Sherwood Elementary Prek
A child care center in Gastonia, North Carolina 28054
1744 Dixon Road, Gastonia, North Carolina 28054. (704) 866-6609.
- 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
- 26 violations in the last three years
- May 142026 the latest visit on record
- 18 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 May 14, 2026.
26 violations cited in the last three years, 26 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
26 violations in 8 months of the last 36. Last cited May 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.
May 12, 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.
“In Space #1, one (1) aerosol can of Scotch Permanent Spray Adhesive Super 77, with multiple warnings, was in an unlocked cabinet to the right of the door to the playground, accessible to children.”
-
NC Pre-K program staff/child ratios and group sizes were not met.
“The Lead Teacher was in Space #1 opening a bottle of Mountain Dew when I arrived while the assistant teacher was in the cafeteria caring for seventeen (17) children, four (4) to five (5) years of age.”
-
Smoking materials were not kept in locked storage.
“In Space #1, an opened purse containing a “Geek Bar” vape was on the shelf to the left of the cubbies used to store children’s items.”
Dec 8, 2025: unannounced3 violations
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Fire drills were not practiced monthly and/or the drill record was incomplete.
“The most recent fire drill documented was conducted on October 27, 2025.”
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The health assessment did not include a hearing screening.
“One (1) child, enrolled on August 18, 2025, did not have a hearing screening on file.”
-
The health assessment did not include a vision screening.
“One (1) child, enrolled on August 18, 2025, did not have a vision screening on file.”
Apr 9, 2025: unannounced2 violations
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Child care providers, including the director, uncompensated providers, substitute providers, and volunteers did not have the required Emergency Information Form on file on or before the first day of work, which included all the required information and/or the information on the form was not updated as changes occur and at least annually.
“One (1) staff member, employed on March 31, 2025, did not have an Emergency Information Form on file.”
-
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.
“One (1) staff member, employed on March 31, 2025, who was present, counted in staff/child ratio, and caring for children during the visit, did not have a signed acknowledgement of receipt and review of the facility’s Prevention of Shaken Baby and Abusive Head Trauma Policy on file.”
Mar 11, 2025: unannounced3 violations
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A valid qualification letter was not on file and available to review at the facility.
“A valid qualification letter was not on file or available for review upon request for three (3) staff members, Bengie Lowery, Ayllissa Thomas, and Kristie Gornto.”
-
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).
“One (1) staff member, Bengie Lowery, did not complete the process for a criminal background five-year recheck. Ms. Lowery’s current qualifying letter expired on September 18, 2024.”
-
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.
“One (1) staff member, employed on September 3, 2024, and one (1) staff member, employed on January 6, 2025, did not have a signed acknowledgement of receipt and review of the facility’s Prevention of Shaken Baby and Abusive Head Trauma Policy on file.”
Feb 10, 2025: unannounced3 violations
-
A valid qualification letter was not on file and available to review at the facility.
“A valid qualification letter was not on file or available for review upon request for three (3) staff members, Bengie Lowery, Ayllissa Thomas, and Kristie Gornto.”
-
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).
“One (1) staff member, Bengie Lowery, did not complete the process for a criminal background five-year recheck. Ms. Lowery’s current qualifying letter expired on September 18, 2024.”
-
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.
“One (1) staff member, employed on September 3, 2024, and one (1) staff member, employed on January 6, 2025, did not have a signed acknowledgement of receipt and review of the facility’s Prevention of Shaken Baby and Abusive Head Trauma Policy on file.”
Jan 21, 2025: unannounced6 violations
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A valid qualification letter was not on file and available to review at the facility.
“A valid qualification letter was not on file or available for review upon request for three (3) staff members, Bengie Lowery, Ayllissa Thomas, and Kristie Gornto.”
-
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, one (1) aerosol can of Great Value Disinfectant Spray and one bottle of Great Value Bleach, both with multiple warnings, were in an unlocked cabinet to the right of the science center. In Space #1, one (1) bottle of PinkFrog Baby Shark Baby Shampoo, and one (1) bottle of Odoban Disinfectant Fabric and Air Freshener, both with multiple warnings, were in an unlocked cabinet to the right of the door that leads to the playground. All products were accessible to children.”
-
Child care providers, including the director, uncompensated providers, substitute providers, and volunteers did not have the required Emergency Information Form on file on or before the first day of work, which included all the required information and/or the information on the form was not updated as changes occur and at least annually.
“One (1) staff member, employed on September 3, 2024, and one (1) staff member, employed on January 6, 2025, did not have an Emergency Information Form on file.”
-
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).
“One (1) staff member, Bengie Lowery, did not complete the process for a criminal background five-year recheck. Ms. Lowery’s current qualifying letter expired on September 18, 2024.”
-
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) open bottle of CocaCola, which was half way empty, was on top of the air vent, in the presence of children.”
-
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.
“One (1) staff member, employed on September 3, 2024, and one (1) staff member, employed on January 6, 2025, did not have a signed acknowledgement of receipt and review of the facility’s Prevention of Shaken Baby and Abusive Head Trauma Policy on file.”
Sep 10, 2024: unannounced3 violations
-
A valid qualification letter was not on file and available to review at the facility.
“One (1) staff member, Bengie Lowery, present and counted in staff/child ratio during the visit, did not have a qualifying letter on file, available for review.”
-
Children were not adequately supervised at all times.
“In Space #1, the teacher, teacher assistant and children were outside on the playground while the child care consultant was monitoring the classroom. The door between the classroom and hallway was locked. The child care consultant heard a knock on the classroom door, opened the door and one (1) child, four (4) years of age, enrolled in the NC Pre-Kindergarten program was standing in the hallway alone. The child care consultant walked the child to the teacher outside on the playground.”
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Shelter-in-place or lockdown drills were not practiced every three months and/or drill record was incomplete.
“The most recent shelter-in-place/lockdown drill documented was conducted on April 12, 2024.”
Feb 13, 2024: unannounced3 violations
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A health assessment was not on file at the NC Pre-K site within 30 days after a child entered the NC Pre-K program or the health assessment was more than 12 months old at the time of program entry.
“One (1) child, enrolled on August 30, 2023, did not have a health assessment on file.”
-
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) aerosol can of Lysol Disinfectant Spray and one bottle of Febreze Air Mist April Fresh Downy Scent, both with multiple warnings, were on a shelf in the unlocked storage closet. One (1) bottle of Bic Cover-It Correction Fluid, with multiple warnings, was on top of the cubbies to the right of the classroom entrance.”
-
Monthly playground inspections were not completed and/or they were not completed by an individual trained in playground safety requirements.
“There were no playground inspections on file for March 2023, April 2023, May 2023, June 2023, or July 2023.”
All 13 visits on record
| Date | Visit | What the record says |
|---|---|---|
| May 14, 2026 | Unannounced visit | No violations cited |
| May 12, 2026 | Unannounced visit | 3 violations cited |
| Dec 8, 2025 | Unannounced visit | 3 violations cited |
| May 7, 2025 | Unannounced visit | No violations cited |
| Apr 14, 2025 | Announced visit | No violations cited |
| Apr 9, 2025 | Unannounced visit | 2 violations cited |
| Mar 11, 2025 | Unannounced visit | 3 violations cited |
| Feb 10, 2025 | Unannounced visit | 3 violations cited |
| Jan 21, 2025 | Unannounced visit | 6 violations cited |
| Sep 17, 2024 | Unannounced visit | No violations cited |
| Sep 10, 2024 | Unannounced visit | 3 violations cited |
| Feb 13, 2024 | Unannounced visit | 3 violations cited |
| Nov 14, 2023 | Unannounced visit | No violations cited |
Is it licensed?
- Child Care Center, holding a Five Star Center License since Feb 28, 2019.
- Licensed for 18 children, ages 4 through 5.
- Not enrolled in North Carolina’s subsidized child care program.
- North Carolina’s licence number: 36000582.
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: Gaston County Schools.
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.
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 26.
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 |
|---|---|
| First Baptist Church Childcare Ministries | 10 |
| A Toddler Tech University | 22 |
| Toddler Time Child Care Inc. | 8 |
| Sherwood Elementary Prek This child care provider | 26 |
| Learning Jungle Gastonia | 49 |
| Gaston Learning Academy LLC | 5 |
| Childcare Network #240 | 58 |
| Fair Chance Learning Academy LLC | 13 |
| E Maries Home Childcare Development Center | 0 |
| Early Visions Academy | 3 |
| Kindercare Learning Centers LLC | 26 |
| First Wesleyan Day Care | 55 |
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.