Tender Care Child Development Center
3375 NC HWY 127S, HICKORY, NC 28602Childery 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 2024, the issues cited most often were Building & Premises Safety (2), Staff Qualifications & Background Checks (1), and Hazardous Materials Handling (1). None of the 5 findings were critical.
See All 3 Inspection Visits
Apr 1, 20262 Findings2 Important
- All Equipment and Furnishings Were Not in Good Repair.
On the playground designated for use by children two through twelve years of age, the rubber coating on the steel steps of composite structure was peeling and cracking. Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provide
- 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. One staff member with a date of employment of 12/08/2025 was not listed on the facility
Jun 17, 20252 Findings2 Important
- 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. N Space 5,…
multiple opened plastic diaper wipe bags were stored in a dishpan on an open and unlocked shelf in the diaper-changing table and
- Written Permission Was Not Given by Parent for Child to Participate in Aquatic Activity.
The signed and dated written permission statement from parents of thirteen out of sixteen school-age children giving permission for the children to participate in aquatic activities was not update
Dec 11, 20241 Finding1 Important
- 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. In Space 5, one a
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