Belmont · Licensed center
The Learning Experience
- Large developmental center, licensed for 186 children.
- Run by a for-profit business, which holds the license.
What the state has found
The state cited rules at 8 of its 24 licensing inspections since November 2023.
Of the 256 Charlotte-area centers with 10 or more licensing inspections, more than 99% had rules cited at some but not all of them, as this center did. Fewer than 1% had rules cited at all of them.
Licensing inspections
Sep 28, 20261 citation
“Enhanced staff/child ratios and group sizes were not met. Per sign in and out records, on September 14, 2026, in Space #10, seven (7) children, 0-12 months of age, were present with one (1) staff member from 8:22am-8:28am. Per sign in and out records, on September 14, 2026, in Space #9, seven (7) children, one (1) year of age, were present with one (1) staff member from 8:20am-8:25am.”
Violation confirmed corrected by follow-up visit made by consultant on 10/7/2026
Sep 2, 20261 citation
“Enhanced staff/child ratios and group sizes were not met. Per sign in and out records and staff reports, on August 26, 2026, twenty (20) children, two (2) to three (3) years of age, were being cared for by two (2) staff members in Space #5. Per sign in and out records, on August 27, 2026, twenty (20) children, two (2) to three (3) years of age, were being cared for by two (2) staff members in Space #5. Per sign in and out records, on August 27, 2026, eleven (11) children, three (3) years of age, were being cared for by one (1) staff member in Space #3. Per sign in and out records, on August 27, 2026, twenty-nine (29) children, four (4) years of age, were being cared for by two (2) staff members in Space #2.”
Violation confirmed corrected by follow-up visit made by consultant on 9/9/2026
Jun 3, 20261 citation
“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 (1) can of Super Sorb Premium Absorbent with multiple warnings was on a shelf in the restroom used by children, accessible to children.”
Violation corrected during visit
Jun 11, 20251 citation
“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medicines were not returned to the parent after the course of treatment was completed, after authorization was withdrawn or after authorization had expired and/or medication was not discarded within 72 hours of completion of treatment or withdrawal of authorization.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 #5, the permission to administer medication form for one (1) tube of Flanders Buttocks Ointment expired on May 12, 2025.”
Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 6/18/2025
Jul 23, 20246 citations
“On or before the first day of work, all staff, including the director and individuals who volunteer more than once per week did not provide results indicating that they were free of active TB and/or TB test or screening was older than 12 months. One (1) staff member, employed on May 13, 2024, had the results of a negative TB test on file dated July 14, 2022. One (1) staff member, employed on October 23, 2023, had the results of a negative TB test on file dated November 6, 2023.”
Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 8/6/2024
“New staff, who had contact with children, did not receive at least 16 hrs. orientation within first 6 weeks. One (1) staff member, employed on May 13, 2024, only received six (6) hours of orientation within the first six weeks of employment. A second staff member, employed on May 13, 2024, did not complete sixteen (16) hours of orientation until July 17, 2024.”
Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 8/6/2024
“Fire drills were not practiced monthly and/or the drill record was incomplete. No fire drill was conducted in May 2024.”
Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 8/6/2024
“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#10, one (1) bottle of Wizard Naturals Aromatherapy Fine Fragrance Mist, with multiple warnings, was in an unlocked cabinet to the right of the refrigerator.”
Violation corrected during visit
2 more from this inspection
“Center staff did not comply with the safe sleep policy. In Space #10, one (1) infant, seven (7) months of age, had a visual sleep check on July 22, 2024, at 11:10am and not again until 11:34am. In Space #10, two (2) infants, both ten (10) months of age, both had a visual sleep check at 12:45pm and not again until 1:10pm. In Space #10, one (1) infant, seven (7) months of age, had a visual sleep check on July 18, 2024, at 10:00am and not again until 10:20am. In Space #11, one (1) infant, five (5) months of age, had a visual sleep check on July 22, 2024, at 9:28am and not again until 9:45am. In Space #11, one (1) infant, five (5) months of age, had a visual sleep check on July 22, 2024, at 8:43am and not again until 9:00am. In Space #11, one (1) infant, four (4) months of age, had a visual sleep check on July 22, 2024, at 9:44am and not again until 10:00am. In Space #11, one (1) infant, four (4) months of age, had a visual sleep check on July 22, 2024, at 1:25pm and not again until 1:55pm. In Space #11, one (1) infant, four (4) months of age, had a visual sleep check on July 22, 2024, at 1:25pm and not again until 1:45pm. In Space #11, one (1) infant, four (4) months of age, had a visual sleep check on July 19, 2024, at 10:22am and not again until 10:45am. In Space #11, one (1) infant, five (5) months of age, had a visual sleep check on July 19, 2024, at 8:25am and not again until 8:48am. In Space #11, one (1) infant, five (5) months of age, had a visual sleep check on July 19, 2024, at 10:40am and not again until 11:00am. In Space #11, one (1) infant, five (5) months of age, had a visual sleep check on July 19, 2024, at 1:20pm and not again until 1:45pm. In Space #11, one (1) infant, five (5) months of age, had a visual sleep check on July 19, 2024, at 3:22pm and not again until 3:45pm. In Space #11, one (1) infant, five (5) months of age, had a visual sleep check on July 18, 2024, at 9:40am and not again until 10:00am. In Space #11, one (1) infant, five (5) months of age, had a visual sleep check on July 18, 2024, at 8:28am and not again until 8:45am. In Space #11, one (1) infant, five (5) months of age, had a visual sleep check on July 18, 2024, at 9:25am and not again until 9:45am, and at 11:28am and not again until 11:45am.”
Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 8/6/2024
“The Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy was not reviewed with new staff prior to providing care with children and/or a signed acknowledgement with all the required information was not maintained in the staff person's file. One (1) staff member, employed on January 29, 2024, did not sign an acknowledgement of receipt of the facility’s Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma Policy until March 6, 2024. One (1) staff member, employed on October 23, 2023, did not sign an acknowledgement of receipt of the facility’s Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma Policy until July 23, 2024. One (1) staff member, employed on June 18, 2024, did not sign an acknowledgement of receipt of the facility’s Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma Policy until July 8, 2024.”
Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 8/6/2024
Apr 30, 20241 citation
“Enhanced staff/child ratios and group sizes were not met. Today I observed, in space #7, fifteen (15) children, all two (2) years of age, with one (1) staff member. Based on program records, on April 24, 2024, eleven (11) children, all three (3) years of age, were present with one (1) staff member in space #1, ten (10) children, two (2) to three (3) years of age, were present with one (1) staff member in space #4, nine (9) children, zero (0) to two (2) years of age, were present with one (1) staff member in space #6, ten (10) children, all two (2) years of age, were present with one (1) staff member in space #7, and eleven (11) children, all one (1) year of age, were present with one (1) staff member in space #8, on April 25, 2024, thirteen (13) children, two (2) to three (3) years of age, were present with one (1) staff member in space #4, thirteen (13) children, all two (2) years of age, were present with one (1) staff member in space #5, and eleven (11) children, all two (2) years of age, were present with one (1) staff member in space #7, on April 26, 2024, twelve (12) children, two (2) to three (3) years of age, were present with one (1) staff member in space #4, twelve (12) children, all two (2) years of age, were present with one (1) staff member in space #5, and ten (10) children, all two (2) years of age, were present with one (1) staff member in space #7.”
Violation confirmed corrected by follow-up visit made by consultant on 5/9/2024
Jan 4, 20241 citation
“Children were not adequately supervised at all times. On December 18, 2023, one (1) child, three (3) years of age, was left unattended in Space #4 for approximately one (1) minute.”
Violation confirmed corrected by follow-up visit made by consultant on 1/17/2024
Nov 21, 20231 citation
“Children were not adequately supervised at all times. On November 14, 2023, one (1) child, two (2) years of age, was left unattended in Space #7 for approximately eight (8) to ten (10) minutes.”
Violation confirmed corrected by follow-up visit made by consultant on 11/27/2023
Read every record and the state’s reports
State record — North Carolina DCDEE
- Last visit
- October 7, 2026
- On file
- 24 visits since November 2023 — 16 cited nothing, 15 of those unannounced
- Fixed?
- All 13 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.
Sep 2026 Unannounced visit 1 finding
Unannounced visit · September 28, 2026
Enhanced staff/child ratios and group sizes were not met. Per sign in and out records, on September 14, 2026, in Space #10, seven (7) children, 0-12 months of age, were present with one (1) staff member from 8:22am-8:28am. Per sign in and out records, on September 14, 2026, in Space #9, seven (7) children, one (1) year of age, were present with one (1) staff member from 8:20am-8:25am.
Violation confirmed corrected by follow-up visit made by consultant on 10/7/2026
DCDEE facility lookup On that page, enter license number 36000629 in the License Number box, choose Search and open the result; the record is listed under Visits.
Sep 2026 Unannounced visit 1 finding
Unannounced visit · September 2, 2026
Enhanced staff/child ratios and group sizes were not met. Per sign in and out records and staff reports, on August 26, 2026, twenty (20) children, two (2) to three (3) years of age, were being cared for by two (2) staff members in Space #5. Per sign in and out records, on August 27, 2026, twenty (20) children, two (2) to three (3) years of age, were being cared for by two (2) staff members in Space #5. Per sign in and out records, on August 27, 2026, eleven (11) children, three (3) years of age, were being cared for by one (1) staff member in Space #3. Per sign in and out records, on August 27, 2026, twenty-nine (29) children, four (4) years of age, were being cared for by two (2) staff members in Space #2.
Violation confirmed corrected by follow-up visit made by consultant on 9/9/2026
DCDEE facility lookup On that page, enter license number 36000629 in the License Number box, choose Search and open the result; the record is listed under Visits.
Jun 2026 Unannounced visit 1 finding
Unannounced visit · June 3, 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. In Space #5, one (1) can of Super Sorb Premium Absorbent with multiple warnings was on a shelf in the restroom used by children, accessible to children.
Violation corrected during visit
DCDEE facility lookup On that page, enter license number 36000629 in the License Number box, choose Search and open the result; the record is listed under Visits.
Jun 2025 Unannounced visit 1 finding
Unannounced visit · June 11, 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 #5, the permission to administer medication form for one (1) tube of Flanders Buttocks Ointment expired on May 12, 2025.
Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 6/18/2025
DCDEE facility lookup On that page, enter license number 36000629 in the License Number box, choose Search and open the result; the record is listed under Visits.
Jul 2024 Unannounced visit 6 findings
Unannounced visit · July 23, 2024
On or before the first day of work, all staff, including the director and individuals who volunteer more than once per week did not provide results indicating that they were free of active TB and/or TB test or screening was older than 12 months. One (1) staff member, employed on May 13, 2024, had the results of a negative TB test on file dated July 14, 2022. One (1) staff member, employed on October 23, 2023, had the results of a negative TB test on file dated November 6, 2023.
Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 8/6/2024
New staff, who had contact with children, did not receive at least 16 hrs. orientation within first 6 weeks. One (1) staff member, employed on May 13, 2024, only received six (6) hours of orientation within the first six weeks of employment. A second staff member, employed on May 13, 2024, did not complete sixteen (16) hours of orientation until July 17, 2024.
Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 8/6/2024
Fire drills were not practiced monthly and/or the drill record was incomplete. No fire drill was conducted in May 2024.
Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 8/6/2024
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#10, one (1) bottle of Wizard Naturals Aromatherapy Fine Fragrance Mist, with multiple warnings, was in an unlocked cabinet to the right of the refrigerator.
Violation corrected during visit
Center staff did not comply with the safe sleep policy. In Space #10, one (1) infant, seven (7) months of age, had a visual sleep check on July 22, 2024, at 11:10am and not again until 11:34am. In Space #10, two (2) infants, both ten (10) months of age, both had a visual sleep check at 12:45pm and not again until 1:10pm. In Space #10, one (1) infant, seven (7) months of age, had a visual sleep check on July 18, 2024, at 10:00am and not again until 10:20am. In Space #11, one (1) infant, five (5) months of age, had a visual sleep check on July 22, 2024, at 9:28am and not again until 9:45am. In Space #11, one (1) infant, five (5) months of age, had a visual sleep check on July 22, 2024, at 8:43am and not again until 9:00am. In Space #11, one (1) infant, four (4) months of age, had a visual sleep check on July 22, 2024, at 9:44am and not again until 10:00am. In Space #11, one (1) infant, four (4) months of age, had a visual sleep check on July 22, 2024, at 1:25pm and not again until 1:55pm. In Space #11, one (1) infant, four (4) months of age, had a visual sleep check on July 22, 2024, at 1:25pm and not again until 1:45pm. In Space #11, one (1) infant, four (4) months of age, had a visual sleep check on July 19, 2024, at 10:22am and not again until 10:45am. In Space #11, one (1) infant, five (5) months of age, had a visual sleep check on July 19, 2024, at 8:25am and not again until 8:48am. In Space #11, one (1) infant, five (5) months of age, had a visual sleep check on July 19, 2024, at 10:40am and not again until 11:00am. In Space #11, one (1) infant, five (5) months of age, had a visual sleep check on July 19, 2024, at 1:20pm and not again until 1:45pm. In Space #11, one (1) infant, five (5) months of age, had a visual sleep check on July 19, 2024, at 3:22pm and not again until 3:45pm. In Space #11, one (1) infant, five (5) months of age, had a visual sleep check on July 18, 2024, at 9:40am and not again until 10:00am. In Space #11, one (1) infant, five (5) months of age, had a visual sleep check on July 18, 2024, at 8:28am and not again until 8:45am. In Space #11, one (1) infant, five (5) months of age, had a visual sleep check on July 18, 2024, at 9:25am and not again until 9:45am, and at 11:28am and not again until 11:45am.
Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 8/6/2024
The Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy was not reviewed with new staff prior to providing care with children and/or a signed acknowledgement with all the required information was not maintained in the staff person's file. One (1) staff member, employed on January 29, 2024, did not sign an acknowledgement of receipt of the facility’s Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma Policy until March 6, 2024. One (1) staff member, employed on October 23, 2023, did not sign an acknowledgement of receipt of the facility’s Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma Policy until July 23, 2024. One (1) staff member, employed on June 18, 2024, did not sign an acknowledgement of receipt of the facility’s Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma Policy until July 8, 2024.
Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 8/6/2024
DCDEE facility lookup On that page, enter license number 36000629 in the License Number box, choose Search and open the result; the record is listed under Visits.
Apr 2024 Unannounced visit 1 finding
Unannounced visit · April 30, 2024
Enhanced staff/child ratios and group sizes were not met. Today I observed, in space #7, fifteen (15) children, all two (2) years of age, with one (1) staff member. Based on program records, on April 24, 2024, eleven (11) children, all three (3) years of age, were present with one (1) staff member in space #1, ten (10) children, two (2) to three (3) years of age, were present with one (1) staff member in space #4, nine (9) children, zero (0) to two (2) years of age, were present with one (1) staff member in space #6, ten (10) children, all two (2) years of age, were present with one (1) staff member in space #7, and eleven (11) children, all one (1) year of age, were present with one (1) staff member in space #8, on April 25, 2024, thirteen (13) children, two (2) to three (3) years of age, were present with one (1) staff member in space #4, thirteen (13) children, all two (2) years of age, were present with one (1) staff member in space #5, and eleven (11) children, all two (2) years of age, were present with one (1) staff member in space #7, on April 26, 2024, twelve (12) children, two (2) to three (3) years of age, were present with one (1) staff member in space #4, twelve (12) children, all two (2) years of age, were present with one (1) staff member in space #5, and ten (10) children, all two (2) years of age, were present with one (1) staff member in space #7.
Violation confirmed corrected by follow-up visit made by consultant on 5/9/2024
DCDEE facility lookup On that page, enter license number 36000629 in the License Number box, choose Search and open the result; the record is listed under Visits.
Jan 2024 Unannounced visit 1 finding
Unannounced visit · January 4, 2024
Children were not adequately supervised at all times. On December 18, 2023, one (1) child, three (3) years of age, was left unattended in Space #4 for approximately one (1) minute.
Violation confirmed corrected by follow-up visit made by consultant on 1/17/2024
DCDEE facility lookup On that page, enter license number 36000629 in the License Number box, choose Search and open the result; the record is listed under Visits.
Nov 2023 Unannounced visit 1 finding
Unannounced visit · November 21, 2023
Children were not adequately supervised at all times. On November 14, 2023, one (1) child, two (2) years of age, was left unattended in Space #7 for approximately eight (8) to ten (10) minutes.
Violation confirmed corrected by follow-up visit made by consultant on 11/27/2023
DCDEE facility lookup On that page, enter license number 36000629 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, child care subsidies, cost, hours and late pickup, a typical day, and sick and biting policies aren’t on this page.
How they teach
Developmental, play-based and STEAM
“STEM Integration Hands-on learning in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.”
Who cares for your child
Ms.Charitie (Teacher), 3 years in early childhood, Maria (Operations Manager), 12 years in early childhood and Mr.Phillip (Center Director), 30 years in early childhood.
Details
- Website
- thelearningexperience.com
- Address
- 2016 Middleton Farm Dr
- License
- 36000629, active
- Quality program
- Four Star License
- Chain
- The Learning Experience
- Owner
- The Learning Experience brand is owned by Harvest Partners, a private-equity firm. Most of its schools are owned by franchisees.
Run The Learning Experience? 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 thelearningexperience.com
Who cares for your child
State record
From North Carolina DCDEE’s published reports, last checked October 10, 2026.
Details
- Phone, Address, License — Checked July 2026 ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov. To check it, open ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/childcaresearch, enter licence 36000629 under License Number, and open the result.
- Website — Checked September 2026 thelearningexperience.com
- Quality program — Checked October 2026 ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov. To check it, open ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/childcaresearch, enter licence 36000629 under License Number, and open the result.
- Who runs it — Checked September 2026 ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov. To check it, open ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/childcaresearch, enter licence 36000629 under License Number, open the result and expand Owner Information: the licensee is listed as Primary Owner.
- Chain — Checked October 2026 thelearningexperience.com
- Owner — Checked October 2026 harvestpartners.com
The private-equity firm Harvest Partners lists The Learning Experience as a current investment, made in July 2025, and describes it as a franchisor and operator of early childhood education schools. So a single center may be run by a franchisee or by the company. harvestpartners.com
Large means the biggest quarter of Charlotte-area’s 591 licensed centers by state-licensed capacity: 163 to 528 children. Small is 11 to 50; medium is 51 to 162.