The Little School at Duke
Data last updated · May 2026
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 1 inspection since 2026, the issues cited most often were Licensing & Administrative Compliance (2), Building & Premises Safety (1), and Staff Qualifications & Background Checks (1). None of the 5 findings were critical.
See the Inspection Visit
Apr 16, 20265 Findings5 Important
- All Stationary Equipment, More Than 18 Inches High, Was Not Installed Over Protective Surfacing.
Additional surfacing was needed for the exit points of the slides, for the dome climbers, and the black tunnels. Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 4/30/202
- A Safe Indoor and Outdoor Environment Was Not Provided for the Children.
There were trees roots on the back playground that were exposed and above ground. Both ends were underground, creating a tripping hazard for children. Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provide
- The EMC Plan Was Not Reviewed with All Staff Annually and Whenever the Plan Was Revised.
There was no documentation on file for staff, who began employment on 3/27/26 and 3/31/26. Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 4/30/2026
- Staff Required to Receive On-going Training Had Not Completed the Required Number of Hours According to Their Education and Experience.
The information on the staff/training worksheet for today's visit reflected that several staff had not completed their required number of in-service
- Each New Employee Did Not Complete, Within the First Two Weeks of Employment, Six Clock Hours of Training in Required Topic Areas.
There was no documentation that two staff, who began employment on 3/30/26 and 3/27/26, had received the new staff orientation. Violation confirmed correc