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Child care center 

Tiny City Academy

21019 Forum Terrace, Sterling, VA 201664.8· 79 reviews
licensed capacity
175
open each week
5 days

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Licensed by the stateInspection record

About

About Tiny City Academy

Tiny City Academy is a licensed child care center in Sterling, Virginia. It is licensed by the state, for up to 175 children, serving infants, toddlers, preschoolers and school-age children.

It is open Monday to Friday, 6:30 AM to 6:30 PM.

Virginia Department of Education, Office of Child Care Health and Safety made 15 visits in the last 3 years and cited 20 rules across 6 of them. The visit list, in the state's words, is below.

InfantsSchool-ageAccepts child care subsidyOpens before 7 AM

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
Closed today
Licensed capacity
175 children

Hours

Hours

Monday6:30 AM to 6:30 PM
Tuesday6:30 AM to 6:30 PM
Wednesday6:30 AM to 6:30 PM
Thursday6:30 AM to 6:30 PM
Friday6:30 AM to 6:30 PM
SaturdayNot listed
SundayTodayNot listed
From the state license

Programs

Programs and care

AgesInfants, toddlers, preschoolers and school-age childrenFrom the state license
Child care subsidyAccepts state child care subsidiesFrom the state license
Licensed capacity175 childrenFrom the state license
A daycare without an item may still offer it; ask.

Cost

Tuition and costs

Tiny City Academy has not listed its tuition.

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

State record

Inspection reports for Tiny City Academy

License

Status
Licensed and operating
License type
License (Two Year)
Capacity
175 children
Ages
Infants, toddlers, preschoolers and school-age children
License number
#ID43891
See the state's record

Summary

15 visits in the last 3 years · Last visit May 12, 2026: 3 rules cited

Rules cited on 8 of 15 visits · 20 rules in all

  • Staff training and qualifications 5
  • Health, medication and illness 4
  • Safety and hazards 3
  • Building, equipment and play areas 3
  • Records and paperwork 2
  • Food and nutrition 2
  • Supervision and ratios 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 21 visits
  1. May 12, 2026Inspection3 rules cited
    • Staff training and qualifications

      8VAC20-790-600-F

      “Staff who work directly with children shall attend annually the department's health and safety update course. The health and safety update course for Staff #10 was due over 10 months ago, and had not yet been completed.”
    • Health, medication and illness

      8VAC20-780-160-C

      “A tuberculosis (TB) screening is required every two years from the last screening. Staff #4 updated screening was due 2 months ago and Staff #5 updated screening was due 11 months ago. The updated screenings have not yet been completed.”
    • Records and paperwork

      8VAC20-780-70

      “Documentation of at least 2 references to character, reputation, and competency are to be checked prior to employment. Staff #3, who has been actively working at the center for over 1 month, did not have any completed reference verifications on file.”
  2. Dec 9, 2025Inspection2 rules cited
    • Food and nutrition

      8VAC20-780-560-F

      “When centers choose to provide meals or snacks, children shall be allowed second helpings of food. Teachers in both the Toddler and Pre-K classes requested additional helpings for their classes, and the school cook stated there was not additional food to provide.”
    • Safety and hazards

      8VAC20-780-570-A

      “High chairs or infant seats shall be used for children under 12 months who are not held while being fed. Children using infant seats or high chairs shall be supervised during snacks and meals. An infant under 12 months was observed holding their own bottle, while laying down on a pillow. There was not an adult within reach of the infant at this time.”
  3. Dec 9, 2025Inspection2 rules cited
    • Food and nutrition

      8VAC20-780-560-F

      “When centers choose to provide meals or snacks, children shall be allowed second helpings of food. Teachers in both the Toddler and Pre-K classes requested additional helpings for their classes, and the school cook stated there was not additional food to provide.”
    • Safety and hazards

      8VAC20-780-570-A

      “High chairs or infant seats shall be used for children under 12 months who are not held while being fed. Children using infant seats or high chairs shall be supervised during snacks and meals. An infant under 12 months was observed holding their own bottle, while laying down on a pillow. There was not an adult within reach of the infant at this time.”
  4. Jul 29, 2025InspectionNo rules cited
  5. May 29, 2025InspectionNo rules cited
  6. May 29, 2025InspectionNo rules cited
  7. Dec 13, 2024InspectionNo rules cited
  8. Dec 13, 2024InspectionNo rules cited
  9. Aug 15, 2024InspectionNo rules cited
  10. May 29, 2024Inspection10 rules cited
    • Staff training and qualifications

      8VAC20-790-600-D-2

      “Based on observation, the center did not ensure all staff attained First Aid training within the 90 days of employment date. Evidence: Staff #2 had not yet been certified in First Aid training, and had been employed for 99 days.”
    • Staff training and qualifications

      8VAC20-790-600-D-1

      “Based on observation, the center did not ensure all staff attained CPR training within the 90 days of employment date. Evidence: Staff #2 had not yet been certified in CPR training, and had been employed for 99 days.”
    • Safety and hazards

      8VAC20-780-570-A

      “Based on observation, appropriate equipment was not used for children who did not require being held to be fed. Evidence: A child under the age of 12 months, was able to hold their bottle, and was laying flat on the floor, unattended by staff members.”
    • Building, equipment and play areas

      8VAC20-780-270-A

      “Based on observation, areas and equipment of the center were not maintained in a clean, safe and operable condition. Evidence: 1. In the infant 1 classroom, a whicker basket with frayed/jagged edges was found on the floor with play materials in it. 2. In the Infant 2 classroom, a changing table pad was ripped. 3. In the infant 2 classroom, the sink cabinet was broken, exposing the children to sharp, rough edges. 4. In the Toddler 2 classroom, three window frames appeared cracked. 5. In the PreK B classroom, the handles on the dramatic play kitchen were broken. 6. In the PreK A classroom, the shoe trim was pulled off the wall, with multiple nails exposed. 7. On the playground, the chain link fence between two playgrounds had sharp edges exposed, and was difficult to open in the event of an emergency.”
    • Records and paperwork

      8VAC20-780-50-A

      “Based on observation, children's records were not kept confidential. Evidence: 1. In the Toddler 2 classroom, two accident/incident reports were left on top of a cabinet, in view of other adults that may enter the classroom. 2. In the Pre-K A classroom, a child's medication information was left on top of a cabinet, in view of other adults that may enter the classroom.”
    • Safety and hazards

      8VAC20-780-280-B

      “Based on observation, hazardous substances were not kept in a locked place preventing access by children. Evidence: 1. In the Pre-K A classroom, cleaning solutions were placed on the bottom shelf in the children's bathroom. 2. In the Pre-K B classroom, cleaning solutions were in an unlocked closet within reach of children.”
    • Food and nutrition

      8VAC20-780-570-E

      “Based on observation, prepared infant bottles were not labeled appropriately. Evidence: A child's bottles were labeled with their name, however did not have a date on them.”
    • Supervision and ratios

      8VAC20-780-340-A

      “Based on observation, the staff did not ensure care, protection, and guidance of the children. Evidence: A 17 month old child was left unattended on the playground adjacent to the Toddler 1 classroom. Licensing inspectors observed the child alone on the playground for 1 minute 45 seconds before alerting staff and reuniting child with class.”
    • Building, equipment and play areas

      8VAC20-780-430-B

      “Based on observation, all materials and equipment were not age and stage appropriate for the children. Evidence: A paper cutter with a sharp blade was accessible to children, and was not locked.”
    • Health, medication and illness

      8VAC20-780-520-C

      “Based on observation, topical ointments were accessible to children. Evidence: In the Toddler 2 classroom, the topical ointments were in a drawer in the bathroom, within reach of the children.”
Show 11 earlier visits
  1. May 29, 2024Inspection10 rules cited
    • Staff training and qualifications

      8VAC20-790-600-D-2

      “Based on observation, the center did not ensure all staff attained First Aid training within the 90 days of employment date. Evidence: Staff #2 had not yet been certified in First Aid training, and had been employed for 99 days.”
    • Staff training and qualifications

      8VAC20-790-600-D-1

      “Based on observation, the center did not ensure all staff attained CPR training within the 90 days of employment date. Evidence: Staff #2 had not yet been certified in CPR training, and had been employed for 99 days.”
    • Safety and hazards

      8VAC20-780-570-A

      “Based on observation, appropriate equipment was not used for children who did not require being held to be fed. Evidence: A child under the age of 12 months, was able to hold their bottle, and was laying flat on the floor, unattended by staff members.”
    • Building, equipment and play areas

      8VAC20-780-270-A

      “Based on observation, areas and equipment of the center were not maintained in a clean, safe and operable condition. Evidence: 1. In the infant 1 classroom, a whicker basket with frayed/jagged edges was found on the floor with play materials in it. 2. In the Infant 2 classroom, a changing table pad was ripped. 3. In the infant 2 classroom, the sink cabinet was broken, exposing the children to sharp, rough edges. 4. In the Toddler 2 classroom, three window frames appeared cracked. 5. In the PreK B classroom, the handles on the dramatic play kitchen were broken. 6. In the PreK A classroom, the shoe trim was pulled off the wall, with multiple nails exposed. 7. On the playground, the chain link fence between two playgrounds had sharp edges exposed, and was difficult to open in the event of an emergency.”
    • Records and paperwork

      8VAC20-780-50-A

      “Based on observation, children's records were not kept confidential. Evidence: 1. In the Toddler 2 classroom, two accident/incident reports were left on top of a cabinet, in view of other adults that may enter the classroom. 2. In the Pre-K A classroom, a child's medication information was left on top of a cabinet, in view of other adults that may enter the classroom.”
    • Safety and hazards

      8VAC20-780-280-B

      “Based on observation, hazardous substances were not kept in a locked place preventing access by children. Evidence: 1. In the Pre-K A classroom, cleaning solutions were placed on the bottom shelf in the children's bathroom. 2. In the Pre-K B classroom, cleaning solutions were in an unlocked closet within reach of children.”
    • Food and nutrition

      8VAC20-780-570-E

      “Based on observation, prepared infant bottles were not labeled appropriately. Evidence: A child's bottles were labeled with their name, however did not have a date on them.”
    • Supervision and ratios

      8VAC20-780-340-A

      “Based on observation, the staff did not ensure care, protection, and guidance of the children. Evidence: A 17 month old child was left unattended on the playground adjacent to the Toddler 1 classroom. Licensing inspectors observed the child alone on the playground for 1 minute 45 seconds before alerting staff and reuniting child with class.”
    • Building, equipment and play areas

      8VAC20-780-430-B

      “Based on observation, all materials and equipment were not age and stage appropriate for the children. Evidence: A paper cutter with a sharp blade was accessible to children, and was not locked.”
    • Health, medication and illness

      8VAC20-780-520-C

      “Based on observation, topical ointments were accessible to children. Evidence: In the Toddler 2 classroom, the topical ointments were in a drawer in the bathroom, within reach of the children.”
  2. Feb 15, 2024VisitNo rules cited
  3. Jan 25, 2024Complaint investigation2 rules cited
    • Staff training and qualifications

      8VAC20-780-240-A Complaint related: No

      “Based on record review, staff did not complete the Virginia Department of Education-sponsored orientation course shall be completed within 90 calendar days of employment. Evidence: Staff 1 was hired on 10/24/2023 and does not have documentation on file of having completed the Virginia Department of Education-sponsored orientation course”
    • Health, medication and illness

      8VAC20-780-160-A Complaint related: Yes

      “COMPLAINT RELATED Based on record review, each staff member did not submit documentation of a negative Tuberculosis screening at the time of employment and prior to coming into contact with children. Evidence: Staff 1 was hired on 10/24/2023 and did not have the results of a negative Tuberculosis screening on file until 1/17/2024.”
  4. Dec 4, 2023Inspection3 rules cited
    • Health, medication and illness

      8VAC20-780-160-A

      “Based on record review, each staff member did not submit documentation of a negative Tuberculosis screening at the time of hire. Evidence: Staff 13's Tuberculosis screening was conducted sixty nine days after hire.”
    • Staff training and qualifications

      8VAC20-780-240-A

      “Based on record review, staff did not complete the Virginia Department of Education-sponsored orientation course shall be completed within 90 calendar days of employment. Evidence: Staff 13 did not have documentation to certify completion of the Virginia Department of Education-sponsored orientation course. The staff member had been employed since 6/6/2023.”
    • Building, equipment and play areas

      8VAC20-780-270-A

      “Based on observation, areas in the center were not maintained in a safe and operable condition. Evidence: Two cabinets in the Beginning Preschool Room were observed with broken handles.”
  5. Dec 4, 2023Inspection3 rules cited
    • Health, medication and illness

      8VAC20-780-160-A

      “Based on record review, each staff member did not submit documentation of a negative Tuberculosis screening at the time of hire. Evidence: Staff 13's Tuberculosis screening was conducted sixty nine days after hire.”
    • Staff training and qualifications

      8VAC20-780-240-A

      “Based on record review, staff did not complete the Virginia Department of Education-sponsored orientation course shall be completed within 90 calendar days of employment. Evidence: Staff 13 did not have documentation to certify completion of the Virginia Department of Education-sponsored orientation course. The staff member had been employed since 6/6/2023.”
    • Building, equipment and play areas

      8VAC20-780-270-A

      “Based on observation, areas in the center were not maintained in a safe and operable condition. Evidence: Two cabinets in the Beginning Preschool Room were observed with broken handles.”
  6. Jan 19, 2023Inspection8 rules cited
    • Background checks

      8VAC20-770-60-C-2 Complaint related: No

      “Based on record review, the child day program did not obtain a central registry finding for staff within 30 days of employment. Evidence: Staff 1 and Staff 4's records did not contain the results of a central registry background check within 30 days of hire. Completed central registry request forms were found in each file, but were were outside of the 30 day timeline with no documented follow up with the agency.”
    • Safety and hazards

      8VAC20-780-550-E Complaint related: No

      “Based on record review, there was no documentation that shelter-in-place procedures were practiced twice a year. Evidence: The emergency evacuation drill for 2022 did not contain documentation that two shelter-in-place drills were conducted.”
    • Safety and hazards

      8VAC20-780-550-F Complaint related: No

      “Based on record review, lockdown procedures were not practiced at least annually. Evidence: The emergency drill record for 2022 did not contain documentation that a lockdown drill was practiced.”
    • Background checks

      22.1-289.035-B-4 Complaint related: No

      “Based on record review, the center did not obtain the results of the child abuse and neglect registry or equivalent registry from any state in which the individual has resided in the preceding five years. Evidence: Staff 2's record did not contain the results of an out of state central registry check from a state listed as a previous residence within the previous 5 years. No request for a central registry check was found in the staff's record.”
    • Safe sleep

      8VAC20-780-450-A Complaint related: No

      “Based on observation, mats used by children other than infants did not contain both a top and bottom cover. Evidence: A child was observed laying on a mat without a top cover.”
    • Safety and hazards

      8VAC20-780-290-A-3 Complaint related: No

      “Based on observation, electrical outlets did not have protective covers. Evidence: An outlet in the three year old classroom was observed without a protective cover.”
    • Health, medication and illness

      8VAC20-780-510-P Complaint related: No

      “Based on observation and record review, medication was not picked up by the parent within 14 days of the medication authorization end date. The center did not dispose of the medication down the sink or flushing it down the toilet within 14 days of the authorization end date. Evidence: Child 3 had 2 medications on site on the date of inspection. Medication 1 had an authorization end date of 8/12/21. Medication 2 had an authorization end date of 12/21/22.”
    • Safety and hazards

      8VAC20-780-280-B Complaint related: No

      “Based on observation, hazardous substances were not kept in a locked place using a safe locking method that prevents access by children. Evidence: A bottle of spray cleaner was observed in an unlocked and open cabinet in the three year old classroom.”
  7. Jan 19, 2023Complaint investigation8 rules cited
    • Background checks

      8VAC20-770-60-C-2 Complaint related: No

      “Based on record review, the child day program did not obtain a central registry finding for staff within 30 days of employment. Evidence: Staff 1 and Staff 4's records did not contain the results of a central registry background check within 30 days of hire. Completed central registry request forms were found in each file, but were were outside of the 30 day timeline with no documented follow up with the agency.”
    • Safety and hazards

      8VAC20-780-550-E Complaint related: No

      “Based on record review, there was no documentation that shelter-in-place procedures were practiced twice a year. Evidence: The emergency evacuation drill for 2022 did not contain documentation that two shelter-in-place drills were conducted.”
    • Safety and hazards

      8VAC20-780-550-F Complaint related: No

      “Based on record review, lockdown procedures were not practiced at least annually. Evidence: The emergency drill record for 2022 did not contain documentation that a lockdown drill was practiced.”
    • Background checks

      22.1-289.035-B-4 Complaint related: No

      “Based on record review, the center did not obtain the results of the child abuse and neglect registry or equivalent registry from any state in which the individual has resided in the preceding five years. Evidence: Staff 2's record did not contain the results of an out of state central registry check from a state listed as a previous residence within the previous 5 years. No request for a central registry check was found in the staff's record.”
    • Safe sleep

      8VAC20-780-450-A Complaint related: No

      “Based on observation, mats used by children other than infants did not contain both a top and bottom cover. Evidence: A child was observed laying on a mat without a top cover.”
    • Safety and hazards

      8VAC20-780-290-A-3 Complaint related: No

      “Based on observation, electrical outlets did not have protective covers. Evidence: An outlet in the three year old classroom was observed without a protective cover.”
    • Health, medication and illness

      8VAC20-780-510-P Complaint related: No

      “Based on observation and record review, medication was not picked up by the parent within 14 days of the medication authorization end date. The center did not dispose of the medication down the sink or flushing it down the toilet within 14 days of the authorization end date. Evidence: Child 3 had 2 medications on site on the date of inspection. Medication 1 had an authorization end date of 8/12/21. Medication 2 had an authorization end date of 12/21/22.”
    • Safety and hazards

      8VAC20-780-280-B Complaint related: No

      “Based on observation, hazardous substances were not kept in a locked place using a safe locking method that prevents access by children. Evidence: A bottle of spray cleaner was observed in an unlocked and open cabinet in the three year old classroom.”
  8. Jul 13, 2022Inspection5 rules cited
    • Safety and hazards

      22VAC40-185-280-B

      “Based on observation, hazardous substances such as cleaning materials, were not kept in a locked place using a safe locking method that prevents access by children. Evidence: 1. In the Two's classroom, spray bottles containing cleaning agents were observed hanging above the changing table. 2. In the Pre K room, a spray bottle containing cleaning agents was observed on an open shelf.”
    • Health, medication and illness

      8VAC20-780-550-P

      “Based on record review, the written records of children's serious and minor injuries did not contain all required information. Evidence: Seven out of seven incident reports did not contain documentation of how to prevent further occurrences.”
    • Records and paperwork

      22VAC40-185-70-A

      “Based on record review, staff records did not contain all required information. Evidence: The records for Staff 1, 2, and 5, did not contain documentation that two or more references were contacted.”
    • Building, equipment and play areas

      22VAC40-185-270-A

      “Based observation, areas of the center were not maintained in a safe and operable condition. Evidence: 1. An outlet in the infant room was observed with a broken wall plate creating. 2. Peeling paint was observed on the wall next to the changing table in the infant room. 3. Peeling paint was observed on window sills.”
    • Safety and hazards

      22VAC40-185-280-G

      “Based on observation, hazardous substances, not kept in original containers, were stored in substitute containers that did not clearly indicate their contents. Evidence: 1. In the two's classroom 4 unlabeled spray bottles containing liquid were observed hanging above the changing table. 2. In the Pre K classroom an unlabeled spray bottle containing liquid was observed on a shelf.”
  9. Jul 13, 2022Inspection5 rules cited
    • Safety and hazards

      22VAC40-185-280-B

      “Based on observation, hazardous substances such as cleaning materials, were not kept in a locked place using a safe locking method that prevents access by children. Evidence: 1. In the Two's classroom, spray bottles containing cleaning agents were observed hanging above the changing table. 2. In the Pre K room, a spray bottle containing cleaning agents was observed on an open shelf.”
    • Health, medication and illness

      8VAC20-780-550-P

      “Based on record review, the written records of children's serious and minor injuries did not contain all required information. Evidence: Seven out of seven incident reports did not contain documentation of how to prevent further occurrences.”
    • Records and paperwork

      22VAC40-185-70-A

      “Based on record review, staff records did not contain all required information. Evidence: The records for Staff 1, 2, and 5, did not contain documentation that two or more references were contacted.”
    • Building, equipment and play areas

      22VAC40-185-270-A

      “Based observation, areas of the center were not maintained in a safe and operable condition. Evidence: 1. An outlet in the infant room was observed with a broken wall plate creating. 2. Peeling paint was observed on the wall next to the changing table in the infant room. 3. Peeling paint was observed on window sills.”
    • Safety and hazards

      22VAC40-185-280-G

      “Based on observation, hazardous substances, not kept in original containers, were stored in substitute containers that did not clearly indicate their contents. Evidence: 1. In the two's classroom 4 unlabeled spray bottles containing liquid were observed hanging above the changing table. 2. In the Pre K classroom an unlabeled spray bottle containing liquid was observed on a shelf.”
  10. Dec 22, 2021InspectionNo rules cited
  11. Dec 17, 2021Inspection1 rule cited
    • Records and paperwork

      8VAC20-780-70

      “Based on record review, one of three staff records reviewed did not contain all required information. Evidence: Staff 1's record did not contain documentation that two references were checked.”

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 Tiny City Academy

Is Tiny City Academy licensed?

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

When was Tiny City Academy last inspected?

Virginia Department of Education, Office of Child Care Health and Safety lists the most recent visit on May 12, 2026, with 3 rules cited. It lists 15 visits in the last 3 years.

Has Tiny City Academy had rules cited by the state?

Yes. Inspectors cited 20 rules across 8 of 15 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 Tiny City Academy care for?

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

Does Tiny City Academy accept child care subsidies?

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

What are Tiny City Academy's hours?

Monday to Friday, 6:30 AM to 6:30 PM. These are the hours on the state record. Holiday hours can differ.

How much does Tiny City Academy cost?

It has not listed its tuition. Call (703) 444-2448 to ask.

What is Tiny City Academy's phone number?

(703) 444-2448.

Where is Tiny City Academy?

21019 Forum Terrace, Sterling, VA 20166. The nearest other daycare we list is Aya Montessori, 0.4 miles away.

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