In June 1995, a child was hit in the head with a pool ball in a Gastonia classroom where inspectors said there were 50 children and no teachers. Sandra Scarr, KinderCare's chief executive, acknowledged problems in North Carolina, where the company watches over more than 3,700 children in 35 centers. That is the kind of thing that we will not tolerate at this company.'' From 1992 to October 1996, the state substantiated 79 complaints against KinderCare, more than any other day-care owner, according to an Observer computer analysis of N.C. records. Problems ranged from a broken water heater to child neglect.
Inspectors consider a complaint substantiated when they determine that a day care broke state rules.
Recently, KinderCare has improved, regulators say. Scarr said the company is strengthening training, lowering turnover and seeking national accreditation for many of its centers. Many parents say they're already impressed. I'm very picky. Across the country, KinderCare Learning Centers has become a lightning rod for critics of day-care chains.