The Sandbox
2566 3RD AVENUE SE, HICKORY, NC 28602Childery Rating: 3/5
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.3 / 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.3 / 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 3 out of 5 stars overall. Process quality reflects an NC 5-Star Rated License rating of Level 3 (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 3 (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 5 inspections since 2024, the issues cited most often were Medication Administration (2), Discipline & Adult-Child Interaction (1), and Curriculum & Developmental Programming (1). None of the 5 findings were critical.
See All 5 Inspection Visits
Jun 25, 20251 Finding1 Important
- Medication Authorization, Giving the Caregiver Standing Authorization Did Not Meet the Specifications in Rule.
Two (2) medication permission to administer forms for sunscreen did not have the expiration date listed on the form. Violation corrected during visit
✓ Corrected at visit
Feb 13, 20251 Finding1 Important
- Medication Authorization, Giving the Caregiver Standing Authorization Did Not Meet the Specifications in Rule.
In the classroom where Pre K children are cared for there was one (1) medication permission to administer form that provides standing orders to administer for up to six (6) m
Sep 30, 20241 Finding1 Important
- Each Child Was Not Attended to in a Nurturing and Appropriate Manner, or in Keeping with the Child's Developmental Needs.
A staff member handled children in a manner that was not nurturing or appropriate. The staff member used her finger to lift a child’s face to look at her, used her
May 21, 20241 Finding1 Important
- When Children 3 Years and Older Were in Care, Screen Time Was Not Used to Stimulate a Developmental Domain; Was Not Limited to 30 Minutes a Day and No More…
than a total of two and a half hours per week, per child; and/or was not documented on a cumulative log or the activity plan that
Jan 3, 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. One aerosol can
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