Little Sunshines Academy - Winterville
A child care center in Winterville, North Carolina 28590
4890 Old Tar Road, Winterville, North Carolina 28590. (252) 359-3500.
- administrative action in the last three years
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
- 55 violations in the last three years
- Sep 22026 the latest visit on record
- 177 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?
21 DCDEE visits in the last three years, the latest on Sep 2, 2026.
55 violations cited in the last three years, 55 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
52 violations in 7 months of the last 36. Last cited Jun 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.
Jun 8, 2026: unannounced2 violations
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Children were not provided a meal or snack a minimum of every four hours.
“On May 14, 2026, a child was fed lunch at 11:20 am and was picked up at 5:57 pm, snack was not served to the child.”
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Diapers were not changed whenever they were soiled or wet and/or were changed on a shift basis.
“Children in attendance did not have diaper changes logged as of 11:03 am, June 8, 2026. On June 4, 2026, a child’s record show arrival at 6:48 am and diaper changes at 8:49am , and 11:23 am and pickup at 3:38 pm. A child’s record showed arrival at 7:40 am and a diaper change at 11:11 am and pick up at 4:29 pm.”
Apr 22, 2026: unannounced11 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 box of Lysol SMART Multi Purpose Cleaner concentrate was located in an unlocked cabinet, above five feet, in space G.”
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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 employed on 9/9/25 did not have documentation of First Aid certification on file for review.”
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Children did not wash their hands upon arrival at the center, after each visit to the toilet, before eating, before and after water activity play, after outside play, and after handling animals or animal cages.
“Hand washing was observed in space B when a child entered the classroom and following diapering. On two occasions children wet their hands, put soap on them, and immediately placed their hands under running water, therefore not properly washing their hands.”
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Children were not adequately supervised at all times.
“A child, eight (8) years of age, exited space C and walked to the office, unattended by staff.”
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Each child was not immunized as per Article 6 of Chapter 130A and an immunization record was not on file before or within 30 days after admission.
“A child enrolled on 1/12/24 had an immunization record on file dated 4/3/24.”
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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.
“Two (2) staff employed on 3/30/26 had documentation of five (5) hours of orientation during the first two weeks of employment.”
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Emergency and identifying information, including the child’s name, photograph, emergency contact information and/or a copy of the emergency medical care information form was not in the vehicle for each child being transported.
“One of fifteen emergency and identifying information records did not include a photograph.”
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Medical exam or health assessment record was not on file before or within 30 days after admission.
“A child enrolled on 1/12/24 had a health assessment on file dated 1/10/23.”
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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 employed on 3/30/26 had a TB test results on file dated 3/26/25, therefore was older than 12 months.”
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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. A fire inspection was completed on 8/21/24 and the next inspection was completed on 10/23/25. A copy of the approved inspection report was provided during the visit, 4/22/26.”
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Staff did not complete the health and safety training within one year of employment.
“Staff employed on 6/23/23 did not have documentation of completion of one out of eleven health and safety training topics.”
Jan 22, 2026: unannounced3 violations
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A child was yelled at, shamed, humiliated, frightened, threatened or bullied.
“Staff was observed telling a child “I don’t like it, 3, 2” and “Are you done? Turn it off, turn it off” as the child sat alone crying for nine (9) minutes.”
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A violation was found for which there is no item number.
“The exterior door of space F was propped open while the group was engaging in outdoor free play. This is a violation of sanitation rule 15A NCAC 18A .2831(c).”
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Diapers were not changed whenever they were soiled or wet and/or were changed on a shift basis.
“It was reported that in training pants are checked upon arrival, checked or changed after lunch, checked or changed after nap, and then again a couple hours after nap.”
Nov 5, 2025: unannounced5 violations
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A drug or medication was administered without written authorization and/or instructions from a child’s parent or authorized health professional.
“One Xopenex inhaler was not accompanied with a medication authorization form. One Ventolin HFA inhaler had an authorization form that expired on 11/1/25.”
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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.
“One canister of disinfectant wipes was stored in an unlocked cabinet in space D. One canister of disinfectant wipes, two spray bottles containing Fabuloso, and one bottle of Lysol Multipurpose spray was stored in a cabinet, using a child safety lock in space F.”
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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 employed on 7/2/25 and 7/21/25 did not have CPR certification on file for review.”
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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 employed on 7/2/25 and 7/21/25 did not have First Aid certification on file for review.”
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New staff, who had contact with children, did not receive at least 16 hrs. orientation within first 6 weeks.
“Staff employed on 7/2/25 did not have documentation of orientation on file for review.”
May 22, 2025: unannounced3 violations
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A copy of the incident report was not given to the parent.
“Eight incident reports did not contain a parent signature nor parent initials for refusing a copy of the report.”
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Incident logs were not completed and maintained as required.
“The last entry on the incident log was 2/17/25. Additional reports beyond that date were present in the incident report book.”
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Parent or guardian of child was not allowed access to the center during operating hours for the purpose of contacting the child or evaluating the caregiving space at the center and the care provided.
“A parent was not allowed access to the center for a period of two weeks due to not being able to use the key pad and no doorbell was available.”
May 14, 2025: unannounced5 violations
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A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children.
“One active wasp nest was present on the eave of the building above the door to space B, on outdoor space #1. There was a ceiling leak with broken drywall in space G.”
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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 sanitizer solution, disinfectant solution, and soapy water solution, used for classroom cleaning, was stored on the sink counter, below five feet.”
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Caregivers did not document compliance with visually checking on sleeping infants aged 12 months or younger and/or the documents were not maintained for a minimum of one month.
“One safe sleep chart for a child asleep during the visit reflect the child falling asleep at 8:40 am and waking at 9:23 am. No other documentation of visual checks were documented.”
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Children were not adequately supervised at all times.
“During a transition from outdoors to the classroom, six (6) children two years of age, passed through space G and entered space E for sixteen (16), where there was no staff present.”
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Running water, soap and individual sanitary towels, or other approved hand-drying devices were not supplied at each lavatory.
“An empty soap bottle was stored above five feet in the bathroom of space F and three children did not have soap to use after using the bathroom.”
May 7, 2025: unannounced16 violations
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A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children.
“Four active wasp nest were observed in outdoor space #1, in the playhouse and on the eave of the building.”
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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.
“One canister of Disinfectant Wipes and one bottle of Windex was stored in an unlocked cabinet of the unlocked bathroom in space A.”
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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. Current CPR certification was not on file for staff employed on 6/7/23, 2/5/24, and 2/3/25.”
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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. Current First Aid certification was not on file for staff employed on 6/7/23, 2/5/24, and 2/3/25.”
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Application did not have a medical action plan attached for any child with health care needs such as allergies, asthma, or other chronic conditions that require specialized health services.
“An asthma action plan was not of file for a child enrolled in space E.”
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Caregivers did not document compliance with visually checking on sleeping infants aged 12 months or younger and/or the documents were not maintained for a minimum of one month.
“Documentation for safe sleep checks for the months of April 2025 and May 2025 were not on file for review during the visit.”
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Child care providers scheduled to work in the infant room, did not complete ITS-SIDS training within two months of employment or did not complete the training every three years.
“Child care administrators did not complete the ITS-SIDS training within 90 days of employment and every three years thereafter. Staff employed 6/7/23 has ITS-SIDS training that expired on 3/29/25.”
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Children did not wash their hands upon arrival at the center, after each visit to the toilet, before eating, before and after water activity play, after outside play, and after handling animals or animal cages.
“In space A, child arrived the classroom and was sat in a highchair for meal time without washing their hands.”
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Each child was not immunized as per Article 6 of Chapter 130A and an immunization record was not on file before or within 30 days after admission.
“The immunization records on file for a child enrolled on 12/18/23 was dated 8/9/24.”
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Fire drills were not practiced monthly and/or the drill record was incomplete.
“The file drill log did not include documentation of a file drill for April 2025.”
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Medical exam or health assessment record was not on file before or within 30 days after admission.
“The health assessment for a child enrolled on 12/19/23 was dated 2/5/24.”
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Medications including prescription and non-prescription items were not stored in a locked cabinet or other locked container.
“One bottle of Benadryl was stored in an unlocked bookbag, above five feet, in space G.”
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Menus for all meals and snacks were not current or posted where easily seen by parents and cook.
“The menu posted was dated April 14, 2025 to April 18, 2025.”
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Monthly playground inspections were not completed and/or they were not completed by an individual trained in playground safety requirements.
“Documentation of a playground inspection for November 2024 and December 2024 was not on file for review.”
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Staff did not complete the health and safety training within one year of employment.
“Staff employed on 11/6/23 and 5/6/24 did not complete the health and safety training within one year of employment.”
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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 last reviewed/revised on 4/29/24.”
Nov 14, 2024: unannounced3 violations
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Diaper changing surfaces were not kept free of storage.
“One container with a child’s change of clothes, five folded cot sheets, and a box of gloves was stored on the changing table in space E.”
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Medications including prescription and non-prescription items were not stored in a locked cabinet or other locked container.
“One tube of Desitin was located in the tray of the changing table, below five feet, in space E.”
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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.
“Outdoor area #2 contained one chip bag, several tissues, a glove, and three broken toys.”
May 22, 2024: 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. Documentation of First Aid training was not available, for review for staff employed on 9/7/23.”
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All stationary equipment, more than 18 inches high, was not installed over protective surfacing.
“Mulch in the fall zone under the stationary structure of outdoor space #2, measures one inch in depth.”
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Each adult and child was not restrained by appropriate individual belt/device.
“There were no booster seats available for use on van #1, that transports five children under eight years of age.”
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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.
“Documentation of completion of Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training was not on file for staff M. Roberson.”
Nov 9, 2023: unannounced3 violations
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A drug or medication was administered without written authorization and/or instructions from a child’s parent or authorized health professional.
“A medication authorization form was not on file for seizure medication Valtoco in space C.”
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Caregivers did not document compliance with visually checking on sleeping infants aged 12 months or younger and/or the documents were not maintained for a minimum of one month.
“Two infant children were observed resting in cribs. Sleep charts were available, charts for the two infants resting was not documented.”
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Shelter-in-place or lockdown drills were not practiced every three months and/or drill record was incomplete.
“The last documented shelter in place or lockdown drill on the emergency drill log was 7/19/23.”
All 21 visits on record
| Date | Visit | What the record says |
|---|---|---|
| Sep 2, 2026 | Announced visit | No violations cited |
| Jun 8, 2026 | Unannounced visit | 2 violations cited |
| May 27, 2026 | Unannounced visit | No violations cited |
| May 11, 2026 | Unannounced visit | No violations cited |
| Apr 29, 2026 | Unannounced visit | No violations cited |
| Apr 22, 2026 | Unannounced visit | 11 violations cited |
| Feb 26, 2026 | Announced visit | No violations cited |
| Jan 28, 2026 | Unannounced visit | No violations cited |
| Jan 22, 2026 | Unannounced visit | 3 violations cited |
| Nov 5, 2025 | Unannounced visit | 5 violations cited |
| Oct 16, 2025 | Unannounced visit | No violations cited |
| Jun 25, 2025 | Unannounced visit | No violations cited |
| May 22, 2025 | Unannounced visit | No violations cited |
| May 22, 2025 | Unannounced visit | 3 violations cited |
| May 14, 2025 | Unannounced visit | 5 violations cited |
| May 7, 2025 | Unannounced visit | 16 violations cited |
| Nov 14, 2024 | Unannounced visit | 3 violations cited |
| May 22, 2024 | Unannounced visit | 4 violations cited |
| Feb 20, 2024 | Unannounced visit | No violations cited |
| Jan 4, 2024 | Unannounced visit | No violations cited |
| Nov 9, 2023 | Unannounced visit | 3 violations cited |
Is it licensed?
- Child Care Center, holding a Five Star Center License since Sep 30, 2026.
- Licensed for 177 children, ages 0 through 12.
- Enrolled in North Carolina’s subsidized child care program.
- North Carolina’s licence number: 74000940.
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 issued one or more administrative actions for this facility in the past three years; North Carolina’s page doesn’t say what they were, and shows one only after its 30-day appeal period.
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: 4890 Old Tar Road, 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 99 child care providers in Pitt County, the middle value for violations cited in the last three years was 14; this one had 55.
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 |
|---|---|
| Little Sunshines Academy - Winterville This child care provider | 55 |
| Bright Beginnings Preschool and Day Care | 5 |
| Joy Junction Christian Child Care | 27 |
| Opendoor Preschool, Winterville | 26 |
| The Joy in Caring Child Care, Inc. | 21 |
| Phyllis Precious One Childcare | 9 |
| Creekside Elementary Pre-K | 5 |
| W.h. Robinson Elementary Pre K | 3 |
| Miss Kon Day Care Home | 1 |
| East Carolina Kiddie College | 12 |
| Christ’s Church Learning Center | 17 |
| Care-O-World Early Learning Center Winterville | 15 |
| Kids-R-Us 3 Preschool & Childcare Center, LLC | 26 |
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.