Great Start Child Development Center

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.

“During my walkthrough of classrooms it was noted that in the classroom for children ages one-through-two-years-of age there was an aerosol can of sunscreen and a bottle of bug spray being stored on a high shelf and not in a locked cabinet or room.”

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 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.

“After review of new staff member’s files it was noted that two (2) new staff members did not have a medical report nor a TB screening or test prior to employment. One staff member was hired on 08/15/25 and their medical assessment was dated 8/28/25. One staff member was hired 08/11/25 and their medical assessment was dated 8/25/25.”

Rule 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.. Corrected during the inspection.

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.

“After review of new staff member’s files it was noted that one staff member was hired 08/11/25 and their TB test was dated 09/26/25.”

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.. Corrected during the inspection.

Over-the-counter medicines were not in their original containers or administered as authorized in writing by parent, physician or authorized health professional.

“During my walkthrough of classrooms it was noted that a container of diapering cream was located in the bathroom for children ages two-through-three-years-of-age with no child’s name listed on it.”

Rule Over-the-counter medicines were not in their original containers or administered as authorized in writing by parent, physician or authorized health professional.. 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).

“The qualification letter for one staff member was expired.”

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: Oct 17, 2025. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

A current activity plan was not posted for each group of children for reference.

“The activity plan in the classroom with infants and the one/two year old group was not dated.”

Rule A current activity plan was not posted for each group of children for reference.. Correction date, as North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) recorded it: Jun 19, 2025. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for 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: Jun 29, 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.

“The kitchen 1/2 door was open with no one present, the adjacent door in the kitchen was unlocked where numerous hazardous products were stored. The 1/2 door was closed during the visit but was not locked.”

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: Jun 19, 2025. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

All equipment and furnishings were not in good repair.

“On the playground at the front of the building the children were playing on a Little Tikes slide with a broken attached container and a Little Tikes play kitchen with a broken mailbox. On the playground at the back of the building, there is a tricycle missing the handlebar covers causing a potential protrusion and the large Little Tikes climber was not securely attached as required by manufacturer’s instructions.”

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: Jun 19, 2025. 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.

“The medical, TB and HQ was not stored in a separate file as required.”

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: Jun 19, 2025. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

Openings in equipment, steps, decks, handrails, and fencing were not less than 3 1/2 inches or greater than 9 inches.

“There was one picket measured over 4 inches and the gap at the base of the fence measured over 3 1/2 inches to 5 inches. The back ramp measured approximately 4” between the railing and the platform. This is an entrapment.”

Rule Openings in equipment, steps, decks, handrails, and fencing were not less than 3 1/2 inches or greater than 9 inches.. Correction date, as North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) recorded it: Jun 19, 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.

“Plastic grocery bags were stored in an unlocked cabinet under the sink in the classroom with one and two-year-old children.”

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: Jun 19, 2025. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

The written feeding plan did not include the child’s name, parent signature, and/or was not dated when received by the center.

“Two (2) infants feeding schedules were not signed and dated and one (1) infant feeding schedule was not dated.”

Rule The written feeding plan did not include the child's name, parent signature, and/or was not dated when received by the center.. Correction date, as North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) recorded it: Jun 20, 2025. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for 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: Jan 17, 2025. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

Children were not adequately supervised at all times.

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: Jan 14, 2025. Correction verified: at a follow-up visit by DCDEE.

Daily records of arrival and departure times for children at the center were not maintained as children arrive and depart and/or were not made available for review.

“There was no record of arrival time for the seven-year-old child present during the visit today.”

Rule Daily records of arrival and departure times for children 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: Jan 17, 2025. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

New staff, who had contact with children, did not receive at least 16 hrs. orientation within first 6 weeks.

“After review of two (2) new staff files it was noted that the staff member hired on 08/12/24 did not complete all the required topics of orientation.”

Rule New staff, who had contact with children, did not receive at least 16 hrs. orientation within first 6 weeks.. Correction date, as North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) recorded it: Jan 17, 2025. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

Each child was not attended to in a nurturing and appropriate manner, or in keeping with the child’s developmental needs.

“On November 7, 2024, a staff member grabbed a two year old child by one arm and lifted the child off the slide. The child subsequently cried.”

Rule Each child was not attended to in a nurturing and appropriate manner, or in keeping with the child's developmental needs.. 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.

Incident reports were not completed each time a child was injured, it did not include all the information required in rule, it was not signed by the parent and/or it was not maintained in the child’s file.

“An incident report for an injury that occurred on November 7, 2024 was not available for review. On November 23, 2024, a copy of the incident report was received; however, it contained inaccurate information regarding the date of the incident.”

Rule Incident reports were not completed each time a child was injured, it did not include all the information required in rule, it was not signed by the parent and/or it was not maintained in the child's file.. 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.

Minimum staff/child ratios and group sizes for the number and ages of children in care were not met.

“On September 10, 2024, one staff member was providing care for ten children, ages one and two, during naptime.”

Rule Minimum staff/child ratios and group sizes for the number and ages of children in care were not met.. Corrected during the inspection.

A list of all children participating in the off premise activity was not available at the center.

“On June 13, 19, and 26, 2024, a list of children participating in off-premise activities was not available.”

Rule A list of all children participating in the off premise activity was not available at the center.. 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.

A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children.

“On June 26, 2024, staff did not take a child’s inhaler with them during an off-premise activity.”

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: May 14, 2026. Correction verified: at a follow-up visit by DCDEE.

A schedule of off premise activities were not posted in each participating classroom to be viewed by parents and/or copy of the schedule was not given to parents.

“On June 13, 19, and 26, 2024, a schedule of activities were not posted for children who were transported for off-premise activities.”

Rule A schedule of off premise activities were not posted in each participating classroom to be viewed by parents and/or copy of the schedule was not given to parents.. 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.

Before staff members walked children off premises for play or outings, the center did not obtain written permission from the parent of each child.

“Staff did not obtain written permission to transport children on multiple occasions and no written permission forms were available for review. Staff did not obtain written permission to transport children on the following dates: June 6, 7, and 16 2023, and June 13, 19, 25, and 26, 2024,”

Rule Before staff members walked children off premises for play or outings, the center did not obtain written permission from the parent of each child.. 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.

Children used space that was not approved.

“On June 13, 2024, children were transported to an unlicensed building to eat lunch. On June 19 and 26, 2024, children were transported to the owner’s home for care.”

Rule Children used space that was not approved.. 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.

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.

“A child who was in care on June 26, 2024 was not listed on the arrival and departure record.”

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: May 14, 2026. Correction verified: at a follow-up visit by DCDEE.

Prior to children participating in aquatic activities, the center did not develop policies that included required information.

“The facility did not have policies for aquatic activities prior to taking children to Sylva Pool on June 16, 2023.”

Rule Prior to children participating in aquatic activities, the center did not develop policies that included required information.. 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.

Rule violated (DCDEE’s description below)

“Corporal punishment was used. [Omit item 0903 for religious sponsored centers operating under GS 110-106 with an exemption on file with the Division.] A staff member physically disciplined a child in the bathroom.”

Rule Rule violated (DCDEE’s description below). 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.

The number of children present was not within permit capacity.

“On June 13, 2024, thirty-five children were present.”

Rule The number of children present was not within permit capacity.. 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.

The operator made an effort to falsify information.

“The owner administrator provided false information regarding facility staff transporting children to Sylva pool, an unlicensed building during lunch, the owner’s home, and the movie theatre.”

Rule The operator made an effort to falsify information.. 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.

Written permission was not given by parent for child to participate in aquatic activity.

“Staff did not obtain written permission for a child to participate in an aquatic activity at Sylva pool on June 16, 2023.”

Rule Written permission was not given by parent for child to participate in aquatic activity.. 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.

Screen time was offered to children under three years of age.

“Upon arrival the classroom for children one year of age were observed watching a video on a teacher’s phone while eating lunch.”

Rule Screen time was offered 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: Apr 8, 2024. 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.

“After review of two (2) teacher’s files it was noted that one (1) new teacher (AR) had not signed the facility’s PreventaionShaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy.”

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.