Five Star Center License
✓ Licensed
Stepping Stones Academy, Llc
Mooresville, NC
· Iredell County
203 SINGLETON ROAD,
Mooresville, NC 28117
Quick Facts
Capacity
193 children
Age Range
0 through 12
Subsidized Program
Participates
State Rating
5
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Contact Information
📞 (704) 799-1500
Licensed Five Star Center License
Active License
License Number
49000560
License Holder
LJ SCHOOLS (CAROLINA), INC.
License Issued
Sep 12, 2025
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
Kathryn C
2012-08-23 15:18:22
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
We really like stepping stones. It is one of the best in Mooresville. Play-based curriculum. Clean facilities. Educated teachers. Great, healthy lunches and snacks served. Good hours available. If you are looking for a good quality daycare center at affordable prices, this is your place!
120 out of 264 think this review is helpful
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Zephyr_45
2012-08-21 11:59:49
★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆
Overall, clean facility and great teachers. However, I really question some administrative decisions. My son's teacher was planning on moving to a new school. Rather than have her train the incoming teacher (get her up to speed on the children's development to create a smooth transition) they abruptly cut her two week notice short. Parents got a vague letter with a lot of spin,; after the fact. The longterm substitute didn't even know if my child was potty trained yet. Obviously as a parent, I am not privy to all information. However, from my perspective the children were an afterthought. Very disappointed. (my child will now have four different teachers in the span of two weeks. Dont underestimate these kids and the level of bonding they are capable of) read less
134 out of 284 think this review is helpful
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About the Provider
It is the purpose of Stepping Stones Academy to provide quality education that affords each and every child the opportunity to develop and explore his/her full potential, both in their present lives and in preparation for continuing education. Our goal is the education of the whole child in physical, emotional, cognitive, creative and social skills. Our method is to develop a mentally appropriate curriculum that encourages risk-taking, exploration, discovery and problem solving through play. Here, creativity is valued, positive attitudes encouraged and a broad spectrum of values are taught.
Additional Information:
Five Star Center License
Hours of Operation
- Days of Operation Monday–Friday
- Open HoursMonday to Friday from 6:30 am to 6:00 pm
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-07-20 | Unannounced Inspection | No | 0726-178L |
| 2026-06-09 | Announced Inspection | No | |
| 2026-06-02 | Unannounced Inspection | No | |
| 2026-05-14 | Unannounced Inspection | No | 0526-109L |
| 2026-04-28 | Unannounced Inspection | No | |
| 2026-04-28 | Unannounced Inspection | No | 0426-062L |
| 2026-04-10 | Unannounced Inspection | Yes | 0426-062L |
| 2026-04-10 | 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 two-year-old child in Space 3 was observed being forcefully grabbed by the arm by a teacher, lifted, and carried to the bathroom for diaper changing. | |||
| 2026-04-01 | Announced Inspection | No | |
| 2026-03-20 | Unannounced Inspection | Yes | 0326-198L |
| 2026-03-20 | Unannounced Inspection | No | 0326-272L |
| 2026-03-20 | Violation | 410 | GS 110-91(2);.0508(c) |
| Each child did not have an opportunity to be outdoors daily, if weather conditions permitted. Infants in space 1 were not taken outside daily as scheduled. | |||
| 2026-03-20 | Violation | 721 | G.S. 110-91(6); .0601(b) |
| All equipment and furnishings were not in good repair. In space 8 it was observed that the cabinet door was broken off the hinges, the soap dispenser for the children was broken and children can not get soap to wash hands, and the blinds were broken. | |||
| 2026-03-09 | Unannounced Inspection | No | |
| 2026-03-03 | Unannounced Inspection | Yes | 0226-296L |
| 2026-03-03 | Unannounced Inspection | No | 0226-306L |
| 2026-03-03 | Violation | 904 | .1803(a)(1) |
| A child was handled in a rough way, including shaking, pushing, shoving, pinching, slapping, biting, kicking, or spanking. Video showed one teacher grabbing a child and moving him in a rough manner. The video also showed the same teacher placed her hand on the child’s shoulder, and it appeared that she applied force in a manner consistent with pushing. The second teacher grabbed the child’s wrist. The child then swung his hand toward the teacher. In response, the teacher pushed the child backward, causing him to make contact with the shelf located behind him. | |||
| 2026-01-22 | Unannounced Inspection | No | 0126-074L |
| 2026-01-15 | Unannounced Inspection | Yes | 0126-074L |
| 2026-01-15 | Violation | 904 | .1803(a)(1) |
| A child was handled in a rough way, including shaking, pushing, shoving, pinching, slapping, biting, kicking, or spanking. It was observed on video footage that the teacher took her hand and pushed the child to the floor. It was also observed that the teacher grabbed the child in a rough manner. | |||
| 2025-12-01 | Unannounced Inspection | Yes | 1125-192L |
| 2025-12-01 | Violation | 325 | .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. Children were present in the facility lobby and staff was using inappropriate language while in the present of children during an argument with administrative staff. | |||
| 2025-11-14 | Announced Inspection | No | |
| 2025-10-10 | Unannounced Inspection | No | 1025-036L |
| 2025-10-01 | Unannounced Inspection | Yes | |
| 2025-10-01 | Violation | 410 | GS 110-91(2);.0508(c) |
| Each child did not have an opportunity to be outdoors daily, if weather conditions permitted. In space one(1) and space two(2) children did not have outside play today. The children were not taken outside at the time scheduled on the classroom schedule. | |||
| 2025-10-01 | Violation | 604 | 15A NCAC 18A .2818(a) |
| Lavatories were not kept clean, in good repair and kept free of storage. In space 3 items were stored in the bathroom. | |||
| 2025-10-01 | 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 5 children and teachers did not wash hands after outside play. | |||
| 2025-10-01 | 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. Wall in classrooms need to be cleaned and painted. Some classrooms have chipped paint on walls. | |||
| 2025-10-01 | 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 three (3) plug covers were missing in one outlet. | |||
| 2025-10-01 | 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. A section of the gate in the Preschool playground has protrusion areas where screw are sticking out and the gate is not secure. | |||
| 2025-10-01 | 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 one (1) two children sleep charts were not current. | |||
| 2025-10-01 | 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. Staff members with the hire date of 5/21/25 and 5/20/25 have not completed First Aid. | |||
| 2025-10-01 | 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. Staff members with the hire date 5/5/25 and 5/21/25 have not completed CPR in 90 days of hire. | |||
| 2025-10-01 | 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. Facility have not completed putting staff members on ABCMS provider portal. | |||
| 2025-10-01 | 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 toddler playground surfacing around the tree had a hole which was a hazard for children. | |||
| 2025-05-01 | Unannounced Inspection | No | |
| 2024-11-14 | Unannounced Inspection | Yes | |
| 2024-11-14 | Violation | 468 | .0510(d)(1) |
| When three year old children and older were in care, the materials and equipment in the activity area was not in sufficient quantity to allow at least three children to use the area regardless of whether the children choose the same or different activities. Materials need to be added to all classrooms of children three and up so there is a sufficient amount of materials to all activity areas. | |||
| 2024-11-14 | Violation | 488 | .0510(e)(3) |
| For children under three years of age, materials were not offered in sufficient quantity to allow all children to use them at some time during the day and to allow for a range of choices. In all classrooms for children under three years of age materials need to be added to all activity areas so there is a sufficient quantity. | |||
| 2024-11-14 | 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. 2 bottles in infant 2 classroom were not labeled with name of child and current date. | |||
| 2024-11-14 | Violation | 603 | 15A NCAC 18A .2824(a)&(b) |
| All floors and floor coverings were not constructed of nonabsorbent material and/or were not kept clean and in good repair. All area rugs in all classrooms need to be cleaned. | |||
| 2024-11-14 | 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. Walls in all classrooms need to be painted and repaired. | |||
| 2024-11-14 | 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. Emergency medication was not stored 5 feet out of children reach. | |||
| 2024-11-14 | Violation | 847 | 10A NCAC 09 .0803(4)(6-9) |
| Parent's medication authorization did not include required information. Two medications authorization forms for diaper creams did not have an amount to be applied. | |||
| 2024-11-14 | 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. Plastic bags were accessible to children in the two-year-old classroom. | |||
| 2024-11-14 | Violation | 1821 | .0607(d)(8) |
| The EPR Plan did not include the date of the last revision of the plan. EPR plan needs to be updated. | |||
| 2024-11-14 | 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. Employee's with the hire dates 9/25/23,8/03/23,07/17/23, 10/19/23, and 10/16/23 have not reviewed the EPR plan annually. | |||
| 2024-11-13 | Unannounced Inspection | No | 1124-098A |
| 2024-06-20 | Unannounced Inspection | Yes | |
| 2024-06-20 | Violation | 847 | 10A NCAC 09 .0803(4)(6-9) |
| Parent's medication authorization did not include required information. In space 4 there were 2 medication forms that were not complete. Director completed the blank spaces on the form. | |||
| 2024-06-20 | 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. Staff members with hire dates 06/07/23, 11/22/21, and 10/21/22 do not have First Aid Training. | |||
| 2024-04-08 | Unannounced Inspection | No | |
| 2024-03-14 | Unannounced Inspection | Yes | |
| 2024-03-14 | Violation | 404 | 15A NCAC 18A .2803(a) |
| All staff did not wash their hands thoroughly after diapering each child. Staff member in the infant 2 class did not wash her hands after the diaper change. | |||
| 2024-03-14 | Violation | 405 | 15A NCAC 18A .2803(c)(2) |
| A child's hands were not washed after each diaper change. The child's hands were not washed after the diaper change. The child's hands were wiped with a wipe. | |||
| 2024-03-14 | Violation | 1301 | GS 110-91(9) |
| Center did not maintain a record of daily attendance. Attendance was not done in the classroom for the two year old's. The director corrected the attendance. | |||
| 2024-01-29 | Unannounced Inspection | No | |
| 2023-12-08 | Unannounced Inspection | No | |
| 2023-11-27 | Unannounced Inspection | Yes | |
| 2023-11-27 | 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. I observed the last fire inspection was dated 7/21/22. | |||
| 2023-11-27 | Violation | 468 | .0510(d)(1) |
| When three year old children and older were in care, the materials and equipment in the activity area was not in sufficient quantity to allow at least three children to use the area regardless of whether the children choose the same or different activities. In the classroom for the three and four year old's there was not a sufficient quantity of materials for the children to choose the same or different activities. | |||
| 2023-11-27 | Violation | 488 | .0510(e)(3) |
| For children under three years of age, materials were not offered in sufficient quantity to allow all children to use them at some time during the day and to allow for a range of choices. In the classroom for the 2's and 3's there was not a sufficient quantity of material in the center areas. | |||
| 2023-11-27 | Violation | 1324 | .1804(c) |
| Signed and dated statement by parent that discipline policy received and explained at enrollment was not in child's file. One child did not have a copy of the discipline policy received and explained at enrollment was not in child's file | |||
| 2023-11-27 | Violation | 1851 | .0604(j) |
| The operator did not notify the parent of each child enrolled in writing of the smoking and tobacco restriction. Two children do not have the notification to parent in writing of the smoking and tobacco restriction. | |||
| 2023-11-27 | Violation | 1867 | .0605(k)(1-4) |
| The depth of the loose surfacing was not based on critical height of the equipment. Surfacing for the school-age playground did not meet the depth of the critical height of equipment. | |||
| 2023-11-27 | Violation | 1907 | .0608(b) |
| A copy of the Prevention of Shaken Baby and Abusive Head Trauma policy was not given to or explained to parents of newly enrolled children up to five years of age on or before the first day the child receives care at the center. One student did not have a copy of the Prevention of Shaken Baby and Abusive Head Trauma policy on file. | |||
| 2023-10-25 | Unannounced Inspection | Yes | 1023-194L |
| 2023-10-25 | Violation | 872 | .1803 |
| Appropriate discipline practices were not followed. Based on staff interviews, one staff member was observed yelling at children, grabbing the student's arm harshly, and talking harshly in a child's face. | |||
| 2023-10-25 | Violation | 404 | 15A NCAC 18A .2803(a) |
| All staff did not wash their hands thoroughly after diapering each child. Staff washed students hand after changing but did not wash her hands right after changing the student. Teacher placed student down, got keys, took diaper in another area, touching different objects in the classroom before later washing hands. | |||
| 2023-10-25 | 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. Incident reports were not written on the child in the report. There were 2 incidents that reports were not written 10/11 and 10/16. Parent talked to director about incidents and reports were not on file. | |||
| 2023-08-02 | Unannounced Inspection | Yes | |
| 2023-08-02 | 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. I observed that toys were scattered on the playground and not kept in containers for storage. I observed holes in the turf around the trees that may hold water and could harbor vermin. | |||
| 2023-07-06 | Unannounced Inspection | Yes | |
| 2023-07-06 | Violation | 620 | 15A NCAC 18A .2825(a) |
| All walls and ceilings including doors and windows were not kept clean and in good repair. Walls in all classrooms need to be repaired and painted. | |||
| 2023-01-04 | Unannounced Inspection | Yes | |
| 2023-01-04 | Violation | 606 | 15A NCAC 18A .2818(b) & (d) |
| Running water, soap and individual sanitary towels, or other approved hand-drying devices were not supplied at each lavatory. Soap was not in available in the lavatory of the Pre-school 1 classroom. | |||
| 2023-01-04 | Violation | 620 | 15A NCAC 18A .2825(a) |
| All walls and ceilings including doors and windows were not kept clean and in good repair. Wall in the Pre-school 2 classroom paint was peeling and wall was not in good repair. | |||
| 2023-01-04 | Violation | 805 | .0604(t); .0302(d)(5) |
| Fire drills were not practiced monthly and/or the drill record was incomplete. Fire drill has not been conducted monthly. Last fire drill recorded on emergency drill log was dated 10/13/2022. Drill was conducted today as requested by consultant. | |||
| 2023-01-04 | Violation | 847 | 10A NCAC 09 .0803(4)(6-9) |
| Parent's medication authorization did not include required information. Medication forms in spaces Infant 2, 2year old space, and toddler 2, did not have the amount of medication (cream) to be applied on form. | |||
| 2023-01-04 | Violation | 859 | .0605(q) |
| Monthly playground inspections were not completed and/or they were not completed by an individual trained in playground safety requirements. Playground inspection was not in records for the month of December. | |||
| 2023-01-04 | 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. Staff JW and AG did not complete First Aid in the required 90 days of hire. | |||
| 2023-01-04 | 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. Staff JW and AG did not complete CPR in the required 90 days of hire. | |||
| 2023-01-04 | Violation | 1321 | GS110-91(1) |
| Medical exam or health assessment record was not on file before or within 30 days after admission. Medical exam was not on file for child (CA). | |||
| 2022-02-09 | Unannounced Inspection | Yes | |
| 2022-02-09 | 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. Five staff members did not complete Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training within 90 days of employment. | |||
| 2022-02-09 | Violation | 428 | GS 110-91(12); .0508(a) |
| A current activity plan was not posted for each group of children for reference. Space 9 did not have an activity plan posted. | |||
| 2022-02-09 | Violation | 807 | 10A NCAC 09 .0601(a) |
| A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children. In space 2 I observed latex gloves stored below five feet within children's reach. Latex gloves are considered a choking hazard and must be stored at five feet off of the floor when not in use. | |||
| 2022-02-09 | Violation | 847 | 10A NCAC 09 .0803(4)(6-9) |
| Parent's medication authorization did not include required information. In space 1 I observed two medication authorization forms that did not include when to apply the diaper cream on the child. | |||
| 2022-02-09 | 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. Nine staff who have direct care of children do not have documentation of current First Aid training. | |||
| 2022-02-09 | 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. Nine staff members who provide direct care of children do not have documentation of current CPR training. | |||
| 2022-02-09 | Violation | 1301 | GS 110-91(9) |
| Center did not maintain a record of daily attendance. Space 4 did not have one child enrolled in the classroom listed on the attendance record. The child was present during today's visit and wasn't counted as present. The attendance record was updated during today's visit. | |||
| 2022-02-09 | 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. A therapist was working with a child alone and did not have a qualification letter on file. The assistant director obtained a copy during today's visit. | |||
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