17demerits

EARLY LEARNING CENTER

4304 S TRYON ST, Charlotte, NC 28217

Child Care · NC permit/State ID 2060420676

Latest result17 demerits

Last inspectedOct 22, 2026

Inspections on record24

On record sinceAug 14, 2013

This facility type is scored in demerits: lower is better (0 = no violations found).

Score history

Aug 14, 2013Lower is betterOct 22, 2026

Inspections & violations

Oct 22, 2026 17 demerits · 13 violations

Inspector comments: NOTE: - PIC: Artasia Porter presents during inspection

#5 · Food properly stored, thawed, prepared, cooked, cooled, handled, served, transported, packaged and identified; only supervised children in kitchen; water from a handwash lavatory not consumed or used for bottle warming:. 2804, .2806, .2808, .2836 −5

15A NCAC 18A .2804 (d) All human milk, formula, and other bottled beverages, including beverages in sippy cups, that are sent from home shall be fully prepared and labeled with the date received at the child care center and the name of the child to whom the milk, formula, or beverage belongs before being brought to the child care center. *** Observed a baby bottle sitting outside the refrigerator waiting to be fed in infant room, the bottle has no date and name. Ensure to label with name and date on items sent from home. 15A NCAC 18A .2804 (g) After opening, jars of baby food shall be covered, labeled with the date on which they were opened, refrigerated and used within two days of opening, provided that the baby food is not served directly from the jar. *** Observed opened baby food jar in infant refrigerator without date that was opened. Ensure to put the open date on items if not using it all at once.

#9 · Meets specifications for other equipment and utensils, approved material and construction: .2809, .2810, .2812, .2814

General Comment: 15A NCAC 18A .2810 (f). Water from a handwash lavatory shall not be used for bottle warming or to prepare formula, mix dry cereals, or other foods. *** Observed water in the bottle warmer, teacher stated that water came from a food prep hand washing sink in the classroom. Water shall be provided from the kitchen or bottle water, not from the hand sink.

#11 · Approved sanitizer provided;test kit available: .2809, .2810, .2812, .2814 −2

REPEAT 15A NCAC 18A .2812 (g) A testing method or equipment shall be used in accordance with the product manufacturer's instructions to test the strengths of sanitizing solutions to ensure the prescribed concentrations are met. *** Observed sanitizer solution spray bottles in most classrooms are measured more than 500 ppm. Ensure to provide correct chlorine sanitizer concentration between 50- 200 ppm at anytime. - Observed the center without testing strips for the solution. Obtain testing strips.

#16 · Hot water supplied and maintained as required in all other areas: .2815, .2836

General Comment: 15A NCAC 18A .2815 (e) Hot water shall be maintained between 80°F and 110°F at handwashing sinks accessible to children. *** Observed in yellow room hot water measured between 76F -78F. Blue classroom at 73F. Restroom in hallway at 79F. Diaper sink in infant at 72F. Ensure to provide tempered water between 80- 110F at anytime.

#20 · No identified lead poisoning hazards in accordance with NCGS 130A-131.7(7): .2816

REMINDER: 15A NCAC 18A .2816 (b) (1) Child care operators, as defined under G.S. 110-86(7), shall test, once every three years, all water outlets used for drinking or food preparation. Samples shall also be collected and tested within 30 calendar days of completion of any renovations or repairs that may impact the facility's drinking water infrastructure, such as repair or replacement of all or part of drinking water service lines or faucets, at impacted outlets. The operator shall provide documentation of testing results for review by the Department during each unannounced routine sanitation inspection. *** Last water testing was 11/21/2023.

#21 · Properly sized, located, accessible, and in good repair; sinks, toilets and potty chairs cleaned and disinfected; proper change of use procedure: .2817, .2818, .2836

General Comment: 15A NCAC 18A .2818 (a). Lavatories shall be kept clean and in good repair *** Observed in yellow room one of hand sink faucet is broken and leaking water down to the floor. Need repair.

#22 · Soap, approved hand drying devices, toilet tissue paper available: .2817, .2818, .2836

General Comment: 15A NCAC 18A .2818 (d). Liquid soap and disposable towels or other hand-drying devices shall be provided at every hand wash lavatory area. *** Observed no soap coming from a dispenser in the kitchen. Soap provided at the time of inspection. Ensure to provide all hand washing supplies at hand sinks at anytime.

#23 · Approved storage in toilet rooms, lavatories free of storage; hand wash signs posted: .2817, .2818, .2836

General Comment: 15A NCAC 18A .2818 (e) Handwash signs shall be posted at every handwash lavatory area. The signs shall instruct children and child care center employees to wash their hands in accordance with Rule .2803 *** Observed some hand sinks without hand washing signs. The signs provided to the center, please post the sign up for guidance.

#26 · Approved cleaning solution and approved disinfectant provided; test kit available when required: .2817, .2818, .2819, .2820, .2836 −2

REPEAT 15A NCAC 18A .2812 (i) An approved disinfectant shall be provided for cleaning purposes. When a chlorine solution is prepared by a child care center employee for use as an approved disinfectant, then the solution shall be prepared for use within 24 hours, and a testing method shall be used to ensure compliance with the prescribed chlorine concentration (500 -800 ppm). *** Observed disinfectant solution at 1000ppm or more in most classrooms. Ensure disinfectant at correct concentration between 500-800ppm anytime. - Observed the center without testing strips for the solution. Obtain testing strips.

#28 · Medications properly stored: .2820

General Comment: 15A NCAC 18A .2820 (d).Designated emergency medications shall be kept inaccessible to children, but are not required to be in locked storage. A product shall be considered inaccessible to children when stored on a shelf or in an unlocked cabinet that is mounted a minimum vertical distance of five feet above the finished floor. *** Observed the emergency medications in clear bag in blue room handing down the hook less than 5ft. EHS discussed with teacher and found a shelf to put the bag up at least 5ft in the classroom.

#30 · Non-hazardous products properly stored: .2820 −3

15A NCAC 18A .2820 (c). Non-aerosol sanitizing solutions, approved disinfectants, detergent solutions, hand antiseptics, and hand lotions shall be kept inaccessible to children when not in use by storing the items 5 ft above the floor or behind lock and key. *** Observed following items less than 5ft, body mist spray in drawer in blue classroom, toothpaste and anti septic wipes in drawer in hallway. Ensure to keep all non hazardous items at 5ft or higher at anytime.

#33 · Linen, bedding, wash cloths, bibs, burping cloths laundered, and in good repair: .2821, .2836 −3

15A NCAC 18A .2821 (f). Linens used in rooms where the children in care are less than 12 months old shall be changed and laundered when soiled and otherwise at least daily. *** Observed soiled/stained sheets on mattresses in infant room. Change and clean when visibly soiled.

#49 · Premises clean and free of standing water; utility equipment inaccessible; equipment and toys clean and in good repair; sandboxes properly constructed, clean and covered; adherence to air quality forecast quality forecast outdoor activity restrictions when applicable: .2831, .2832 −2

15A NCAC 18A .2832 (a). Child care center premises, including the outdoor learning environment, shall be kept clean, drained to minimize standing water, free of litter and hazards, and maintained in a manner which does not create conditions that attract or harbor pests. 15A NCAC 18A .2832 (a).In the child care center premises and outdoor learning environment. Debris, glass, dilapidated structures, and broken play equipment shall be removed from areas accessible to children. Wells, grease traps, cisterns, and utility equipment shall be made inaccessible to children. *** Observed several ants piles around playground area and in toy box. Along the fence and flower boxes, grasses need to be cut and trimmed. Old tree branches and fencing need to be removed. Keep area safe and free of obstruction.

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Jan 21, 2026 6 demerits · 5 violations

#11 · Approved sanitizer provided;test kit available: .2809, .2810, .2812, .2814

General Comment: 15A NCAC 18A .2812 (j) (j) A sanitizing solution shall be provided for cleaning purposes. Observed sanitizer solution above 200ppm. Ensure sanitizer is between 50-200ppm.

#26 · Approved cleaning solution and approved disinfectant provided; test kit available when required: .2817, .2818, .2819, .2820, .2836 −2

15A NCAC 18A .2812 (i) An approved disinfectant shall be provided for cleaning purposes. When a chlorine solution is prepared by a child care center employee for use as an approved disinfectant, then the solution shall be prepared for use within 24 hours, and a testing method shall be used to ensure compliance with the prescribed chlorine concentration (500 -800 ppm). Observed disinfectant solution at 1000ppm. Ensure disinfectant is between 500-800ppm.

#29 · Hazardous products properly stored and locked: .2820

General Comment: 15A NCAC 18A .2820 (b). All hazardous items must be stored behind lock and key. Observed liquid Wite-Out stored in unlocked cabinet in Yellow room. Ensure hazardous items are stored behind lock and key.

#32 · Adequate linen provided and properly stored; adequate beds, cots, mats provided, in good repair, properly stored, labeled, spaced during use: .2821, .2836

General Comment: 15A NCAC 18A .2821 (a). In child care centers, beds, cribs, cots, mats, and play pens shall be kept clean and in good repair, stored to prevent contamination, and cleaned and sanitized between users. Observed torn mats in Yellow room. Repair/replace.

#37 · Easily cleanable, clean, and in good repair; carpets vacuumed as required and extraction cleaned; date cleaned___________: .2824, .2825, .2832, .2836 −4

General Comment: 15A NCAC 18A .2825 (a) In child care centers, the walls and ceilings, including doors and windows, of all rooms and areas, shall be kept clean, free of visible fungal growth, and in good repair. All walls and ceilings shall be free of peeling, flaking, chalking, or otherwise deteriorating paint. Observed stained ceiling tile above front desk area. Keep clean/in good repair.

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Jul 15, 2025 4 demerits · 3 violations

#21 · Properly sized, located, accessible, and in good repair; sinks, toilets and potty chairs cleaned and disinfected; proper change of use procedure: .2817, .2818, .2836 −4

15A NCAC 18A .2818 (a). Lavatories shall be kept clean and in good repair. Observed hand sink in green room out of order. Center is waiting on plumber to repair.

#26 · Approved cleaning solution and approved disinfectant provided; test kit available when required: .2817, .2818, .2819, .2820, .2836

General Comment: 15A NCAC 18A .2812 (i) An approved disinfectant shall be provided for cleaning purposes. When a chlorine solution is prepared by a child care center employee for use as an approved disinfectant, then the solution shall be prepared for use within 24 hours, and a testing method shall be used to ensure compliance with the prescribed chlorine concentration (500 -800 ppm). Observed disinfectant slightly below 500ppm. PIC remade disinfectant solution and it tested at the proper concentration.

#37 · Easily cleanable, clean, and in good repair; carpets vacuumed as required and extraction cleaned; date cleaned___________: .2824, .2825, .2832, .2836

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Jan 23, 2025 4 demerits · 1 violation

#16 · Hot water supplied and maintained as required in all other areas: .2815, .2836 −4

15A NCAC 18A .2815 (e) Hot water shall be maintained between 80°F and 110°F at handwashing sinks accessible to children. Observed hot water at hand sinks in Red Room reach 70F. Hot water needs to be 80F-110F in areas accessible to children.

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Jan 16, 2025 9 demerits · 5 violations

Inspector comments: Re-Inspection will occur in 7 days due to provisional status. Regional Nykesse Roberts present for inspection.

#15 · Hot water supplied and maintained in the kitchen: .2815, .2836 −6

15A NCAC 18A .2815 (e) (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. Observed hot water at 3 compartment sink in kitchen at 79F. Director has contacted electrician.

#29 · Hazardous products properly stored and locked: .2820

General Comment: 15A NCAC 18A .2820 (b). All hazardous items must be stored behind lock and key. Observed cold packs with warnings and “keep out of reach of children” on label stored in unlocked drawer in lobby area. Store all hazardous items behind lock and key. No points deducted. 15A NCAC 18A .2820 (e). A locked kitchen is not considered to be a locked storage room or cabinet. Observed hazardous chemicals stored in unlocked cabinet in locked kitchen. Store all hazardous items behind lock and key. No points deducted.

#30 · Non-hazardous products properly stored: .2820 −3

15A NCAC 18A .2820 (c). Non-aerosol sanitizing solutions, approved disinfectants, detergent solutions, hand antiseptics, and hand lotions shall be kept inaccessible to children when not in use by storing the items 5 ft above the floor or behind lock and key. Observed soapy water stored below 5ft in Young Toddler room. Ensure detergent solutions are stored at least 5ft above the floor. REPEAT

#35 · Mouth-contact surfaces cleaned and sanitized in rooms designated for children who are not toilet trained: .2822, .2836

General Comment: 15A NCAC 18A .2822 (a). In rooms designated for children who are not toilet trained, toys and other mouth-contact surfaces that are used by children shall be cleaned and then sanitized after each use and when visibly dirty. Toys and other mouth-contact surfaces shall be cleaned and sanitized as follows: (1) the items shall be scrubbed in warm, soapy water, using a brush to reach into any crevices; (2) the items shall be rinsed in clean water; (3) the items shall be submerged in a sanitizing solution for at least two minutes or in accordance with the instructions on the label of the sanitizing solution; and (4) the items shall be air dried. Mouth contact toys in Blue room are being washed, sanitized, then rinsed, through discussion with teacher. Ensure mouth contact toys are washed, rinsed, then submerged in sanitizer for at least 2 minutes, then air dried. No points deducted.

#44 · Solid waste properly handled; containers and cleaning equipment kept clean; can cleaning facilities adequate: .2830, .2836

General Comment: 15A NCAC 18A .2830 (b) Facilities shall be provided at the child care center for the washing and storage of solid waste containers and mops. The facilities shall include a faucet with a threaded nozzle that delivers water of at least 80 degrees Fahrenheit. The faucet shall be located in either a designated utility sink or above a curbed impervious pad that is sloped to drain to the approved sewage system. Observed mop sink hot water at 50F. Ensure hot water at mop sink is at least 80F. No points deducted.

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Jun 24, 2024 11 demerits · 8 violations

15A NCAC 18A .2806 (d) Specialty bulk milk that is sent from home for consumption by a child while at the child care center may be stored as set forth in the 2800 rules when the child's parent or guardian provides written permission and the specialty bulk milk is sent to the child care center at the beginning of each week unopened, labeled with the date received by the child care center, and labeled with the name of the child to whom the bulk specialty milk belongs. Any remaining bulk specialty milk shall be sent home at the end of the week with the child to whom the bulk specialty milk belongs. Observed specialty milk sent from home in kitchen fridge dated 6/19. Needs to be sent home at the end of the week and sent in unopened at the beginning of each week.

#21 · Properly sized, located, accessible, and in good repair; sinks, toilets and potty chairs cleaned and disinfected; proper change of use procedure: .2817, .2818, .2836

15A NCAC 18A .2817 (a. All toilet fixtures shall be kept clean and in good repair. Observed small chip on toilet seat in yellow room. Needs repair/replacement.

#22 · Soap, approved hand drying devices, toilet tissue paper available: .2817, .2818, .2836 −3

15A NCAC 18A .2818 (d). Liquid soap and disposable towels or other hand-drying devices shall be provided at every handwash lavatory area. Observed no soap at food prep sink in young toddler classroom. Needs soap. REPEAT.

#27 · Free of storage and in good repair; cleaning and disinfecting solutions labeled; approved diapering methods used; diaper changing and handwashing signs posted: .2817, .2818, .2819, .2820, .2836

15A NCAC 18A .2819 (b) Nothing shall be placed on the diapering surface except for those items required for diapering and the child whose diaper will be changed. Observed child artwork on diaper pad in Blue room. Nothing shall be placed on diapering surface except items required for diapering.

#30 · Non-hazardous products properly stored: .2820 −3

15A NCAC 18A .2820 (c). Non-aerosol sanitizing solutions, approved disinfectants, detergent solutions, hand antiseptics, and hand lotions shall be kept inaccessible to children when not in use by storing the items 5 ft above the floor or behind lock and key. Observed chlorox wipes less than 5ft up in hall cabinet. Needs to be 5ft up. REPEAT.

#32 · Adequate linen provided and properly stored; adequate beds, cots, mats provided, in good repair, properly stored, labeled, spaced during use: .2821, .2836 −3

15A NCAC 18A .2821 (f).Linens shall be kept clean, in good repair, and stored with the mat or cot that the linens are assigned to or stored apart from the mattress or cot in a manner that keeps the linens used for each child separate from the linens belonging to other children. Observed holes in a couple of blankets in yellow room. Needs repair/replacement. 15A NCAC 18A .2821 (e). When in use, cribs, cots, mats and play pens shall be placed at least 18 inches apart or separated by partitions that prevent physical contact between children. Observed mats in use less than 18 inches apart and not separated by partitions. Needs to be 18 inches apart or separated by partitions.

#39 · Equipment clean and in good repair; maintained as required: .2826 −2

15A NCAC 18A .2826 (b).Windows and window treatments shall be kept clean and in good repair. All ventilation equipment, including air supply diffusers, return grilles, and fans shall be kept clean and in good repair. Observed broken and cracked window in outside shed with jagged glass. Repair window. REPEAT.

15A NCAC 18A .2832 (a).In the child care center premises and outdoor learning environment. Debris, glass, dilapidated structures, and broken play equipment shall be removed from areas accessible to children. Wells, grease traps, cisterns, and utility equipment shall be made inaccessible to children. Observed rusty tricycles piled next to building accessible to children. Needs to be removed from areas accessible to children. 5A NCAC 18A .2831 (c). For outdoor toys and play equipment, including all structures accessible to children, the following shall apply: (1) Equipment and toys shall be kept clean, in good repair, and free of peeling, flaking, or chalking paint, rust, and corrosion; and (2) A sandbox used in outdoor play shall be constructed to allow for drainage of water and shall be covered when not in use and kept clean. Observed sandboxes uncovered and all children at nap time. Needs to be covered when not in use.

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Nov 21, 2023 12 demerits · 10 violations

#11 · Approved sanitizer provided;test kit available: .2809, .2810, .2812, .2814 −2

15A NCAC 18A .2812 (g) A testing method or equipment shall be used in accordance with the product manufacturer's instructions to test the strengths of sanitizing solutions to ensure the prescribed concentrations are met. Observed sanitizer >500ppm chlorine in 2 & 3’s class. Sanitizer shall test 50-200 ppm chlorine.

#20 · No identified lead poisoning hazards in accordance with NCGS 130A-131.7(7): .2816

15A NCAC 18A .2816 (b) (1) Child care operators, as defined under G.S. 110-86(7), shall test, once every three years, all water outlets used for drinking or food preparation. Samples shall also be collected and tested within 30 calendar days of completion of any renovations or repairs that may impact the facility's drinking water infrastructure, such as repair or replacement of all or part of drinking water service lines or faucets, at impacted outlets. The operator shall provide documentation of testing results for review by the Department during each unannounced routine sanitation inspection. Staff stated samples have been sent to RTI and are awaiting results. Send me a copy of results when they come in Nicole.bruce@mecknc.gov

#21 · Properly sized, located, accessible, and in good repair; sinks, toilets and potty chairs cleaned and disinfected; proper change of use procedure: .2817, .2818, .2836

15A NCAC 18A .2818 (a). Lavatories shall be kept clean and in good repair. Observed leak at hand sink in 2 & 3’s class.

#22 · Soap, approved hand drying devices, toilet tissue paper available: .2817, .2818, .2836

15A NCAC 18A .2818 (d). Liquid soap and disposable towels or other hand-drying devices shall be provided at every handwash lavatory area. Observed soap dispenser not working in young toddlers room.

#26 · Approved cleaning solution and approved disinfectant provided; test kit available when required: .2817, .2818, .2819, .2820, .2836 −2

15A NCAC 18A .2812 (i) An approved disinfectant shall be provided for cleaning purposes. When a chlorine solution is prepared by a child care center employee for use as an approved disinfectant, then the solution shall be prepared for use within 24 hours, and a testing method shall be used to ensure compliance with the prescribed chlorine concentration (500 -800 ppm). Observed test strips only measure to 500 ppm. Whole range of 500-800ppm chlorine must be included in the testing kit range. Observed disinfect ~100ppm in 2 & 3’s class and > 1000 ppm in young toddlers room.

#29 · Hazardous products properly stored and locked: .2820

15A NCAC 18A .2820 (b). All hazardous items must be stored behind lock and key. Observed laundry room not locked. Laundry room must be locked. Critical Violation

#30 · Non-hazardous products properly stored: .2820 −3

15A NCAC 18A .2820 (c). Non-aerosol sanitizing solutions, approved disinfectants, detergent solutions, hand antiseptics, and hand lotions shall be kept inaccessible to children when not in use by storing the items 5 ft above the floor or behind lock and key. Observed spray bottles stored less than 5 ft., young toddler’s room. Hand sanitizer stored < 5ft above floor, cabinet at entrance.

#32 · Adequate linen provided and properly stored; adequate beds, cots, mats provided, in good repair, properly stored, labeled, spaced during use: .2821, .2836 −3

15A NCAC 18A .2821 (c). Beds, cots, and mats shall be assigned and labeled for use by an individual child and equipped with individual linens. Observed mats not labeled in 4’s room. 15A NCAC 18A .2821 (d). Mats be stored so that the side of the mats that makes contact with the floor does not touch the side of a mat that any child sleeps on. The sleeping surface of one child's mat shall not come in contact with the sleeping surface of another child's mat during storage. Observed trifold mats stored without barrier or ways to protest mats from contamination, 4’s class

#37 · Easily cleanable, clean, and in good repair; carpets vacuumed as required and extraction cleaned; date cleaned___________: .2824, .2825, .2832, .2836

15A NCAC 18A .2824 (a). Floors and floor coverings in food preparation, food storage, utensil washing, toilet rooms, and laundry areas shall be constructed of nonabsorbent material and shall be kept clean and in good repair. Observed a lot of missing floor tiles in kitchen. 15A NCAC 18A .2825 (a) In child care centers, the walls and ceilings, including doors and windows, of all rooms and areas, shall be kept clean, free of visible fungal growth, and in good repair. All walls and ceilings shall be free of peeling, flaking, chalking, or otherwise deteriorating paint. Observed holes in walls in bathrooms where dispensers have been changed out.

#39 · Equipment clean and in good repair; maintained as required: .2826 −2

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Jan 17, 2023 6 demerits · details not yet loaded