Davidson · Licensed center
The Children's House
- Small Montessori center, licensed for 29 children.
- Run by a for-profit business, which holds the license.
What the state has found
The state cited rules at 7 of its 8 licensing inspections since September 2023.
Of the 74 Charlotte-area centers with 8 licensing inspections, 18% had rules cited at 7 of them, as this center did. 1% had rules cited at all 8.
Licensing inspections
Aug 20, 20262 citations
“All walls and ceilings including doors and windows were not kept clean, free of visible fungal growth, and in good repair. In the bathroom space #2, I observed watermarks on the ceiling tiles.”
Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 8/28/2026
“All equipment and furnishings were not in good repair. On the OLE, I observed two picnic tables and benches that had peeling paint.”
Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 9/12/2026
Feb 25, 20263 citations
“Fire drills were not practiced monthly and/or the drill record was incomplete. The center did not have documentation of completing a fire drill for January 2026.”
Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 3/2/2026
“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. A child was receiving therapy in a space that did not have properly stored cleaning products, products were accessible to child.”
Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 3/2/2026
“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. In space #1, I observed small toy animals that were considered a choking hazard for children under three years of age.”
Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 3/2/2026
Aug 28, 20254 citations
“Fire drills were not practiced monthly and/or the drill record was incomplete. The center did not have documentation of completing a fire drill in May 2025 and June 2025.”
Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 9/4/2025
“Leftover medicines were not returned to the parent after the course of treatment was completed, after authorization was withdrawn or after authorization had expired and/or medication was not discarded within 72 hours of completion of treatment or withdrawal of authorization. In space #1, I observed diaper cream with an authorization form that expired on 6/6/25.”
Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 9/4/2025
“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. In space #1, I observed a plastic bag hanging in a cubby in a tote bag, accessible to children under three years of age.”
Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 9/4/2025
“Monthly playground inspections were not completed and/or they were not completed by an individual trained in playground safety requirements. The center did not have documentation of completing a playground inspection in June 2025.”
Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 9/4/2025
Jun 9, 20255 citations
“Children were not adequately supervised at all times. (1) In space #2, I observed a child in the classroom by themself as staff member (LS) and I were entering the space. (LS) then took the child outside with the rest of the children. (2) I observed the volunteer (LL) being counted in ratio while outside on the playground. There was a staff member and the volunteer (LL) with eleven children (2- two year old children, 3- three year old children, 2-four year old children and 4-five year old children).”
Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 6/23/2025
“A current activity plan was not posted for each group of children for reference. Both space #1 & #2 did not have a current activity plan posted.”
Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 6/23/2025
“Fire drills were not practiced monthly and/or the drill record was incomplete. The center's last fire drill was documented on 4/25/25. The center did not complete a fire drill in May 2025.”
Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 6/23/2025
“Prior to employment a Criminal Background Check was not completed. A new staff member (that was present during the time of the visit) (SB) did not complete a CBC prior to employment.”
Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 6/23/2025
1 more from this inspection
“All staff records, except financial records, were not made available for review. One new staff member (SB) did not have a file available for review during today's visit.”
Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 6/23/2025
Sep 3, 20244 citations
“Child care providers, including the director, uncompensated providers, substitute providers, and volunteers did not have the required Emergency Information Form on file on or before the first day of work, which included all the required information and/or the information on the form was not updated as changes occur and at least annually. Four out of five staff members did not have an updated emergency information form on file. (DR,SC,JC,ES)”
Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 9/11/2024
“All walls and ceilings including doors and windows were not kept clean, free of visible fungal growth, and in good repair. In space #2, I osberved ceiling tiles in the classroom and bathroom that were not in good repair. Also, in space #2, the baseboard was not in good repair.”
Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 9/20/2024
“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 #1, I observed Benadryl stored in an unlocked cabinet and cough drops in an unlocked drawer that were accessible to children. In space #2, I observed Motrin stored in an unlocked cabinet.”
Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 9/11/2024
“A drug or medication was administered without written authorization and/or instructions from a child's parent or authorized health professional. In space #1, I observed Bugables Citronella wristbands with no authorization form.”
Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 9/11/2024
May 17, 20241 citation
“Parent's medication authorization did not include required information. In room number two (#2) a child's prescription medication did have have the correct medical permission slip.”
Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 5/31/2024
Sep 6, 20236 citations
“A current schedule was not posted for each group of children for reference. In space #1, I observed an activity plan date for 8/21/23 posted on the wall.”
Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 9/21/2023
“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. I space #1, I observed activities for children to count beans on the shelf, accessible to children. These beans are small enough to be considered a choking hazard.”
Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 9/21/2023
“Staff required to receive on-going training had not completed the required number of hours according to their education and experience. Two out of five staff members did not receive the required number of on-going training hours (DR and SC).”
Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 9/21/2023
“Each employee's personnel file did not contain an annual staff evaluation and a staff development plan. Three out of five staff members did not have documentation of an annual staff evaluation.”
Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 9/21/2023
2 more from this inspection
“A valid qualification letter was not on file and available to review at the facility. Staff member (FD) did not have a qualification letter available for review.”
Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 9/21/2023
“Health and safety training topics were not included as part of on-going training within five years of completing the previous health and safety training topics. Three out of five staff members did not complete the health and safety training topics within five years of completing the trainings before.”
Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 9/21/2023
Read every record and the state’s reports
State record — North Carolina DCDEE
- Last visit
- August 20, 2026
- On file
- 8 visits since September 2023 — 1 cited nothing, 1 of those unannounced
- Fixed?
- All 25 record a correction, in the licensor’s own words.
- Most serious
- North Carolina DCDEE does not publish a severity level for a citation, so there is no most-serious to name.
North Carolina DCDEE describes every citation in the licensor’s own words and records the correction in that same text — the only one of the six states that publishes whether a violation was fixed. It attaches no rule number and no report document.
Aug 2026 Unannounced visit 2 findings
Unannounced visit · August 20, 2026
All walls and ceilings including doors and windows were not kept clean, free of visible fungal growth, and in good repair. In the bathroom space #2, I observed watermarks on the ceiling tiles.
Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 8/28/2026
All equipment and furnishings were not in good repair. On the OLE, I observed two picnic tables and benches that had peeling paint.
Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 9/12/2026
DCDEE facility lookup On that page, enter license number 60003673 in the License Number box, choose Search and open the result; the record is listed under Visits.
Feb 2026 Unannounced visit 3 findings
Unannounced visit · February 25, 2026
Fire drills were not practiced monthly and/or the drill record was incomplete. The center did not have documentation of completing a fire drill for January 2026.
Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 3/2/2026
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. A child was receiving therapy in a space that did not have properly stored cleaning products, products were accessible to child.
Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 3/2/2026
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. In space #1, I observed small toy animals that were considered a choking hazard for children under three years of age.
Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 3/2/2026
DCDEE facility lookup On that page, enter license number 60003673 in the License Number box, choose Search and open the result; the record is listed under Visits.
Aug 2025 Unannounced visit 4 findings
Unannounced visit · August 28, 2025
Fire drills were not practiced monthly and/or the drill record was incomplete. The center did not have documentation of completing a fire drill in May 2025 and June 2025.
Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 9/4/2025
Leftover medicines were not returned to the parent after the course of treatment was completed, after authorization was withdrawn or after authorization had expired and/or medication was not discarded within 72 hours of completion of treatment or withdrawal of authorization. In space #1, I observed diaper cream with an authorization form that expired on 6/6/25.
Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 9/4/2025
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. In space #1, I observed a plastic bag hanging in a cubby in a tote bag, accessible to children under three years of age.
Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 9/4/2025
Monthly playground inspections were not completed and/or they were not completed by an individual trained in playground safety requirements. The center did not have documentation of completing a playground inspection in June 2025.
Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 9/4/2025
DCDEE facility lookup On that page, enter license number 60003673 in the License Number box, choose Search and open the result; the record is listed under Visits.
Jun 2025 Unannounced visit 5 findings
Unannounced visit · June 9, 2025
Children were not adequately supervised at all times. (1) In space #2, I observed a child in the classroom by themself as staff member (LS) and I were entering the space. (LS) then took the child outside with the rest of the children. (2) I observed the volunteer (LL) being counted in ratio while outside on the playground. There was a staff member and the volunteer (LL) with eleven children (2- two year old children, 3- three year old children, 2-four year old children and 4-five year old children).
Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 6/23/2025
A current activity plan was not posted for each group of children for reference. Both space #1 & #2 did not have a current activity plan posted.
Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 6/23/2025
Fire drills were not practiced monthly and/or the drill record was incomplete. The center's last fire drill was documented on 4/25/25. The center did not complete a fire drill in May 2025.
Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 6/23/2025
Prior to employment a Criminal Background Check was not completed. A new staff member (that was present during the time of the visit) (SB) did not complete a CBC prior to employment.
Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 6/23/2025
All staff records, except financial records, were not made available for review. One new staff member (SB) did not have a file available for review during today's visit.
Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 6/23/2025
DCDEE facility lookup On that page, enter license number 60003673 in the License Number box, choose Search and open the result; the record is listed under Visits.
Sep 2024 Unannounced visit 4 findings
Unannounced visit · September 3, 2024
Child care providers, including the director, uncompensated providers, substitute providers, and volunteers did not have the required Emergency Information Form on file on or before the first day of work, which included all the required information and/or the information on the form was not updated as changes occur and at least annually. Four out of five staff members did not have an updated emergency information form on file. (DR,SC,JC,ES)
Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 9/11/2024
All walls and ceilings including doors and windows were not kept clean, free of visible fungal growth, and in good repair. In space #2, I osberved ceiling tiles in the classroom and bathroom that were not in good repair. Also, in space #2, the baseboard was not in good repair.
Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 9/20/2024
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 #1, I observed Benadryl stored in an unlocked cabinet and cough drops in an unlocked drawer that were accessible to children. In space #2, I observed Motrin stored in an unlocked cabinet.
Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 9/11/2024
A drug or medication was administered without written authorization and/or instructions from a child's parent or authorized health professional. In space #1, I observed Bugables Citronella wristbands with no authorization form.
Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 9/11/2024
DCDEE facility lookup On that page, enter license number 60003673 in the License Number box, choose Search and open the result; the record is listed under Visits.
May 2024 Unannounced visit 1 finding
Unannounced visit · May 17, 2024
Parent's medication authorization did not include required information. In room number two (#2) a child's prescription medication did have have the correct medical permission slip.
Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 5/31/2024
DCDEE facility lookup On that page, enter license number 60003673 in the License Number box, choose Search and open the result; the record is listed under Visits.
Sep 2023 Unannounced visit 6 findings
Unannounced visit · September 6, 2023
No longer on the state’s site as of September 25, 2026
A current schedule was not posted for each group of children for reference. In space #1, I observed an activity plan date for 8/21/23 posted on the wall.
Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 9/21/2023
No longer on the state’s site as of September 25, 2026
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. I space #1, I observed activities for children to count beans on the shelf, accessible to children. These beans are small enough to be considered a choking hazard.
Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 9/21/2023
No longer on the state’s site as of September 25, 2026
Staff required to receive on-going training had not completed the required number of hours according to their education and experience. Two out of five staff members did not receive the required number of on-going training hours (DR and SC).
Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 9/21/2023
No longer on the state’s site as of September 25, 2026
Each employee's personnel file did not contain an annual staff evaluation and a staff development plan. Three out of five staff members did not have documentation of an annual staff evaluation.
Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 9/21/2023
No longer on the state’s site as of September 25, 2026
A valid qualification letter was not on file and available to review at the facility. Staff member (FD) did not have a qualification letter available for review.
Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 9/21/2023
No longer on the state’s site as of September 25, 2026
Health and safety training topics were not included as part of on-going training within five years of completing the previous health and safety training topics. Three out of five staff members did not complete the health and safety training topics within five years of completing the trainings before.
Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 9/21/2023
DCDEE facility lookup On that page, enter license number 60003673 in the License Number box, choose Search and open the result; the record is listed under Visits.
Shortlist replaces people’s names in the state’s text with initials. This is done by rule, not by hand, so it can miss a name or shorten a word that isn’t one. The state’s report, linked on each row, has the original.
Openings and child care subsidies aren’t on this page.
How they teach
Montessori
“Our School's program is based on the philosophy of Dr. Maria Montessori, and the latest research in child development.”
Who cares for your child
Debbie Richardson (Founder, Director, and Preschool Lead Teacher) since 2004, Stacey Carr (Preschool Assistant Teacher) since 2008, Elizabeth Santalesa (Assistant Teacher & After School Support), 16 years in early childhood and Keli Jones (Support Teacher), 20 years in early childhood.
Of 745 Charlotte-area providers, 30 publish how long a named staff member has been there; the longest tenure at each of those has a median of 22 years.
What it costs
From $1,683 a month
Charlotte-area comparison hidden until they say which age this price is for.
- Half day (morning)
- $1,102 a month
A day here
- Hours
- 7:45 AM to 4:25 PM, 5 days a week
- Meals
- Parents pack snack (one food group) and lunch (three or more food groups); food is not microwaved or warmed
- Updates for parents
- Newsletters, photos, and calendar shared via Shutterfly; WhatsApp used for emergency closures; email/text for daily communication
- Schedule
- Morning, School Day, School Day+, Full Day
Policies
- When a child is sick
- Child must be symptom-free (no fever, diarrhea, or nausea reducing medicine) for at least 24 hours before returning
Details
- Website
- thechildrenshouse.us
- Address
- 412 Armour Street
- License
- 60003673, active
- Quality program
- One Star License
- Established
- 2004
Run The Children's House? Correct or add anything here, free.
Add what is missingSources and dates
Where every fact on this page came from, and when Shortlist last checked it against that source. Anything Shortlist could not source is named here rather than left blank.
How they teach
- Approach — Checked July 2026 thechildrenshouse.us/…/tch-parent-handbook-2026.pdf
Who cares for your child
- Staff thechildrenshouse.us
What it costs
- Monthly tuition, Second price — Checked July 2026 thechildrenshouse.us
State record
From North Carolina DCDEE’s published reports, last checked October 10, 2026.
A day here
- Meals, Updates for parents — Checked July 2026 thechildrenshouse.us/…/tch-parent-handbook-2026.pdf
- Hours — Checked July 2026 thechildrenshouse.us
- Schedule — Checked July 2026 thechildrenshouse.us
Policies
- When a child is sick — Checked July 2026 thechildrenshouse.us/…/tch-parent-handbook-2026.pdf
Details
- Phone, Address, License, Quality program — Checked July 2026 ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov. To check it, open ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/childcaresearch, enter licence 60003673 under License Number, and open the result.
- Website — Checked July 2026 thechildrenshouse.us
- Established — Checked July 2026 thechildrenshouse.us
- Who runs it — Checked September 2026 ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov. To check it, open ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/childcaresearch, enter licence 60003673 under License Number, open the result and expand Owner Information: the licensee is listed as Primary Owner.
Small means the smallest quarter of Charlotte-area’s 591 licensed centers by state-licensed capacity: 11 to 50 children. Medium is 51 to 162; large is 163 to 528.