Hearth Record

Bright Futures Learning Center

A child care center in McAdenville, North Carolina 28101

188 Main Street, McAdenville, North Carolina 28101. (704) 824-3194.

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 14 violations in 5 months of the last 36. Last cited Jan 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?

8 DCDEE visits in the last three years, the latest on Aug 4, 2026.

14 violations cited in the last three years, 14 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

14 violations in 5 months of the last 36. Last cited Jan 2026. The last 3 years, to Nov 3, 2026.

14 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.

Jan 7, 2026: unannounced2 violations
  • 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, one (1) outlet on the wall beside the cushions in the cozy center was not covered with a safety plug. In Space #2, two (2) outlets on an extension cord laying on top of the children’s cubbies were not covered with safety plugs.”

    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.. Corrected during the inspection.

  • Operator has not scheduled and obtained a fire inspection within 12 months of the previous inspection.

    “Operator did not submit the original approved report to DCDEE within one week of the inspection visit on a form provided by the Division. An approved fire inspection was conducted on July 17, 2024, and not again until August 1, 2025.”

    Rule Operator has not scheduled and obtained a fire inspection within 12 months of the previous inspection.. Correction date, as North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) recorded it: Jan 12, 2026. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

Jul 8, 2025: unannounced1 violation
  • 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, the most recent update of the medical action plan for one (1) child diagnosed with allergies and prescribed an Epinephrine Injection USP Auto Injector, was completed on February 22, 2024.”

    Rule 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.. Corrected during the inspection.

Jan 28, 2025: unannounced4 violations
  • A summary of the NC Child Care Law was not posted in a prominent place in the center.

    “The summary of the North Carolina Law was not posted at the facility.”

    Rule A summary of the NC Child Care Law was not posted in a prominent place in the center.. Corrected during the inspection.

  • A valid qualification letter was not on file and available to review at the facility.

    “A valid qualifying letter was not on file for one (1) staff member, Tiffany Carnes.”

    Rule A valid qualification letter was not on file and available to review at the facility.. Correction date, as North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) recorded it: Jan 30, 2025. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

  • 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.

    “One (1) Be Smart Get Prepared Instant Cold Compress, with multiple warnings, was in an unlocked First Aid Kit in the open storage area of the passenger side door in the van used to transport children.”

    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.. Corrected during the inspection.

  • Prior to the expiration date of the qualification letter, the child care provider did not complete and submit required forms to complete a criminal background check (a qualification letter is valid for a maximum of five years for the date of issuance).

    “Prior to the expiration date of the current qualifying letter, one (1) staff member, Tiffany Carnes, did not complete and submit the required forms for a criminal background check.”

    Rule Prior to the expiration date of the qualification letter, the child care provider did not complete and submit required forms to complete a criminal background check (a qualification letter is valid for a maximum of five years for the date of issuance).. Correction date, as North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) recorded it: Jan 30, 2025. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

Jul 15, 2024: unannounced3 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.

    “In Space #4/5, one (1) aerosol can of Barbasol Thick and Rich Shaving Cream Soothing Aloe, with multiple warnings, was on top of the cubbies used by children.”

    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.. Corrected during the inspection.

  • Children were not adequately supervised at all times.

    “I arrived and entered the lobby of the facility at 10:55am. At 10:57am, one (1) child, three (3) years of age, exited Space #2, entered the lobby area, and walked into Space #1. No staff members were present in the lobby, the attached kitchen, or Space #2. The lights in Space #2 were turned off. Two (2) staff members were present in Space #1 and reported they were not aware that the child had left the room.”

    Rule Children were not adequately supervised at all times.. Correction date, as North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) recorded it: Jul 22, 2024. Correction verified: at a follow-up visit by DCDEE.

  • Operator has not scheduled and obtained a fire inspection within 12 months of the previous inspection.

    “Operator did not submit the original approved report to DCDEE within one week of the inspection visit on a form provided by the Division. The last fire inspection for the facility was conducted on June 7, 2023.”

    Rule Operator has not scheduled and obtained a fire inspection within 12 months of the previous inspection.. Correction date, as North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) recorded it: Jul 17, 2024. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

Feb 27, 2024: unannounced4 violations
  • Daily records of arrival and departure times for children enrolled at the center were not maintained as children arrive and depart and/or were not made available for review.

    “In Space #1, two (2) children were not signed out on February 16, 2024. In Space #3, one (1) child was not signed in on February 15, 2024.”

    Rule Daily records of arrival and departure times for children enrolled at the center were not maintained as children arrive and depart and/or were not made available for review.. Correction date, as North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) recorded it: Feb 27, 2024. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

  • Equipment and furnishings were not sturdy, stable and free of hazards.

    “On Playground #1, small, broken parts of plastic toys, with sharp edges, were scattered across the ground in the grassy area of the playground.”

    Rule Equipment and furnishings were not sturdy, stable and free of hazards.. Corrected during the inspection.

  • Staff did not model appropriate eating behaviors by consuming food or beverages that meet the nutritional requirements specified in the Meal Patterns for Children in Child Care Programs in the presence of children in care.

    “In Space #1, one (1) clear cup of brown liquid with whipped cream on top was on top of the cubbies.”

    Rule Staff did not model appropriate eating behaviors by consuming food or beverages that meet the nutritional requirements specified in the Meal Patterns for Children in Child Care Programs in the presence of children in care.. Corrected during the inspection.

  • When children 3 years and older were in care, screen time was not used to stimulate a developmental domain; was not limited to 30 minutes a day and no more than a total of two and a half hours per week, per child; and/or was not documented on a cumulative log or the activity plan that is available for review.

    “In Space #2, one (1) child was observed sitting in a chair looking at a tablet and one (1) child was observed sitting on a child sized couch with a cell phone playing a game with another child on the cell phone. The teacher assigned to Space #2 reported she was unaware that a screen time log needed to be completed. No screen time was documented on the activity plan.”

    Rule When children 3 years and older were in care, screen time was not used to stimulate a developmental domain; was not limited to 30 minutes a day and no more than a total of two and a half hours per week, per child; and/or was not documented on a cumulative log or the activity plan that is available for review.. Correction date, as North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) recorded it: Feb 27, 2024. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

All 8 visits on record
Visits on record
DateVisitWhat the record says
Aug 4, 2026Announced visitNo violations cited
Jan 7, 2026Unannounced visit2 violations cited
Jul 8, 2025Unannounced visit1 violation cited
Jan 28, 2025Unannounced visit4 violations cited
Jul 22, 2024Unannounced visitNo violations cited
Jul 15, 2024Unannounced visit3 violations cited
May 20, 2024Unannounced visitNo violations cited
Feb 27, 2024Unannounced visit4 violations cited

Is it licensed?

  • Child Care Center, holding a Five Star Center License since Aug 12, 2026.
  • Licensed for 75 children, ages 0 through 12.
  • Enrolled in North Carolina’s subsidized child care program.
  • North Carolina’s licence number: 36000314.
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: Stephens, Donna M.
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 83 child care providers in Gaston County, the middle value for violations cited in the last three years was 10; this one had 14.
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.

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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