Hearth Record

South Lexington School

A child care center in Lexington, North Carolina 27292

1000 Cotton Grove Road, Lexington, North Carolina 27292. (336) 242-1527.

North Carolina’s own record, on ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov

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

The last 24 months 19 violations in 6 months of the last 36. Last cited Apr 2026. Every month

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?

7 DCDEE visits in the last three years, the latest on Apr 29, 2026.

19 violations cited in the last three years, 19 of them marked corrected.

Source:

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

19 violations in 6 months of the last 36. Last cited Apr 2026. The last 3 years, to Nov 3, 2026.

19 violations by month over the last 3 years. Each cell is one month.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
2023 Dec
2024 JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
2025 JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
2026 JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNov

Hover or focus a month to read it.

No visit on record Visited, nothing cited A stronger orange is more serious, on its source’s own levels, read onto four bands: from the least serious it publishes to the most
Source:

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.

Source:

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 29, 2026: unannounced1 violation
  • A child care operator did not notify the Division of any new child care providers, as defined in G.S.

    “110-90.2(a)(2), who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. Staff were not in the ABCMS portal.”

    Rule A child care operator did not notify the Division of any new child care providers, as defined in G.S.. Correction date, as North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) recorded it: May 28, 2026. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

Dec 18, 2025: unannounced4 violations
  • A written statement from each child’s parent giving standing permission which may be valid for up to twelve months for participation in off premise activities that occur on a regular basis was not available.

    “Two children did not have a permission form signed for outside the fenced area.”

    Rule A written statement from each child's parent giving standing permission which may be valid for up to twelve months for participation in off premise activities that occur on a regular basis was not available.. Correction date, as North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) recorded it: Dec 19, 2025. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

  • All equipment and furnishings were not in good repair.

    “The seesaw has a cracked seat and it needs to be replaced.”

    Rule All equipment and furnishings were not in good repair.. Correction date, as North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) recorded it: Jan 9, 2026. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

  • All stationary equipment, more than 18 inches high, was not installed over protective surfacing.

    “Mulch needs to be added around the monkey bars and at the end of the slides.”

    Rule All stationary equipment, more than 18 inches high, was not installed over protective surfacing.. Correction date, as North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) recorded it: Jan 9, 2026. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

  • Emergency information did not name child’s health care professional.

    “One child did not have their child’s contact information of pediatrician and choice of hospital.”

    Rule Emergency information did not name child's health care professional.. Correction date, as North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) recorded it: Dec 19, 2025. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

Aug 19, 2025: unannounced3 violations
  • 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. Ms. Brelsford did not have a current First aid training certificate on file.”

    Rule All staff did not successfully complete certification in First Aid appropriate to the age of children in care.. Correction date, as North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) recorded it: Aug 29, 2025. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

  • 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.

    “A new hire Ms. Helmer did not have a TB test or screening completed prior to the first day of employment.”

    Rule 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.. Correction date, as North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) recorded it: Aug 29, 2025. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

  • The depth of the loose surfacing was not based on critical height of the equipment.

    “A mulch work order has been placed on August 13, 2025. Ms. Cooper will make sure that mulch will be placed around critical fall zones such as swings, slides and and equipment over 18 inches tall.”

    Rule The depth of the loose surfacing was not based on critical height of the equipment.. Correction date, as North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) recorded it: Aug 29, 2025. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

Jan 27, 2025: unannounced5 violations
  • A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children.

    “In space 106 there was an electrical box with exposed wires coming out of the box. Ms. Sonya stated that the wires were no longer active. This box needs to be removed and capped off to the children.”

    Rule A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children.. Correction date, as North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) recorded it: Feb 7, 2025. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

  • All floors and floor coverings were not constructed of nonabsorbent material and/or were not kept clean and in good repair.

    “In space 108 there was a piece of base board coming off the wall.”

    Rule All floors and floor coverings were not constructed of nonabsorbent material and/or were not kept clean and in good repair.. Correction date, as North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) recorded it: Feb 7, 2025. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

  • All walls and ceilings including doors and windows were not kept clean, free of visible fungal growth, and in good repair.

    “In space 327 there was black mold growing under the bathroom sink.”

    Rule All walls and ceilings including doors and windows were not kept clean, free of visible fungal growth, and in good repair.. Correction date, as North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) recorded it: Feb 7, 2025. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

  • 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 321 there was a surge protector with several outlets not covered behind the teachers desk.”

    Rule 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.. Correction date, as North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) recorded it: Feb 7, 2025. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

  • 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.

    “In space a bathroom there were large trash bags down where children could access them.”

    Rule 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.. Correction date, as North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) recorded it: Feb 7, 2025. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

Aug 22, 2024: unannounced1 violation
  • Each staff member did not have the required medical report, proof of tuberculosis test or screening and/or completed health questionnaire in a medical file, maintained separately from the staff member’s individual personnel file.

    “Files contained medical information in them.”

    Rule Each staff member did not have the required medical report, proof of tuberculosis test or screening and/or completed health questionnaire in a medical file, maintained separately from the staff member's individual personnel file.. Correction date, as North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) recorded it: Sep 4, 2024. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

Feb 13, 2024: unannounced5 violations
  • 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.

    “There was a teachers purse left down on a chair where children could reach it. This was in classroom 327.”

    Rule 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.. Correction date, as North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) recorded it: Feb 26, 2024. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

  • All equipment and furnishings were not in good repair.

    “Two toilet seats were pealing and needed to be replaced. This was located in classroom 324 bathroom.”

    Rule All equipment and furnishings were not in good repair.. Correction date, as North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) recorded it: Feb 26, 2024. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

  • Each staff member did not have the required medical report, proof of tuberculosis test or screening and/or completed health questionnaire in a medical file, maintained separately from the staff member’s individual personnel file.

    “Medical information was in all staff files.”

    Rule Each staff member did not have the required medical report, proof of tuberculosis test or screening and/or completed health questionnaire in a medical file, maintained separately from the staff member's individual personnel file.. Correction date, as North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) recorded it: Feb 26, 2024. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

  • 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 two classrooms cell phone cords were plugged in and active where children could reach. Outside on the playground area, there was a open socket with broken off prongs sticking out of it. The cover was missing as well.”

    Rule 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.. Correction date, as North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) recorded it: Feb 26, 2024. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

  • Outdoor play area was not enclosed by fence with a minimum height of 4 feet.

    “The top of the fence, less than six feet, was not free from protrusions. There was a fence pole broken and protruding out where children could get cut from it on the playground.”

    Rule Outdoor play area was not enclosed by fence with a minimum height of 4 feet.. Correction date, as North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) recorded it: Feb 26, 2024. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

All 7 visits on record
Visits on record
DateVisitWhat the record says
Apr 29, 2026Unannounced visit1 violation cited
Dec 18, 2025Unannounced visit4 violations cited
Aug 19, 2025Unannounced visit3 violations cited
Jan 27, 2025Unannounced visit5 violations cited
Aug 22, 2024Unannounced visit1 violation cited
May 29, 2024Announced visitNo violations cited
Feb 13, 2024Unannounced visit5 violations cited

Is it licensed?

  • Child Care Center, holding a Five Star Center License since May 29, 2024.
  • Licensed for 144 children, ages 3 through 6.
  • Enrolled in North Carolina’s subsidized child care program.
  • North Carolina’s licence number: 29000579.
  • Restriction: Other - Enhanced Ratios Minus One.
Source:

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 taken no action against this facility, for its current licence and location, in the last three years.
Source:

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: None Listed.
Source:

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: 5 stars of five.
Source:

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 64 child care providers in Davidson County, the middle value for violations cited in the last three years was 9.5; this one had 19.
Source:

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.

11 of the 64 in Davidson County, as the source lists them, same ZIP code first
PlaceViolations cited in the last three years
Lexington Head Start2
Sheets Memorial Preschool21
Von’s Kids, Inc.20
First Baptist Child Development Center67
Von’s Kids Inc. Too10
South Lexington School This child care provider19
Mary Myers Children’s Center #232
Silver Valley Elementary3
Southwood More at Four5
Davis-Townsend Preschool2
Mary Myers Daycare #216
Tiny Tot5

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

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.

Source:

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.

How to read a record

Four things every record does, shown on an example record made up for this guide.

An example record, made up for this guide

An example nursing home

Made up for this guide: no real place is shown

Not fully inspected in over two years (CMS flag)

11 health citations at the latest inspection cycle

The state average is 14.3.

Source:

CMS, State and US Averages and Health Deficiencies. Released Oct 28, 2026. Updated monthly.

From the homeNone yet. Replies and paid listings aren’t open, and when they open they will sit here, below the record.

1 of 4

Every fact names its source.

Who published it, when, and how often it changes sit beside each fact, with a link to the agency’s own file.

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