Five Star Center License
✓ Licensed
Avery's Creek Head Start
Arden, NC
· Buncombe County
15 PARK SOUTH BLVD,
Arden, NC 28704
Quick Facts
Capacity
20 children
Age Range
3 through 5
Subsidized Program
Does not participate
State Rating
5
Missing details such as transportation or rates? Suggest an update to help other families.
Contact Information
📞 (828) 776-0471
Licensed Five Star Center License
Active License
License Number
11000927
License Holder
COMMUNITY ACTION OPPORTUNITIES
License Issued
May 23, 2025
Issued By
North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services
District Office
North Carolina Dept of Health and Human Services - Division of Child Development
License Conditions: Other - Meets reduced ratios
Reviews
Write a Review
Be the first to review this childcare provider. Write a review about Avery's Creek Head Start. Let other families know what's great, or what could be improved. Please read our brief review guidelines to make your review as helpful as possible.
Review Policy: ChildcareCenter.us does not actively screen or monitor user reviews, nor do we verify or edit content.
Reviews reflect only the opinion of the writer. We ask that users follow our
review guidelines.
Providers are welcome to respond to parental reviews, however we ask that they identify themselves as the provider.
About the Provider
AVERY'S CREEK HEAD START is a Five Star Center License in ARDEN NC, with a maximum capacity of 20 children. This child care center helps with children in the age range of 3 through 5. The provider does not participate in a subsidized child care program.
Hours of Operation
- Days of Operation Monday–Friday
Inspection/Report History
Where possible, ChildcareCenter provides inspection reports as a service to families. This information is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed. We encourage families to contact the daycare provider directly with any questions or concerns. Reports can also be verified with your local daycare licensing office.
| Date | Type | Violations | Rule |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-03-30 | Unannounced Inspection | Yes | |
| 2026-03-30 | Violation | 428 | GS 110-91(12); .0508(a) |
| A current activity plan was not posted for each group of children for reference. A lesson plan posted was dated 3/23/26 - 3/27/26. | |||
| 2026-03-30 | Violation | 812 | 10A NCAC 09 .0604(c) |
| 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. An outlet next to the paper towel dispenser in the bathroom did not have a cover. | |||
| 2026-03-30 | Violation | 1324 | .1804(c) |
| Signed and dated statement by parent that discipline policy received and explained at enrollment was not in child's file. Signed/dated discipline policy was not maintained on child's file for one (1) child whose date of birth being 7/20/21. | |||
| 2026-03-30 | Violation | 1898 | .1102(a) |
| Staff did not complete the health and safety training within one year of employment. The records of Health and Safety Training did not include "Medication in Child Care" training certificate for a staff member who was employed on 8/12/22. | |||
| 2026-03-30 | Violation | 1908 | .0608(b)(1-6) |
| A child's file did not have a statement with parent signature acknowledging receipt and explanation of the Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy and/or the acknowledgement did not have all the required information. Acknowledgement of receipt of program's Shaken Baby Policy was not on file for one (1) child whose date of birth being 7/20/21. | |||
| 2025-10-15 | Unannounced Inspection | Yes | |
| 2025-10-15 | Violation | 102 | G.S. 110-99(a1) |
| The license was not posted in a prominent place at all times. The license posted in the classroom was a four-star center license issued on 2/25/23. A five-star center license was issued on 5/23/25, but it was not posted. | |||
| 2025-10-15 | Violation | 840 | .2820(b) |
| 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. A can of Clorox disinfecting/sanitizing spray was on the top shelf in a cabinet in the bathroom. The key to the cabinet had been left in the lock. | |||
| 2025-04-30 | Unannounced Inspection | No | |
| 2025-04-24 | Unannounced Inspection | Yes | |
| 2025-04-24 | Violation | 601 | 15A NCAC 18A .2806(j)(2) |
| Refrigerator(s) did not maintain a temperature of 45 degrees F. or below. The refrigerator temperatures at 9:32 am was forty-six (46) degrees. I re-checked the temperature approximately an hour later, and it was still forty-six (46) degrees. | |||
| 2025-04-24 | Violation | 859 | .0605(q) |
| Monthly playground inspections were not completed and/or they were not completed by an individual trained in playground safety requirements. The most recent playground inspection was completed and dated 2/24/25. | |||
| 2025-04-24 | Violation | 1043 | G.S. 110-91( 9) |
| All staff records, except financial records, were not made available for review. Due to technical issues, the current lesson plans, the health questionnaire and emergency information form for staff member hired on 5/30/23 and a child's immunization record were not available for review. | |||
| 2025-04-24 | Violation | 1876 | .1803(a)(9) |
| A child was yelled at, shamed, humiliated, frightened, threatened or bullied. During the visit, a staff member used a form of threatening terms to coerce children’s behavior by saying, “You don’t want me to put you in (area – unclear).” Additionally, the same staff member yelled at the children to leave the area when they gathered around a child who was crying on the playground. At another occasion, I observed one (1) staff member directing two (2) children to the bathroom and told them that he/she would not bring them back to the classroom to use the bathroom when they are on the playground. | |||
| 2025-04-24 | Violation | 9995 | |
| A violation was found for which there is no item number. A lead teacher did not submit his/her education within six (6) months of employment to verify his/her lead teacher qualification. This staff member submitted his/her transcript and received a letter on 4/23/25. | |||
| 2025-04-24 | Violation | 9996 | |
| A violation was found for which there is no item number. Three (3) ants were crawling on the counter top during the visit. | |||
| 2025-01-29 | Unannounced Inspection | Yes | |
| 2025-01-29 | Violation | 528 | 10A NCAC 09 .0901(b) |
| Food substitution was not of comparable food value or recorded on the menu prior to the meal or snack being served. During the visit, yogurt, banana and milk were served as breakfast. On the menu, yogurt, strawberry and milk were listed for today's breakfast. No substitution items were listed on the menu. | |||
| 2025-01-29 | Violation | 1757 | G.S. 110-90.2(b) & (d) & .2703(e) |
| A valid qualification letter was not on file and available to review at the facility. N. Norris had a criminal background letter issued on 10/4/19, which expired on 10/4/24 in the file. Per AMCMS, Mr./Ms. Norris renewed the background check and was issued a letter through 10/25/29. However, the letter was not printed and maintained in the file. | |||
| 2025-01-29 | Violation | 1811 | .0604(u);.0302(d)(8) |
| Shelter-in-place or lockdown drills were not practiced every three months and/or drill record was incomplete. Per Emergency Drill Log, you practiced shelter-in-place and lockdown drill on 9/12/25. | |||
| 2024-05-02 | Unannounced Inspection | Yes | |
| 2024-05-02 | Violation | 106 | 10A NCAC 09 .0304(a) |
| Operator has not scheduled and obtained a fire inspection within 12 months of the previous inspection. Operator did not submit the original approved report to DCDEE within one week of the inspection visit on a form provided by the Division. The last approved fire inspection was conducted on 2/23/2023. The fire inspection conducted on 1/22/2024 was marked unsatisfactory. | |||
| 2024-05-02 | Violation | 807 | 10A NCAC 09 .0601(a) |
| A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children. Active ant mounds were located throughout the playground area during gross motor play. | |||
| 2024-05-02 | Violation | 823 | .0604(l) |
| Toxic plants were accessible to children. Golden pothos “devils ivy” was located in the classroom on top of the puzzle shelf in front of the window. During the visit, the lead teacher moved it to the top of the storage shelf in the restroom until she is able to take it home. | |||
| 2024-05-02 | Violation | 1067 | .1101(a)(b) |
| Each new employee did not complete, within the first two weeks of employment, six clock hours of training in required topic areas. Staff member hired 3/25/2024 first two weeks of orientation totaled five (5) hours instead of the required six (6) hours. | |||
| 2024-05-02 | Violation | 1824 | .0607(e) |
| The trained staff did not review the EPR Plan annually or when information in the plan changed to ensure all information was current. The trained staff did not review the EPR plan annually. EPR plan on-site was dated 1/31/2023. | |||
| 2023-12-01 | Unannounced Inspection | No | |
| 2023-11-20 | Unannounced Inspection | Yes | |
| 2023-11-20 | Violation | 428 | GS 110-91(12); .0508(a) |
| A current activity plan was not posted for each group of children for reference. Current activity plan was not posted for reference. The activity plan posted was dated 10/16/23-10/20/23 and stated to continue for week 10/24/23- 10/28/23. | |||
| 2023-11-20 | Violation | 1067 | .1101(a)(b) |
| Each new employee did not complete, within the first two weeks of employment, six clock hours of training in required topic areas. Staff member BH hired 5/30/23 did not complete six (6) clock hours of training within the first two weeks of employment. The Documentation of Orientation documented a total of five (5) hours. | |||
| 2023-05-16 | Unannounced Inspection | Yes | |
| 2023-05-16 | Violation | 106 | 10A NCAC 09 .0304(a) |
| 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. Fire inspection was not submitted to the consultant within one (1) week after completion. | |||
| 2023-05-16 | Violation | 617 | 15A NCAC 18A .2831(c) |
| All openings to the outer air were not protected against the entrance of flying insects. Flying insects that appear to be termites were located in the science center window. The flying insects were crawling up the window seal, gathering at the base of the window, crawling down the wall, and on the floor and furniture. | |||
| 2023-05-16 | Violation | 705 | .0601(c) |
| Equipment and furnishings were not sturdy, stable and free of hazards. Five (5) broken cubby containers with sharp edges. Broken cubby containers were located in the bottom of the five (5) children's cubbies. | |||
| 2023-05-16 | Violation | 805 | .0604(t); .0302(d)(5) |
| Fire drills were not practiced monthly and/or the drill record was incomplete. Fire drill was not conducted for November 2022. | |||
| 2023-05-16 | Violation | 807 | 10A NCAC 09 .0601(a) |
| A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children. Active ant mounds were located on the playground during gross motor play. | |||
| 2023-05-16 | Violation | 812 | 10A NCAC 09 .0604(c) |
| 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. Three (3) electrical outlets were uncovered on the power strip located on the teachers desk. | |||
| 2023-01-18 | Unannounced Inspection | Yes | |
| 2023-01-18 | Violation | 614 | 15A NCAC 18A .2821(e) |
| Bed, cribs, playpens, cots or mats were not placed at least 18' apart or separated by partitions when in use. Children were observed at rest time on their cots. Between six (6) different cots, the measurements were eight (8) through twelve (12) inches apart, instead of the required eighteen (18) inches apart. | |||
| 2023-01-18 | Violation | 853 | .0802(g)(1-6) |
| Incident logs were not completed and maintained as required. The incident log could not be found during the visit. | |||
| 2023-01-18 | Violation | 1812 | .0607(c) |
| The center did not complete an EPR Plan within four months of completing the EPR in Child Care training and/or the Plan was not completed on a template provided by the Division. The EPR plan could not be located during the visit to show that it had been completed within four (4) months of being issued the temporary license. The EPR plan was required to be completed by 12/25/22. | |||
| 2022-12-02 | Unannounced Inspection | Yes | |
| 2022-12-02 | Violation | 428 | GS 110-91(12); .0508(a) |
| A current activity plan was not posted for each group of children for reference. The activity plan posted was dated 11/7/22 through 11/11/22. | |||
| 2022-12-02 | Violation | 608 | 15A NCAC 18A .2803(c) |
| Children did not wash their hands upon arrival at the center, after each visit to the toilet, before eating, before and after water activity play, after outside play, and after handling animals or animal cages. After returning to the classroom from outside play, the children were told by the teacher to change their shoes and come sit for a large group time. The children did not wash their hands after outside play. | |||
| 2022-12-02 | Violation | 609 | 15A NCAC 18A .2803(a) |
| Staff did not wash their hands thoroughly before beginning work, before/after handling food, before bottle feeding or serving to other children, after toileting or handling body fluids, after diaper changing and after handling soiled items. The teachers did not wash hands after being outdoors. | |||
| 2022-12-02 | Violation | 805 | .0604(t); .0302(d)(5) |
| Fire drills were not practiced monthly and/or the drill record was incomplete. The last fire drill was practiced on 10/27/22. | |||
| 2022-12-02 | Violation | 1321 | GS110-91(1) |
| Medical exam or health assessment record was not on file before or within 30 days after admission. One (1) NC Pre-K child, with an enrollment date of 8/29/22, did not have a health assessment record on file within 30 days as required. | |||
| 2022-12-02 | Violation | 1323 | 10A NCAC 09 .0302(d)(2) |
| Each child was not immunized as per Article 6 of Chapter 130A and an immunization record was not on file before or within 30 days after admission. One (1) NC Pre-K child, with an enrollment date of 8/29/22, did not have an immunization record on file within 30 days as required. | |||
| 2022-12-02 | Violation | 1325 | .1804(b) |
| Parent's statement includes the child's name and date of enrollment and the date the parent signed the statement. The signed discipline policy for one (1) child did not include the enrollment date for the child. | |||
| 2022-12-02 | Violation | 1764 | .3005(a) |
| 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) NC Pre-K child, with an enrollment date of 8/29/22, did not have a health assessment record on file within 30 days as required. | |||
| 2022-12-02 | Violation | 1771 | .3006(a) |
| A screening assessing development was not conducted within 90 days after the first day of attendance in the program or within six months prior to the first day of attendance and/or the screening was not conducted by a health care, community or school professional trained in administering the screening tool. A screening assessment has not been completed for a child enrolled in the NC Pre-K program. The child was enrolled in the NC Pre-K program as of 8/29/22. | |||
| 2022-12-02 | Violation | 1908 | .0608(b)(1-6) |
| A child's file did not have a statement with parent signature acknowledging receipt and explanation of the Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy and/or the acknowledgement did not have all the required information. The acknowledgement did not include the date when the policy was received and reviewed. | |||
| 2022-11-14 | Unannounced Inspection | No | |
| 2022-10-03 | Unannounced Inspection | No | |
| 2022-09-28 | Unannounced Inspection | Yes | |
| 2022-09-28 | Violation | 508 | .0901(g) |
| Special diet or food allergy information was not posted where they can be seen in food preparation and eating areas. During lunch, it was observed that two (2) children were served soy milk instead of cows milk. Per staff reports, there are a total of four (4) children with special diets; two (2) of the children were not present today. Special diet information was not posted in the classroom where children eat. | |||
| 2022-09-28 | Violation | 526 | 10A NCAC 09 .0901(b) |
| Menus for all meals and snacks were not current or posted where easily seen by parents and cook. The menu posted was dated 9/19/22 through 9/23/22. A current menu was not posted. | |||
| 2022-09-28 | Violation | 803 | 10A NCAC 09 .0806(b) |
| There were no clean clothes available for the children to wear when children's clothes became wet or soiled. One (1) child had a bathroom accident and clothes became soiled. There were no extra clothes available for the child. | |||
| 2022-09-28 | Violation | 1041 | G.S. 110-90.2(b) |
| Prior to employment a Criminal Background Check was not completed. An uncompensated provider, speech therapist employed Avery's Creek Elementary School, was conducting one-on-one speech evaluations in space #2 (room 2000) with children enrolled from the licensed facility. The speech therapist was left alone with children. | |||
| 2022-09-28 | Violation | 1230 | 10A NCAC 09 .0514(e) |
| Personnel policies were not discussed with each staff at employment and a copy was not available to all staff. Two (2) staff files did not have documentation that personnel policies were discussed with each staff. | |||
| 2022-09-28 | Violation | 1757 | G.S. 110-90.2(b) & (d) & .2703(e) |
| A valid qualification letter was not on file and available to review at the facility. Two (2) staff, the administrator and mental health consultant, visiting the facility today did not have a qualification letter on file and available to review at the facility. An uncompensated provider, speech therapist employed by Avery's Creek Elementary School, did not have a qualification letter on file and available to review at the facility. | |||
| 2022-08-04 | Announced Inspection | No | |
If you are a provider and believe any information is incorrect, please contact us. We will research your concern and make corrections accordingly.
Providers in ZIP Code 28704
Looking for Child Care?
Helpful Resources
How to Choose a Child Care Center
Read article →
Questions to Ask During a Tour
Read article →
Licensing Guide
Read article →