. Aug 4, 2026Inspection1 rule cited
    • Background checks

      22.1-289.036-A

      “The center is required to have employees undergo a background check every five years. 1. Staff #1 did not have an updated sworn disclosure or affirmation. It was overdue by seven months. 2. Staff #2 did not have an updated sworn disclosure or affirmation. It was overdue by two months.”
  2. Jul 1, 2026InspectionNo rules cited
  3. Jun 3, 2026VisitNo rules cited
  4. May 15, 2026VisitNo rules cited
  5. Apr 27, 2026Inspection2 rules cited
    • Health, medication and illness

      8VAC20-780-550-P

      “The center shall maintain a written record of children's serious and minor injuries in which entries are made the day of occurrence. The record shall include the date and time when parents were notified. Child #5 had a minor injury report that was missing the time of parent notification.”
    • Health, medication and illness

      8VAC20-780-500-A

      “Staff shall wash their hands with soap and running water after any contact with body fluids. Staff #11 was observed wiping a child's nose. The staff member did not wash their hands with soap and running water.”
  6. Nov 6, 2025Visit2 rules cited
    • Staff training and qualifications

      8VAC20-790-600-D-1

      “All staff who work directly with children shall have a current CPR and first aid certification, appropriate to the ages of children in care, within 90 days of employment. Staff #5 and Staff #7 completed their CPR and first aid certification approximately one month late.”
    • Supervision and ratios

      8VAC20-780-350-C

      “When children are in ongoing mixed age groups, the staff-to-children ratio and group size applicable to the youngest child in the group shall apply to the entire group. On 11/06/2025, Staff #13 was observed supervising a combined group of 17 preschool age and school age children. Administration acknowledged that Staff #13 was seven children over the required preschool ratio of 1:10 for approximately 15 minutes before Staff #1 arrived to supervise.”
  7. Nov 6, 2025Inspection2 rules cited
    • Staff training and qualifications

      8VAC20-790-600-D-1

      “All staff who work directly with children shall have a current CPR and first aid certification, appropriate to the ages of children in care, within 90 days of employment. Staff #5 and Staff #7 completed their CPR and first aid certification approximately one month late.”
    • Supervision and ratios

      8VAC20-780-350-C

      “When children are in ongoing mixed age groups, the staff-to-children ratio and group size applicable to the youngest child in the group shall apply to the entire group. On 11/06/2025, Staff #13 was observed supervising a combined group of 17 preschool age and school age children. Administration acknowledged that Staff #13 was seven children over the required preschool ratio of 1:10 for approximately 15 minutes before Staff #1 arrived to supervise.”
  8. Nov 6, 2025Inspection2 rules cited
    • Staff training and qualifications

      8VAC20-790-600-D-1

      “All staff who work directly with children shall have a current CPR and first aid certification, appropriate to the ages of children in care, within 90 days of employment. Staff #5 and Staff #7 completed their CPR and first aid certification approximately one month late.”
    • Supervision and ratios

      8VAC20-780-350-C

      “When children are in ongoing mixed age groups, the staff-to-children ratio and group size applicable to the youngest child in the group shall apply to the entire group. On 11/06/2025, Staff #13 was observed supervising a combined group of 17 preschool age and school age children. Administration acknowledged that Staff #13 was seven children over the required preschool ratio of 1:10 for approximately 15 minutes before Staff #1 arrived to supervise.”
  9. May 1, 2025Inspection2 rules cited
    • Health, medication and illness

      8VAC20-780-550-P

      “Minor injury records shall include the following: 1. Date and time of injury; 2. Name of injured child; 3. Type and circumstance of the injury; 4. Staff present and treatment; 5. Date and time when parents were notified; 6. Any future action to prevent recurrence of the injury; 7. Staff and parent signatures or two staff signatures; and 8. Documentation on how parent was notified. Child #11, child #12, and child #13 had minor injury reports that were missing the future action to prevent recurrence of the injury.”
    • 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 #8, employed for over 10 months, did not have a central registry check from one state.”
  10. May 1, 2025Inspection2 rules cited
    • Health, medication and illness

      8VAC20-780-550-P

      “Minor injury records shall include the following: 1. Date and time of injury; 2. Name of injured child; 3. Type and circumstance of the injury; 4. Staff present and treatment; 5. Date and time when parents were notified; 6. Any future action to prevent recurrence of the injury; 7. Staff and parent signatures or two staff signatures; and 8. Documentation on how parent was notified. Child #11, child #12, and child #13 had minor injury reports that were missing the future action to prevent recurrence of the injury.”
    • 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 #8, employed for over 10 months, did not have a central registry check from one state.”
Show 14 earlier visits
  1. Oct 28, 2024Inspection2 rules cited
    • Food and nutrition

      8VAC20-780-560-F

      “When centers choose to provide meals or snacks, centers shall follow the most recent, age-appropriate nutritional requirements of the Child and Adult Care Food Program of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Snacks are required to contain two of the five components which are fluid milk, meat or meat alternative, vegetables, fruits, and grains. In two classrooms, the children were given one component at morning snack.”
    • Safety and hazards

      8VAC20-780-570-A

      “When a child is placed in an infant seat or high chair, the protective belt shall be fastened securely. Three children in the infant classroom were sitting in infant seats with unfastened protective belts.”
  2. Oct 28, 2024Inspection2 rules cited
    • Food and nutrition

      8VAC20-780-560-F

      “When centers choose to provide meals or snacks, centers shall follow the most recent, age-appropriate nutritional requirements of the Child and Adult Care Food Program of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Snacks are required to contain two of the five components which are fluid milk, meat or meat alternative, vegetables, fruits, and grains. In two classrooms, the children were given one component at morning snack.”
    • Safety and hazards

      8VAC20-780-570-A

      “When a child is placed in an infant seat or high chair, the protective belt shall be fastened securely. Three children in the infant classroom were sitting in infant seats with unfastened protective belts.”
  3. Jun 13, 2024InspectionNo rules cited
  4. Jun 13, 2024InspectionNo rules cited
  5. Dec 13, 2023Inspection2 rules cited
    • Safety and hazards

      8VAC20-780-280-B

      “Based on observation and interview, the center did not ensure that hazardous substances were kept in a locked place using a safe locking method that prevents access by children. Evidence: 1. Two cannisters of Clorox disinfectant wipes were located in an unlocked cabinet in a preschool classroom. The wipes contained the warnings: caution and hazard to humans and domestic animals. 2. Administration acknowledged that the cabinet was unlocked.”
    • Building, equipment and play areas

      8VAC20-780-270-A

      “Based on observation and interview, the center did not ensure that areas and equipment of the center, inside and outside, were maintained in a clean, safe and operable condition. Evidence: 1. A torn vinyl climber was observed in an infant classroom and a torn vinyl chair was observed in a preschool classroom. The torn areas exposed the interior foam padding. 2. Administration acknowledged that the equipment required maintenance or disposal.”
  6. Dec 13, 2023Inspection2 rules cited
    • Safety and hazards

      8VAC20-780-280-B

      “Based on observation and interview, the center did not ensure that hazardous substances were kept in a locked place using a safe locking method that prevents access by children. Evidence: 1. Two cannisters of Clorox disinfectant wipes were located in an unlocked cabinet in a preschool classroom. The wipes contained the warnings: caution and hazard to humans and domestic animals. 2. Administration acknowledged that the cabinet was unlocked.”
    • Building, equipment and play areas

      8VAC20-780-270-A

      “Based on observation and interview, the center did not ensure that areas and equipment of the center, inside and outside, were maintained in a clean, safe and operable condition. Evidence: 1. A torn vinyl climber was observed in an infant classroom and a torn vinyl chair was observed in a preschool classroom. The torn areas exposed the interior foam padding. 2. Administration acknowledged that the equipment required maintenance or disposal.”
  7. May 25, 2023InspectionNo rules cited
  8. May 25, 2023InspectionNo rules cited
  9. Dec 5, 2022Inspection4 rules cited
    • Background checks

      8VAC20-770-60-C-2

      “Based on a review of 10 staff records and interview, the center did not ensure to obtain a central registry finding for two (2) staff by the end of the 30th day of employment as required. Evidence: 1. The record of staff #2 (date of employment: 10/31/2022) did not contain a central registry finding. The record of staff #3 (date of employment: 8/20/2022) contained a central registry finding dated 09/27/2022. 2. Administration acknowledged that the findings were not received within 30 days as required.”
    • Health, medication and illness

      8VAC20-780-520-C

      “Based on a review of documentation and interview, the center did not ensure that when diaper ointment or cream is used, written parent authorization is obtained. Evidence: 1. Diaper creams and authorizations were inspected in the infant room on 12/5/2022. A tube of Triple Paste Cream was observed that belonged to child #11. An authorization for the cream was not available. 2. Administration acknowledged that the authorization had not been obtained.”
    • Safety and hazards

      8VAC20-780-280-B

      “Based on observation and interview, the center did not ensure that hazardous substances were kept in a locked place using a safe locking method that prevents access by children. Evidence: 1. In the Chipmunk's room (ages 12-16 months) Odoban, an air freshener and hand sanitizer were observed in an unlocked cabinet. In the Get-Set classroom (ages two-three years) three (3) cans of air freshener were observed in an unlocked cabinet. In the half day preschool (four year olds) an unlocked cannister of Clorox wipes were observed. The unlocked bottles contained warning labels to include caution, flammable, keep out of the reach of children and hazard to humans and domestic animals) 2. Administration acknowledged that the substances were unlocked.”
    • Background checks

      22.1-289.035-B-4

      “Based on a review of 10 staff records and interview, the center did not ensure to request an out of state child abuse and neglect registry search request by the end of the 30th day of employment for one (1) staff as required. Evidence: 1. The record of staff #2 (date of employment: 10/31/2022) contained a sworn statement that indicated that the staff resided outside of Virginia within the preceding five (5) years. The record did not contain an out of state child abuse and neglect search request. 2. Administration acknowledged that the request had not been made.”
  10. Dec 5, 2022Inspection4 rules cited
    • Background checks

      8VAC20-770-60-C-2

      “Based on a review of 10 staff records and interview, the center did not ensure to obtain a central registry finding for two (2) staff by the end of the 30th day of employment as required. Evidence: 1. The record of staff #2 (date of employment: 10/31/2022) did not contain a central registry finding. The record of staff #3 (date of employment: 8/20/2022) contained a central registry finding dated 09/27/2022. 2. Administration acknowledged that the findings were not received within 30 days as required.”
    • Health, medication and illness

      8VAC20-780-520-C

      “Based on a review of documentation and interview, the center did not ensure that when diaper ointment or cream is used, written parent authorization is obtained. Evidence: 1. Diaper creams and authorizations were inspected in the infant room on 12/5/2022. A tube of Triple Paste Cream was observed that belonged to child #11. An authorization for the cream was not available. 2. Administration acknowledged that the authorization had not been obtained.”
    • Safety and hazards

      8VAC20-780-280-B

      “Based on observation and interview, the center did not ensure that hazardous substances were kept in a locked place using a safe locking method that prevents access by children. Evidence: 1. In the Chipmunk's room (ages 12-16 months) Odoban, an air freshener and hand sanitizer were observed in an unlocked cabinet. In the Get-Set classroom (ages two-three years) three (3) cans of air freshener were observed in an unlocked cabinet. In the half day preschool (four year olds) an unlocked cannister of Clorox wipes were observed. The unlocked bottles contained warning labels to include caution, flammable, keep out of the reach of children and hazard to humans and domestic animals) 2. Administration acknowledged that the substances were unlocked.”
    • Background checks

      22.1-289.035-B-4

      “Based on a review of 10 staff records and interview, the center did not ensure to request an out of state child abuse and neglect registry search request by the end of the 30th day of employment for one (1) staff as required. Evidence: 1. The record of staff #2 (date of employment: 10/31/2022) contained a sworn statement that indicated that the staff resided outside of Virginia within the preceding five (5) years. The record did not contain an out of state child abuse and neglect search request. 2. Administration acknowledged that the request had not been made.”
  11. Jun 28, 2022Inspection4 rules cited
    • Health, medication and illness

      8VAC20-780-510-L

      “Based on observation and interview on June 28, 2022, the center did not ensure medication, except for those prescriptions designated otherwise by written physician's orders, including refrigerated medication and staff's personal medication, shall be kept in a locked place using a safe locking method that prevents access by children. Evidence: In the 3 year old classroom a staff's purse was located on a shelf accessible to children. There were several prescription medication bottles observed at the top of the staff's purse. The staff confirmed the purse was not in a locked cabinet.”
    • Background checks

      8VAC20-770-60-C-2

      “Based on a review of staff records and interview on June 28, 2022, the center did not ensure that each staff record reviewed contained a central registry finding within 30 days of employment. Evidence: The record of staff #9 (hired 11/22/21) contained central registry findings dated 1/15/22. Administration confirmed the results were late.”
    • Health, medication and illness

      8VAC20-780-500-B

      “Based on observation and interview on June 28, 2022, the center did not ensure that diapers shall be disposed in a leak-proof or plastic lined storage system that is foot-operated or used in such a way that neither the staff member's hand nor soiled diaper touches an exterior surface during disposal. Evidence: Staff was observed, after diapering, disposing of a dirty diaper, in a trash can just outside the door leading to the outside area of the center, which was neither leak-proof or foot operated. The staff was observed using the staff's hand to lift the lid to the trash can and dispose of the diaper. The staff acknowledged the foot-operated pale was not used.”
    • Records and paperwork

      8VAC20-780-70

      “Based on a review of records and interview on June 28, 2022, the center did not ensure that each staff record contains all required documentation. Evidence: The records of staff #2, staff #5, and staff #9 did not contain documentation of a health statement. Administration confirmed the information was not complete.”
  12. Jun 28, 2022Inspection4 rules cited
    • Health, medication and illness

      8VAC20-780-510-L

      “Based on observation and interview on June 28, 2022, the center did not ensure medication, except for those prescriptions designated otherwise by written physician's orders, including refrigerated medication and staff's personal medication, shall be kept in a locked place using a safe locking method that prevents access by children. Evidence: In the 3 year old classroom a staff's purse was located on a shelf accessible to children. There were several prescription medication bottles observed at the top of the staff's purse. The staff confirmed the purse was not in a locked cabinet.”
    • Background checks

      8VAC20-770-60-C-2

      “Based on a review of staff records and interview on June 28, 2022, the center did not ensure that each staff record reviewed contained a central registry finding within 30 days of employment. Evidence: The record of staff #9 (hired 11/22/21) contained central registry findings dated 1/15/22. Administration confirmed the results were late.”
    • Health, medication and illness

      8VAC20-780-500-B

      “Based on observation and interview on June 28, 2022, the center did not ensure that diapers shall be disposed in a leak-proof or plastic lined storage system that is foot-operated or used in such a way that neither the staff member's hand nor soiled diaper touches an exterior surface during disposal. Evidence: Staff was observed, after diapering, disposing of a dirty diaper, in a trash can just outside the door leading to the outside area of the center, which was neither leak-proof or foot operated. The staff was observed using the staff's hand to lift the lid to the trash can and dispose of the diaper. The staff acknowledged the foot-operated pale was not used.”
    • Records and paperwork

      8VAC20-780-70

      “Based on a review of records and interview on June 28, 2022, the center did not ensure that each staff record contains all required documentation. Evidence: The records of staff #2, staff #5, and staff #9 did not contain documentation of a health statement. Administration confirmed the information was not complete.”
  13. Dec 15, 2021Inspection5 rules cited
    • Staff training and qualifications

      22VAC40-665-580-E-2

      “Based on a review of records and interview, the vendor did not ensure each staff member had a current certification in first aid within 90 days of employment. Evidence: 1. The records of staff #1 (DOH 7/29/21), staff #2 (DOH 7/29/21), staff #4 (DOH 6/4/21), and staff #5 (DOH 5/15/21) did not contain documentation of certification in first aid. 2. Administration confirmed these staff haven't completed the certification.”
    • Staff training and qualifications

      22VAC40-665-580-E-1

      “Based on a review of records and interview, the vendor did not obtain current certification in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) appropriate to the age of the children in care within 90 days of employment. Evidence: 1. The records of staff #1 (DOH 7/29/21), staff #2 (DOH 7/29/21), staff #4 (DOH 6/4/21), and staff #5 (DOH 5/15/21) did not contain documentation of certification in CPR. 2. Administration confirmed these staff haven't completed the certification.”
    • Staff training and qualifications

      22VAC40-665-580-B

      “Based on record review and interview, the vendor did not ensure within the first 90 days of employment of service all caregivers complete the Virginia Pre-Service Training for childcare staff. Evidence: 1. The record of staff #2 (DOH 7/29/21) did not contain documentation of Pre-Service training. 2. Administration acknowledged the center did not have it.”
    • Records and paperwork

      8VAC20-780-70

      “Based on a review of records and interview, the center did not ensure that two or more references were checked before employment. Evidence: 1.The record of staff #3 (DOH 11/22/21) did not contain documentation of references. 2. Administration confirmed there were no references.”
    • Health, medication and illness

      8VAC20-780-130-A

      “Based on a review of records, the center did not ensure to obtain documentation that each child has received the immunizations required by the State Board of Health before the child can attend the center. Evidence: 1. The record of child #2 (DOE 10/4/21) contained documentation of immunizations dated 10/11/21. 2. The record of child #4 (DOE 10/1/21) contained documentation of immunizations dated 11/18/21.”
  14. Dec 15, 2021Inspection5 rules cited
    • Staff training and qualifications

      22VAC40-665-580-E-2

      “Based on a review of records and interview, the vendor did not ensure each staff member had a current certification in first aid within 90 days of employment. Evidence: 1. The records of staff #1 (DOH 7/29/21), staff #2 (DOH 7/29/21), staff #4 (DOH 6/4/21), and staff #5 (DOH 5/15/21) did not contain documentation of certification in first aid. 2. Administration confirmed these staff haven't completed the certification.”
    • Staff training and qualifications

      22VAC40-665-580-E-1

      “Based on a review of records and interview, the vendor did not obtain current certification in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) appropriate to the age of the children in care within 90 days of employment. Evidence: 1. The records of staff #1 (DOH 7/29/21), staff #2 (DOH 7/29/21), staff #4 (DOH 6/4/21), and staff #5 (DOH 5/15/21) did not contain documentation of certification in CPR. 2. Administration confirmed these staff haven't completed the certification.”
    • Staff training and qualifications

      22VAC40-665-580-B

      “Based on record review and interview, the vendor did not ensure within the first 90 days of employment of service all caregivers complete the Virginia Pre-Service Training for childcare staff. Evidence: 1. The record of staff #2 (DOH 7/29/21) did not contain documentation of Pre-Service training. 2. Administration acknowledged the center did not have it.”
    • Records and paperwork

      8VAC20-780-70

      “Based on a review of records and interview, the center did not ensure that two or more references were checked before employment. Evidence: 1.The record of staff #3 (DOH 11/22/21) did not contain documentation of references. 2. Administration confirmed there were no references.”
    • Health, medication and illness

      8VAC20-780-130-A

      “Based on a review of records, the center did not ensure to obtain documentation that each child has received the immunizations required by the State Board of Health before the child can attend the center. Evidence: 1. The record of child #2 (DOE 10/4/21) contained documentation of immunizations dated 10/11/21. 2. The record of child #4 (DOE 10/1/21) contained documentation of immunizations dated 11/18/21.”

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 The Goddard School - River's Bend

Is The Goddard School - River's Bend licensed?

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

When was The Goddard School - River's Bend last inspected?

Virginia Department of Education, Office of Child Care Health and Safety lists the most recent visit on August 4, 2026, with 1 rule cited. It lists 16 visits in the last 3 years.

Has The Goddard School - River's Bend had rules cited by the state?

Yes. Inspectors cited 11 rules across 11 of 16 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 The Goddard School - River's Bend care for?

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

Does The Goddard School - River's Bend accept child care subsidies?

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

What are The Goddard School - River's Bend's hours?

Monday to Friday, 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM. These are the hours on the state record. Holiday hours can differ.

How much does The Goddard School - River's Bend cost?

It has not listed its tuition. Call (804) 530-0096 to ask.

What is The Goddard School - River's Bend's phone number?

(804) 530-0096.

Where is The Goddard School - River's Bend?

13036 Rivers Bend Boulevard, Chester, VA 23836.

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