Description: 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.
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, as the provider may have already addressed some or all issues. Reports can also be verified with your local daycare licensing office.
| Date | Type | Violations | Rule |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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. | |||
If you are a provider and you believe any information is incorrect, please contact us. We will research your concern and make corrections accordingly.
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.
