Higher Learning Child Care Academy, Inc. - Shelby NC Four Star Center License

Provider Status: License Not Renewed.

1260 AIRPORT RD , SHELBY NC 28150
(704) 484-xxxx
12 Reviews

About the Provider

Description: The academy is designed to meet the developmental needs of young children. It provides experiences that enrich and enhance each child’s cognitive, language, social, emotional, physical and creative development. Within the center’s daily schedule, each child has opportunities to create, explore the environment, learn problem solving and personal interaction skills, and learn concepts through first-hand experiences. Children develop a positive self-concept through a balance of self-and teacher-facilitated activities.

Opportunities for solitary play as well as group activities are provided. We respect parents as the primary and the most important provider of care and nurturing, and we believe parents and teachers are partners in children’s care and education.

Additional Information: Five Star Center License

Program and Licensing Details

  • License Number: 23000357
  • State Rating: 4
  • Enrolled in Subsidized Child Care Program: Yes
  • District Office: North Carolina Dept of Health and Human Services - Division of Child Development
  • District Office Phone: (919) 662-4499 (Note: This is not the facility phone number.)

Location Map

Reviews

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Jada Oct 01, 2020
I am an employee

I want to take a moment to express how truly blessed I am to not only be a part of the team at Higher Learning Childcare Academy, but also for my children to be a part of an amazing facility! Ms Barbara takes great pride in her business and every child’s face when she walks in a classroom is a true testimony to the establishment she has worked so hard to build and the love within the walls of each classroom! At Higher Learning Childcare, we make it a priority to not only teach every child the joys of learning educationally but also in Christ and love. Not only am I an employee but my children are also enrolled. To witness my babies learning new things every day of which they share with me each night makes my heart warm. But the true testimony of Higher Learning Childcare Academy and its foundation ((as well as Ms Barbara, Ms Laura and all the teachers)) is when my children love to share the “blessing” before each meal. Talk about tears from this Mama and definitely a reassuring moment that my children are right where they need to be - HIGHER LEARNING CHILDCARE ACADEMY !!! I have found an extra family in Higher Learning Childcare Academy in so many aspects. We are most definitely the Higher Choice and each smiling face on these children’s faces, as well as teachers’, is all the proof you need to know where to send your babies for the two big L’s - LOVE AND LEARNING. #blessedbeyondmeasure #HLCCA

39 out of 86 think this review is helpful
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Matthew Oct 01, 2020
I am an employee

I have been working for this organization for a few years now. They have some of the best owners and employees a childcare center could ask for. We are like a family, we work together to be sure that we give the children tons of love.

37 out of 76 think this review is helpful
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Cassy Smith Sep 05, 2020
I have used this provider for more than 6 months

I loved this daycare. My kids enjoyed their time there. If I ever moved back closer I would enroll my children again. The director is there to communicate with you and always reachable by phone. The staff was awesome!!! I will miss not dropping my children off at this daycare.

31 out of 68 think this review is helpful
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Misha Aug 25, 2020
I have toured this provider's facility, but have not used its services

Higher Learning is a great facility, it has a warm and inviting feel for you and especially your children. The staff is very much involved in what is in the best interest of the children and what their needs are. You need to consider them as a place you can call home for your childcare needs and a family that considers you as family once they open up the doors. Come see for yourself you won’t be disappointed. They have great learning skills for your children. I have never seen a facility do so much with total family focus in mind, many many many after hours to work on holidays and events that every age group can enjoy. 

60 out of 123 think this review is helpful
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Ain't no way May 26, 2018
I am an employee

If I could give 0 stars,I would.At first all things were ok.I was told ,I would be the teacher for the babies,and I would word some morning shifts,and some afternoon shifts.1st day I was there,I was put in charge of the 3-4 year olds,and a few 2 year olds.Some were not potty trained,yet there was no changing table in my class.So every time a child needed to be changed,we had to take the kids all the down the hall to the class for one year olds.I was expected to work 8 am to some times 7 pm EVERY day,in the evenings,it was me alone with the kids,of all ages,including school aged kids.My pay was $7 some thing a hour.We rarely saw the owner/ boss,she came when it time to get money,or do pay checks.There was this one boy,he came for after school care,he was literally a terror to be around.He enjoyed hiring other kids,caused,screamed,and would make threats.The owner was very well AWARE of this.Once the police were even called to deal with him.But,he was still allowed to come back.When I was 1st hired,I was told it would be ok for my son to come after school each day...then after working there for 3 months,the owner tells me I need to start paying her.For me to watch my own son for 3 hours each day.Very,very often,the workers had to use their own money to buy food,milk,and other items needed for the kids.We were never paid back.U also don't get paid for over time,she will not let y see a record of your hours.The place is very run down,and looks nothing like 5 star day care inside or out.Their toys did not even work,because the own would not buy batteries for any of the toys.With 2 years,the KINGSMOUNTAIN daycare went thru at the Least 40 kids and 20 workers.And the own has the nerve to blame every one else but admit she is failing.Every day,they were out of ratio,they would have 12 kids of all ranges,in one small room,and one teacher then that same teacher,was supposed to teach pre k,AND,keep up with 9 other 1-3 year olds.Even when there was only one teacher after I left,the owner would add more and more kids.I have talked to countless parents that once took their child here,and ran as fast as they could,once they saw how screwy the place is.Heck the post cards they give out to promote the place have so many lies on them it is sad.The owner can not be trusted.

63 out of 136 think this review is helpful
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Tina Apr 18, 2017
I have used this provider for more than 6 months

I'm so happy with choosing this center, my daughter has learned so much! All employees are well groomed,caring,loving. You feel so welcomed. I love the fact that it's Christian based!

59 out of 138 think this review is helpful
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Lisa Feb 28, 2017
I am an employee

I worked at this business for a few months and I was not impressed. In the beginning things were good. Then I was made to have up to 15 children of all ages by myself in the rush hour of the morning. Not only was I expected to keep the peace with the children, I had to leave them to answer the door (to yet more children) and answer the phones. When I mentioned that was too much for one person (seeing how technically we aren't supposed to leave the children unsupervised) I was told that I needed to grow a thicker skin. In the afternoons there would be two teachers for up to 19 children and one would be left with all the children as the other watched for a school buses. Rumors of bounced checks made me start going to their bank to make sure they had enough funds to cash my check. One month they didn't and I got my cash from the owner the next day. I was hired with only my credentials and busted tail working with my children and making the room look good. Got nothing but praise from the owner, the director and parents but when it came to getting state ready and they realized I hadn't signed up for school- I was told that I wasn't qualified to be the teacher and they would have to hire someone else (with a degree or working toward it) to take my place because if they lost a star then they would lose money. Which maybe they can't afford to lose money---- checks bouncing already, the pest control company calling and cussing ME because the owner hadn't paid him... Other things to note.... One week the same meal was served EVERYDAY. Chicken salad, mixed vegetables and applesauce. They would only give a spoonful of food to the children with no extras if they were still hungry. I was once told that I wouldn't get paid if the daycare had to wash blankets (left out from second and third shift) because it would make the power bill go up. I was only paid minimum wage and when I told them I was quitting I was offered 8.50 per hour but I "had to better" myself if she was going to invest in me. I have 20+ years of experience in childcare from being a lead teacher to be a director to being a private nanny.........I am not bragging but I think experience speaks for itself and a piece of paper from a college will not ensure that a person is good with children and teaching or not. All in all...... I would never work there again and not would I suggest any parent taking their child there.

52 out of 128 think this review is helpful
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Taylor Feb 21, 2017
I am an employee

Where do I begin????? First couple months was great! Had "my class", worked 8 hours each day, staff was friendly.... Then I was forced to be in charge of up to 15 children alone- in morning rush hour. Had to open doors, answer phones and try to keep the peace with many children. . In order to open doors for yet more children to come in, I had to leave them unattended. Then they started piling children in on my class and another to where we were over ratio. The teacher for the 3-5 yr old class NEVER had her class and they were always with the other two teachers. For nap time and in the afternoons the 2yr old class had up to 15 children aged 2-6 in with one teacher and then school age children would come also. The owner started being unfriendly and checks started bouncing.

68 out of 148 think this review is helpful
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Chris Aug 08, 2016
I have used this provider for more than 6 months

Higher Learning is one of the best facilities in the area!! I have been very impressed with the family atmosphere. Mrs. Barbara has had a great influence on my life on a personal level and I know that she wants the best for both myself and my children.

64 out of 146 think this review is helpful
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two thumbs DOWN Dec 04, 2015
I have used this provider for less than 6 months

I worked at Higher Learning for four months before I couldn't take it anymore. Please don't take your kids here. On the surface the directors appear very kind, but the owner, Barbara, is very selfish and cares much more about the money she makes than her employees or the kids. My checks bounced a couple of times, I was constantly working over my hours, I was told I would be paid more than I actually did, and the ratios are WAY over. I had MANY more children in my classroom than I was supposed to have, and Barbara and Laura just kept adding more because they just wanted more money. It's not fair to the kids or to the teachers. I don't believe they have good Christian standards or deserve to be a five-star facility in the slightest. They'll tell you whatever you want to hear to get you hired and won't actually go through with any of it. They'll throw you under the bus and put all of the blame on you in a heartbeat. Please just don't consider bringing your children to this place or working here. I promise you that there are much, much better facilities who will take care of you and your kids :)

67 out of 140 think this review is helpful
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Deidra Nov 24, 2012

This childcare facility is a bad business. I recently applied there and went for an interview and was not pleased the least bit. This is not a warm loving environment at all. Everyone there is very rude. I got a call back about working there, and once I got there they told me it was a mistake. The problem with this is it was the head of HR Ms. Borders that made the call. Ms. Borders is very close with the owner being that it is her sister. This facility owes me money being that I got this paper work done with my last bit of money. I will seek help about getting refunded for gas, back ground checks, etc. Do NOT trust this facility. 

67 out of 138 think this review is helpful
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A Mom Aug 19, 2010

Don't take your children to Higher Learning. It's a very bad place. We've experienced horror by going there!

65 out of 140 think this review is helpful
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Providers in ZIP Code 28150