Cadence Academy Preschool, Mallard
A child care center in Charlotte, North Carolina 28262
9625 Mallard Glen Road, Charlotte, North Carolina 28262. (704) 549-4344.
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
- 60 violations in the last three years
- Oct 122026 the latest visit on record
- 199 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?
18 DCDEE visits in the last three years, the latest on Oct 12, 2026.
60 violations cited in the last three years, 60 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
58 violations in 9 months of the last 36. Last cited Sep 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.
Sep 3, 2026: unannounced3 violations
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Children were not adequately supervised at all times.
The inspectors’ words, 169 words
“On August 27, 2026, two (2) children aged three (3) years old were left alone in the bathroom unsupervised for approximately ten (10) minutes in Space 7. Video review of the incident showed both teachers positioned in the classroom where they were unable maximize their ability to hear or see the children at all times and render immediate assistance if needed. The door to the bathroom was closed. The bathroom was located at the far end of the classroom by the exterior door and teachers were observed on the opposite side of the classroom by the tables where children were being served water. The two (2) children were observed on the video entering the bathroom and teachers were not aware where each child was located and were not aware of the children’s activities at all times. One (1) staff member was observed placing cots down in the classroom, and that the other staff member was reported as sitting on a classroom couch using her cell-phone while children drank water.”
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Staff required to receive on-going training had not completed the required number of hours according to their education and experience.
“Veteran staff (P.H.) and (M.B.) did not complete the required number of ongoing training hours annually; P.H. did not complete fifteen (15) hours and M.B. did not complete twenty (20) hours; eighteen (18) hours are needed for M.B.”
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The depth of the loose surfacing was not based on critical height of the equipment.
“The depth of the loose surfacing was not based on critical height of the equipment. Three (3) inches of mulch was the surfacing depth under the monkey bars in the outdoor play area.”
Jul 2, 2026: unannounced11 violations
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All staff did not successfully complete certification in CPR training appropriate to the age of the children in care.
“Verification of staff completion of the CPR course from an approved training organization was not in the staff file. Staff (B.K) did not complete First CPR training.”
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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. Staff (B.K) did not complete First Aid training.”
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Fire drills were not practiced monthly and/or the drill record was incomplete.
“A fire drill was not conducted for June 2026.”
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Medication authorization, giving the caregiver standing authorization did not meet the specifications in rule.
“Permission to Administer Medication for chronic conditions expired May 2026. A Permission to Administer over-the-counter medication form expired January 15, 2026.”
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Monthly playground inspections were not completed and/or they were not completed by an individual trained in playground safety requirements.
“The playground inspections have not been conducted since November 2025.”
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Running water, soap and individual sanitary towels, or other approved hand-drying devices were not supplied at each lavatory.
“In space 5 there was no soap or paper towels in the girls bathroom; no soap in space 7 in the boys bathroom.”
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Shelter-in-place or lockdown drills were not practiced every three months and/or drill record was incomplete.
“The last shelter-in-place drill was conducted March 16, 2026; drill not conducted in June 2026.”
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Staff required to receive on-going training had not completed the required number of hours according to their education and experience.
“Veteran staff (P.H.) and (M.B.) did not complete the required number of ongoing training hours annually.”
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The depth of the loose surfacing was not based on critical height of the equipment.
“Three (3) inches of mulch was the surfacing depth under the monkey bars in the outdoor play area.”
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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.
“Two (2) medication were not on site for a medical emergency that was noted in a Medical Action Plan.”
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The written feeding plan was not modified as the child’s needs changed.
“An infant plan did not have the parent’s signature or date.”
Feb 12, 2026: unannounced13 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.
“Caulk, spray paint, and a gallon of paint were observed in Space 3. Space 3 was not currently being used to care for children however the room was unlocked and accessible to children. A gallon of paint was observed on the floor outside of the directors office in the foyer.”
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All staff did not review the center’s EPR Plan during orientation and/or on an annual basis with the trained staff.
“Documentation of the review was not maintained on file. There was no documentation of EPR training at orientation for an employee hired 8/21/25.”
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All staff did not successfully complete certification in CPR training appropriate to the age of the children in care.
“Verification of staff completion of the CPR course from an approved training organization was not in the staff file. An employee hired 9/17/25 did not complete CPR training within 90 days of employment.”
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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. An employee hired 9/17/25 did not complete First Aid training within 90 days of employment.”
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All walls and ceilings including doors and windows were not kept clean, free of visible fungal growth, and in good repair.
“Walls in Spaces 2 - 11 were observed with peeling paint and chipped drywall.”
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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.
“One (1) employee hired 12/1/25 had a medical statement dated 5/27/24.”
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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) employee hired 8/21/25 did not have emergency information on file.”
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Leftover medicines were not returned to the parent after the course of treatment was completed, after authorization was withdrawn or after authorization had expired and/or medication was not discarded within 72 hours of completion of treatment or withdrawal of authorization.
“A child’s emergency medication in Space 8 was expired and a replacement medication was not provided.”
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Medication authorization, giving the caregiver standing authorization did not meet the specifications in rule.
“One (1) child’s medication permission expired on 1/14/26.”
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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.
“One (1) employee hired 12/1/25 had a TB test result dated 10/30/24.”
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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 annual fire inspection was due 8/6/25. The inspection was completed on 10/9/25.”
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Potentially hazardous items including but not limited to power tools, nails, chemicals, propane stoves, lawn mowers, gasoline, or kerosene were not stored in locked areas, removed from the premises, or made inaccessible to children.
“Exposed nails were observed on a fence board that was pulled away from the foundation on the preschool playground.”
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The written feeding plan was not modified as the child’s needs changed.
“One (1) child under 15 months of age was observed eating table food provided by the center. The posted feeding schedule was not updated to indicate the child could be served table food.”
Jul 15, 2025: unannounced5 violations
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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. The center employee roster had not been created in the ABCMS portal.”
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A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children.
“Emergency medication was not taken outdoors with a child in Space 3.”
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All walls and ceilings including doors and windows were not kept clean, free of visible fungal growth, and in good repair.
“Walls in classrooms throughout the building were observed chipped and in poor repair.”
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Medications including prescription and non-prescription items were not stored in a locked cabinet or other locked container.
“Refrigerated medication was not stored behind lock and key. The medication was stored in the director’s unlocked office. A tube of hydrocortisone was stored on a shelf above five feet in the restroom in Space 6.”
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The depth of the loose surfacing was not based on critical height of the equipment.
“Mulch underneath the climbing structure on the preschool/school-aged playground was less than 6 inches deep.”
Feb 26, 2025: unannounced4 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.
“Three (3) five-gallon paint buckets were stored outside on a small play area accessible to children.”
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All staff, including the director, did not have an annual health questionnaire on file following the initial medical statement.
“An employee hired 2/11/25 did not have a completed health questionnaire on file.”
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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.
“An employee hired 2/11/25 did not have emergency information on file for review.”
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Human milk, formula and other bottled beverages including sippy cups, sent from child’s home were not fully prepared, dated, and labeled for the appropriate child.
“Two (2) bottles in Space 3 were incorrectly dated. The bottles were dated 2/25/25.”
Jan 21, 2025: unannounced2 violations
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A valid qualification letter was not on file and available to review at the facility.
“Two (2) therapists who observed working independently with a child did not have a CBC qualification letter on file for review.”
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Prior to employment a Criminal Background Check was not completed.
“Two (2) therapists, T. Harris and R. DeLoache, did not complete a Criminal Background Check through the DCDEE’s ABCMS system. Each was observed working independently with a child.”
Dec 6, 2024: unannounced4 violations
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An incident report was not completed and mailed to a Division representative within seven days after the incident when medical treatment was required.
“An incident occured on 11/25/24 that required medical attention. The incident report was not received by the consultant within 7 calendars of the incident.”
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Medications including prescription and non-prescription items were not stored in a locked cabinet or other locked container.
“A child’s Epi pen was stored inside a teacher’s bookbag and observed placed on a picnic table accessible to children on the preschool playground.”
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The depth of the loose surfacing was not based on critical height of the equipment.
“Mulch underneath a climbing structure on the preschool playground measured under 6 inches.”
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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.
“Tow (2) new teachers hired 11/25/24 did not have signed receipt of the center’s shaken baby and abusive head trauma policy on file for review.”
Jul 31, 2024: unannounced14 violations
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A child’s file did not have a statement with parent signature acknowledging receipt and explanation of the Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy and/or the acknowledgement did not have all the required information.
“A child (C.D.), file did not have a statement with parent signature acknowledging receipt and explanation of the Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy.”
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Air conditioning units were accessible or did not have a guard to keep objects from being thrown into the unit.
“The air conditioning units in garden area were enclosed in a fence, and the gate was unlocked; air conditioning units were accessible to children.”
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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.
“Two (2) opened bags of soil containing fertilizer were stored inside the fence where air conditioners were located and the gate was not locked. Wallflower liquid plug-in air freshener was stored in an unlocked cabinet. A child’s diaper bag was stored on a low shelf in Space 1. There were travel sized bottles of Scope inside the bag.”
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All staff, including the director, did not have an annual health questionnaire on file following the initial medical statement.
“Ten (10) new staff did not have the health questionnaire completed before the first day of employment.”
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All walls and ceilings including doors and windows were not kept clean, free of visible fungal growth, and in good repair.
“Walls in classrooms throughout the building were chipped and require repainting.”
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Aquatic activities were permitted in hot tubs, spas, saunas or steam rooms, portable wading pools, natural bodies of water, or other unfiltered non disinfected containments of water.
“There were accessible wading pools on the toddler playground and on the preschool playground.”
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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.
“There were ten (10) new staff that did not have completed Emergency Information form on file on or before the first day of employment.”
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Children’s records that include an application for enrollment, medical and immunization records, and permission to seek emergency medical care was not on file for each child.
“A child (W.H.), record did not include medical and immunization records.”
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Equipment and furnishings not meeting the requirements outlined in child care .0601(b) and (c) were not removed or made inaccessible.
“Books were in poor repair in space 7 and in space 9.”
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Medical exam or health assessment record was not on file before or within 30 days after admission.
“A child (W.H.) did not have a medical exam or health assessment record on file before or within 30 days after admission.”
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Medications including prescription and non-prescription items were not stored in a locked cabinet or other locked container.
“A tube of prescription Nystatin was observed stored with diaper creams on an unlocked opened shelf above five (5) feet.”
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New staff, who had contact with children, did not receive at least 16 hrs. orientation within first 6 weeks.
“The orientation documentation for two (2) new staff did not list dates orientation was received; the forms were incomplete.”
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Signed and dated statement by parent that discipline policy received and explained at enrollment was not in child’s file.
“A child (W.H.) signed discipline policy did not include the enrollment date.”
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The center’s safe sleep policy was not posted in a prominent place in the infant room where parents and caregivers were able to view daily.
“The safe sleep policy was not posted in Space 2.”
Dec 7, 2023: unannounced2 violations
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An individual written feeding plan was not provided by child’s parent or health care provider or was not followed and posted.
“(omit posting for centers located in a residence) The feeding schedule stated that the infant should get food between each bottle. It was not documented the infant was getting the food between bottles.”
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Facility did not follow written operational policies.
“The operational policy stated that infant’s diapers would be changed at least every two hours and as needed. On two(2) occasions it was not documented that the infant’s diaper was not changed within the required 2 hour time frame.”
Nov 29, 2023: unannounced2 violations
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Parent’s medication authorization did not include required information.
“In space #11 a medical authorization had expired September 23, 2023.”
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The written feeding plan did not include the child’s name, parent signature, and/or was not dated when received by the center.
“One (1) feeding schedule that was posted was not signed by the parent.”
All 18 visits on record
| Date | Visit | What the record says |
|---|---|---|
| Oct 12, 2026 | Unannounced visit | No violations cited |
| Sep 9, 2026 | Unannounced visit | No violations cited |
| Sep 3, 2026 | Unannounced visit | 1 violation cited |
| Sep 3, 2026 | Unannounced visit | 2 violations cited |
| Jul 9, 2026 | Unannounced visit | No violations cited |
| Jul 2, 2026 | Unannounced visit | 11 violations cited |
| May 11, 2026 | Unannounced visit | No violations cited |
| Apr 7, 2026 | Unannounced visit | No violations cited |
| Feb 12, 2026 | Unannounced visit | 13 violations cited |
| Jul 15, 2025 | Unannounced visit | 5 violations cited |
| Feb 26, 2025 | Unannounced visit | 4 violations cited |
| Jan 21, 2025 | Unannounced visit | 2 violations cited |
| Dec 6, 2024 | Unannounced visit | 4 violations cited |
| Jul 31, 2024 | Unannounced visit | 14 violations cited |
| Jan 5, 2024 | Unannounced visit | No violations cited |
| Jan 5, 2024 | Unannounced visit | No violations cited |
| Dec 7, 2023 | Unannounced visit | 2 violations cited |
| Nov 29, 2023 | Unannounced visit | 2 violations cited |
Is it licensed?
- Child Care Center, holding a Five Star Center License since Jan 17, 2020.
- Licensed for 199 children, ages 0 through 12.
- Enrolled in North Carolina’s subsidized child care program.
- North Carolina’s licence number: 60002689.
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.
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: Cadence Education, LLC.
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 529 child care providers in Mecklenburg County, the middle value for violations cited in the last three years was 14; this one had 60.
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 |
|---|---|
| University Meadows A.s.e.p. | 15 |
| Chesterbrook Academy | 78 |
| Governors’ Village Asep | 13 |
| Phelps Love and Care | 7 |
| Kids R Kids #5 NC | 27 |
| Love’s Creation Home Care | 28 |
| Cadence Academy Preschool, Mallard This child care provider | 60 |
| Tutor Time Child Care/Learning Center | 83 |
| Stoney Creek Elementary Asep | 23 |
| Children of America Charlotte, LLC | 67 |
| Governors’ Village Stem Academy | 81 |
| Kiddie University Inc. | 1 |
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
-
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.