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7.9/ 10
Strengths
- NC 5-Star licensed center (license #51000551) — highest possible state rating for early childhood care
- Located within UNC Health Johnston Medical Mall, providing a safe, accessible hospital-campus environment
- Serves children 6 weeks through Pre-K age 5 with developmentally structured programs at every age band
- Clean inspection record: four unannounced inspections (2022–2024) with no violations cited
- KinderCare's print-rich classroom environments and designated learning centers support early literacy
- Registered dietician-developed meals included; vegetarian and allergen-accommodating menu options available
- Open enrollment to the broader community, not restricted to UNC Health Johnston employees
Considerations
- Opened in 2025 — limited public consumer reviews available on Google or Yelp at time of filing
- Capacity of 91 children is smaller than some competing Johnston County centers
- National franchise model; tuition not publicly listed and may be higher than local independent centers
- No after-school or school-age program; care ends at Pre-K (age 5)
Strengths
- NAEYC accredited — a distinction held by fewer than 10% of U.S. early childhood programs
- NC 4-Star DCDEE licensed (license #92003647) with a recent clean inspection in late 2024
- Large capacity of 145 children with broad age coverage from 6 weeks through age 12
- Part of the KinderCare national network with standardized curriculum and teacher training resources
- Long-tenured center director (Erica Smith at KinderCare since 2001) signals stability in leadership
- Conveniently located in the fast-growing Wendell Falls community in eastern Wake County
Considerations
- 4-star NC rating (not 5-star) and 2024 inspections cited documentation gaps including missing emergency management plans and health questionnaires
- Large center size (145 capacity) may feel less personalized than smaller independent programs
- Google and Yelp public review volumes are limited, making community sentiment harder to assess independently
- Hours (7 AM–6 PM M–F) offer no weekend or extended-evening coverage
Strengths
- Holds a 5-star NC DCDEE license (#5155107) — the highest possible state rating — and has maintained that standing for decades
- One of Smithfield's longest-operating family-owned childcare centers, established July 8, 1985 (40+ years), led by owner/president Pam Ryan
- Broad age range (6 weeks through 12 years) with infant, toddler, preschool, pre-K, and after-school programs under one roof
- Curriculum covers early literacy (colors, shapes, numbers, reading, writing), math, science, arts and crafts, sensory play, and indoor/outdoor free play
- On-site cooking staff provides meals; participates in the NC subsidized child care program
- Summer enrichment programming includes swimming and recreational activities
- BBB A+ rating with no complaints on file; 86% recommendation rate on Facebook
- Multiple unannounced inspections in 2022 and 2023 resulted in zero violations, demonstrating baseline operational compliance
Considerations
- 2024 unannounced inspection cited five violations: incomplete hand hygiene after diapering, diaper surfaces not disinfected, cleaning products unlocked in Building #3, infant sleeping in non-approved device, and non-tight-fitting crib mattress
- 2023 inspection cited two violations: unsecured cleaning supplies in hallways and a missing emergency information form for a new staff member
- Google and Yelp ratings not publicly confirmable via aggregators at time of filing; online review presence is sparse
- Facility website does not list tuition rates, requiring a direct inquiry
- Some older childcarecenter.us user comments (2010-2020) raised concerns about curriculum transparency and incident report access
Strengths
- Holds North Carolina's highest 5-star center license (license #33000409), indicating sustained compliance with the state's most rigorous quality standards
- Largest licensed childcare center in Tarboro with a capacity of 155 children, serving the full age range from infants through school age (0–12 years)
- Established and continuously operating since December 2007 — nearly 18 years of community presence under the same owner/director, Ms. Vicki L. Wells
- Participates in NC's subsidized child care voucher program, providing access for income-eligible families across Edgecombe County
- Member of the Tarboro Edgecombe Chamber of Commerce, reflecting local business standing and community integration
- Facebook presence shows a 100% recommendation rate among reviewers who engaged on that platform
Considerations
- Inspection in February 2024 documented multiple violations: arrival/departure records not maintained for three children, playground safety hazards including three large holes in ground, torn sleeping mats in two classrooms, and improperly stored sunscreen aerosol in a child cubby
- October 2022 inspection found serious storage violations including unlocked pepper spray accessible to children, improperly stored hand sanitizer, protruding picnic table screws, and plastic bags accessible to children under three
- No active public website — families must rely on phone or Facebook for enrollment and program information
- No verified Google or Yelp reviews found, making independent peer evaluation difficult for prospective families
- BBB lists the business as 'Not Rated' due to insufficient information and the center is not BBB-accredited
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