Skip to main content
Four Star Center License ✓ Licensed

Great Start Child Development Center

Waynesville, NC · Haywood County
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 5.0 (1 review)
39 PUTNAM STREET, Waynesville, NC 28786
Advertisement

Quick Facts

Capacity
34 children
Age Range
0 through 12
Rate Range
600.00 - 740.00
Type of Care
After School, Before and After School, Daytime, Drop-in Care, Full-Time, Part-Time
Subsidized Program
Participates
State Rating
4

Missing details such as transportation? Suggest an update to help other families.

Contact Information

📞 (828) 550-6273
39 PUTNAM STREET
Waynesville, NC 28786
Get Directions →
✓ Licensed Four Star Center License
Active License
License Number
44000165
License Holder
WILSON, JACQUELINE E
License Issued
May 28, 2026
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 - Transportation of any kind, for any purpose, is prohibited

Reviews

5.0
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
1 review
5★
1
4★
0
3★
0
2★
0
1★
0
Amanda
2016-03-05 03:35:05
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
I have used this provider for more than 6 months

I love this daycare. My son has learned so much since he started going there. My son's speech therapist says she has never seen a daycare that cares about helping my son excel in his development goals as this Development Center. The low child to teacher ratio gives my child the extra attention he needs to help him excel. I know for a fact the owner has my child's best intrest at heart. She is not in this business just for the money she is in it for the experience. Her desire to help kids excel and get ready for kindergarten can quickly be niticed. I love Great Start Development Center and would recommend it to anyone!

128 out of 263 think this review is helpful Was this helpful?  Yes  No

Write a Review

Write a review about Great Start Child Development Center. 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

Advertisement

Great Start Child Developmental Center is located close to Wal-Mart with easy access to the highway. It is owned and operated by a Masters Level Special Education Teacher with over fifteen years of teaching experience. This center will provide services to children 0 months – 5 years old and possibly older. The center can hold a capacity of 24 on both shifts. As a new center we have to start at a one star. However, the center is fully equipped as a five star. Discounts will be given based on need.

CURRENTLY EXPANDING!!!
Additional Information:

Features of the Center: ■ State Licensed ■ CPR First Aid Certified ■ Nutritious Meals ■ Large Fenced Yard ■ Preschool Curriculum ■ Trained and Experienced Staff ■ Safe Neighborhood ■ Fully Renovated and Equipped Building ■ Handicap Accessible ■ Parent Nursing Area

Other services based on need: ■Intensive In-home Counseling ■ Behavioral Interventions ■ Special Education

Hours of Operation

  • Monday7 am - 11 pm
  • Tuesday7 am - 11 pm
  • Wednesday7 am - 11 pm
  • Thursday7 am - 11 pm
  • Friday7 am - 11 pm
  • Saturday Closed
  • Sunday Closed

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
2026-05-14 Unannounced Inspection No
2026-05-01 Announced Inspection No
2026-04-14 Unannounced Inspection Yes
2026-04-14 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. During my walkthrough of classrooms it was noted that in the classroom for children ages one-through-two-years-of age there was an aerosol can of sunscreen and a bottle of bug spray being stored on a high shelf and not in a locked cabinet or room.
2026-04-14 Violation 846 10A NCAC 09 .0803(4)
Over-the-counter medicines were not in their original containers or administered as authorized in writing by parent, physician or authorized health professional. During my walkthrough of classrooms it was noted that a container of diapering cream was located in the bathroom for children ages two-through-three-years-of-age with no child's name listed on it.
2026-04-14 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. After review of new staff member's files it was noted that two (2) new staff members did not have a medical report nor a TB screening or test prior to employment. One staff member was hired on 08/15/25 and their medical assessment was dated 8/28/25. One staff member was hired 08/11/25 and their medical assessment was dated 8/25/25.
2026-04-14 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. After review of new staff member's files it was noted that one staff member was hired 08/11/25 and their TB test was dated 09/26/25.
2026-03-02 Announced Inspection No
2026-02-26 Unannounced Inspection No
2026-01-13 Unannounced Inspection No
2025-12-03 Unannounced Inspection No
2025-11-05 Unannounced Inspection No
2025-10-09 Unannounced Inspection Yes
2025-10-09 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 five years for the date of issuance). The qualification letter for one staff member was expired.
2025-09-08 Unannounced Inspection No
2025-08-12 Unannounced Inspection No 0624-094A
2025-07-08 Unannounced Inspection No 0624-094A
2025-06-05 Unannounced Inspection Yes
2025-06-05 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 in the classroom with infants and the one/two year old group was not dated.
2025-06-05 Violation 541 .0902(a)
The written feeding plan did not include the child's name, parent signature, and/or was not dated when received by the center. Two (2) infants feeding schedules were not signed and dated and one (1) infant feeding schedule was not dated.
2025-06-05 Violation 714 .0605(g)
Openings in equipment, steps, decks, handrails, and fencing were not less than 3 1/2 inches or greater than 9 inches. There was one picket measured over 4 inches and the gap at the base of the fence measured over 3 1/2 inches to 5 inches. The back ramp measured approximately 4" between the railing and the platform. This is an entrapment.
2025-06-05 Violation 721 G.S. 110-91(6); .0601(b)
All equipment and furnishings were not in good repair. On the playground at the front of the building the children were playing on a Little Tikes slide with a broken attached container and a Little Tikes play kitchen with a broken mailbox. On the playground at the back of the building, there is a tricycle missing the handlebar covers causing a potential protrusion and the large Little Tikes climber was not securely attached as required by manufacturer's instructions.
2025-06-05 Violation 807 10A NCAC 09 .0601(a)
A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children. At the back playground there is a gap that measures approximately 4 1/2" between the gate latch and the ramp. The space is large enough for a child to get through and/or animal to get through. There is exposed concrete on both playgrounds. Chicken wire that is used to block areas off has exposed broken wires. There are nails protruding upward near the front entrance gate. There were fourteen (14) children on the porch riding trikes with children walking around. The two-and-three year-old classroom was completely dark at naptime making it difficult to see children's faces while sleeping. Three (3) crib mattresses bowed upward, which is an infant strangulation concern. Two (2) accessible tree trunks on the front playground are rotten and splintering.
2025-06-05 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. The kitchen 1/2 door was open with no one present, the adjacent door in the kitchen was unlocked where numerous hazardous products were stored. The 1/2 door was closed during the visit but was not locked.
2025-06-05 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 grocery bags were stored in an unlocked cabinet under the sink in the classroom with one and two-year-old children.
2025-06-05 Violation 1890 .0701(d)
Each staff member did not have the required medical report, proof of tuberculosis test or screening and/or completed health questionnaire in a medical file, maintained separately from the staff member's individual personnel file. The medical, TB and HQ was not stored in a separate file as required.
2025-06-03 Unannounced Inspection No
2025-04-02 Unannounced Inspection No
2025-02-24 Unannounced Inspection No
2025-01-14 Unannounced Inspection No
2025-01-03 Unannounced Inspection Yes
2025-01-03 Violation 125 10A NCAC 09 .0302(d)(4)
Daily records of arrival and departure times for children at the center were not maintained as children arrive and depart and/or were not made available for review. There was no record of arrival time for the seven-year-old child present during the visit today.
2025-01-03 Violation 303 .1801(a)(1-5)
Children were not adequately supervised at all times. During the observation of classrooms, a seven-year-old child was observed exiting the classroom for children one-through-two years of age unaccompanied and entering the classroom for infants-through-one year of age. I conducted my walk through of the classroom for children one-through-two years of age and then went to conduct my walk through of the classroom for infants-through-one year of age. Upon entering the classroom for infants-through-one year of age, I asked the teacher where the seven-year-old child was. The teacher reported that the child had went to use the restroom, which is located down the hallway. I went and checked both bathrooms and the child was not present. I then went back to the classroom and asked again where the child was. The teacher reported that she thought she had gone to the restroom and was not aware of where the child went. I then went to the classroom for children two-through-three years of age and asked the lead teacher where the seven-year-old child was, and the lead teacher reported that there was no seven-year-old child present. The child's location was unknown while a staff member argued with me that the child was not there or present. The child was located by a staff member and brought back into the facility and confirmed that the child had been at the facility earlier.
2025-01-03 Violation 807 10A NCAC 09 .0601(a)
A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children. Upon arrival a seven-year-old child was present at the facility. I observed the child exiting the classroom with children one-through-two years of age and entering the classroom with infants-through-one year of age. After my observation and walkthrough of the classroom for children one-through-two years of age the seven-year-old child was no longer in the classroom with infant-through-one year old children. The staff member reported the child had left her classroom and went to the restroom. I checked both restrooms and the child was not present. I then checked the classroom with two-through-three-year-old children and the staff member reported the child was not present. No staff member was aware of the whereabouts of the seven (7) year-old child. Ms. Miller reported that the seven (7) year old was a staff member’s child and was supposed to be staying at the neighbor’s house next to the center. It was reported to Ms. Miller, the child’s parent attempted to drop the child off next door, and no one answered, therefore, the parent brought the child to the center, placed the child in the classroom with infant and one-year-old children and left. The child exited the facility unaccompanied and went to the neighbor’s house, which is located on a busy street. The child was located at the neighbor’s house and was brought back into the facility by a staff member.
2025-01-03 Violation 1045 .1101(a)
New staff, who had contact with children, did not receive at least 16 hrs. orientation within first 6 weeks. After review of two (2) new staff files it was noted that the staff member hired on 08/12/24 did not complete all the required topics of orientation.
2024-11-14 Unannounced Inspection Yes 0624-094A
2024-11-14 Violation 852 .0802 (e)
Incident reports were not completed each time a child was injured, it did not include all the information required in rule, it was not signed by the parent and/or it was not maintained in the child's file. An incident report for an injury that occurred on November 7, 2024 was not available for review. On November 23, 2024, a copy of the incident report was received; however, it contained inaccurate information regarding the date of the incident.
2024-11-14 Violation 902 G.S. 110-91(10)
Each child was not attended to in a nurturing and appropriate manner, or in keeping with the child's developmental needs. On November 7, 2024, a staff member grabbed a two year old child by one arm and lifted the child off the slide. The child subsequently cried.
2024-09-24 Unannounced Inspection No 0624-094A
2024-09-10 Unannounced Inspection Yes 0624-094A
2024-09-10 Violation 301 GS 110-91(7);.0713(a-d)
Minimum staff/child ratios and group sizes for the number and ages of children in care were not met. On September 10, 2024, one staff member was providing care for ten children, ages one and two, during naptime.
2024-09-03 Unannounced Inspection No 0624-094A
2024-06-26 Unannounced Inspection No 0624-094A
2024-06-13 Unannounced Inspection Yes 0624-094A
2024-06-13 Violation 103 GS 110-91(7) & .1401(f)
The number of children present was not within permit capacity. On June 13, 2024, thirty-five children were present.
2024-06-13 Violation 108 G.S. 110-91(14)
The operator made an effort to falsify information. The owner administrator provided false information regarding facility staff transporting children to Sylva pool, an unlicensed building during lunch, the owner's home, and the movie theatre.
2024-06-13 Violation 125 10A NCAC 09 .0302(d)(4)
Daily records of arrival and departure times for children enrolled at the center were not maintained as children arrive and depart and/or were not made available for review. A child who was in care on June 26, 2024 was not listed on the arrival and departure record.
2024-06-13 Violation 209 GS 110-91(1)&(4-5)
Children used space that was not approved. On June 13, 2024, children were transported to an unlicensed building to eat lunch. On June 19 and 26, 2024, children were transported to the owner's home for care.
2024-06-13 Violation 322 .1403(g)(1-5)
Prior to children participating in aquatic activities, the center did not develop policies that included required information. The facility did not have policies for aquatic activities prior to taking children to Sylva Pool on June 16, 2023.
2024-06-13 Violation 444 .1005(b)(5)
A schedule of off premise activities were not posted in each participating classroom to be viewed by parents and/or copy of the schedule was not given to parents. On June 13, 19, and 26, 2024, a schedule of activities were not posted for children who were transported for off-premise activities.
2024-06-13 Violation 481 .1005(b)(6)
A list of all children participating in the off premise activity was not available at the center. On June 13, 19, and 26, 2024, a list of children participating in off-premise activities was not available.
2024-06-13 Violation 807 10A NCAC 09 .0601(a)
A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children. On June 26, 2024, staff did not take a child's inhaler with them during an off-premise activity.
2024-06-13 Violation 825 .1005(b)(3)
Before staff members walked children off premises for play or outings, the center did not obtain written permission from the parent of each child. Staff did not obtain written permission to transport children on multiple occasions and no written permission forms were available for review. Staff did not obtain written permission to transport children on the following dates: June 6, 7, and 16 2023, and June 13, 19, 25, and 26, 2024,
2024-06-13 Violation 903 GS 110-91(10); .1803(a)
Corporal punishment was used. [Omit item 0903 for religious sponsored centers operating under GS 110-106 with an exemption on file with the Division.] A staff member physically disciplined a child in the bathroom.
2024-06-13 Violation 1916 .1403(i)
Written permission was not given by parent for child to participate in aquatic activity. Staff did not obtain written permission for a child to participate in an aquatic activity at Sylva pool on June 16, 2023.
2024-06-07 Unannounced Inspection No
2024-03-27 Unannounced Inspection Yes
2024-03-27 Violation 544 .0510(f)
Screen time was offered to children under three years of age. Upon arrival the classroom for children one year of age were observed watching a video on a teacher's phone while eating lunch.
2024-03-27 Violation 1874 .0608(d)(1-4)
The Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy was not reviewed with new staff prior to providing care with children and/or a signed acknowledgement with all the required information was not maintained in the staff person's file. After review of two (2) teacher's files it was noted that one (1) new teacher (AR) had not signed the facility's PreventaionShaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy.
2023-06-13 Unannounced Inspection Yes
2023-06-13 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. After review of the new teacher's file it was noted that they did not complete the required six hours of training within the first two weeks of employment.
2023-04-21 Unannounced Inspection No
2023-04-17 Unannounced Inspection Yes
2023-04-17 Violation 318 10A NCAC 09 .0713(a)(6)
Children between 12 and 24 months of age were grouped with children 3 years of age or older. In space number two (2) there were six (6) children one year of age being cared for with two (2) children three years of age.
2023-04-17 Violation 1842 .0713(a)(8)
Staff members and child care administrators who were counted in meeting the staff/child ratios concurrently performed food preparation or other duties that are not direct child care responsibilities. During my visit today there were a total of four (4) teachers on site and the administrator. All five (5) caregivers were being counted in staff/child ratio. One (1) teacher had an appointment was late coming back to the faclity. Due to children becoming upset and hungry the administrator decided she would start serving lunch. This left the group of children ages one-to-three years of age out of staff/child ratio for about ten minutes until the other teacher arrived.
2022-11-04 Unannounced Inspection No
2022-09-20 Unannounced Inspection No
2022-09-09 Unannounced Inspection Yes
2022-09-09 Violation 303 .1801(a)(1-5)
Children were not adequately supervised at all times. Upon my arrival into the facility from the back I went straight forward to the classroom for children zero to one year of age. As I was walking down the hall I was met by the teacher for this classroom coming out of the classroom for children one through two years of age. There was no other teacher in the classroom for children ages zero through one year of age. I asked the teacher why no one was in the classroom and she reported that she had stepped into the other classroom to sign a child out.
2022-08-15 Unannounced Inspection No
2022-07-06 Unannounced Inspection Yes
2022-07-06 Violation 717 .0605(l)(1-2)
Surfacing did not extend six (6) feet beyond the external limits of the equipment or 3 feet for equipment used only by children less than 2 years of age. Outside on the playground area used for children ages three through five years of age the wooden barriers used around the plastic climber and the orange climber were less than six (6) feet away from the fall zone of the climbers.
2022-07-06 Violation 721 G.S. 110-91(6); .0601(b)
All equipment and furnishings were not in good repair. Outside on the playground for children ages two through three years of age there were several toys that were cracked or broken that need to be removed.
2022-07-06 Violation 808 15A NCAC 18A .2832(a)
The outdoor premises were not clean, drained and free of litter and hazardous materials grass and other vegetation in a manner which does not encourage vermin. On the playground for children age two through three years of age there was a plastic turtle with old sand and water that needs to be drained and cleaned. On the front porch area used by the children there was a large plastic container filled with dirty water that needs to be emptied and cleaned out. During the walk through of the playground area used for children ages two through three years of age there was a squirrel carcass under the large shade tree.
2022-07-06 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 the children's restroom located in the hallway there was a container of disinfectant wipes with several warning labels stored on a high shelf. In the classroom for children ages two through three years of age staff pocketbooks were stored on hooks on the closest door less than 5 feet high.
2022-07-06 Violation 1048 .1102(c)
All staff did not successfully complete certification in First Aid appropriate to the age of children in care. Verification of staff completion of First Aid training from an approved training organization was not in the staff file. After review of teachers files and the staff and training worksheet completed by Ms. Wilson four (4) teachers (JW, KR, MW, SL) had not completed First Aid training. Refer to the Staff and Training Worksheet.
2022-07-06 Violation 1049 .1102(d)
All staff did not successfully complete certification in CPR training appropriate to the age of the children in care. Verification of staff completion of the CPR course from an approved training organization was not in the staff file. After review of teachers files and the staff and training worksheet completed by Ms. Wilson four (4) teachers (JW, KR, MW,SL) had not completed CPR training. Refer to the Staff and Training Worksheet.
2022-07-06 Violation 1065 .1102(f)
Child care providers scheduled to work in the infant room, did not complete ITS-SIDS training within two months of employment or did not complete the training every three years. Child care administrators did not complete the ITS-SIDS training within 90 days of employment and every three years thereafter. After review of the staff and training worksheet completed by Ms. Wilson two (2) staff members (JW and SL) had not completed the ITS-SIDS training within the required timeframe. Refer to the Staff and Training Worksheet
2022-05-31 Unannounced Inspection No
2022-04-22 Unannounced Inspection Yes
2022-04-22 Violation 108 G.S. 110-91(14)
The operator made an effort to falsify information. After review of the Emergency Log and record form it was observed that fire drill information for the month of May was completed in entirety including signature.
2022-04-22 Violation 544 .0510(f)
Screen time was offered to children under three years of age. A television was located in A classroom with two (2) year old children and the teacher stated it was used occasionally.
2022-04-22 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. In the classroom for infants through one year of age there were two (2) electrical outlets left uncovered. The two (2) outlets were down low and in the play area for the children.
2022-04-22 Violation 823 .0604(l)
Toxic plants were accessible to children. There was a toxic plant in the Three (3) and Four (4) year old classroom.
2022-04-22 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. There were plastic bags in a unlocked cabinet under the infant sink.
2022-04-22 Violation 1043 G.S. 110-91( 9)
All staff records, except financial records, were not made available for review. Staff files were not available for review today due them being stored in a locked filing cabinet and the key not being on-site.
2022-04-22 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). S. Robinson's Fingerprints expired on 4/16/22. They are in the process but this was not started before they expired.
2022-04-22 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. S. R0binson did not have a current Qualifying letter on site.
2022-04-22 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. In the classroom for children ages two through three years of age there was a bottle of red Fanta soda being stored on a low shelf.
2022-04-22 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. After review of the Emergency Drill Log and Record the last emergency drill on March 08, 2021.
2022-01-11 Unannounced Inspection No
2022-01-07 Unannounced Inspection Yes
2022-01-07 Violation 325 0.1802
Staff did not interact with children in positive ways by helping them feel welcome and comfortable, treating them with respect, listening to what they say, responding to them with acceptance and appreciation, and/or participating in activities with the children. A three old child was placed in a highchair with no activities.
2022-01-07 Violation 902 G.S. 110-91(10)
Each child was not attended to in a nurturing and appropriate manner, or in keeping with the child's developmental needs. A three old child with an observable developmental delay was placed in a high chair because he was not acting like himself and was tired.

If you are a provider and believe any information is incorrect, please contact us. We will research your concern and make corrections accordingly.

Advertisement

Common questions

The answers people ask us for most often.

How do I contact a provider I found here?

In most cases the provider’s direct number is included in their listing. When it is not, we list the number of the Child Care Licensing Program — you may call that number for more information, or search for the provider online.

Will ChildcareCenter pass a message on to a provider for me?

No. ChildcareCenter only provides information, so enrolment questions, tuition questions and job enquiries need to go to the provider directly using the contact details on their listing. We cannot forward them and we cannot share contact details a provider has not published.

I run a daycare — how do I correct or remove my listing?

Use suggest an update on your listing to correct any detail, or claim the listing to manage it yourself. If you have closed or no longer provide care, contact us and we will update the listing to show that.

See all frequently asked questions

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 →
Is this your listing? Keep it accurate for families searching nearby.
Suggest an Update
Advertisement