“Our proprietary Links to Learning curriculum weaves together multiple disciplines, and is thoughtfully tailored to each child's individual interests and developmental stage.” chesterbrookacademy.com, July 2026
North Carolina DCDEE cited something at 12 of the 24 visits below. Across Charlotte centers it cites something at about 57% of visits. Each state decides what gets written up, so this compares Charlotte with Charlotte and never with another state.
This provider does not publish pricing.
North Carolina DCDEE describes every citation in the licensor’s own words and records the correction in that same text — the only one of the six states that publishes whether a violation was fixed. It attaches no rule number and no report document.
Unannounced visit · August 10, 2026
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. An incident report that was completed on July 28, 2026, did not include the time that the parent was notified and notified by whom. An incident report that was completed on July 29, 2026, did not include the time that the parent was notified and notified by whom.
Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 8/21/2026
Unannounced visit · June 16, 2026
For children under three years of age, materials were not offered in sufficient quantity to allow all children to use them at some time during the day and to allow for a range of choices. There were no kitchen/housekeeping materials available for play in Space 2b.
Violation corrected during visit
All equipment and furnishings were not in good repair. The poured in place surfacing underneath the climbing structure on the preschool playground was in poor condition. There were multiple places where the surfacing was deteriorating and able to be pulled apart.
Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 7/31/2026
A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children. The exit door leading to the playground did not open easily in Spaces 2a and 2b. The door had a deadbolt mechanism that was made to unlock when the door handle was opened. The deadbolt partially opened and had to be forcefully pushed down to get the deadbolt to retract, presenting a safety issue if children had to be evacuated from the building.
Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 7/29/2026
Staff required to receive on-going training had not completed the required number of hours according to their education and experience. One (1) employee was required 20 ongoing trainings and 4 hours were completed.
Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 6/30/2026
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. One (1) child, E.D., did not have a medical exam on file.
Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 6/30/2026
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. One (1) child, E.D, had an expired off premise permission form on file.
Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 6/30/2026
Parent’s statement includes the child’s name and date of enrollment and the date the parent signed the statement. Two (2) children's discipline policy did not list the date of enrollment.
Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 6/30/2026
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. Two (2) children had allergies listed on their medical form and there was no medical action plan completed.
Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 6/30/2026
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 (1) employee hired 11/1/23 completed child maltreatment training 7/1/24.
Violation corrected during visit
Staff did not complete the health and safety training within one year of employment. One (1) employee hired 4/11/24 completed health and safety trainings on 6/2025. One (1) employee hired 9/19/24 did not complete health and safety trainings. One (1) employee hired 8/20/24 completed health and safety trainings in 2/2026. One (1) employee hired 12/2/24 completed health and safety trainings 1/2026.
Violation corrected during visit
Unannounced visit · January 28, 2026
A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children. Screws were loose and able to be pulled out of air return vents in Spaces 1a and 5 without using a screw driver. The vents and screws were accessible to children.
Violation corrected during visit
Each new employee did not complete, within the first two weeks of employment, six clock hours of training in required topic areas. Two new employees hired 1/8/26 did not have documentation of receiving six clock hours of orientation within the first 2 weeks of employment.
Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 2/11/2026
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. Medical action plans were not attached to child applications. The action plans were stored with the medication in the classroom.
Violation corrected during visit
Unannounced visit · December 10, 2025
Children were not adequately supervised at all times. On November 19, 2025 a child was left unsupervised in the hallway during a transition to another classroom. It was reported that a three (3) year old child did not enter Space 4 and the door closed to the classroom leaving the child in the hallway. On November 25, 2025 a two year old child exited the Beginners Playground to the parking lot area and was discovered by a family member of another child who was sitting in their car in the parking lot. Teachers were unaware the child exited the playground.
Violation confirmed corrected by follow-up visit made by consultant on 12/19/2025
Unannounced visit · November 19, 2025
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 (1) employee, S. McCoy, who transferred from another Chesterbrook location on 8/11/25 had an expired CBC letter on file. The qualification expired 11/17/25.
Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 12/1/2025
Unannounced visit · June 26, 2025
Operator has not scheduled and obtained a fire inspection within 12 months of the previous inspection. Operator did not submit the original approved report to DCDEE within one week of the inspection visit on a form provided by the Division. The fire inspection was completed on 6/11/25 and was not forwarded to the consultant within 7 days of the inspection. The inspection was collected during the visit.
Violation corrected during visit
A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children. The metal grate covering the air conditioning return on the toddler playground was loose and able to be opened. The metal edge was sharp and accessible to children.
Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 7/21/2025
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. Magic Erasers were observed in an unlocked cabinet in Space 5 and stored on the handles outside a cabinet in Space 3.
Violation corrected during visit
Medications including prescription and non-prescription items were not stored in a locked cabinet or other locked container. A tube of hydrocortisone was stored in an unlocked cabinet in Space 5.
Violation corrected during visit
When medication was administered, documentation was not completed or maintained for 6 months and/or the documentation did not include the required information. Medication was administered after the authorization expired. Medication for a chronic condition was administered on 6/25/25 and the authorization expired 6/23/25.
Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 7/21/2025
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 for diapers were observed opened in children's cubbies and in the restroom in Space 3. Children in Space 3 were two years of age.
Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 7/7/2025
Staff required to receive on-going training had not completed the required number of hours according to their education and experience. Two (2) veteran staff did not complete the required number of on-going training hours. One (1) employee, L.M., was required to complete ten (10) hours and she completed four (4). One (1) employee, O.D., was required to complete twenty (20) hours and completed nine (9) hours.
Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 7/21/2025
Emergency medical care information was not on file in the center on the child's first day of attendance and/or was not updated as changes occurred or at least annually for each child. Three (3) children's emergency medical care information was not updated annually.
Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 7/21/2025
Authorization for emergency medical care information was not signed by child's parent. One (1) child's authorization form emergency medical care (EMC) was not signed by the parent and one (1) child's EMC was not dated.
Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 7/21/2025
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. One (1) child, D.F., had a screen shot of a medical report from the child's patient portal. The information included on the screenshot did not include the required information.
Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 7/21/2025
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. Four (4) children had expired off-premise permissions on file.
Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 7/21/2025
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 reviewed 6/6/25, however information including agency's phone numbers and contacts were not updated. The evacuation plan was not included in the review/update of the plan.
Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 7/7/2025
Medication authorization, giving the caregiver standing authorization did not meet the specifications in rule. The medication authorization for a chronic condition expired 6/23/25.
Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 7/21/2025
Distance learning was used to complete First Aid, CPR and/or playground safety training. One (1) employee hired 2/10/25 completed First Aid/CPR training online.
Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 7/21/2025
Staff did not complete the health and safety training within one year of employment. One (1) employee, O.D., hired 6/25/24 did not completed trainings within one year of employment.
Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 7/21/2025
Unannounced visit · March 3, 2025
Each child was not attended to in a nurturing and appropriate manner, or in keeping with the child's developmental needs. On February 24, 2025, a staff member used a raised voice to speak to a two-year-old child. Additionally, the staff member took a blanket away from the child in harsh manner.
Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 4/15/2025
Child was handled roughly. On February 24, 2025, a staff member grasped a two-year-old child's face resulting in bruising on the child's cheeks.
Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 4/15/2025
There was a substantiation of child maltreatment. Pursuant to its investigation, the Division has confirmed sufficient information to determine child maltreatment. This is a violation of a requirement in GS 110-105.6(a)
Violation confirmed corrected by follow-up visit made by consultant on 8/15/2025
Unannounced visit · February 6, 2025
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. Arrival times were not accurately documented in Spaces 1A and 1B. One (1) child's arrival time was documented on both head count sheets and was different on each form. Five (5) in Space 3 did not have arrival times documented.
Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 2/20/2025
All staff did not wash their hands thoroughly after diapering each child. A teacher in Space 2a did not wash her hands after changing a child's diaper. I observed her pick up a toy on the floor, place it in a bin, and pick up another child to change before washing her hands.
Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 2/20/2025
Human milk, formula and other bottled beverages including sippy cups, sent from child's home were not fully prepared, dated, and labeled for the appropriate child. One (1) set of bottles were not labeled and dated today.
Violation corrected during visit
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. A safe sleep check was not completed for an infant in Space 1B. The safe sleep chart was located in Space 1A. Safe sleep checks were not accurately documented. The teacher in Space 1A stated she documented the time closest to the quarter hour to make it easier to document every fifteen minutes. I observed a safe sleep check documented while monitoring in the classroom. The time documented on the chart was 10:20 am and the actual time of the check was 10:10 am.
Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 2/20/2025
Child care providers and uncompensated providers who are not substitute providers or volunteers, including the director did not have a medical report on file prior to employment that was signed by a health care professional and/ or the medical report was older than 12 months. One (1) teacher who began employment 12/2/24 had a medical report dated 1/29/25.
Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 2/20/2025
All staff, including the director, did not have an annual health questionnaire on file following the initial medical statement. One (1) teacher's health questionnaire was dated 9/2023.
Violation corrected during visit
Child care providers, including the director, uncompensated providers, substitute providers, and volunteers did not have the required Emergency Information Form on file on or before the first day of work, which included all the required information and/or the information on the form was not updated as changes occur and at least annually. One (1) teacher's emergency information was dated 9/2023.
Violation corrected during visit
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 (1) teacher hired 7/24/24 did not complete First Aid training from an approved trainer within 90 days of employment.
Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 2/24/2025
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. One (1) teacher hired 7/24/24 did not complete CPR training from an approved trainer within 90 days of employment.
Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 2/24/2025
Each new employee did not complete, within the first two weeks of employment, six clock hours of training in required topic areas. One (1) teacher hired 1/15/25 did not have documentation of receiving 6 clock hours of orientation.
Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 2/20/2025
Distance learning was used to complete First Aid, CPR and/or playground safety training. One (1) teacher hired 7/24/24 completed CPR and First Aid training online. She did not receive in person skills evaluation.
Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 2/20/2025
Unannounced visit · October 29, 2024
There was a substantiation of child maltreatment. Pursuant to its investigation, the Division has confirmed sufficient information to determine child maltreatment.
Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 4/15/2025
Children were not adequately supervised at all times. On October 24, 2024, a three-year-old child was able to leave the playground area unsupervised and enter a classroom.
Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 11/5/2024
Minimum staff/child ratios and group sizes for the number and ages of children in care were not met. On October 24, 2024, a classroom for three-year-olds was out of ratio when a child entered a classroom unaccompanied from the playground. The classroom had ten children in care with one staff member prior to the child entering the classroom.
Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 11/5/2024
Child was handled roughly. A staff member grabbed a child's forearm, which resulted in bruising to the child's arm.
Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 11/5/2024
Unannounced visit · July 2, 2024
Human milk, formula and other bottled beverages including sippy cups, sent from child's home were not fully prepared, dated, and labeled for the appropriate child. One (1) set of bottles was not dated and labeled with the child's full name.
Violation corrected during visit
All walls and ceilings including doors and windows were not kept clean, free of visible fungal growth, and in good repair. The paint on the exterior doors facing the 2’s playground were chipped and peeling.
Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 7/26/2024
A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children. The soft surface poured in place on the preschool/school aged playground was torn and broken. Small granules of surfacing were exposed.
Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 8/27/2024
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. Vaseline and Aquafor, both petroleum based products, were not stored behind lock and key. The kitchen was unlocked and accessible with no one inside. The electrical closet located in the hallway was observed unlocked.
Violation corrected during visit
All staff, including the director, did not have an annual health questionnaire on file following the initial medical statement. Two (2) employees did not update the health questionnaire annually.
Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 7/31/2024
Staff required to receive on-going training had not completed the required number of hours according to their education and experience. Two (2) veteran staff did not complete the required number of on-going annual training. One (1) employee was required to complete ten (10) hours and she completed three (3) hours. And one (1) employee was required to complete ten (10) hours and completed two (2) hours.
Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 8/27/2024
Emergency medical care information was not on file in the center on the child's first day of attendance and/or was not updated as changes occurred or at least annually for each child. One (1) child's emergency medical care information was not updated annually.
Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 7/16/2024
Emergency information did not include name, address, and telephone number of parent or other emergency contact person. The address was not included on four (4) children's emergency contacts.
Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 7/16/2024
Medical exam or health assessment record was not on file before or within 30 days after admission. A child enrolled 2023 had a health assessment from 2021 on file. The assessment cannot be older than 12 months.
Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 7/16/2024
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. Three (3) children had expired off-premise permissions on file.
Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 7/16/2024
Parent’s statement includes the child’s name and date of enrollment and the date the parent signed the statement. Two (2) children did not have the date of enrollment listed on the discipline statement and one (1) child did not list the child's name.
Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 7/16/2024
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 (1) employee began employment on 2/5/24 and completed the Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy on 2/23/24.
Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 7/31/2024
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. Four (4) employees did not complete Child Maltreatment training within 90 days of employment. Two (2) employees had Child Maltreatment training older than 12 months and did not renew the training within 90 days of employment.
Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 7/31/2024
Staff did not complete the health and safety training within one year of employment. One (1) employee was required to complete health and safety (H&S) trainings by 6/5/24. One (1) employee was required to complete H&S trainings by 12/21/23 and trainings were completed 6/21/24.
Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 7/31/2024
Unannounced visit · February 28, 2024
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. I observed one (1) child’s arrival time not documented in Space 2A and three (3) children’s arrival times were not documented in Space 2B. Repeat violation
Violation corrected during visit
Infants under the age of 12 months were not placed on their backs for sleeping unless the center had obtained the appropriate written waiver. I observed one (1) infant sleeping on her side/tummy and the note on her crib indicated she could not roll over.
Violation corrected during visit
Unannounced visit · February 13, 2024
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. Arrival times were not accurately documented in Space 2A.
Violation corrected during visit
Human milk, formula and other bottled beverages including sippy cups, sent from child's home were not fully prepared, dated, and labeled for the appropriate child. One (1) bottle was not dated and labeled in Space 1A.
Violation confirmed corrected by follow-up visit made by consultant on 2/28/2024
Fire drills were not practiced monthly and/or the drill record was incomplete. A fire drill was not documented in December 2023.
Violation confirmed corrected by follow-up visit made by consultant on 2/28/2024
Air conditioning units were accessible or did not have a guard to keep objects from being thrown into the unit. The air conditioning unit on the two (2) year old playground was not fenced or protected from children accessing the unit.
Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 3/20/2024
There was no written emergency medical care (EMC) plan. The posted EMC plan listed a staff member who was no longer employed at the facility.
Violation confirmed corrected by follow-up visit made by consultant on 2/28/2024
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. Two (2) new employees hired in January 2024 had medical reports older than 12 months. One (1) new employee hire in January 2024 had a medical letter on file that did not meet the requirements.
Violation confirmed corrected by follow-up visit made by consultant on 2/28/2028
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. Two (2) new employees hired in January 2024 had TB test results older than 12 months.
Violation confirmed corrected by follow-up visit made by consultant on 2/28/2024
Each new employee did not complete, within the first two weeks of employment, six clock hours of training in required topic areas. Four (4) new employees did not complete 6 clock hours of training within the first 2 weeks of employment.
Violation confirmed corrected by follow-up visit made by consultant on 2/28/2024
Enhanced staff/child ratios and group sizes were not met. Seven (7) children were present with one (1) teacher in Space 2A. The youngest child present was one year of age.
Violation corrected during visit
Shelter-in-place or lockdown drills were not practiced every three months and/or drill record was incomplete. The last shelter-in-place or lockdown drill was documented in August 2023.
Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 2/29/2024
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. Three (3) new employees did not have a signed copy of the Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy on file for review.
Violation confirmed corrected by follow-up visit made by consultant on 2/28/2024
A violation was found for which there is no item number. 15A NCAC 18A .2818(e) Handwash signs shall be posted at every handwash lavatory area. Handwash signs were not posted in the restrooms between Spaces 5 and 7.
Violation confirmed corrected by follow-up visit made by consultant on 2/28/2024
Cost, hours and late pickup, sick and biting policies.
Ask which of these findings were serious.North Carolina DCDEE records the correction in its own words, but never says how serious it was.
Where every fact on this page came from, and when Shortlist last checked it against that source. Anything Shortlist could not source is named here rather than left blank.
All checked July 2026.
Not yet reported: established.
Not yet reported: hours, days / week, schedule, holiday closures.
Every state visit and complaint on file, shown in full and never edited. Open a date to read what the state wrote.
Do you run Chesterbrook Academy? Shortlist has no tuition, hours or ratios for it, because the state does not publish that. Add what is missing. It is free and takes about ten minutes.