Primrose School of Wilmington at Medical Center
1401 South 16th Street, Wilmington, NC
4.8· 51 reviews
Spark Academy
- licensed capacity
- 179
- open each week
- 5 days
- a week, county median
- $223
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About
About Spark Academy
Spark Academy is a licensed child care center in Wilmington, North Carolina. It is licensed by the state, for up to 179 children, serving infants, toddlers and preschoolers.
It is open Monday to Friday, 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
The North Carolina Division of Child Development and Early Education made 34 visits in the last 3 years and cited 56 rules across 14 of them. The visit list, in the state's words, is below.
InfantsAccepts child care subsidy
Ages served: infants, toddlers and preschoolers
6 wk
6 mo
1
2
3
4
5
6
8
10
12 yr
Ask when you call: rates, current openings, staff-to-child ratio and teacher qualifications.
- Type
- Child care center
- Ages
- Infants, toddlers and preschoolers
- Hours today
- 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- Licensed capacity
- 179 children
Hours
Hours
| MondayToday | 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM |
| Thursday | 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM |
| Friday | 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM |
| Saturday | Not listed |
| Sunday | Not listed |
Programs
Programs and care
| Ages | Infants, toddlers and preschoolersFrom the state license |
|---|---|
| Child care subsidy | Accepts state child care subsidiesFrom the state license |
| Licensed capacity | 179 childrenFrom the state license |
Cost
Tuition and costs
Spark Academy has not listed its tuition. For comparison, full-time infant care at a child care center in New Hanover County has a median price of $223 a week (U.S. Department of Labor, 2022).
Ask the daycare for its ratesIt has not listed its tuition. The county medians below are a starting point.
Infant
Center$223
Home daycare$184
Toddler
Center$173
Home daycare$157
Preschool
Center$134
Home daycare$157
School age
Center$135
Home daycare$194
State record
Inspection reports for Spark Academy
License
- Status
- Licensed and operating
- License type
- Five Star Center License
- Capacity
- 179 children
- Ages
- Infants, toddlers and preschoolers
- License number
- #65001077
Summary
34 visits in the last 3 years · Last visit Aug 31, 2026: no rules cited
Rules cited on 16 of 34 visits · 56 rules in all · 51 corrected
- Health, medication and illness 17
- Records and paperwork 11
- Staff training and qualifications 9
- Safety and hazards 5
- Food and nutrition 4
- Building, equipment and play areas 3
- Discipline and child guidance 3
- Supervision and ratios 2
- Safe sleep 2
For comparison: 92% of North Carolina daycares had at least one rule cited in the last 3 years; the typical daycare had 8.
A cited rule is what an inspector found on the day of a visit. It is not a rating of the daycare today.
The state lists an adverse action on this permit.
Own this daycare? Add your response to the state record
See all 35 visits
- Aug 31, 2026InspectionNo rules cited
- Aug 5, 2026InspectionNo rules cited
Aug 3, 2026Inspection13 rules cited
Substitute providers and volunteers did not have a health questionnaire on or before the first day of work and annually thereafter.
The state verified the correction on Aug 11, 2026
The child care administrator and all staff did not complete the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training within 90 days of employment.
The state verified the correction on Aug 11, 2026
On or before the first day of work, the operator did not verify the age of the volunteer and/or substitute provider and/or documentation of date of birth was not maintained in the individual's personnel file.
The state verified the correction on Aug 11, 2026
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.
The state verified the correction on Aug 11, 2026
Substitutes and volunteers counted in ratio were not informed of the center's EPR Plan and its location. Documentation of this notice was not maintained on file or in a file designated for emergency preparedness and response plan documents.
The state verified the correction on Aug 11, 2026
Enhanced staff/child ratios and group sizes were not met.
The state verified the correction on Aug 11, 2026
Medical exam or health assessment record was not on file before or within 30 days after admission.
The state verified the correction on Aug 11, 2026
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.
The state verified the correction on Aug 11, 2026
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.
The state verified the correction on Aug 11, 2026
Monthly playground inspections were not completed and/or they were not completed by an individual trained in playground safety requirements.
The state verified the correction on Aug 11, 2026
Medications including prescription and non-prescription items were not stored in a locked cabinet or other locked container.
The state verified the correction on Aug 11, 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.
The state verified the correction on Aug 11, 2026
All stationary equipment, more than 18 inches high, was not installed over protective surfacing.
The state verified the correction on Aug 11, 2026
Aug 3, 2026Inspection13 rules cited
Substitute providers and volunteers did not have a health questionnaire on or before the first day of work and annually thereafter.
The state verified the correction on Aug 11, 2026
The child care administrator and all staff did not complete the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training within 90 days of employment.
The state verified the correction on Aug 11, 2026
On or before the first day of work, the operator did not verify the age of the volunteer and/or substitute provider and/or documentation of date of birth was not maintained in the individual's personnel file.
The state verified the correction on Aug 11, 2026
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.
The state verified the correction on Aug 11, 2026
Substitutes and volunteers counted in ratio were not informed of the center's EPR Plan and its location. Documentation of this notice was not maintained on file or in a file designated for emergency preparedness and response plan documents.
The state verified the correction on Aug 11, 2026
Enhanced staff/child ratios and group sizes were not met.
The state verified the correction on Aug 11, 2026
Medical exam or health assessment record was not on file before or within 30 days after admission.
The state verified the correction on Aug 11, 2026
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.
The state verified the correction on Aug 11, 2026
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.
The state verified the correction on Aug 11, 2026
Monthly playground inspections were not completed and/or they were not completed by an individual trained in playground safety requirements.
The state verified the correction on Aug 11, 2026
Medications including prescription and non-prescription items were not stored in a locked cabinet or other locked container.
The state verified the correction on Aug 11, 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.
The state verified the correction on Aug 11, 2026
All stationary equipment, more than 18 inches high, was not installed over protective surfacing.
The state verified the correction on Aug 11, 2026
- May 4, 2026InspectionNo rules cited
- Apr 13, 2026InspectionNo rules cited
Mar 26, 2026Inspection2 rules cited
Center staff did not comply with the safe sleep policy.
The state verified the correction on Apr 6, 2026
All children were not held or placed in feeding chairs or other appropriate apparatus to be fed.
The state verified the correction on Apr 6, 2026
Mar 26, 2026Inspection2 rules cited
Center staff did not comply with the safe sleep policy.
The state verified the correction on Apr 6, 2026
All children were not held or placed in feeding chairs or other appropriate apparatus to be fed.
The state verified the correction on Apr 6, 2026
Mar 23, 2026Inspection1 rule cited
Children were not adequately supervised at all times.
The state verified the correction on Apr 6, 2026
- Mar 16, 2026InspectionNo rules cited
Show 25 earlier visits
- Feb 11, 2026InspectionNo rules cited
- Feb 11, 2026InspectionNo rules cited
- Jan 5, 2026InspectionNo rules cited
Dec 9, 2025Inspection1 rule cited
Each infant was not served only bottles labeled with their individual name.
The state verified the correction on Dec 15, 2025
Nov 24, 2025Inspection2 rules cited
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.
Corrected during the visit
Children did not wash their hands upon arrival at the center, after each visit to the toilet, before eating, before and after water activity play, after outside play, and after handling animals or animal cages.
The state verified the correction on Dec 8, 2025
- Oct 20, 2025InspectionNo rules cited
Oct 14, 2025Inspection2 rules cited
The child care provider did not provide the required beverage(s).
A child was handled in a rough way, including shaking, pushing, shoving, pinching, slapping, biting, kicking, or spanking.
Sep 10, 2025Inspection12 rules cited
Staff did not complete the health and safety training within one year of employment.
The state verified the correction on Sep 24, 2025
The child care administrator and all staff did not complete the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training within 90 days of employment.
The state verified the correction on Sep 24, 2025
Medical exam or health assessment record was not on file before or within 30 days after admission.
The state verified the correction on Sep 24, 2025
Each employee's personnel file did not contain an annual staff evaluation and a staff development plan.
The state verified the correction on Sep 24, 2025
All staff did not successfully complete certification in CPR training appropriate to the age of the children in care. Verification of staff completion of the CPR course from an approved training organization was not in the staff file.
The state verified the correction on Oct 10, 2025
All staff did not successfully complete certification in First Aid appropriate to the age of children in care. Verification of staff completion of First Aid training from an approved training organization was not in the staff file.
The state verified the correction on Oct 10, 2025
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.
The state verified the correction on Sep 24, 2025
All staff, including the director, did not have an annual health questionnaire on file following the initial medical statement.
The state verified the correction on Sep 24, 2025
Application for employment and date of birth was not on file for all staff.
The state verified the correction on Sep 24, 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.
The state verified the correction on Sep 24, 2025
Medications including prescription and non-prescription items were not stored in a locked cabinet or other locked container.
The state verified the correction on Sep 24, 2025
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.
The state verified the correction on Sep 24, 2025
- Jul 14, 2025InspectionNo rules cited
Jun 23, 2025Inspection3 rules cited
All staff records, except financial records, were not made available for review.
The state verified the correction on Jul 7, 2025
Over-the-counter medicines were not in their original containers or administered as authorized in writing by parent, physician or authorized health professional.
The state verified the correction on Jul 7, 2025
Medications including prescription and non-prescription items were not stored in a locked cabinet or other locked container.
Corrected during the visit
- Jun 12, 2025InspectionNo rules cited
Apr 14, 2025Inspection3 rules cited
Staff did not model appropriate eating behaviors by consuming food or beverages that meet the nutritional requirements specified in the Meal Patterns for Children in Child Care Programs in the presence of children in care.
Corrected during the visit
Medications including prescription and non-prescription items were not stored in a locked cabinet or other locked container.
Corrected during the visit
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.
Corrected during the visit
Apr 7, 2025Inspection1 rule cited
Child was handled roughly.
The state verified the correction on Apr 17, 2025
Mar 19, 2025Inspection3 rules cited
All staff did not successfully complete certification in CPR training appropriate to the age of the children in care. Verification of staff completion of the CPR course from an approved training organization was not in the staff file.
The state verified the correction on Mar 28, 2025
All staff did not successfully complete certification in First Aid appropriate to the age of children in care. Verification of staff completion of First Aid training from an approved training organization was not in the staff file.
The state verified the correction on Mar 28, 2025
Medications including prescription and non-prescription items were not stored in a locked cabinet or other locked container.
Corrected during the visit
- Mar 17, 2025InspectionNo rules cited
- Feb 25, 2025InspectionNo rules cited
- Feb 3, 2025InspectionNo rules cited
- Jan 21, 2025InspectionNo rules cited
- Dec 19, 2024InspectionNo rules cited
- Oct 4, 2024InspectionNo rules cited
Sep 25, 2024Inspection3 rules cited
Center staff did not comply with the safe sleep policy.
Incident logs were not completed and maintained as required.
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.
Apr 2, 2024Inspection3 rules cited
Medication authorization, giving the caregiver standing authorization did not meet the specifications in rule.
The state verified the correction on Apr 10, 2024
Prescribed medicine was not in original labeled container or accompanied by signed and dated written instructions from prescribing physician or health care professional.
The state verified the correction on Apr 10, 2024
A current activity plan was not posted for each group of children for reference.
The state verified the correction on Apr 10, 2024
- Feb 5, 2024InspectionNo rules cited
Dec 12, 2023Inspection7 rules cited
The child care administrator and all staff did not complete the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training within 90 days of employment.
The state verified the correction on Dec 18, 2023
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.
The state verified the correction on Dec 18, 2023
Medical exam or health assessment record was not on file before or within 30 days after admission.
The state verified the correction on Dec 18, 2023
New staff, who had contact with children, did not receive at least 16 hrs. orientation within first 6 weeks.
The state verified the correction on Dec 18, 2023
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.
The state verified the correction on Dec 18, 2023
Child care providers and uncompensated providers who are not substitute providers or volunteers, including the director did not have a medical report on file prior to employment that was signed by a health care professional and/ or the medical report was older than 12 months.
The state verified the correction on Dec 18, 2023
Monthly playground inspections were not completed and/or they were not completed by an individual trained in playground safety requirements.
The state verified the correction on Dec 18, 2023
- Oct 25, 2023InspectionNo rules cited
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FAQ
Questions about Spark Academy
Is Spark Academy licensed?
Yes. The North Carolina Division of Child Development and Early Education lists it as licensed and operating.
When was Spark Academy last inspected?
The North Carolina Division of Child Development and Early Education lists the most recent visit on August 31, 2026, with no rules cited. It lists 34 visits in the last 3 years.
Has Spark Academy had rules cited by the state?
Yes. Inspectors cited 56 rules across 16 of 34 visits in the last 3 years; 51 show a correction in the state record. For comparison: 92% of North Carolina daycares had at least one rule cited in the last 3 years; the typical daycare had 8. A cited rule is what an inspector found on the day of a visit. It is not a rating of the daycare today.
How many children can Spark Academy care for?
179, the licensed capacity on the state record. It is licensed to serve infants, toddlers and preschoolers.
Does Spark Academy accept child care subsidies?
Yes. The state record says it accepts child care subsidies.
What are Spark Academy's hours?
Monday to Friday, 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Holiday hours can differ.
How much does Spark Academy cost?
It has not listed its tuition. Call (910) 685-8280 to ask.
What is Spark Academy's phone number?
(910) 685-8280.
Where is Spark Academy?
1802 South 17th Street, Wilmington, NC 28401. The nearest other daycare we list is Primrose School of Wilmington at Medical Center, 0.3 miles away.