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Child care center 

Sunshine Scholars Academy - Ayden

3873 Lee Street, Ayden, NC 285134.8· 24 reviews
licensed capacity
136
open each week
5 days
a week, county median
$208

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Licensed by the stateInspection record

About

About Sunshine Scholars Academy - Ayden

Sunshine Scholars Academy - Ayden is a licensed child care center in Ayden, North Carolina. It is licensed by the state, for up to 136 children, serving infants, toddlers, preschoolers and school-age children.

It is open Monday to Friday, 6:30 AM to 6:00 PM.

The North Carolina Division of Child Development and Early Education made 16 visits in the last 3 years and cited 47 rules across 10 of them. The visit list, in the state's words, is below.

InfantsSchool-ageAccepts child care subsidy

Ages served: infants, toddlers, preschoolers and school-age children

From the state license
Ask when you call: rates, current openings, staff-to-child ratio and teacher qualifications.
Type
Child care center
Ages
Infants, toddlers, preschoolers and school-age children
Hours today
6:30 AM to 6:00 PM
Licensed capacity
136 children

Hours

Hours

MondayToday6:30 AM to 6:00 PM
Tuesday6:30 AM to 6:00 PM
Wednesday6:30 AM to 6:00 PM
Thursday6:30 AM to 6:00 PM
Friday6:30 AM to 6:00 PM
SaturdayNot listed
SundayNot listed

Programs

Programs and care

AgesInfants, toddlers, preschoolers and school-age childrenFrom the state license
Child care subsidyAccepts state child care subsidiesFrom the state license
Licensed capacity136 childrenFrom the state license

Cost

Tuition and costs

Sunshine Scholars Academy - Ayden has not listed its tuition. For comparison, full-time infant care at a child care center in Pitt County has a median price of $208 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.
Pitt County medians, full time, per week

Infant

Center$208
Home daycare$189

Toddler

Center$182
Home daycare$149

Preschool

Center$156
Home daycare$147

School age

Center$89
Home daycare$82

County median full-time prices at centers and home daycares, U.S. Department of Labor, National Database of Childcare Prices, 2022 (the latest year). Not this daycare's rates; prices have risen since.

State record

Inspection reports for Sunshine Scholars Academy - Ayden

License

Status
Licensed and operating
License type
Four Star Center License
Capacity
136 children
Ages
Infants, toddlers, preschoolers and school-age children
License number
#74000942
See the state's record

Summary

16 visits in the last 3 years · Last visit Aug 27, 2026: no rules cited

Rules cited on 11 of 16 visits · 47 rules in all · 47 corrected

  • Health, medication and illness 11
  • Safety and hazards 7
  • Staff training and qualifications 7
  • Supervision and ratios 5
  • Safe sleep 3
  • Food and nutrition 3
  • Transportation 2
  • Building, equipment and play areas 2
  • Records and paperwork 2
  • Discipline and child guidance 2
  • Background checks 1
  • Other rules 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.

Own this daycare? Add your response to the state record

See all 16 visits
  1. Aug 27, 2026InspectionNo rules cited
  2. Apr 15, 2026InspectionNo rules cited
  3. Apr 6, 2026Inspection7 rules cited
    • Safety and hazards

      The trained staff did not review the EPR Plan annually or when information in the plan changed to ensure all information was current.

      The state verified the correction on Apr 15, 2026

    • Health, medication and illness

      Each child was not immunized as per Article 6 of Chapter 130A and an immunization record was not on file before or within 30 days after admission.

      The state verified the correction on Apr 13, 2026

    • Health, medication and illness

      Medical exam or health assessment record was not on file before or within 30 days after admission.

      The state verified the correction on Apr 13, 2026

    • Transportation

      Emergency and identifying information, including the child's name, photograph, emergency contact information and/or a copy of the emergency medical care information form was not in the vehicle for each child being transported.

      Corrected during the visit

    • Safety and hazards

      Equipment and furnishings were not sturdy, stable and free of hazards.

      Corrected during the visit

    • Building, equipment and play areas

      All walls and ceilings including doors and windows were not kept clean, free of visible fungal growth, and in good repair.

      The state verified the correction on Apr 15, 2026

    • Supervision and ratios

      Children were not adequately supervised at all times.

      The state verified the correction on Apr 15, 2026

  4. Nov 6, 2025Inspection1 rule cited
    • Safe sleep

      All beds, cots, or mats with individual linen were not provided for each child.

      Corrected during the visit

  5. Nov 6, 2025Inspection1 rule cited
    • Safe sleep

      All beds, cots, or mats with individual linen were not provided for each child.

      Corrected during the visit

  6. Oct 29, 2025Inspection2 rules cited
    • Supervision and ratios

      Children were not adequately supervised at all times.

      The state verified the correction on Nov 6, 2025

    • Supervision and ratios

      Enhanced staff/child ratios and group sizes were not met.

      The state verified the correction on Nov 6, 2025

  7. Oct 29, 2025Inspection2 rules cited
    • Supervision and ratios

      Children were not adequately supervised at all times.

      The state verified the correction on Nov 6, 2025

    • Supervision and ratios

      Enhanced staff/child ratios and group sizes were not met.

      The state verified the correction on Nov 6, 2025

  8. Oct 21, 2025InspectionNo rules cited
  9. Oct 20, 2025Inspection7 rules cited
    • Food and nutrition

      The feeding chair or other seating apparatus was not disassembled for cleaning purposes.

      The state verified the correction on Oct 29, 2025

    • Records and paperwork

      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.

      Corrected during the visit

    • Building, equipment and play areas

      The depth of the loose surfacing was not based on critical height of the equipment.

      The state verified the correction on Oct 29, 2025

    • Supervision and ratios

      Enhanced staff/child ratios and group sizes were not met.

      The state verified the correction on Nov 6, 2025

    • Staff training and qualifications

      Each new employee did not complete, within the first two weeks of employment, six clock hours of training in required topic areas.

      The state verified the correction on Oct 29, 2025

    • Safety and hazards

      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

    • Safety and hazards

      A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children.

      The state verified the correction on Nov 3, 2025

  10. May 29, 2025InspectionNo rules cited
Show 6 earlier visits
  1. Apr 21, 2025Inspection11 rules cited
    • Staff training and qualifications

      Staff did not complete the health and safety training within one year of employment.

      Corrected during the visit

    • Staff training and qualifications

      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.

      Corrected during the visit

    • Records and paperwork

      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.

      Corrected during the visit

    • Discipline and child guidance

      The Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy was not reviewed with parents of currently enrolled children 0-5 within 30 days of adopting the policy.

      Corrected during the visit

    • Health, medication and illness

      Each child was not immunized as per Article 6 of Chapter 130A and an immunization record was not on file before or within 30 days after admission.

      Corrected during the visit

    • Health, medication and illness

      Medical exam or health assessment record was not on file before or within 30 days after admission.

      Corrected during the visit

    • Transportation

      Emergency and identifying information, including the child's name, photograph, emergency contact information and/or a copy of the emergency medical care information form was not in the vehicle for each child being transported.

      Corrected during the visit

    • Staff training and qualifications

      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.

      Corrected during the visit

    • Staff training and qualifications

      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.

      Corrected during the visit

    • Background checks

      Prior to employment a Criminal Background Check was not completed.

      Corrected during the visit

    • Health, medication and illness

      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.

      Corrected during the visit

  2. Nov 21, 2024Inspection11 rules cited
    • Food and nutrition

      Meals/snacks did not comply with the Meal Patterns for Children in Child Care Programs.

      The state verified the correction on Dec 4, 2024

    • Health, medication and illness

      Diapers were not changed whenever they were soiled or wet and/or were changed on a shift basis.

      The state verified the correction on Dec 4, 2024

    • Other rules

      A violation was found for which there is no item number.

      Corrected during the visit

    • Other rules

      A violation was found for which there is no item number.

      Corrected during the visit

    • Staff training and qualifications

      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.

      Corrected during the visit

    • Health, medication and illness

      Application did not have a medical action plan attached for any child with health care needs such as allergies, asthma, or other chronic conditions that require specialized health services.

      Corrected during the visit

    • Safe sleep

      Caregivers did not document compliance with visually checking on sleeping infants aged 12 months or younger and/or the documents were not maintained for a minimum of one month.

      Corrected during the visit

    • Health, medication and illness

      Parent's medication authorization did not include required information.

      Corrected during the visit

    • Health, medication and illness

      A drug or medication was administered without written authorization and/or instructions from a child's parent or authorized health professional.

      Corrected during the visit

    • Health, medication and illness

      Medications including prescription and non-prescription items were not stored in a locked cabinet or other locked container.

      Corrected during the visit

    • Food and nutrition

      The written feeding plan was not modified as the child's needs changed.

      Corrected during the visit

  3. Nov 21, 2024Inspection11 rules cited
    • Food and nutrition

      Meals/snacks did not comply with the Meal Patterns for Children in Child Care Programs.

      The state verified the correction on Dec 4, 2024

    • Health, medication and illness

      Diapers were not changed whenever they were soiled or wet and/or were changed on a shift basis.

      The state verified the correction on Dec 4, 2024

    • Other rules

      A violation was found for which there is no item number.

      Corrected during the visit

    • Other rules

      A violation was found for which there is no item number.

      Corrected during the visit

    • Staff training and qualifications

      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.

      Corrected during the visit

    • Health, medication and illness

      Application did not have a medical action plan attached for any child with health care needs such as allergies, asthma, or other chronic conditions that require specialized health services.

      Corrected during the visit

    • Safe sleep

      Caregivers did not document compliance with visually checking on sleeping infants aged 12 months or younger and/or the documents were not maintained for a minimum of one month.

      Corrected during the visit

    • Health, medication and illness

      Parent's medication authorization did not include required information.

      Corrected during the visit

    • Health, medication and illness

      A drug or medication was administered without written authorization and/or instructions from a child's parent or authorized health professional.

      Corrected during the visit

    • Health, medication and illness

      Medications including prescription and non-prescription items were not stored in a locked cabinet or other locked container.

      Corrected during the visit

    • Food and nutrition

      The written feeding plan was not modified as the child's needs changed.

      Corrected during the visit

  4. May 8, 2024Inspection4 rules cited
    • Staff training and qualifications

      New staff, who had contact with children, did not receive at least 16 hrs. orientation within first 6 weeks.

      Corrected during the visit

    • Health, medication and illness

      Medications including prescription and non-prescription items were not stored in a locked cabinet or other locked container.

      Corrected during the visit

    • Safety and hazards

      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

    • Safety and hazards

      A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children.

      Corrected during the visit

  5. Nov 15, 2023InspectionNo rules cited
  6. Nov 9, 2023Inspection4 rules cited
    • Safe sleep

      Caregivers did not document compliance with visually checking on sleeping infants aged 12 months or younger and/or the documents were not maintained for a minimum of one month.

      The state verified the correction on Nov 15, 2023

    • Safety and hazards

      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

    • Discipline and child guidance

      A current activity plan was not posted for each group of children for reference.

      The state verified the correction on Nov 15, 2023

    • Supervision and ratios

      Children were not adequately supervised at all times.

      The state verified the correction on Nov 15, 2023

Copied from the North Carolina Division of Child Development and Early Education on October 4, 2026; the state's records start around Oct 2023. Rule wording, severity and dates are the state's.

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FAQ

Questions about Sunshine Scholars Academy - Ayden

Is Sunshine Scholars Academy - Ayden licensed?

Yes. The North Carolina Division of Child Development and Early Education lists it as licensed and operating.

When was Sunshine Scholars Academy - Ayden last inspected?

The North Carolina Division of Child Development and Early Education lists the most recent visit on August 27, 2026, with no rules cited. It lists 16 visits in the last 3 years.

Has Sunshine Scholars Academy - Ayden had rules cited by the state?

Yes. Inspectors cited 47 rules across 11 of 16 visits in the last 3 years; 47 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 Sunshine Scholars Academy - Ayden care for?

136, the licensed capacity on the state record. It is licensed to serve infants, toddlers, preschoolers and school-age children.

Does Sunshine Scholars Academy - Ayden accept child care subsidies?

Yes. The state record says it accepts child care subsidies.

What are Sunshine Scholars Academy - Ayden's hours?

Monday to Friday, 6:30 AM to 6:00 PM. Holiday hours can differ.

How much does Sunshine Scholars Academy - Ayden cost?

It has not listed its tuition. Call (252) 359-3600 to ask.

What is Sunshine Scholars Academy - Ayden's phone number?

(252) 359-3600.

Where is Sunshine Scholars Academy - Ayden?

3873 Lee Street, Ayden, NC 28513. The nearest other daycare we list is Joyful Beginnings, 1 miles away.

Sources: The North Carolina Division of Child Development and Early Education (license and visits) · U.S. Department of Labor, 2022 (county prices).