First Stop Daycare
A child care center in Charlotte, North Carolina 28205
3426 Central Avenue, Charlotte, North Carolina 28205. (704) 347-0036.
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
- 46 violations in the last three years
- Mar 92026 the latest visit on record
- 29 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?
10 DCDEE visits in the last three years, the latest on Mar 9, 2026.
46 violations cited in the last three years, 46 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
45 violations in 6 months of the last 36. Last cited Feb 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.
Feb 18, 2026: unannounced15 violations
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A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children.
“The emergency exit door located in the back of the child care center on space #3 was unlocked. The consultant entered the space without the operator, and one volunteer’s awareness of another adult entering the building.”
-
All staff, including the director, did not have an annual health questionnaire on file following the initial medical statement.
“A volunteer present for one day did not have a health questionnaire completed and on file.”
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Center did not maintain a record of daily attendance.
“Daily attendance was not accurately tracked for today.”
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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 volunteer present for one day did not have a signed emergency information form completed before the first day of work.”
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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 were five children present and only one child was monitored with a tracked arrival time for today.”
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Enhanced staff/child ratios and group sizes were not met.
“A volunteer was left alone with five children ranging in age from two to three years of age in space #2 while the administrator was in the office.”
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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 monitored in poor repair in spaces #1 and #2.”
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Food substitution was not of comparable food value or recorded on the menu prior to the meal or snack being served.
“The food served for lunch was not listed on the posted menu. Children were served spaghetti, meatballs, green beans, apple sauce, wheat bread and milk. The following was listed on the posted menu: green beans, apples, chicken thighs, wheat bread and milk.”
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Health and safety training topics were not included as part of on-going training within five years of completing the previous health and safety training topics.
“One staff member was due to renew their H & S training no later than January 29, 2026.”
-
Monthly playground inspections were not completed and/or they were not completed by an individual trained in playground safety requirements.
“Playground inspections from September 2025 until December 2025 were not available for review.”
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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.
“The operator and one staff member did not have training on file showing eight (8) and ten (10) hours of annual in-service training hours were completed.”
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The child care center premises, including the outdoor learning environment, was not clean, drained to minimize standing water, free of litter and hazards, and/or maintained in a manner which does not create conditions that attract or harbor pests.
“There was garbage monitored on the child care ramp, parking lot and on the ground surrounding the back of the child care center.”
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The depth of the loose surfacing was not based on critical height of the equipment.
“There was inadequate mulch under and around the stationary outdoor equipment. There were approximately three inches of protective surfacing present when six inches of mulch was required.”
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The EPR Plan did not include the location of the Ready to Go File and or the required information.
“The RTGF was missing one enrolled child’s emergency information, and blank incident reports.”
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Toys and other mouth-contact surfaces were not cleaned and sanitized daily when used or cleaned more frequently if visibly dirty.
“There was not a dirty toy bin maintained or any mouthed toys that were removed from the children’s environment in space #2.”
Aug 18, 2025: unannounced8 violations
-
A violation was found for which there is no item number.
“Two live roaches were observed crawling on the walls in space #1.”
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All equipment and furnishings were not in good repair.
“Outdoor wooden ramp railings, steps, floorboards were in poor condition with exposed hardware and detached lattice in spots. The gate was monitored separated and unable to close fully.”
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Food substitution was not of comparable food value or recorded on the menu prior to the meal or snack being served.
“The menu was altered, and the substitution changes were not posted.”
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Gates to the fenced outdoor play area did not remain closed while children occupied the area.
“Children were observed outside, and the playground gate was not closed.”
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The child care center premises, including the outdoor learning environment, was not clean, drained to minimize standing water, free of litter and hazards, and/or maintained in a manner which does not create conditions that attract or harbor pests.
“Vines were monitored grown over the fence and through the outdoor fencing and wooden ramps.”
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The depth of the loose surfacing was not based on critical height of the equipment.
“Protective surfacing did not meet at least six inches in depth.”
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The EPR Plan did not include the location of the Ready to Go File and or the required information.
“The Ready to Go File was missing children’s contact information for one child who enrolled within the last two weeks.”
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The trained staff did not review the EPR Plan annually or when information in the plan changed to ensure all information was current.
“The updated plan was missing the current health consultant and contact number.”
May 12, 2025: unannounced2 violations
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A violation was found for which there is no item number.
“15A NCAC 18A .2831(b) Animal and Vermin Control. Pests shall be excluded from the child care center. Live roaches were monitored on the kitchen floor.”
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All beds,cots, or mats with individual linen were not provided for each child.
“Two children two years of age were monitored sleeping in a rocker chair rather than a bed, cot or mat with individual linen.”
Feb 24, 2025: unannounced8 violations
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A violation was found for which there is no item number.
“15A NCAC 18A .2831 (b) Animal and Vermin Control. Pests shall be excluded from the child care center. Several live roaches were monitored in the kitchen, space #3, and space #1.”
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All equipment and furnishings were not in good repair.
“The wooden ramp leading to the outdoor play area and used for evacuation and monthly fire drills was monitored in poor condition with exposed hardware, splinters, raised/warped floorboards, loose railings. The chain link fence separating the property from the next residence was monitored in poor condition, leaning over and top rails not connected properly.”
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Health and safety training topics were not included as part of on-going training within five years of completing the previous health and safety training topics.
“One staff member A. Lucas didn’t have documentation on file showing completion of the five-year renewal for CMT training.”
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Special diet or food allergy information was not posted where they can be seen in food preparation and eating areas.
“The posted allergy list in the kitchen, space #1, and in the EPR-Ready to Go File were not current.”
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The child care center premises, including the outdoor learning environment, was not clean, drained to minimize standing water, free of litter and hazards, and/or maintained in a manner which does not create conditions that attract or harbor pests.
“There were many fallen leaves throughout the outdoor play environment. The monitored leaves were built up in the corners of the fenced in play areas.”
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The depth of the loose surfacing was not based on critical height of the equipment.
“The outdoor stationary play equipment was not placed over at least six inches of protective surfacing.”
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The EPR Plan did not include the location of the Ready to Go File and or the required information.
“The Ready to go File was not current. Five formerly enrolled children were still maintained in the file. The center’s printed EPR plan was not maintained with the Ready to Go File.”
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The trained staff did not review the EPR Plan annually or when information in the plan changed to ensure all information was current.
“The EPR plan was monitored not current with the previously assigned consultant and contact information were listed.”
Jul 11, 2024: unannounced5 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.
“A bottle of White Out was monitored stored on a tall shelf. The White Out was removed and placed under lock and key.”
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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.
“Completed incident reports were not filed in the applicable child’s file.”
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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 bags were monitored accessible to children under three years of age. The plastic bags were removed during the visit.”
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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.
“One child’s medical action plan expired in June 2024.”
-
The trained staff did not review the EPR Plan annually or when information in the plan changed to ensure all information was current.
“The EPR plan was monitored not current.”
Feb 28, 2024: unannounced7 violations
-
A violation was found for which there is no item number.
The inspectors’ words, 100 words
“In child care centers, toilet tissue paper shall be provided in each toilet room and stored in a clean, dry place. The toilet room shall include or be adjacent to a handwash lavatory. Storage in toilet rooms shall be limited to toileting and diapering supplies. All toilet fixtures shall be kept clean and in good repair. Toilet fixtures shall be child-sized, adult-sized toilets that are adapted to accommodate children, or potty chairs. The handle used for flushing the toilet in the restroom was broken therefore, the toilet could not be flushed. This is a violation of 15A NCAC 18A .2817(a)”
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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, there were four bottles of glitter stored on an open shelf accessible to the children. A warning on the bottles stated “ages 6+.”
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All walls and ceilings including doors and windows were not kept clean and in good repair.
“Throughout the facility, paint was peeling on the walls and baseboards.”
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Each child’s diapers were not changed at areas designated exclusively for diapering, on a surface that was smooth, nonabsorbent, easily cleanable and of tight construction.
“In space #3, the diapering changing mat had a large torn place in the middle of the mat.”
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Each employee’s personnel file did not contain an annual staff evaluation and a staff development plan.
“One staff member did not have verification on file that an annual staff evaluation and staff development plan had been completed.”
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Medication authorization, giving the caregiver standing authorization did not meet the specifications in rule.
“Permission for one child’s chronic medication expired December 2023.”
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Medications including prescription and non-prescription items were not stored in a locked cabinet or other locked container.
“The first aid kit located in the van used to transport children contained Diphen antihistamine, triple antibiotic ointment, non-aspirin acetaminophen and first aid and burn cream.”
Nov 13, 2023: unannounced1 violation
-
Center did not maintain a record of daily attendance.
“In space #1, the attendance for today has not been documented.”
All 10 visits on record
| Date | Visit | What the record says |
|---|---|---|
| Mar 9, 2026 | Unannounced visit | No violations cited |
| Feb 18, 2026 | Unannounced visit | 15 violations cited |
| Aug 18, 2025 | Unannounced visit | 8 violations cited |
| May 12, 2025 | Unannounced visit | 2 violations cited |
| Feb 24, 2025 | Unannounced visit | 8 violations cited |
| Jul 11, 2024 | Unannounced visit | 5 violations cited |
| Feb 28, 2024 | Unannounced visit | 7 violations cited |
| Jan 22, 2024 | Unannounced visit | No violations cited |
| Dec 19, 2023 | Unannounced visit | No violations cited |
| Nov 13, 2023 | Unannounced visit | 1 violation cited |
Is it licensed?
- Child Care Center, holding a Three Star Center License since Mar 28, 2024.
- Licensed for 29 children, ages 0 through 12.
- Not enrolled in North Carolina’s subsidized child care program.
- North Carolina’s licence number: 60003956.
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: Lucas, Annette.
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: 3 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 46.
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 Stop Daycare This child care provider | 46 |
| Cnt for Children D.C. at Kilgo United Meth. Church | 24 |
| Tender Hearts Child Care Inc. | 22 |
| Fairyland Academy | 62 |
| Chantilly Elementary Asep | 5 |
| Highland Mill Montessori Elementary Asep | 6 |
| Joyland Academy | 14 |
| Marcia Playmate | 29 |
| Fairyland Institute of Early Learning, Inc. Afters | 28 |
| Fairyland Institute of Early Learning, Inc. Presch | 27 |
| Taylor’s Playhouse | 8 |
| Alliance Center for Education Stephanie Jennings | 41 |
| The Phoenix Academy | 76 |
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.