Five Star Center License
✓ Licensed
Spark Academy
Wilmington, NC
· New Hanover County
1802 SOUTH 17TH STREET,
Wilmington, NC 28401
Quick Facts
Capacity
179 children
Age Range
0 through 5
Subsidized Program
Participates
State Rating
5
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Licensed Five Star Center License
Active License
License Number
65001077
License Holder
Girls Leadership Academy of Wilmington Foundation
License Issued
Dec 9, 2024
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
SPARK ACADEMY is a Five Star Center License in WILMINGTON NC, with a maximum capacity of 179 children. This child care center helps with children in the age range of 0 through 5. The provider also participates in a subsidized child care program.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-08-31 | Unannounced Inspection | No | 0826-275L |
| 2026-08-05 | Unannounced Inspection | No | |
| 2026-08-03 | Unannounced Inspection | No | 0726-328L |
| 2026-08-03 | Unannounced Inspection | Yes | |
| 2026-08-03 | Violation | 716 | .0605(j) |
| All stationary equipment, more than 18 inches high, was not installed over protective surfacing. The balance beams measured more than 18 inches in critical height and was installed over a mixture of decomposed mulch, pine straw, and sticks. | |||
| 2026-08-03 | 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 laundry room door was open and unlocked. Detergents and cleaners were present in this space. | |||
| 2026-08-03 | Violation | 841 | 15A NCAC 18A .2820(d) |
| Medications including prescription and non-prescription items were not stored in a locked cabinet or other locked container. Diaper creams in space 3 (robins) were stored in an unlocked cabinet less than 5 feet in critical height. | |||
| 2026-08-03 | 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 inspection was not completed for the month of July. | |||
| 2026-08-03 | 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. A TB test was not on file for the volunteer present today. | |||
| 2026-08-03 | 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. The volunteer present today did not have an emergency information form on file. | |||
| 2026-08-03 | Violation | 1321 | GS110-91(1) |
| Medical exam or health assessment record was not on file before or within 30 days after admission. Eight (8) children's files were monitored today and two (2) files did not have a medical exam on file. | |||
| 2026-08-03 | Violation | 1756 | 10A NCAC 09 .2818 |
| Enhanced staff/child ratios and group sizes were not met. At 8:55 am space 8 (sparrows) was out of ratios with one (1) teacher and ten (10) children one year of age. Also, space 9 (cardinals) was out of ratio with one (1) teacher and fifteen (15) children three to four years of age. | |||
| 2026-08-03 | Violation | 1826 | .0607(g) |
| Substitutes and volunteers counted in ratio were not informed of the center's EPR Plan and its location. Documentation of this notice was not maintained on file or in a file designated for emergency preparedness and response plan documents. A substitute present during the visit did not have the EPR plan and it's location reviewed with her prior to starting work. | |||
| 2026-08-03 | 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. Three (3) staff members have not had the Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy prior to providing care with children. | |||
| 2026-08-03 | Violation | 1888 | .0703(b) |
| On or before the first day of work, the operator did not verify the age of the volunteer and/or substitute provider and/or documentation of date of birth was not maintained in the individual's personnel file. There was not documentation for the volunteer present today. | |||
| 2026-08-03 | 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. A staff member hired 04/21/26 has not had the Responding and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment. | |||
| 2026-08-03 | Violation | 1958 | 10A NCAC 09 .0701(a) |
| Substitute providers and volunteers did not have a health questionnaire on or before the first day of work and annually thereafter. A health questionnaire was not on file for the volunteer present today. | |||
| 2026-05-04 | Announced Inspection | No | |
| 2026-04-13 | Unannounced Inspection | No | 0426-106L |
| 2026-03-26 | Unannounced Inspection | Yes | 0326-296L |
| 2026-03-26 | Unannounced Inspection | No | 0326-340L |
| 2026-03-26 | Violation | 532 | 10A NCAC 09 .0902(b) |
| All children were not held or placed in feeding chairs or other appropriate apparatus to be fed. An infant in space 1 drank a bottle while sitting on the floor. | |||
| 2026-03-26 | Violation | 871 | 10A NCAC 09 .0606(a) |
| Center staff did not comply with the safe sleep policy. Safe sleep charts were not recorded in real time. | |||
| 2026-03-23 | Unannounced Inspection | Yes | 0326-296L |
| 2026-03-23 | Violation | 303 | .1801(a)(1-5) |
| Children were not adequately supervised at all times. On March 17, 2026, three children 2 years of age, were left unsupervised in space 8 (hummingbirds) for approximately 3 minutes. | |||
| 2026-03-16 | Unannounced Inspection | No | 1025-086L |
| 2026-02-11 | Announced Inspection | No | |
| 2026-02-11 | Unannounced Inspection | No | |
| 2026-01-05 | Unannounced Inspection | No | 1025-086L |
| 2025-12-09 | Unannounced Inspection | Yes | 1225-046L |
| 2025-12-09 | Violation | 1887 | .0902(d) |
| Each infant was not served only bottles labeled with their individual name. On December 4, 2025, an infant 6 months of age, was served a bottle of formula that belonged to another infant 5 months of age. | |||
| 2025-11-24 | Unannounced Inspection | Yes | 1025-086L |
| 2025-11-24 | Violation | 608 | 15A NCAC 18A .2803(c) |
| Children did not wash their hands upon arrival at the center, after each visit to the toilet, before eating, before and after water activity play, after outside play, and after handling animals or animal cages. A child in space 6 (hummingbirds) did not have her hands washed after having her diaper changed. | |||
| 2025-11-24 | 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. Aerosol disinfectant spray was observed in an unlocked cabinet in space 6 (hummingbirds) and aerosol insect repellant was observed in an unlocked cabinet in space 9 (chickadees). | |||
| 2025-10-20 | Unannounced Inspection | No | 1025-086L |
| 2025-10-14 | Unannounced Inspection | Yes | 1025-086L |
| 2025-10-14 | Violation | 904 | .1803(a)(1) |
| A child was handled in a rough way, including shaking, pushing, shoving, pinching, slapping, biting, kicking, or spanking. On October 7, 2025, a teacher witnessed another staff member open hand slap a child on the arm when he went to drink out of another child's bottle. | |||
| 2025-10-14 | Violation | 1791 | .0901(e)(1-7) |
| The child care provider did not provide the required beverage(s). A child was served her milk with cereal. | |||
| 2025-09-10 | Unannounced Inspection | Yes | |
| 2025-09-10 | 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. Aerosol sprays were not in locked storage in space 6 (hummingbirds) and space 9 (chickadees). | |||
| 2025-09-10 | Violation | 841 | 15A NCAC 18A .2820(d) |
| Medications including prescription and non-prescription items were not stored in a locked cabinet or other locked container. In space 6 (hummingbirds), the diaper changing table was not locked that stored all the prescription and non-prescription medications. | |||
| 2025-09-10 | 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. Leftover medications were not returned to the parent after the course of the treatment was completed, nor were they discarded in five (5) of the eight (8) classrooms observed. | |||
| 2025-09-10 | Violation | 1030 | .0302(d)(1)(A) |
| Application for employment and date of birth was not on file for all staff. A staff member hired June 2025 did not have an application on file. | |||
| 2025-09-10 | Violation | 1034 | .0701(a) |
| All staff, including the director, did not have an annual health questionnaire on file following the initial medical statement. Two (2) staff members did not have a current health questionnaire on file. | |||
| 2025-09-10 | 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. Two (2) staff members did not have current emergency information form on file. | |||
| 2025-09-10 | 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. A staff member hired April 2025 has not completed her certification in First Aid. | |||
| 2025-09-10 | 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. A staff member hired April 2025 has not completed her certification in CPR. | |||
| 2025-09-10 | Violation | 1232 | 10A NCAC 09 .0514(f) |
| Each employee's personnel file did not contain an annual staff evaluation and a staff development plan. Two (2) staff members did not have an annual staff evaluation and a staff development plan on file. | |||
| 2025-09-10 | Violation | 1321 | GS110-91(1) |
| Medical exam or health assessment record was not on file before or within 30 days after admission. A child did not have a health assessment on file. | |||
| 2025-09-10 | 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. Two (2) staff members did not complete the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment within 90 days of hire. | |||
| 2025-09-10 | Violation | 1898 | .1102(a) |
| Staff did not complete the health and safety training within one year of employment. Two (2) staff members did not complete the health and safety trainings within one year of employment. | |||
| 2025-07-14 | Announced Inspection | No | |
| 2025-06-23 | Unannounced Inspection | Yes | 0625-162L |
| 2025-06-23 | Violation | 841 | 15A NCAC 18A .2820(d) |
| Medications including prescription and non-prescription items were not stored in a locked cabinet or other locked container. Diaper creams stored under the diaper changing table in space 11, classroom 2 (mockingbirds) and space 7, classroom 6 (hummingbirds) were unlocked. | |||
| 2025-06-23 | 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. Two (2) diaper creams in space 11, classroom 2 (mocking birds) did not have written permission on file. | |||
| 2025-06-23 | Violation | 1043 | G.S. 110-91( 9) |
| All staff records, except financial records, were not made available for review. A staff member hired in May 2025 did not have any staff records on file for review. | |||
| 2025-06-12 | Unannounced Inspection | No | 0625-090A |
| 2025-04-14 | Unannounced Inspection | Yes | 0425-030L |
| 2025-04-14 | 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. An aerosol can was observed in space 2 (wrens) in an unlocked cabinet. | |||
| 2025-04-14 | Violation | 841 | 15A NCAC 18A .2820(d) |
| Medications including prescription and non-prescription items were not stored in a locked cabinet or other locked container. Over the counter cold medication was stored in an open bag on a shelving unit in space 4 (chickadees). | |||
| 2025-04-14 | 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 bottle of Coca Cola was observed on the counter in space 6 (hummingbirds) | |||
| 2025-04-07 | Unannounced Inspection | Yes | 0425-030L |
| 2025-04-07 | Violation | 904 | .1803(a)(1) |
| Child was handled roughly. On April 2, 2025, a staff member (floater) in space 6 (orioles) witnessed a child 22 months of age, playing in the sink. The other staff member (teacher) approached the child, told the child not to play in the sink, and moved the child away from the sink. At that time the child went behind the teacher and the floater heard the teacher tell the child not to hit her. At that time the teacher took the child into the bathroom. The floater heard multiple sounds of the child being hit and the child began to cry. The teacher and child exited the bathroom, and the teacher told the floater that she didn’t need any witnesses. | |||
| 2025-03-19 | Unannounced Inspection | Yes | |
| 2025-03-19 | Violation | 841 | 15A NCAC 18A .2820(d) |
| Medications including prescription and non-prescription items were not stored in a locked cabinet or other locked container. A staff members nasal spray was on the counter in space 2 and the diaper creams under the diaper changing table was not locked in space 3. | |||
| 2025-03-19 | 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. A staff member hired October 2024 has not completed her First Aid certification. | |||
| 2025-03-19 | 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. A staff member hired October 2024 has not completed her CPR certification. | |||
| 2025-03-17 | Unannounced Inspection | No | |
| 2025-02-25 | Announced Inspection | No | |
| 2025-02-03 | Unannounced Inspection | No | 0125-322L |
| 2025-01-21 | Unannounced Inspection | No | 0125-209L |
| 2024-12-19 | Unannounced Inspection | No | 1024-040A |
| 2024-10-04 | Unannounced Inspection | No | 1024-040A |
| 2024-09-25 | Unannounced Inspection | Yes | |
| 2024-09-25 | 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. Leftover diaper cream in space 9 (classroom 4) was not returned to the parent or discarded within 72 hours after completion of treatment. | |||
| 2024-09-25 | Violation | 853 | .0802(g)(1-6) |
| Incident logs were not completed and maintained as required. An incident log has not been completed. | |||
| 2024-09-25 | Violation | 871 | 10A NCAC 09 .0606(a) |
| Center staff did not comply with the safe sleep policy. An infant in space 12 (classroom 1) was asleep and his time had not been recorded. | |||
| 2024-04-02 | Unannounced Inspection | Yes | |
| 2024-04-02 | Violation | 428 | GS 110-91(12); .0508(a) |
| A current activity plan was not posted for each group of children for reference. Current activity plans were not posted for reference in Spaces 3, 4, 7, and 9. | |||
| 2024-04-02 | 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. Two prescribed medications in Space 8 were not in original labeled containers. | |||
| 2024-04-02 | 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. Medication authorization giving the caregiver authorization to administer medication for one child in Space 8 was not available for review. | |||
| 2024-02-05 | Announced Inspection | No | |
| 2023-12-12 | Unannounced Inspection | Yes | |
| 2023-12-12 | Violation | 859 | .0605(q) |
| Monthly playground inspections were not completed and/or they were not completed by an individual trained in playground safety requirements. Monthly playground inspections for November and December were not completed. | |||
| 2023-12-12 | 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. Two staff members hired on 07/01/2023 and on 07/26/2023 did not have a medical report on file prior to employment. | |||
| 2023-12-12 | 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. Two staff members hired on 07/01/2023 and 07/26/2023 did not provide results indicating they were free of active TB on or before the first day of work. | |||
| 2023-12-12 | Violation | 1045 | .1101(a) |
| New staff, who had contact with children, did not receive at least 16 hrs. orientation within first 6 weeks. N. Holt hired on 07/26/2023 did not receive at least 16 hrs. orientation within the first 6 weeks of employment. | |||
| 2023-12-12 | Violation | 1321 | GS110-91(1) |
| Medical exam or health assessment record was not on file before or within 30 days after admission. Two children enrolled on 10/23/2023 and 10/27/2023 did not have a medical exam on file within 30 days after admission. | |||
| 2023-12-12 | 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. One staff member hired on 11/27/2023 did not have a signed acknowledgement with all the required information maintained in the staff's file. | |||
| 2023-12-12 | 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 employee hired on 07/01/2023 did not complete the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training within 90 days of employment. | |||
| 2023-10-25 | Unannounced Inspection | No | |
| 2023-10-03 | Announced Inspection | No | |
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