Children of America Charlotte

Staff did not interact with children in positive ways by helping them feel welcome and comfortable, treating them with respect, listening to what they say, responding to them with acceptance and appreciation, and/or participating in activities with the children. A staff member in space 8 became frustrated with a child in space 8 and jokingly stated to a child (whispered in the child's ear) that she was going to "pinch" the child during a group activity.

Violation pending provider response

The license was not posted in a prominent place at all times. The license was not posted in the lobby.

Violation corrected during visit

A summary of the NC Child Care Law was not posted in a prominent place in the center. The summary of NC Child Care Law was not posted in the lobby.

Violation corrected during visit

All beds,cots, or mats with individual linen were not provided for each child. Two (2) children did not have individual linens covering their cots during rest time.

Violation corrected during visit

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 last fire inspection was completed 4/15/24. An inspection occurred in May 2025 but items were found unsatisfactory and the DCDEE inspection form was not completed.

Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 12/4/2025

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 not enough materials in the home living center or blocks center in Spaces 4 and 5.

Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 10/21/2025

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 were observed stored in a drawer accessible to children and underneath the changing table in Space 3.

Violation corrected during visit

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) employee hired 12/4/24 did not have a medical report on file for review.

Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 10/29/2025

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 (1) employee hired 12/4/24 did not have a TB test on file for review.

Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 10/29/2025

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 qualification letter expired 6/22/25 and the new letter was dated 6/27/25.

Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 10/29/2025

New staff, who had contact with children, did not receive at least 16 hrs. orientation within first 6 weeks. One (1) employee hired 11/4/24 did not complete orientation within the first 6 weeks of employment. The orientation form was incomplete.

Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 10/27/2025

Each new employee did not complete, within the first two weeks of employment, six clock hours of training in required topic areas. One (1) employee hired 11/4/24 did not complete six clock hours of training within the first two weeks of employment. The orientation form was incomplete.

Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 10/27/2025

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. Three (3) children did not have pictures attached to emergency information. One (1) child did not have emergency contact information completed and three (3) children did not have a hospital listed for emergency medical care information.

Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 10/24/2025

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. Four (4) children did not have current permission to transport. The expected time of departure and arrival was documented as "time varies" on multiple permission forms.

Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 10/22/2025

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) employees did not have documentation of receiving the Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy.

Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 11/6/2025

Distance learning was used to complete First Aid, CPR and/or playground safety training. One (1) employee, MB, used distance learning from an unapproved trainer for First Aid and CPR training.

Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 10/27/2025

Staff did not complete the health and safety training within one year of employment. One (1) employee, LJ, did not complete health and safety trainings within the first year of employment.

Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 10/24/2025

Health and safety training topics were not included as part of on-going training within five years of completing the previous health and safety training topics. Two (2) employees, DH and AF, did not complete health and safety training every 5 years. One (1) employee, MB, did not complete medication training every 5 years. One (1) employee, MW, did not complete medication and food allergy training every 5 years.

Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 10/27/2025

A summary of the NC Child Care Law was not posted in a prominent place in the center. The summary of the NC Child Care Law was not posted next to the permit.

Violation corrected during visit

A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children. The link at the top of the fence on the preschool playground was observed in poor repair. The link was separated from the support beam and protruding into the playground. It was reported that on May 23, 2025 a child was climbing the fence in the area of the protrusion and her braid was caught on the link. It was also reported that earlier in the day on May 23, 2025 a teacher ran her hand across the top of the fence and scratched her hand, however this was not reported to management prior to the incident.

Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 6/12/2025

Staff did not model appropriate eating behaviors by consuming food or beverages that meet the nutritional requirements specified in the Meal Patterns for Children in Child Care Programs in the presence of children in care. A staff member's Bojangles cookie was observed sitting on a table where school aged children were playing games.

Violation corrected during visit

For children under three years of age, materials were not kept in a space with related equipment and materials. The housekeeping and art centers in Space 4 did not have materials accessible to children. The kitchen and dress up centers in Space 5 did not have materials available for children.

Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 11/19/2024

Refrigerator(s) did not maintain a temperature of 45 degrees F. or below. A thermometer was not placed in the small refrigerator in Space 2 for infant care.

Violation corrected during visit

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. Both buses used to transport children had first aid kits accessible to children with items marked keep out of reach of children and listed additional warnings on the labels. A small travel pack of Motrin was observed in the cup holder accessible to children on one of the buses.

Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 11/19/2024

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. Small rocks were observed on the changing table counters in Spaces 4 and 5.

Violation corrected during visit

Monthly playground inspections were not completed and/or they were not completed by an individual trained in playground safety requirements. Playground inspections were not documented for March - May 2024.

Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 11/19/2024

New staff, who had contact with children, did not receive at least 16 hrs. orientation within first 6 weeks. One (1) employee hired 9/24/24 did not have documentation of receiving 16 hrs of orientation within the first 6 weeks of employment.

Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 11/19/2024

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. Emergency medical care information was not updated annually for children transported.

Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 11/19/2024

Emergency information did not include name, address, and telephone number of parent or other emergency contact person. Five (5) children did not have the address listed on the application for emergency contacts.

Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 11/19/2024

Parent’s statement includes the child’s name and date of enrollment and the date the parent signed the statement. Two (2) discipline policies did not have the child's date of enrollment included on the signed copy.

Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 11/19/2024

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. One (1) employee hired 5/20/24 did not complete maltreatment training within 90 days. The training was completed 9/30/24.

Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 11/19/2024

Health and safety training topics were not included as part of on-going training within five years of completing the previous health and safety training topics. One (1) established employee did not renew health and safety trainings every five (5) years. Trainings were due to be completed again in 2022.

Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 11/19/2024

Staff did not interact with children in positive ways by helping them feel welcome and comfortable, treating them with respect, listening to what they say, responding to them with acceptance and appreciation, and/or participating in activities with the children. A teacher from Space 10 was overheard not interacting with children in a positive manner and using an elevated volume with children while they prepared to eat and use the restroom after lunch. She was overheard in the space next door loudly telling a child to “get down”, “you’re not the mom”, “stop playing”, and “you’re a big boy. Pee pee on the potty if you need to go.”

Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 9/10/2024

All equipment and furnishings were not in good repair. The couch in the cozy area in Space 5 was observed peeling and in poor repair. Books in Space 7 were observed with torn and bent covers and pages. The knobs were missing to the play stove in Space 7.

Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 9/10/2024

A valid qualification letter was not on file and available to review at the facility. A therapist was observed working independently with a child during the visit. She did not have a CBC qualification letter on file for review. Her qualification was confirmed in the ABCMS system.

Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 8/28/2024

Staff did not model appropriate eating behaviors by consuming food or beverages that meet the nutritional requirements specified in the Meal Patterns for Children in Child Care Programs in the presence of children in care. A bottle of Pepsi was observed on the floor in Space 7.

Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 9/10/2024

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 was not completed for a child who had a broken piece of a toy removed from her mouth by the teacher.

Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 7/9/2024

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 volunteer who was onsite weekly since 5/29/24 did not have a TB test completed.

Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 7/9/2024

Each new employee did not complete, within the first two weeks of employment, six clock hours of training in required topic areas. One (1) new employee hired 4/22/24 did not complete six hours or orientation. The child maltreatment module was completed 2/8/24 prior to hire. The training should be specific to the facility.

Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 7/9/2024

A valid qualification letter was not on file and available to review at the facility. A new employee did not have a valid qualification letter on file for review. Their qualification was verified in the ABCMS system.

Violation corrected during visit

All staff did not review the center's EPR Plan during orientation and/or on an annual basis with the trained staff. Documentation of the review was not maintained on file. Documentation of review of the center's EPR plan was not available for review in the volunteer's file.

Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 7/9/2024

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. A signed acknowledgement of receipt of the Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy was not available for review in six (6) new staff files.

Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 7/9/2024

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. Medical information was not maintained seperately for five (5) new staff members and the volunteer.

Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 7/9/2024

Each child was not attended to in a nurturing and appropriate manner, or in keeping with the child's developmental needs. On May 3, 2024, a staff member snatched items from a four-year-old child’s hands, causing the child to have a tantrum. The staff member repeatedly said to the child, “I don’t have time for this.”

Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 5/20/2024

Child was handled roughly. On May 3, 2024, a staff member grabbed a four-year-old child aggressively and carried the child by putting their arms under the child’s arms, and locking their hands behind the child’s head, restricting the child’s movement. The child’s arms were extended up and the child’s feet were off the floor. The child repeatedly screamed, “Let me go!”

Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 5/20/2024

A child was yelled at, shamed, humiliated, frightened, threatened or bullied. On May 3, 2024, a staff member carried a four-year-old child down the hallway and used the word “retarded” to the child who has special needs.

Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 5/20/2024

There was a substantiation of child maltreatment. 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 follow-up visit made by consultant on 1/24/2025

The operator made an effort to falsify information. The orientation for a new employee hired 3/25/24 signed by the assistant director stated fifteen (15) hours of orientation occured on 3/27/24. She stated she did not spend fifteen (15) hours with the new employee on 3/27/24.

Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 4/30/2024

Children between 12 and 24 months of age were grouped with children 3 years of age or older. A one (1) year old child from Space 4 was moved to Space 5. The oldest child in Space 5 was three (3) years old.

Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 4/30/2024

Staff did not interact with children in positive ways by helping them feel welcome and comfortable, treating them with respect, listening to what they say, responding to them with acceptance and appreciation, and/or participating in activities with the children. While standing outside Space 5 I heard a teacher in Space 8 using a harsh tone and raised voice. I walked to the window located in the hallway and observed a teacher standing at the bathroom door yelling at children across the room to sit down and go to the carpet now using an inappropriate tone.

Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 4/30/2024

Menus for all meals and snacks were not current or posted where easily seen by parents and cook. Menus posted outside of all classrooms except Space 8 did not indicate the correct substitution made to today's menu. Space 8 did not have any substitutions documented.

Violation corrected during visit

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. The laundry closet was observed unlocked. Bleaches, detergents and cleaners were observed stored inside.

Violation corrected during visit

New staff, who had contact with children, did not receive at least 16 hrs. orientation within first 6 weeks. Orientation cannot be confirmed for an employee hired 1/30/24 based on the documentation provided. It was documented that the employee received 16 hours of orientation on 2/1/24.

Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 4/30/2024