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MURPHY HEAD START

MURPHY, NCChild Care CenterLicensed

3.4based on state inspection data
Capacity51
Est. price$712/mo

Contact information

Address161 THOMAS STREET MURPHY, NC 28906 (828) 837-9749

CityMURPHY, NC 28906

CountyCherokee

Phone(828) 837-9749

Operating details

Capacity51

SubsidiesY

License dateApril 9, 2026

Compliance snapshot

Last inspection: 3/3/2026 · Counts cover the full published inspection history; search results show the past 2 years.

  • High1
  • Medium-High2
  • Medium2
  • Medium-Low0
  • Low0

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Location

Using Address for Location

Exact coordinates aren't available, but you can view this location at:

161 THOMAS STREET MURPHY, NC 28906 (828) 837-9749, MURPHY, NC 28906

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Questions to ask on a tour

Chosen for this facility's inspection history and profile — bring them along on your visit.

  1. Ask how they keep enrollment, immunization, and emergency-contact records current - their state findings include documentation lapses
  2. They accept child care subsidies - ask what the enrollment process looks like and whether there is a waitlist for subsidized spots
  3. Ask about teacher-to-child ratios and how supervision is maintained through the day
  4. Ask about their illness policy and which symptoms require a child to stay home

Violation summary

Last 2 years · Last inspection: 3/3/2026

  • High1
  • Medium-High2
  • Medium2
  • Medium-Low0
  • Low0

2026

  1. Medium risk3/3/2026

    G.S. 110-102 — Violation #115

    A summary of the NC Child Care Law was not posted in a prominent place in the center. A current Summary of Law was not posted. Only one side of the summary of Law dated 2023 was posted. Source: NC DHHS DCDEE facility visit summary.

    Not corrected
  2. Medium risk3/3/2026

    G.S. 110-91(6) — Violation #721

    All equipment and furnishings were not in good repair. Basketball goals and one ride on bike with school signage contain rust. Source: NC DHHS DCDEE facility visit summary.

    Not corrected
  3. Medium-High risk3/3/2026

    .0604(t) — Violation #805

    Fire drills were not practiced monthly and/or the drill record was incomplete.Fire drills were not conducted monthly as required by rule. Documented fire drills were conducted on 3/28/25, 4/28/25, 5/23/25, 9/17/25, 10/3/25, 10/15/25, 11/7/25, 12/18/25, 1/28/26, and 2/27/26. A fire drill should have been conducted in June 2025, as June 6, 2025, was the last day of the school year. Additionally, since August 18, 2025, was the first day of the new school year, a fire drill should have been conducted in August 2025 upon the facility’s reopening after the summer break. Source: NC DHHS DCDEE facility visit summary.

    Not corrected
  4. High risk3/3/2026

    .0604(a) — Violation #811

    Potentially hazardous items including but not limited to power tools, nails, chemicals, propane stoves, lawn mowers, gasoline, or kerosene were not stored in locked areas, removed from the premises, or made inaccessible to children. One (1) disinfected spray bottle was hanging down from the wire rack in space #2 bathroom in reach of children. Source: NC DHHS DCDEE facility visit summary.

    Not corrected
  5. Medium-High risk3/3/2026

    .0604(u) — Violation #1811

    Shelter-in-place or lockdown drills were not practiced every three months and/or drill record was incomplete. Emergency drills were not conducted at least once every three (3) months as required. Documented emergency drills were conducted on 3/14/25, 10/28/25, and 11/28/25. An emergency drill should have been conducted in August 2025 when the facility reopened for the new school year. Source: NC DHHS DCDEE facility visit summary.

    Not corrected

Safety & Compliance Analysis

This daycare has multiple recorded violations. Review the details to make an informed decision.

5Total Violations
0Recent Violations
(Past 6 Months)

Parent Recommendations

Based on the violation data, here are some recommendations:

  • Review the detailed violations listed above.
  • Ask the daycare about their response to these violations.
  • Look at the correction status to see how quickly issues were addressed.
  • Schedule a visit during regular hours to observe daily operations.

Note: This analysis is based on publicly available violation data and is intended as a tool to help parents make informed decisions. Always visit a daycare in person and ask specific questions about areas of concern.

Estimated monthly cost

$712/month

This is a modeled estimate — based on location, ages served, and program data — not the provider's actual tuition. Real prices vary by age group and services. Contact the daycare for current rates, fees, and availability.

Typical prices in North Carolina run about $1,006/month for infant care at a center (federal median) — see daycare costs in North Carolina by age group.

About this daycare

  • Location: MURPHY, Cherokee County
  • Capacity: 51
  • Type: Child Care Center
  • Years in operation: 0

What parents actually pay

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