Public Disclosure Statement
The Code of Virginia, Section 63.2-1716, allows child day centers operated by religious institutions the opportunity to file for an exemption from licensure by meeting documentation and other requirements specified within the exemption law. The statements below have been prepared and distributed to meet the requirements of the exemption law.
EXEMPTION
In compliance with the Code of Virginia, Section 63.2-1716, Centerville Baptist Church Children’s Program, including Preschool, Kindergarten, and Childcare, is exempt from licensure and is classified as an “Exempt” child day center.
Description of Facilities
Centerville Baptist Children’s Program facilities are located within the confines of the church campus located at 908 Centerville Turnpike, South, in the Great Bridge/Hickory community of Chesapeake, Virginia.
CBC childcare utilizes multiple classrooms in the newly renovated education wing of the older structure, while the Preschool and Kindergarten classes are held on the wing of the building constructed in 2000 off the Main Entrance. The 2000 wing has a fire alarm system including hallway fire doors; classrooms equipped with magnetized 30-minute fire doors, smoke detectors, bathrooms and in-classroom sinks. Both buildings are accessible through a FOB security access system. Room capacity for standard classrooms is 20.
Nursery classrooms in the children’s wing are equipped with 3-hour fire doors, fire walls and direct exits from the building. Room capacity is 12.
All classrooms have marked fire exit plans.
There are currently three (3) playgrounds on the property for specific age groups of children: (1) Toddler, (2) Preschool and (3) K-5th grade. Playground equipment includes multiple slide structures as well as climbing apparatus and are all inspected and maintained.
Kitchen facilities are located in both wings, however, we do not prepare or serve student mid-day meals. Preschool, Kindergarten, and Childcare students’ morning snacks/lunches are provided daily by parents. Childcare teachers provide afternoon snack to full day students.
Qualifications of Personnel Administrative Staff
The Children’s Program Director has a bachelor’s degree in social work and child welfare. The Children’s Program Assistant Director has a master’s degree in education.
Administrative staff are expected to participate in continuing education/training annually.
The Director and Assistant Director are responsible for staff supervision, compliance with the Code of Virginia regarding the safe operation of the facility, and general care and wellbeing of the children enrolled in the program. The director is a member of the church council and is supervised by the pastor and presents monthly reports to the Children’s Program Oversight Committee. The director is responsible for keeping the pastor, Oversight Committee, and Church Council informed of issues regarding daily operations.
Classroom Teachers and Aides
Preschool classroom teachers are directly supervised by the Director or Assistant Director and are responsible for daily supervision of children assigned into their care. Teachers are responsible for intake and dismissal of students. Classroom teachers must be at least 18 years of age and meet or exceed qualifications as established by the church. Students are assigned to specific teachers for the period of enrollment and remain within proper ratio.
School age Childcare classes may be combined but will always be in ratio and will not exceed classroom capacity.
Teachers are responsible for planning age and developmentally appropriate activities for students. Classroom aides work directly under the supervision of the classroom teacher.
A practicing physician certifies staff members to be free of any disability that would hinder appropriate care or supervision of children as required annually by the Code of Virginia. Each staff member has received a Criminal History Records Clearance based on fingerprint scans and a Search of the Central Registry for Child Abuse and Neglect clearance from Child Protective Services. Teachers residing outside the Commonwealth of Virginia within five years of employment are required to have clearances from those states as well.
Staff members are certified in basic First Aid and Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation and have been trained to recognize the signs of child abuse and neglect and are mandatory reporters of suspected abuse or neglect.
Staff members receive training hours annually in compliance with the Code of Virginia.