Skip to main content

Charlotte · Licensed center

Sterling Elementary

sterlinges.cmsk12.org

At a glance

  • Medium center, licensed for 108 children.

What the state has found

The state cited rules at 6 of its 13 licensing inspections since December 2023.

See each inspection

Licensing inspections

  • Oct 28, 20261 citation
    • Citation
      • “Prior to employment a Criminal Background Check was not completed. One (1) staff hired August 26, 2026 had a qualifying letter dated September 21, 2026.”

        Violation corrected during visit

  • Apr 14, 2026Nothing cited
  • Nov 20, 2025Nothing cited
  • Nov 10, 202511 citations
    • Citation
      • “All staff, including the director, did not have an annual health questionnaire on file following the initial medical statement. One (1) substitute staff did not have an annual health questionnaire on file.”

        Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 11/13/2025

    • Citation
      • “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) substitute staff did not have an emergency information form on file.”

        Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 11/13/2025

    • Citation
      • “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) staff member does not have a current FA certification on file.”

        Violation confirmed corrected by follow-up visit made by consultant on 11/20/2025

    • Citation
      • “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) staff member does not have a current CPR certification on file.”

        Violation confirmed corrected by follow-up visit made by consultant on 11/20/2025

    • Citation
      • “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. In Space B1, one (1) child does not have a signed permission to play outside of fenced area.”

        Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on

    • Citation
      • “A health assessment was not on file at the NC Pre-K site within 30 days after a child entered the NC Pre-K program or the health assessment was more than 12 months old at the time of program entry. One (1) child does not have a current health assessment on file.”

        Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 12/17/2025

    • Citation
      • “The health assessment did not include a vision screening. Two (2) children enrolled did no have a vision screening on file.”

        Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 12/17/2025

    • Citation
      • “The health assessment did not include a hearing screening. Two (2) children enrolled did no have a hearing screening on file.”

        Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 12/17/2025

    • Citation
      • “The health assessment did not include a dental screening. Five (5) children enrolled did not have a dental screening on file.”

        Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 1/23/2026

    • Citation
      • “NC Pre-K program staff/child ratios and group sizes were not met. In Space B3, fifteen (15) children were present with one (1) teacher from approximately 9:50 am – 10:01 am.”

        Violation confirmed corrected by follow-up visit made by consultant on 11/20/2025

    • Citation
      • “The depth of the loose surfacing was not based on critical height of the equipment. The mulch under the monkey bars measured 1.75 inches and at the end of the red slide measured 3.25 inches on the fenced outdoor play area.”

        Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 11/12/2025

  • Oct 6, 2025Nothing cited
  • Aug 25, 2025Nothing cited
  • May 13, 2025Nothing cited
  • Mar 10, 2025Nothing cited
  • Feb 6, 20256 citations
    • Citation
      • “A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children. In Space B5 there is broken tile around a loose drain on the floor in the bathroom creating a safety hazard.”

        Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 5/12/2025

    • Citation
      • “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. bulk hand soap, fresh scent shampoo, and hand wipes stating keep out of reach of children stored lower than five feet and accessible to children. In B5, pressurized fun string was on a shelf accessible to children. In Space B4, hand soap stating to keep out of reach of children on the counter by the sink and an unlocked cabinet with three (3) Clorox hand wipes and Lysol in an unlocked cabinet on the lower shelf accessible to children.”

        Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 2/6/2025

    • Citation
      • “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) staff , A.C., has expired qualifying letter on file dated December 10, 2024.”

        Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 2/11/2025

    • Citation
      • “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) staff member hired 8/26/2024 does not have a current First Aid certification card on file.”

        Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 3/14/2025

    • Citation
      • “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) staff member hired 8/26/2024 does not have a current CPR certification card on file.”

        Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 3/14/2025

    • Citation
      • “A valid qualification letter was not on file and available to review at the facility. One staff member, A.C. did not have a current CBC letter on file. The letter expired 12/10/2024.”

        Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 2/11/2025

  • Dec 9, 2024Nothing cited
  • Dec 2, 202412 citations
    • Citation
      • “The center did not maintain records as required in rule, and/or were not made available to the Division for review. The off-site-verification form for staff was not completed.”

        Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 12/20/2024

    • Citation
      • “Refrigerator(s) did not maintain a temperature of 45 degrees F. or below. The temperature in the refrigerator in space B5 was observed at fifty (50) degrees.”

        Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 12/20/2024

    • Citation
      • “A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children. Water stained ceiling tiles were observed in B3 and B5 and a crack with a hole in drywall behind the toilet in space B4 was observed.”

        Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 5/12/2025

    • Citation
      • “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. A power strip with uncovered outlets was accessible to children in space B4. An outlet was observed uncovered in the cozy area in Space B3.”

        Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 12/20/2024

    • Citation
      • “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 B3 an aerosol disinfectant spray was observed stored unlocked and Sani-Tyze cleaner was observed stored less than five feet. In spaces B4 and B5 hand sanitizer was observed stored less than five (5) feet accessible to children.”

        Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 12/20/2024

    • Citation
      • “All staff, including the director, did not have an annual health questionnaire on file following the initial medical statement. HQ on file for staff were not completed within the annual timeframe. The forms were dated December 2, 2024.”

        Violation confirmed corrected by follow-up visit made by consultant on 12/9/2024

    • Citation
      • “Prior to employment a Criminal Background Check was not completed. One staff, A.I. did not have a current DCDEE qualifying letter on file.”

        Violation confirmed corrected by follow-up visit made by consultant on 12/9/2024

    • Citation
      • “All staff did not successfully complete certification in First Aid appropriate to the age of children in care. Verification of staff completion of First Aid training from an approved training organization was not in the staff file. One staff member hired 8/26/2024 does not have a current First Aid card on file.”

        Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 3/14/2025

    • Citation
      • “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 staff member hired 8/26/2024 does not have a current CPR card on file.”

        Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 3/14/2025

    • Citation
      • “A valid qualification letter was not on file and available to review at the facility. One staff member, A.I., did not have a DCDEE qualifying letter on file.”

        Violation confirmed corrected by follow-up visit made by consultant on 12/9/2024

    • Citation
      • “The depth of the loose surfacing was not based on critical height of the equipment. There was compacted and inadequate amount of mulch on the fenced area playground.”

        Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 12/20/2024

    • Citation
      • “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 staff member hired 8/26/24 did not complete the training within 90 days of employment.”

        Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 12/20/2024

  • May 29, 20242 citations
    • Citation
      • “All walls and ceilings including doors and windows were not kept clean, free of visible fungal growth, and in good repair. Four ceiling tiles in Space B4 and 3 in space B6 were observed stained.”

        Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on

    • Citation
      • “Incident logs were not completed and maintained as required. It was reported that you send signed incident reports to the school office, you have not been maintaining an incident log.”

        Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on

  • Dec 14, 20236 citations
    • Citation
      • “A current activity plan was not posted for each group of children for reference. Space B6 activity plan posted was dated for the week of December 4, 2023.”

        Violation corrected during visit

    • Citation
      • “Refrigerator(s) did not maintain a temperature of 45 degrees F. or below. Space B5 refrigerator thermometer read 50 degrees.”

        Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 1/9/2024

    • Citation
      • “All walls and ceilings including doors and windows were not kept clean and in good repair. Ceiling tiles were observed stained in Space B4, B5 and B6.”

        Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 1/9/2024

    • Citation
      • “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. Two outlet were observed uncovered, one in space B4 and one in Space B3.”

        Violation corrected during visit

    • Citation
      • “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. Nine staff have not updated their Emergency Information form since 2022.”

        Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 1/9/2024

    • Citation
      • “Staff did not complete the health and safety training within one year of employment. One staff employed in August 2022 has not completed the health and safety trainings within the first year of employment.”

        Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 1/9/2024

The state cited rules at 6 of this center's 13 inspections. Most Charlotte-area centers inspected 10 or more times had rules cited at some but not all of theirs, as this center did: more than 99% of 271.

How all 271 Charlotte-area centers inspected 10 or more times compare

Of the 271 Charlotte-area centers the state inspected 10 or more times, how many of those inspections cited a rule:

  • Someover 99%This center
  • Allunder 1%
Read every record and the state’s reports

State record — North Carolina DCDEE

Last visit
October 28, 2026
On file
13 visits since December 2023 — 7 cited nothing, 5 of those unannounced
Fixed?
All 38 record a correction, in the licensor’s own words.
Most serious
North Carolina DCDEE does not publish a severity level for a citation, so there is no most-serious to name.

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.

Oct 2026 Unannounced visit 1 finding

Unannounced visit · October 28, 2026

Prior to employment a Criminal Background Check was not completed. One (1) staff hired August 26, 2026 had a qualifying letter dated September 21, 2026.

Violation corrected during visit

DCDEE facility lookup On that page, enter license number 60003467 in the License Number box, choose Search and open the result; the record is listed under Visits.

Apr 2026 Unannounced visit nothing cited
Nov 2025 Unannounced visit nothing cited
Nov 2025 Unannounced visit 11 findings

Unannounced visit · November 10, 2025

All staff, including the director, did not have an annual health questionnaire on file following the initial medical statement. One (1) substitute staff did not have an annual health questionnaire on file.

Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 11/13/2025

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) substitute staff did not have an emergency information form on file.

Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 11/13/2025

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) staff member does not have a current FA certification on file.

Violation confirmed corrected by follow-up visit made by consultant on 11/20/2025

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) staff member does not have a current CPR certification on file.

Violation confirmed corrected by follow-up visit made by consultant on 11/20/2025

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. In Space B1, one (1) child does not have a signed permission to play outside of fenced area.

Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on

A health assessment was not on file at the NC Pre-K site within 30 days after a child entered the NC Pre-K program or the health assessment was more than 12 months old at the time of program entry. One (1) child does not have a current health assessment on file.

Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 12/17/2025

The health assessment did not include a vision screening. Two (2) children enrolled did no have a vision screening on file.

Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 12/17/2025

The health assessment did not include a hearing screening. Two (2) children enrolled did no have a hearing screening on file.

Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 12/17/2025

The health assessment did not include a dental screening. Five (5) children enrolled did not have a dental screening on file.

Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 1/23/2026

NC Pre-K program staff/child ratios and group sizes were not met. In Space B3, fifteen (15) children were present with one (1) teacher from approximately 9:50 am – 10:01 am.

Violation confirmed corrected by follow-up visit made by consultant on 11/20/2025

The depth of the loose surfacing was not based on critical height of the equipment. The mulch under the monkey bars measured 1.75 inches and at the end of the red slide measured 3.25 inches on the fenced outdoor play area.

Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 11/12/2025

DCDEE facility lookup On that page, enter license number 60003467 in the License Number box, choose Search and open the result; the record is listed under Visits.

Oct 2025 Announced visit nothing cited
Aug 2025 Announced visit nothing cited
May 2025 Unannounced visit nothing cited
Mar 2025 Unannounced visit nothing cited
Feb 2025 Unannounced visit 6 findings

Unannounced visit · February 6, 2025

A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children. In Space B5 there is broken tile around a loose drain on the floor in the bathroom creating a safety hazard.

Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 5/12/2025

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. bulk hand soap, fresh scent shampoo, and hand wipes stating keep out of reach of children stored lower than five feet and accessible to children. In B5, pressurized fun string was on a shelf accessible to children. In Space B4, hand soap stating to keep out of reach of children on the counter by the sink and an unlocked cabinet with three (3) Clorox hand wipes and Lysol in an unlocked cabinet on the lower shelf accessible to children.

Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 2/6/2025

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) staff , A.C., has expired qualifying letter on file dated December 10, 2024.

Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 2/11/2025

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) staff member hired 8/26/2024 does not have a current First Aid certification card on file.

Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 3/14/2025

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) staff member hired 8/26/2024 does not have a current CPR certification card on file.

Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 3/14/2025

A valid qualification letter was not on file and available to review at the facility. One staff member, A.C. did not have a current CBC letter on file. The letter expired 12/10/2024.

Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 2/11/2025

DCDEE facility lookup On that page, enter license number 60003467 in the License Number box, choose Search and open the result; the record is listed under Visits.

Dec 2024 Unannounced visit nothing cited
Dec 2024 Unannounced visit 12 findings

Unannounced visit · December 2, 2024

The center did not maintain records as required in rule, and/or were not made available to the Division for review. The off-site-verification form for staff was not completed.

Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 12/20/2024

Refrigerator(s) did not maintain a temperature of 45 degrees F. or below. The temperature in the refrigerator in space B5 was observed at fifty (50) degrees.

Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 12/20/2024

A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children. Water stained ceiling tiles were observed in B3 and B5 and a crack with a hole in drywall behind the toilet in space B4 was observed.

Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 5/12/2025

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. A power strip with uncovered outlets was accessible to children in space B4. An outlet was observed uncovered in the cozy area in Space B3.

Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 12/20/2024

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. In B3 an aerosol disinfectant spray was observed stored unlocked and Sani-Tyze cleaner was observed stored less than five feet. In spaces B4 and B5 hand sanitizer was observed stored less than five (5) feet accessible to children.

Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 12/20/2024

All staff, including the director, did not have an annual health questionnaire on file following the initial medical statement. HQ on file for staff were not completed within the annual timeframe. The forms were dated December 2, 2024.

Violation confirmed corrected by follow-up visit made by consultant on 12/9/2024

Prior to employment a Criminal Background Check was not completed. One staff, A.I. did not have a current DCDEE qualifying letter on file.

Violation confirmed corrected by follow-up visit made by consultant on 12/9/2024

All staff did not successfully complete certification in First Aid appropriate to the age of children in care. Verification of staff completion of First Aid training from an approved training organization was not in the staff file. One staff member hired 8/26/2024 does not have a current First Aid card on file.

Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 3/14/2025

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 staff member hired 8/26/2024 does not have a current CPR card on file.

Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 3/14/2025

A valid qualification letter was not on file and available to review at the facility. One staff member, A.I., did not have a DCDEE qualifying letter on file.

Violation confirmed corrected by follow-up visit made by consultant on 12/9/2024

The depth of the loose surfacing was not based on critical height of the equipment. There was compacted and inadequate amount of mulch on the fenced area playground.

Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 12/20/2024

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 staff member hired 8/26/24 did not complete the training within 90 days of employment.

Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 12/20/2024

DCDEE facility lookup On that page, enter license number 60003467 in the License Number box, choose Search and open the result; the record is listed under Visits.

May 2024 Unannounced visit 2 findings

Unannounced visit · May 29, 2024

All walls and ceilings including doors and windows were not kept clean, free of visible fungal growth, and in good repair. Four ceiling tiles in Space B4 and 3 in space B6 were observed stained.

Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on

Incident logs were not completed and maintained as required. It was reported that you send signed incident reports to the school office, you have not been maintaining an incident log.

Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on

DCDEE facility lookup On that page, enter license number 60003467 in the License Number box, choose Search and open the result; the record is listed under Visits.

Dec 2023 Unannounced visit 6 findings

Unannounced visit · December 14, 2023

A current activity plan was not posted for each group of children for reference. Space B6 activity plan posted was dated for the week of December 4, 2023.

Violation corrected during visit

Refrigerator(s) did not maintain a temperature of 45 degrees F. or below. Space B5 refrigerator thermometer read 50 degrees.

Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 1/9/2024

All walls and ceilings including doors and windows were not kept clean and in good repair. Ceiling tiles were observed stained in Space B4, B5 and B6.

Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 1/9/2024

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. Two outlet were observed uncovered, one in space B4 and one in Space B3.

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. Nine staff have not updated their Emergency Information form since 2022.

Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 1/9/2024

Staff did not complete the health and safety training within one year of employment. One staff employed in August 2022 has not completed the health and safety trainings within the first year of employment.

Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 1/9/2024

DCDEE facility lookup On that page, enter license number 60003467 in the License Number box, choose Search and open the result; the record is listed under Visits.

Shortlist replaces people’s names in the state’s text with initials. This is done by rule, not by hand, so it can miss a name or shorten a word that isn’t one. The state’s report, linked on each row, has the original.

Details

Phone
(980) 343-3636
Address
9701 China Grove Church Road, Charlotte, 28134
License
60003467
Quality program
Five Star License
Ownership
Government-run

We couldn’t find some information that may matter to your decision: openings, child care subsidies, cost, hours and late pickup, teaching approach, ratios and staff, a typical day, and sick and biting policies. We can ask the program for you and copy you in.

Run Sterling Elementary? Correct or add anything here, free.
Sources and dates

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.

State record

From North Carolina DCDEE’s published reports, last checked November 8, 2026.

Details

  • Phone, Address, License, Quality program — Checked July 2026 ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov. To check it, open ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/childcaresearch, enter licence 60003467 under License Number, and open the result.
  • Website — Checked July 2026 sterlinges.cmsk12.org
  • Ownership — Checked October 2026 ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov. To check it, open ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/childcaresearch, enter licence 60003467 under License Number, open the result and expand Owner Information: the licensee is listed as Primary Owner.

Medium means the middle half of Charlotte-area’s 605 licensed centers by state-licensed capacity: 51 to 162 children. Small is 11 to 50; large is 163 to 528.

Watch