Hearth Record

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
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 26 violations in 8 months of the last 36. Last cited May 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?

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.

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

26 violations in 8 months of the last 36. Last cited May 2026. The last 3 years, to Nov 3, 2026.

26 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.

May 12, 2026: 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 #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.”

    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.

  • 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.”

    Rule NC Pre-K program staff/child ratios and group sizes were not met.. Correction date, as North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) recorded it: May 14, 2026. Correction verified: at a follow-up visit by DCDEE.

  • 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.”

    Rule Smoking materials were not kept in locked storage.. Corrected during the inspection.

Dec 8, 2025: unannounced3 violations
  • 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.”

    Rule Fire drills were not practiced monthly and/or the drill record was incomplete.. Correction date, as North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) recorded it: Dec 10, 2025. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

  • 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.”

    Rule The health assessment did not include a hearing screening.. Correction date, as North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) recorded it: Dec 18, 2025. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

  • 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.”

    Rule The health assessment did not include a vision screening.. Correction date, as North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) recorded it: Dec 18, 2025. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

Apr 9, 2025: unannounced2 violations
  • 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.”

    Rule 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.. Corrected during the inspection.

  • 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.”

    Rule 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.. Corrected during the inspection.

Mar 11, 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.”

    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: Mar 28, 2025. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

  • 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.”

    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: Mar 28, 2025. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

  • 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.”

    Rule 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.. Corrected during the inspection.

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.”

    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: Mar 28, 2025. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

  • 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.”

    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: Mar 28, 2025. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

  • 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.”

    Rule 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.. Correction date, as North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) recorded it: Mar 11, 2025. Correction verified: at a follow-up visit by DCDEE.

Jan 21, 2025: unannounced6 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.”

    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: Mar 28, 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.

    “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.”

    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.

  • 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.”

    Rule 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.. 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).

    “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.”

    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: Mar 28, 2025. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

  • 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.”

    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.

  • 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.”

    Rule 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.. Correction date, as North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) recorded it: Mar 11, 2025. Correction verified: at a follow-up visit by DCDEE.

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.”

    Rule A valid qualification letter was not on file and available to review at the facility.. Corrected during the inspection.

  • 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.”

    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: Sep 17, 2024. Correction verified: at a follow-up visit by DCDEE.

  • 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.”

    Rule Shelter-in-place or lockdown drills were not practiced every three months and/or drill record was incomplete.. Correction date, as North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) recorded it: Sep 19, 2024. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

Feb 13, 2024: unannounced3 violations
  • 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.”

    Rule 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.. 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 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.”

    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.

  • 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.”

    Rule Monthly playground inspections were not completed and/or they were not completed by an individual trained in playground safety requirements.. 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 13 visits on record
Visits on record
DateVisitWhat the record says
May 14, 2026Unannounced visitNo violations cited
May 12, 2026Unannounced visit3 violations cited
Dec 8, 2025Unannounced visit3 violations cited
May 7, 2025Unannounced visitNo violations cited
Apr 14, 2025Announced visitNo violations cited
Apr 9, 2025Unannounced visit2 violations cited
Mar 11, 2025Unannounced visit3 violations cited
Feb 10, 2025Unannounced visit3 violations cited
Jan 21, 2025Unannounced visit6 violations cited
Sep 17, 2024Unannounced visitNo violations cited
Sep 10, 2024Unannounced visit3 violations cited
Feb 13, 2024Unannounced visit3 violations cited
Nov 14, 2023Unannounced visitNo 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.
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 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.
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: Gaston County Schools.
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 26.
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

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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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