Donald S Collins Early Learning Center
120 WEST STREET, BLACK MOUNTAIN, NC 28711Childery Rating: 5/5
Data last updated ·
Quality Indicators
See Methodology →- Overall QualityCombines daily care quality (interactions, learning, environment) with structural features like staff-to-child ratios and teacher qualifications.5 / 5
- Process QualityThe quality of daily care — caregiver-child interactions, learning activities, and the emotional climate. Drawn from the state QRIS rating, accreditations, and Head Start CLASS observations.5 / 5
- Structural QualityMeasurable features like staff-to-child ratios, group sizes, license status, and teacher qualifications. Provider-level data when available; otherwise the state regulatory baseline.4 / 5
Why this rating
This daycare earned 5 out of 5 stars overall. Process quality reflects an NC 5-Star Rated License rating of Level 5 (out of 5). Structural quality reflects North Carolina's licensing baseline. North Carolina caps infant ratios at 1:5, toddler ratios at 1:6, and preschool ratios at 1:20. Lead teachers must hold a High School Diploma. Teachers must complete 20 hours of annual training.
Quality Recognitions & Accreditations
- State Quality Rating
- NC 5-Star Rated License Level 5 (Max 5) Learn more →
- Accreditations
- National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC)Not Accredited
- National Accreditation Commission (NAC)Not Accredited
- National Early Childhood Program Accreditation (NECPA)Not Accredited
- National Association for Family Child Care (NAFCC)Not Accredited
Facility Info
- Facility type
- Child Care Center
- Age groups served
- Infants, Toddlers, Preschool, School-Age
- Licensed capacity
- Not Available
- Teacher-child ratios & group sizesState Minimum Displayed
Age Max ratio Max group Infants 1:5 10 Toddlers 1:6 12 Preschool 1:20 25
Teacher Credentials
- Lead teacher credentialState Minimum Displayed
- High School Diploma
Inspection History
Across 3 inspections since 2026, the issues cited most often were Building & Premises Safety (3), Medication Administration (1), and Curriculum & Developmental Programming (1). None of the 5 findings were critical.
See All 3 Inspection Visits
May 26, 20262 Findings2 Important
- 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. Space 4, one (1) electrical outlet uncovered b
- 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. Space 12
Apr 20, 20261 Finding1 Important
- 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. Space 11, two (2) electrical outlets uncovered
Feb 12, 20262 Findings2 Important
- A Current Schedule Was Not Posted for Each Group of Children for Reference.
Space # 7 and #6 did not have a current daily schedule posted. Violation corrected during visit
✓ Corrected at visit
- Openings in Equipment, Steps, Decks, Handrails, and Fencing Were Not Less Than 3 1/2 Inches or Greater Than 9 Inches.
The fence on the right side of the preschool playground, was not secured to three (3) fence posts creating a potential entrapment. Violation corrected during visit
✓ Corrected at visit
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