G.S. 110-91 · Violation

Name of Operation: SAVE THE CHILDREN ALBEMARLE HEAD START ACADEMY Facility ID: 84000282 Consultant: STEPHANIE PALMER Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 1/30/2026 Number Present: 29 Completed Date: 1/30/2026 Age: From 1 To 5 Total Minutes: 185 Time In: 10:40 AM Time Out: 01:45 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp w/Rated Lic Assess Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to conduct an annual compliance visit. The last annual compliance visit for this facility was conducted on February 5, 2025. The compliance history percentage for the 18-month period is 100%. The facility currently holds a four-star license. Upon arrival, I was greeted by Ms. Teresa Holmes, administrator. I shared the reason for the visit. Ms. Holmes assisted me with today’s visit. The Secretary of State’s website was monitored and SCUS Head Start Programs, Inc. DBA Save the Children was current and active. I used the “Annual Compliance Monitoring Checklist for Child Care Centers” as a monitoring tool during today’s visit. I observed postings, indoor and outdoor spaces, safety and program management. I observed the children engaged in choice activities and table activities with teachers. Two (2) staff files and five (5) children’s files were monitored during the visit for compliance with NC Childcare Rules. There were zero (0) new staff members hired since the facility’s last visit on 10/24/25. The child care consultant made notes on the staff and training worksheets and initialed where notes were made on the documents completed by the administrator. During the visit, I confirmed that Pathway 3 was the pathway chosen by the facility to obtain its star rated license. I reviewed the paperwork submitted by Ms. Holmes, via email on 12/15/25 with her during the visit. The facility is applying for a 5-star rated license. I discussed with Ms. Holmes that any violations cited during today’s visit must be corrected before star rated paperwork is submitted for review. The Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan was reviewed and was last updated on 1/16/25. Ms. Holmes updated the plan during the visit. Medication is currently administered at this facility. A sample of emergency medication was monitored along with the parent medication authorization form and medical action plan. Transportation is not currently being provided at this facility. The last sanitation inspection was conducted on 11/3/25 with zero (0) demerits and a superior classification. The last fire inspection was conducted on 11/12/25. A copy of the computer-generated visit summary and enrollment worksheet were provided during the visit along with a copy of the “AC Monitoring Checklist for Child Care Centers”. The violations observed during the visit were discussed with Ms. Holmes and documented in the visit summary. The following violations were observed: Violation Number Comment Rule 721 All equipment and furnishings were not in good repair. A broken plastic toy bin lid was located on the toddler playground. G.S. 110-91(6); .0601(b) 1824 The trained staff did not review the EPR Plan annually or when information in the plan changed to ensure all information was current. The EPR Plan was not updated annually. Last recorded date was 1/16/25. .0607(e) 1898 Staff did not complete the health and safety training within one year of employment. Staff member C.N. did not complete all of the required topics for the health and safety trainings. .1102(a) All violations documented above must be corrected immediately. A letter of compliance will need to be sent to me stating how each violation was corrected. Include the violation number, statement of compliance, license ID and your signature in the letter. Your compliance letter must be received, via email, before or by February 13, 2026. If needed, send your letter to: Stephanie Palmer PO Box 481335 Charlotte, NC 28269 Technical Assistance/Resources: • During the visit, updated Summary of the Law posters were provided in English and Spanish. • During the visit, I reminded Ms. Holmes that documentation sheets for on-going trainings and health and safety trainings should be maintained for each staff member. Please continue to visit DCDEE’s website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ to get the latest updates. If you have questions or need further assistance, please contact me at 980-867-8005 or via email at stephanie.palmer@dhhs.nc.gov. Stephanie Palmer Child Care Consultant Regulatory Services Section/DHHS Division of Child Development and Early Education If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times