Montessori Footprints Learning Center
A child care center in Arden, North Carolina 28704
158 Bradley Branch Road, Arden, North Carolina 28704. (828) 483-6869.
- 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
- 36 violations in the last three years
- Oct 62026 the latest visit on record
- 74 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?
13 DCDEE visits in the last three years, the latest on Oct 6, 2026.
36 violations cited in the last three years, 36 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
30 violations in 6 months of the last 36. Last cited Oct 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.
Oct 6, 2026: unannounced1 violation
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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.
“The Medical Action Plan for one (1) child in classroom space 4 was last updated on 8/27/25.”
Jun 3, 2026: unannounced3 violations
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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.
“Space #4, one (1) red instant cold pack containing gel beads was observed on site in the first aid bag. The product label indicated that the gel beads were non toxic, but the warning label stated that the contents may pose a choking hazard if swallowed.”
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For each child, there was not at least 30 sq. ft. inside space per the total licensed capacity and 100 sq. ft. outside space for each child using the outdoor learning environment at any one time.
“Space 1 and Space 5 children were combine in space 6 practicing for graduation totaling twenty-four (24) children exceeding the space capacity for space 6.”
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Refrigerator(s) did not maintain a temperature of 45 degrees F. or below.
“Space #3, the refrigerator temperature was recorded at 50°F. A follow up temperature check at 12:50 p.m. showed a reading of 48°F, and 2:15p 46°F.”
Oct 23, 2025: unannounced7 violations
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A valid qualification letter was not on file and available to review at the facility.
“Staff member F. AL. Abed hired 10/22/2025, valid qualification letter was not on file and available for review at the facility.”
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Child care providers and uncompensated providers who are not substitute providers or volunteers, including the director did not have a medical report on file prior to employment that was signed by a health care professional and/ or the medical report was older than 12 months.
“Staff member hired 10/22/2025, medical report was not completed and on file prior to the first day of employment. Staff member hired 8/4/2025, medical report was not completed and on file prior to the first day of employment.”
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Equipment and furnishings were not sturdy, stable and free of hazards.
“Space #5, the red couch located in the books center that had several tears exposing the foam.”
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Leftover medicines were not returned to the parent after the course of treatment was completed, after authorization was withdrawn or after authorization had expired and/or medication was not discarded within 72 hours of completion of treatment or withdrawal of authorization.
“Space #5, one (1) tube of sunscreen that was to be discarded. Space #3, two (2) tubes of petroleum jelly that expired 4/2025.”
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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.
“Staff member hired 10/22/2025, TB test was not completed and on file prior to the first day of employment. Staff member hired 8/4/2025, TB test was not completed prior to the first day of employment and/or within twelve (12) months of employment. The TB test on file was dated 11/27/2020.”
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Staff did not complete the health and safety training within one year of employment.
“Staff member hired 5/14/2024, health and safety trainings were not completed within one year of employment.”
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The Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy was not reviewed with new staff prior to providing care with children and/or a signed acknowledgement with all the required information was not maintained in the staff person’s file.
The inspectors’ words, 106 words
“Staff member hired 5/16/2025 The Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy was not reviewed with new staff prior to providing care with children with signed acknowledgement. The Signed acknowledgement on file was dated 5/25/2025. Staff member hired 8/4/2025 The Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy was not reviewed with new staff prior to providing care with children with signed acknowledgement. The Signed acknowledgement on file was dated 8/26/2025. Staff member hired 10/22/2025 The Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy was not reviewed with new staff prior to providing care with children with signed acknowledgement.”
Apr 24, 2025: unannounced6 violations
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A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children.
“Outdoors, the lattice at the end of the ramp was not secured to the base of the ramp and an adult power tool was observed sitting behind the lattice that was not secured. On playground C, I observed the black felt exposed creating a potential tripping hazard.”
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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. One (1) staff member hired 9/20/2022, CPR training was due by 2/5/2025. Current CPR certification was not on file for review.”
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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. One (1) staff member hired 9/20/2022, First Aid training was due by 2/5/2025. Current First Aid certification was not on file for review.”
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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.
“Space #1, a power strip with six (6) uncovered electrical outlets on top of the science shelf.”
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Leftover medicines were not returned to the parent after the course of treatment was completed, after authorization was withdrawn or after authorization had expired and/or medication was not discarded within 72 hours of completion of treatment or withdrawal of authorization.
“Space #2, one (1) tube of Aquaphor diaper cream expired 11/2024.”
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Potentially hazardous items such as archery equipment, hand and power tools, nails, chemicals, or propane stoves, were not stored in locked areas or with other safeguards, or removed from the premises.
“Outside, an adult power tool was observed sitting behind the lattice that was not secured at the end of the ramp.”
Nov 19, 2024: unannounced2 violations
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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 #1, two (2) Purell hand sanitizer wipes were on the counter accessible to the children. In space #5, one (1) cabinet containing hand sanitizer wipes was unlocked.”
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Leftover medicines were not returned to the parent after the course of treatment was completed, after authorization was withdrawn or after authorization had expired and/or medication was not discarded within 72 hours of completion of treatment or withdrawal of authorization.
“In space #3, one (1) sunscreen that expired 4/2024. In space #4, one (1) sunscreen that expired 6/2024.”
May 20, 2024: unannounced1 violation
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Center did not maintain a record of daily attendance.
“In space #3 the daily attendance was not completed for May 17th and May 20th.”
May 15, 2024: 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.
“Based on the supporting document provided and administrator identifying the staff member, in space # 2, a two-year-old child was made to stay on their cot by a staff member laying their leg on top of the child’s back while the child was laying on its stomach on its cot. ** REPEAT VIOLATION.**”
May 6, 2024: unannounced9 violations
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A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children.
“Outside, lattice located under the ramp was splintering.”
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All staff did not successfully complete certification in CPR training appropriate to the age of the children in care.
The inspectors’ words, 120 words
“Verification of staff completion of the CPR course from an approved training organization was not in the staff file. Staff member hired 8/21/23, did not complete CPR training within the first ninety (90) days of employment. The training completion certificate was not on file for review and was due to be completed by 11/19/2023. Staff member hired 10/23/23, did not complete CPR training within the first ninety (90) days of employment. The training completion certificate was not on file for review and was due to be completed by 1/21/2024. Staff member hired 11/6/2023, did not complete CPR training within the first ninety (90) days of employment. The training completion certificate on file was not completed through an approved training organization.”
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All staff did not successfully complete certification in First Aid appropriate to the age of children in care.
The inspectors’ words, 123 words
“Verification of staff completion of First Aid training from an approved training organization was not in the staff file. Staff member hired 8/21/23, did not complete First Aid training within the first ninety (90) days of employment. The training completion certificate was not on file for review and was due to be completed by 11/19/2023. Staff member hired 10/23/23, did not complete First Aid training within the first ninety (90) days of employment. The training completion certificate was not on file for review and was due to be completed by 1/21/2024. Staff member hired 11/6/2023, did not complete First Aid training within the first ninety (90) days of employment. The training completion certificate on file was not completed through an approved training organization.”
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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.
“In space #2, I observed a staff member not attending to the children in a nurturing and appropriate manner. At lunch, a child was observed to be finished with lunch and went to the book center. The staff member asked the child to return to the table and when the child did not return. The staff member picked the child up by the arms and returned the child to the table.”
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Leftover medicines were not returned to the parent after the course of treatment was completed, after authorization was withdrawn or after authorization had expired and/or medication was not discarded within 72 hours of completion of treatment or withdrawal of authorization.
“In space # 5, child enrolled 10/6/2021 Ventolin inhaler medication permission form expired on 2/28/2024. Child enrolled 6/20/2022 Epi Pen expired 4/2024.”
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Prescribed medicine was not in original labeled container or accompanied by signed and dated written instructions from prescribing physician or health care professional.
“In space #2 an Epi Pen located in the closet not stored in the original packaging with the pharmacy label. Space #5 an Epi Pen for child enrolled 6/20/2022 was not stored in the original packaging with the pharmacy label.”
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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.
The inspectors’ words, 93 words
“Staff member hired 8/21/2023, did not complete Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training within ninety (90) days of employment. A completion certificate was not on file for review. Staff member hired 10/23/2023, did not complete Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training within ninety (90) days of employment. A completion certificate was not on file for review. Staff member hired 11/6/2023, did not complete Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training within ninety (90) days of employment. A completion certificate was not on file for review.”
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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.
“In space #2, child enrolled 1/2/2023 food allergy action plan was not signed and dated by the child’s parent or health care professional.”
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The trained staff did not review the EPR Plan annually or when information in the plan changed to ensure all information was current.
“Trained staff did not review the EPR plan annually. The EPR plan was last reviewed on 2/22/2023 and was due to be updated on or before 2/22/2024.”
Nov 3, 2023: unannounced6 violations
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A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children.
“Playground A toddlers playground, at the base of the fence post near the gate, there was concrete footings exposed at the bottom of the right fence posts.”
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Child care providers and uncompensated providers who are not substitute providers or volunteers, including the director did not have a medical report on file prior to employment that was signed by a health care professional and/ or the medical report was older than 12 months.
“Staff member MK hired 10/19/2023 did not have a medical report on file prior to their first day of employment.”
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Leftover medicines were not returned to the parent after the course of treatment was completed, after authorization was withdrawn or after authorization had expired and/or medication was not discarded within 72 hours of completion of treatment or withdrawal of authorization.
“In space # 2, five (5) over the counter diaper creams permission to administer medication forms have expired. Child RP Destin permission form expired 8/2/2023, child JK Aquaphor permission form expired 8/23/2023, child BL Butt paste and A & D ointment permission forms expired 9/12/2023.”
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Medical exam or health assessment record was not on file before or within 30 days after admission.
“Child NH enrolled 8/21/2023 did not have a medical report on file within thirty (30) days of enrollment. The medical report on file was dated 10/20/2023.”
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Openings in equipment, steps, decks, handrails, and fencing were not less than 3 1/2 inches or greater than 9 inches.
“Playground A toddler space at the base of the wooden deck, the lattice was broken creating an opening below the deck that was greater than three and a half inches (3 ½”).”
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Prescribed medicine was not in original labeled container or accompanied by signed and dated written instructions from prescribing physician or health care professional.
“In space #5, Epi Pen for child L was not stored in the original pharmacy labeled container.”
All 13 visits on record
| Date | Visit | What the record says |
|---|---|---|
| Oct 6, 2026 | Unannounced visit | 1 violation cited |
| Jun 15, 2026 | Unannounced visit | No violations cited |
| Jun 3, 2026 | Unannounced visit | 3 violations cited |
| Oct 23, 2025 | Unannounced visit | 7 violations cited |
| Aug 15, 2025 | Announced visit | No violations cited |
| Apr 24, 2025 | Unannounced visit | 6 violations cited |
| Nov 19, 2024 | Unannounced visit | 2 violations cited |
| Jul 8, 2024 | Unannounced visit | No violations cited |
| Jun 10, 2024 | Announced visit | No violations cited |
| May 20, 2024 | Unannounced visit | 1 violation cited |
| May 15, 2024 | Unannounced visit | 1 violation cited |
| May 6, 2024 | Unannounced visit | 9 violations cited |
| Nov 3, 2023 | Unannounced visit | 6 violations cited |
Is it licensed?
- Child Care Center, holding a One Star Center License since Feb 19, 2017.
- Licensed for 74 children, ages 1 through 9.
- Not enrolled in North Carolina’s subsidized child care program.
- North Carolina’s licence number: 11000861.
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: Montessori Footprints, LLC.
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: 1 star 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 102 child care providers in Buncombe County, the middle value for violations cited in the last three years was 19; this one had 36.
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 |
|---|---|
| Kids Kountry Klub House | 22 |
| Glen Arden Elementary Head Start | 24 |
| YMCA Avery’s Creek Afterschool | 16 |
| YMCA Glen Arden Afterschool | 22 |
| His Watchmen Childcare, Inc. | 39 |
| Montessori Footprints Learning Center This child care provider | 36 |
| Avery’s Creek Head Start | 23 |
| Sprouts Early Learning Academy | 30 |
| Academy at Biltmore Church | 54 |
| Spanish Montessori Preschool | 28 |
| West Asheville Baptist Early Learning Center | 16 |
| Asheville Jewish Community Center | 87 |
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.