Little Hands Learning Center
A child care center in Burnsville, North Carolina 28714
55 Oakcrest Road, Burnsville, North Carolina 28714. (828) 682-2469.
- administrative action in the last three years
Watch and the shortlist are kept with a free account, on every device. Your watch list. North Carolina’s own record is on ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov.
The short answer
- 37 violations in the last three years
- Apr 82026 the latest visit on record
- 50 children, its licensed capacity
Each figure’s source sits beside it, in its section below.
What these words mean5
- Inspection (survey)
- A visit by state inspectors, often unannounced, who check a place against the rules it must meet. For nursing homes and other places Medicare pays, CMS calls these visits surveys: a standard survey of a nursing home comes at least every 15 months, and a complaint survey whenever a complaint calls for one. Source: CMS; 42 CFR 488.308.
- Deficiency, citation, violation
- What inspectors write up when a place didn’t meet a rule: the rule, what they saw, and when. CMS calls it a deficiency; states may say citation or violation. It is the inspectors’ finding, not a court’s, and the place is usually asked for a plan to correct it. Source: CMS, statement of deficiencies (Form CMS-2567); each state’s licensing agency.
- Quality rating
- Many states rate child care in a quality rating system that goes past the licensing rules, such as Texas Rising Star or Kentucky All STARS. Taking part is often voluntary, so a program with no rating hasn’t been rated low. Source: Each state’s quality rating system.
- Licence status
- Whether the state’s licence lets the place operate now, in the state’s own words: licensed, on probation (allowed to keep operating on conditions, after problems), provisional, pending or expired. Source: Each state’s licensing agency.
- Capacity
- The most people the licence or certification lets the place care for at once: residents, children, beds or apartments, as the state counts them. It isn’t how many are there now. Source: Each state’s licensing agency.
What did inspectors find?
11 DCDEE visits in the last three years, the latest on Apr 8, 2026.
37 violations cited in the last three years, 37 of them marked corrected.
North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE), Child Care Facility Search (ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov): licences, DCDEE visits and violations. Checked Oct 21, 2026. Updated daily.
When those violations happened
37 violations in 7 months of the last 36. Last cited Apr 2026. The last 3 years, to Nov 3, 2026.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Dec | |||||||||||
| 2024 | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
| 2025 | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
| 2026 | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov |
Hover or focus a month to read it.
Hearth Record drew this from the dates and levels in the source’s own records.
Each violation, in its source’s words
Grouped by visit, newest first, with the level its source gave it.
North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE), Child Care Facility Search (ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov): licences, DCDEE visits and violations. Checked Oct 21, 2026. Updated daily.
Apr 8, 2026: unannounced7 violations
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A summary of the NC Child Care Law was not given to a parent of every child enrolled in the center.
“One child’s file did not have a signed statement that the parent was given the summary of the law upon enrollment”
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Air conditioning units were accessible or did not have a guard to keep objects from being thrown into the unit.
“An air conditioning unit/mini split was accessible to children and did not have a guard on it.”
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Bed, cribs, playpens, cots or mats were not placed at least 18” apart or separated by partitions when in use.
“In space #3, two cots were not place at least 18” apart.”
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Operational policies were not discussed with parents on or before the child’s first day and/or they were not notified in writing of all changes.
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Operational policies were not discussed with parents on or before the child’s first day and/or they were not notified in writing of all changes.
“One child’s file did not have a signed statement of the operational policies upon enrollment.”
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Parent participation plan was not discussed with parents on or before the child’s first day of attendance and/or a copy was not given to them or posted in the center.
“One child’s file did not have a signed statement of the parent participation plan upon enrollment.”
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The operator did not notify the parent of each child enrolled in writing of the smoking and tobacco restriction.
“One child’s file did not have a signed statement of the no smoking/tobacco policy upon enrollment.”
Jul 1, 2025: unannounced1 violation
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Each child was not attended to in a nurturing and appropriate manner, or in keeping with the child’s developmental needs.
“A child was drug by the wrist for approximately three (3) feet.”
May 7, 2025: unannounced3 violations
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All stationary equipment, more than 18 inches high, was not installed over protective surfacing.
“There were two Little Tykes type slides and a cube climber that were all above 18 inches high with no surfacing underneath.”
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Medication authorization, giving the caregiver standing authorization did not meet the specifications in rule.
“Four (4) children had sunscreen that the permission form was over 12 months old.”
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Rule violated (DCDEE’s description below)
“Staff did not complete the health and safety training within one year of employment Four (4) children had sunscreen that the permission form was over 12 months old.”
Jan 30, 2025: unannounced6 violations
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Caregivers did not document compliance with visually checking on sleeping infants aged 12 months or younger and/or the documents were not maintained for a minimum of one month.
“In space #1, the sleep logs were not maintained in a consistent manner.”
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Electrical outlets and power strips, not in use, which were located in space used by children did not have safety outlets or were not covered with safety plugs unless located behind furniture or equipment that cannot be moved by a child.
“In space #1 there was a power strip that had outlets that were uncovered.”
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Medication authorization, giving the caregiver standing authorization did not meet the specifications in rule.
“There was three (3) children with Tylenol, one (1) teething gel and one (1) bottle of gas drops that all were to be given “as needed” for teething and gas, which is not allowed.”
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Rule violated (DCDEE’s description below)
The inspectors’ words, 98 words
“All corrosive agents, pesticides, bleaches, detergents, cleansers, polishes, any product which is under pressure in an aerosol dispenser, and any substance which may be hazardous to a child if ingested, inhaled, or handled were not stored in a locked room or cabinet. • In space #4, there were lotions a deodorant and a container of petroleum jelly, that had a “keep out of reach of children” warning on them, in the teacher’s desk drawers. • In the open/unlocked office, there was canned air that is under pressure which is considered to be an aerosol and must be locked.”
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Rule violated (DCDEE’s description below)
“Over-the-counter medication was given which exceeded the amount and frequency of the dosage on the manufacturer’s label. in space #2 with child 1 year of age, there were three (3) containers of Tylenol to be given as needed. The box states to see a physician for children under 2 years of age.”
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The depth of the loose surfacing was not based on critical height of the equipment.
“The depth of mulch at the climber measured three (3) inches deep instead of six (6) inches deep.”
Jun 13, 2024: unannounced7 violations
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A drug or medication was administered without written authorization and/or instructions from a child’s parent or authorized health professional.
“In space #1, diaper ointment and spray did not have a permission slip.”
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A drug or medicine was administered after its expiration date.
“In space #2, a diaper cream was expired.”
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All equipment and furnishings were not in good repair.
“Blinds in spaces 4A & 4B are broken and need to be replaced. Administrator has some ready to be installed but more will need to be ordered and installed.”
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Caregivers did not document compliance with visually checking on sleeping infants aged 12 months or younger and/or the documents were not maintained for a minimum of one month.
“In space #1, sleep charts have not been maintained for the past three days due to running out of forms.”
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Each child was not immunized as per Article 6 of Chapter 130A and an immunization record was not on file before or within 30 days after admission.
“One child did not have a record of immunizations.”
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Staff did not wash their hands thoroughly before beginning work, before/after handling food, before bottle feeding or serving to other children, after toileting or handling body fluids, after diaper changing and after handling soiled items.
“Teacher who came in to give a break in Space #1, wiped a child’s noes and wiped up spit-up, but did not wash her hands.”
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The medical action plan was not updated on an annual basis or when changes to the plan were made by the child’s parent or health care professional.
“An epi pen did not have parent or health care professional’s signature on the medical action plan.”
Mar 4, 2024: unannounced12 violations
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A current activity plan was not posted for each group of children for reference.
“All activity plans were not current.”
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A violation was found for which there is no item number.
“2820(c) Non-aerosol sanitizing solutions, approved disinfectants, detergent solutions, hand antiseptics, and hand lotions shall be kept inaccessible to children when not in use, but are not required to be in locked storage. A mailbox on the playground that was located lower than five (5) feet had hand sanitizer in it. 15 NCAC 18A .2820(c)”
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All equipment and furnishings were not in good repair.
“Space #2 had a broken electrical outlet cover.”
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All staff did not successfully complete certification in CPR training appropriate to the age of the children in care.
“Verification of staff completion of the CPR course from an approved training organization was not in the staff file. New staff (ME), hired on 9/18/23, did not complete CPR training within 90 days of employment.”
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All staff did not successfully complete certification in First Aid appropriate to the age of children in care.
“Verification of staff completion of First Aid training from an approved training organization was not in the staff file. New staff (ME), hired on 9/18/23, did not complete Pediatric First Aid training within 90 days of employment.”
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Electrical outlets and power strips, not in use, which were located in space used by children did not have safety outlets or were not covered with safety plugs unless located behind furniture or equipment that cannot be moved by a child.
“An outlet in Space #2 did not have protective covers.”
-
Medication authorization, giving the caregiver standing authorization did not meet the specifications in rule.
“A child in space #1 had gas drops but did not have a permission form filled out.”
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New staff, who had contact with children, did not receive at least 16 hrs. orientation within first 6 weeks.
“New staff (ME), hired on 9/18/23, did not have documentation of the second half of the orientation which accounts for at least ten (10) hours.”
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On or before the first day of work, all staff, including the director and individuals who volunteer more than once per week did not provide results indicating that they were free of active TB and/or TB test or screening was older than 12 months.
“New staff (ME) hired on 9/18/23, completed the TB test/screening on 9/20/23, which was two (2) days after her date of hire.”
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Plastic bags, materials that could be torn apart and toy parts small enough to be swallowed were accessible to children under three years of age.
“Plastic bags were stored below five (5) feet in spaces #1 and #2.”
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The activity plan was not designed to stimulate emotional and social, health and physical, approaches to play and learning, language development and communication, and cognitive development for each group of children in care.
“Activity plans did not include goals from North Carolina Foundations for Early Learning and Development to link to domains.”
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The child care administrator and all staff did not complete the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training within 90 days of employment.
“New staff (ME), hired on 9/18/23, did not complete Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training within 90 days of employment.”
Jan 30, 2024: unannounced1 violation
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Appropriate discipline practices were not followed.
“On January 19, 2024, a two-year-old child in space #3 was pulled down to sit and smacked on the hand by a staff member.”
All 11 visits on record
| Date | Visit | What the record says |
|---|---|---|
| Apr 8, 2026 | Unannounced visit | 7 violations cited |
| Jan 20, 2026 | Announced visit | No violations cited |
| Jul 15, 2025 | Unannounced visit | No violations cited |
| Jul 1, 2025 | Unannounced visit | 1 violation cited |
| May 7, 2025 | Unannounced visit | 3 violations cited |
| Jan 30, 2025 | Unannounced visit | 6 violations cited |
| Jun 13, 2024 | Unannounced visit | 7 violations cited |
| Apr 10, 2024 | Unannounced visit | No violations cited |
| Mar 4, 2024 | Unannounced visit | 12 violations cited |
| Feb 12, 2024 | Unannounced visit | No violations cited |
| Jan 30, 2024 | Unannounced visit | 1 violation cited |
Is it licensed?
- Child Care Center, holding a Four Star Center License since Jul 3, 2019.
- Licensed for 50 children, ages 0 through 5.
- Enrolled in North Carolina’s subsidized child care program.
- North Carolina’s licence number: 0055004.
North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE), Child Care Facility Search (ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov): licences, DCDEE visits and violations. Checked Oct 21, 2026. Updated daily.
Has North Carolina acted against it?
- DCDEE says it has issued one or more administrative actions for this facility in the past three years; North Carolina’s page doesn’t say what they were, and shows one only after its 30-day appeal period.
North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE), Child Care Facility Search (ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov): licences, DCDEE visits and violations. Checked Oct 21, 2026. Updated daily.
Who does the caring?
- North Carolina’s page gives a staff-to-child ratio policy as the provider reports it, unverified by DCDEE, so it isn’t shown.
Who owns it?
- Owner, as North Carolina lists it: Yancey Co. Dept. of Social Services.
North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE), Child Care Facility Search (ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov): licences, DCDEE visits and violations. Checked Oct 21, 2026. Updated daily.
How is it rated?
- Star Rated License: 4 stars of five.
North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE), Child Care Facility Search (ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov): licences, DCDEE visits and violations. Checked Oct 21, 2026. Updated daily.
How does it compare nearby?
- Among 5 child care providers in Yancey County, the middle value for violations cited in the last three years was 10; this one had 37.
North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE), Child Care Facility Search (ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov): licences, DCDEE visits and violations. Checked Oct 21, 2026. Updated daily.
| Place | Violations cited in the last three years |
|---|---|
| Yancey County Head Start Center | 10 |
| Burnsville Elementary Preschool | 6 |
| Genesis Academy, Inc. | 44 |
| Blue Ridge Elementary Preschool | 6 |
| Little Hands Learning Center This child care provider | 37 |
What the record doesn’t say
- North Carolina doesn’t show a visit summary tied to an open child maltreatment investigation while the case is active, and shows an administrative action only after its 30-day appeal period, without saying what it was.
- DCDEE’s descriptions of violations are shown in its own words; a description that names or may name a person isn’t shown. Visit summaries, the consultants’ full reports, aren’t read.
- North Carolina’s page lists the provider’s own features (transport, ratios) as furnished by the provider and unverified by DCDEE, so they aren’t shown.
Sources
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North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE), Child Care Facility Search (ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov): licences, DCDEE visits and violations.
Checked Oct 21, 2026. Updated daily. nc.gov terms: copying and distribution for non-commercial use, without alteration, citing the source. Shown free and never sold; DCDEE’s own words are quoted.
If you believe something here is wrong, a correction starts with the agency whose record this copies: North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE). North Carolina’s own record is on ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov. If Hearth Record copied something wrongly, it will fix it and log the correction publicly, with its date: how corrections work.
This copy of the record was made on Nov 3, 2026.
From the provider
The public record above comes first. Anything the provider adds will appear here, below it, and say who wrote it.
Replies
None. Replies aren’t open yet. When they open, the provider will be able to answer any finding for free, and the reply will show beside that finding, unedited and dated.
Paid listing
None. Paid listings aren’t open yet. When they open, anything paid for will say “Paid by the provider”, and paying will never change a finding, a rating or the order of results.