Loading
Loading facility…
Pulling inspections, violations, and complaints.
Loading
Pulling inspections, violations, and complaints.
Home › NC › Albemarle › Little Friends Learning Center
1210 Freeman Ave, Albemarle NC 28001 · License #84000299 · Center · Child Care Center
Not published by the state. Owners can add hours via profile claim.
When they operate
Ages served
10A NCAC 09 .0803 · Violation
Name of Operation: Little Friends Learning Center Facility ID: 84000299 Consultant: STEPHANIE PALMER Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 6/17/2026 Number Present: 28 Completed Date: 6/17/2026 Age: From 0 To 8 Total Minutes: 205 Time In: 09:10 AM Time Out: 12:35 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to conduct an annual compliance visit. The last annual compliance visit for this facility was conducted on June 25, 2025. The compliance history percentage for the 18-month period is 96%. The facility currently holds a five-star license. Upon arrival, I was greeted by a staff member who shared that the assistant director would arrive soon. Ms. Courtney Wright did arrive soon after and assisted me with today’s visit. I shared the reason for the visit. Ms. Brittnie Edwards, owner/administrator arrived and also assisted me with the visit. The Secretary of State’s website was monitored and Little Friends Learning Center is current and active. I used the “Annual Compliance Monitoring Checklist for Child Care Centers” as a monitoring tool during today’s visit. I observed postings, indoor and outdoor spaces, safety and program management. I observed the children engaged in choice activities, outdoor play time on the playground, transitioning to outdoor play time and the individual needs of the infants were being met by the teachers. Two (2) staff files and four (4) children’s files were monitored during the visit for compliance with NC Childcare Rules. There was one (1) new staff member hired since the facility’s last visit on 2/13/26. The childcare consultant made notes on the staff and training worksheets and initialed where notes were made on the documents completed by the administrator. Two (2) of the children’s files were for NC PreK children. The Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan was reviewed and last updated on 4/29/26. Medication is currently administered at this facility. I monitored the parent authorization forms for diaper cream and emergency medication. The storage and the medication were observed. I asked administration staff if transportation is being provided for children enrolled. The response was that transportation is not provided at this facility. The last sanitation inspection was conducted on 3/27/26 with four (4) demerits and a superior classification. The last fire inspection was conducted on 8/1/25. A copy of the computer-generated visit summary and enrollment worksheet were provided during the visit along with a copy of the “AC Monitoring Checklist for Child Care Centers”. The violations observed during the visit were discussed with Ms. Edwards and documented in the visit summary. The following violations were observed: Violation Number Comment Rule 615 Beds, cots and mats were not in good repair, properly handled, stored, or clean and sanitized between users. An infant's crib and linens were being used to store classroom equipment. 15A NCAC 18A .2821(a) 721 All equipment and furnishings were not in good repair. The yellow bus playground equipment had chipping paint and the white boarder had jagged edges. G.S. 110-91(6); .0601(b) 847 Parent's medication authorization did not include required information. A child's parent medication authorization form did not state the amount of medication to give. 10A NCAC 09 .0803(4)(6-9) 1048 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. The first aid certification for staff member L.S. expired 2/2026. .1102(c) 1049 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. The CPR certification for staff member, L.S. expired 2/2026. .1102(d) All violations documented above must be corrected immediately. A letter of compliance will need to be sent to me stating how each violation was corrected. Include the violation number, statement of compliance, license ID and your signature in the letter. Your compliance letter must be received, via email, before or by July 1, 2026. If needed, send your letter to: Stephanie Palmer PO Box 481335 Charlotte, NC 28269 Technical Assistance/Resources: • During the visit, I discussed with Ms. Edwards that the facility’s star rated license will be due for renewal in 2028. I encouraged her to review the new QRIS Modernization system to help with determining which pathway to pursue. • During the visit, I discussed with infant staff and administration staff that equipment cannot be stored in cribs. • During the visit, I discussed with the administration staff regarding a hole in the outside wall of the building. I asked them to see if it can be blocked or closed to prevent the possibility of animals entering the space which is near the children’s play equipment. Please continue to visit DCDEE’s website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ to get the latest updates. If you have questions or need further assistance, please contact me at 980-867-8005 or via email at stephanie.palmer@dhhs.nc.gov or Ebony Duncan, supervisor, at ebony.duncan@dhhs.nc.gov or 704-594-0043. Thank you for your time. Stephanie Palmer Child Care Consultant Regulatory Services Section/DHHS Division of Child Development and Early Education If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times
Generated from this facility's specific inspection record
Data synced from North Carolina's child care licensing agency on Jul 9, 2026 · Report an error
Open Not marked corrected in the state record
Category: supervision. Open / not marked corrected.
G.S. 110-91 · Violation
Name of Operation: Little Friends Learning Center Facility ID: 84000299 Consultant: STEPHANIE PALMER Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 6/17/2026 Number Present: 28 Completed Date: 6/17/2026 Age: From 0 To 8 Total Minutes: 205 Time In: 09:10 AM Time Out: 12:35 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to conduct an annual compliance visit. The last annual compliance visit for this facility was conducted on June 25, 2025. The compliance history percentage for the 18-month period is 96%. The facility currently holds a five-star license. Upon arrival, I was greeted by a staff member who shared that the assistant director would arrive soon. Ms. Courtney Wright did arrive soon after and assisted me with today’s visit. I shared the reason for the visit. Ms. Brittnie Edwards, owner/administrator arrived and also assisted me with the visit. The Secretary of State’s website was monitored and Little Friends Learning Center is current and active. I used the “Annual Compliance Monitoring Checklist for Child Care Centers” as a monitoring tool during today’s visit. I observed postings, indoor and outdoor spaces, safety and program management. I observed the children engaged in choice activities, outdoor play time on the playground, transitioning to outdoor play time and the individual needs of the infants were being met by the teachers. Two (2) staff files and four (4) children’s files were monitored during the visit for compliance with NC Childcare Rules. There was one (1) new staff member hired since the facility’s last visit on 2/13/26. The childcare consultant made notes on the staff and training worksheets and initialed where notes were made on the documents completed by the administrator. Two (2) of the children’s files were for NC PreK children. The Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan was reviewed and last updated on 4/29/26. Medication is currently administered at this facility. I monitored the parent authorization forms for diaper cream and emergency medication. The storage and the medication were observed. I asked administration staff if transportation is being provided for children enrolled. The response was that transportation is not provided at this facility. The last sanitation inspection was conducted on 3/27/26 with four (4) demerits and a superior classification. The last fire inspection was conducted on 8/1/25. A copy of the computer-generated visit summary and enrollment worksheet were provided during the visit along with a copy of the “AC Monitoring Checklist for Child Care Centers”. The violations observed during the visit were discussed with Ms. Edwards and documented in the visit summary. The following violations were observed: Violation Number Comment Rule 615 Beds, cots and mats were not in good repair, properly handled, stored, or clean and sanitized between users. An infant's crib and linens were being used to store classroom equipment. 15A NCAC 18A .2821(a) 721 All equipment and furnishings were not in good repair. The yellow bus playground equipment had chipping paint and the white boarder had jagged edges. G.S. 110-91(6); .0601(b) 847 Parent's medication authorization did not include required information. A child's parent medication authorization form did not state the amount of medication to give. 10A NCAC 09 .0803(4)(6-9) 1048 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. The first aid certification for staff member L.S. expired 2/2026. .1102(c) 1049 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. The CPR certification for staff member, L.S. expired 2/2026. .1102(d) All violations documented above must be corrected immediately. A letter of compliance will need to be sent to me stating how each violation was corrected. Include the violation number, statement of compliance, license ID and your signature in the letter. Your compliance letter must be received, via email, before or by July 1, 2026. If needed, send your letter to: Stephanie Palmer PO Box 481335 Charlotte, NC 28269 Technical Assistance/Resources: • During the visit, I discussed with Ms. Edwards that the facility’s star rated license will be due for renewal in 2028. I encouraged her to review the new QRIS Modernization system to help with determining which pathway to pursue. • During the visit, I discussed with infant staff and administration staff that equipment cannot be stored in cribs. • During the visit, I discussed with the administration staff regarding a hole in the outside wall of the building. I asked them to see if it can be blocked or closed to prevent the possibility of animals entering the space which is near the children’s play equipment. Please continue to visit DCDEE’s website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ to get the latest updates. If you have questions or need further assistance, please contact me at 980-867-8005 or via email at stephanie.palmer@dhhs.nc.gov or Ebony Duncan, supervisor, at ebony.duncan@dhhs.nc.gov or 704-594-0043. Thank you for your time. Stephanie Palmer Child Care Consultant Regulatory Services Section/DHHS Division of Child Development and Early Education If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times
Open Not marked corrected in the state record
Category: supervision. Open / not marked corrected.
G.S. 110-91 · Violation
Name of Operation: Little Friends Learning Center Facility ID: 84000299 Consultant: STEPHANIE PALMER Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 6/25/2025 Number Present: 26 Completed Date: 6/25/2025 Age: From 0 To 10 Total Minutes: 160 Time In: 09:00 AM Time Out: 11:40 AM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to conduct an annual compliance visit. This facility underwent a change of ownership and was licensed on July 2, 2024. The compliance history percentage for the 18-month period is 97%. The facility currently holds a five-star license. Upon arrival, I was greeted by Ms. Brittnie Edwards, owner/administrator. I shared the reason for the visit. Ms. Edwards assisted me with today’s visit. The Secretary of State’s website was monitored and Little Friends Learning Center, LLC is current and active. I used the “Annual Compliance Monitoring Checklist for Child Care Centers” as a monitoring tool during today’s visit. I observed postings, indoor and outdoor spaces, safety and program management. Observations: I observed the children engaged in outdoor play time on the playground and choice activities in the classrooms. Three (3) staff files and five (5) children’s files were monitored during the visit for compliance with NC Childcare Rules. There was one (1) new staff member hired since the facility’s last visit. The child care consultant made notes on the staff and training worksheets and initialed where notes were made on the document completed by the administrator. The one (1) NC PreK classroom is not in session during the summer. The site monitoring tool for the ’24-’25 school year was reviewed. The site administrator monitored the classroom on 10/31/24 and the NC Pre-K coordinator visited on 12/10/24. The Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan was reviewed during today’s visit and was last updated on 6/12/25 by the administrator. Medication is currently administered at this facility. Emergency medication was monitored along with the parent authorization forms and medication storage. Transportation is not currently being provided at this facility. The last sanitation inspection was conducted on 4/16/25 with four (4) demerits and a superior classification. The last fire inspection was conducted on 8/8/24. A copy of the computer-generated visit summary and enrollment worksheet were provided during the visit along with a copy of the “AC Monitoring Checklist for Child Care Centers”. The violation observed during the visit was discussed with Ms. Edwards and documented in the visit summary. The following violation was observed: Violation Number Comment Rule 721 All equipment and furnishings were not in good repair. Play equipment on the preschool playground had a broken plastic piece. On the toddler playground, equipment was rusting and had chipping paint. G.S. 110-91(6); .0601(b) All violations documented above must be corrected immediately. A letter of compliance will need to be sent to me stating how each violation was corrected. Include the violation number, statement of compliance, license ID and your signature in the letter. Your compliance letter must be received, via email, before or by July 9, 2025. If needed, send your letter to: Stephanie Palmer PO Box 481335 Charlotte, NC 28269 Technical Assistance/Resources: • During the visit, I reminded Ms. Edwards that the hold harmless status has been extended for child care facilities until the new QRIS is implemented per Senate Bill 425. Please continue to visit DCDEE’s website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ to get the latest updates. If you have questions or need further assistance, please contact me at 980-867-8005 or via email at stephanie.palmer@dhhs.nc.gov. Stephanie Palmer Child Care Consultant Regulatory Services Section/DHHS Division of Child Development and Early Education If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times
Open Not marked corrected in the state record
Category: ratio. Open / not marked corrected.
10A NCAC 09 .0606 · Violation
Name of Operation: Little Friends Learning Center Facility ID: 84000299 Consultant: RASHEKA WHEELER Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 8/13/2024 Number Present: 35 Completed Date: 8/13/2024 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 120 Time In: 09:15 AM Time Out: 11:15 AM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Temp Time Period Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of my unannounced visit was to monitor for compliance with applicable childcare requirements for a first temporary time-period visit. Ms. Edwards, Owner/Director, was present upon arrival. I stated the purpose of the today's visit and begun my walk-through of the indoor and outdoor learning spaces. Currently this center operates with a Temporary License, issued on July 2, 2024. The restrictions include daytime care only. Building #1 Capacity at 25, No More Than 10 Children less than 3 years old and Building #2 Capacity at 25. Age ranging from 0-12 years of age. The NC Secretary of State website was viewed before the visit Little Friends Learning Center LLC- current/active as of June 13, 2024. If any changes to the company need to be made or you decide to sell your business, then you must notify your consultant at least thirty days prior to any changes occurring. The license cannot be bought, sold, subleased, transferred to another person or location or inherited. Indoor Learning Environment: There are 33 children enrolled in building #1. Out of the 33 enrolled children, 17 children were present. There are 19 children enrolled in building #2. Out of the 19 enrolled children, 18 children were present. The facility has an identified NC Pre-K classroom. During the morning arrival children were engaged in outdoor activities for building #2 and free choice play activities were observed in building #1. The fire drill report was discussed today and was observed in compliance with the latest date of 8/13/2024. The playground inspection was observed completed on 8/12/2024. The sanitation inspection was conducted on 7/9/24 with a Superior Rating and four (4) demerits. The program received their Lead Water Test Result on July 25, 2024. The Fire Inspection documentation was provided to me, prior to today's visit on 8/8/24 and approved for daytime care only. Ms. Edwards received two (2) building inspection for both building on the property. Building 1, did not pass inspection and will need to have the following items corrected before approval: #6 and #22. Building 2, did pass the building inspection on 8/8/24. I re-iterated to Ms. Edwards, all inspections will need to be approved prior to the six (6) months temporary licensing expiring on January 2, 2025. Transportation: This program does not participate in transportation. The outdoor learning environment was monitored during today’s visit. Records: All staff records were monitored during the pre-licensing visit. One (1) new staff was hired after the 7/2/2024 visit and that staff file was monitored during today’s visit. Three (3) child’s record was reviewed during today’s visit. One violation was cited concerning a child’s record. Nutrition: Today’s lunch included toss salad with ranch dressing, ravioli, peaches, wheat garlic bread and milk. The allergy list was posted in the kitchen area and where children eat. Weapons: Your facility is in compliance with Child Care Requirements regarding firearms. Violation observed today were discussed with you and documented on the Visit Summary left with you at the conclusion of this visit. Violation Number Comment Rule 840 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 can of paint and a bag of ant killer inside an unlocked shed on the outdoor learning environment. A lock was present but wasn't completed closed prior to inspecting the building. .2820(b) 893 A copy of the safe sleep policy was not given to and/or explained to the parent of each child on or before the first day the infant attended the center. One infant present did not have a safe sleep policy signed for review during the file review. 10A NCAC 09 .0606(c) The next two Temporary Time Period visits will be unannounced. During those visits a full assessment of the center's ability to maintain compliance with all applicable Child Care Requirements will be conducted. Please note that any violations cited today or during future visits will negatively impact your compliance history. North Carolina General Statute 110-90(4)(d) requires all child care facilities to maintain a compliance history of at least seventy-five percent (75%) for the past 18 months or during the length of time the facility has operated, whichever is less. Failure to do so may result in the issuance of a provisional license or other administrative action against the facility's license. Rated License: We discussed the two-component rated license process. You were aware that the program can still be in harmless hold and wanted to take advantage of utilizing the previous information to maintain the current star level. I explained, discussed enhanced ratios, and enhanced space with you. I explained that if you receive a four or five-star license, then you will be required to have an approved curriculum for children at four years of age. I discussed and acknowledged the facility is currently using Creative Curriculum for NC_Pre-k for the preschool classroom. As discussed, at the end of your temporary license period you must be at least a three (3) star facility to continue to provide care for children who receive subsidy. Due to this is a change of ownership, I discussed with the administrator her previous EPR Training. She has stated that she has already completed the EPR training and is aware of the expectation of keeping the binder updated as well as the online portal. Ms. Edwards also stated she will like to maintain the star rating of 5 Stars from the previous owner and will like the hold harmless option, to opt out of getting the rated scales observations completed prior to her 6-month temporary license expiration date. Note: Please make sure you send the complete building inspection form upon receipt and make sure the building inspector is thoroughly completed the document. He/She must complete the section if any question is marked “No”. The following violations were cited and completed during today’s visit. You are currently minimum ratio requirements at this time. The following staff/child ratios and maximum group sizes apply to your facility: 0 to 12 Months ~ 1 staff / 5 children ~ 10 group 1 to 2 Years ~ 1 staff / 6 children ~ 12 group 2 to 3 Years ~ 1 staff / 10 children ~ 18 group 3 to 4 -Years ~ 1 staff / 15 children ~ 20 group 4 to 5 Years ~ 1 staff /20 children ~ 25 group 5 to Older ~ 1 staff / 25 children ~ 25 group Technical Assistance: Please make sure to receive signatures for all enrolled children to play outside the fence. During today’s visit, children were all observed inside the fence. I discussed with Ms. Edwards to have this documentation on file just in case children are participating in activities outside of the fence. It is important for licensed providers to be knowledgeable of all of the licensing requirements that apply to their type of program. Child care consultants can make unannounced visits at any time. It's the provider's responsibility to be in compliance with all of the applicable laws and rules. Feel free to contact me for assistance at either my office 704-776-0602 or my e-mail Rasheka.Wheeler@dhhs.nc.gov. Rasheka Wheeler Child Care Consultant Regulatory Services Section/DHHS Division of Child Development and Early Education Post Office Box P.O. Box 691174 Mint Hill, NC 28227 Stay up to date with the Division of Child Development and Early Education by visiting www.ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov. This website enables you to view the entire Law and Child Care Requirements for North Carolina as well as download required forms. I encourage you to click on the “What’s New” tab for important updates impacting child care in North Carolina. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times
Open Not marked corrected in the state record
Category: ratio. Open / not marked corrected.