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Five Star Center License ✓ Licensed

Northlakes Academy, Inc

Hickory, NC · Catawba County
5638 GRACE CHAPEL ROAD, Hickory, NC 28601
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Quick Facts

Capacity
122 children
Age Range
0 through 12
Subsidized Program
Participates
State Rating
5

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Contact Information

📞 (828) 324-1460
5638 GRACE CHAPEL ROAD
Hickory, NC 28601
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✓ Licensed Five Star Center License
Active License
License Number
1455043
License Holder
NORTHLAKES ACADEMY, INC.
License Issued
Nov 28, 2018
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 enhanced ratios minus one

Reviews

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About the Provider

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NORTHLAKES ACADEMY, INC is a Five Star Center License in HICKORY NC, with a maximum capacity of 122 children. This child care center helps with children in the age range of 0 through 12. The provider also participates in a subsidized child care program.
Additional Information: Five Star Center License

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
2026-07-08 Unannounced Inspection Yes
2026-07-08 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 space #1, the classroom for school age children, I observed one electrical outlet that was not covered on the left side of the wooden book cabinet located on the back wall of the classroom that was accessible to children.
2026-07-08 Violation 856 10A NCAC 09 .0604(p)
The indoor and/or outdoor premises was not checked once a day, prior to initial use, ensuring debris, and broken equipment was removed and disposed of. On playground #4, the playground for infants, I observed one little tikes sit and play activity toy that had a broken piece with a sharp edge and was accessible to children.
2026-04-29 Unannounced Inspection Yes
2026-04-29 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. One staff member employed on April 17, 2024, completed First Aid training on February 5, 2024, and again on March 14, 2026.
2026-04-29 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. One staff member employed on April 17, 2024, completed CPR training on February 5, 2026, and again on March 14, 2026.
2025-07-29 Unannounced Inspection Yes
2025-07-29 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. A staff member employed on May 27, 2025 had an Emergency Information sheet dated July 1, 2025 on file for review.
2025-07-24 Unannounced Inspection Yes
2025-07-24 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. I observed a bottle of Gain Ultra Clean 1.5x Grease Cleaning Power Original Scent detergent in an unlocked cabinet above the handwashing sink, accessible to children.
2025-01-07 Unannounced Inspection Yes
2025-01-07 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. On December 10, 2024, one child was not signed out. On January 2, 2025, one child was not signed out. On January 3, 2025, one child was not signed out.
2025-01-07 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 space #6, the one year old room, I observed markers, pens, highlighters, paperclips and glue sticks in an unlocked drawer accessible to children. In space #5, the two and three year old room, I observed markers, pens, and highlighters in an unlocked drawer accessible to children.
2025-01-07 Violation 887 .0606(g)
Caregivers did not document compliance with visually checking on sleeping infants aged 12 months or younger and/or the documents were not maintained for a minimum of one month. On December 3, 2024, one child did not have a sleep position marked for the 8:55am and 9:10am sleep checks. On December 6, 2024, one child did not have a sleep position marked for the 9:45am sleep check. On December 12, 2024, one child did not have a sleep position marked for the 11:20am and 11:35am sleep checks. On December 18, 2024, one child did not have a sleep position marked for the 10:05am sleep check.
2024-08-08 Unannounced Inspection No
2024-08-07 Unannounced Inspection Yes
2024-08-07 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. One child was not signed on July 8, 2024. One child was not signed out on July 9, 2024. Three children were not signed out on July 11, 2024. One child was not signed out on July 17, 2024. One child was not signed out on July 19, 2024. One child was not signed out on July 25, 2024. One child was not signed out on July 31, 2024.
2024-08-07 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. I observed a 6.5oz aerosol spray can of Angel of Mine fresh and clean baby scent baby room air freshener in an unlocked cabinet in Space 2a/2b.
2024-08-07 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. I observed a box of 5 plastic packages of Premium Fragrance Free Baby Wipes on the floor in a closet in space 2a/2b that was locked with a turn and slide bolt style lock at the top of the door.
2024-08-07 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. A prescription medication ointment located in Space #5 was written for July 15, 2024 to July 15, 2025.
2024-03-26 Unannounced Inspection No
2024-02-12 Unannounced Inspection Yes
2024-02-12 Violation 843 10A NCAC 09 .0803(1)(d)
A drug or medicine was administered after its expiration date. In space#4, there was one tube of Aquaphor cream that expired 1/2024.
2024-02-12 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. In space #6 and space #7, there was one topical ointment authorization that did not include the name of the authorized cream. In space #7, there was no date the authorization was signed by the parent on a topical ointment authorization for Aquaphor.
2024-01-19 Announced Inspection No
2024-01-17 Unannounced Inspection Yes
2024-01-17 Violation Rule Violated
A current activity plan was not posted for each group of children for reference. In space #3, there was not a posted activity plan in the classroom. In space #5, the activity plan was dated for the week of 1/8/24 and was not current.
Provider Response: (Contact the State Licensing Office for more information.)
Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 1/23/2024
2024-01-17 Violation Rule Violated
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 Space #6, there were small Washi tape rolls, small enough for a child to swallow, in a drawer accessible to children under the age of three. In space #7, there were hair ties, staples, screws and coins, small enough for children to swallow, in a drawer accessible to children under the age of three.
Provider Response: (Contact the State Licensing Office for more information.)
Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 1/23/2024
2024-01-17 Violation Rule Violated
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. One staff member employed 9/7/23, did not have verification of completed First Aid Training within 90 days of employment.
Provider Response: (Contact the State Licensing Office for more information.)
Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 2/13/2024
2024-01-17 Violation Rule Violated
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. One staff member employed 9/7/23, did not have verification of completion of age appropriate CPR training within 90 days of employment.
Provider Response: (Contact the State Licensing Office for more information.)
Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 2/13/2024
2024-01-17 Violation Rule Violated
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 staff member employed 9/7/23, did not complete the required training within 90 days of employment.
Provider Response: (Contact the State Licensing Office for more information.)
Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 1/23/2024
2023-12-18 Unannounced Inspection Yes
2023-12-18 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. One new staff member hired 8/28/23, had not completed First Aid training.
2023-12-18 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. One new staff member hired 8/28/23, had not completed CPR training.
2023-11-15 Unannounced Inspection Yes
2023-11-15 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. The posted written feeding plan for one (1) toddler, thirteen months of age enrolled in space #7, did not have the parent signature or the date the written feeding plan was received by the center.
2023-10-10 Unannounced Inspection No
2023-09-05 Unannounced Inspection No
2023-08-24 Unannounced Inspection Yes
2023-08-24 Violation 323 10A NCAC 09 .1403(h)(1-3)
Prior to supervising children on an aquatic activity, and annually, staff did not sign and date a statement that they had reviewed the center's policies on aquatic activities. One (1) staff caring for school-aged children did not have a signed and dated statement on file that they had reviewed the center’s aquatic policy. The staff and training worksheet listed this employee as the teacher in the space for school-aged children.
2023-08-24 Violation 533 15A NCAC 18A .2804(d)
Breast milk, formula and other bottled beverages including sippy cups, sent from child's home were not fully prepared, dated, and labeled for the appropriate child. In space #2a, one (1) prepared bottle of formula stored in the refrigerator was dated August 23, 2023. Two (2) additional prepared bottles of formula could not be identified with the name or date that was on the label.
2023-08-24 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. In space #2a, the written feeding plan for three (3) infants was not signed or dated by the parent. In space #2b, the written feeding plan for one (1) infant and two (2) fourteen-month-old toddlers were not signed by the parent and dated when the center received the plan.
2023-08-24 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 space #4, one (1) electrical outlet was not covered with a safety plug in the music center, accessible to children three and four years of age.
2023-08-24 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. At the entrance to the facility, a Glade Plug-in air freshener warmer was accessible to children. A First Aid kit was on each van used to transport children. The First Aid kit on each van, contained six (6) individual packages of alcohol prep pads, four (4) individual BZK Antiseptic towelettes, and two (2) individual Burn Care, Burn Gel packs. The First Aid kits were not locked and accessible to children.
2023-08-24 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 space #5, “Honest” diapers were stored in the original plastic packaging under the unlocked cabinet door to the left of the sink. The packaging listed multiple warnings in addition to keep out of reach of children and accessible to children two (2) years of age.
2023-08-24 Violation 862 10A NCAC 09 .0802(a)
The EMC plan was not reviewed with all staff annually and whenever the plan was revised. The facility did not maintain a document that the Emergency Medical Care plan was reviewed with staff annually. Seven staff did not have a review date listed to verify. Four staff had a date listed as September 9, 2021. One staff had a date listed as October 25, 2021, and one staff had a date listed as April 25, 2022.
2023-08-24 Violation 887 .0606(g)
Caregivers did not document compliance with visually checking on sleeping infants aged 12 months or younger and/or the documents were not maintained for a minimum of one month. In space #2a, one (1) infant, four months of age, had a visual sleep check chart for August 3, 2023, that listed a time of 8:30 am and the next time listed on the visual sleep chart was awake at 9 am.
2023-08-24 Violation 899 GS 110-91
The child care operator did not comply with all State laws, federal laws and/or local ordinances that pertain to child health, safety, and welfare, as required by General Statute 110-91. In space #4, one (1) child sized cot was leaning upright against the exit door to the playground, causing the fire exit door to be blocked.
2023-08-24 Violation 1115 10A NCAC 09 .1003(c)
First aid kit and/or fire extinguisher was not located in vehicle; kit and/or extinguisher was not mounted or secured if in passenger area. Both vans used to transport school-aged children on field trips during summer camp did not have a fire extinguisher.
2023-08-24 Violation 1124 10A NCAC 09 .1003(d)
Emergency and identifying information, including the child's name, photograph, emergency contact information and/or a copy of the emergency medical care information form was not in the vehicle for each child being transported. The Emergency Information Forms and identifying information did not include a photograph of the child for the twenty-three school-aged children enrolled in summer camp and transported on field trips.
2023-08-24 Violation 1232 10A NCAC 09 .0514(f)
Each employee's personnel file did not contain an annual staff evaluation and a staff development plan. One (1) staff with a hire date of April 5, 2021, did not have an annual staff evaluation on file for review.
2023-08-24 Violation 1311 .0802(c)
Emergency medical care information was not on file in the center on the child's first day of attendance and/or was not updated as changes occurred or at least annually for each child. One (1) child with an enrollment date of August 4, 2014, had their Emergency medical care information last updated June 2, 2022.
2023-08-24 Violation 1831 .01102 (f)
At least one child care provider, who has completed ITS-SIDS training was not present in the infant room, while children were in care. In space #2a, one (1) staff member was providing care to three (3) infants, but a current ITS/SIDS training verification was not on file.
2023-08-24 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. The medical action plan on file for one child in space #5 was dated August 15, 2022.
2023-08-24 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. In space #1, one bottle of Coppertone Water Babies sunscreen was not dated when the parent signed the authorization. In space #5, the permission to administer Hello Bellow Sunscreen did not list the amount to apply to the child. One permission form for Desitin Diaper Rash Cream dated April 20, 2023, did not have the parents’ signature.
2023-08-24 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 with a hire date of October 14, 2022, completed the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training on January 30, 2023
2023-03-13 Unannounced Inspection No
2022-09-16 Announced Inspection No
2022-09-14 Unannounced Inspection Yes
2022-09-14 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 space #6, two (2) electrical outlets on a power strip were not in use and did not have a safety cover. The power strip was located on the countertop under the computer.
2022-09-14 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. In space #2a, magic erasers were stored in a plastic container in the unlocked bottle prep area.
2022-09-14 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 space #6, a plastic bag with aquarium rocks was stored in an unlocked bottom cabinet to the right of the sink.
2022-09-14 Violation 1311 .0802(c)
Emergency medical care information was not on file in the center on the child's first day of attendance and/or was not updated as changes occurred or at least annually for each child. The Emergency medical care information on file for one (1) child was dated January 21, 2021.
2022-06-28 Unannounced Inspection No
2022-04-25 Unannounced Inspection No
2022-04-21 Unannounced Inspection No
2022-03-24 Unannounced Inspection Yes
2022-03-24 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. Multiple incident reports reviewed did not contain all the information required in the rule. Multiple incident reports reviewed were not signed by the parent.
2022-03-04 Unannounced Inspection Yes
2022-03-04 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. Staff member lifted a two-year-old child by one arm which resulted in a dislocated elbow.

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