Three Star Center License
✓ Licensed
The Learning Ladder Academy
Franklin, NC
· Macon County
1157 EAST MAIN STREET,
Franklin, NC 28734
Quick Facts
Capacity
34 children
Age Range
2 through 12
Subsidized Program
Does not participate
State Rating
3
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Licensed Three Star Center License
Active License
License Number
56000170
License Holder
THE LEARNING LADDER ACADEMY, INC
License Issued
Feb 27, 2019
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
THE LEARNING LADDER ACADEMY is a Three Star Center License in FRANKLIN NC, with a maximum capacity of 34 children. This child care center helps with children in the age range of 2 through 12. The provider does not participate 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-05-13 | Unannounced Inspection | Yes | |
| 2026-05-13 | Violation | 114 | GS 110-102 |
| A summary of the NC Child Care Law was not given to a parent of every child enrolled in the center. Summary of Law was not posted. | |||
| 2026-05-13 | Violation | 721 | G.S. 110-91(6); .0601(b) |
| All equipment and furnishings were not in good repair. The hollow blocks were splintered and contained mold. There was busy bead board that was attached to the wall on the playground, all colors have worn off, and it contains mold. | |||
| 2026-05-13 | Violation | 808 | 15A NCAC 18A .2832(a) |
| The child care center premises, including the outdoor learning environment, was not clean, drained to minimize standing water, free of litter and hazards, and/or maintained in a manner which does not create conditions that attract or harbor pests. There was a storage shelf that held hollow blocks containing rust. There were two (2) children, using 4 child-size chairs to sit on in the fall zone area of the climbing structure. | |||
| 2026-05-13 | 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. One new staff (S.W.)hired 4/28/26, did not have the orientation document on file for review. | |||
| 2026-05-13 | 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. Seven (7) staff members included the owner have not been hired on the ABCMS Provider Portal. After reviewing the ABCMS provider portal there is an account listed and there are six (6) staff members listed that are no longer employed at this facility. The owner is linked to this account with an expired criminal background letter. The owner has a current criminal background letter that is not linked to this account. | |||
| 2026-04-15 | Unannounced Inspection | Yes | 0426-176L |
| 2026-04-15 | 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. Eighteen (18) were signed in by a parent or guardian on 3/30/26 noted the time of arrival. However, eleven (11) children were signed out by the parent or guardian, but departure time was not noted on the daily sign in and out sheet. | |||
| 2026-04-15 | Violation | 427 | GS 110-91(12); .0508(d)(2) |
| Children three years old or older were in care and the schedule did not include times and/or activities that were developmentally appropriate for the children in care. A child that struggles with anxiety at naptime, sat at a table for two hours with no activity | |||
| 2026-04-15 | Violation | 807 | 10A NCAC 09 .0601(a) |
| A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children. One (1) child in space #2 had their head covered during naptime. One (1) child in space # 1 had their head covered during naptime. | |||
| 2026-04-15 | Violation | 824 | GS 110-91(6); .0605((i) |
| Outdoor play area was not enclosed by fence with a minimum height of 4 feet. The top of the fence, less than six feet, was not free from protrusions. The fence from the playground, the lower fence next to staff parking, the fence is measuring 3’9. The fence going up the hill from the staff parking lot is measuring 3’9 for the first 3 panels. | |||
| 2026-04-15 | 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. One new staff member hired on 3/30/26 did not have a medical on file for review prior to employment. Staff members have a scheduled appointment to get the medical completed on 4/17/26. | |||
| 2026-04-15 | Violation | 1867 | .0605(k)(1-4) |
| The depth of the loose surfacing was not based on critical height of the equipment. The surfacing around the two stationary play structures is measuring between 1” to 3”. | |||
| 2025-05-27 | Unannounced Inspection | Yes | |
| 2025-05-27 | 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 was not current in space 2. It was dated for 2/19/2024.There was no activity plan posted in space 1. | |||
| 2025-05-27 | 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. After reviewed of two (2) staff files it was noted that one staff member had completed the First Aid self-paced online training course through America Red Cros. The other staff member is considered a substitute provider and had completed a First Aid through an online training course, which does not count as training. | |||
| 2025-05-27 | 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. After reviewed of two (2) staff files it was noted that one staff member had completed the CPR self-paced online training course through America Red Cros and did not complete the required skills test within ninety (90) days. The other staff member is considered a substitute provider and had completed a CPR training through an online training course, which does not count as training. | |||
| 2025-02-25 | Unannounced Inspection | Yes | |
| 2025-02-25 | 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 space two (2) was not current. It was dated for 2/17/25-2/21/25. | |||
| 2025-02-25 | Violation | 620 | 15A NCAC 18A .2825(a) |
| All walls and ceilings including doors and windows were not kept clean, free of visible fungal growth, and in good repair. Two walls had been repaired and spackled. They had not been painted. | |||
| 2025-02-20 | Unannounced Inspection | No | |
| 2024-06-04 | Unannounced Inspection | Yes | |
| 2024-06-04 | Violation | 716 | .0605(j) |
| All stationary equipment, more than 18 inches high, was not installed over protective surfacing. The surfacing around the two (2) play structures did not meet the 6 inches of loose surfacing material required. | |||
| 2024-06-04 | Violation | 807 | 10A NCAC 09 .0601(a) |
| A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children. Four (4) rusty nails were protruding from the outdoor fence at the children's eye levels. | |||
| 2024-06-04 | Violation | 823 | .0604(l) |
| Toxic plants were accessible to children. Poison Ivy was coming through the fence line on the playground. | |||
| 2024-06-04 | Violation | 1314 | .0802(c)(2) |
| Emergency information did not name childs health care professional. One child’s file did not have the choice of health care professional. The parent was on staff, so this was correct during the visit. | |||
| 2024-06-04 | 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. All staff must sign your Prevention of Shaken Baby and Abusive Head Trauma policy prior to caring for children five years of age and younger. | |||
| 2023-12-18 | Unannounced Inspection | No | |
| 2023-12-12 | Unannounced Inspection | Yes | |
| 2023-12-12 | Violation | 107 | GS 110-91; GS 110-106 |
| The center did not comply with the permit restrictions. The center had an infant in the class room with two to three-year old children. This facility license has the restriction for two- to twelve-year-old children. The five (5) month old infant was in the class with her mom who is the teacher. The teachers in home child care had not shown up that morning. | |||
| 2023-12-12 | Violation | 807 | 10A NCAC 09 .0601(a) |
| A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children. The metal plates leading up to steps on all levels of the play structures are bent and need to be bolted down flush with the play structure so children’s fingers cannot stick in them. | |||
| 2023-12-12 | Violation | 1756 | 10A NCAC 09 .2818 |
| Enhanced staff/child ratios and group sizes were not met. Notes: In space two (2) there were sixteen (16) children ages two to five-years old with one teacher. | |||
| 2023-12-12 | Violation | 1867 | .0605(k)(1-4) |
| The depth of the loose surfacing was not based on critical height of the equipment. Surfacing under all slides and stair areas did not meet six inches of depth. Areas need to be fluffed and mulched. | |||
| 2023-07-19 | Unannounced Inspection | Yes | 0723-073L |
| 2023-07-19 | Violation | 524 | .0510(d)(2)(A-C) |
| When children 3 years and older were in care, screen time was not used to stimulate a developmental domain; was not limited to 30 minutes a day and no more than a total of two and a half hours per week, per child; and/or was not documented on a cumulative log or the activity plan that is available for review. A child was on his iPad sent by parents. Parents requested it be used to calm him down and during nap time. | |||
| 2023-06-29 | Unannounced Inspection | Yes | |
| 2023-06-29 | Violation | 614 | 15A NCAC 18A .2821(e) |
| Bed, cribs, playpens, cots or mats were not placed at least 18" apart or separated by partitions when in use. | |||
| 2022-11-28 | Unannounced Inspection | Yes | |
| 2022-11-28 | 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. The back fence is not secure to the wall. The house behind the wall has pets that can easily come through the 4 inch gap. The space is large enough for children to put hands , head and arms through. | |||
| 2022-11-28 | Violation | 807 | 10A NCAC 09 .0601(a) |
| A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children. Cement blocks on the playground are exposed with sharp edges. The blocks are stationary and are at the entrance the children use going to the playground. | |||
| 2022-11-28 | Violation | 1867 | .0605(k)(1-4) |
| The depth of the loose surfacing was not based on critical height of the equipment. Surfacing on playground under large structure measured 2 inches. Surfacing under small Structure measured 4 inches. | |||
| 2022-08-09 | Unannounced Inspection | Yes | |
| 2022-08-09 | Violation | 1866 | .0605(j)(2) |
| Other surfacing materials not identified in rule were used that did not meet the ASTM standards, were not installed, maintained, and/or replaced according to manufacturer's instructions. On playground surfacing had large sticks as long as twelve (12) inches were through out the fall zone. All surfacing should meet ASTM standards. | |||
| 2022-06-22 | Unannounced Inspection | Yes | |
| 2022-06-22 | Violation | 1868 | .0605(m)(1-4) |
| When equipment on the outdoor learning environment met one of the exceptions outlined in .0605(m)(1-4), the protective surfacing did not meet the specifications in rule. New mulch is needed for adequate surfacing in all fall zones. | |||
| 2022-06-22 | Violation | 807 | 10A NCAC 09 .0601(a) |
| A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children. The small riding track had tripping hazardous from screws missing in multiple places. Exposed concrete at the end of the covered porch was also a tripping hazard. | |||
| 2022-06-22 | Violation | 1824 | .0607(e) |
| The trained staff did not review the EPR Plan annually or when information in the plan changed to ensure all information was current. There had been no review of EPR plan with any staff member. | |||
| 2022-05-11 | Unannounced Inspection | No | |
| 2022-04-29 | Unannounced Inspection | Yes | |
| 2022-04-29 | Violation | 1756 | 10A NCAC 09 .2818 |
| Enhanced staff/child ratios and group sizes were not met. Administrator stated that due to short staffing when she needs to step into kitchen to get items needed for lunch she is out of ratio. | |||
| 2022-04-29 | Violation | 303 | .1801(a)(1-5) |
| Children were not adequately supervised at all times. Children were in a separate room watching a movie while teachers were in an adjacent room. Two children were in a room watching an iPad unsupervised. | |||
| 2022-04-29 | Violation | 522 | 15A NCAC 18A .2812(e) |
| Multi-use articles, including highchair feeding trays, were not washed, rinsed and sanitized after each use. Tables were not sanitized before children ate lunch. | |||
| 2022-04-29 | Violation | 524 | .0510(d)(2)(A-C) |
| When children 3 years and older were in care, screen time was not used to stimulate a developmental domain; was not limited to 30 minutes a day and no more than a total of two and a half hours per week, per child; and/or was not documented on a cumulative log or the activity plan that is available for review. Three year old children were watching a television program and no screen time log was available. | |||
| 2022-04-29 | Violation | 544 | .0510(f) |
| Screen time was offered to children under three years of age. Screen time was offered to children under three. Two (2) children two-years-of age were allowed to hold iPads and walk around or lay viewing them. | |||
| 2022-04-29 | 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. Administrators office was unlocked and not safe for children. | |||
| 2022-04-29 | 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 plastics under the changing table. Wipes and plastic from diaper packaging were accessible to children under the age of three. | |||
| 2022-04-29 | Violation | 908 | .1803(b) |
| Discipline was not appropriate for the child's age and development. Two year old child was in a back corner for over four minutes in time out. | |||
| 2022-02-10 | Unannounced Inspection | No | |
| 2022-01-12 | Unannounced Inspection | No | |
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