Smokey Mountain Elementary Pre-K
884 US HIGHWAY 441 NORTH, WHITTIER, NC 28789Childery Rating: 4/5
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.4 / 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.2 / 5
Why this rating
This daycare earned 4 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
- Preschool
- Licensed capacity
- Not Available
- Teacher-child ratios & group sizesState Minimum Displayed
Age Max ratio Max group Preschool 1:20 25
Teacher Credentials
- Lead teacher credentialState Minimum Displayed
- High School Diploma
Inspection History
Across 2 inspections since 2025, the issues cited most often were Parent Communication & Policies (1), Staff Qualifications & Background Checks (1), and Licensing & Administrative Compliance (1). None of the 5 findings were critical.
See All 2 Inspection Visits
May 6, 20261 Finding1 Important
- A Summary of the NC Child Care Law Was Not Posted in a Prominent Place in the Center.
The summary of law posted was dated 2019. Violation corrected during visit
✓ Corrected at visit
Oct 21, 20254 Findings4 Important
- The Center Did Not Maintain Records as Required in Rule, And/or Were Not Made Available to the Division for Review.
There was not a 2025-26 public school off-site records verification form on file for bus driver staff records. There was not a 2025-26 public school off-site records ver
- Sand and Water Play Activities Were Not Available Weekly to Each Group.
Per teacher report, water play has not been offered to children this school year. The school year began on 8/13/25. Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 11/3/2025
- The Activity Plan Did Not Include a Daily Gross Motor Activity Which May Occur Indoors and Outdoors.
The activity plan dated 10/20/25 through 10/24/25 did not include a daily gross motor activity. Free play was listed in the section of outdoor play. Violation confirmed corrected by le
- Fire Drills Were Not Practiced Monthly And/or the Drill Record Was Incomplete.
There was no documentation on the fire drill logs of a fire drill being practiced in May 2025 and September 2025. Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 11/3/2025
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