Ranked #1 overall across all 11 quality dimensions among every licensed childcare center in Smithfield, Tarboro & Wendell. This is the highest recognition we award in the city.
Top 100 in North Carolina
Among the top 100 childcare centers statewide — a distinction earned by fewer than 1% of licensed centers across North Carolina.
Best for Safety
Earned the highest safety score in Smithfield, Tarboro & Wendell. Our safety dimension weighs inspection history, deficiency records, and parent-reported safety culture across reviews.
Best Teachers
Earned the highest teacher-quality score in Smithfield, Tarboro & Wendell. This dimension reflects staff credentials, tenure, warmth, and how consistently parents praise individual teachers.
Best Curriculum
Earned the highest curriculum score in Smithfield, Tarboro & Wendell. This dimension evaluates structured learning, developmental programming, and how well daily activities prepare children for each stage.
Most Compassionate
Earned the highest compassion score in Smithfield, Tarboro & Wendell. This dimension captures the warmth, patience, and individual attention children receive day to day.
Best Infant Care
Earned the highest infant care score in Smithfield, Tarboro & Wendell. This dimension focuses on caregiver ratios, responsiveness, feeding and sleep routines, and parent feedback specific to infant rooms.
Best K-Ready
Earned the highest kindergarten-readiness score in Smithfield, Tarboro & Wendell. This dimension weighs literacy and numeracy foundations, school-transition preparation, and reported outcomes.
Best Management
Earned the highest management score in Smithfield, Tarboro & Wendell. This dimension evaluates director responsiveness, communication, billing clarity, and how well the center is run.
Best Culture
Earned the highest culture score in Smithfield, Tarboro & Wendell. This dimension captures a sense of community, inclusivity, staff morale, and the feeling families describe when they walk through the door.
Best Arts & Music
Earned the highest arts & music score in Smithfield, Tarboro & Wendell. This dimension reflects the depth and consistency of creative programming — visual arts, music, movement, and imaginative play.
Smallest Classes
Earned the best class-size score in Smithfield, Tarboro & Wendell. This dimension reflects group sizes, child-to-teacher ratios, and how much individual space and attention each child gets.
Best Extracurriculars
Earned the highest extracurriculars score in Smithfield, Tarboro & Wendell. This dimension covers enrichment beyond core care — sports, languages, field trips, and special programs.
Full Ranking Detail
childcarepreschool
KinderCare ELC at UNC Health Johnston is Smithfield's only NC 5-Star licensed childcare center housed on a hospital campus, located at 514 N Bright Leaf Blvd Suite 1717 inside the Johnston Medical Mall. Serving children from 6 weeks through Pre-K, the center has maintained a clean regulatory record across multiple unannounced inspections and offers a structured KinderCare curriculum with print-rich classrooms, dietician-approved meals, and enrollment open to the full Johnston County community. As one of only a handful of 5-star centers in Smithfield, it stands out for its regulatory compliance, institutional oversight, and proximity to UNC Health Johnston.
Safety9.0
Curriculum8.0
Art / Music7.0
Infant care9.0
Kindergarten readiness8.0
Teacher quality8.0
Compassion8.0
Management8.0
Culture8.0
Class sizes7.0
Extracurriculars7.0
What parents say
“As a parent, I entrust my greatest blessing to the staff at KinderCare every day, and I am grateful for the loving care and guidance he receives.”
Programs & curriculum
Curriculum & approach: Research-based curriculum with designated learning centers (dramatic play, blocks) and print-rich environment; emphasizes child-initiated discovery and meeting children where they are socially and academically.
Programs & activities: Programs for ages 6 weeks to 5 years (infant through pre-K); enrichment includes Cooking Academy, Music Explorers, Phonics Adventures, and STEM Innovators; meals and snacks provided by registered dietitian; part-time and full-time scheduling.
What sets it apart: Americas Most Accredited Child Care Provider; Gallup Exceptional Workplace Award winner since 2017; operates 6:15 AM to 6:00 PM Mon-Fri; KinderCare mobile app for parent-teacher communication; financial assistance accepted including subsidies, military support, and employer benefits.
Recognition of Excellence — Website Badge
🏆 For Center Directors
Your center has earned independent recognition based on verified parent reviews. You are welcome to display this badge on your website. Paste the snippet below into your site's HTML — it links back to this verified recognition page.
#1 in Smithfield, Tarboro & Wendell
<!-- Recognition of Excellence: KinderCare ELC at UNC Health Johnston -->
<a href="https://creativemindsmontessori.com/US-wide-childcare-preschool-rankings/north-carolina/raleigh/smithfield-tarboro-wendell/kindercare-elc-at-unc-health-johnston/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" style="display:flex;align-items:flex-start;gap:16px;padding:18px;background:#FFFBF0;border:1px solid #EDD97A;border-radius:10px;max-width:420px;text-decoration:none;color:inherit;font-family:-apple-system,BlinkMacSystemFont,'Segoe UI',Roboto,Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">
<img src="https://creativemindsmontessori.com/US-wide-childcare-preschool-rankings/badges/rank-1-city.jpg" alt="#1 in Smithfield, Tarboro & Wendell - KinderCare ELC at UNC Health Johnston - Smithfield, Tarboro & Wendell, NC" width="80" height="80" style="border-radius:8px;flex-shrink:0;" loading="lazy">
<span>
<strong style="display:block;font-size:15px;color:#1A1A18;margin-bottom:5px;">#1 in Smithfield, Tarboro & Wendell</strong>
<span style="font-size:13px;color:#4A4A46;line-height:1.5;">Ranked #1 overall across all 11 quality dimensions among every licensed childcare center in Smithfield, Tarboro & Wendell. This is the highest recognition we award in the city.</span>
</span>
</a>
Top 100 in North Carolina
<!-- Recognition of Excellence: KinderCare ELC at UNC Health Johnston -->
<a href="https://creativemindsmontessori.com/US-wide-childcare-preschool-rankings/north-carolina/raleigh/smithfield-tarboro-wendell/kindercare-elc-at-unc-health-johnston/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" style="display:flex;align-items:flex-start;gap:16px;padding:18px;background:#FFFBF0;border:1px solid #EDD97A;border-radius:10px;max-width:420px;text-decoration:none;color:inherit;font-family:-apple-system,BlinkMacSystemFont,'Segoe UI',Roboto,Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">
<img src="https://creativemindsmontessori.com/US-wide-childcare-preschool-rankings/badges/rank-100-state.jpg" alt="Top 100 in North Carolina - KinderCare ELC at UNC Health Johnston - Smithfield, Tarboro & Wendell, NC" width="80" height="80" style="border-radius:8px;flex-shrink:0;" loading="lazy">
<span>
<strong style="display:block;font-size:15px;color:#1A1A18;margin-bottom:5px;">Top 100 in North Carolina</strong>
<span style="font-size:13px;color:#4A4A46;line-height:1.5;">Among the top 100 childcare centers statewide — a distinction earned by fewer than 1% of licensed centers across North Carolina.</span>
</span>
</a>
Best for Safety
<!-- Recognition of Excellence: KinderCare ELC at UNC Health Johnston -->
<a href="https://creativemindsmontessori.com/US-wide-childcare-preschool-rankings/north-carolina/raleigh/smithfield-tarboro-wendell/kindercare-elc-at-unc-health-johnston/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" style="display:flex;align-items:flex-start;gap:16px;padding:18px;background:#FFFBF0;border:1px solid #EDD97A;border-radius:10px;max-width:420px;text-decoration:none;color:inherit;font-family:-apple-system,BlinkMacSystemFont,'Segoe UI',Roboto,Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">
<img src="https://creativemindsmontessori.com/US-wide-childcare-preschool-rankings/badges/dim-safety.jpg" alt="Best for Safety - KinderCare ELC at UNC Health Johnston - Smithfield, Tarboro & Wendell, NC" width="80" height="80" style="border-radius:8px;flex-shrink:0;" loading="lazy">
<span>
<strong style="display:block;font-size:15px;color:#1A1A18;margin-bottom:5px;">Best for Safety</strong>
<span style="font-size:13px;color:#4A4A46;line-height:1.5;">Earned the highest safety score in Smithfield, Tarboro & Wendell. Our safety dimension weighs inspection history, deficiency records, and parent-reported safety culture across reviews.</span>
</span>
</a>
Best Teachers
<!-- Recognition of Excellence: KinderCare ELC at UNC Health Johnston -->
<a href="https://creativemindsmontessori.com/US-wide-childcare-preschool-rankings/north-carolina/raleigh/smithfield-tarboro-wendell/kindercare-elc-at-unc-health-johnston/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" style="display:flex;align-items:flex-start;gap:16px;padding:18px;background:#FFFBF0;border:1px solid #EDD97A;border-radius:10px;max-width:420px;text-decoration:none;color:inherit;font-family:-apple-system,BlinkMacSystemFont,'Segoe UI',Roboto,Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">
<img src="https://creativemindsmontessori.com/US-wide-childcare-preschool-rankings/badges/dim-teacherq.jpg" alt="Best Teachers - KinderCare ELC at UNC Health Johnston - Smithfield, Tarboro & Wendell, NC" width="80" height="80" style="border-radius:8px;flex-shrink:0;" loading="lazy">
<span>
<strong style="display:block;font-size:15px;color:#1A1A18;margin-bottom:5px;">Best Teachers</strong>
<span style="font-size:13px;color:#4A4A46;line-height:1.5;">Earned the highest teacher-quality score in Smithfield, Tarboro & Wendell. This dimension reflects staff credentials, tenure, warmth, and how consistently parents praise individual teachers.</span>
</span>
</a>
Best Curriculum
<!-- Recognition of Excellence: KinderCare ELC at UNC Health Johnston -->
<a href="https://creativemindsmontessori.com/US-wide-childcare-preschool-rankings/north-carolina/raleigh/smithfield-tarboro-wendell/kindercare-elc-at-unc-health-johnston/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" style="display:flex;align-items:flex-start;gap:16px;padding:18px;background:#FFFBF0;border:1px solid #EDD97A;border-radius:10px;max-width:420px;text-decoration:none;color:inherit;font-family:-apple-system,BlinkMacSystemFont,'Segoe UI',Roboto,Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">
<img src="https://creativemindsmontessori.com/US-wide-childcare-preschool-rankings/badges/dim-curriculum.jpg" alt="Best Curriculum - KinderCare ELC at UNC Health Johnston - Smithfield, Tarboro & Wendell, NC" width="80" height="80" style="border-radius:8px;flex-shrink:0;" loading="lazy">
<span>
<strong style="display:block;font-size:15px;color:#1A1A18;margin-bottom:5px;">Best Curriculum</strong>
<span style="font-size:13px;color:#4A4A46;line-height:1.5;">Earned the highest curriculum score in Smithfield, Tarboro & Wendell. This dimension evaluates structured learning, developmental programming, and how well daily activities prepare children for each stage.</span>
</span>
</a>
Most Compassionate
<!-- Recognition of Excellence: KinderCare ELC at UNC Health Johnston -->
<a href="https://creativemindsmontessori.com/US-wide-childcare-preschool-rankings/north-carolina/raleigh/smithfield-tarboro-wendell/kindercare-elc-at-unc-health-johnston/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" style="display:flex;align-items:flex-start;gap:16px;padding:18px;background:#FFFBF0;border:1px solid #EDD97A;border-radius:10px;max-width:420px;text-decoration:none;color:inherit;font-family:-apple-system,BlinkMacSystemFont,'Segoe UI',Roboto,Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">
<img src="https://creativemindsmontessori.com/US-wide-childcare-preschool-rankings/badges/dim-compassion.jpg" alt="Most Compassionate - KinderCare ELC at UNC Health Johnston - Smithfield, Tarboro & Wendell, NC" width="80" height="80" style="border-radius:8px;flex-shrink:0;" loading="lazy">
<span>
<strong style="display:block;font-size:15px;color:#1A1A18;margin-bottom:5px;">Most Compassionate</strong>
<span style="font-size:13px;color:#4A4A46;line-height:1.5;">Earned the highest compassion score in Smithfield, Tarboro & Wendell. This dimension captures the warmth, patience, and individual attention children receive day to day.</span>
</span>
</a>
Best Infant Care
<!-- Recognition of Excellence: KinderCare ELC at UNC Health Johnston -->
<a href="https://creativemindsmontessori.com/US-wide-childcare-preschool-rankings/north-carolina/raleigh/smithfield-tarboro-wendell/kindercare-elc-at-unc-health-johnston/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" style="display:flex;align-items:flex-start;gap:16px;padding:18px;background:#FFFBF0;border:1px solid #EDD97A;border-radius:10px;max-width:420px;text-decoration:none;color:inherit;font-family:-apple-system,BlinkMacSystemFont,'Segoe UI',Roboto,Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">
<img src="https://creativemindsmontessori.com/US-wide-childcare-preschool-rankings/badges/dim-infant.jpg" alt="Best Infant Care - KinderCare ELC at UNC Health Johnston - Smithfield, Tarboro & Wendell, NC" width="80" height="80" style="border-radius:8px;flex-shrink:0;" loading="lazy">
<span>
<strong style="display:block;font-size:15px;color:#1A1A18;margin-bottom:5px;">Best Infant Care</strong>
<span style="font-size:13px;color:#4A4A46;line-height:1.5;">Earned the highest infant care score in Smithfield, Tarboro & Wendell. This dimension focuses on caregiver ratios, responsiveness, feeding and sleep routines, and parent feedback specific to infant rooms.</span>
</span>
</a>
Best K-Ready
<!-- Recognition of Excellence: KinderCare ELC at UNC Health Johnston -->
<a href="https://creativemindsmontessori.com/US-wide-childcare-preschool-rankings/north-carolina/raleigh/smithfield-tarboro-wendell/kindercare-elc-at-unc-health-johnston/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" style="display:flex;align-items:flex-start;gap:16px;padding:18px;background:#FFFBF0;border:1px solid #EDD97A;border-radius:10px;max-width:420px;text-decoration:none;color:inherit;font-family:-apple-system,BlinkMacSystemFont,'Segoe UI',Roboto,Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">
<img src="https://creativemindsmontessori.com/US-wide-childcare-preschool-rankings/badges/dim-kinder.jpg" alt="Best K-Ready - KinderCare ELC at UNC Health Johnston - Smithfield, Tarboro & Wendell, NC" width="80" height="80" style="border-radius:8px;flex-shrink:0;" loading="lazy">
<span>
<strong style="display:block;font-size:15px;color:#1A1A18;margin-bottom:5px;">Best K-Ready</strong>
<span style="font-size:13px;color:#4A4A46;line-height:1.5;">Earned the highest kindergarten-readiness score in Smithfield, Tarboro & Wendell. This dimension weighs literacy and numeracy foundations, school-transition preparation, and reported outcomes.</span>
</span>
</a>
Best Management
<!-- Recognition of Excellence: KinderCare ELC at UNC Health Johnston -->
<a href="https://creativemindsmontessori.com/US-wide-childcare-preschool-rankings/north-carolina/raleigh/smithfield-tarboro-wendell/kindercare-elc-at-unc-health-johnston/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" style="display:flex;align-items:flex-start;gap:16px;padding:18px;background:#FFFBF0;border:1px solid #EDD97A;border-radius:10px;max-width:420px;text-decoration:none;color:inherit;font-family:-apple-system,BlinkMacSystemFont,'Segoe UI',Roboto,Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">
<img src="https://creativemindsmontessori.com/US-wide-childcare-preschool-rankings/badges/dim-mgmt.jpg" alt="Best Management - KinderCare ELC at UNC Health Johnston - Smithfield, Tarboro & Wendell, NC" width="80" height="80" style="border-radius:8px;flex-shrink:0;" loading="lazy">
<span>
<strong style="display:block;font-size:15px;color:#1A1A18;margin-bottom:5px;">Best Management</strong>
<span style="font-size:13px;color:#4A4A46;line-height:1.5;">Earned the highest management score in Smithfield, Tarboro & Wendell. This dimension evaluates director responsiveness, communication, billing clarity, and how well the center is run.</span>
</span>
</a>
Best Culture
<!-- Recognition of Excellence: KinderCare ELC at UNC Health Johnston -->
<a href="https://creativemindsmontessori.com/US-wide-childcare-preschool-rankings/north-carolina/raleigh/smithfield-tarboro-wendell/kindercare-elc-at-unc-health-johnston/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" style="display:flex;align-items:flex-start;gap:16px;padding:18px;background:#FFFBF0;border:1px solid #EDD97A;border-radius:10px;max-width:420px;text-decoration:none;color:inherit;font-family:-apple-system,BlinkMacSystemFont,'Segoe UI',Roboto,Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">
<img src="https://creativemindsmontessori.com/US-wide-childcare-preschool-rankings/badges/dim-culture.jpg" alt="Best Culture - KinderCare ELC at UNC Health Johnston - Smithfield, Tarboro & Wendell, NC" width="80" height="80" style="border-radius:8px;flex-shrink:0;" loading="lazy">
<span>
<strong style="display:block;font-size:15px;color:#1A1A18;margin-bottom:5px;">Best Culture</strong>
<span style="font-size:13px;color:#4A4A46;line-height:1.5;">Earned the highest culture score in Smithfield, Tarboro & Wendell. This dimension captures a sense of community, inclusivity, staff morale, and the feeling families describe when they walk through the door.</span>
</span>
</a>
Best Arts & Music
<!-- Recognition of Excellence: KinderCare ELC at UNC Health Johnston -->
<a href="https://creativemindsmontessori.com/US-wide-childcare-preschool-rankings/north-carolina/raleigh/smithfield-tarboro-wendell/kindercare-elc-at-unc-health-johnston/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" style="display:flex;align-items:flex-start;gap:16px;padding:18px;background:#FFFBF0;border:1px solid #EDD97A;border-radius:10px;max-width:420px;text-decoration:none;color:inherit;font-family:-apple-system,BlinkMacSystemFont,'Segoe UI',Roboto,Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">
<img src="https://creativemindsmontessori.com/US-wide-childcare-preschool-rankings/badges/dim-arts.jpg" alt="Best Arts & Music - KinderCare ELC at UNC Health Johnston - Smithfield, Tarboro & Wendell, NC" width="80" height="80" style="border-radius:8px;flex-shrink:0;" loading="lazy">
<span>
<strong style="display:block;font-size:15px;color:#1A1A18;margin-bottom:5px;">Best Arts & Music</strong>
<span style="font-size:13px;color:#4A4A46;line-height:1.5;">Earned the highest arts & music score in Smithfield, Tarboro & Wendell. This dimension reflects the depth and consistency of creative programming — visual arts, music, movement, and imaginative play.</span>
</span>
</a>
Smallest Classes
<!-- Recognition of Excellence: KinderCare ELC at UNC Health Johnston -->
<a href="https://creativemindsmontessori.com/US-wide-childcare-preschool-rankings/north-carolina/raleigh/smithfield-tarboro-wendell/kindercare-elc-at-unc-health-johnston/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" style="display:flex;align-items:flex-start;gap:16px;padding:18px;background:#FFFBF0;border:1px solid #EDD97A;border-radius:10px;max-width:420px;text-decoration:none;color:inherit;font-family:-apple-system,BlinkMacSystemFont,'Segoe UI',Roboto,Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">
<img src="https://creativemindsmontessori.com/US-wide-childcare-preschool-rankings/badges/dim-crowding.jpg" alt="Smallest Classes - KinderCare ELC at UNC Health Johnston - Smithfield, Tarboro & Wendell, NC" width="80" height="80" style="border-radius:8px;flex-shrink:0;" loading="lazy">
<span>
<strong style="display:block;font-size:15px;color:#1A1A18;margin-bottom:5px;">Smallest Classes</strong>
<span style="font-size:13px;color:#4A4A46;line-height:1.5;">Earned the best class-size score in Smithfield, Tarboro & Wendell. This dimension reflects group sizes, child-to-teacher ratios, and how much individual space and attention each child gets.</span>
</span>
</a>
Best Extracurriculars
<!-- Recognition of Excellence: KinderCare ELC at UNC Health Johnston -->
<a href="https://creativemindsmontessori.com/US-wide-childcare-preschool-rankings/north-carolina/raleigh/smithfield-tarboro-wendell/kindercare-elc-at-unc-health-johnston/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" style="display:flex;align-items:flex-start;gap:16px;padding:18px;background:#FFFBF0;border:1px solid #EDD97A;border-radius:10px;max-width:420px;text-decoration:none;color:inherit;font-family:-apple-system,BlinkMacSystemFont,'Segoe UI',Roboto,Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">
<img src="https://creativemindsmontessori.com/US-wide-childcare-preschool-rankings/badges/dim-extra.jpg" alt="Best Extracurriculars - KinderCare ELC at UNC Health Johnston - Smithfield, Tarboro & Wendell, NC" width="80" height="80" style="border-radius:8px;flex-shrink:0;" loading="lazy">
<span>
<strong style="display:block;font-size:15px;color:#1A1A18;margin-bottom:5px;">Best Extracurriculars</strong>
<span style="font-size:13px;color:#4A4A46;line-height:1.5;">Earned the highest extracurriculars score in Smithfield, Tarboro & Wendell. This dimension covers enrichment beyond core care — sports, languages, field trips, and special programs.</span>
</span>
</a>
This recognition is awarded independently by Creative Minds Montessori based on publicly available parent reviews and public records. Centers do not pay for or request these rankings. Scores reflect editorial synthesis of verified parent experience — not center marketing materials. Rankings are updated periodically as new reviews are analyzed.
