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
Food Program
Does not participate
State Rating
3
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Licensed Three Star Center License
Active License
License Number
61000022
License Issued
May 13, 2025
Expired
Aug 22, 2019
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
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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. | |||
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