Lyrical Pre-K Academy
A child care center in Charlotte, North Carolina 28216
1801 Oaklawn Ave, Charlotte, North Carolina 28216. (704) 372-3742.
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
- 42 violations in the last three years
- Oct 132026 the latest visit on record
- 75 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 Oct 13, 2026.
42 violations cited in the last three years, 42 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
42 violations in 6 months of the last 36. Last cited May 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.
May 4, 2026: unannounced3 violations
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A written statement from each child’s parent giving standing permission which may be valid for up to twelve months for participation in off premise activities that occur on a regular basis was not available.
“A child’s file did not have an updated off premise form.”
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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.
“Two staff members did not have an updated Emergency information form on file.”
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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.
“There was 2 children’s files with incomplete medical reports.”
Nov 5, 2025: unannounced4 violations
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Fire drills were not practiced monthly and/or the drill record was incomplete.
“There was no documentation of required drill for July and August 2025. This is a repeated violation.”
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Monthly playground inspections were not completed and/or they were not completed by an individual trained in playground safety requirements.
“There no documentation of required inspections for May, June, August, September and October 2025.”
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Shelter-in-place or lockdown drills were not practiced every three months and/or drill record was incomplete.
“There was no documentation of a require shelter in place/lockdown drill for October 2025.”
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Staff did not complete the health and safety training within one year of employment.
“There was no documentation on file that 2 staff members completed the trainings within one year of employment.”
May 8, 2025: unannounced13 violations
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All staff, including the director, did not have an annual health questionnaire on file following the initial medical statement.
“There was no updated health questionnaire on file for C. Walker, J. Kaderkulof and P. Burkins.”
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Center did not maintain a record of daily attendance.
“There was no current attendance posted.”
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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.
“There was no medical report on file for C. Walker. The documentation shows that T. Dial completed her medical report after employment.”
-
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 was no updated Emergency information form on file for W. Nelson, J. Kaderkulof, and P. Burkins”
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Each new employee did not complete, within the first two weeks of employment, six clock hours of training in required topic areas.
“There was no documentation on file for 2 week orientation training for C. Walker and W. Nelson. T. Dial orientation form was incomplete and did show the required 6 hours of trainings.”
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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.
“There were electrical outlets not covered in library, gym, cafeteria, and chapel.”
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Fire drills were not practiced monthly and/or the drill record was incomplete.
“There was no documentation of a required fire drill for December 2024.”
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Incident logs were not completed and maintained as required.
“There was no incident log for incident reports.”
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New staff, who had contact with children, did not receive at least 16 hrs. orientation within first 6 weeks.
“There was no documentation on file for orientation training within 6 weeks of employment for C. Walker and W. Nelson. T. Dial orientation form was incomplete.”
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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.
“The documentation shows that T. Dial completed the TB test after employment.”
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Shelter-in-place or lockdown drills were not practiced every three months and/or drill record was incomplete.
“There was no documentation of required shelter in place or lockdown drills for January 2025 and April 2025.”
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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.
“T. Dial has not completed the training within 90 days of employment.”
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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 several ant hills on the playground.”
Sep 18, 2024: unannounced14 violations
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A valid qualification letter was not on file and available to review at the facility.
“L.A. did not have a QL on file.”
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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 an unlocked closet near the gym, we observed two cans of white paint and a bag of charcoal assessible to children.”
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Application for enrollment did not include all required information.
“Both children’s files reviewed did not have all information completed on the application forms.”
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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.
“Staff Member L.A. dis not have a medical report 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.
“Staff member L.A’s emergency form was not complete.”
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Children three years old or older were in care and the schedule did not include times and/or activities that were developmentally appropriate for the children in care.
“In space 167 a current lesson plan was not posted during today’s visit. I observed a lesson plan dated for 7/22/2024-7/26/2024 posted. In space 166, a posted activity was not observed.”
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Each new employee did not complete, within the first two weeks of employment, six clock hours of training in required topic areas.
“L.A. did not have a completed orientation record on file.”
-
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.
“We observed in both classroom spaces, uncovered electrical outlets accessible to children throughout the classroom spaces.”
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Emergency information did not include name, address, and telephone number of parent or other emergency contact person.
“Both children’s files reviewed did not have emergency contact information.”
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Emergency information did not name childs health care professional.
“Both children did not have a health care professional listed on their emergency information form.”
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Menus for all meals and snacks were not planned at least 1 week ahead and dated.
“We observed on the posted menu, Chicken Salad, Wheat Crackers, Letter/Tomato, Grapes, Water/Milk. The nutrition stated she was preparing black eye, collard greens, sweat potatoes, brown rice and milk.”
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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.
“Staff Member L.A. did not have the TB reading on file.”
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The activity plan did not include a daily gross motor activity which may occur indoors and outdoors.
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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.
“Staff member L.A. did not have a signed Shaken Baby Syndrome, and Abusive Head Trauma policy on file.”
Jul 16, 2024: unannounced5 violations
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A violation was found for which there is no item number.(e) Hot water used for cleaning and sanitizing food utensils and laundry shall be provided at a minimum temperature of 120 degrees Fahrenheit (49 degrees Celsius) at the point of use.
The inspectors’ words, 132 words
“Water in areas accessible to children shall be tempered between 80 degrees Fahrenheit (27 degrees Celsius) and 110 degrees Fahrenheit (43 degrees Celsius). For hand wash lavatories used exclusively by school-age children, the 80 degrees Fahrenheit (27 degrees Celsius) minimum temperature requirement shall not apply. Hot water in an area accessible to any child, which is in excess of 120 degrees Fahrenheit (49 degrees Celsius), shall be considered a burn hazard. Child care centers serving only school-age children are not required to provide hot water in areas accessible to children. In the event of the loss of hot water, the person in charge shall immediately contact the local health department.15A NCAC 18A .2815 (e ). During the walk-through of the facility, the kitchen door was observed open and accessible to the children.”
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Children used space that was not approved.
“There were several spaces within the building that were observed being used by children who were enrolled at the program.”
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Children were not adequately supervised at all times.
“Children were observed walking through the facility (hallways to the pre-k program and to the gym) without an adult nearby to accompany them to their perspective spaces.”
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Minimum staff/child ratios and group sizes for the number and ages of children in care were not met.
“We observed 66 school age children with one adult in the gym, while completing the walk-through of the building.”
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The center did not have developmentally appropriate equipment and materials accessible daily.
“School-Age materials were not observed in the classroom spaces designated for children.”
Jun 13, 2024: unannounced3 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.
“Three children’s files did not have receipt of families receiving the acknowledgments of the Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma Policy.”
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A summary of the NC Child Care Law was not given to a parent of every child enrolled in the center.
“Three children’s files did not have receipt of families receiving the NC Child Care Law.”
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Medical authorization was not present on child’s first day.
“On child’s record did not have a copy of the family consent of medical authorization on file during today’s visit.”
All 14 visits on record
| Date | Visit | What the record says |
|---|---|---|
| Oct 13, 2026 | Announced visit | No violations cited |
| May 11, 2026 | Announced visit | No violations cited |
| May 4, 2026 | Unannounced visit | 3 violations cited |
| Nov 5, 2025 | Unannounced visit | 4 violations cited |
| May 8, 2025 | Unannounced visit | 13 violations cited |
| Dec 4, 2024 | Unannounced visit | No violations cited |
| Oct 30, 2024 | Unannounced visit | No violations cited |
| Sep 18, 2024 | Unannounced visit | 14 violations cited |
| Jul 24, 2024 | Unannounced visit | No violations cited |
| Jul 16, 2024 | Unannounced visit | 5 violations cited |
| Jun 13, 2024 | Unannounced visit | 3 violations cited |
| May 30, 2024 | Announced visit | No violations cited |
| May 9, 2024 | Announced visit | No violations cited |
| Apr 30, 2024 | Announced visit | No violations cited |
Is it licensed?
- Child Care Center, holding a Four Star Center License since Jun 11, 2026.
- Licensed for 75 children, ages 3 through 5.
- Enrolled in North Carolina’s subsidized child care program.
- North Carolina’s licence number: 60004348.
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: First Baptist Church West Community Services Assoc.
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: 4 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 42.
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 |
|---|---|
| Lyrical Pre-K Academy This child care provider | 42 |
| 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
-
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.