Three Star Center License
✓ Licensed
Creative Preschool-spruce Pine Montessori
Spruce Pine, NC
· Mitchell County
67 WALNUT AVE,
Spruce Pine, NC 28777
Quick Facts
Capacity
73 children
Age Range
1 through 12
Subsidized Program
Participates
State Rating
3
Missing details such as transportation or rates? Suggest an update to help other families.
Contact Information
📞 (828) 765-7779
Licensed Three Star Center License
Active License
License Number
61000022
License Holder
SPRUCE PINE MONTESSORI SCHOOL, INC.
License Issued
May 13, 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
Reviews
Write a Review
Be the first to review this childcare provider. Write a review about Creative Preschool-spruce Pine Montessori. 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
Welcome to Spruce Pine Montessori School! Founded in 1972 by parents who sought a creative, active learning environment for their young children, SPMS has grown for four decades into a highly respected center for pre-school through sixth grade. Located in the beautiful North Carolina mountains, our school prides itself on the integration of our community and its cultures. SPMS focuses on the Montessori approach to child-centered learning, by creating an environment where children feel secure, supported, and stimulated.
We believe that excellent education is built around supporting the whole child. Starting in our toddler classroom (18 months to 3 years old), children are nurtured in an environment that is designed to meet the physical, emotional, and educational needs of a growing child. Continuing in our primary (3-6 year olds) and elementary (6-12 year olds) programs, our teachers help students learn personal responsibility through peaceful resolution of minor conflicts and encourage a positive outlook regarding self and others. The core values in each classroom are respect for oneself, for others, and for the environment. We strive to share the importance of observation, inspiration, communication, and independence.
The small size of our school allows close involvement among staff, students, and parents, creating a powerful sense of community. Thus, children feel valued for who they are, and parents become an important partner in the educational process.
We believe that excellent education is built around supporting the whole child. Starting in our toddler classroom (18 months to 3 years old), children are nurtured in an environment that is designed to meet the physical, emotional, and educational needs of a growing child. Continuing in our primary (3-6 year olds) and elementary (6-12 year olds) programs, our teachers help students learn personal responsibility through peaceful resolution of minor conflicts and encourage a positive outlook regarding self and others. The core values in each classroom are respect for oneself, for others, and for the environment. We strive to share the importance of observation, inspiration, communication, and independence.
The small size of our school allows close involvement among staff, students, and parents, creating a powerful sense of community. Thus, children feel valued for who they are, and parents become an important partner in the educational process.
Additional Information:
Three Star Center License
Hours of Operation
- Days of Operation Monday–Friday
- Open HoursMon - Fri: 7:30 pm - 5:30 pm
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-03-02 | Announced Inspection | No | |
| 2026-01-07 | Unannounced Inspection | Yes | |
| 2026-01-07 | 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 fire inspection was approximately 25 days past due. | |||
| 2026-01-07 | 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. Two bathrooms had Lysol wipes in them which had multiple warnings on them. | |||
| 2026-01-07 | Violation | 844 | .0803(2)(a) |
| Prescribed medicine was not in original labeled container or accompanied by signed and dated written instructions from prescribing physician or health care professional. An Epi Pen was in a zippered pouch but did not have the box that it came in with the pharmacy label. | |||
| 2025-05-14 | Unannounced Inspection | Yes | |
| 2025-05-14 | Violation | 428 | GS 110-91(12); .0508(a) |
| A current activity plan was not posted for each group of children for reference. In space #1, the activity plan was not current. | |||
| 2025-01-22 | Unannounced Inspection | Yes | |
| 2025-01-22 | Violation | 849 | .0803(12) |
| Leftover medicines were not returned to the parent after the course of treatment was completed, after authorization was withdrawn or after authorization had expired and/or medication was not discarded within 72 hours of completion of treatment or withdrawal of authorization. In the primary kitchen, there was an inhaler that belong to a student that was no longer enrolled. | |||
| 2025-01-22 | Violation | 858 | .0604(q) |
| 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 the toddler B bathroom, there were plastic bags hanging on a hook. Even though the hook is over 5 feet, when the bags are hanging down, they are lower than 5 feet which means they are not out of reach of children. | |||
| 2024-01-25 | Unannounced Inspection | Yes | |
| 2024-01-25 | Violation | 824 | GS 110-91(6); .0605((i) |
| Outdoor play area was not enclosed by fence with a minimum height of 4 feet. The top of the fence, less than six feet, was not free from protrusions. The fence on the Primary playground did not measure four (4) feet high, especially near the parking lot. | |||
| 2024-01-25 | Violation | 858 | .0604(q) |
| 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. Plastic bags were accessible in room #6. Babyproof locks are not an acceptable locking device. | |||
| 2024-01-25 | Violation | 859 | .0605(q) |
| Monthly playground inspections were not completed and/or they were not completed by an individual trained in playground safety requirements. A playground safety check was not conducted in December 2023 and has not yet been conducted in January 2024. | |||
| 2024-01-25 | Violation | 1041 | G.S. 110-90.2(b) |
| Prior to employment a Criminal Background Check was not completed. A new employee began work prior to the criminal background checks qualifying letter returning. | |||
| 2024-01-25 | Violation | 1045 | .1101(a) |
| New staff, who had contact with children, did not receive at least 16 hrs. orientation within first 6 weeks. The second section of orientation training was not completed with new staff B.L. | |||
| 2024-01-25 | Violation | 1792 | .0901(i) |
| 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. A teacher in the toddler building was drinking soda in a glass that was not opaque. | |||
| 2023-10-11 | Unannounced Inspection | Yes | |
| 2023-10-11 | Violation | 104 | 10A NCAC 09 .0304(b) |
| Center has not passed required sanitation inspection and received an approved or superior rating. The sanitation inspection is over a year old. | |||
| 2023-10-11 | Violation | 415 | GS 110-91(12);.0508(a) |
| A current schedule was not posted for each group of children for reference. In Space #1, the activity plan that was posted was from six (6) weeks prior to today. | |||
| 2023-10-11 | Violation | 619 | 15A NCAC 18A .2819(c) |
| Diaper changing surfaces were not cleaned with a detergent solution and disinfected after each use. Standing diaper changes occurred without cleaning and disinfecting the floor where changes occurred. | |||
| 2023-10-11 | Violation | 824 | GS 110-91(6); .0605((i) |
| Outdoor play area was not enclosed by fence with a minimum height of 4 feet. The top of the fence, less than six feet, was not free from protrusions. The fence height on the primary playground did not measure at least four feet high in all areas. | |||
| 2023-10-11 | 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. Unlocked cabinet on playground contained hand sanitizer and a cold pack from a first aid kit. They were stored below five feet. | |||
| 2023-10-11 | Violation | 858 | .0604(q) |
| 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 spaces #5 and #6, plastics were located lower than 5 feet. | |||
| 2023-10-11 | Violation | 898 | .0604(e) |
| All electrical appliances were not used in accordance with the manufacturers instruction. Appliances with heating elements, such as bottle warmers, crock pots, curling irons, irons, coffee pots, and/or their cords were accessible to preschool-age children. In space #6, a microwave was placed on a cabinet lower than 5 feet. | |||
| 2023-10-11 | Violation | 1867 | .0605(k)(1-4) |
| The depth of the loose surfacing was not based on critical height of the equipment. Surfacing under dome and swings were not the adequate depth. | |||
| 2023-02-06 | Announced Inspection | Yes | |
| 2023-02-06 | Violation | 428 | GS 110-91(12); .0508(a) |
| A current activity plan was not posted for each group of children for reference. In space #1, the staff member did not have the current activity plan on-site and posted. The staff member stated that the activity plans for this week are at home. | |||
| 2023-02-06 | Violation | 721 | G.S. 110-91(6); .0601(b) |
| All equipment and furnishings were not in good repair. Outdoor space #1, a metal colander with rust, chipping paint on the slide step rails, foam blocks with bite marks and missing foam. Toddler playground, one (1) trike had rust around the handle bars, and one (1) blue bouncy horse had mold and mildew. The administrator removed the metal colander from outdoor space #1 and the trike and bouncy horse form the toddler playground. Remaining repairs are for the chipping paint on the step rails, and removing the foam blocks with bite marks or areas with missing foam. | |||
| 2023-02-06 | Violation | 824 | GS 110-91(6); .0605((i) |
| Outdoor play area was not enclosed by fence with a minimum height of 4 feet. The top of the fence, less than six feet, was not free from protrusions. Outdoor space #1, fence height measured three (3) feet and three (3) feet five (5) inches on the back side of the playground and on the right side as you enter the playground. | |||
| 2023-02-06 | 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. In space #2, liquid white out was located in an unlocked cabinet above the refrigerator in the kitchen area. Eucerin lotion, Gold Bond lotion, and Aquaphor chapstick were located in an unlocked cabinet near the bathroom in space #2. The administrator removed these items from the classroom and took them to the office. | |||
| 2023-02-06 | Violation | 1032 | 10A NCAC 09 .0701(a) |
| Child care providers and uncompensated providers who are not substitute providers or volunteers, including the director did not have a medical report on file prior to employment that was signed by a health care professional and/ or the medical report was older than 12 months. Staff member AL hired 10/3/22 did not obtain a medical report prior to employment or no more than twelve (12) months old. | |||
| 2023-02-06 | Violation | 1033 | .0701(a) |
| On or before the first day of work, all staff, including the director and individuals who volunteer more than once per week did not provide results indicating that they were free of active TB and/or TB test or screening was older than 12 months. Staff member AL hired 10/3/2022 did not obtain TB results stating the individual is free of active tuberculosis within twelve (12) months prior to the date of employment. TB results on file are dated 6/8/2021. | |||
| 2023-02-06 | Violation | 1835 | .0801(b) |
| The medical action plan was not updated on an annual basis or when changes to the plan were made by the child's parent or health care professional. In space #2, one (1) food allergy action plan was not updated annually. The action plan on-site is dated 1/6/2022. | |||
| 2023-02-06 | Violation | 1867 | .0605(k)(1-4) |
| The depth of the loose surfacing was not based on critical height of the equipment. Mulch depth on outdoor space #1 was five (5) inches and compacted. | |||
| 2023-02-06 | Violation | 1882 | .0803(6)(a-i); .0803(7)(a-g); .0803(8)(a-d) |
| Medication authorization, giving the caregiver standing authorization did not meet the specifications in rule. Permission to administer medication form for KC was missing the permission valid from and to dates | |||
| 2022-08-31 | Unannounced Inspection | Yes | |
| 2022-08-31 | Violation | 858 | .0604(q) |
| 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 the primary building class #2, there were Ziploc bags in two (2) children's cubbies containing extra clothes. The teacher discarded them during the visit. | |||
| 2022-08-31 | Violation | 847 | 10A NCAC 09 .0803(4)(6-9) |
| Parent's medication authorization did not include required information. Hydrocortison medication for LW in primary building class #1 did not have a medication administration permission form giving the facility permission to administer the medication in the event of an emergency. The Child's Medical Action Plan was on site. | |||
| 2022-08-16 | Announced Inspection | No | |
| 2022-06-07 | Unannounced Inspection | No | |
| 2022-04-27 | Unannounced Inspection | Yes | |
| 2022-04-27 | Violation | 415 | GS 110-91(12);.0508(a) |
| A current schedule was not posted for each group of children for reference. Activity plans were not completed and posted in two out of three classrooms during today's visit. | |||
| 2022-03-17 | Unannounced Inspection | Yes | |
| 2022-03-17 | Violation | 1897 | .1102(g) |
| 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 had not completed this training as required. This is a repeat violation from the March 1, 2022 visit. | |||
| 2022-03-17 | Violation | 1052 | .1103(a) |
| 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 in-service training hours as required. This is a repeat violation from the March 1, 2022 visit. | |||
| 2022-03-01 | Unannounced Inspection | Yes | |
| 2022-03-01 | 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. One (1) child's file did not contain acknowledgement statement as required. | |||
| 2022-03-01 | Violation | 114 | GS 110-102 |
| A summary of the NC Child Care Law was not given to a parent of every child enrolled in the center. Each child's file monitored did not have a signed statement on record that they were given this document. | |||
| 2022-03-01 | Violation | 428 | GS 110-91(12); .0508(a) |
| A current activity plan was not posted for each group of children for reference. Two (2) of the (3) three classrooms did not have a current activity plan. | |||
| 2022-03-01 | Violation | 429 | .0508(b)(1-5) |
| The activity plan was not designed to stimulate emotional and social, health and physical, approaches to play and learning, language development and communication, and cognitive development for each group of children in care. Staff member in one (1) of the three (3)classrooms with a current activity plan posted was unaware of goals as designed through the NC Foundations for Early Learning. | |||
| 2022-03-01 | 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. Outlets were left uncovered in more than one room. | |||
| 2022-03-01 | Violation | 823 | .0604(l) |
| Toxic plants were accessible to children. Some of the classrooms had plants (such as pothos/devil's ivy) located under five (5) feet. | |||
| 2022-03-01 | 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. Cleaning closet was unlocked in Primary B, which contains all cleaning agents as well as pesticides. This closet was reported to have been left unlocked by the custodian. | |||
| 2022-03-01 | Violation | 1032 | 10A NCAC 09 .0701(a) |
| Child care providers and uncompensated providers who are not substitute providers or volunteers, including the director did not have a medical report on file prior to employment that was signed by a health care professional and/ or the medical report was older than 12 months. Medical statement was not on file for four (4) staff prior to employment. | |||
| 2022-03-01 | Violation | 1033 | .0701(a) |
| On or before the first day of work, all staff, including the director and individuals who volunteer more than once per week did not provide results indicating that they were free of active TB and/or TB test or screening was older than 12 months. One (1) staff did not have TB test completed prior to employment. | |||
| 2022-03-01 | Violation | 1034 | .0701(a) |
| All staff, including the director, did not have an annual health questionnaire on file following the initial medical statement. Seven (7) staff did not have an updated health questionnaire on file. | |||
| 2022-03-01 | Violation | 1035 | .0701(a) |
| 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. Five (5) staff did not update emergency information annually as required. | |||
| 2022-03-01 | Violation | 1041 | G.S. 110-90.2(b) |
| Prior to employment a Criminal Background Check was not completed. Four (4) staff members began work prior to receiving their qualifying letter. | |||
| 2022-03-01 | Violation | 1044 | G.S. 110-90.2(b) & .2703(n)&(o) |
| 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 three years for the date of issuance). A requalification criminal background check was not completed prior to expiration for One (1) staff member. | |||
| 2022-03-01 | Violation | 1052 | .1103(a) |
| Staff required to receive on-going training had not completed the required number of hours according to their education and experience. Two (2) staff did not have in-service training hours as required. | |||
| 2022-03-01 | Violation | 1314 | .0802(c)(2) |
| Emergency information did not name childs health care professional. One (1) Child's emergency information did not provide preferred health care provider. | |||
| 2022-03-01 | Violation | 1867 | .0605(k)(1-4) |
| The depth of the loose surfacing was not based on critical height of the equipment. Surfacing measured approximately 4 inches in depth instead of the required six (6) inches deep. | |||
| 2022-03-01 | Violation | 1897 | .1102(g) |
| 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. Three (3) staff did not complete the training within ninety (90) days. | |||
If you are a provider and believe any information is incorrect, please contact us. We will research your concern and make corrections accordingly.
Nearby Providers
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 →