The Sunshine House

Center · Mint Hill · 5825 Phyliss Lane

What kind of place is this?

Size 219 children licensed Larger than the middle half of Charlotte centers, where the middle half licenses 50–162. Measured across 598 Charlotte centers, 2026-08-17.

How this compares

North Carolina DCDEE cited something at 10 of the 17 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.

Will it fit our family?

Accepts subsidy Yes

What will it cost us?

This provider does not publish pricing.

What Shortlist has verified

State quality rating Four Star License
License status Active

State record — North Carolina DCDEE

Last visit
June 26, 2026
On file
17 visits since November 2023 — 7 cited nothing, 5 of those unannounced
Fixed?
All 65 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.

Jun 2026 Unannounced visit 4 findings

Unannounced visit · June 26, 2026

Refrigerator(s) did not maintain a temperature of 45 degrees F. or below. In space #2, I observed the refrigerator thermometer read 50 degrees Fahrenheit.

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. In space #14, I observed the wall by the library area in need of repair.

Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 7/6/2026

New staff, who had contact with children, did not receive at least 16 hrs. orientation within first 6 weeks. One (1) staff file had 11.5 hours of orientation completed.

Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 7/6/2026

Each new employee did not complete, within the first two weeks of employment, six clock hours of training in required topic areas. One (1) staff file had 5.5 hours of training in the first two weeks.

Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 7/6/2026

DCDEE facility lookup

Jun 2026 Unannounced visit nothing cited
Jan 2026 Unannounced visit nothing cited
Dec 2025 Announced visit nothing cited
Nov 2025 Unannounced visit 13 findings

Unannounced visit · November 25, 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. An annual fire inspection was not competed.

Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 12/9/2025

A current activity plan was not posted for each group of children for reference. In space #9 a current activity plan was not posted nor available for review.

Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 12/9/2025

Fire drills were not practiced monthly and/or the drill record was incomplete. Fire Drills were not conducted for 7/2025 and 8/2025.

Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 12/9/2025

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. One (1) outlet cover was left uncovered in space #1.

Violation corrected during visit

The EMC plan did not name the person responsible, and at least one alternate, for choosing and carrying out the plan of action to obtain appropriate medical care. The EMC plans were not all updated throughout the building, names of person's responsible were not current.

Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 12/9/2025

The indoor and/or outdoor premises was not checked once a day, prior to initial use, ensuring debris, and broken equipment was removed and disposed of. Trash was observed in the school-age/prek playground.

Violation corrected during visit

Documentation of staff's on-going training was not on file and/or was not current . One (1) staff member did not have their ongoing training log completed.

Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 12/9/2025

Center did not maintain a record of daily attendance. The following spaces did not have attendance completed, space #3 and #9.

Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 12/9/2025

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. Two (2) files did not have emergency medical care information updated annually.

Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 12/9/2025

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. In space #8, a staff member was drinking out of a monster can energy drink.

Violation corrected during visit

Shelter-in-place or lockdown drills were not practiced every three months and/or drill record was incomplete. Emergency drills were not conducted every three (3) months.

Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 12/9/2025

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. One (1) file did not have a medical action plan on file for a child with food allergies.

Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 12/9/2025

An incident report was not completed and mailed to a Division representative within seven days after the incident when medical treatment was required. Incident reports that required medical attention were not mailed within seven (7) days.

Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 12/9/2025

DCDEE facility lookup

Jul 2025 Announced visit nothing cited
Jun 2025 Unannounced visit 6 findings

Unannounced visit · June 27, 2025

Medications including prescription and non-prescription items were not stored in a locked cabinet or other locked container. In space #13 and #15, Benadryl was observed not locked.

Violation corrected during visit

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. In space #14, I observed an inhaler without a medical action plan.

Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 7/11/2025

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) staff file did not have their recognizing and responding training completed within ninety (90) days.

Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 7/11/2025

Documentation was not on file for medication given in error and/or the documentation did not include the required information. In space #14, I observed in inhaler without permission documentation.

Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 7/11/2025

An incident report was not completed and mailed to a Division representative within seven days after the incident when medical treatment was required. Not all incident reports requiring medical action were sent within seven (7) days of the incident.

Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 7/11/2025

A violation was found for which there is no item number. Per EHS Rule: 15A NCAC 18A .2815 WATER SUPPLY, (e) Hot water used for cleaning and sanitizing utensils and laundry shall be provided at a minimum temperature of 120 degrees Fahrenheit at the point of use. Water in areas accessible to children shall be tempered between 80 degrees Fahrenheit and 110 degrees Fahrenheit. Hot water that exceeds 120 degrees Fahrenheit is a burn hazard and shall not be provided in areas accessible to children. For handwash lavatories used exclusively by school-age children, the requirement to provide water tempered between 80 degrees Fahrenheit and 110 degrees Fahrenheit shall not apply. In the event of the loss of hot water at the child care center, the operator shall immediately notify the local health department that serves the county in which the child care center is located. In space #1 and #4, I felt the handwashing sink’s water temperatures reach high temperatures. We reviewed to check all the other classrooms and to have the temperatures between the required 80-110 degrees Fahrenheit.

Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 7/11/2025

DCDEE facility lookup

Jan 2025 Unannounced visit 2 findings

Unannounced visit · January 27, 2025

A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children. On 1/8/25, a two-year-old child was given a known allergen.

Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 2/10/2025

A violation was found for which there is no item number. Sanitation Rule: 15A NCAC 18A .2815 WATER SUPPLY specifies the following which requires kitchen's to be locked at all times:(e) Hot water used for cleaning and sanitizing utensils and laundry shall be provided at a minimum temperature of 120 degrees Fahrenheit at the point of use. Water in areas accessible to children shall be tempered between 80 degrees Fahrenheit and 110 degrees Fahrenheit. Hot water that exceeds 120 degrees Fahrenheit is a burn hazard and shall not be provided in areas accessible to children. For hand wash lavatories used exclusively by school-age children, the requirement to provide water tempered between 80 degrees Fahrenheit and 110 degrees Fahrenheit shall not apply. In the event of the loss of hot water at the child care center, the operator shall immediately notify the local health department that serves the county in which the child care center is located. I observed the kitchen door open and not closed and locked.

Violation corrected during visit

DCDEE facility lookup

Dec 2024 Unannounced visit nothing cited
Dec 2024 Unannounced visit 3 findings

Unannounced visit · December 11, 2024

Children between 12 and 24 months of age were grouped with children 3 years of age or older. In space #3, I observed a four-year-old child grouped with children 1 and 2-years of age.

Violation corrected during visit

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. Space #3 and #14 had plastic bags accessible to children. This is a repeat violation.

Violation corrected during visit

Center did not maintain a record of daily attendance. Space #9 did not have current attendance completed for 12/11/24. This is a repeat violation.

Violation corrected during visit

DCDEE facility lookup

Nov 2024 Unannounced visit 16 findings

Unannounced visit · November 27, 2024

When three year old children and older were in care, the materials and equipment in the activity area was not in sufficient quantity to allow at least three children to use the area regardless of whether the children choose the same or different activities. Space #10 and #14 did not have sufficient materials in the dramatic center and in the reading center.

Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 12/11/2024

Lavatories were not kept clean, in good repair and kept free of storage. In space #14, I observed the sink in the back of the classroom being used for storage. The sink next to the cubbies was visibly dirty.

Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 12/11/2024

Toilet fixtures were not cleaned and disinfected at least daily and when visibly soiled. In space #10, I observed a toilet in need of flushing and cleanliness. The toilets in between space #14 and #15 had two (2) toilets that were visibly dirty and in need of cleaning.

Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 12/11/2024

All equipment and furnishings were not in good repair. In space #8, I observed carpets, floors and learning areas with dirt, outdoor elements and overall dirty. In space #12, I observed a broken broom and a visibly dirty step stool in need of replacing and cleaning. I observed foam blocks in space #15 that were bitten and needing to be replaced. In the school-age playground, I observed a sensory table upside down with broken legs.

Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 12/11/2024

A drug or medication was administered without written authorization and/or instructions from a child's parent or authorized health professional. In space #1, I observed two (2) over the counter diaper creams without the correct administration form.

Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 12/11/2024

A drug or medicine was administered after its expiration date. In space #2 I observed two (2) expired diaper creams

Violation corrected during visit

Over-the-counter medicines were not in their original containers or administered as authorized in writing by parent, physician or authorized health professional. Space #2 had an over-the-counter allergy medication for a one (1) year old child, the medication specified to not administer to any children under age two (2).

Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 12/11/2024

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. In space #3 and space #15, I observed a roll of plastic bags accessible to children under three-years-old.

Violation corrected during visit

Staff required to receive on-going training had not completed the required number of hours according to their education and experience. One (1) staff member did not complete the required five (5) on-going training hours.

Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 12/11/2024

Center did not maintain a record of daily attendance. Monthly attendance was not competed since 11/21/24 in space #10.

Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 12/11/2024

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. Three (3) files needed updated emergency medical care information.

Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 12/11/2024

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) files needed updated off premise forms.

Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 12/11/2024

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. In space #15, I observed two (2) teacher beverages on the shelf, a Gatorade and a Suja drink.

Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 12/11/2024

The depth of the loose surfacing was not based on critical height of the equipment. I observed the mulch in the toddler playground (swing area) in need of mulch, the adequate depth of surfacing was not six (6) inches. I observed that mulch was also needed in the two’s and three’s playground.

Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 12/26/2024

A child was yelled at, shamed, humiliated, frightened, threatened or bullied. I overheard teachers in space #15 use a harsh tone and inappropriate redirection language when re-directing the children. A teacher threatened to call a child's mom.

Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 12/11/2024

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. I observed, one (1) staff file with medical and personnel information altogether in one (1) file.

Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 12/11/2024

DCDEE facility lookup

Sep 2024 Unannounced visit nothing cited
Jun 2024 Unannounced visit 7 findings

Unannounced visit · June 6, 2024

When children 3 years and older were in care, screen time was not used to stimulate a developmental domain; was not limited to 30 minutes a day and no more than a total of two and a half hours per week, per child; and/or was not documented on a cumulative log or the activity plan that is available for review. In space #7, I observed a child using an iPad during free play, there was no documentation of the screen activity.

Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 6/20/2024

Food substitution was not of comparable food value or recorded on the menu prior to the meal or snack being served. The menu and the items being served for lunch differed, substitutions were made and not recorded on the menu prior to serving.

Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 6/20/2024

All walls and ceilings including doors and windows were not kept clean, free of visible fungal growth, and in good repair. In spaces #12 and #15, I observed large areas of chipped paint around different areas of the classroom.

Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 7/12/2024

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. During the walkthrough a storage closet was left unlocked with hazardous cleaning materials inside as well as the kitchen door left slightly ajar and not locked. In space #7, I observed the key inside of a cabinet with hazardous cleaning items with many warning labels. In space #3, I observed an unlocked storage closet with cleaning supplies.

Violation corrected during visit

A drug or medicine was administered after its expiration date. I observed an EPI pen that expired in 3/2024 in space #10.

Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 6/20/2024

Center did not maintain a record of daily attendance. In space #7, the monthly attendance was not completed.

Violation corrected during visit

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. In space #15, I observed a can of coca cola and a Hershey chocolate bar on a shelf.

Violation corrected during visit

DCDEE facility lookup

Feb 2024 Unannounced visit 1 finding

Unannounced visit · February 8, 2024

A violation was found for which there is no item number. 15A NCAC 18A .2831 ANIMAL AND VERMIN CONTROL (b) Pests shall be excluded from the child care center. Traps set for pests shall only be placed in areas that are inaccessible to children. Red ants were reported and observed on the playground for two-year-old's. I observed evidence of red ants at the bottom of the slide.

Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 2/14/2024

DCDEE facility lookup

Nov 2023 Unannounced visit 11 findings

Unannounced visit · November 30, 2023

A current activity plan was not posted for each group of children for reference. In space #10, the activity plan was not current, the activity plan was dated with August dates.

Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 12/14/2023

Lavatories were not kept clean, in good repair and kept free of storage. In space #3, I observed furniture (toy shelf) stored inside. In space #10, I observed the toilet in need of cleaning and flushing.

Violation corrected during visit

The EMC plan was not reviewed with all staff annually and whenever the plan was revised. The EMC plan was not reviewed annually with two (2) staff. The last review took place on 10/2022.

Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 12/14/2023

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

Violation corrected during visit

New staff, who had contact with children, did not receive at least 16 hrs. orientation within first 6 weeks. Four (4) staff files did not have their orientation topics documented on the required form.

Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 12/14/2023

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 files did not have their topics for the first two (2) weeks documented on the required form.

Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 12/14/2023

Each employee's personnel file did not contain an annual staff evaluation and a staff development plan. Two (2) staff files did not have their annual staff evaluation on file and completed annually.

Violation corrected during visit

Center did not maintain a record of daily attendance. In space #7 the daily attendance was not completed for 11/30/23.

Violation corrected during visit

The trained staff did not review the EPR Plan annually or when information in the plan changed to ensure all information was current. Two (2) staff did not review the EPR plan annually, the last review was conducted on 10/2022.

Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 12/14/2023

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) staff did not have documentation of the SBS policy review prior to providing care to children.

Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 12/14/2023

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. I observed six (6) staff files with medical documents not separated from the personnel file.

Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 12/14/2023

DCDEE facility lookup

Nov 2023 Unannounced visit nothing cited
Nov 2023 Unannounced visit 2 findings

Unannounced visit · November 3, 2023

A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children. On 10/27/23, an infant child fell from out of their crib.

Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 11/17/2023

Children were not adequately supervised at all times. On 10/23/23, a child was left unattended on the outdoor playground.

Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 11/17/2023

DCDEE facility lookup

Before you tour

The Sunshine House hasn’t published

Cost, hours and late pickup, a typical day, 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.

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.

All checked July 2026.

What kind of place is this

Not yet reported: established, teaching approach.

Will it fit our family

Not yet reported: ages served, hours, days / week, schedule, holiday closures.

Licensing and contact

State record

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 The Sunshine House? 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.