The Willow Oaks Academy, LLC
A child care center in Charlotte, North Carolina 28216
5432 Beatties Ford Rd, Charlotte, North Carolina 28216. (980) 225-7030.
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The short answer
- 31 violations in the last three years
- Aug 32026 the latest visit on record
- 100 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?
14 DCDEE visits in the last three years, the latest on Aug 3, 2026.
31 violations cited in the last three years, 31 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
31 violations in 9 months of the last 36. Last cited Aug 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.
Aug 3, 2026: unannounced2 violations
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Drinking water was not freely available to children of all ages.
“During the walkthrough of the center, I observed that space #4 and #5 did not have individual drinking utensils available for children.”
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Minimum staff/child ratios and group sizes for the number and ages of children in care were not met.
“During the walkthrough of the center, I observed space #1 had one teacher with eight two-year olds and four three-year old children. Space #2 had one teacher with six one- year olds and two two-year old children.”
May 22, 2026: unannounced1 violation
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Center administrators and staff did not use the information provided in the application to ensure that each individual child’s needs are met.
“On the child’s application, the parent checked off that the child did have an allergy and listed a strawberry allergy, the caregiver handed the parent a strawberry yogurt for the child when the child was picked up early/ right before snack time.”
May 6, 2026: unannounced6 violations
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All vehicles used to transport children were not free of hazards.
“I observed all four tires of the vehicle used to transport children with low tire treading.”
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All vehicles were not insured for liability as required by state law.
“The Ford Transit 350 #LFR-2731 did not have documentation of insurance.”
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Electrical cords were accessible to infants and toddlers.
“In space #1, I observed an electrical cord accessible to toddlers.”
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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 staff member, M.W, did not have documentation of completing a CBC before 1/2026 expiration date.”
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Signage was not posted regarding the smoking and tobacco restriction at the entrance of the center and/or in vehicles used to transport children.
“The vehicle used to transport children did not have a no smoking sign posted.”
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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.
“I observed a bag of trash on the floor in space #5.”
Jan 27, 2026: unannounced1 violation
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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.
“I observed a public bathroom door unlocked, where body spray and lotions were accessible to children.”
May 14, 2025: unannounced4 violations
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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. One staff member, with a start date of 1/8/25 did not have documentation of completing First Aid training within 90 days of hire. (A.B)”
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Electrical outlets and power strips, not in use, which were located in space used by children did not have safety outlets or were not covered with safety plugs unless located behind furniture or equipment that cannot be moved by a child.
“In space #3, I observed an electrical outlet that was not in use without a safety cover.”
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Prescribed medicines, that are pharmaceutical samples, was not stored in the manufacturers original packaging, was not labeled with the child’s name, and/or written instructions did not include the required information.
“In space #2, I observed an asthma pump that was not in the original packaging, was not labeled with the child’s name and did not include written instructions.”
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The indoor and/or outdoor premises was not checked once a day, prior to initial use, ensuring debris, and broken equipment was removed and disposed of.
“I observed debris on the Outdoor Learning Environment.”
Apr 11, 2025: unannounced2 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.
“A copy of the incident report was not sent to me, Child Care Consultant, within seven days, for an incident that occurred on 3/31/25.”
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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.
“A child was hurt on 3/31/25 and there was no incident completed until 4/1/25.”
Jan 30, 2025: unannounced3 violations
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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 new staff member (ZM), with a start date of 9/10/24, received TB test on 9/11/2024 (after start date).”
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Shelter-in-place or lockdown drills were not practiced every three months and/or drill record was incomplete.
“The center documented a lockdown drill for August 2024 and the next one was 12/2024. The center should have had another drill in October 2024.”
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Staff working in part-time, full-day or track out school age care programs required to complete BSAC training, did not complete it within three months of employment.
“The center did not have a school age caregiver that completed BSAC within three months of employment.”
Sep 12, 2024: unannounced1 violation
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Before children were transported, written permission from a parent was not obtained that included when and where the child was to be transported, expected time of departure and arrival, and the transportation provider.
“Although the facility had written permission slips for children to be transported, the permission slips did not include completed information for who the transportation provider was and date permission would expire which cannot exceed 12 months.”
May 17, 2024: unannounced8 violations
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All staff, including the director, did not have an annual health questionnaire on file following the initial medical statement.
“One out of eleven staff members health questionnaire expired on 2/3/23, they did not have have documentation of an annual health questionnaire. (AP)”
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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.
“In space #1, #2 and #5 I observed peeling paint and walls not in good repair.”
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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.
“One child in space #5 did not have documentation of their arrival time.”
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Emergency information did not name childs health care professional.
“One childs records did not have documentation of the child’s hospital preference.”
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Medications including prescription and non-prescription items were not stored in a locked cabinet or other locked container.
“In space #2, I observed diaper cream in a zip lock bag in the cabinet that was not locked.”
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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.
“One staff member out of eleven, did not complete the required hours of on-going training. (AP)”
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The child care administrator and all staff did not complete the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training within 90 days of employment.
“One new staff member with a start date of 1/16/24 completed their Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training on 4/26/24, which after 90 days of their start date. (JB)”
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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.
“One new staff member, with a start date of 1/16/24 signed their Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy on 1/18/24, which was after their start date. (JB)”
Feb 6, 2024: unannounced3 violations
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All corrosive agents, pesticides, bleaches, detergents, cleansers, polishes, any product which is under pressure in an aerosol dispenser, and any substance which may be hazardous to a child if ingested, inhaled, or handled were not stored in a locked room or cabinet.
“In space #4, I observed sanitizing wipes in the outside bag, accessible to children.”
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All walls and ceilings including doors and windows were not kept clean and in good repair.
“In space #1, I observed peeling paint on the cabinets under the handwashing sink.”
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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.
“One out of six staff members, with a start date of 8/28/23, had a medical report on file dated for 10/4/23, which was after their start date. (L.F)”
All 14 visits on record
| Date | Visit | What the record says |
|---|---|---|
| Aug 3, 2026 | Unannounced visit | 2 violations cited |
| May 22, 2026 | Unannounced visit | 1 violation cited |
| May 6, 2026 | Unannounced visit | 6 violations cited |
| Jan 27, 2026 | Unannounced visit | No violations cited |
| Jan 27, 2026 | Unannounced visit | 1 violation cited |
| Jan 14, 2026 | Unannounced visit | No violations cited |
| May 14, 2025 | Unannounced visit | 4 violations cited |
| Apr 11, 2025 | Unannounced visit | 2 violations cited |
| Jan 30, 2025 | Unannounced visit | 3 violations cited |
| Dec 10, 2024 | Unannounced visit | No violations cited |
| Nov 8, 2024 | Unannounced visit | No violations cited |
| Sep 12, 2024 | Unannounced visit | 1 violation cited |
| May 17, 2024 | Unannounced visit | 8 violations cited |
| Feb 6, 2024 | Unannounced visit | 3 violations cited |
Is it licensed?
- Child Care Center, holding a Five Star Center License since Nov 23, 2019.
- Licensed for 100 children, ages 1 through 12.
- Not enrolled in North Carolina’s subsidized child care program.
- North Carolina’s licence number: 60003963.
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: The Willow Oaks Academy, 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 31.
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 |
|---|---|
| The Willow Oaks Academy, LLC This child care provider | 31 |
| Kimberly Ratchford’s Family Day Care Home | 4 |
| Ms. Pecola’s Family Day Care Home | 8 |
| Marizetta Kerry Child Development Center | 13 |
| Ms Suzy’s Day Care, Inc. | 11 |
| Pleasant Grove Child Development Center | 4 |
| Fran’s Kids Day Care #3 | 12 |
| Little Hedgepeth Child Development Center | 22 |
| The Mccrorey YMCA Child Care | 24 |
| Berean Jr. Academy Preschool | 10 |
| Fran’s Kids After School | 7 |
| Mountain Island Lake Academy Asep | 8 |
| Beginning Years Daycare IV, Inc. | 21 |
What the record doesn’t say
- North Carolina doesn’t show a visit summary tied to an open child maltreatment investigation while the case is active, and shows an administrative action only after its 30-day appeal period, without saying what it was.
- DCDEE’s descriptions of violations are shown in its own words; a description that names or may name a person isn’t shown. Visit summaries, the consultants’ full reports, aren’t read.
- North Carolina’s page lists the provider’s own features (transport, ratios) as furnished by the provider and unverified by DCDEE, so they aren’t shown.
Sources
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North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE), Child Care Facility Search (ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov): licences, DCDEE visits and violations.
Checked Oct 21, 2026. Updated daily. nc.gov terms: copying and distribution for non-commercial use, without alteration, citing the source. Shown free and never sold; DCDEE’s own words are quoted.
If you believe something here is wrong, a correction starts with the agency whose record this copies: North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE). North Carolina’s own record is on ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov. If Hearth Record copied something wrongly, it will fix it and log the correction publicly, with its date: how corrections work.
This copy of the record was made on Nov 3, 2026.
From the provider
The public record above comes first. Anything the provider adds will appear here, below it, and say who wrote it.
Replies
None. Replies aren’t open yet. When they open, the provider will be able to answer any finding for free, and the reply will show beside that finding, unedited and dated.
Paid listing
None. Paid listings aren’t open yet. When they open, anything paid for will say “Paid by the provider”, and paying will never change a finding, a rating or the order of results.