Lucy Ayala
Sterling, VA 20164 · school-age only · Home daycare: the provider shares the address with families
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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.
Hours
| Monday | 6:30 AM to 6:30 PM |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 6:30 AM to 6:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 6:30 AM to 6:30 PM |
| Thursday | 6:30 AM to 6:30 PM |
| Friday | 6:30 AM to 6:30 PM |
| Saturday | Not listed |
| SundayToday | 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 | 175 childrenFrom the state license |
Cost
Tiny City Academy has not listed its tuition.
State record
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
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 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.”
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.”
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.”
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.”
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.”
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.”
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.”
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.”
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.”
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.”
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.”
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.”
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.”
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.”
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.”
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.”
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.”
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.”
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.”
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.”
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.”
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.”
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.”
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.”
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.”
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.”
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.”
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”
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.”
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.”
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.”
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.”
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.”
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.”
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.”
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.”
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.”
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.”
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.”
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.”
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.”
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.”
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.”
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.”
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.”
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.”
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.”
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.”
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.”
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.”
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.”
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.”
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.”
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.”
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.”
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.”
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.”
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.”
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.”
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.”
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.”
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.”
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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 May 12, 2026, with 3 rules cited. It lists 15 visits in the last 3 years.
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.
175, 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 6:30 PM. These are the hours on the state record. Holiday hours can differ.
It has not listed its tuition. Call (703) 444-2448 to ask.
(703) 444-2448.
21019 Forum Terrace, Sterling, VA 20166. The nearest other daycare we list is Aya Montessori, 0.4 miles away.