NC GS 110-90 · Violation

Name of Operation: LEARN AS WE GROW Facility ID: 69000093 Consultant: BRITTANY JONES Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 7/21/2025 Number Present: 32 Completed Date: 7/21/2025 Age: From 0 To 7 Total Minutes: 215 Time In: 10:35 AM Time Out: 02:10 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Unannounced Visit Follow-Up Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to complete an unannounced follow-up to monitor the facility for all applicable child care requirements. J. Matthews, Administrator, and D. Aldridge, Administrator, assisted me with today’s visit. School age children were observed playing dominos and creating structures with Legos. In space #3, a staff member was reading a Clifford book to children on the carpet. Preschoolers washed their hands before sitting at the table for the staff member to read the book The Pout Pout Fish. Infants were napping and sitting at the table or in feeding chairs eating lunch. Lunch was served throughout the facility and consisted of spaghetti with meat sauce, salad, peaches, and milk. The following violations were documented. Violation Number Comment Rule 887 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. A child was observed sleeping in a crib and upon review of the safe sleep chart, there was not any documentation to reflect the times the child had been sleeping. .0606(g) 1033 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. A staff member hired on 6/30/25 had a TB screening form on file that was not signed by a physician and medical report of TB skin test dated 6/3/22. .0701(a) 1067 Each new employee did not complete, within the first two weeks of employment, six clock hours of training in required topic areas. A staff member hired on 6/30/25 did not have documentation of orientation on file. .1101(a)(b) Child Care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. The violation(s) documented must be corrected immediately. On or before 8/4/25, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail, how and when the violations were corrected. Please be aware any information submitted by you is considered legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. Mail or email the information to: Brittany Jones, Child Care Consultant PO Box 3272 New Bern, NC 28564 Brittany.j.jones@dhhs.nc.gov If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent from the email address registered with the DCDEE (this serves as your signature) and the following information must be included: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. An example is: Jane Doe, Administrator AAA Child Care ID # 12345678 Technical Assistance with Violations: Safe Sleep Practices: Safe sleep practices help reduce the risk of sudden unexpected infant deaths (SUIDs). If an infant falls asleep in any place that is not a safe sleep environment, staff should immediately move the infant and place them in the supine position in their crib. The caregiver must document compliance with visually checking on sleeping infants aged 12 months or younger as described in the safe sleep policy on file for the infant They note the infant’s sleep position, skin color, breathing, level of sleep, and body temperature. This needs to be documented every time a child is sleeping in your care. A child was observed sleeping in a crib and upon review of the safe sleep chart, there was not any documentation to reflect the times the child had been sleeping. A staff member stated that the child had recently been placed in the crib. We discussed using the dry erase board that is in the classroom to document when children are last fed and changed and add the times that children fall asleep so that is a quicker way to write down the time during hectic times like meal times. This will also be a visual for all staff members to be able to see and update even if they are only in the room to cover a bathroom or lunch break. You stated that a Birth to Three Specialist will be making visits to the infant room. Ensure that staff members can easily access sleep charts to document when a child falls asleep and every 15 minutes until they wake up and make classroom observations to check that sleep charts are being completed correctly. Staff Records: The health and safety of children requires that information regarding each staff working with the children be kept and available when needed. Staff records consist of various documentation such as employment application, medical report, TB test results, Annual Health Questionnaire, emergency contact information, receipt of policies, CRC qualification letter, and documentation of orientation, in-service hours, CPR and First Aid, and playground safety. A staff member hired on 6/30/25 had a TB screening form on file that was not signed by a physician and medical report of TB skin test dated 6/3/22. We discussed that the TB screening form must be signed by a physician and the TB test results must be completed within the last year of hire. You returned the screening form to the staff member during the visit to be completed by the physician. Review documents carefully when receiving them to ensure that they are complete before documenting that they are on file. A staff member hired on 6/30/25 did not have documentation of orientation on file. You stated that you have begun orientation with the staff but had not documented it. We discussed placing the orientation documentation sheet on a clipboard as a visual reminder to document orientation as it happens and adding reminders in the digital calendar to complete orientation within the first six weeks of employment. Add a reminder in your calendar and weekly checklist to ensure that orientation is being completed and documented. Additional Comments: We discussed that an administrative action has been recommended, and you will be notified in writing of any action taken. In addition, follow-up visits will continue. North Carolina Child Care Health and Safety Resource Center: https://healthychildcare.unc.edu/ The NC Resource Center’s mission is to promote healthy and safe indoor and outdoor environments in early care and education settings through child care health consultation. This website contains resources including the Communicable Diseases and Exclusion Chart. Pamlico Partnership for Children is also able to provide you with resources and information, training opportunities, and technical assistance on childcare issues. Their phone number is (252) 745-7850 or check out their website at www.pamlicopartnership.org. At the completion of the visit, this Visit Summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with you. Contact me at Brittany Jones, Child Care Consultant, (252) 947-1036, Brittany.j.jones@dhhs.nc.gov or Jennifer Linhardt, Licensing Supervisor, (252) 373-4199, Jennifer.Linhardt@dhhs.nc.gov if you have questions. 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

Open Not marked corrected in the state record

Category: supervision. Open / not marked corrected.

10A NCAC 09 .0902 · Violation

Name of Operation: LEARN AS WE GROW Facility ID: 69000093 Consultant: BRITTANY JONES Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 6/9/2025 Number Present: 26 Completed Date: 6/9/2025 Age: From 0 To 7 Total Minutes: 415 Time In: 08:50 AM Time Out: 03:45 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor your program for compliance with applicable child care requirements for an annual compliance visit. J. Matthews, Owner, and D. Aldridge, Administrator, assisted me with the visit. Your program currently operates with a three-star license, issued 1/1/2020, earning 4 points in the education component, 5 points in the program standards component. The last annual compliance visit was conducted 7/3/24. The sanitation inspection was completed 3/24/25 with a “Superior” classification. The last fire inspection was conducted on 5/23/25 and your facility was approved for daytime care only. The center's compliance history was reviewed with the operator. The program’s compliance history was ninety two percent as of 6/3/25. The NC Secretary of State website was reviewed on 6/3/25 and Learn As We Grow Inc was listed as current- active. We reviewed your facility contact information listed on the Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) website and all information is current. Contact me if you need to make any changes to your contact information, e.g., phone numbers, mailing address. You visited each indoor and outdoor space with me. Children throughout the facility were participating in free play in activity areas, transitions, and personal care routines. Upon arrival, children were eating a breakfast of French toast, blueberries, and milk. Infants were eating breakfast and completing personal care routines. Toddlers were building with blocks. Preschoolers were playing in the sand and water tables. Children in the school age classroom were playing a game at the table. The outdoor space was observed to have a stationary climber, riding toys, and balls to engage in gross motor activities. Lunch was observed and consisted of hot dogs, tater tots, apples, WW bread, and milk. The following violation(s) were documented. Violation Number Comment Rule 532 All children were not held or placed in feeding chairs or other appropriate apparatus to be fed. In space #1, a child was observed sitting in a bouncer chair and a second child was observed swinging in a swing drinking bottles of milk. 10A NCAC 09 .0902(b) 841 Medications including prescription and non-prescription items were not stored in a locked cabinet or other locked container. In space #3, a prescription bottle of Triamcinolone Acetonide Ointment was located on a shelf above the changing table. 15A NCAC 18A .2820(d) 847 Parent's medication authorization did not include required information. In space #3, a prescription bottle of Triamcinolone Acetonide Ointment had written permission on the over-the-counter form for topical ointments. 10A NCAC 09 .0803(4)(6-9) 849 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. A child enrolled in space #2 had a bottle of Studio Selection Sunscreen for Babies on file with written permission from the parent that expired on 5/9/25. .0803(12) 1048 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. A staff member hired on 5/20/24 had certification of First Aid that expired 5/25. .1102(c) 1049 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. A staff member hired on 5/20/24 had certification of CPR that expired 5/25. .1102(d) 1880 Prescribed medication was not administered according to the prescription, using the amount and frequency of dosage specified on the label. In space #3, a prescription bottle of Triamcinolone Acetonide Ointment had a prescription stating that it should be used for one (1) week. .0803(2)(d) Child Care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. The violation(s) documented must be corrected immediately. On or before 6/23/25, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail, how and when the violations were corrected. Please be aware any information submitted by you is legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. Mail or email the information to: Brittany Jones, Child Care Consultant PO Box 3272 New Bern, NC 28564 Brittany.j.jones@dhhs.nc.gov If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent from the email address registered with the DCDEE (this serves as your signature) and the following information must be included: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. An example is: Jane Doe, Administrator AAA Child Care ID # 12345678 Technical Assistance with Documented Violations: Medication: Medicines can be crucial to the health and wellness of children. They can also be very dangerous if the wrong type or wrong amount is given to the wrong person or at the wrong time. A medical action plan is required for children that need emergency medication, the form needs to be completed by the parent or a health care professional. All medications for children present at the center must have a current, completed medication permission form even if there is a Medical Action Plan. Medication permission forms are valid for a defined length of time and must be updated, if needed. A child enrolled in space #2 had a bottle of Studio Selection Sunscreen for Babies on file with written permission from the parent that expired on 5/9/25. In space #3, a prescription bottle of Triamcinolone Acetonide Ointment was located on a shelf above the changing table with written permission on the over-the-counter form for topical ointments. We discussed that prescription creams must be stored in locked storage with written permission on the long Medication Administration Permission Form that is valid for the length of the prescription. We reviewed the medication flyer that was posted in the classroom space together. We discussed that it would be helpful to make a chart with the expiration date of the medication and the expiration date of the written permission form for children in each classroom. This will be a visual that is reviewed frequently and will remind you in advance of expiration dates. You stated that you will create a chart for medication dates. Review the medication chart with staff members to ensure that they understand the forms that are needed for different types of medication and check medications frequently. Infant Needs: Growth and development during infancy require that nourishing, wholesome, and developmentally appropriate food be provided, using safe approaches to feeding. In space #1, a child was observed sitting in a bouncer chair and a second child was observed swinging in a swing drinking bottles of milk. We discussed that children must eat and drink while sitting at the table or in a high chair. You stated that you have talked to staff members about this before. Have a staff meeting to discuss the safety of children eating in feeding chairs and make classroom observations to ensure that infants are eating in feeding chairs. CPR/First Aid: Knowing what to do in an emergency medical situation can mean the difference between life or death. Being trained in CPR and first aid can be invaluable when someone is in serious medical distress. Therefore, it is very important that all staff working directly with children have current CPR and First Aid Certification. A staff member hired on 5/20/24 had certification of CPR and First Aid that expired 5/25. You stated that the staff member is scheduled to take a course on 6/18/25 and was unable to complete the training course in May. We discussed that adding expiration dates in a digital calendar will send reminders in advance of expiration dates. Review the staff and training worksheet monthly to ensure that certificates do not expire before new certification is attained. We discussed that repeated CPR/First Aid violations can warrant an administrative action. Additional Comments: ABCMS Portal: You have completed the Provider Portal training and have completed a new application with your provider code to connect your application. Connect applications for all staff members. NCID: Did you know that if you do not login on any DCDEE platforms (e.g., Moodle, WORKS, CBC) for a period of 12 months, your account will be archived? An archived account cannot be reinstated. You will need to create a new one and then email all platforms (e.g., Moodle, WORKS, CBC) to merge accounts. Pro Tip: Set your calendar to remind you every 6 months to login and out at https://myncid.nc.gov to keep your account activated and it will NOT be archived. Natural Learning Initiative: https://naturalearning.org/resources/ Resources are created, often in collaboration with the Natural Learning Initiative’s interdisciplinary partners, to support technical assistance, professional development, and generally to promote the importance of the natural environment in the daily experience of all children. Please use and share. Pamlico Partnership for Children is also able to provide you with resources and information, training opportunities, technical assistance on childcare issues. Their phone number is (252) 745-7850 or check out their website at www.pamlicopartnership.org. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with you. Contact me at Brittany Jones, Child Care Consultant, (252) 947-1036, Brittany.j.jones@dhhs.nc.gov or Jennifer Linhardt, Licensing Supervisor, (252) 373-4199, Jennifer.Linhardt@dhhs.nc.gov if you have questions. 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

Open Not marked corrected in the state record

Category: supervision. Open / not marked corrected.

10A NCAC 09 .0803 · Violation

Name of Operation: LEARN AS WE GROW Facility ID: 69000093 Consultant: BRITTANY JONES Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 6/9/2025 Number Present: 26 Completed Date: 6/9/2025 Age: From 0 To 7 Total Minutes: 415 Time In: 08:50 AM Time Out: 03:45 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor your program for compliance with applicable child care requirements for an annual compliance visit. J. Matthews, Owner, and D. Aldridge, Administrator, assisted me with the visit. Your program currently operates with a three-star license, issued 1/1/2020, earning 4 points in the education component, 5 points in the program standards component. The last annual compliance visit was conducted 7/3/24. The sanitation inspection was completed 3/24/25 with a “Superior” classification. The last fire inspection was conducted on 5/23/25 and your facility was approved for daytime care only. The center's compliance history was reviewed with the operator. The program’s compliance history was ninety two percent as of 6/3/25. The NC Secretary of State website was reviewed on 6/3/25 and Learn As We Grow Inc was listed as current- active. We reviewed your facility contact information listed on the Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) website and all information is current. Contact me if you need to make any changes to your contact information, e.g., phone numbers, mailing address. You visited each indoor and outdoor space with me. Children throughout the facility were participating in free play in activity areas, transitions, and personal care routines. Upon arrival, children were eating a breakfast of French toast, blueberries, and milk. Infants were eating breakfast and completing personal care routines. Toddlers were building with blocks. Preschoolers were playing in the sand and water tables. Children in the school age classroom were playing a game at the table. The outdoor space was observed to have a stationary climber, riding toys, and balls to engage in gross motor activities. Lunch was observed and consisted of hot dogs, tater tots, apples, WW bread, and milk. The following violation(s) were documented. Violation Number Comment Rule 532 All children were not held or placed in feeding chairs or other appropriate apparatus to be fed. In space #1, a child was observed sitting in a bouncer chair and a second child was observed swinging in a swing drinking bottles of milk. 10A NCAC 09 .0902(b) 841 Medications including prescription and non-prescription items were not stored in a locked cabinet or other locked container. In space #3, a prescription bottle of Triamcinolone Acetonide Ointment was located on a shelf above the changing table. 15A NCAC 18A .2820(d) 847 Parent's medication authorization did not include required information. In space #3, a prescription bottle of Triamcinolone Acetonide Ointment had written permission on the over-the-counter form for topical ointments. 10A NCAC 09 .0803(4)(6-9) 849 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. A child enrolled in space #2 had a bottle of Studio Selection Sunscreen for Babies on file with written permission from the parent that expired on 5/9/25. .0803(12) 1048 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. A staff member hired on 5/20/24 had certification of First Aid that expired 5/25. .1102(c) 1049 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. A staff member hired on 5/20/24 had certification of CPR that expired 5/25. .1102(d) 1880 Prescribed medication was not administered according to the prescription, using the amount and frequency of dosage specified on the label. In space #3, a prescription bottle of Triamcinolone Acetonide Ointment had a prescription stating that it should be used for one (1) week. .0803(2)(d) Child Care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. The violation(s) documented must be corrected immediately. On or before 6/23/25, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail, how and when the violations were corrected. Please be aware any information submitted by you is legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. Mail or email the information to: Brittany Jones, Child Care Consultant PO Box 3272 New Bern, NC 28564 Brittany.j.jones@dhhs.nc.gov If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent from the email address registered with the DCDEE (this serves as your signature) and the following information must be included: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. An example is: Jane Doe, Administrator AAA Child Care ID # 12345678 Technical Assistance with Documented Violations: Medication: Medicines can be crucial to the health and wellness of children. They can also be very dangerous if the wrong type or wrong amount is given to the wrong person or at the wrong time. A medical action plan is required for children that need emergency medication, the form needs to be completed by the parent or a health care professional. All medications for children present at the center must have a current, completed medication permission form even if there is a Medical Action Plan. Medication permission forms are valid for a defined length of time and must be updated, if needed. A child enrolled in space #2 had a bottle of Studio Selection Sunscreen for Babies on file with written permission from the parent that expired on 5/9/25. In space #3, a prescription bottle of Triamcinolone Acetonide Ointment was located on a shelf above the changing table with written permission on the over-the-counter form for topical ointments. We discussed that prescription creams must be stored in locked storage with written permission on the long Medication Administration Permission Form that is valid for the length of the prescription. We reviewed the medication flyer that was posted in the classroom space together. We discussed that it would be helpful to make a chart with the expiration date of the medication and the expiration date of the written permission form for children in each classroom. This will be a visual that is reviewed frequently and will remind you in advance of expiration dates. You stated that you will create a chart for medication dates. Review the medication chart with staff members to ensure that they understand the forms that are needed for different types of medication and check medications frequently. Infant Needs: Growth and development during infancy require that nourishing, wholesome, and developmentally appropriate food be provided, using safe approaches to feeding. In space #1, a child was observed sitting in a bouncer chair and a second child was observed swinging in a swing drinking bottles of milk. We discussed that children must eat and drink while sitting at the table or in a high chair. You stated that you have talked to staff members about this before. Have a staff meeting to discuss the safety of children eating in feeding chairs and make classroom observations to ensure that infants are eating in feeding chairs. CPR/First Aid: Knowing what to do in an emergency medical situation can mean the difference between life or death. Being trained in CPR and first aid can be invaluable when someone is in serious medical distress. Therefore, it is very important that all staff working directly with children have current CPR and First Aid Certification. A staff member hired on 5/20/24 had certification of CPR and First Aid that expired 5/25. You stated that the staff member is scheduled to take a course on 6/18/25 and was unable to complete the training course in May. We discussed that adding expiration dates in a digital calendar will send reminders in advance of expiration dates. Review the staff and training worksheet monthly to ensure that certificates do not expire before new certification is attained. We discussed that repeated CPR/First Aid violations can warrant an administrative action. Additional Comments: ABCMS Portal: You have completed the Provider Portal training and have completed a new application with your provider code to connect your application. Connect applications for all staff members. NCID: Did you know that if you do not login on any DCDEE platforms (e.g., Moodle, WORKS, CBC) for a period of 12 months, your account will be archived? An archived account cannot be reinstated. You will need to create a new one and then email all platforms (e.g., Moodle, WORKS, CBC) to merge accounts. Pro Tip: Set your calendar to remind you every 6 months to login and out at https://myncid.nc.gov to keep your account activated and it will NOT be archived. Natural Learning Initiative: https://naturalearning.org/resources/ Resources are created, often in collaboration with the Natural Learning Initiative’s interdisciplinary partners, to support technical assistance, professional development, and generally to promote the importance of the natural environment in the daily experience of all children. Please use and share. Pamlico Partnership for Children is also able to provide you with resources and information, training opportunities, technical assistance on childcare issues. Their phone number is (252) 745-7850 or check out their website at www.pamlicopartnership.org. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with you. Contact me at Brittany Jones, Child Care Consultant, (252) 947-1036, Brittany.j.jones@dhhs.nc.gov or Jennifer Linhardt, Licensing Supervisor, (252) 373-4199, Jennifer.Linhardt@dhhs.nc.gov if you have questions. 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

NC GS 110-90 · Violation

Name of Operation: LEARN AS WE GROW Facility ID: 69000093 Consultant: BRITTANY JONES Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 6/9/2025 Number Present: 26 Completed Date: 6/9/2025 Age: From 0 To 7 Total Minutes: 415 Time In: 08:50 AM Time Out: 03:45 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor your program for compliance with applicable child care requirements for an annual compliance visit. J. Matthews, Owner, and D. Aldridge, Administrator, assisted me with the visit. Your program currently operates with a three-star license, issued 1/1/2020, earning 4 points in the education component, 5 points in the program standards component. The last annual compliance visit was conducted 7/3/24. The sanitation inspection was completed 3/24/25 with a “Superior” classification. The last fire inspection was conducted on 5/23/25 and your facility was approved for daytime care only. The center's compliance history was reviewed with the operator. The program’s compliance history was ninety two percent as of 6/3/25. The NC Secretary of State website was reviewed on 6/3/25 and Learn As We Grow Inc was listed as current- active. We reviewed your facility contact information listed on the Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) website and all information is current. Contact me if you need to make any changes to your contact information, e.g., phone numbers, mailing address. You visited each indoor and outdoor space with me. Children throughout the facility were participating in free play in activity areas, transitions, and personal care routines. Upon arrival, children were eating a breakfast of French toast, blueberries, and milk. Infants were eating breakfast and completing personal care routines. Toddlers were building with blocks. Preschoolers were playing in the sand and water tables. Children in the school age classroom were playing a game at the table. The outdoor space was observed to have a stationary climber, riding toys, and balls to engage in gross motor activities. Lunch was observed and consisted of hot dogs, tater tots, apples, WW bread, and milk. The following violation(s) were documented. Violation Number Comment Rule 532 All children were not held or placed in feeding chairs or other appropriate apparatus to be fed. In space #1, a child was observed sitting in a bouncer chair and a second child was observed swinging in a swing drinking bottles of milk. 10A NCAC 09 .0902(b) 841 Medications including prescription and non-prescription items were not stored in a locked cabinet or other locked container. In space #3, a prescription bottle of Triamcinolone Acetonide Ointment was located on a shelf above the changing table. 15A NCAC 18A .2820(d) 847 Parent's medication authorization did not include required information. In space #3, a prescription bottle of Triamcinolone Acetonide Ointment had written permission on the over-the-counter form for topical ointments. 10A NCAC 09 .0803(4)(6-9) 849 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. A child enrolled in space #2 had a bottle of Studio Selection Sunscreen for Babies on file with written permission from the parent that expired on 5/9/25. .0803(12) 1048 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. A staff member hired on 5/20/24 had certification of First Aid that expired 5/25. .1102(c) 1049 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. A staff member hired on 5/20/24 had certification of CPR that expired 5/25. .1102(d) 1880 Prescribed medication was not administered according to the prescription, using the amount and frequency of dosage specified on the label. In space #3, a prescription bottle of Triamcinolone Acetonide Ointment had a prescription stating that it should be used for one (1) week. .0803(2)(d) Child Care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. The violation(s) documented must be corrected immediately. On or before 6/23/25, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail, how and when the violations were corrected. Please be aware any information submitted by you is legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. Mail or email the information to: Brittany Jones, Child Care Consultant PO Box 3272 New Bern, NC 28564 Brittany.j.jones@dhhs.nc.gov If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent from the email address registered with the DCDEE (this serves as your signature) and the following information must be included: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. An example is: Jane Doe, Administrator AAA Child Care ID # 12345678 Technical Assistance with Documented Violations: Medication: Medicines can be crucial to the health and wellness of children. They can also be very dangerous if the wrong type or wrong amount is given to the wrong person or at the wrong time. A medical action plan is required for children that need emergency medication, the form needs to be completed by the parent or a health care professional. All medications for children present at the center must have a current, completed medication permission form even if there is a Medical Action Plan. Medication permission forms are valid for a defined length of time and must be updated, if needed. A child enrolled in space #2 had a bottle of Studio Selection Sunscreen for Babies on file with written permission from the parent that expired on 5/9/25. In space #3, a prescription bottle of Triamcinolone Acetonide Ointment was located on a shelf above the changing table with written permission on the over-the-counter form for topical ointments. We discussed that prescription creams must be stored in locked storage with written permission on the long Medication Administration Permission Form that is valid for the length of the prescription. We reviewed the medication flyer that was posted in the classroom space together. We discussed that it would be helpful to make a chart with the expiration date of the medication and the expiration date of the written permission form for children in each classroom. This will be a visual that is reviewed frequently and will remind you in advance of expiration dates. You stated that you will create a chart for medication dates. Review the medication chart with staff members to ensure that they understand the forms that are needed for different types of medication and check medications frequently. Infant Needs: Growth and development during infancy require that nourishing, wholesome, and developmentally appropriate food be provided, using safe approaches to feeding. In space #1, a child was observed sitting in a bouncer chair and a second child was observed swinging in a swing drinking bottles of milk. We discussed that children must eat and drink while sitting at the table or in a high chair. You stated that you have talked to staff members about this before. Have a staff meeting to discuss the safety of children eating in feeding chairs and make classroom observations to ensure that infants are eating in feeding chairs. CPR/First Aid: Knowing what to do in an emergency medical situation can mean the difference between life or death. Being trained in CPR and first aid can be invaluable when someone is in serious medical distress. Therefore, it is very important that all staff working directly with children have current CPR and First Aid Certification. A staff member hired on 5/20/24 had certification of CPR and First Aid that expired 5/25. You stated that the staff member is scheduled to take a course on 6/18/25 and was unable to complete the training course in May. We discussed that adding expiration dates in a digital calendar will send reminders in advance of expiration dates. Review the staff and training worksheet monthly to ensure that certificates do not expire before new certification is attained. We discussed that repeated CPR/First Aid violations can warrant an administrative action. Additional Comments: ABCMS Portal: You have completed the Provider Portal training and have completed a new application with your provider code to connect your application. Connect applications for all staff members. NCID: Did you know that if you do not login on any DCDEE platforms (e.g., Moodle, WORKS, CBC) for a period of 12 months, your account will be archived? An archived account cannot be reinstated. You will need to create a new one and then email all platforms (e.g., Moodle, WORKS, CBC) to merge accounts. Pro Tip: Set your calendar to remind you every 6 months to login and out at https://myncid.nc.gov to keep your account activated and it will NOT be archived. Natural Learning Initiative: https://naturalearning.org/resources/ Resources are created, often in collaboration with the Natural Learning Initiative’s interdisciplinary partners, to support technical assistance, professional development, and generally to promote the importance of the natural environment in the daily experience of all children. Please use and share. Pamlico Partnership for Children is also able to provide you with resources and information, training opportunities, technical assistance on childcare issues. Their phone number is (252) 745-7850 or check out their website at www.pamlicopartnership.org. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with you. Contact me at Brittany Jones, Child Care Consultant, (252) 947-1036, Brittany.j.jones@dhhs.nc.gov or Jennifer Linhardt, Licensing Supervisor, (252) 373-4199, Jennifer.Linhardt@dhhs.nc.gov if you have questions. 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

10A NCAC 09 .0601 · Violation

Name of Operation: LEARN AS WE GROW Facility ID: 69000093 Consultant: BRITTANY JONES Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 2/10/2025 Number Present: 15 Completed Date: 2/10/2025 Age: From 0 To 4 Total Minutes: 215 Time In: 10:40 AM Time Out: 02:15 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Routine Unannounced Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor your program for compliance with applicable child care requirements for a routine unannounced visit. J. Matthews, and D. Aldridge, Administrators, assisted me with today’s visit. Your program currently operates with a three-star license, issued 1/1/2020, earning 4 points in the education component and 5 points in the program standards component. The last annual compliance visit was conducted on 7/3/24. The sanitation inspection was completed on 12/20/24 with a “Superior” classification. The last fire inspection was conducted on 6/21/24. The center's compliance history was reviewed with the operator. The program’s compliance history was ninety six percent as of 2/4/25. The NC Secretary of State website was reviewed on 2/4/25 and Learn As We Grow Inc was listed as current- active. All indoor and outdoor areas were monitored. Children throughout the facility were participating in free play in activity areas and personal care routines. Infants were engaged in tummy time, napping, and feeding routines. In space #4, children were using cookie cutters to create shapes with playdough. Lunch was observed and included chicken tenders, green beans, pears, whole wheat bread, and milk. The outdoor spaces were observed to have stationary climbers, portable houses, riding toys, and balls for the children to engage in gross motor activities. The following violation(s) were documented. Violation Number Comment Rule 807 A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children. In outdoor space #3, the storage bench’s seat was broken with multiple pinch points. 10A NCAC 09 .0601(a) 1048 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. A staff member hired on 10/28/2024 had a First Aid Certification from an unapproved agency. .1102(c) 1049 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. A staff member hired on 10/28/2024 had a CPR Certification from an unapproved agency. .1102(d) 1124 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. Three (3) out of the eleven (11) children transported did not have a photograph attached to their emergency contact information. 10A NCAC 09 .1003(d) Child care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. The violation(s) documented must be corrected immediately. On or before 2/24/25, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail, how and when the violations were corrected. Please be aware any information submitted by you is considered legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit may be completed. Mail or email the information to: Brittany Jones, Child Care Consultant PO Box 3272 New Bern, NC 28564 Brittany.j.jones@dhhs.nc.gov If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent from the email address on file with DCDEE (this serves as your signature) and the following information must be included: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. An example is: Jane Doe, Administrator AAA Child Care ID # 12345678 Technical Assistance with Violations: CPR/First Aid: Knowing what to do in an emergency medical situation can mean the difference between life or death. Being trained in CPR and first aid can be invaluable when someone is in serious medical distress. Therefore, it is so important that all staff working directly with children have current CPR and First Aid Certification by an approved agency. Staff have 90 days from the day of hire to complete the required trainings. A staff member hired on 10/28/2024 had a CPR and First Aid Certification from an unapproved agency. You stated that the staff member received the certificate at their previous job. We reviewed the list of approved agencies that is found on the Division’s website together and New Life CPR was not listed. You printed out the list of approved agencies for the certification and provided it to the staff member during the visit. Use this list when examining staff members’ certificates to ensure that they are from an approved agency. Transportation: Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death in children two to fourteen years of age in the United States. It is necessary for the safety of children to require that the caregiver/teacher comply with requirements governing the transportation of children in care, in the absence of the parent/guardian. For each child transported, identifying information, including the child's name, photograph, emergency contact information, and a copy of the emergency medical care information form should be kept in the vehicle. This is helpful in identifying children in the event of an emergency/accident. Three (3) out of the eleven (11) children transported did not have a photograph attached to their emergency contact information. You stated that the three missing photos were of recently enrolled children and printed photos of the children and added them to the emergency contact information during the visit. We discussed adding updated photos for children annually when updating annual written transportation permission forms. When adding a child on the transportation roster, examine emergency contact information to ensure that it includes a photo when adding them into the transportation binder. Outdoor Environment: The outdoor learning environment offers a sense of freedom for children. Children can play freely with peers, expand their imagination beyond restraints of indoor activities, release energy and explore their sense of touch, smell, taste and their sense of motion. It is important that the outdoor area is checked daily, and proper upkeep is conducted to ensure the environment is safe for use. In outdoor space #3, the storage bench’s seat was broken with multiple pinch points and removed it from the outdoor space. You stated that you will remind staff members to let you know if something is broken so that it can be removed. We discussed carefully examining the outdoor equipment each month during the monthly inspection. Ensure that staff members are checking the outdoor space daily for hazards. Additional Comments: ABCMS Provider Portal: You completed the Provider Portal training. I emailed you a copy of the connecting application instructions to complete the process of connecting employees to the facility. Ensure that you connect all staff members to your facility. The T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood® North Carolina Scholarship Program provides educational scholarships to early care professionals and those who perform specialized functions in the early care system. https://www.childcareservices.org/programs/teach-north-carolina/ Natural Learning Initiative: https://naturalearning.org/resources/ Resources are created, often in collaboration with the Natural Learning Initiative’s interdisciplinary partners, to support technical assistance, professional development, and generally to promote the importance of the natural environment in the daily experience of all children. Please use and share. We discussed the North Carolina Rated License Assessment Project: NCRLAP’s mission is to promote the quality of child care by consistently and reliably assessing environments for the North Carolina Star Rated License. We collaborate with professionals in the early childhood education field to foster the development and learning of young children. The website ncrlap.org offers resources, trainings, videos, worksheets, and getting ready for ITERS-3 and ECERS-3. The Pamlico Partnership for Children can provide you with resources and information, training opportunities, technical assistance on child care issues, and assistance with the Environment Rating Scales. Their phone number is (252) 745-7850 or check out their website at www.pamlicopartnership.org At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with you. Contact me at Brittany Jones, Child Care Consultant, (252) 947-1036, Brittany.j.jones@dhhs.nc.gov or Jennifer Linhardt, Licensing Supervisor, Jennifer.Linhardt@dhhs.nc.gov if you have questions. 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

Open Not marked corrected in the state record

Category: supervision. Open / not marked corrected.

10A NCAC 09 .1003 · Violation

Name of Operation: LEARN AS WE GROW Facility ID: 69000093 Consultant: BRITTANY JONES Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 2/10/2025 Number Present: 15 Completed Date: 2/10/2025 Age: From 0 To 4 Total Minutes: 215 Time In: 10:40 AM Time Out: 02:15 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Routine Unannounced Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor your program for compliance with applicable child care requirements for a routine unannounced visit. J. Matthews, and D. Aldridge, Administrators, assisted me with today’s visit. Your program currently operates with a three-star license, issued 1/1/2020, earning 4 points in the education component and 5 points in the program standards component. The last annual compliance visit was conducted on 7/3/24. The sanitation inspection was completed on 12/20/24 with a “Superior” classification. The last fire inspection was conducted on 6/21/24. The center's compliance history was reviewed with the operator. The program’s compliance history was ninety six percent as of 2/4/25. The NC Secretary of State website was reviewed on 2/4/25 and Learn As We Grow Inc was listed as current- active. All indoor and outdoor areas were monitored. Children throughout the facility were participating in free play in activity areas and personal care routines. Infants were engaged in tummy time, napping, and feeding routines. In space #4, children were using cookie cutters to create shapes with playdough. Lunch was observed and included chicken tenders, green beans, pears, whole wheat bread, and milk. The outdoor spaces were observed to have stationary climbers, portable houses, riding toys, and balls for the children to engage in gross motor activities. The following violation(s) were documented. Violation Number Comment Rule 807 A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children. In outdoor space #3, the storage bench’s seat was broken with multiple pinch points. 10A NCAC 09 .0601(a) 1048 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. A staff member hired on 10/28/2024 had a First Aid Certification from an unapproved agency. .1102(c) 1049 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. A staff member hired on 10/28/2024 had a CPR Certification from an unapproved agency. .1102(d) 1124 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. Three (3) out of the eleven (11) children transported did not have a photograph attached to their emergency contact information. 10A NCAC 09 .1003(d) Child care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. The violation(s) documented must be corrected immediately. On or before 2/24/25, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail, how and when the violations were corrected. Please be aware any information submitted by you is considered legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit may be completed. Mail or email the information to: Brittany Jones, Child Care Consultant PO Box 3272 New Bern, NC 28564 Brittany.j.jones@dhhs.nc.gov If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent from the email address on file with DCDEE (this serves as your signature) and the following information must be included: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. An example is: Jane Doe, Administrator AAA Child Care ID # 12345678 Technical Assistance with Violations: CPR/First Aid: Knowing what to do in an emergency medical situation can mean the difference between life or death. Being trained in CPR and first aid can be invaluable when someone is in serious medical distress. Therefore, it is so important that all staff working directly with children have current CPR and First Aid Certification by an approved agency. Staff have 90 days from the day of hire to complete the required trainings. A staff member hired on 10/28/2024 had a CPR and First Aid Certification from an unapproved agency. You stated that the staff member received the certificate at their previous job. We reviewed the list of approved agencies that is found on the Division’s website together and New Life CPR was not listed. You printed out the list of approved agencies for the certification and provided it to the staff member during the visit. Use this list when examining staff members’ certificates to ensure that they are from an approved agency. Transportation: Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death in children two to fourteen years of age in the United States. It is necessary for the safety of children to require that the caregiver/teacher comply with requirements governing the transportation of children in care, in the absence of the parent/guardian. For each child transported, identifying information, including the child's name, photograph, emergency contact information, and a copy of the emergency medical care information form should be kept in the vehicle. This is helpful in identifying children in the event of an emergency/accident. Three (3) out of the eleven (11) children transported did not have a photograph attached to their emergency contact information. You stated that the three missing photos were of recently enrolled children and printed photos of the children and added them to the emergency contact information during the visit. We discussed adding updated photos for children annually when updating annual written transportation permission forms. When adding a child on the transportation roster, examine emergency contact information to ensure that it includes a photo when adding them into the transportation binder. Outdoor Environment: The outdoor learning environment offers a sense of freedom for children. Children can play freely with peers, expand their imagination beyond restraints of indoor activities, release energy and explore their sense of touch, smell, taste and their sense of motion. It is important that the outdoor area is checked daily, and proper upkeep is conducted to ensure the environment is safe for use. In outdoor space #3, the storage bench’s seat was broken with multiple pinch points and removed it from the outdoor space. You stated that you will remind staff members to let you know if something is broken so that it can be removed. We discussed carefully examining the outdoor equipment each month during the monthly inspection. Ensure that staff members are checking the outdoor space daily for hazards. Additional Comments: ABCMS Provider Portal: You completed the Provider Portal training. I emailed you a copy of the connecting application instructions to complete the process of connecting employees to the facility. Ensure that you connect all staff members to your facility. The T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood® North Carolina Scholarship Program provides educational scholarships to early care professionals and those who perform specialized functions in the early care system. https://www.childcareservices.org/programs/teach-north-carolina/ Natural Learning Initiative: https://naturalearning.org/resources/ Resources are created, often in collaboration with the Natural Learning Initiative’s interdisciplinary partners, to support technical assistance, professional development, and generally to promote the importance of the natural environment in the daily experience of all children. Please use and share. We discussed the North Carolina Rated License Assessment Project: NCRLAP’s mission is to promote the quality of child care by consistently and reliably assessing environments for the North Carolina Star Rated License. We collaborate with professionals in the early childhood education field to foster the development and learning of young children. The website ncrlap.org offers resources, trainings, videos, worksheets, and getting ready for ITERS-3 and ECERS-3. The Pamlico Partnership for Children can provide you with resources and information, training opportunities, technical assistance on child care issues, and assistance with the Environment Rating Scales. Their phone number is (252) 745-7850 or check out their website at www.pamlicopartnership.org At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with you. Contact me at Brittany Jones, Child Care Consultant, (252) 947-1036, Brittany.j.jones@dhhs.nc.gov or Jennifer Linhardt, Licensing Supervisor, Jennifer.Linhardt@dhhs.nc.gov if you have questions. 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

NC GS 110-90 · Violation

Name of Operation: LEARN AS WE GROW Facility ID: 69000093 Consultant: BRITTANY JONES Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 2/10/2025 Number Present: 15 Completed Date: 2/10/2025 Age: From 0 To 4 Total Minutes: 215 Time In: 10:40 AM Time Out: 02:15 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Routine Unannounced Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor your program for compliance with applicable child care requirements for a routine unannounced visit. J. Matthews, and D. Aldridge, Administrators, assisted me with today’s visit. Your program currently operates with a three-star license, issued 1/1/2020, earning 4 points in the education component and 5 points in the program standards component. The last annual compliance visit was conducted on 7/3/24. The sanitation inspection was completed on 12/20/24 with a “Superior” classification. The last fire inspection was conducted on 6/21/24. The center's compliance history was reviewed with the operator. The program’s compliance history was ninety six percent as of 2/4/25. The NC Secretary of State website was reviewed on 2/4/25 and Learn As We Grow Inc was listed as current- active. All indoor and outdoor areas were monitored. Children throughout the facility were participating in free play in activity areas and personal care routines. Infants were engaged in tummy time, napping, and feeding routines. In space #4, children were using cookie cutters to create shapes with playdough. Lunch was observed and included chicken tenders, green beans, pears, whole wheat bread, and milk. The outdoor spaces were observed to have stationary climbers, portable houses, riding toys, and balls for the children to engage in gross motor activities. The following violation(s) were documented. Violation Number Comment Rule 807 A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children. In outdoor space #3, the storage bench’s seat was broken with multiple pinch points. 10A NCAC 09 .0601(a) 1048 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. A staff member hired on 10/28/2024 had a First Aid Certification from an unapproved agency. .1102(c) 1049 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. A staff member hired on 10/28/2024 had a CPR Certification from an unapproved agency. .1102(d) 1124 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. Three (3) out of the eleven (11) children transported did not have a photograph attached to their emergency contact information. 10A NCAC 09 .1003(d) Child care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. The violation(s) documented must be corrected immediately. On or before 2/24/25, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail, how and when the violations were corrected. Please be aware any information submitted by you is considered legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit may be completed. Mail or email the information to: Brittany Jones, Child Care Consultant PO Box 3272 New Bern, NC 28564 Brittany.j.jones@dhhs.nc.gov If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent from the email address on file with DCDEE (this serves as your signature) and the following information must be included: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. An example is: Jane Doe, Administrator AAA Child Care ID # 12345678 Technical Assistance with Violations: CPR/First Aid: Knowing what to do in an emergency medical situation can mean the difference between life or death. Being trained in CPR and first aid can be invaluable when someone is in serious medical distress. Therefore, it is so important that all staff working directly with children have current CPR and First Aid Certification by an approved agency. Staff have 90 days from the day of hire to complete the required trainings. A staff member hired on 10/28/2024 had a CPR and First Aid Certification from an unapproved agency. You stated that the staff member received the certificate at their previous job. We reviewed the list of approved agencies that is found on the Division’s website together and New Life CPR was not listed. You printed out the list of approved agencies for the certification and provided it to the staff member during the visit. Use this list when examining staff members’ certificates to ensure that they are from an approved agency. Transportation: Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death in children two to fourteen years of age in the United States. It is necessary for the safety of children to require that the caregiver/teacher comply with requirements governing the transportation of children in care, in the absence of the parent/guardian. For each child transported, identifying information, including the child's name, photograph, emergency contact information, and a copy of the emergency medical care information form should be kept in the vehicle. This is helpful in identifying children in the event of an emergency/accident. Three (3) out of the eleven (11) children transported did not have a photograph attached to their emergency contact information. You stated that the three missing photos were of recently enrolled children and printed photos of the children and added them to the emergency contact information during the visit. We discussed adding updated photos for children annually when updating annual written transportation permission forms. When adding a child on the transportation roster, examine emergency contact information to ensure that it includes a photo when adding them into the transportation binder. Outdoor Environment: The outdoor learning environment offers a sense of freedom for children. Children can play freely with peers, expand their imagination beyond restraints of indoor activities, release energy and explore their sense of touch, smell, taste and their sense of motion. It is important that the outdoor area is checked daily, and proper upkeep is conducted to ensure the environment is safe for use. In outdoor space #3, the storage bench’s seat was broken with multiple pinch points and removed it from the outdoor space. You stated that you will remind staff members to let you know if something is broken so that it can be removed. We discussed carefully examining the outdoor equipment each month during the monthly inspection. Ensure that staff members are checking the outdoor space daily for hazards. Additional Comments: ABCMS Provider Portal: You completed the Provider Portal training. I emailed you a copy of the connecting application instructions to complete the process of connecting employees to the facility. Ensure that you connect all staff members to your facility. The T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood® North Carolina Scholarship Program provides educational scholarships to early care professionals and those who perform specialized functions in the early care system. https://www.childcareservices.org/programs/teach-north-carolina/ Natural Learning Initiative: https://naturalearning.org/resources/ Resources are created, often in collaboration with the Natural Learning Initiative’s interdisciplinary partners, to support technical assistance, professional development, and generally to promote the importance of the natural environment in the daily experience of all children. Please use and share. We discussed the North Carolina Rated License Assessment Project: NCRLAP’s mission is to promote the quality of child care by consistently and reliably assessing environments for the North Carolina Star Rated License. We collaborate with professionals in the early childhood education field to foster the development and learning of young children. The website ncrlap.org offers resources, trainings, videos, worksheets, and getting ready for ITERS-3 and ECERS-3. The Pamlico Partnership for Children can provide you with resources and information, training opportunities, technical assistance on child care issues, and assistance with the Environment Rating Scales. Their phone number is (252) 745-7850 or check out their website at www.pamlicopartnership.org At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with you. Contact me at Brittany Jones, Child Care Consultant, (252) 947-1036, Brittany.j.jones@dhhs.nc.gov or Jennifer Linhardt, Licensing Supervisor, Jennifer.Linhardt@dhhs.nc.gov if you have questions. 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

10A NCAC 09 .0701 · Violation

Name of Operation: LEARN AS WE GROW Facility ID: 69000093 Consultant: BRITTANY JONES Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 7/3/2024 Number Present: 22 Completed Date: 7/3/2024 Age: From 0 To 10 Total Minutes: 320 Time In: 08:50 AM Time Out: 02:10 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor your program for compliance with applicable child care requirements for an annual compliance visit. J. Matthews, Owner, assisted me with the visit. Your program currently operates with a three-star license, issued 1/1/2020, earning 4 points in the education component, 5 points in the program standards component. The last annual compliance visit was conducted 7/13/23. The sanitation inspection was completed 4/22/24 with a “Superior” classification. The last fire inspection was conducted 6/21/24 and your facility was approved for daytime care only. The center's compliance history was reviewed with the operator. The program’s compliance history was ninety percent as of 6/18/24. The NC Secretary of State website was reviewed on 6/18/24 and Learn As We Grow Inc was listed as current- active. We reviewed your facility contact information listed on the Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) website and all information is current. Contact me if you need to make any changes to your contact information, e.g., phone numbers, mailing address. I observed children in both the indoor and outdoor learning environments. Children throughout the facility were participating in group time, free play in activity areas, transitions, and personal care routines. Infants were observed engaged in tummy time. Toddlers were building with blocks. Preschoolers were creating firework art with paint and forks. Children in the school age classroom were playing with manipulatives at the table and creating Fourth of July artwork. The outdoor space was observed to have a stationary climber, riding toys, and balls to engage in gross motor activities. Lunch was observed and consisted of tuna fish salad, peas, mandarin oranges, WW bread, and milk. The following violation(s) were documented. Violation Number Comment Rule 476 Staff did not use the list of participating children to check attendance when leaving the center, periodically when the children were involved in the activity, before leaving the activity to return to the center, and/or upon return to the center. When transporting children on an off-premise activity on June 28, 2024, a list of participating children to check attendance was not used. .1005(b)(6) 1032 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. A staff member hired on 2/26/24 had a medical report dated 2/28/24. 10A NCAC 09 .0701(a) 1124 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. Children enrolled in space #4, were transported to the library on June 24, 2024 and did not have photographs attached to their emergency contact information. 10A NCAC 09 .1003(d) 1125 Before children were transported, written permission from a parent was not obtained that included when and where the child was to be transported, expected time of departure and arrival, and the transportation provider. The permission forms on file for off premise activities during the week of June 24- June 28, 2024, did not include the arrival and departure times. .1003(i)(j) Child Care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. The violation(s) documented must be corrected immediately. On or before 7/17/24, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail, how and when the violations were corrected. Please be aware any information submitted by you is legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. Mail or email the information to: Brittany Jones, Child Care Consultant PO Box 3272 New Bern, NC 28564 Brittany.j.jones@dhhs.nc.gov If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent from the email address registered with the DCDEE (this serves as your signature) and the following information must be included: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. An example is: Jane Doe, Administrator AAA Child Care ID # 12345678 Technical Assistance with Documented Violations: Staff Records: The health and safety of children requires that information regarding each staff working with the children be kept and available when needed. Staff records consist of various documentation such as employment application, medical report, TB test results, Annual Health Questionnaire, emergency contact information, receipt of policies, CRC qualification letter, professional development plan, documentation of orientation, in-service hours, CPR and First Aid, and playground safety. A staff member hired on 2/26/24 had a medical report dated 2/28/24. We discussed that once a staff member is hired, place them on the staff and training worksheet to ensure that all documents are received on time. Transportation: Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death in children two to fourteen years of age in the United States. It is necessary for the safety of children to require that the caregiver/teacher comply with requirements governing the transportation of children in care, in the absence of the parent/guardian. Each child transported must have on file emergency contact information along with a photograph of each child. This is helpful in identifying children in the event of an emergency/accident. Children enrolled in space #4, were transported to the library on June 24, 2024 and did not have photographs attached to their emergency contact information. During the visit, you printed off pictures of the children and attached them to their emergency contact information. Before children are transported, written permission from a parent shall be obtained that shall include when and where the child is to be transported, expected time of departure and arrival, and the transportation provider. The permission forms on file for off premise activities during the week of June 24- June 28, 2024, did not include the arrival and departure times. During the visit, you updated the permission forms for the upcoming off premise activities with the arrival and departure times. When transporting children on an off-premise activity on June 28, 2024, a list of participating children to check attendance when leaving the center, periodically when the children were involved in the activity, before leaving the activity to return to the center, and/or upon return to the center was not used. We discussed that the roster that is used for before and after school can be edited to use for field trips. During the visit, you created a list of the children to document times when on an off-premise activity. We reviewed Section .2509 for Off-Premise Activities and you stated that you will be creating a plan of off-premise activities. Additional Comments: Natural Learning Initiative: Time outdoors is a critical tool for supporting mental and physical health in young children. Adoption of best practices for outdoor play and learning spaces is critical to increase daily time spent outside. The four components of this project include: 1. Relaunch a supportive network for outdoor play and learning environments in North Carolina; 2. Research nature-based programs and spaces and develop a plan to embed these in licensed childcare in North Carolina; 3. Motivate and train early educators and specialists to promote best practices and increase time in outdoor play and learning in NC childcare facilities; 4. Increase time outdoors playing and learning in NC family child care homes through professional development and technical assistance. Today, we discussed ways to create a natural learning environment in the outdoor spaces. Some of the ideas included a music wall made from kitchen accessories, a garden that the children can help plant, a science center, and stepping stone made from logs. I encourage you to check out naturallearning.org to find resources and professional development options for ways to enhance your outdoor learning environments. Pamlico Partnership for Children is also able to provide you with resources and information, training opportunities, technical assistance on childcare issues. Their phone number is (252) 745-7850 or check out their website at www.pamlicopartnership.org. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with you. Contact me at Brittany Jones, Child Care Consultant, (252) 947-1036, Brittany.j.jones@dhhs.nc.gov or Jennifer Linhardt, Licensing Supervisor, (252) 373-4199, Jennifer.Linhardt@dhhs.nc.gov if you have questions. 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

Open Not marked corrected in the state record

Category: supervision. Open / not marked corrected.

10A NCAC 09 .1003 · Violation

Name of Operation: LEARN AS WE GROW Facility ID: 69000093 Consultant: BRITTANY JONES Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 7/3/2024 Number Present: 22 Completed Date: 7/3/2024 Age: From 0 To 10 Total Minutes: 320 Time In: 08:50 AM Time Out: 02:10 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor your program for compliance with applicable child care requirements for an annual compliance visit. J. Matthews, Owner, assisted me with the visit. Your program currently operates with a three-star license, issued 1/1/2020, earning 4 points in the education component, 5 points in the program standards component. The last annual compliance visit was conducted 7/13/23. The sanitation inspection was completed 4/22/24 with a “Superior” classification. The last fire inspection was conducted 6/21/24 and your facility was approved for daytime care only. The center's compliance history was reviewed with the operator. The program’s compliance history was ninety percent as of 6/18/24. The NC Secretary of State website was reviewed on 6/18/24 and Learn As We Grow Inc was listed as current- active. We reviewed your facility contact information listed on the Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) website and all information is current. Contact me if you need to make any changes to your contact information, e.g., phone numbers, mailing address. I observed children in both the indoor and outdoor learning environments. Children throughout the facility were participating in group time, free play in activity areas, transitions, and personal care routines. Infants were observed engaged in tummy time. Toddlers were building with blocks. Preschoolers were creating firework art with paint and forks. Children in the school age classroom were playing with manipulatives at the table and creating Fourth of July artwork. The outdoor space was observed to have a stationary climber, riding toys, and balls to engage in gross motor activities. Lunch was observed and consisted of tuna fish salad, peas, mandarin oranges, WW bread, and milk. The following violation(s) were documented. Violation Number Comment Rule 476 Staff did not use the list of participating children to check attendance when leaving the center, periodically when the children were involved in the activity, before leaving the activity to return to the center, and/or upon return to the center. When transporting children on an off-premise activity on June 28, 2024, a list of participating children to check attendance was not used. .1005(b)(6) 1032 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. A staff member hired on 2/26/24 had a medical report dated 2/28/24. 10A NCAC 09 .0701(a) 1124 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. Children enrolled in space #4, were transported to the library on June 24, 2024 and did not have photographs attached to their emergency contact information. 10A NCAC 09 .1003(d) 1125 Before children were transported, written permission from a parent was not obtained that included when and where the child was to be transported, expected time of departure and arrival, and the transportation provider. The permission forms on file for off premise activities during the week of June 24- June 28, 2024, did not include the arrival and departure times. .1003(i)(j) Child Care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. The violation(s) documented must be corrected immediately. On or before 7/17/24, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail, how and when the violations were corrected. Please be aware any information submitted by you is legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. Mail or email the information to: Brittany Jones, Child Care Consultant PO Box 3272 New Bern, NC 28564 Brittany.j.jones@dhhs.nc.gov If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent from the email address registered with the DCDEE (this serves as your signature) and the following information must be included: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. An example is: Jane Doe, Administrator AAA Child Care ID # 12345678 Technical Assistance with Documented Violations: Staff Records: The health and safety of children requires that information regarding each staff working with the children be kept and available when needed. Staff records consist of various documentation such as employment application, medical report, TB test results, Annual Health Questionnaire, emergency contact information, receipt of policies, CRC qualification letter, professional development plan, documentation of orientation, in-service hours, CPR and First Aid, and playground safety. A staff member hired on 2/26/24 had a medical report dated 2/28/24. We discussed that once a staff member is hired, place them on the staff and training worksheet to ensure that all documents are received on time. Transportation: Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death in children two to fourteen years of age in the United States. It is necessary for the safety of children to require that the caregiver/teacher comply with requirements governing the transportation of children in care, in the absence of the parent/guardian. Each child transported must have on file emergency contact information along with a photograph of each child. This is helpful in identifying children in the event of an emergency/accident. Children enrolled in space #4, were transported to the library on June 24, 2024 and did not have photographs attached to their emergency contact information. During the visit, you printed off pictures of the children and attached them to their emergency contact information. Before children are transported, written permission from a parent shall be obtained that shall include when and where the child is to be transported, expected time of departure and arrival, and the transportation provider. The permission forms on file for off premise activities during the week of June 24- June 28, 2024, did not include the arrival and departure times. During the visit, you updated the permission forms for the upcoming off premise activities with the arrival and departure times. When transporting children on an off-premise activity on June 28, 2024, a list of participating children to check attendance when leaving the center, periodically when the children were involved in the activity, before leaving the activity to return to the center, and/or upon return to the center was not used. We discussed that the roster that is used for before and after school can be edited to use for field trips. During the visit, you created a list of the children to document times when on an off-premise activity. We reviewed Section .2509 for Off-Premise Activities and you stated that you will be creating a plan of off-premise activities. Additional Comments: Natural Learning Initiative: Time outdoors is a critical tool for supporting mental and physical health in young children. Adoption of best practices for outdoor play and learning spaces is critical to increase daily time spent outside. The four components of this project include: 1. Relaunch a supportive network for outdoor play and learning environments in North Carolina; 2. Research nature-based programs and spaces and develop a plan to embed these in licensed childcare in North Carolina; 3. Motivate and train early educators and specialists to promote best practices and increase time in outdoor play and learning in NC childcare facilities; 4. Increase time outdoors playing and learning in NC family child care homes through professional development and technical assistance. Today, we discussed ways to create a natural learning environment in the outdoor spaces. Some of the ideas included a music wall made from kitchen accessories, a garden that the children can help plant, a science center, and stepping stone made from logs. I encourage you to check out naturallearning.org to find resources and professional development options for ways to enhance your outdoor learning environments. Pamlico Partnership for Children is also able to provide you with resources and information, training opportunities, technical assistance on childcare issues. Their phone number is (252) 745-7850 or check out their website at www.pamlicopartnership.org. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with you. Contact me at Brittany Jones, Child Care Consultant, (252) 947-1036, Brittany.j.jones@dhhs.nc.gov or Jennifer Linhardt, Licensing Supervisor, (252) 373-4199, Jennifer.Linhardt@dhhs.nc.gov if you have questions. 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

NC GS 110-90 · Violation

Name of Operation: LEARN AS WE GROW Facility ID: 69000093 Consultant: BRITTANY JONES Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 7/3/2024 Number Present: 22 Completed Date: 7/3/2024 Age: From 0 To 10 Total Minutes: 320 Time In: 08:50 AM Time Out: 02:10 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor your program for compliance with applicable child care requirements for an annual compliance visit. J. Matthews, Owner, assisted me with the visit. Your program currently operates with a three-star license, issued 1/1/2020, earning 4 points in the education component, 5 points in the program standards component. The last annual compliance visit was conducted 7/13/23. The sanitation inspection was completed 4/22/24 with a “Superior” classification. The last fire inspection was conducted 6/21/24 and your facility was approved for daytime care only. The center's compliance history was reviewed with the operator. The program’s compliance history was ninety percent as of 6/18/24. The NC Secretary of State website was reviewed on 6/18/24 and Learn As We Grow Inc was listed as current- active. We reviewed your facility contact information listed on the Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) website and all information is current. Contact me if you need to make any changes to your contact information, e.g., phone numbers, mailing address. I observed children in both the indoor and outdoor learning environments. Children throughout the facility were participating in group time, free play in activity areas, transitions, and personal care routines. Infants were observed engaged in tummy time. Toddlers were building with blocks. Preschoolers were creating firework art with paint and forks. Children in the school age classroom were playing with manipulatives at the table and creating Fourth of July artwork. The outdoor space was observed to have a stationary climber, riding toys, and balls to engage in gross motor activities. Lunch was observed and consisted of tuna fish salad, peas, mandarin oranges, WW bread, and milk. The following violation(s) were documented. Violation Number Comment Rule 476 Staff did not use the list of participating children to check attendance when leaving the center, periodically when the children were involved in the activity, before leaving the activity to return to the center, and/or upon return to the center. When transporting children on an off-premise activity on June 28, 2024, a list of participating children to check attendance was not used. .1005(b)(6) 1032 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. A staff member hired on 2/26/24 had a medical report dated 2/28/24. 10A NCAC 09 .0701(a) 1124 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. Children enrolled in space #4, were transported to the library on June 24, 2024 and did not have photographs attached to their emergency contact information. 10A NCAC 09 .1003(d) 1125 Before children were transported, written permission from a parent was not obtained that included when and where the child was to be transported, expected time of departure and arrival, and the transportation provider. The permission forms on file for off premise activities during the week of June 24- June 28, 2024, did not include the arrival and departure times. .1003(i)(j) Child Care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. The violation(s) documented must be corrected immediately. On or before 7/17/24, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail, how and when the violations were corrected. Please be aware any information submitted by you is legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. Mail or email the information to: Brittany Jones, Child Care Consultant PO Box 3272 New Bern, NC 28564 Brittany.j.jones@dhhs.nc.gov If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent from the email address registered with the DCDEE (this serves as your signature) and the following information must be included: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. An example is: Jane Doe, Administrator AAA Child Care ID # 12345678 Technical Assistance with Documented Violations: Staff Records: The health and safety of children requires that information regarding each staff working with the children be kept and available when needed. Staff records consist of various documentation such as employment application, medical report, TB test results, Annual Health Questionnaire, emergency contact information, receipt of policies, CRC qualification letter, professional development plan, documentation of orientation, in-service hours, CPR and First Aid, and playground safety. A staff member hired on 2/26/24 had a medical report dated 2/28/24. We discussed that once a staff member is hired, place them on the staff and training worksheet to ensure that all documents are received on time. Transportation: Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death in children two to fourteen years of age in the United States. It is necessary for the safety of children to require that the caregiver/teacher comply with requirements governing the transportation of children in care, in the absence of the parent/guardian. Each child transported must have on file emergency contact information along with a photograph of each child. This is helpful in identifying children in the event of an emergency/accident. Children enrolled in space #4, were transported to the library on June 24, 2024 and did not have photographs attached to their emergency contact information. During the visit, you printed off pictures of the children and attached them to their emergency contact information. Before children are transported, written permission from a parent shall be obtained that shall include when and where the child is to be transported, expected time of departure and arrival, and the transportation provider. The permission forms on file for off premise activities during the week of June 24- June 28, 2024, did not include the arrival and departure times. During the visit, you updated the permission forms for the upcoming off premise activities with the arrival and departure times. When transporting children on an off-premise activity on June 28, 2024, a list of participating children to check attendance when leaving the center, periodically when the children were involved in the activity, before leaving the activity to return to the center, and/or upon return to the center was not used. We discussed that the roster that is used for before and after school can be edited to use for field trips. During the visit, you created a list of the children to document times when on an off-premise activity. We reviewed Section .2509 for Off-Premise Activities and you stated that you will be creating a plan of off-premise activities. Additional Comments: Natural Learning Initiative: Time outdoors is a critical tool for supporting mental and physical health in young children. Adoption of best practices for outdoor play and learning spaces is critical to increase daily time spent outside. The four components of this project include: 1. Relaunch a supportive network for outdoor play and learning environments in North Carolina; 2. Research nature-based programs and spaces and develop a plan to embed these in licensed childcare in North Carolina; 3. Motivate and train early educators and specialists to promote best practices and increase time in outdoor play and learning in NC childcare facilities; 4. Increase time outdoors playing and learning in NC family child care homes through professional development and technical assistance. Today, we discussed ways to create a natural learning environment in the outdoor spaces. Some of the ideas included a music wall made from kitchen accessories, a garden that the children can help plant, a science center, and stepping stone made from logs. I encourage you to check out naturallearning.org to find resources and professional development options for ways to enhance your outdoor learning environments. Pamlico Partnership for Children is also able to provide you with resources and information, training opportunities, technical assistance on childcare issues. Their phone number is (252) 745-7850 or check out their website at www.pamlicopartnership.org. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with you. Contact me at Brittany Jones, Child Care Consultant, (252) 947-1036, Brittany.j.jones@dhhs.nc.gov or Jennifer Linhardt, Licensing Supervisor, (252) 373-4199, Jennifer.Linhardt@dhhs.nc.gov if you have questions. 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

NC GS 110-90 · Violation

Name of Operation: LEARN AS WE GROW Facility ID: 69000093 Consultant: BRITTANY JONES Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 1/24/2024 Number Present: 12 Completed Date: 1/24/2024 Age: From 1 To 4 Total Minutes: 200 Time In: 08:55 AM Time Out: 12:15 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Routine Unannounced Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor your program for compliance with applicable child care requirements for a routine unannounced visit. J. Matthews, Administrator, assisted me with today’s visit. Your program currently operates with a three-star license, issued 1/1/2020, earning 4 points in the education component and 5 points in the program standards component. The last annual compliance visit was conducted on 7/13/23. The sanitation inspection was completed on 12/12/23 with a “Superior” classification. The last fire inspection was conducted 8/29/23. The center's compliance history was reviewed with the operator. The program’s compliance history was ninety four percent as of 1/24/24. The NC Secretary of State website was reviewed on 1/24/24 and Learn As We Grow Inc was listed as current- active. All indoor and outdoor areas were monitored. Children throughout the facility were participating in group time, free play in activity areas, and personal care routines. Infants were engaged in free play on the carpet. Toddlers were eating a breakfast of breakfast pizza, mangos, and milk. Preschoolers were sitting at the table and discussing the season winter. The outdoor space was observed to have a stationary climbing structure, portable houses, riding toys, and balls to engage in gross motor activities. Lunch was observed and included fish sandwiches, green beans, oranges, and milk. The following violation was documented. Violation Number Comment Rule 1867 The depth of the loose surfacing was not based on critical height of the equipment. Mulch under the stationary climber on the preschool and school age playground was a depth of two inches rather than the required six inches. .0605(k)(1-4) Child care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. The violation(s) documented must be corrected immediately. On or before 2/7/24, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail how and when the violations were corrected. Please be aware any information submitted by you is considered legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit may be completed. Mail or email the information to: Brittany Jones, Child Care Consultant PO Box 3272 New Bern, NC 28564 Brittany.j.jones@dhhs.nc.gov If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent from the email address on file with DCDEE (this serves as your signature) and the following information must be included: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. An example is: Jane Doe, Administrator AAA Child Care ID # 12345678 Technical assistance with violations: Surfacing: Nationally, nearly 70% of playground related injuries are from falls. Fall injuries are the result of two things: the height a child falls from and the material/surface the child falls upon. Provide “soft” resilient surfacing under and around stationary playground equipment. Equipment with critical height of five feet or less needs six inches of mulch. Mulch under the stationary climber on the preschool and school age playground was a depth of two inches rather than the required six inches. You stated that you were looking for someone to add mulch and contacted someone during the visit. During monthly playground inspections, fluff the mulch and assess if more is needed. Additional Comments: Chapter 9: Child Care Rules have been updated as of 1/1/2024. These include changes that have been made in December 2023 and January 2024. These rules can be found on the Division’s website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Services/Child-Care-Rules-Law-and-Public-Information. It would be helpful to download a copy of the rules to your desktop to access quickly and use the find feature to search for the subject. DCDEE WORKS: Staff members need to send their current transcripts to WORKS to be evaluated. We discussed that https://www.studentclearinghouse.org/ will send transcripts to WORKS. Log in to WORKS and apply for the child care position that you want to be evaluated for. Transition Back to Rated License Assessments and Cohorts: To transition back to rated license assessments, the Division has created a two-year Cohort Model. All facilities are assigned to one of three cohorts based on their current rated license assessment due date. Each cohort will have a year for preparation and a year for assessment. (However, you are encouraged to begin preparations now so that you are ready when your cohort group is due!) Your child care center was due for a three-year rated license reassessment by 4/1/2023 and has been assigned to Cohort 2. The Cohort 2 Rated License Preparation Year is from 7/1/2024 – 6/30/2025. During your preparation year, if you are interested in having the Environment Rating Scales completed, review the ITERSR by obtaining the manuals for each classroom and looking for assessment related resources at ncrlap.org. Request technical assistance and training for your staff from Craven Smart Start. You can request and complete an ITERS-R during your preparation year. If your scores help you meet or exceed your current star rating and you are ready to move forward with your rated license assessment, you may choose to do so during your preparation year. Your preparation year is also the time to work on staff education and ensure that Works accounts are completed and up to date for staff members. Look at options to help staff earn the NC Early Childhood Credential (NCECC) – EDU 119, Early Educator Certification, the new NCECC Equivalency Exam option available on Moodle. Encourage staff to enroll in additional college coursework to meet or increase points in Education. TEACH Scholarships are available to help staff pay for educational expenses. Go to https://www.childcareservices.org/programs/teach-north-carolina/. The Cohort 2 Rated License Assessment Year is from 7/1/2025 – 6/30/2026. During your assessment year you may choose to complete the ITERS-R again at no cost even if you completed them during your preparation year. Use the feedback from your preparation year scores to create a plan to improve your scores. During this year, all education needs to be posted in Works. At some point during that year, you will have your rated license assessed. Today, we looked at staff WORKS letters and discussed how to apply for NC Early Educator Certification (EEC) Certification as an additional option for education. The Pamlico Partnership for Children can provide you with resources and information, training opportunities, technical assistance on child care issues, and assistance with the Environment Rating Scales. Their phone number is (252) 745-7850 or check out their website at www.pamlicopartnership.org. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with you. Contact me at Brittany Jones, Child Care Consultant, (252) 947-1036, Brittany.j.jones@dhhs.nc.gov or Jennifer Linhardt, Licensing Supervisor, Jennifer.Linhardt@dhhs.nc.gov if you have questions. 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

Open Not marked corrected in the state record

Category: supervision. Open / not marked corrected.

10A NCAC 09 .0601 · Violation

Name of Operation: LEARN AS WE GROW Facility ID: 69000093 Consultant: BRITTANY JONES Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 7/13/2023 Number Present: 23 Completed Date: 7/13/2023 Age: From 0 To 12 Total Minutes: 340 Time In: 09:05 AM Time Out: 02:45 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor your program for compliance with applicable child care requirements for an annual compliance visit. D. Aldridge, Administrator, assisted me with the visit. Your program currently operates with a three-star license, issued 1/1/2020, earning 4 points in the education component, 5 points in the program standards component. The last annual compliance visit was conducted 8/4/22. The sanitation inspection was completed 6/30/23 with a “Superior” classification. The last fire inspection was conducted 9/7/22 and your facility was approved for daytime care only. The center's compliance history was reviewed with the operator. The program’s compliance history was ninety four percent as of 7/12/23. The NC Secretary of State website was reviewed on 7/12/23 and LEARN AS WE GROW INC. was listed as current- active. We reviewed your facility contact information listed on the Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) website and all information is current. Contact me if you need to make any changes to your contact information, e.g., phone numbers, mailing address. I observed children in both the indoor and outdoor learning environments. Children throughout the facility were participating in group time, free play in activity areas, transitions, and personal care routines. Children under twelve months old received care according to individual needs including bottle feeding tummy time. Toddlers were looking at books about sea animals. Children in the school age classroom were playing with manipulatives at the table. The outdoor space was observed to have a stationary climber, riding toys, and balls to engage in gross motor activities. Lunch was observed and consisted of corn dogs, peas and carrots, fruit cocktail, and milk. The following violation(s) were documented. Violation Number Comment Rule 541 The written feeding plan did not include the child's name, parent signature, and/or was not dated when received by the center. One out of five infant feeding schedules was not signed or dated by the parent. .0902(a) 807 A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children. In outdoor space #1, beside the stationary climber, a broken piece of concrete is on top of the septic system, which had created a tripping hazard. 10A NCAC 09 .0601(a) 842 A drug or medication was administered without written authorization and/or instructions from a child's parent or authorized health professional. A child enrolled in space #3 had a tube of Parent’s Choice Diaper Rash Ointment on file without written permission from the parent. 10A NCAC 09 .0803(1)(a & b) 1032 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. A staff member hired on 3/27/23 had a medical report dated 3/28/23. 10A NCAC 09 .0701(a) 1901 All administrators and staff did not complete a professional development plan within one year of employment, that included all the required information. All staff did not have a professional development plan on file with the required information. .1104(1-5) 9995 A violation was found for which there is no item number. In 15A NCAC 18A .2820(f), employee purses and other personal effects shall be kept out of reach of children. A purse was observed on a changing table in space #3. Child Care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. The violation(s) documented must be corrected immediately. On or before 7/27/23, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail, how and when the violations were corrected. Please be aware any information submitted by you is legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. Mail or email the information to: Brittany Jones, Child Care Consultant PO Box 3272 New Bern, NC 28564 Brittany.j.jones@dhhs.nc.gov If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent from the email address registered with the DCDEE (this serves as your signature) and the following information must be included: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. An example is: Jane Doe, Administrator AAA Child Care ID # 12345678 TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE WITH THE DOCUMENTED VIOLATION (S): Medication: Administering medication requires skill, knowledge, and careful attention to detail. All medications for children present at the center must have a current, completed medication permission form even if there is a Medical Action Plan. The medication permission forms provide additional information that could be critical to the administration of the medication and the care of the child. A child enrolled in space #3 had a tube of Parent’s Choice Diaper Rash Ointment on file without written permission from the parent. We discussed the importance of having someone that oversees accepting medication to ensure that correct documentation is on file. We reviewed the medication flyer together and I encourage you to review the section in the NC Child Care Requirements on medication: 10A NCAC 09 .0803 Administering Medication in Child Care Centers. Outdoor Environment: The outdoor learning environment offers a sense of freedom for children. Children are able to play freely with peers, expand their imagination beyond restraints of indoor activities, release energy and explore their sense of touch, smell, taste and their sense of motion. It is important that the outdoor area is checked daily, and proper upkeep is conducted to ensure the environment is safe for use. In outdoor space #1, beside the stationary climber, a broken piece of concrete is on top of the septic system, which has created a tripping hazard. You stated that you are not sure why the piece of concrete is present and removed it during the visit. Regularity of inspections can be assured by assigning a staff member to check all play equipment to make certain that it is safe for children. Observations should be made while the children are playing, too, to spot any maintenance problems and correct them as soon as possible. Employee Purses: Employee purses and other personal effects must be kept out of reach of children. In 15A NCAC 18A .2820, (f) employee purses and other personal effects shall be kept out of reach of children. A purse was observed on a changing table in space #3. The teacher relocated purse to a shelf above 5 feet. It is important to remember that purses may contain items that can be potentially hazardous to young children. Storing purses and personal effects five feet from the finished floor protects children from potential injury. Staff Records: The health and safety of children requires that information regarding each staff working with the children be kept and available when needed. Staff records consist of various documentation such as employment application, medical report, TB test results, Annual Health Questionnaire, emergency contact information, receipt of policies, CRC qualification letter, professional development plan, documentation of orientation, in-service hours, CPR and First Aid, and playground safety. A staff member hired on 3/27/23 had a medical report dated 3/28/23. All staff did not have a professional development plan on file with the required information. Record keeping is one of the most time-consuming tasks associated with administering a child care program. It is an important part of licensure. We discussed the importance of ensuring that the staff and training worksheet is complete and documents are received according to the worksheet. Feeding Schedules: Growth and development during infancy require that nourishing, wholesome, and developmentally appropriate food be provided, using safe approaches to feeding. All children under 15 months of age must have a signed feeding schedule/plan on file. The infant feeding plans should be developed with each infant’s parents/guardians and, when appropriate, in collaboration with the child’s primary care provider. One out of five infant feeding schedules was not signed or dated by the parent. We discussed that it is important to review the feeding schedule with the parent upon enrollment to ensure that the child’s teacher understands how to feed the child according to the parent’s wishes. Update feeding schedules as soon as a parent makes a change in a child's feeding schedule. ADDITIONAL COMMENTS/ REMINDERS: Rated License: Currently this center operates with a 3 Star License, issued January 1, 2020. The hold harmless in star rating for education will continue through 6/30/2024. All programs can voluntarily request Star Rating Assessment now to take advantage of the hold harmless period. Per our discussion, your facility is in Cohort 2 and your assessment year will be 7/1/25-6/30/26. I shared with you that NCRLAP.org has many resources available to review as you prepare for the assessment. You stated that you are currently working with Craven Smart Start and are looking for more assistance. During today’s visit, you requested to have a van approved for transportation. I monitored the vehicle and transportation requirements and verified that requirements were met. Fire inspections should be completed annually and within 12 months of the previous inspection. The last fire inspection was dated for 9/7/22. It would be helpful to set a reminder in your calendar to request a fire inspection in advance so that they are able to schedule an inspection before 12 months has passed. Send me a copy of the fire inspection once it is completed. North Carolina Early Childhood Equivalency Exam The North Carolina Early Childhood Equivalency Exam is a new pathway option comparable to a NC Early Childhood Credential. Applicants who achieve a score of 80% or higher on the NC Early Childhood Equivalency Exam earn the new North Carolina Early Childhood Equivalency Certificate. This certificate is equivalent to a North Carolina Early Childhood Credential and will qualify the individual to be a lead teacher in an early childhood classroom. The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services’ Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) via its online Moodle Training Portal at https://www.dcdee.moodle.nc.gov/. Pamlico Partnership for Children is also able to provide you with resources and information, training opportunities, technical assistance on childcare issues. Their phone number is (252) 745-7850 or check out their website at www.pamlicopartnership.org. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with you. Contact me at Brittany Jones, Child Care Consultant, (252) 947-1036, Brittany.j.jones@dhhs.nc.gov or Jennifer Linhardt, Licensing Supervisor, (252) 373-4199, Jennifer.Linhardt@dhhs.nc.gov if you have questions. 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

Open Not marked corrected in the state record

Category: supervision. Open / not marked corrected.

10A NCAC 09 .0701 · Violation

Name of Operation: LEARN AS WE GROW Facility ID: 69000093 Consultant: BRITTANY JONES Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 7/13/2023 Number Present: 23 Completed Date: 7/13/2023 Age: From 0 To 12 Total Minutes: 340 Time In: 09:05 AM Time Out: 02:45 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor your program for compliance with applicable child care requirements for an annual compliance visit. D. Aldridge, Administrator, assisted me with the visit. Your program currently operates with a three-star license, issued 1/1/2020, earning 4 points in the education component, 5 points in the program standards component. The last annual compliance visit was conducted 8/4/22. The sanitation inspection was completed 6/30/23 with a “Superior” classification. The last fire inspection was conducted 9/7/22 and your facility was approved for daytime care only. The center's compliance history was reviewed with the operator. The program’s compliance history was ninety four percent as of 7/12/23. The NC Secretary of State website was reviewed on 7/12/23 and LEARN AS WE GROW INC. was listed as current- active. We reviewed your facility contact information listed on the Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) website and all information is current. Contact me if you need to make any changes to your contact information, e.g., phone numbers, mailing address. I observed children in both the indoor and outdoor learning environments. Children throughout the facility were participating in group time, free play in activity areas, transitions, and personal care routines. Children under twelve months old received care according to individual needs including bottle feeding tummy time. Toddlers were looking at books about sea animals. Children in the school age classroom were playing with manipulatives at the table. The outdoor space was observed to have a stationary climber, riding toys, and balls to engage in gross motor activities. Lunch was observed and consisted of corn dogs, peas and carrots, fruit cocktail, and milk. The following violation(s) were documented. Violation Number Comment Rule 541 The written feeding plan did not include the child's name, parent signature, and/or was not dated when received by the center. One out of five infant feeding schedules was not signed or dated by the parent. .0902(a) 807 A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children. In outdoor space #1, beside the stationary climber, a broken piece of concrete is on top of the septic system, which had created a tripping hazard. 10A NCAC 09 .0601(a) 842 A drug or medication was administered without written authorization and/or instructions from a child's parent or authorized health professional. A child enrolled in space #3 had a tube of Parent’s Choice Diaper Rash Ointment on file without written permission from the parent. 10A NCAC 09 .0803(1)(a & b) 1032 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. A staff member hired on 3/27/23 had a medical report dated 3/28/23. 10A NCAC 09 .0701(a) 1901 All administrators and staff did not complete a professional development plan within one year of employment, that included all the required information. All staff did not have a professional development plan on file with the required information. .1104(1-5) 9995 A violation was found for which there is no item number. In 15A NCAC 18A .2820(f), employee purses and other personal effects shall be kept out of reach of children. A purse was observed on a changing table in space #3. Child Care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. The violation(s) documented must be corrected immediately. On or before 7/27/23, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail, how and when the violations were corrected. Please be aware any information submitted by you is legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. Mail or email the information to: Brittany Jones, Child Care Consultant PO Box 3272 New Bern, NC 28564 Brittany.j.jones@dhhs.nc.gov If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent from the email address registered with the DCDEE (this serves as your signature) and the following information must be included: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. An example is: Jane Doe, Administrator AAA Child Care ID # 12345678 TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE WITH THE DOCUMENTED VIOLATION (S): Medication: Administering medication requires skill, knowledge, and careful attention to detail. All medications for children present at the center must have a current, completed medication permission form even if there is a Medical Action Plan. The medication permission forms provide additional information that could be critical to the administration of the medication and the care of the child. A child enrolled in space #3 had a tube of Parent’s Choice Diaper Rash Ointment on file without written permission from the parent. We discussed the importance of having someone that oversees accepting medication to ensure that correct documentation is on file. We reviewed the medication flyer together and I encourage you to review the section in the NC Child Care Requirements on medication: 10A NCAC 09 .0803 Administering Medication in Child Care Centers. Outdoor Environment: The outdoor learning environment offers a sense of freedom for children. Children are able to play freely with peers, expand their imagination beyond restraints of indoor activities, release energy and explore their sense of touch, smell, taste and their sense of motion. It is important that the outdoor area is checked daily, and proper upkeep is conducted to ensure the environment is safe for use. In outdoor space #1, beside the stationary climber, a broken piece of concrete is on top of the septic system, which has created a tripping hazard. You stated that you are not sure why the piece of concrete is present and removed it during the visit. Regularity of inspections can be assured by assigning a staff member to check all play equipment to make certain that it is safe for children. Observations should be made while the children are playing, too, to spot any maintenance problems and correct them as soon as possible. Employee Purses: Employee purses and other personal effects must be kept out of reach of children. In 15A NCAC 18A .2820, (f) employee purses and other personal effects shall be kept out of reach of children. A purse was observed on a changing table in space #3. The teacher relocated purse to a shelf above 5 feet. It is important to remember that purses may contain items that can be potentially hazardous to young children. Storing purses and personal effects five feet from the finished floor protects children from potential injury. Staff Records: The health and safety of children requires that information regarding each staff working with the children be kept and available when needed. Staff records consist of various documentation such as employment application, medical report, TB test results, Annual Health Questionnaire, emergency contact information, receipt of policies, CRC qualification letter, professional development plan, documentation of orientation, in-service hours, CPR and First Aid, and playground safety. A staff member hired on 3/27/23 had a medical report dated 3/28/23. All staff did not have a professional development plan on file with the required information. Record keeping is one of the most time-consuming tasks associated with administering a child care program. It is an important part of licensure. We discussed the importance of ensuring that the staff and training worksheet is complete and documents are received according to the worksheet. Feeding Schedules: Growth and development during infancy require that nourishing, wholesome, and developmentally appropriate food be provided, using safe approaches to feeding. All children under 15 months of age must have a signed feeding schedule/plan on file. The infant feeding plans should be developed with each infant’s parents/guardians and, when appropriate, in collaboration with the child’s primary care provider. One out of five infant feeding schedules was not signed or dated by the parent. We discussed that it is important to review the feeding schedule with the parent upon enrollment to ensure that the child’s teacher understands how to feed the child according to the parent’s wishes. Update feeding schedules as soon as a parent makes a change in a child's feeding schedule. ADDITIONAL COMMENTS/ REMINDERS: Rated License: Currently this center operates with a 3 Star License, issued January 1, 2020. The hold harmless in star rating for education will continue through 6/30/2024. All programs can voluntarily request Star Rating Assessment now to take advantage of the hold harmless period. Per our discussion, your facility is in Cohort 2 and your assessment year will be 7/1/25-6/30/26. I shared with you that NCRLAP.org has many resources available to review as you prepare for the assessment. You stated that you are currently working with Craven Smart Start and are looking for more assistance. During today’s visit, you requested to have a van approved for transportation. I monitored the vehicle and transportation requirements and verified that requirements were met. Fire inspections should be completed annually and within 12 months of the previous inspection. The last fire inspection was dated for 9/7/22. It would be helpful to set a reminder in your calendar to request a fire inspection in advance so that they are able to schedule an inspection before 12 months has passed. Send me a copy of the fire inspection once it is completed. North Carolina Early Childhood Equivalency Exam The North Carolina Early Childhood Equivalency Exam is a new pathway option comparable to a NC Early Childhood Credential. Applicants who achieve a score of 80% or higher on the NC Early Childhood Equivalency Exam earn the new North Carolina Early Childhood Equivalency Certificate. This certificate is equivalent to a North Carolina Early Childhood Credential and will qualify the individual to be a lead teacher in an early childhood classroom. The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services’ Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) via its online Moodle Training Portal at https://www.dcdee.moodle.nc.gov/. Pamlico Partnership for Children is also able to provide you with resources and information, training opportunities, technical assistance on childcare issues. Their phone number is (252) 745-7850 or check out their website at www.pamlicopartnership.org. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with you. Contact me at Brittany Jones, Child Care Consultant, (252) 947-1036, Brittany.j.jones@dhhs.nc.gov or Jennifer Linhardt, Licensing Supervisor, (252) 373-4199, Jennifer.Linhardt@dhhs.nc.gov if you have questions. 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

10A NCAC 09 .0803 · Violation

Name of Operation: LEARN AS WE GROW Facility ID: 69000093 Consultant: BRITTANY JONES Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 7/13/2023 Number Present: 23 Completed Date: 7/13/2023 Age: From 0 To 12 Total Minutes: 340 Time In: 09:05 AM Time Out: 02:45 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor your program for compliance with applicable child care requirements for an annual compliance visit. D. Aldridge, Administrator, assisted me with the visit. Your program currently operates with a three-star license, issued 1/1/2020, earning 4 points in the education component, 5 points in the program standards component. The last annual compliance visit was conducted 8/4/22. The sanitation inspection was completed 6/30/23 with a “Superior” classification. The last fire inspection was conducted 9/7/22 and your facility was approved for daytime care only. The center's compliance history was reviewed with the operator. The program’s compliance history was ninety four percent as of 7/12/23. The NC Secretary of State website was reviewed on 7/12/23 and LEARN AS WE GROW INC. was listed as current- active. We reviewed your facility contact information listed on the Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) website and all information is current. Contact me if you need to make any changes to your contact information, e.g., phone numbers, mailing address. I observed children in both the indoor and outdoor learning environments. Children throughout the facility were participating in group time, free play in activity areas, transitions, and personal care routines. Children under twelve months old received care according to individual needs including bottle feeding tummy time. Toddlers were looking at books about sea animals. Children in the school age classroom were playing with manipulatives at the table. The outdoor space was observed to have a stationary climber, riding toys, and balls to engage in gross motor activities. Lunch was observed and consisted of corn dogs, peas and carrots, fruit cocktail, and milk. The following violation(s) were documented. Violation Number Comment Rule 541 The written feeding plan did not include the child's name, parent signature, and/or was not dated when received by the center. One out of five infant feeding schedules was not signed or dated by the parent. .0902(a) 807 A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children. In outdoor space #1, beside the stationary climber, a broken piece of concrete is on top of the septic system, which had created a tripping hazard. 10A NCAC 09 .0601(a) 842 A drug or medication was administered without written authorization and/or instructions from a child's parent or authorized health professional. A child enrolled in space #3 had a tube of Parent’s Choice Diaper Rash Ointment on file without written permission from the parent. 10A NCAC 09 .0803(1)(a & b) 1032 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. A staff member hired on 3/27/23 had a medical report dated 3/28/23. 10A NCAC 09 .0701(a) 1901 All administrators and staff did not complete a professional development plan within one year of employment, that included all the required information. All staff did not have a professional development plan on file with the required information. .1104(1-5) 9995 A violation was found for which there is no item number. In 15A NCAC 18A .2820(f), employee purses and other personal effects shall be kept out of reach of children. A purse was observed on a changing table in space #3. Child Care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. The violation(s) documented must be corrected immediately. On or before 7/27/23, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail, how and when the violations were corrected. Please be aware any information submitted by you is legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. Mail or email the information to: Brittany Jones, Child Care Consultant PO Box 3272 New Bern, NC 28564 Brittany.j.jones@dhhs.nc.gov If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent from the email address registered with the DCDEE (this serves as your signature) and the following information must be included: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. An example is: Jane Doe, Administrator AAA Child Care ID # 12345678 TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE WITH THE DOCUMENTED VIOLATION (S): Medication: Administering medication requires skill, knowledge, and careful attention to detail. All medications for children present at the center must have a current, completed medication permission form even if there is a Medical Action Plan. The medication permission forms provide additional information that could be critical to the administration of the medication and the care of the child. A child enrolled in space #3 had a tube of Parent’s Choice Diaper Rash Ointment on file without written permission from the parent. We discussed the importance of having someone that oversees accepting medication to ensure that correct documentation is on file. We reviewed the medication flyer together and I encourage you to review the section in the NC Child Care Requirements on medication: 10A NCAC 09 .0803 Administering Medication in Child Care Centers. Outdoor Environment: The outdoor learning environment offers a sense of freedom for children. Children are able to play freely with peers, expand their imagination beyond restraints of indoor activities, release energy and explore their sense of touch, smell, taste and their sense of motion. It is important that the outdoor area is checked daily, and proper upkeep is conducted to ensure the environment is safe for use. In outdoor space #1, beside the stationary climber, a broken piece of concrete is on top of the septic system, which has created a tripping hazard. You stated that you are not sure why the piece of concrete is present and removed it during the visit. Regularity of inspections can be assured by assigning a staff member to check all play equipment to make certain that it is safe for children. Observations should be made while the children are playing, too, to spot any maintenance problems and correct them as soon as possible. Employee Purses: Employee purses and other personal effects must be kept out of reach of children. In 15A NCAC 18A .2820, (f) employee purses and other personal effects shall be kept out of reach of children. A purse was observed on a changing table in space #3. The teacher relocated purse to a shelf above 5 feet. It is important to remember that purses may contain items that can be potentially hazardous to young children. Storing purses and personal effects five feet from the finished floor protects children from potential injury. Staff Records: The health and safety of children requires that information regarding each staff working with the children be kept and available when needed. Staff records consist of various documentation such as employment application, medical report, TB test results, Annual Health Questionnaire, emergency contact information, receipt of policies, CRC qualification letter, professional development plan, documentation of orientation, in-service hours, CPR and First Aid, and playground safety. A staff member hired on 3/27/23 had a medical report dated 3/28/23. All staff did not have a professional development plan on file with the required information. Record keeping is one of the most time-consuming tasks associated with administering a child care program. It is an important part of licensure. We discussed the importance of ensuring that the staff and training worksheet is complete and documents are received according to the worksheet. Feeding Schedules: Growth and development during infancy require that nourishing, wholesome, and developmentally appropriate food be provided, using safe approaches to feeding. All children under 15 months of age must have a signed feeding schedule/plan on file. The infant feeding plans should be developed with each infant’s parents/guardians and, when appropriate, in collaboration with the child’s primary care provider. One out of five infant feeding schedules was not signed or dated by the parent. We discussed that it is important to review the feeding schedule with the parent upon enrollment to ensure that the child’s teacher understands how to feed the child according to the parent’s wishes. Update feeding schedules as soon as a parent makes a change in a child's feeding schedule. ADDITIONAL COMMENTS/ REMINDERS: Rated License: Currently this center operates with a 3 Star License, issued January 1, 2020. The hold harmless in star rating for education will continue through 6/30/2024. All programs can voluntarily request Star Rating Assessment now to take advantage of the hold harmless period. Per our discussion, your facility is in Cohort 2 and your assessment year will be 7/1/25-6/30/26. I shared with you that NCRLAP.org has many resources available to review as you prepare for the assessment. You stated that you are currently working with Craven Smart Start and are looking for more assistance. During today’s visit, you requested to have a van approved for transportation. I monitored the vehicle and transportation requirements and verified that requirements were met. Fire inspections should be completed annually and within 12 months of the previous inspection. The last fire inspection was dated for 9/7/22. It would be helpful to set a reminder in your calendar to request a fire inspection in advance so that they are able to schedule an inspection before 12 months has passed. Send me a copy of the fire inspection once it is completed. North Carolina Early Childhood Equivalency Exam The North Carolina Early Childhood Equivalency Exam is a new pathway option comparable to a NC Early Childhood Credential. Applicants who achieve a score of 80% or higher on the NC Early Childhood Equivalency Exam earn the new North Carolina Early Childhood Equivalency Certificate. This certificate is equivalent to a North Carolina Early Childhood Credential and will qualify the individual to be a lead teacher in an early childhood classroom. The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services’ Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) via its online Moodle Training Portal at https://www.dcdee.moodle.nc.gov/. Pamlico Partnership for Children is also able to provide you with resources and information, training opportunities, technical assistance on childcare issues. Their phone number is (252) 745-7850 or check out their website at www.pamlicopartnership.org. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with you. Contact me at Brittany Jones, Child Care Consultant, (252) 947-1036, Brittany.j.jones@dhhs.nc.gov or Jennifer Linhardt, Licensing Supervisor, (252) 373-4199, Jennifer.Linhardt@dhhs.nc.gov if you have questions. 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

NC GS 110-90 · Violation

Name of Operation: LEARN AS WE GROW Facility ID: 69000093 Consultant: BRITTANY JONES Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 7/13/2023 Number Present: 23 Completed Date: 7/13/2023 Age: From 0 To 12 Total Minutes: 340 Time In: 09:05 AM Time Out: 02:45 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor your program for compliance with applicable child care requirements for an annual compliance visit. D. Aldridge, Administrator, assisted me with the visit. Your program currently operates with a three-star license, issued 1/1/2020, earning 4 points in the education component, 5 points in the program standards component. The last annual compliance visit was conducted 8/4/22. The sanitation inspection was completed 6/30/23 with a “Superior” classification. The last fire inspection was conducted 9/7/22 and your facility was approved for daytime care only. The center's compliance history was reviewed with the operator. The program’s compliance history was ninety four percent as of 7/12/23. The NC Secretary of State website was reviewed on 7/12/23 and LEARN AS WE GROW INC. was listed as current- active. We reviewed your facility contact information listed on the Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) website and all information is current. Contact me if you need to make any changes to your contact information, e.g., phone numbers, mailing address. I observed children in both the indoor and outdoor learning environments. Children throughout the facility were participating in group time, free play in activity areas, transitions, and personal care routines. Children under twelve months old received care according to individual needs including bottle feeding tummy time. Toddlers were looking at books about sea animals. Children in the school age classroom were playing with manipulatives at the table. The outdoor space was observed to have a stationary climber, riding toys, and balls to engage in gross motor activities. Lunch was observed and consisted of corn dogs, peas and carrots, fruit cocktail, and milk. The following violation(s) were documented. Violation Number Comment Rule 541 The written feeding plan did not include the child's name, parent signature, and/or was not dated when received by the center. One out of five infant feeding schedules was not signed or dated by the parent. .0902(a) 807 A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children. In outdoor space #1, beside the stationary climber, a broken piece of concrete is on top of the septic system, which had created a tripping hazard. 10A NCAC 09 .0601(a) 842 A drug or medication was administered without written authorization and/or instructions from a child's parent or authorized health professional. A child enrolled in space #3 had a tube of Parent’s Choice Diaper Rash Ointment on file without written permission from the parent. 10A NCAC 09 .0803(1)(a & b) 1032 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. A staff member hired on 3/27/23 had a medical report dated 3/28/23. 10A NCAC 09 .0701(a) 1901 All administrators and staff did not complete a professional development plan within one year of employment, that included all the required information. All staff did not have a professional development plan on file with the required information. .1104(1-5) 9995 A violation was found for which there is no item number. In 15A NCAC 18A .2820(f), employee purses and other personal effects shall be kept out of reach of children. A purse was observed on a changing table in space #3. Child Care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. The violation(s) documented must be corrected immediately. On or before 7/27/23, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail, how and when the violations were corrected. Please be aware any information submitted by you is legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. Mail or email the information to: Brittany Jones, Child Care Consultant PO Box 3272 New Bern, NC 28564 Brittany.j.jones@dhhs.nc.gov If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent from the email address registered with the DCDEE (this serves as your signature) and the following information must be included: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. An example is: Jane Doe, Administrator AAA Child Care ID # 12345678 TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE WITH THE DOCUMENTED VIOLATION (S): Medication: Administering medication requires skill, knowledge, and careful attention to detail. All medications for children present at the center must have a current, completed medication permission form even if there is a Medical Action Plan. The medication permission forms provide additional information that could be critical to the administration of the medication and the care of the child. A child enrolled in space #3 had a tube of Parent’s Choice Diaper Rash Ointment on file without written permission from the parent. We discussed the importance of having someone that oversees accepting medication to ensure that correct documentation is on file. We reviewed the medication flyer together and I encourage you to review the section in the NC Child Care Requirements on medication: 10A NCAC 09 .0803 Administering Medication in Child Care Centers. Outdoor Environment: The outdoor learning environment offers a sense of freedom for children. Children are able to play freely with peers, expand their imagination beyond restraints of indoor activities, release energy and explore their sense of touch, smell, taste and their sense of motion. It is important that the outdoor area is checked daily, and proper upkeep is conducted to ensure the environment is safe for use. In outdoor space #1, beside the stationary climber, a broken piece of concrete is on top of the septic system, which has created a tripping hazard. You stated that you are not sure why the piece of concrete is present and removed it during the visit. Regularity of inspections can be assured by assigning a staff member to check all play equipment to make certain that it is safe for children. Observations should be made while the children are playing, too, to spot any maintenance problems and correct them as soon as possible. Employee Purses: Employee purses and other personal effects must be kept out of reach of children. In 15A NCAC 18A .2820, (f) employee purses and other personal effects shall be kept out of reach of children. A purse was observed on a changing table in space #3. The teacher relocated purse to a shelf above 5 feet. It is important to remember that purses may contain items that can be potentially hazardous to young children. Storing purses and personal effects five feet from the finished floor protects children from potential injury. Staff Records: The health and safety of children requires that information regarding each staff working with the children be kept and available when needed. Staff records consist of various documentation such as employment application, medical report, TB test results, Annual Health Questionnaire, emergency contact information, receipt of policies, CRC qualification letter, professional development plan, documentation of orientation, in-service hours, CPR and First Aid, and playground safety. A staff member hired on 3/27/23 had a medical report dated 3/28/23. All staff did not have a professional development plan on file with the required information. Record keeping is one of the most time-consuming tasks associated with administering a child care program. It is an important part of licensure. We discussed the importance of ensuring that the staff and training worksheet is complete and documents are received according to the worksheet. Feeding Schedules: Growth and development during infancy require that nourishing, wholesome, and developmentally appropriate food be provided, using safe approaches to feeding. All children under 15 months of age must have a signed feeding schedule/plan on file. The infant feeding plans should be developed with each infant’s parents/guardians and, when appropriate, in collaboration with the child’s primary care provider. One out of five infant feeding schedules was not signed or dated by the parent. We discussed that it is important to review the feeding schedule with the parent upon enrollment to ensure that the child’s teacher understands how to feed the child according to the parent’s wishes. Update feeding schedules as soon as a parent makes a change in a child's feeding schedule. ADDITIONAL COMMENTS/ REMINDERS: Rated License: Currently this center operates with a 3 Star License, issued January 1, 2020. The hold harmless in star rating for education will continue through 6/30/2024. All programs can voluntarily request Star Rating Assessment now to take advantage of the hold harmless period. Per our discussion, your facility is in Cohort 2 and your assessment year will be 7/1/25-6/30/26. I shared with you that NCRLAP.org has many resources available to review as you prepare for the assessment. You stated that you are currently working with Craven Smart Start and are looking for more assistance. During today’s visit, you requested to have a van approved for transportation. I monitored the vehicle and transportation requirements and verified that requirements were met. Fire inspections should be completed annually and within 12 months of the previous inspection. The last fire inspection was dated for 9/7/22. It would be helpful to set a reminder in your calendar to request a fire inspection in advance so that they are able to schedule an inspection before 12 months has passed. Send me a copy of the fire inspection once it is completed. North Carolina Early Childhood Equivalency Exam The North Carolina Early Childhood Equivalency Exam is a new pathway option comparable to a NC Early Childhood Credential. Applicants who achieve a score of 80% or higher on the NC Early Childhood Equivalency Exam earn the new North Carolina Early Childhood Equivalency Certificate. This certificate is equivalent to a North Carolina Early Childhood Credential and will qualify the individual to be a lead teacher in an early childhood classroom. The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services’ Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) via its online Moodle Training Portal at https://www.dcdee.moodle.nc.gov/. Pamlico Partnership for Children is also able to provide you with resources and information, training opportunities, technical assistance on childcare issues. Their phone number is (252) 745-7850 or check out their website at www.pamlicopartnership.org. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with you. Contact me at Brittany Jones, Child Care Consultant, (252) 947-1036, Brittany.j.jones@dhhs.nc.gov or Jennifer Linhardt, Licensing Supervisor, (252) 373-4199, Jennifer.Linhardt@dhhs.nc.gov if you have questions. 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