South Topsail Elementary Preschool
997 HOOVER ROAD, HAMPSTEAD, NC 28443Childery 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 3 inspections since 2025, the issues cited most often were Licensing & Administrative Compliance (1), Staff Qualifications & Background Checks (1), and Building & Premises Safety (1). None of the 5 findings were critical.
See All 3 Inspection Visits
Mar 18, 20261 Finding1 Important
- The Center Did Not Follow All Procedures to Prevent the Spread of Communicable Diseases Described in 15A NCAC 18A .2800.
The NC PreK program did not inform parents of communicable diseases that could affect their child and household. Violation confirmed corrected by letter received fr
Jan 9, 20262 Findings2 Important
- Staff Did Not Model Appropriate Eating Behaviors by Consuming Food or Beverages That Meet the Nutritional Requirements Specified in the Meal Patterns For…
Children in Child Care Programs in the presence of children in care. I observed a bottle of Ginger Ale and Gatorade (Orange) on to
- Staff Did Not Complete the Health and Safety Training Within One Year of Employment.
Staff member who has been employed since September 2024 did not have verification of completion of required trainings on file. Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 1/15/20
Apr 15, 20252 Findings2 Important
- A Safe Indoor Environment Was Not Provided for the Children.
In space #103, baby wipes were observed on a blue/purple stool in the bathroom and on a shelf in the classroom – “keep out of reach of children,” were on the labels. The baby wipes were accessible to the children in care. V
- Electric Fans Were Not Mounted Out of Reach or Did Not Have a Mesh Guard to Prevent Access.
There were two electric fans in space #103 – one was on top of a file cabinet out of reach of children and the other was sitting on the floor by the carpeted/group time area. Violation confirme
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