Five Star Center License
✓ Licensed
Sunshine Scholars Academy
New Bern, NC
· Craven County
603 GASTON BOULEVARD,
New Bern, NC 28560
Quick Facts
Capacity
181 children
Age Range
0 through 12
Type of Care
After School, Daytime, Full-Time
Transportation
Yes
Subsidized Program
Does not participate
State Rating
5
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Contact Information
📞 (252) 359-3700
Licensed Five Star Center License
Active License
License Number
25000597
License Holder
SUNSHINE SCHOLARS ACADEMY, LLC
License Issued
Mar 18, 2022
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
Sunshine Scholars Academy is a five-star preschool and child care center serving children from infancy through age 12 in New Bern, North Carolina. Our nurturing teachers provide age-appropriate learning, engaging activities, outdoor play, and a safe environment where children can learn, grow, and thrive.
Additional Information:
Open Monday through Friday, 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Call the New Bern center at (252) 359-3700 or the enrollment team toll-free at 1-866-288-8757 for enrollment information or to schedule a tour.
Sunshine Scholars Academy Photos
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Hours of Operation
- Monday6:00 AM - 6:00 PM
- Tuesday6:00 AM - 6:00 PM
- Wednesday6:00 AM - 6:00 PM
- Thursday6:00 AM - 6:00 PM
- Friday6:00 AM - 6:00 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-07-09 | Unannounced Inspection | No | 0626-364L |
| 2026-07-02 | Unannounced Inspection | Yes | 0626-364L |
| 2026-07-02 | Violation | 1245 | 10A NCAC 09 .2809(a) |
| For each child, there was not at least 30 sq. ft. inside space per the total licensed capacity and 100 sq. ft. outside space for each child using the outdoor learning environment at any one time. The capacity for space #3 is nineteen (19) children per 30 square feet. In space #3, twenty (20) children, 5-11 years of age were in care with two staff members. | |||
| 2026-07-02 | Violation | 1911 | .0802(f) |
| An incident report was not completed and mailed to a Division representative within seven days after the incident when medical treatment was required. An incident report dated June 24, 2026, was not submitted to the child care consultant within seven days after the incident when medical treatment was required. | |||
| 2026-06-10 | Unannounced Inspection | No | |
| 2026-06-01 | Unannounced Inspection | Yes | |
| 2026-06-01 | 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. On the toddler playground, space #2 and space #3 were combined so that fifteen (15) children, 1-3 years of age were in care with two staff members. | |||
| 2026-05-27 | Unannounced Inspection | Yes | |
| 2026-05-27 | 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. A fire inspection was completed on 2/10/25 and the current fire inspection was completed on 3/3/26. | |||
| 2026-05-27 | Violation | 428 | GS 110-91(12); .0508(a) |
| A current activity plan was not posted for each group of children for reference. An activity plan was not posted in space #1. | |||
| 2026-05-27 | Violation | 540 | 10A NCAC 09 .0902(a) |
| An individual written feeding plan was not provided by child's parent or health care provider or was not followed and posted. (omit posting for centers located in a residence) One infant in space #1 did not have a feeding plan on file. | |||
| 2026-05-27 | Violation | 807 | 10A NCAC 09 .0601(a) |
| A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children. On the toddler outdoor space, there were exposed spikes around the stationary vehicles and tunnels. There was a fenced area around the water meter on the toddler outdoor space that was bent causing entrapment and was filled with broken toys and trash. The gate leading from the toddler outdoor space to the preschool outdoor space had broken pickets and sharp edges. | |||
| 2026-05-27 | Violation | 842 | 10A NCAC 09 .0803(1)(a & b) |
| A drug or medication was administered without written authorization and/or instructions from a child's parent or authorized health professional. In space #5, an Epi-Pen was on file that did not have written permission on file from the parent. In space #3, an Epi-Pen was on file and did not have written permission from the parent. | |||
| 2026-05-27 | Violation | 843 | 10A NCAC 09 .0803(1)(d) |
| A drug or medicine was administered after its expiration date. In space #3, an Epi-Pen was on file that expired 12/31/25. | |||
| 2026-05-27 | 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 space #6, written permission for a Ventolin HFA inhaler expired 12/23/26. | |||
| 2026-05-27 | 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 #1, one infant’s sleep chart had not been maintained since 4/27/26 and another infant’s sleep chart had not been maintained since 5/6/26. | |||
| 2026-05-27 | 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 on 6/2/25 did not have certification of First Aid until 11/15/26. | |||
| 2026-05-27 | 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 on 6/2/25 did not have documentation of CPR until 11/15/26. | |||
| 2026-05-27 | Violation | 1321 | GS110-91(1) |
| Medical exam or health assessment record was not on file before or within 30 days after admission. A child enrolled on 2/17/25 did not have a medical report on file. | |||
| 2026-05-27 | Violation | 1834 | .0801(b) |
| Application did not have a medical action plan attached for any child with health care needs such as allergies, asthma, or other chronic conditions that require specialized health services. A child enrolled in space #2 did not have a medical action plan on file for asthma. In space #6, a medical action plan for asthma expired 5/16/26. | |||
| 2026-05-27 | Violation | 1876 | .1803(a)(9) |
| A child was yelled at, shamed, humiliated, frightened, threatened or bullied. In space #6, children transitioned from the outdoor space to the classroom and lined up to wash their hands. The staff member repeated the statement “if you can’t listen, you can’t do the fire truck activity” several times, “your job is taken away because you are not listening, and “if you do that, you are going to the tent”. | |||
| 2026-03-20 | Announced Inspection | No | |
| 2026-02-27 | Unannounced Inspection | No | |
| 2026-02-27 | Unannounced Inspection | No | |
| 2026-01-22 | Unannounced Inspection | No | |
| 2025-12-18 | Unannounced Inspection | No | |
| 2025-12-15 | Unannounced Inspection | Yes | |
| 2025-12-15 | Violation | 540 | 10A NCAC 09 .0902(a) |
| An individual written feeding plan was not provided by child's parent or health care provider or was not followed and posted. (omit posting for centers located in a residence) Two (2) infants did not have feeding plans on file. | |||
| 2025-12-15 | Violation | 842 | 10A NCAC 09 .0803(1)(a & b) |
| A drug or medication was administered without written authorization and/or instructions from a child's parent or authorized health professional. In space #3, a container of Benadryl was on file without written permission. In space #7b, a Ventolin inhaler was on file without written permission. | |||
| 2025-12-15 | Violation | 843 | 10A NCAC 09 .0803(1)(d) |
| A drug or medicine was administered after its expiration date. In space #5, a Ventolin inhaler was on file that expired 9/24. | |||
| 2025-12-15 | 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 space #6, a bottle of Children’s Allergy Relief had written permission that expired 11/26/25. | |||
| 2025-12-15 | Violation | 1756 | 10A NCAC 09 .2818 |
| Enhanced staff/child ratios and group sizes were not met. In space #2, thirteen children, 1-2 years of age, were in care with two staff members. | |||
| 2025-12-15 | 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. In space #3, a medical action plan was dated 10/10/25. | |||
| 2025-11-05 | Unannounced Inspection | Yes | 1025-182L |
| 2025-11-05 | Violation | 533 | 15A NCAC 18A .2804(d) |
| Human 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. Today, in space #6, water bottles brought in from home were not sent home yesterday and were not labeled with a date. | |||
| 2025-11-05 | Violation | 616 | .2822(a)(1-4) |
| Toys and other mouth-contact surfaces were not cleaned and sanitized daily when used or cleaned more frequently if visibly dirty. Today, in space #3, the table was not disinfected before breakfast. | |||
| 2025-10-27 | Unannounced Inspection | Yes | |
| 2025-10-27 | Unannounced Inspection | Yes | 1025-182L |
| 2025-10-27 | Violation | 705 | .0601(c) |
| Equipment and furnishings were not sturdy, stable and free of hazards. In outdoor space #2, there were exposed concrete footers of the shade structure. | |||
| 2025-10-27 | Violation | 807 | 10A NCAC 09 .0601(a) |
| A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children. The front door was propped open to allow entrance to the center because the door code was not working. In outdoor space #2, there were broken toys, bins, and cornhole boards. | |||
| 2025-10-27 | 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 #7a, approximately twenty-four containers of hand soap were located on shelves located below 5 feet. | |||
| 2025-10-27 | Violation | 842 | 10A NCAC 09 .0803(1)(a & b) |
| A drug or medication was administered without written authorization and/or instructions from a child's parent or authorized health professional. A child enrolled in space #7b, had an Albuterol inhaler on file without written permission from the parent. | |||
| 2025-10-27 | Violation | 843 | 10A NCAC 09 .0803(1)(d) |
| A drug or medicine was administered after its expiration date. In space #2, a tube of Aquaphor on file expired 7/25 and a second tube of Aquaphor expired 9/25. In space #6, a tube of Family Wellness Original Ointment expired 2/24. | |||
| 2025-10-27 | 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. A child enrolled in space #7b had an Albuterol inhaler on file with written permission from the parent that expired 9/24/25. | |||
| 2025-10-27 | 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. A child enrolled in space #7b had an Albuterol inhaler on file with a medical action plan that expired 8/26/25. | |||
| 2025-10-27 | Violation | 533 | 15A NCAC 18A .2804(d) |
| Human 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 #3, nine (9) water bottles were stored in a container on a shelf and were not labeled with the date. One of the water bottles was not labeled with a child’s name. In space #7b, six (6) water bottles were in a container on a shelf from last week. | |||
| 2025-10-27 | 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. . In space #6, children did not wash their hands upon arriving to the center and entering the classroom. In space #5, all children did not wash their hands before breakfast. | |||
| 2025-10-27 | Violation | 616 | .2822(a)(1-4) |
| Toys and other mouth-contact surfaces were not cleaned and sanitized daily when used or cleaned more frequently if visibly dirty. In space #5, the tables were not cleaned and sanitized before breakfast. | |||
| 2025-10-27 | Violation | 1756 | 10A NCAC 09 .2818 |
| Enhanced staff/child ratios and group sizes were not met. Between 8:15AM and 8:30AM, there were twenty-three (23) children, 3-4 years of age, in care with two staff members in space #6. | |||
| 2025-10-27 | Violation | 9995 | |
| A violation was found for which there is no item number. Based on information provided from the sanitation inspection from September 30, 2025, live roaches were observed in the outlet in space #6. This is a violation of a requirement in 15A NCAC 18A .2831(b). | |||
| 2025-10-27 | Violation | 9996 | |
| A violation was found for which there is no item number. In space #2, the sink was not disinfected between uses. This is a violation of a requirement in 15A NCAC 18A .2818(c). | |||
| 2025-06-18 | Unannounced Inspection | Yes | |
| 2025-06-18 | Violation | 843 | 10A NCAC 09 .0803(1)(d) |
| A drug or medicine was administered after its expiration date. In space #4, a tube of Aquaphor expired 8/24 and an Albuterol inhaler expired 9/24. | |||
| 2025-06-18 | Violation | 847 | 10A NCAC 09 .0803(4)(6-9) |
| Parent's medication authorization did not include required information. In space #2, a tube of Nystatin was on file with written permission on the over-the-counter form for topical ointments. | |||
| 2025-06-18 | 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 space #2, a tube of Desitin and a tube of A&D were on file for children that were no longer enrolled in the facility. | |||
| 2025-06-18 | 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 administrator had a five-year criminal qualifying letter that expired on June 8, 2025. | |||
| 2025-06-18 | 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. The administrator had a five-year criminal qualifying letter on file that expired on June 8, 2025. | |||
| 2025-06-18 | Violation | 1880 | .0803(2)(d) |
| Prescribed medication was not administered according to the prescription, using the amount and frequency of dosage specified on the label. In space #2, a prescription bottle of Triamcinolone Acetonide Cream had a prescription stating that it should be used for two (2) weeks and the medication permission started on 9/30/24. | |||
| 2025-02-12 | Unannounced Inspection | No | |
| 2025-02-05 | Unannounced Inspection | Yes | |
| 2025-02-05 | 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 last fire inspection was dated 12/22/23. A current fire inspection was not available. | |||
| 2025-02-05 | Violation | 303 | .1801(a)(1-5) |
| Children were not adequately supervised at all times. There were twelve (12) children from space #4, 1-2 years of age, in care with two staff members in outdoor space #1. One of the staff members assigned to space #4 walked inside to throw away a piece of trash. | |||
| 2025-02-05 | 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. A child enrolled in space #3 had an Epi Pen on file with written permission from the parent that expired 1/29/25. | |||
| 2025-02-05 | Violation | 1041 | G.S. 110-90.2(b) |
| Prior to employment a Criminal Background Check was not completed. Kiara Lockhart hired on 12/16/24 had a criminal qualifying letter dated 1/10/25 on file. | |||
| 2025-02-05 | Violation | 1756 | 10A NCAC 09 .2818 |
| Enhanced staff/child ratios and group sizes were not met. In space #1, six (6) infants were in care with one staff member. | |||
| 2025-02-05 | Violation | 1805 | G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(r) |
| A child care operator did not notify the Division of any new child care providers, as defined in G.S. 110-90.2(a)(2), who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. The administrator had not completed the ABCMS provider portal training. | |||
| 2025-02-05 | Violation | 9995 | |
| A violation was found for which there is no item number. The back door to the kitchen was propped open with a trash can while children were playing in the outdoor space directly outside of the kitchen. This is a violation of a requirement in 15A NCAC 18A .2820 (e). | |||
| 2024-10-16 | Unannounced Inspection | No | |
| 2024-10-16 | Unannounced Inspection | No | 1024-118L |
| 2024-09-26 | Unannounced Inspection | No | 0723-149A |
| 2024-09-17 | Unannounced Inspection | No | 0924-196L |
| 2024-09-17 | Unannounced Inspection | No | |
| 2024-08-14 | Unannounced Inspection | No | 0723-149A |
| 2024-08-12 | Unannounced Inspection | No | |
| 2024-07-11 | Unannounced Inspection | Yes | |
| 2024-07-11 | 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. A schedule of off-premise activities was not posted for the field trip to the Aurora Fossil Museum. | |||
| 2024-07-11 | 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. One (1) infant feeding plan in space #1 was not signed by the parent. | |||
| 2024-07-11 | Violation | 807 | 10A NCAC 09 .0601(a) |
| A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children. In outdoor space #1, the pots and pans hanging on the fence were rusted with sharp edges and the kitchen set had standing water in the sink. In outdoor space #2, there was an old stove covered with a tarp with a rusted piece of metal approximately three feet long. | |||
| 2024-07-11 | 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. In space #6, an Epi-Pen was on file without a prescription labeled container. | |||
| 2024-07-11 | Violation | 1052 | .1103(a) |
| Staff required to receive on-going training had not completed the required number of hours according to their education and experience. L. Berry hired 3/14/23, did not receive the required twenty (20) annual on-going training hours by 3/14/24. R. Tripp hired 2/28/22 did not receive eight (8) on-going training hours by 9/1/23. | |||
| 2024-07-11 | 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. A staff member began working in the infant room on 5/6/24 and did not receive SIDS training. | |||
| 2024-07-11 | Violation | 1867 | .0605(k)(1-4) |
| The depth of the loose surfacing was not based on critical height of the equipment. Mulch beneath the monkey bars on the school age outdoor space was a depth of three inches rather than the required six inches. Mulch beneath the large tree stump in the toddler outdoor space was a depth of three inches rather than the required six inches. | |||
| 2024-07-11 | Violation | 1898 | .1102(a) |
| Staff did not complete the health and safety training within one year of employment. A staff member hired on 3/6/23 did not complete Health and Safety training. | |||
| 2024-07-11 | Violation | 1914 | .0802(b)(1-2) |
| The person identified as the person or alternate person responsible for carrying out the emergency medical care plan was not on the premises at all times and/or did not accompany children for off premise activities. The emergency medical care plan was not updated to reflect current staff employed in the facility. | |||
| 2024-07-03 | Unannounced Inspection | No | 0723-149A |
| 2024-06-17 | Unannounced Inspection | No | |
| 2024-05-29 | Unannounced Inspection | No | 1023-304A |
| 2024-05-06 | Unannounced Inspection | Yes | 0424-377L |
| 2024-05-06 | 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. Upon arrival, a child was observed sleeping in a crib. A sleep chart for this child had not been maintained since 4/29/24. Upon checking the safe sleep charts for the infants enrolled, I found that safe sleep charts for six (6) out of the ten (10) children enrolled had not been maintained since 5/1/24. | |||
| 2024-05-06 | Violation | 892 | .0606(b) |
| The center's safe sleep policy was not posted in a prominent place in the infant room where parents and caregivers were able to view daily. In space #1, the center’s safe sleep policy was not posted. | |||
| 2024-04-18 | Unannounced Inspection | No | 1023-304A |
| 2024-03-20 | Unannounced Inspection | Yes | |
| 2024-03-20 | 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 space #1, an empty tube of Boudreaux’s Butt Paste and an empty tube of Aquaphor Diaper Rash Paste were not discarded. In space #7b, an EpiPen and Albuterol inhaler was on file for a child that was no longer enrolled in the facility. | |||
| 2024-03-20 | 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. A child was observed sleeping in a crib and upon review of the safe sleep chart, there was not any documentation to reflect the times the child had been sleeping. | |||
| 2024-03-20 | Violation | 1041 | G.S. 110-90.2(b) |
| Prior to employment a Criminal Background Check was not completed. Staff member A. Barton hired on 10/9/23, had a criminal qualifying letter dated 10/25/23 on file. | |||
| 2024-02-07 | Unannounced Inspection | No | 1023-304A |
| 2024-02-07 | Unannounced Inspection | No | 0723-149A |
| 2023-12-22 | Unannounced Inspection | No | 1223-116L |
| 2023-12-15 | Unannounced Inspection | Yes | 1223-116L |
| 2023-12-15 | 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. It was reported that a child left the center with center with a mark on their face that was not present upon arriving to the center. An incident report was not on file to review. | |||
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