The Early Learning Center
900 ARENDELL ST., MOREHEAD CITY, NC 28557Childery 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.4 / 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 4 out of 5 stars overall. Process quality reflects an NC 5-Star Rated License rating of Level 4 (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 4 (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 2 inspections since 2025, the issues cited most often were Staff Qualifications & Background Checks (2), Building & Premises Safety (1), and Child Maltreatment Prevention (1). None of the 5 findings were critical.
See All 2 Inspection Visits
Dec 10, 20253 Findings3 Important
- All Walls and Ceilings Including Doors and Windows Were Not Kept Clean, Free of Visible Fungal Growth, and in Good Repair.
The wall under the bulletin board in indoor space #2 has chipped paint. Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 12/19/2025
- Child Care Providers and Uncompensated Providers Who Are Not Substitute Providers or Volunteers, Including the Director Did Not Have a Medical Report on File…
prior to employment that was signed by a health care professional and/ or the medical report was older than 12 months. Two (2)
- The Child Care Administrator and All Staff Did Not Complete the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment Training Within 90 Days Of…
employment. One (1) staff member did not complete the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment within 90 days
Jun 16, 20252 Findings2 Important
- A Current Activity Plan Was Not Posted for Each Group of Children for Reference.
Indoor spaces #2 and #3 did not have a current activity plan posted. Violation corrected during visit
✓ Corrected at visit
- All Staff, Including the Director, Did Not Have an Annual Health Questionnaire on File Following the Initial Medical Statement.
Four (4) staff members, including the director, did not have an annual health questionnaire on file following the initial medical statement. Violation confir
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