10A NCAC 09 .0514 · Violation

Name of Operation: Unique Creations Childcare Center Facility ID: 43000640 Consultant: BECKY JACKSON Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 11/25/2025 Number Present: 4 Completed Date: 11/25/2025 Age: From 1 To 4 Total Minutes: 150 Time In: 11:30 AM Time Out: 02:00 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Temp Time Period Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today's unannounced visit was to monitor compliance with applicable child care requirements for the facility’s the first temporary time period visit. The facility’s Temporary License was issued August 18, 2025 and is valid through February 18, 2026. Restrictions on the permit include a first shift capacity of 28 children ages 0 to 12 years old. J. Mangum, Administrator was not present when I arrived. One of the lead teachers identified herself as the person in charge and reached Ms. Mangum by phone. She arrived and assisted with today’s visit. Two classrooms are operating with 7 children enrolled and 4 children present. During today’s visit, the children were observed grouped into one group receiving care by the only staff member present. They were observed napping. You stated the lunch served today consisted of steak and cheese hot pockets, corn, oranges, and milk. According to the North Carolina Secretary of State website, your corporation Unique Creations Childcare Centers, Inc. is current and active. Your last fire drill was completed August 19, 2025 at 9:30am. The log reflected it took two minutes to evacuate 3 children and 1 adult. A shelter-in-place drill was conducted on August 19, 2025 at 10:45am. The last outdoor inspection was also completed August 19, 2025. A sanitation inspection has not been conducted since the change of ownership occurred. The most recent fire inspection was conducted August 27, 2025. I monitored your classroom environments, outdoor playgrounds, a sampling of staff and children's records and required center records. I used the North Carolina Child Care Requirements and Compliance Listing as basic monitoring tools during the visit. Two children’s records were reviewed today and were in compliance. Three staff files were also reviewed today. Using a checklist helps verify information on file and easily identifies missing information. The following violations of child care requirements were observed today: Violation Number Comment Rule 115 A summary of the NC Child Care Law was not posted in a prominent place in the center. This information was not posted. G.S. 110-102 318 Children between 12 and 24 months of age were grouped with children 3 years of age or older. One child, one year of age, was grouped with children three and four years of age. 10A NCAC 09 .0713(a)(6) 428 A current activity plan was not posted for each group of children for reference. An activity plan in Space #3 was not available. The plan in Space #2 was dated November 10-14, 2025. GS 110-91(12); .0508(a) 526 Menus for all meals and snacks were not current or posted where easily seen by parents and cook. The menu in the kitchen was dated for November 1 to 14, 2025. 10A NCAC 09 .0901(b) 802 Safe pick-up and delivery procedures were not communicated to parents and/or were not posted where they can be seen by the parents. This information was not posted. .1003(b) 805 Fire drills were not practiced monthly and/or the drill record was incomplete. The most recent fire drill was conducted on August 19, 2025. .0604(t); .0302(d)(5) 830 A First Aid information sheet was not posted in a place for referral and/or the information sheet did not include all the required information. This information was not posted. .0802(h) 832 There was no written emergency medical care (EMC) plan. An Emergency Medical Care Plan was not available. 10A NCAC 09 .0802(a) 859 Monthly playground inspections were not completed and/or they were not completed by an individual trained in playground safety requirements. The most recent playground inspection was conducted on August 19, 2025. .0605(q) 1014 At least one person who meets qualifications for administrator or lead teacher was not on site during operating hours except at the beginning or end of the operating day as described in rule .0714(b). The only staff member present for the first part of the visit did not meet Lead Teacher or Administrator qualification. 10A NCAC 09 .0714(b)(1-3) 1045 New staff, who had contact with children, did not receive at least 16 hrs. orientation within first 6 weeks. Orientation documentation was not on file for one staff member. .1101(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. One staff member does not have valid First Aid certification. .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. One staff member did not have valid CPR certification. .1102(d) 1232 Each employee's personnel file did not contain an annual staff evaluation and a staff development plan. Annual evaluations and staff development plans were not on file for three staff members who have been employed more than one year. 10A NCAC 09 .0514(f) 1757 A valid qualification letter was not on file and available to review at the facility. A valid qualification letter was not on file for one staff member. G.S. 110-90.2(b) & (d) & .2703(e) 1894 At least one staff member was not present who had successfully completed First Aid and/or CPR training when children were in care. The one staff member present during the first part of the visit did not have current CPR and First Aid certification. .1102(c-d) All violations must be corrected immediately. Please send me a compliance letter (written statement) describing how and when the above violations were corrected. The compliance letter must be received no later than December 9, 2025. The compliance letter should be sent to me via email, from the email address on file with the Division as the center’s official email address. Contact me if you have questions regarding correction of the violations documented during today’s visit. If you are unable to correct all violations within the specified timeframe, send a compliance letter regarding violations that were corrected and a specific plan to correct the remaining violations. An extension will need to be requested from management. The information required in a compliance letter was reviewed. You should list the item number, specifically stating that the violation has been corrected, explaining when it was corrected, and how it was corrected. You should also explain that you understand the rule regarding the violation. You are also encouraged to state how you will prevent noncompliance in the future. Compliance is not considered finalized until all violations have been corrected. Therefore, if the compliance letter says an item will be corrected, it should be followed-up with another letter once it actually has been corrected. As an example, compliance verification such as “Mulch will be delivered on Tuesday” is not considered corrected until it is followed up with a letter stating something like “The mulch was delivered on Tuesday, September 5, 2024, and now measures nine inches in the full fall zone.” Please let me know if you have any questions regarding how to complete a compliance letter. If you will be unable to correct all violations within the allowed timeframe, you should request an extension. We also discussed that the number and type of violations documented today are particularly serious, and may lead to administrative action being taken against your child care permit. I encouraged you to review section .2200 of the child care rules regarding administrative actions. I reminded you that you may request a rules review at any time. During today’s visit, I observed a staff member, Juanita Mangum, who did not have a valid qualification letter on file for review. The ABCMS system was accessed and I was able to verify that Ms. Mangum has completed a criminal background check and is qualified for employment until March 5, 2030. As defined in General Statute 110-90.2(a), all childcare providers must have a valid qualification letter, and it must be kept on file at the facility for review by representatives of the Division of Child Development and Early Education. We discussed the grouping of children by age, and the child care rules regarding which ages may be grouped together. I explained that children under one year of age may not be combined with children two years of age and older. I also explained that children from 12-24 months must be kept separate from children three years of age and older. During the first and last operating hours all children may be grouped, as long as the ratio for the youngest child in the group is maintained. When only one caregiver is required to meet the staff/child ratio, the operator must have one of the following options for emergency relief: (A) the center shall post the name, address, and telephone number of an adult who has agreed in writing to be available to provide emergency relief; or B) there shall be a second adult on the premises who is available to provide emergency relief. We discussed that typically there are at least two staff members present, however when the enrolled infant is not present, that classroom is closed and only one staff member is required. In addition, at least one person who meets qualifications for administrator or lead teacher must be on site during operating hours except at the beginning or end of the operating day. The only staff member present until you arrived did not meet lead teacher requirements. You stated she is currently enrolled in the North Carolina Early Childhood Credential (NCECC) coursework, however she has not yet earned the credential. One person from your facility must take the Emergency Preparedness and Response in Child Care training within one year of the effective date of your temporary license. I observed today that Ms. Mangum has completed this training. Therefore, this facility’s EPR Plan in the Emergency Management Portal must be updated or completed within four (4) months. I observed the plan for the old owner during today’s visit. Detailed instructions for getting an NCID and for accessing the template are on the Division’s website on the Emergency Preparedness tab. This plan must be reviewed annually in the portal and reviewed with all staff. The review must be documented. The Ready-To-Go File must available during monitoring visits. You will also continue to conduct either a shelter-in-place or a lockdown drill every three months. At least one staff member must have completed Playground Safety training. You stated you had completed this training, however documentation was not available today. I reminded you that documentation must be on file, and the person who has completed the training must be the staff member who conducts the outdoor play area inspections monthly. Technical Assistance and Consultation: The following items were discussed during today' visit. You may want to consider them in order to avoid potential violations or improve the quality of your program. Fire drills must be practiced monthly, and records maintained as required. Records of monthly fire drills documenting the date and time of each drill, the length of time taken to evacuate the building, and the signature of the person who conducted the drill shall be available for review. Drills should be done at different times of the day so children and staff can be prepared to evacuate no matter what the activity or routine is taking place. I encourage you to conduct at least one drill per year during naptime, and one drill using a secondary exit. It is also necessary to use the alarm system to conduct the drills. The perimeter fence enclosing the outdoor play area should be a minimum of four feet in height from the inside of the fence. We discussed that no one was present when I arrived with valid CPR and First Aid certification. Certification cards for the other two staff members were observed when their records were monitored. I encouraged you to review the “Be a Smart Consumer of CPR and First Aid Training” resource in the training section of the DCDEE website to ensure all CPR and First Aid certifications are from approved sources, and that the specific courses are approved. During today’s visit I observed that the only type of milk available in the refrigerator was 1% milk. You stated the whole milk was used at lunch, however I did not observe the empty jug in the trash. You stated you planned to pick up milk at the grocery store before returning to the center, however that did not occur as you were notified of my arrival. I reminded you that the appropriate types of milk to be used should always be available We also discussed the staff/child ratio postings. We discussed that the age of the youngest child in the room is not a specific child’s age, rather the youngest to be enrolled in the room. The ratio is your center’s ratio or the maximum ratio, whichever is less, being listed as one teacher per X number of students. The maximum number allowed is either the maximum group size listed on the applicable chart, or the maximum space capacity, whichever is less. Then you will check the box representing the set of staff/child ratios the facility is required to meet. I encouraged you to highlight the entire chart as well as checking the box to make identification easier. I asked that you review the postings in all classrooms to ensure they are correct. A handwashing sign must be posted at each sink that is used for children or staff’s handwashing. These are available from the Health and Safety Resource Center free of charge. You should ensure that all experience and education is clearly documented in the staff files. Experience should be documented on the application or attached resume. Education should be documented with WORKS status letters or copies of certificates. I reminded you that this documentation will be essential for future rated license assessments. When new staff are hired, they may bring in Health and Safety training they have completed within the last year only. Trainings that were completed more than a year before hire are not accepted. New staff have 90 days to complete Recognizing and Responding to Suspicion of Child Maltreatment and CPR/First Aid certifications. They must complete the remainder of the Health and Safety trainings within one year of employment. Federal law requires that staff medical information be kept separate from their personnel file. Therefore, you should have a medical file containing the staff member’s physical, TB test, and health questionnaire that is kept separate from the regular personnel files. The emergency information form should be kept in the main personnel record rather than in the medical file. We discussed that using a binder or separate files that are stored separately from the personnel files will meet the requirement Staff education status letters should be on file for all staff. These letters can be printed from the staff member’s WORKS account. Staff should ensure their education is updated in their WORKS account. This is the means by which you demonstrate that you have ensured the staff member meets the preservice requirements and on-going education requirements for each position. Use of the staff file checklist and children’s file checklist will help you keep your files organized and ensure compliance. You will use the Staff and Training Worksheets to continue to keep all staff members current with various training requirements, and when information must be updated. Please keep the Staff and Training Worksheet up-to-date and current so when asked, you can provide complete information to your consultant. These worksheets may be requested during any monitoring visits where staff records are reviewed. If applicable, use of the Health and Safety Training Log will ensure all trainings are counted, and items are not overlooked. They also allow you to see at a glance that all topic areas are covered. Items required following the Change of Ownership As this is a change of ownership a new building, fire and sanitation inspections must be completed by February 18, 2026. You have provided me with the approved fire inspection conducted on August 27, 2025. We discussed that the Environmental Health Specialist had requested additional documentation via email. You stated you had received this request. You submitted a building inspection form, however the form was incomplete and has been returned to you. I also notified you that documentation of zoning approval is required. You are not required to complete the Prelicensing workshop as your corporation owns other licensed programs in North Carolina. Failure to obtain an approved full building inspection, Sanitation inspection, and zoning approval prior to February 18, 2026 may result in administrative action against your license. We also discussed that you have begun the process of testing for lead based paint and asbestos, however it has not been completed. Results from this process must be provided before the end of the Temporary Time Period. RATED LICENSE: We discussed that at the end of the temporary time period, you have the option to apply for a Two through Five star rated license, if successful compliance is maintained during the temporary time period. A 75% compliance history is required to be eligible for a Star Rated License at the end of the temporary time period. I reminded you today that our Rated License system, or QRIS, has been modernized, and new system will apply to your facility. I encouraged you to review the pathways information on the QRIS modernization section of our website. I encouraged you to begin to determine which pathway will be requested so that time is available to conduct any self-study or assessments required, or to implement any curriculum, observations, formative assessments, or to complete any additional training or mentoring needed. Your temporary license cannot expire, and the process cannot be held awaiting the results of ERS assessments or education evaluations. I also encouraged you to ensure all staff have requested evaluations for their positions using the WORKS system and that their current status letter is on file. I reminded you that only information in the WORKS system at the time of processing will be used to determine the staff education level achieved. The application form can be found in the provider documents section of our website. The Importance of Providing Quality Child Care Providing quality child care is essential for children. There is ample research demonstrating that high-quality child-care experiences have many benefits to children and society and that quality child care is linked to children’s improved school performance. 1. The Cost, Quality and Child Outcomes in Child Care Centers Study and a follow-up study done several years later found that quality child care is primarily related to higher staff/child ratios, administrators’ prior experience, wages, higher staff education levels and staff members’ continued participation in formal and specialized training. This study found that children attending higher quality centers scored better in math and language skills, had more positive interactions with peers, and had fewer behavior problems. 2. The High/Scope Perry Preschool Study followed children from their preschool years through age 40 and found that high-quality preschool programs significantly increased children’s future contributions through increased intellectual and social development, school success, economic performance, and reduced commission of crimes in adulthood. One of the most quoted results of this study is that for every dollar invested in children’s early care and education there is a $17 return to society in terms of crime and education savings, increased taxes collected, and welfare savings. There are many other studies including the Abecedarian Project, the Arnett Caregiver Interaction Study, and the NC Rated License Assessment Project. What the research tells us, in a nutshell, is that high quality child care has a positive impact on children’s later school success. The key to quality experiences for children is interaction with and stimulation from educated, trained teachers. The neuroscience associated with brain research is complicated, but its lesson is simple: babies' brains develop at astonishing rates in the first few years after birth. Young children have a tremendous capacity to learn from the moment they are born, but optimal development hinges on the experiences provided for them by the adults who take care of them. Child Care Rules were revised July 1, 2025, and a new rule book was posted to the DCDEE website. You should discard any old versions of the rules and ensure you are referring to the most current rule book when reviewing or researching requirements. A follow up visit may be conducted in the near future to verify compliance with violations documented during the visit. Please contact me at (910) 824-0123 or at becky.jackson@dhhs.nc.gov if I can be of assistance. 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: ratio. Open / not marked corrected.

10A NCAC 09 .0713 · Violation

Name of Operation: Unique Creations Childcare Center Facility ID: 43000640 Consultant: BECKY JACKSON Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 11/25/2025 Number Present: 4 Completed Date: 11/25/2025 Age: From 1 To 4 Total Minutes: 150 Time In: 11:30 AM Time Out: 02:00 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Temp Time Period Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today's unannounced visit was to monitor compliance with applicable child care requirements for the facility’s the first temporary time period visit. The facility’s Temporary License was issued August 18, 2025 and is valid through February 18, 2026. Restrictions on the permit include a first shift capacity of 28 children ages 0 to 12 years old. J. Mangum, Administrator was not present when I arrived. One of the lead teachers identified herself as the person in charge and reached Ms. Mangum by phone. She arrived and assisted with today’s visit. Two classrooms are operating with 7 children enrolled and 4 children present. During today’s visit, the children were observed grouped into one group receiving care by the only staff member present. They were observed napping. You stated the lunch served today consisted of steak and cheese hot pockets, corn, oranges, and milk. According to the North Carolina Secretary of State website, your corporation Unique Creations Childcare Centers, Inc. is current and active. Your last fire drill was completed August 19, 2025 at 9:30am. The log reflected it took two minutes to evacuate 3 children and 1 adult. A shelter-in-place drill was conducted on August 19, 2025 at 10:45am. The last outdoor inspection was also completed August 19, 2025. A sanitation inspection has not been conducted since the change of ownership occurred. The most recent fire inspection was conducted August 27, 2025. I monitored your classroom environments, outdoor playgrounds, a sampling of staff and children's records and required center records. I used the North Carolina Child Care Requirements and Compliance Listing as basic monitoring tools during the visit. Two children’s records were reviewed today and were in compliance. Three staff files were also reviewed today. Using a checklist helps verify information on file and easily identifies missing information. The following violations of child care requirements were observed today: Violation Number Comment Rule 115 A summary of the NC Child Care Law was not posted in a prominent place in the center. This information was not posted. G.S. 110-102 318 Children between 12 and 24 months of age were grouped with children 3 years of age or older. One child, one year of age, was grouped with children three and four years of age. 10A NCAC 09 .0713(a)(6) 428 A current activity plan was not posted for each group of children for reference. An activity plan in Space #3 was not available. The plan in Space #2 was dated November 10-14, 2025. GS 110-91(12); .0508(a) 526 Menus for all meals and snacks were not current or posted where easily seen by parents and cook. The menu in the kitchen was dated for November 1 to 14, 2025. 10A NCAC 09 .0901(b) 802 Safe pick-up and delivery procedures were not communicated to parents and/or were not posted where they can be seen by the parents. This information was not posted. .1003(b) 805 Fire drills were not practiced monthly and/or the drill record was incomplete. The most recent fire drill was conducted on August 19, 2025. .0604(t); .0302(d)(5) 830 A First Aid information sheet was not posted in a place for referral and/or the information sheet did not include all the required information. This information was not posted. .0802(h) 832 There was no written emergency medical care (EMC) plan. An Emergency Medical Care Plan was not available. 10A NCAC 09 .0802(a) 859 Monthly playground inspections were not completed and/or they were not completed by an individual trained in playground safety requirements. The most recent playground inspection was conducted on August 19, 2025. .0605(q) 1014 At least one person who meets qualifications for administrator or lead teacher was not on site during operating hours except at the beginning or end of the operating day as described in rule .0714(b). The only staff member present for the first part of the visit did not meet Lead Teacher or Administrator qualification. 10A NCAC 09 .0714(b)(1-3) 1045 New staff, who had contact with children, did not receive at least 16 hrs. orientation within first 6 weeks. Orientation documentation was not on file for one staff member. .1101(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. One staff member does not have valid First Aid certification. .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. One staff member did not have valid CPR certification. .1102(d) 1232 Each employee's personnel file did not contain an annual staff evaluation and a staff development plan. Annual evaluations and staff development plans were not on file for three staff members who have been employed more than one year. 10A NCAC 09 .0514(f) 1757 A valid qualification letter was not on file and available to review at the facility. A valid qualification letter was not on file for one staff member. G.S. 110-90.2(b) & (d) & .2703(e) 1894 At least one staff member was not present who had successfully completed First Aid and/or CPR training when children were in care. The one staff member present during the first part of the visit did not have current CPR and First Aid certification. .1102(c-d) All violations must be corrected immediately. Please send me a compliance letter (written statement) describing how and when the above violations were corrected. The compliance letter must be received no later than December 9, 2025. The compliance letter should be sent to me via email, from the email address on file with the Division as the center’s official email address. Contact me if you have questions regarding correction of the violations documented during today’s visit. If you are unable to correct all violations within the specified timeframe, send a compliance letter regarding violations that were corrected and a specific plan to correct the remaining violations. An extension will need to be requested from management. The information required in a compliance letter was reviewed. You should list the item number, specifically stating that the violation has been corrected, explaining when it was corrected, and how it was corrected. You should also explain that you understand the rule regarding the violation. You are also encouraged to state how you will prevent noncompliance in the future. Compliance is not considered finalized until all violations have been corrected. Therefore, if the compliance letter says an item will be corrected, it should be followed-up with another letter once it actually has been corrected. As an example, compliance verification such as “Mulch will be delivered on Tuesday” is not considered corrected until it is followed up with a letter stating something like “The mulch was delivered on Tuesday, September 5, 2024, and now measures nine inches in the full fall zone.” Please let me know if you have any questions regarding how to complete a compliance letter. If you will be unable to correct all violations within the allowed timeframe, you should request an extension. We also discussed that the number and type of violations documented today are particularly serious, and may lead to administrative action being taken against your child care permit. I encouraged you to review section .2200 of the child care rules regarding administrative actions. I reminded you that you may request a rules review at any time. During today’s visit, I observed a staff member, Juanita Mangum, who did not have a valid qualification letter on file for review. The ABCMS system was accessed and I was able to verify that Ms. Mangum has completed a criminal background check and is qualified for employment until March 5, 2030. As defined in General Statute 110-90.2(a), all childcare providers must have a valid qualification letter, and it must be kept on file at the facility for review by representatives of the Division of Child Development and Early Education. We discussed the grouping of children by age, and the child care rules regarding which ages may be grouped together. I explained that children under one year of age may not be combined with children two years of age and older. I also explained that children from 12-24 months must be kept separate from children three years of age and older. During the first and last operating hours all children may be grouped, as long as the ratio for the youngest child in the group is maintained. When only one caregiver is required to meet the staff/child ratio, the operator must have one of the following options for emergency relief: (A) the center shall post the name, address, and telephone number of an adult who has agreed in writing to be available to provide emergency relief; or B) there shall be a second adult on the premises who is available to provide emergency relief. We discussed that typically there are at least two staff members present, however when the enrolled infant is not present, that classroom is closed and only one staff member is required. In addition, at least one person who meets qualifications for administrator or lead teacher must be on site during operating hours except at the beginning or end of the operating day. The only staff member present until you arrived did not meet lead teacher requirements. You stated she is currently enrolled in the North Carolina Early Childhood Credential (NCECC) coursework, however she has not yet earned the credential. One person from your facility must take the Emergency Preparedness and Response in Child Care training within one year of the effective date of your temporary license. I observed today that Ms. Mangum has completed this training. Therefore, this facility’s EPR Plan in the Emergency Management Portal must be updated or completed within four (4) months. I observed the plan for the old owner during today’s visit. Detailed instructions for getting an NCID and for accessing the template are on the Division’s website on the Emergency Preparedness tab. This plan must be reviewed annually in the portal and reviewed with all staff. The review must be documented. The Ready-To-Go File must available during monitoring visits. You will also continue to conduct either a shelter-in-place or a lockdown drill every three months. At least one staff member must have completed Playground Safety training. You stated you had completed this training, however documentation was not available today. I reminded you that documentation must be on file, and the person who has completed the training must be the staff member who conducts the outdoor play area inspections monthly. Technical Assistance and Consultation: The following items were discussed during today' visit. You may want to consider them in order to avoid potential violations or improve the quality of your program. Fire drills must be practiced monthly, and records maintained as required. Records of monthly fire drills documenting the date and time of each drill, the length of time taken to evacuate the building, and the signature of the person who conducted the drill shall be available for review. Drills should be done at different times of the day so children and staff can be prepared to evacuate no matter what the activity or routine is taking place. I encourage you to conduct at least one drill per year during naptime, and one drill using a secondary exit. It is also necessary to use the alarm system to conduct the drills. The perimeter fence enclosing the outdoor play area should be a minimum of four feet in height from the inside of the fence. We discussed that no one was present when I arrived with valid CPR and First Aid certification. Certification cards for the other two staff members were observed when their records were monitored. I encouraged you to review the “Be a Smart Consumer of CPR and First Aid Training” resource in the training section of the DCDEE website to ensure all CPR and First Aid certifications are from approved sources, and that the specific courses are approved. During today’s visit I observed that the only type of milk available in the refrigerator was 1% milk. You stated the whole milk was used at lunch, however I did not observe the empty jug in the trash. You stated you planned to pick up milk at the grocery store before returning to the center, however that did not occur as you were notified of my arrival. I reminded you that the appropriate types of milk to be used should always be available We also discussed the staff/child ratio postings. We discussed that the age of the youngest child in the room is not a specific child’s age, rather the youngest to be enrolled in the room. The ratio is your center’s ratio or the maximum ratio, whichever is less, being listed as one teacher per X number of students. The maximum number allowed is either the maximum group size listed on the applicable chart, or the maximum space capacity, whichever is less. Then you will check the box representing the set of staff/child ratios the facility is required to meet. I encouraged you to highlight the entire chart as well as checking the box to make identification easier. I asked that you review the postings in all classrooms to ensure they are correct. A handwashing sign must be posted at each sink that is used for children or staff’s handwashing. These are available from the Health and Safety Resource Center free of charge. You should ensure that all experience and education is clearly documented in the staff files. Experience should be documented on the application or attached resume. Education should be documented with WORKS status letters or copies of certificates. I reminded you that this documentation will be essential for future rated license assessments. When new staff are hired, they may bring in Health and Safety training they have completed within the last year only. Trainings that were completed more than a year before hire are not accepted. New staff have 90 days to complete Recognizing and Responding to Suspicion of Child Maltreatment and CPR/First Aid certifications. They must complete the remainder of the Health and Safety trainings within one year of employment. Federal law requires that staff medical information be kept separate from their personnel file. Therefore, you should have a medical file containing the staff member’s physical, TB test, and health questionnaire that is kept separate from the regular personnel files. The emergency information form should be kept in the main personnel record rather than in the medical file. We discussed that using a binder or separate files that are stored separately from the personnel files will meet the requirement Staff education status letters should be on file for all staff. These letters can be printed from the staff member’s WORKS account. Staff should ensure their education is updated in their WORKS account. This is the means by which you demonstrate that you have ensured the staff member meets the preservice requirements and on-going education requirements for each position. Use of the staff file checklist and children’s file checklist will help you keep your files organized and ensure compliance. You will use the Staff and Training Worksheets to continue to keep all staff members current with various training requirements, and when information must be updated. Please keep the Staff and Training Worksheet up-to-date and current so when asked, you can provide complete information to your consultant. These worksheets may be requested during any monitoring visits where staff records are reviewed. If applicable, use of the Health and Safety Training Log will ensure all trainings are counted, and items are not overlooked. They also allow you to see at a glance that all topic areas are covered. Items required following the Change of Ownership As this is a change of ownership a new building, fire and sanitation inspections must be completed by February 18, 2026. You have provided me with the approved fire inspection conducted on August 27, 2025. We discussed that the Environmental Health Specialist had requested additional documentation via email. You stated you had received this request. You submitted a building inspection form, however the form was incomplete and has been returned to you. I also notified you that documentation of zoning approval is required. You are not required to complete the Prelicensing workshop as your corporation owns other licensed programs in North Carolina. Failure to obtain an approved full building inspection, Sanitation inspection, and zoning approval prior to February 18, 2026 may result in administrative action against your license. We also discussed that you have begun the process of testing for lead based paint and asbestos, however it has not been completed. Results from this process must be provided before the end of the Temporary Time Period. RATED LICENSE: We discussed that at the end of the temporary time period, you have the option to apply for a Two through Five star rated license, if successful compliance is maintained during the temporary time period. A 75% compliance history is required to be eligible for a Star Rated License at the end of the temporary time period. I reminded you today that our Rated License system, or QRIS, has been modernized, and new system will apply to your facility. I encouraged you to review the pathways information on the QRIS modernization section of our website. I encouraged you to begin to determine which pathway will be requested so that time is available to conduct any self-study or assessments required, or to implement any curriculum, observations, formative assessments, or to complete any additional training or mentoring needed. Your temporary license cannot expire, and the process cannot be held awaiting the results of ERS assessments or education evaluations. I also encouraged you to ensure all staff have requested evaluations for their positions using the WORKS system and that their current status letter is on file. I reminded you that only information in the WORKS system at the time of processing will be used to determine the staff education level achieved. The application form can be found in the provider documents section of our website. The Importance of Providing Quality Child Care Providing quality child care is essential for children. There is ample research demonstrating that high-quality child-care experiences have many benefits to children and society and that quality child care is linked to children’s improved school performance. 1. The Cost, Quality and Child Outcomes in Child Care Centers Study and a follow-up study done several years later found that quality child care is primarily related to higher staff/child ratios, administrators’ prior experience, wages, higher staff education levels and staff members’ continued participation in formal and specialized training. This study found that children attending higher quality centers scored better in math and language skills, had more positive interactions with peers, and had fewer behavior problems. 2. The High/Scope Perry Preschool Study followed children from their preschool years through age 40 and found that high-quality preschool programs significantly increased children’s future contributions through increased intellectual and social development, school success, economic performance, and reduced commission of crimes in adulthood. One of the most quoted results of this study is that for every dollar invested in children’s early care and education there is a $17 return to society in terms of crime and education savings, increased taxes collected, and welfare savings. There are many other studies including the Abecedarian Project, the Arnett Caregiver Interaction Study, and the NC Rated License Assessment Project. What the research tells us, in a nutshell, is that high quality child care has a positive impact on children’s later school success. The key to quality experiences for children is interaction with and stimulation from educated, trained teachers. The neuroscience associated with brain research is complicated, but its lesson is simple: babies' brains develop at astonishing rates in the first few years after birth. Young children have a tremendous capacity to learn from the moment they are born, but optimal development hinges on the experiences provided for them by the adults who take care of them. Child Care Rules were revised July 1, 2025, and a new rule book was posted to the DCDEE website. You should discard any old versions of the rules and ensure you are referring to the most current rule book when reviewing or researching requirements. A follow up visit may be conducted in the near future to verify compliance with violations documented during the visit. Please contact me at (910) 824-0123 or at becky.jackson@dhhs.nc.gov if I can be of assistance. 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: ratio. Open / not marked corrected.

10A NCAC 09 .0714 · Violation

Name of Operation: Unique Creations Childcare Center Facility ID: 43000640 Consultant: BECKY JACKSON Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 11/25/2025 Number Present: 4 Completed Date: 11/25/2025 Age: From 1 To 4 Total Minutes: 150 Time In: 11:30 AM Time Out: 02:00 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Temp Time Period Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today's unannounced visit was to monitor compliance with applicable child care requirements for the facility’s the first temporary time period visit. The facility’s Temporary License was issued August 18, 2025 and is valid through February 18, 2026. Restrictions on the permit include a first shift capacity of 28 children ages 0 to 12 years old. J. Mangum, Administrator was not present when I arrived. One of the lead teachers identified herself as the person in charge and reached Ms. Mangum by phone. She arrived and assisted with today’s visit. Two classrooms are operating with 7 children enrolled and 4 children present. During today’s visit, the children were observed grouped into one group receiving care by the only staff member present. They were observed napping. You stated the lunch served today consisted of steak and cheese hot pockets, corn, oranges, and milk. According to the North Carolina Secretary of State website, your corporation Unique Creations Childcare Centers, Inc. is current and active. Your last fire drill was completed August 19, 2025 at 9:30am. The log reflected it took two minutes to evacuate 3 children and 1 adult. A shelter-in-place drill was conducted on August 19, 2025 at 10:45am. The last outdoor inspection was also completed August 19, 2025. A sanitation inspection has not been conducted since the change of ownership occurred. The most recent fire inspection was conducted August 27, 2025. I monitored your classroom environments, outdoor playgrounds, a sampling of staff and children's records and required center records. I used the North Carolina Child Care Requirements and Compliance Listing as basic monitoring tools during the visit. Two children’s records were reviewed today and were in compliance. Three staff files were also reviewed today. Using a checklist helps verify information on file and easily identifies missing information. The following violations of child care requirements were observed today: Violation Number Comment Rule 115 A summary of the NC Child Care Law was not posted in a prominent place in the center. This information was not posted. G.S. 110-102 318 Children between 12 and 24 months of age were grouped with children 3 years of age or older. One child, one year of age, was grouped with children three and four years of age. 10A NCAC 09 .0713(a)(6) 428 A current activity plan was not posted for each group of children for reference. An activity plan in Space #3 was not available. The plan in Space #2 was dated November 10-14, 2025. GS 110-91(12); .0508(a) 526 Menus for all meals and snacks were not current or posted where easily seen by parents and cook. The menu in the kitchen was dated for November 1 to 14, 2025. 10A NCAC 09 .0901(b) 802 Safe pick-up and delivery procedures were not communicated to parents and/or were not posted where they can be seen by the parents. This information was not posted. .1003(b) 805 Fire drills were not practiced monthly and/or the drill record was incomplete. The most recent fire drill was conducted on August 19, 2025. .0604(t); .0302(d)(5) 830 A First Aid information sheet was not posted in a place for referral and/or the information sheet did not include all the required information. This information was not posted. .0802(h) 832 There was no written emergency medical care (EMC) plan. An Emergency Medical Care Plan was not available. 10A NCAC 09 .0802(a) 859 Monthly playground inspections were not completed and/or they were not completed by an individual trained in playground safety requirements. The most recent playground inspection was conducted on August 19, 2025. .0605(q) 1014 At least one person who meets qualifications for administrator or lead teacher was not on site during operating hours except at the beginning or end of the operating day as described in rule .0714(b). The only staff member present for the first part of the visit did not meet Lead Teacher or Administrator qualification. 10A NCAC 09 .0714(b)(1-3) 1045 New staff, who had contact with children, did not receive at least 16 hrs. orientation within first 6 weeks. Orientation documentation was not on file for one staff member. .1101(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. One staff member does not have valid First Aid certification. .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. One staff member did not have valid CPR certification. .1102(d) 1232 Each employee's personnel file did not contain an annual staff evaluation and a staff development plan. Annual evaluations and staff development plans were not on file for three staff members who have been employed more than one year. 10A NCAC 09 .0514(f) 1757 A valid qualification letter was not on file and available to review at the facility. A valid qualification letter was not on file for one staff member. G.S. 110-90.2(b) & (d) & .2703(e) 1894 At least one staff member was not present who had successfully completed First Aid and/or CPR training when children were in care. The one staff member present during the first part of the visit did not have current CPR and First Aid certification. .1102(c-d) All violations must be corrected immediately. Please send me a compliance letter (written statement) describing how and when the above violations were corrected. The compliance letter must be received no later than December 9, 2025. The compliance letter should be sent to me via email, from the email address on file with the Division as the center’s official email address. Contact me if you have questions regarding correction of the violations documented during today’s visit. If you are unable to correct all violations within the specified timeframe, send a compliance letter regarding violations that were corrected and a specific plan to correct the remaining violations. An extension will need to be requested from management. The information required in a compliance letter was reviewed. You should list the item number, specifically stating that the violation has been corrected, explaining when it was corrected, and how it was corrected. You should also explain that you understand the rule regarding the violation. You are also encouraged to state how you will prevent noncompliance in the future. Compliance is not considered finalized until all violations have been corrected. Therefore, if the compliance letter says an item will be corrected, it should be followed-up with another letter once it actually has been corrected. As an example, compliance verification such as “Mulch will be delivered on Tuesday” is not considered corrected until it is followed up with a letter stating something like “The mulch was delivered on Tuesday, September 5, 2024, and now measures nine inches in the full fall zone.” Please let me know if you have any questions regarding how to complete a compliance letter. If you will be unable to correct all violations within the allowed timeframe, you should request an extension. We also discussed that the number and type of violations documented today are particularly serious, and may lead to administrative action being taken against your child care permit. I encouraged you to review section .2200 of the child care rules regarding administrative actions. I reminded you that you may request a rules review at any time. During today’s visit, I observed a staff member, Juanita Mangum, who did not have a valid qualification letter on file for review. The ABCMS system was accessed and I was able to verify that Ms. Mangum has completed a criminal background check and is qualified for employment until March 5, 2030. As defined in General Statute 110-90.2(a), all childcare providers must have a valid qualification letter, and it must be kept on file at the facility for review by representatives of the Division of Child Development and Early Education. We discussed the grouping of children by age, and the child care rules regarding which ages may be grouped together. I explained that children under one year of age may not be combined with children two years of age and older. I also explained that children from 12-24 months must be kept separate from children three years of age and older. During the first and last operating hours all children may be grouped, as long as the ratio for the youngest child in the group is maintained. When only one caregiver is required to meet the staff/child ratio, the operator must have one of the following options for emergency relief: (A) the center shall post the name, address, and telephone number of an adult who has agreed in writing to be available to provide emergency relief; or B) there shall be a second adult on the premises who is available to provide emergency relief. We discussed that typically there are at least two staff members present, however when the enrolled infant is not present, that classroom is closed and only one staff member is required. In addition, at least one person who meets qualifications for administrator or lead teacher must be on site during operating hours except at the beginning or end of the operating day. The only staff member present until you arrived did not meet lead teacher requirements. You stated she is currently enrolled in the North Carolina Early Childhood Credential (NCECC) coursework, however she has not yet earned the credential. One person from your facility must take the Emergency Preparedness and Response in Child Care training within one year of the effective date of your temporary license. I observed today that Ms. Mangum has completed this training. Therefore, this facility’s EPR Plan in the Emergency Management Portal must be updated or completed within four (4) months. I observed the plan for the old owner during today’s visit. Detailed instructions for getting an NCID and for accessing the template are on the Division’s website on the Emergency Preparedness tab. This plan must be reviewed annually in the portal and reviewed with all staff. The review must be documented. The Ready-To-Go File must available during monitoring visits. You will also continue to conduct either a shelter-in-place or a lockdown drill every three months. At least one staff member must have completed Playground Safety training. You stated you had completed this training, however documentation was not available today. I reminded you that documentation must be on file, and the person who has completed the training must be the staff member who conducts the outdoor play area inspections monthly. Technical Assistance and Consultation: The following items were discussed during today' visit. You may want to consider them in order to avoid potential violations or improve the quality of your program. Fire drills must be practiced monthly, and records maintained as required. Records of monthly fire drills documenting the date and time of each drill, the length of time taken to evacuate the building, and the signature of the person who conducted the drill shall be available for review. Drills should be done at different times of the day so children and staff can be prepared to evacuate no matter what the activity or routine is taking place. I encourage you to conduct at least one drill per year during naptime, and one drill using a secondary exit. It is also necessary to use the alarm system to conduct the drills. The perimeter fence enclosing the outdoor play area should be a minimum of four feet in height from the inside of the fence. We discussed that no one was present when I arrived with valid CPR and First Aid certification. Certification cards for the other two staff members were observed when their records were monitored. I encouraged you to review the “Be a Smart Consumer of CPR and First Aid Training” resource in the training section of the DCDEE website to ensure all CPR and First Aid certifications are from approved sources, and that the specific courses are approved. During today’s visit I observed that the only type of milk available in the refrigerator was 1% milk. You stated the whole milk was used at lunch, however I did not observe the empty jug in the trash. You stated you planned to pick up milk at the grocery store before returning to the center, however that did not occur as you were notified of my arrival. I reminded you that the appropriate types of milk to be used should always be available We also discussed the staff/child ratio postings. We discussed that the age of the youngest child in the room is not a specific child’s age, rather the youngest to be enrolled in the room. The ratio is your center’s ratio or the maximum ratio, whichever is less, being listed as one teacher per X number of students. The maximum number allowed is either the maximum group size listed on the applicable chart, or the maximum space capacity, whichever is less. Then you will check the box representing the set of staff/child ratios the facility is required to meet. I encouraged you to highlight the entire chart as well as checking the box to make identification easier. I asked that you review the postings in all classrooms to ensure they are correct. A handwashing sign must be posted at each sink that is used for children or staff’s handwashing. These are available from the Health and Safety Resource Center free of charge. You should ensure that all experience and education is clearly documented in the staff files. Experience should be documented on the application or attached resume. Education should be documented with WORKS status letters or copies of certificates. I reminded you that this documentation will be essential for future rated license assessments. When new staff are hired, they may bring in Health and Safety training they have completed within the last year only. Trainings that were completed more than a year before hire are not accepted. New staff have 90 days to complete Recognizing and Responding to Suspicion of Child Maltreatment and CPR/First Aid certifications. They must complete the remainder of the Health and Safety trainings within one year of employment. Federal law requires that staff medical information be kept separate from their personnel file. Therefore, you should have a medical file containing the staff member’s physical, TB test, and health questionnaire that is kept separate from the regular personnel files. The emergency information form should be kept in the main personnel record rather than in the medical file. We discussed that using a binder or separate files that are stored separately from the personnel files will meet the requirement Staff education status letters should be on file for all staff. These letters can be printed from the staff member’s WORKS account. Staff should ensure their education is updated in their WORKS account. This is the means by which you demonstrate that you have ensured the staff member meets the preservice requirements and on-going education requirements for each position. Use of the staff file checklist and children’s file checklist will help you keep your files organized and ensure compliance. You will use the Staff and Training Worksheets to continue to keep all staff members current with various training requirements, and when information must be updated. Please keep the Staff and Training Worksheet up-to-date and current so when asked, you can provide complete information to your consultant. These worksheets may be requested during any monitoring visits where staff records are reviewed. If applicable, use of the Health and Safety Training Log will ensure all trainings are counted, and items are not overlooked. They also allow you to see at a glance that all topic areas are covered. Items required following the Change of Ownership As this is a change of ownership a new building, fire and sanitation inspections must be completed by February 18, 2026. You have provided me with the approved fire inspection conducted on August 27, 2025. We discussed that the Environmental Health Specialist had requested additional documentation via email. You stated you had received this request. You submitted a building inspection form, however the form was incomplete and has been returned to you. I also notified you that documentation of zoning approval is required. You are not required to complete the Prelicensing workshop as your corporation owns other licensed programs in North Carolina. Failure to obtain an approved full building inspection, Sanitation inspection, and zoning approval prior to February 18, 2026 may result in administrative action against your license. We also discussed that you have begun the process of testing for lead based paint and asbestos, however it has not been completed. Results from this process must be provided before the end of the Temporary Time Period. RATED LICENSE: We discussed that at the end of the temporary time period, you have the option to apply for a Two through Five star rated license, if successful compliance is maintained during the temporary time period. A 75% compliance history is required to be eligible for a Star Rated License at the end of the temporary time period. I reminded you today that our Rated License system, or QRIS, has been modernized, and new system will apply to your facility. I encouraged you to review the pathways information on the QRIS modernization section of our website. I encouraged you to begin to determine which pathway will be requested so that time is available to conduct any self-study or assessments required, or to implement any curriculum, observations, formative assessments, or to complete any additional training or mentoring needed. Your temporary license cannot expire, and the process cannot be held awaiting the results of ERS assessments or education evaluations. I also encouraged you to ensure all staff have requested evaluations for their positions using the WORKS system and that their current status letter is on file. I reminded you that only information in the WORKS system at the time of processing will be used to determine the staff education level achieved. The application form can be found in the provider documents section of our website. The Importance of Providing Quality Child Care Providing quality child care is essential for children. There is ample research demonstrating that high-quality child-care experiences have many benefits to children and society and that quality child care is linked to children’s improved school performance. 1. The Cost, Quality and Child Outcomes in Child Care Centers Study and a follow-up study done several years later found that quality child care is primarily related to higher staff/child ratios, administrators’ prior experience, wages, higher staff education levels and staff members’ continued participation in formal and specialized training. This study found that children attending higher quality centers scored better in math and language skills, had more positive interactions with peers, and had fewer behavior problems. 2. The High/Scope Perry Preschool Study followed children from their preschool years through age 40 and found that high-quality preschool programs significantly increased children’s future contributions through increased intellectual and social development, school success, economic performance, and reduced commission of crimes in adulthood. One of the most quoted results of this study is that for every dollar invested in children’s early care and education there is a $17 return to society in terms of crime and education savings, increased taxes collected, and welfare savings. There are many other studies including the Abecedarian Project, the Arnett Caregiver Interaction Study, and the NC Rated License Assessment Project. What the research tells us, in a nutshell, is that high quality child care has a positive impact on children’s later school success. The key to quality experiences for children is interaction with and stimulation from educated, trained teachers. The neuroscience associated with brain research is complicated, but its lesson is simple: babies' brains develop at astonishing rates in the first few years after birth. Young children have a tremendous capacity to learn from the moment they are born, but optimal development hinges on the experiences provided for them by the adults who take care of them. Child Care Rules were revised July 1, 2025, and a new rule book was posted to the DCDEE website. You should discard any old versions of the rules and ensure you are referring to the most current rule book when reviewing or researching requirements. A follow up visit may be conducted in the near future to verify compliance with violations documented during the visit. Please contact me at (910) 824-0123 or at becky.jackson@dhhs.nc.gov if I can be of assistance. 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: ratio. Open / not marked corrected.

10A NCAC 09 .0901 · Violation

Name of Operation: Unique Creations Childcare Center Facility ID: 43000640 Consultant: BECKY JACKSON Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 11/25/2025 Number Present: 4 Completed Date: 11/25/2025 Age: From 1 To 4 Total Minutes: 150 Time In: 11:30 AM Time Out: 02:00 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Temp Time Period Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today's unannounced visit was to monitor compliance with applicable child care requirements for the facility’s the first temporary time period visit. The facility’s Temporary License was issued August 18, 2025 and is valid through February 18, 2026. Restrictions on the permit include a first shift capacity of 28 children ages 0 to 12 years old. J. Mangum, Administrator was not present when I arrived. One of the lead teachers identified herself as the person in charge and reached Ms. Mangum by phone. She arrived and assisted with today’s visit. Two classrooms are operating with 7 children enrolled and 4 children present. During today’s visit, the children were observed grouped into one group receiving care by the only staff member present. They were observed napping. You stated the lunch served today consisted of steak and cheese hot pockets, corn, oranges, and milk. According to the North Carolina Secretary of State website, your corporation Unique Creations Childcare Centers, Inc. is current and active. Your last fire drill was completed August 19, 2025 at 9:30am. The log reflected it took two minutes to evacuate 3 children and 1 adult. A shelter-in-place drill was conducted on August 19, 2025 at 10:45am. The last outdoor inspection was also completed August 19, 2025. A sanitation inspection has not been conducted since the change of ownership occurred. The most recent fire inspection was conducted August 27, 2025. I monitored your classroom environments, outdoor playgrounds, a sampling of staff and children's records and required center records. I used the North Carolina Child Care Requirements and Compliance Listing as basic monitoring tools during the visit. Two children’s records were reviewed today and were in compliance. Three staff files were also reviewed today. Using a checklist helps verify information on file and easily identifies missing information. The following violations of child care requirements were observed today: Violation Number Comment Rule 115 A summary of the NC Child Care Law was not posted in a prominent place in the center. This information was not posted. G.S. 110-102 318 Children between 12 and 24 months of age were grouped with children 3 years of age or older. One child, one year of age, was grouped with children three and four years of age. 10A NCAC 09 .0713(a)(6) 428 A current activity plan was not posted for each group of children for reference. An activity plan in Space #3 was not available. The plan in Space #2 was dated November 10-14, 2025. GS 110-91(12); .0508(a) 526 Menus for all meals and snacks were not current or posted where easily seen by parents and cook. The menu in the kitchen was dated for November 1 to 14, 2025. 10A NCAC 09 .0901(b) 802 Safe pick-up and delivery procedures were not communicated to parents and/or were not posted where they can be seen by the parents. This information was not posted. .1003(b) 805 Fire drills were not practiced monthly and/or the drill record was incomplete. The most recent fire drill was conducted on August 19, 2025. .0604(t); .0302(d)(5) 830 A First Aid information sheet was not posted in a place for referral and/or the information sheet did not include all the required information. This information was not posted. .0802(h) 832 There was no written emergency medical care (EMC) plan. An Emergency Medical Care Plan was not available. 10A NCAC 09 .0802(a) 859 Monthly playground inspections were not completed and/or they were not completed by an individual trained in playground safety requirements. The most recent playground inspection was conducted on August 19, 2025. .0605(q) 1014 At least one person who meets qualifications for administrator or lead teacher was not on site during operating hours except at the beginning or end of the operating day as described in rule .0714(b). The only staff member present for the first part of the visit did not meet Lead Teacher or Administrator qualification. 10A NCAC 09 .0714(b)(1-3) 1045 New staff, who had contact with children, did not receive at least 16 hrs. orientation within first 6 weeks. Orientation documentation was not on file for one staff member. .1101(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. One staff member does not have valid First Aid certification. .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. One staff member did not have valid CPR certification. .1102(d) 1232 Each employee's personnel file did not contain an annual staff evaluation and a staff development plan. Annual evaluations and staff development plans were not on file for three staff members who have been employed more than one year. 10A NCAC 09 .0514(f) 1757 A valid qualification letter was not on file and available to review at the facility. A valid qualification letter was not on file for one staff member. G.S. 110-90.2(b) & (d) & .2703(e) 1894 At least one staff member was not present who had successfully completed First Aid and/or CPR training when children were in care. The one staff member present during the first part of the visit did not have current CPR and First Aid certification. .1102(c-d) All violations must be corrected immediately. Please send me a compliance letter (written statement) describing how and when the above violations were corrected. The compliance letter must be received no later than December 9, 2025. The compliance letter should be sent to me via email, from the email address on file with the Division as the center’s official email address. Contact me if you have questions regarding correction of the violations documented during today’s visit. If you are unable to correct all violations within the specified timeframe, send a compliance letter regarding violations that were corrected and a specific plan to correct the remaining violations. An extension will need to be requested from management. The information required in a compliance letter was reviewed. You should list the item number, specifically stating that the violation has been corrected, explaining when it was corrected, and how it was corrected. You should also explain that you understand the rule regarding the violation. You are also encouraged to state how you will prevent noncompliance in the future. Compliance is not considered finalized until all violations have been corrected. Therefore, if the compliance letter says an item will be corrected, it should be followed-up with another letter once it actually has been corrected. As an example, compliance verification such as “Mulch will be delivered on Tuesday” is not considered corrected until it is followed up with a letter stating something like “The mulch was delivered on Tuesday, September 5, 2024, and now measures nine inches in the full fall zone.” Please let me know if you have any questions regarding how to complete a compliance letter. If you will be unable to correct all violations within the allowed timeframe, you should request an extension. We also discussed that the number and type of violations documented today are particularly serious, and may lead to administrative action being taken against your child care permit. I encouraged you to review section .2200 of the child care rules regarding administrative actions. I reminded you that you may request a rules review at any time. During today’s visit, I observed a staff member, Juanita Mangum, who did not have a valid qualification letter on file for review. The ABCMS system was accessed and I was able to verify that Ms. Mangum has completed a criminal background check and is qualified for employment until March 5, 2030. As defined in General Statute 110-90.2(a), all childcare providers must have a valid qualification letter, and it must be kept on file at the facility for review by representatives of the Division of Child Development and Early Education. We discussed the grouping of children by age, and the child care rules regarding which ages may be grouped together. I explained that children under one year of age may not be combined with children two years of age and older. I also explained that children from 12-24 months must be kept separate from children three years of age and older. During the first and last operating hours all children may be grouped, as long as the ratio for the youngest child in the group is maintained. When only one caregiver is required to meet the staff/child ratio, the operator must have one of the following options for emergency relief: (A) the center shall post the name, address, and telephone number of an adult who has agreed in writing to be available to provide emergency relief; or B) there shall be a second adult on the premises who is available to provide emergency relief. We discussed that typically there are at least two staff members present, however when the enrolled infant is not present, that classroom is closed and only one staff member is required. In addition, at least one person who meets qualifications for administrator or lead teacher must be on site during operating hours except at the beginning or end of the operating day. The only staff member present until you arrived did not meet lead teacher requirements. You stated she is currently enrolled in the North Carolina Early Childhood Credential (NCECC) coursework, however she has not yet earned the credential. One person from your facility must take the Emergency Preparedness and Response in Child Care training within one year of the effective date of your temporary license. I observed today that Ms. Mangum has completed this training. Therefore, this facility’s EPR Plan in the Emergency Management Portal must be updated or completed within four (4) months. I observed the plan for the old owner during today’s visit. Detailed instructions for getting an NCID and for accessing the template are on the Division’s website on the Emergency Preparedness tab. This plan must be reviewed annually in the portal and reviewed with all staff. The review must be documented. The Ready-To-Go File must available during monitoring visits. You will also continue to conduct either a shelter-in-place or a lockdown drill every three months. At least one staff member must have completed Playground Safety training. You stated you had completed this training, however documentation was not available today. I reminded you that documentation must be on file, and the person who has completed the training must be the staff member who conducts the outdoor play area inspections monthly. Technical Assistance and Consultation: The following items were discussed during today' visit. You may want to consider them in order to avoid potential violations or improve the quality of your program. Fire drills must be practiced monthly, and records maintained as required. Records of monthly fire drills documenting the date and time of each drill, the length of time taken to evacuate the building, and the signature of the person who conducted the drill shall be available for review. Drills should be done at different times of the day so children and staff can be prepared to evacuate no matter what the activity or routine is taking place. I encourage you to conduct at least one drill per year during naptime, and one drill using a secondary exit. It is also necessary to use the alarm system to conduct the drills. The perimeter fence enclosing the outdoor play area should be a minimum of four feet in height from the inside of the fence. We discussed that no one was present when I arrived with valid CPR and First Aid certification. Certification cards for the other two staff members were observed when their records were monitored. I encouraged you to review the “Be a Smart Consumer of CPR and First Aid Training” resource in the training section of the DCDEE website to ensure all CPR and First Aid certifications are from approved sources, and that the specific courses are approved. During today’s visit I observed that the only type of milk available in the refrigerator was 1% milk. You stated the whole milk was used at lunch, however I did not observe the empty jug in the trash. You stated you planned to pick up milk at the grocery store before returning to the center, however that did not occur as you were notified of my arrival. I reminded you that the appropriate types of milk to be used should always be available We also discussed the staff/child ratio postings. We discussed that the age of the youngest child in the room is not a specific child’s age, rather the youngest to be enrolled in the room. The ratio is your center’s ratio or the maximum ratio, whichever is less, being listed as one teacher per X number of students. The maximum number allowed is either the maximum group size listed on the applicable chart, or the maximum space capacity, whichever is less. Then you will check the box representing the set of staff/child ratios the facility is required to meet. I encouraged you to highlight the entire chart as well as checking the box to make identification easier. I asked that you review the postings in all classrooms to ensure they are correct. A handwashing sign must be posted at each sink that is used for children or staff’s handwashing. These are available from the Health and Safety Resource Center free of charge. You should ensure that all experience and education is clearly documented in the staff files. Experience should be documented on the application or attached resume. Education should be documented with WORKS status letters or copies of certificates. I reminded you that this documentation will be essential for future rated license assessments. When new staff are hired, they may bring in Health and Safety training they have completed within the last year only. Trainings that were completed more than a year before hire are not accepted. New staff have 90 days to complete Recognizing and Responding to Suspicion of Child Maltreatment and CPR/First Aid certifications. They must complete the remainder of the Health and Safety trainings within one year of employment. Federal law requires that staff medical information be kept separate from their personnel file. Therefore, you should have a medical file containing the staff member’s physical, TB test, and health questionnaire that is kept separate from the regular personnel files. The emergency information form should be kept in the main personnel record rather than in the medical file. We discussed that using a binder or separate files that are stored separately from the personnel files will meet the requirement Staff education status letters should be on file for all staff. These letters can be printed from the staff member’s WORKS account. Staff should ensure their education is updated in their WORKS account. This is the means by which you demonstrate that you have ensured the staff member meets the preservice requirements and on-going education requirements for each position. Use of the staff file checklist and children’s file checklist will help you keep your files organized and ensure compliance. You will use the Staff and Training Worksheets to continue to keep all staff members current with various training requirements, and when information must be updated. Please keep the Staff and Training Worksheet up-to-date and current so when asked, you can provide complete information to your consultant. These worksheets may be requested during any monitoring visits where staff records are reviewed. If applicable, use of the Health and Safety Training Log will ensure all trainings are counted, and items are not overlooked. They also allow you to see at a glance that all topic areas are covered. Items required following the Change of Ownership As this is a change of ownership a new building, fire and sanitation inspections must be completed by February 18, 2026. You have provided me with the approved fire inspection conducted on August 27, 2025. We discussed that the Environmental Health Specialist had requested additional documentation via email. You stated you had received this request. You submitted a building inspection form, however the form was incomplete and has been returned to you. I also notified you that documentation of zoning approval is required. You are not required to complete the Prelicensing workshop as your corporation owns other licensed programs in North Carolina. Failure to obtain an approved full building inspection, Sanitation inspection, and zoning approval prior to February 18, 2026 may result in administrative action against your license. We also discussed that you have begun the process of testing for lead based paint and asbestos, however it has not been completed. Results from this process must be provided before the end of the Temporary Time Period. RATED LICENSE: We discussed that at the end of the temporary time period, you have the option to apply for a Two through Five star rated license, if successful compliance is maintained during the temporary time period. A 75% compliance history is required to be eligible for a Star Rated License at the end of the temporary time period. I reminded you today that our Rated License system, or QRIS, has been modernized, and new system will apply to your facility. I encouraged you to review the pathways information on the QRIS modernization section of our website. I encouraged you to begin to determine which pathway will be requested so that time is available to conduct any self-study or assessments required, or to implement any curriculum, observations, formative assessments, or to complete any additional training or mentoring needed. Your temporary license cannot expire, and the process cannot be held awaiting the results of ERS assessments or education evaluations. I also encouraged you to ensure all staff have requested evaluations for their positions using the WORKS system and that their current status letter is on file. I reminded you that only information in the WORKS system at the time of processing will be used to determine the staff education level achieved. The application form can be found in the provider documents section of our website. The Importance of Providing Quality Child Care Providing quality child care is essential for children. There is ample research demonstrating that high-quality child-care experiences have many benefits to children and society and that quality child care is linked to children’s improved school performance. 1. The Cost, Quality and Child Outcomes in Child Care Centers Study and a follow-up study done several years later found that quality child care is primarily related to higher staff/child ratios, administrators’ prior experience, wages, higher staff education levels and staff members’ continued participation in formal and specialized training. This study found that children attending higher quality centers scored better in math and language skills, had more positive interactions with peers, and had fewer behavior problems. 2. The High/Scope Perry Preschool Study followed children from their preschool years through age 40 and found that high-quality preschool programs significantly increased children’s future contributions through increased intellectual and social development, school success, economic performance, and reduced commission of crimes in adulthood. One of the most quoted results of this study is that for every dollar invested in children’s early care and education there is a $17 return to society in terms of crime and education savings, increased taxes collected, and welfare savings. There are many other studies including the Abecedarian Project, the Arnett Caregiver Interaction Study, and the NC Rated License Assessment Project. What the research tells us, in a nutshell, is that high quality child care has a positive impact on children’s later school success. The key to quality experiences for children is interaction with and stimulation from educated, trained teachers. The neuroscience associated with brain research is complicated, but its lesson is simple: babies' brains develop at astonishing rates in the first few years after birth. Young children have a tremendous capacity to learn from the moment they are born, but optimal development hinges on the experiences provided for them by the adults who take care of them. Child Care Rules were revised July 1, 2025, and a new rule book was posted to the DCDEE website. You should discard any old versions of the rules and ensure you are referring to the most current rule book when reviewing or researching requirements. A follow up visit may be conducted in the near future to verify compliance with violations documented during the visit. Please contact me at (910) 824-0123 or at becky.jackson@dhhs.nc.gov if I can be of assistance. 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: ratio. Open / not marked corrected.

G.S. 110-102 · Violation

Name of Operation: Unique Creations Childcare Center Facility ID: 43000640 Consultant: BECKY JACKSON Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 11/25/2025 Number Present: 4 Completed Date: 11/25/2025 Age: From 1 To 4 Total Minutes: 150 Time In: 11:30 AM Time Out: 02:00 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Temp Time Period Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today's unannounced visit was to monitor compliance with applicable child care requirements for the facility’s the first temporary time period visit. The facility’s Temporary License was issued August 18, 2025 and is valid through February 18, 2026. Restrictions on the permit include a first shift capacity of 28 children ages 0 to 12 years old. J. Mangum, Administrator was not present when I arrived. One of the lead teachers identified herself as the person in charge and reached Ms. Mangum by phone. She arrived and assisted with today’s visit. Two classrooms are operating with 7 children enrolled and 4 children present. During today’s visit, the children were observed grouped into one group receiving care by the only staff member present. They were observed napping. You stated the lunch served today consisted of steak and cheese hot pockets, corn, oranges, and milk. According to the North Carolina Secretary of State website, your corporation Unique Creations Childcare Centers, Inc. is current and active. Your last fire drill was completed August 19, 2025 at 9:30am. The log reflected it took two minutes to evacuate 3 children and 1 adult. A shelter-in-place drill was conducted on August 19, 2025 at 10:45am. The last outdoor inspection was also completed August 19, 2025. A sanitation inspection has not been conducted since the change of ownership occurred. The most recent fire inspection was conducted August 27, 2025. I monitored your classroom environments, outdoor playgrounds, a sampling of staff and children's records and required center records. I used the North Carolina Child Care Requirements and Compliance Listing as basic monitoring tools during the visit. Two children’s records were reviewed today and were in compliance. Three staff files were also reviewed today. Using a checklist helps verify information on file and easily identifies missing information. The following violations of child care requirements were observed today: Violation Number Comment Rule 115 A summary of the NC Child Care Law was not posted in a prominent place in the center. This information was not posted. G.S. 110-102 318 Children between 12 and 24 months of age were grouped with children 3 years of age or older. One child, one year of age, was grouped with children three and four years of age. 10A NCAC 09 .0713(a)(6) 428 A current activity plan was not posted for each group of children for reference. An activity plan in Space #3 was not available. The plan in Space #2 was dated November 10-14, 2025. GS 110-91(12); .0508(a) 526 Menus for all meals and snacks were not current or posted where easily seen by parents and cook. The menu in the kitchen was dated for November 1 to 14, 2025. 10A NCAC 09 .0901(b) 802 Safe pick-up and delivery procedures were not communicated to parents and/or were not posted where they can be seen by the parents. This information was not posted. .1003(b) 805 Fire drills were not practiced monthly and/or the drill record was incomplete. The most recent fire drill was conducted on August 19, 2025. .0604(t); .0302(d)(5) 830 A First Aid information sheet was not posted in a place for referral and/or the information sheet did not include all the required information. This information was not posted. .0802(h) 832 There was no written emergency medical care (EMC) plan. An Emergency Medical Care Plan was not available. 10A NCAC 09 .0802(a) 859 Monthly playground inspections were not completed and/or they were not completed by an individual trained in playground safety requirements. The most recent playground inspection was conducted on August 19, 2025. .0605(q) 1014 At least one person who meets qualifications for administrator or lead teacher was not on site during operating hours except at the beginning or end of the operating day as described in rule .0714(b). The only staff member present for the first part of the visit did not meet Lead Teacher or Administrator qualification. 10A NCAC 09 .0714(b)(1-3) 1045 New staff, who had contact with children, did not receive at least 16 hrs. orientation within first 6 weeks. Orientation documentation was not on file for one staff member. .1101(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. One staff member does not have valid First Aid certification. .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. One staff member did not have valid CPR certification. .1102(d) 1232 Each employee's personnel file did not contain an annual staff evaluation and a staff development plan. Annual evaluations and staff development plans were not on file for three staff members who have been employed more than one year. 10A NCAC 09 .0514(f) 1757 A valid qualification letter was not on file and available to review at the facility. A valid qualification letter was not on file for one staff member. G.S. 110-90.2(b) & (d) & .2703(e) 1894 At least one staff member was not present who had successfully completed First Aid and/or CPR training when children were in care. The one staff member present during the first part of the visit did not have current CPR and First Aid certification. .1102(c-d) All violations must be corrected immediately. Please send me a compliance letter (written statement) describing how and when the above violations were corrected. The compliance letter must be received no later than December 9, 2025. The compliance letter should be sent to me via email, from the email address on file with the Division as the center’s official email address. Contact me if you have questions regarding correction of the violations documented during today’s visit. If you are unable to correct all violations within the specified timeframe, send a compliance letter regarding violations that were corrected and a specific plan to correct the remaining violations. An extension will need to be requested from management. The information required in a compliance letter was reviewed. You should list the item number, specifically stating that the violation has been corrected, explaining when it was corrected, and how it was corrected. You should also explain that you understand the rule regarding the violation. You are also encouraged to state how you will prevent noncompliance in the future. Compliance is not considered finalized until all violations have been corrected. Therefore, if the compliance letter says an item will be corrected, it should be followed-up with another letter once it actually has been corrected. As an example, compliance verification such as “Mulch will be delivered on Tuesday” is not considered corrected until it is followed up with a letter stating something like “The mulch was delivered on Tuesday, September 5, 2024, and now measures nine inches in the full fall zone.” Please let me know if you have any questions regarding how to complete a compliance letter. If you will be unable to correct all violations within the allowed timeframe, you should request an extension. We also discussed that the number and type of violations documented today are particularly serious, and may lead to administrative action being taken against your child care permit. I encouraged you to review section .2200 of the child care rules regarding administrative actions. I reminded you that you may request a rules review at any time. During today’s visit, I observed a staff member, Juanita Mangum, who did not have a valid qualification letter on file for review. The ABCMS system was accessed and I was able to verify that Ms. Mangum has completed a criminal background check and is qualified for employment until March 5, 2030. As defined in General Statute 110-90.2(a), all childcare providers must have a valid qualification letter, and it must be kept on file at the facility for review by representatives of the Division of Child Development and Early Education. We discussed the grouping of children by age, and the child care rules regarding which ages may be grouped together. I explained that children under one year of age may not be combined with children two years of age and older. I also explained that children from 12-24 months must be kept separate from children three years of age and older. During the first and last operating hours all children may be grouped, as long as the ratio for the youngest child in the group is maintained. When only one caregiver is required to meet the staff/child ratio, the operator must have one of the following options for emergency relief: (A) the center shall post the name, address, and telephone number of an adult who has agreed in writing to be available to provide emergency relief; or B) there shall be a second adult on the premises who is available to provide emergency relief. We discussed that typically there are at least two staff members present, however when the enrolled infant is not present, that classroom is closed and only one staff member is required. In addition, at least one person who meets qualifications for administrator or lead teacher must be on site during operating hours except at the beginning or end of the operating day. The only staff member present until you arrived did not meet lead teacher requirements. You stated she is currently enrolled in the North Carolina Early Childhood Credential (NCECC) coursework, however she has not yet earned the credential. One person from your facility must take the Emergency Preparedness and Response in Child Care training within one year of the effective date of your temporary license. I observed today that Ms. Mangum has completed this training. Therefore, this facility’s EPR Plan in the Emergency Management Portal must be updated or completed within four (4) months. I observed the plan for the old owner during today’s visit. Detailed instructions for getting an NCID and for accessing the template are on the Division’s website on the Emergency Preparedness tab. This plan must be reviewed annually in the portal and reviewed with all staff. The review must be documented. The Ready-To-Go File must available during monitoring visits. You will also continue to conduct either a shelter-in-place or a lockdown drill every three months. At least one staff member must have completed Playground Safety training. You stated you had completed this training, however documentation was not available today. I reminded you that documentation must be on file, and the person who has completed the training must be the staff member who conducts the outdoor play area inspections monthly. Technical Assistance and Consultation: The following items were discussed during today' visit. You may want to consider them in order to avoid potential violations or improve the quality of your program. Fire drills must be practiced monthly, and records maintained as required. Records of monthly fire drills documenting the date and time of each drill, the length of time taken to evacuate the building, and the signature of the person who conducted the drill shall be available for review. Drills should be done at different times of the day so children and staff can be prepared to evacuate no matter what the activity or routine is taking place. I encourage you to conduct at least one drill per year during naptime, and one drill using a secondary exit. It is also necessary to use the alarm system to conduct the drills. The perimeter fence enclosing the outdoor play area should be a minimum of four feet in height from the inside of the fence. We discussed that no one was present when I arrived with valid CPR and First Aid certification. Certification cards for the other two staff members were observed when their records were monitored. I encouraged you to review the “Be a Smart Consumer of CPR and First Aid Training” resource in the training section of the DCDEE website to ensure all CPR and First Aid certifications are from approved sources, and that the specific courses are approved. During today’s visit I observed that the only type of milk available in the refrigerator was 1% milk. You stated the whole milk was used at lunch, however I did not observe the empty jug in the trash. You stated you planned to pick up milk at the grocery store before returning to the center, however that did not occur as you were notified of my arrival. I reminded you that the appropriate types of milk to be used should always be available We also discussed the staff/child ratio postings. We discussed that the age of the youngest child in the room is not a specific child’s age, rather the youngest to be enrolled in the room. The ratio is your center’s ratio or the maximum ratio, whichever is less, being listed as one teacher per X number of students. The maximum number allowed is either the maximum group size listed on the applicable chart, or the maximum space capacity, whichever is less. Then you will check the box representing the set of staff/child ratios the facility is required to meet. I encouraged you to highlight the entire chart as well as checking the box to make identification easier. I asked that you review the postings in all classrooms to ensure they are correct. A handwashing sign must be posted at each sink that is used for children or staff’s handwashing. These are available from the Health and Safety Resource Center free of charge. You should ensure that all experience and education is clearly documented in the staff files. Experience should be documented on the application or attached resume. Education should be documented with WORKS status letters or copies of certificates. I reminded you that this documentation will be essential for future rated license assessments. When new staff are hired, they may bring in Health and Safety training they have completed within the last year only. Trainings that were completed more than a year before hire are not accepted. New staff have 90 days to complete Recognizing and Responding to Suspicion of Child Maltreatment and CPR/First Aid certifications. They must complete the remainder of the Health and Safety trainings within one year of employment. Federal law requires that staff medical information be kept separate from their personnel file. Therefore, you should have a medical file containing the staff member’s physical, TB test, and health questionnaire that is kept separate from the regular personnel files. The emergency information form should be kept in the main personnel record rather than in the medical file. We discussed that using a binder or separate files that are stored separately from the personnel files will meet the requirement Staff education status letters should be on file for all staff. These letters can be printed from the staff member’s WORKS account. Staff should ensure their education is updated in their WORKS account. This is the means by which you demonstrate that you have ensured the staff member meets the preservice requirements and on-going education requirements for each position. Use of the staff file checklist and children’s file checklist will help you keep your files organized and ensure compliance. You will use the Staff and Training Worksheets to continue to keep all staff members current with various training requirements, and when information must be updated. Please keep the Staff and Training Worksheet up-to-date and current so when asked, you can provide complete information to your consultant. These worksheets may be requested during any monitoring visits where staff records are reviewed. If applicable, use of the Health and Safety Training Log will ensure all trainings are counted, and items are not overlooked. They also allow you to see at a glance that all topic areas are covered. Items required following the Change of Ownership As this is a change of ownership a new building, fire and sanitation inspections must be completed by February 18, 2026. You have provided me with the approved fire inspection conducted on August 27, 2025. We discussed that the Environmental Health Specialist had requested additional documentation via email. You stated you had received this request. You submitted a building inspection form, however the form was incomplete and has been returned to you. I also notified you that documentation of zoning approval is required. You are not required to complete the Prelicensing workshop as your corporation owns other licensed programs in North Carolina. Failure to obtain an approved full building inspection, Sanitation inspection, and zoning approval prior to February 18, 2026 may result in administrative action against your license. We also discussed that you have begun the process of testing for lead based paint and asbestos, however it has not been completed. Results from this process must be provided before the end of the Temporary Time Period. RATED LICENSE: We discussed that at the end of the temporary time period, you have the option to apply for a Two through Five star rated license, if successful compliance is maintained during the temporary time period. A 75% compliance history is required to be eligible for a Star Rated License at the end of the temporary time period. I reminded you today that our Rated License system, or QRIS, has been modernized, and new system will apply to your facility. I encouraged you to review the pathways information on the QRIS modernization section of our website. I encouraged you to begin to determine which pathway will be requested so that time is available to conduct any self-study or assessments required, or to implement any curriculum, observations, formative assessments, or to complete any additional training or mentoring needed. Your temporary license cannot expire, and the process cannot be held awaiting the results of ERS assessments or education evaluations. I also encouraged you to ensure all staff have requested evaluations for their positions using the WORKS system and that their current status letter is on file. I reminded you that only information in the WORKS system at the time of processing will be used to determine the staff education level achieved. The application form can be found in the provider documents section of our website. The Importance of Providing Quality Child Care Providing quality child care is essential for children. There is ample research demonstrating that high-quality child-care experiences have many benefits to children and society and that quality child care is linked to children’s improved school performance. 1. The Cost, Quality and Child Outcomes in Child Care Centers Study and a follow-up study done several years later found that quality child care is primarily related to higher staff/child ratios, administrators’ prior experience, wages, higher staff education levels and staff members’ continued participation in formal and specialized training. This study found that children attending higher quality centers scored better in math and language skills, had more positive interactions with peers, and had fewer behavior problems. 2. The High/Scope Perry Preschool Study followed children from their preschool years through age 40 and found that high-quality preschool programs significantly increased children’s future contributions through increased intellectual and social development, school success, economic performance, and reduced commission of crimes in adulthood. One of the most quoted results of this study is that for every dollar invested in children’s early care and education there is a $17 return to society in terms of crime and education savings, increased taxes collected, and welfare savings. There are many other studies including the Abecedarian Project, the Arnett Caregiver Interaction Study, and the NC Rated License Assessment Project. What the research tells us, in a nutshell, is that high quality child care has a positive impact on children’s later school success. The key to quality experiences for children is interaction with and stimulation from educated, trained teachers. The neuroscience associated with brain research is complicated, but its lesson is simple: babies' brains develop at astonishing rates in the first few years after birth. Young children have a tremendous capacity to learn from the moment they are born, but optimal development hinges on the experiences provided for them by the adults who take care of them. Child Care Rules were revised July 1, 2025, and a new rule book was posted to the DCDEE website. You should discard any old versions of the rules and ensure you are referring to the most current rule book when reviewing or researching requirements. A follow up visit may be conducted in the near future to verify compliance with violations documented during the visit. Please contact me at (910) 824-0123 or at becky.jackson@dhhs.nc.gov if I can be of assistance. 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: ratio. Open / not marked corrected.

G.S. 110-90 · Violation

Name of Operation: Unique Creations Childcare Center Facility ID: 43000640 Consultant: BECKY JACKSON Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 11/25/2025 Number Present: 4 Completed Date: 11/25/2025 Age: From 1 To 4 Total Minutes: 150 Time In: 11:30 AM Time Out: 02:00 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Temp Time Period Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today's unannounced visit was to monitor compliance with applicable child care requirements for the facility’s the first temporary time period visit. The facility’s Temporary License was issued August 18, 2025 and is valid through February 18, 2026. Restrictions on the permit include a first shift capacity of 28 children ages 0 to 12 years old. J. Mangum, Administrator was not present when I arrived. One of the lead teachers identified herself as the person in charge and reached Ms. Mangum by phone. She arrived and assisted with today’s visit. Two classrooms are operating with 7 children enrolled and 4 children present. During today’s visit, the children were observed grouped into one group receiving care by the only staff member present. They were observed napping. You stated the lunch served today consisted of steak and cheese hot pockets, corn, oranges, and milk. According to the North Carolina Secretary of State website, your corporation Unique Creations Childcare Centers, Inc. is current and active. Your last fire drill was completed August 19, 2025 at 9:30am. The log reflected it took two minutes to evacuate 3 children and 1 adult. A shelter-in-place drill was conducted on August 19, 2025 at 10:45am. The last outdoor inspection was also completed August 19, 2025. A sanitation inspection has not been conducted since the change of ownership occurred. The most recent fire inspection was conducted August 27, 2025. I monitored your classroom environments, outdoor playgrounds, a sampling of staff and children's records and required center records. I used the North Carolina Child Care Requirements and Compliance Listing as basic monitoring tools during the visit. Two children’s records were reviewed today and were in compliance. Three staff files were also reviewed today. Using a checklist helps verify information on file and easily identifies missing information. The following violations of child care requirements were observed today: Violation Number Comment Rule 115 A summary of the NC Child Care Law was not posted in a prominent place in the center. This information was not posted. G.S. 110-102 318 Children between 12 and 24 months of age were grouped with children 3 years of age or older. One child, one year of age, was grouped with children three and four years of age. 10A NCAC 09 .0713(a)(6) 428 A current activity plan was not posted for each group of children for reference. An activity plan in Space #3 was not available. The plan in Space #2 was dated November 10-14, 2025. GS 110-91(12); .0508(a) 526 Menus for all meals and snacks were not current or posted where easily seen by parents and cook. The menu in the kitchen was dated for November 1 to 14, 2025. 10A NCAC 09 .0901(b) 802 Safe pick-up and delivery procedures were not communicated to parents and/or were not posted where they can be seen by the parents. This information was not posted. .1003(b) 805 Fire drills were not practiced monthly and/or the drill record was incomplete. The most recent fire drill was conducted on August 19, 2025. .0604(t); .0302(d)(5) 830 A First Aid information sheet was not posted in a place for referral and/or the information sheet did not include all the required information. This information was not posted. .0802(h) 832 There was no written emergency medical care (EMC) plan. An Emergency Medical Care Plan was not available. 10A NCAC 09 .0802(a) 859 Monthly playground inspections were not completed and/or they were not completed by an individual trained in playground safety requirements. The most recent playground inspection was conducted on August 19, 2025. .0605(q) 1014 At least one person who meets qualifications for administrator or lead teacher was not on site during operating hours except at the beginning or end of the operating day as described in rule .0714(b). The only staff member present for the first part of the visit did not meet Lead Teacher or Administrator qualification. 10A NCAC 09 .0714(b)(1-3) 1045 New staff, who had contact with children, did not receive at least 16 hrs. orientation within first 6 weeks. Orientation documentation was not on file for one staff member. .1101(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. One staff member does not have valid First Aid certification. .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. One staff member did not have valid CPR certification. .1102(d) 1232 Each employee's personnel file did not contain an annual staff evaluation and a staff development plan. Annual evaluations and staff development plans were not on file for three staff members who have been employed more than one year. 10A NCAC 09 .0514(f) 1757 A valid qualification letter was not on file and available to review at the facility. A valid qualification letter was not on file for one staff member. G.S. 110-90.2(b) & (d) & .2703(e) 1894 At least one staff member was not present who had successfully completed First Aid and/or CPR training when children were in care. The one staff member present during the first part of the visit did not have current CPR and First Aid certification. .1102(c-d) All violations must be corrected immediately. Please send me a compliance letter (written statement) describing how and when the above violations were corrected. The compliance letter must be received no later than December 9, 2025. The compliance letter should be sent to me via email, from the email address on file with the Division as the center’s official email address. Contact me if you have questions regarding correction of the violations documented during today’s visit. If you are unable to correct all violations within the specified timeframe, send a compliance letter regarding violations that were corrected and a specific plan to correct the remaining violations. An extension will need to be requested from management. The information required in a compliance letter was reviewed. You should list the item number, specifically stating that the violation has been corrected, explaining when it was corrected, and how it was corrected. You should also explain that you understand the rule regarding the violation. You are also encouraged to state how you will prevent noncompliance in the future. Compliance is not considered finalized until all violations have been corrected. Therefore, if the compliance letter says an item will be corrected, it should be followed-up with another letter once it actually has been corrected. As an example, compliance verification such as “Mulch will be delivered on Tuesday” is not considered corrected until it is followed up with a letter stating something like “The mulch was delivered on Tuesday, September 5, 2024, and now measures nine inches in the full fall zone.” Please let me know if you have any questions regarding how to complete a compliance letter. If you will be unable to correct all violations within the allowed timeframe, you should request an extension. We also discussed that the number and type of violations documented today are particularly serious, and may lead to administrative action being taken against your child care permit. I encouraged you to review section .2200 of the child care rules regarding administrative actions. I reminded you that you may request a rules review at any time. During today’s visit, I observed a staff member, Juanita Mangum, who did not have a valid qualification letter on file for review. The ABCMS system was accessed and I was able to verify that Ms. Mangum has completed a criminal background check and is qualified for employment until March 5, 2030. As defined in General Statute 110-90.2(a), all childcare providers must have a valid qualification letter, and it must be kept on file at the facility for review by representatives of the Division of Child Development and Early Education. We discussed the grouping of children by age, and the child care rules regarding which ages may be grouped together. I explained that children under one year of age may not be combined with children two years of age and older. I also explained that children from 12-24 months must be kept separate from children three years of age and older. During the first and last operating hours all children may be grouped, as long as the ratio for the youngest child in the group is maintained. When only one caregiver is required to meet the staff/child ratio, the operator must have one of the following options for emergency relief: (A) the center shall post the name, address, and telephone number of an adult who has agreed in writing to be available to provide emergency relief; or B) there shall be a second adult on the premises who is available to provide emergency relief. We discussed that typically there are at least two staff members present, however when the enrolled infant is not present, that classroom is closed and only one staff member is required. In addition, at least one person who meets qualifications for administrator or lead teacher must be on site during operating hours except at the beginning or end of the operating day. The only staff member present until you arrived did not meet lead teacher requirements. You stated she is currently enrolled in the North Carolina Early Childhood Credential (NCECC) coursework, however she has not yet earned the credential. One person from your facility must take the Emergency Preparedness and Response in Child Care training within one year of the effective date of your temporary license. I observed today that Ms. Mangum has completed this training. Therefore, this facility’s EPR Plan in the Emergency Management Portal must be updated or completed within four (4) months. I observed the plan for the old owner during today’s visit. Detailed instructions for getting an NCID and for accessing the template are on the Division’s website on the Emergency Preparedness tab. This plan must be reviewed annually in the portal and reviewed with all staff. The review must be documented. The Ready-To-Go File must available during monitoring visits. You will also continue to conduct either a shelter-in-place or a lockdown drill every three months. At least one staff member must have completed Playground Safety training. You stated you had completed this training, however documentation was not available today. I reminded you that documentation must be on file, and the person who has completed the training must be the staff member who conducts the outdoor play area inspections monthly. Technical Assistance and Consultation: The following items were discussed during today' visit. You may want to consider them in order to avoid potential violations or improve the quality of your program. Fire drills must be practiced monthly, and records maintained as required. Records of monthly fire drills documenting the date and time of each drill, the length of time taken to evacuate the building, and the signature of the person who conducted the drill shall be available for review. Drills should be done at different times of the day so children and staff can be prepared to evacuate no matter what the activity or routine is taking place. I encourage you to conduct at least one drill per year during naptime, and one drill using a secondary exit. It is also necessary to use the alarm system to conduct the drills. The perimeter fence enclosing the outdoor play area should be a minimum of four feet in height from the inside of the fence. We discussed that no one was present when I arrived with valid CPR and First Aid certification. Certification cards for the other two staff members were observed when their records were monitored. I encouraged you to review the “Be a Smart Consumer of CPR and First Aid Training” resource in the training section of the DCDEE website to ensure all CPR and First Aid certifications are from approved sources, and that the specific courses are approved. During today’s visit I observed that the only type of milk available in the refrigerator was 1% milk. You stated the whole milk was used at lunch, however I did not observe the empty jug in the trash. You stated you planned to pick up milk at the grocery store before returning to the center, however that did not occur as you were notified of my arrival. I reminded you that the appropriate types of milk to be used should always be available We also discussed the staff/child ratio postings. We discussed that the age of the youngest child in the room is not a specific child’s age, rather the youngest to be enrolled in the room. The ratio is your center’s ratio or the maximum ratio, whichever is less, being listed as one teacher per X number of students. The maximum number allowed is either the maximum group size listed on the applicable chart, or the maximum space capacity, whichever is less. Then you will check the box representing the set of staff/child ratios the facility is required to meet. I encouraged you to highlight the entire chart as well as checking the box to make identification easier. I asked that you review the postings in all classrooms to ensure they are correct. A handwashing sign must be posted at each sink that is used for children or staff’s handwashing. These are available from the Health and Safety Resource Center free of charge. You should ensure that all experience and education is clearly documented in the staff files. Experience should be documented on the application or attached resume. Education should be documented with WORKS status letters or copies of certificates. I reminded you that this documentation will be essential for future rated license assessments. When new staff are hired, they may bring in Health and Safety training they have completed within the last year only. Trainings that were completed more than a year before hire are not accepted. New staff have 90 days to complete Recognizing and Responding to Suspicion of Child Maltreatment and CPR/First Aid certifications. They must complete the remainder of the Health and Safety trainings within one year of employment. Federal law requires that staff medical information be kept separate from their personnel file. Therefore, you should have a medical file containing the staff member’s physical, TB test, and health questionnaire that is kept separate from the regular personnel files. The emergency information form should be kept in the main personnel record rather than in the medical file. We discussed that using a binder or separate files that are stored separately from the personnel files will meet the requirement Staff education status letters should be on file for all staff. These letters can be printed from the staff member’s WORKS account. Staff should ensure their education is updated in their WORKS account. This is the means by which you demonstrate that you have ensured the staff member meets the preservice requirements and on-going education requirements for each position. Use of the staff file checklist and children’s file checklist will help you keep your files organized and ensure compliance. You will use the Staff and Training Worksheets to continue to keep all staff members current with various training requirements, and when information must be updated. Please keep the Staff and Training Worksheet up-to-date and current so when asked, you can provide complete information to your consultant. These worksheets may be requested during any monitoring visits where staff records are reviewed. If applicable, use of the Health and Safety Training Log will ensure all trainings are counted, and items are not overlooked. They also allow you to see at a glance that all topic areas are covered. Items required following the Change of Ownership As this is a change of ownership a new building, fire and sanitation inspections must be completed by February 18, 2026. You have provided me with the approved fire inspection conducted on August 27, 2025. We discussed that the Environmental Health Specialist had requested additional documentation via email. You stated you had received this request. You submitted a building inspection form, however the form was incomplete and has been returned to you. I also notified you that documentation of zoning approval is required. You are not required to complete the Prelicensing workshop as your corporation owns other licensed programs in North Carolina. Failure to obtain an approved full building inspection, Sanitation inspection, and zoning approval prior to February 18, 2026 may result in administrative action against your license. We also discussed that you have begun the process of testing for lead based paint and asbestos, however it has not been completed. Results from this process must be provided before the end of the Temporary Time Period. RATED LICENSE: We discussed that at the end of the temporary time period, you have the option to apply for a Two through Five star rated license, if successful compliance is maintained during the temporary time period. A 75% compliance history is required to be eligible for a Star Rated License at the end of the temporary time period. I reminded you today that our Rated License system, or QRIS, has been modernized, and new system will apply to your facility. I encouraged you to review the pathways information on the QRIS modernization section of our website. I encouraged you to begin to determine which pathway will be requested so that time is available to conduct any self-study or assessments required, or to implement any curriculum, observations, formative assessments, or to complete any additional training or mentoring needed. Your temporary license cannot expire, and the process cannot be held awaiting the results of ERS assessments or education evaluations. I also encouraged you to ensure all staff have requested evaluations for their positions using the WORKS system and that their current status letter is on file. I reminded you that only information in the WORKS system at the time of processing will be used to determine the staff education level achieved. The application form can be found in the provider documents section of our website. The Importance of Providing Quality Child Care Providing quality child care is essential for children. There is ample research demonstrating that high-quality child-care experiences have many benefits to children and society and that quality child care is linked to children’s improved school performance. 1. The Cost, Quality and Child Outcomes in Child Care Centers Study and a follow-up study done several years later found that quality child care is primarily related to higher staff/child ratios, administrators’ prior experience, wages, higher staff education levels and staff members’ continued participation in formal and specialized training. This study found that children attending higher quality centers scored better in math and language skills, had more positive interactions with peers, and had fewer behavior problems. 2. The High/Scope Perry Preschool Study followed children from their preschool years through age 40 and found that high-quality preschool programs significantly increased children’s future contributions through increased intellectual and social development, school success, economic performance, and reduced commission of crimes in adulthood. One of the most quoted results of this study is that for every dollar invested in children’s early care and education there is a $17 return to society in terms of crime and education savings, increased taxes collected, and welfare savings. There are many other studies including the Abecedarian Project, the Arnett Caregiver Interaction Study, and the NC Rated License Assessment Project. What the research tells us, in a nutshell, is that high quality child care has a positive impact on children’s later school success. The key to quality experiences for children is interaction with and stimulation from educated, trained teachers. The neuroscience associated with brain research is complicated, but its lesson is simple: babies' brains develop at astonishing rates in the first few years after birth. Young children have a tremendous capacity to learn from the moment they are born, but optimal development hinges on the experiences provided for them by the adults who take care of them. Child Care Rules were revised July 1, 2025, and a new rule book was posted to the DCDEE website. You should discard any old versions of the rules and ensure you are referring to the most current rule book when reviewing or researching requirements. A follow up visit may be conducted in the near future to verify compliance with violations documented during the visit. Please contact me at (910) 824-0123 or at becky.jackson@dhhs.nc.gov if I can be of assistance. 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: ratio. Open / not marked corrected.

GS 110-91 · Violation

Name of Operation: Unique Creations Childcare Center Facility ID: 43000640 Consultant: BECKY JACKSON Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 11/25/2025 Number Present: 4 Completed Date: 11/25/2025 Age: From 1 To 4 Total Minutes: 150 Time In: 11:30 AM Time Out: 02:00 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Temp Time Period Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today's unannounced visit was to monitor compliance with applicable child care requirements for the facility’s the first temporary time period visit. The facility’s Temporary License was issued August 18, 2025 and is valid through February 18, 2026. Restrictions on the permit include a first shift capacity of 28 children ages 0 to 12 years old. J. Mangum, Administrator was not present when I arrived. One of the lead teachers identified herself as the person in charge and reached Ms. Mangum by phone. She arrived and assisted with today’s visit. Two classrooms are operating with 7 children enrolled and 4 children present. During today’s visit, the children were observed grouped into one group receiving care by the only staff member present. They were observed napping. You stated the lunch served today consisted of steak and cheese hot pockets, corn, oranges, and milk. According to the North Carolina Secretary of State website, your corporation Unique Creations Childcare Centers, Inc. is current and active. Your last fire drill was completed August 19, 2025 at 9:30am. The log reflected it took two minutes to evacuate 3 children and 1 adult. A shelter-in-place drill was conducted on August 19, 2025 at 10:45am. The last outdoor inspection was also completed August 19, 2025. A sanitation inspection has not been conducted since the change of ownership occurred. The most recent fire inspection was conducted August 27, 2025. I monitored your classroom environments, outdoor playgrounds, a sampling of staff and children's records and required center records. I used the North Carolina Child Care Requirements and Compliance Listing as basic monitoring tools during the visit. Two children’s records were reviewed today and were in compliance. Three staff files were also reviewed today. Using a checklist helps verify information on file and easily identifies missing information. The following violations of child care requirements were observed today: Violation Number Comment Rule 115 A summary of the NC Child Care Law was not posted in a prominent place in the center. This information was not posted. G.S. 110-102 318 Children between 12 and 24 months of age were grouped with children 3 years of age or older. One child, one year of age, was grouped with children three and four years of age. 10A NCAC 09 .0713(a)(6) 428 A current activity plan was not posted for each group of children for reference. An activity plan in Space #3 was not available. The plan in Space #2 was dated November 10-14, 2025. GS 110-91(12); .0508(a) 526 Menus for all meals and snacks were not current or posted where easily seen by parents and cook. The menu in the kitchen was dated for November 1 to 14, 2025. 10A NCAC 09 .0901(b) 802 Safe pick-up and delivery procedures were not communicated to parents and/or were not posted where they can be seen by the parents. This information was not posted. .1003(b) 805 Fire drills were not practiced monthly and/or the drill record was incomplete. The most recent fire drill was conducted on August 19, 2025. .0604(t); .0302(d)(5) 830 A First Aid information sheet was not posted in a place for referral and/or the information sheet did not include all the required information. This information was not posted. .0802(h) 832 There was no written emergency medical care (EMC) plan. An Emergency Medical Care Plan was not available. 10A NCAC 09 .0802(a) 859 Monthly playground inspections were not completed and/or they were not completed by an individual trained in playground safety requirements. The most recent playground inspection was conducted on August 19, 2025. .0605(q) 1014 At least one person who meets qualifications for administrator or lead teacher was not on site during operating hours except at the beginning or end of the operating day as described in rule .0714(b). The only staff member present for the first part of the visit did not meet Lead Teacher or Administrator qualification. 10A NCAC 09 .0714(b)(1-3) 1045 New staff, who had contact with children, did not receive at least 16 hrs. orientation within first 6 weeks. Orientation documentation was not on file for one staff member. .1101(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. One staff member does not have valid First Aid certification. .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. One staff member did not have valid CPR certification. .1102(d) 1232 Each employee's personnel file did not contain an annual staff evaluation and a staff development plan. Annual evaluations and staff development plans were not on file for three staff members who have been employed more than one year. 10A NCAC 09 .0514(f) 1757 A valid qualification letter was not on file and available to review at the facility. A valid qualification letter was not on file for one staff member. G.S. 110-90.2(b) & (d) & .2703(e) 1894 At least one staff member was not present who had successfully completed First Aid and/or CPR training when children were in care. The one staff member present during the first part of the visit did not have current CPR and First Aid certification. .1102(c-d) All violations must be corrected immediately. Please send me a compliance letter (written statement) describing how and when the above violations were corrected. The compliance letter must be received no later than December 9, 2025. The compliance letter should be sent to me via email, from the email address on file with the Division as the center’s official email address. Contact me if you have questions regarding correction of the violations documented during today’s visit. If you are unable to correct all violations within the specified timeframe, send a compliance letter regarding violations that were corrected and a specific plan to correct the remaining violations. An extension will need to be requested from management. The information required in a compliance letter was reviewed. You should list the item number, specifically stating that the violation has been corrected, explaining when it was corrected, and how it was corrected. You should also explain that you understand the rule regarding the violation. You are also encouraged to state how you will prevent noncompliance in the future. Compliance is not considered finalized until all violations have been corrected. Therefore, if the compliance letter says an item will be corrected, it should be followed-up with another letter once it actually has been corrected. As an example, compliance verification such as “Mulch will be delivered on Tuesday” is not considered corrected until it is followed up with a letter stating something like “The mulch was delivered on Tuesday, September 5, 2024, and now measures nine inches in the full fall zone.” Please let me know if you have any questions regarding how to complete a compliance letter. If you will be unable to correct all violations within the allowed timeframe, you should request an extension. We also discussed that the number and type of violations documented today are particularly serious, and may lead to administrative action being taken against your child care permit. I encouraged you to review section .2200 of the child care rules regarding administrative actions. I reminded you that you may request a rules review at any time. During today’s visit, I observed a staff member, Juanita Mangum, who did not have a valid qualification letter on file for review. The ABCMS system was accessed and I was able to verify that Ms. Mangum has completed a criminal background check and is qualified for employment until March 5, 2030. As defined in General Statute 110-90.2(a), all childcare providers must have a valid qualification letter, and it must be kept on file at the facility for review by representatives of the Division of Child Development and Early Education. We discussed the grouping of children by age, and the child care rules regarding which ages may be grouped together. I explained that children under one year of age may not be combined with children two years of age and older. I also explained that children from 12-24 months must be kept separate from children three years of age and older. During the first and last operating hours all children may be grouped, as long as the ratio for the youngest child in the group is maintained. When only one caregiver is required to meet the staff/child ratio, the operator must have one of the following options for emergency relief: (A) the center shall post the name, address, and telephone number of an adult who has agreed in writing to be available to provide emergency relief; or B) there shall be a second adult on the premises who is available to provide emergency relief. We discussed that typically there are at least two staff members present, however when the enrolled infant is not present, that classroom is closed and only one staff member is required. In addition, at least one person who meets qualifications for administrator or lead teacher must be on site during operating hours except at the beginning or end of the operating day. The only staff member present until you arrived did not meet lead teacher requirements. You stated she is currently enrolled in the North Carolina Early Childhood Credential (NCECC) coursework, however she has not yet earned the credential. One person from your facility must take the Emergency Preparedness and Response in Child Care training within one year of the effective date of your temporary license. I observed today that Ms. Mangum has completed this training. Therefore, this facility’s EPR Plan in the Emergency Management Portal must be updated or completed within four (4) months. I observed the plan for the old owner during today’s visit. Detailed instructions for getting an NCID and for accessing the template are on the Division’s website on the Emergency Preparedness tab. This plan must be reviewed annually in the portal and reviewed with all staff. The review must be documented. The Ready-To-Go File must available during monitoring visits. You will also continue to conduct either a shelter-in-place or a lockdown drill every three months. At least one staff member must have completed Playground Safety training. You stated you had completed this training, however documentation was not available today. I reminded you that documentation must be on file, and the person who has completed the training must be the staff member who conducts the outdoor play area inspections monthly. Technical Assistance and Consultation: The following items were discussed during today' visit. You may want to consider them in order to avoid potential violations or improve the quality of your program. Fire drills must be practiced monthly, and records maintained as required. Records of monthly fire drills documenting the date and time of each drill, the length of time taken to evacuate the building, and the signature of the person who conducted the drill shall be available for review. Drills should be done at different times of the day so children and staff can be prepared to evacuate no matter what the activity or routine is taking place. I encourage you to conduct at least one drill per year during naptime, and one drill using a secondary exit. It is also necessary to use the alarm system to conduct the drills. The perimeter fence enclosing the outdoor play area should be a minimum of four feet in height from the inside of the fence. We discussed that no one was present when I arrived with valid CPR and First Aid certification. Certification cards for the other two staff members were observed when their records were monitored. I encouraged you to review the “Be a Smart Consumer of CPR and First Aid Training” resource in the training section of the DCDEE website to ensure all CPR and First Aid certifications are from approved sources, and that the specific courses are approved. During today’s visit I observed that the only type of milk available in the refrigerator was 1% milk. You stated the whole milk was used at lunch, however I did not observe the empty jug in the trash. You stated you planned to pick up milk at the grocery store before returning to the center, however that did not occur as you were notified of my arrival. I reminded you that the appropriate types of milk to be used should always be available We also discussed the staff/child ratio postings. We discussed that the age of the youngest child in the room is not a specific child’s age, rather the youngest to be enrolled in the room. The ratio is your center’s ratio or the maximum ratio, whichever is less, being listed as one teacher per X number of students. The maximum number allowed is either the maximum group size listed on the applicable chart, or the maximum space capacity, whichever is less. Then you will check the box representing the set of staff/child ratios the facility is required to meet. I encouraged you to highlight the entire chart as well as checking the box to make identification easier. I asked that you review the postings in all classrooms to ensure they are correct. A handwashing sign must be posted at each sink that is used for children or staff’s handwashing. These are available from the Health and Safety Resource Center free of charge. You should ensure that all experience and education is clearly documented in the staff files. Experience should be documented on the application or attached resume. Education should be documented with WORKS status letters or copies of certificates. I reminded you that this documentation will be essential for future rated license assessments. When new staff are hired, they may bring in Health and Safety training they have completed within the last year only. Trainings that were completed more than a year before hire are not accepted. New staff have 90 days to complete Recognizing and Responding to Suspicion of Child Maltreatment and CPR/First Aid certifications. They must complete the remainder of the Health and Safety trainings within one year of employment. Federal law requires that staff medical information be kept separate from their personnel file. Therefore, you should have a medical file containing the staff member’s physical, TB test, and health questionnaire that is kept separate from the regular personnel files. The emergency information form should be kept in the main personnel record rather than in the medical file. We discussed that using a binder or separate files that are stored separately from the personnel files will meet the requirement Staff education status letters should be on file for all staff. These letters can be printed from the staff member’s WORKS account. Staff should ensure their education is updated in their WORKS account. This is the means by which you demonstrate that you have ensured the staff member meets the preservice requirements and on-going education requirements for each position. Use of the staff file checklist and children’s file checklist will help you keep your files organized and ensure compliance. You will use the Staff and Training Worksheets to continue to keep all staff members current with various training requirements, and when information must be updated. Please keep the Staff and Training Worksheet up-to-date and current so when asked, you can provide complete information to your consultant. These worksheets may be requested during any monitoring visits where staff records are reviewed. If applicable, use of the Health and Safety Training Log will ensure all trainings are counted, and items are not overlooked. They also allow you to see at a glance that all topic areas are covered. Items required following the Change of Ownership As this is a change of ownership a new building, fire and sanitation inspections must be completed by February 18, 2026. You have provided me with the approved fire inspection conducted on August 27, 2025. We discussed that the Environmental Health Specialist had requested additional documentation via email. You stated you had received this request. You submitted a building inspection form, however the form was incomplete and has been returned to you. I also notified you that documentation of zoning approval is required. You are not required to complete the Prelicensing workshop as your corporation owns other licensed programs in North Carolina. Failure to obtain an approved full building inspection, Sanitation inspection, and zoning approval prior to February 18, 2026 may result in administrative action against your license. We also discussed that you have begun the process of testing for lead based paint and asbestos, however it has not been completed. Results from this process must be provided before the end of the Temporary Time Period. RATED LICENSE: We discussed that at the end of the temporary time period, you have the option to apply for a Two through Five star rated license, if successful compliance is maintained during the temporary time period. A 75% compliance history is required to be eligible for a Star Rated License at the end of the temporary time period. I reminded you today that our Rated License system, or QRIS, has been modernized, and new system will apply to your facility. I encouraged you to review the pathways information on the QRIS modernization section of our website. I encouraged you to begin to determine which pathway will be requested so that time is available to conduct any self-study or assessments required, or to implement any curriculum, observations, formative assessments, or to complete any additional training or mentoring needed. Your temporary license cannot expire, and the process cannot be held awaiting the results of ERS assessments or education evaluations. I also encouraged you to ensure all staff have requested evaluations for their positions using the WORKS system and that their current status letter is on file. I reminded you that only information in the WORKS system at the time of processing will be used to determine the staff education level achieved. The application form can be found in the provider documents section of our website. The Importance of Providing Quality Child Care Providing quality child care is essential for children. There is ample research demonstrating that high-quality child-care experiences have many benefits to children and society and that quality child care is linked to children’s improved school performance. 1. The Cost, Quality and Child Outcomes in Child Care Centers Study and a follow-up study done several years later found that quality child care is primarily related to higher staff/child ratios, administrators’ prior experience, wages, higher staff education levels and staff members’ continued participation in formal and specialized training. This study found that children attending higher quality centers scored better in math and language skills, had more positive interactions with peers, and had fewer behavior problems. 2. The High/Scope Perry Preschool Study followed children from their preschool years through age 40 and found that high-quality preschool programs significantly increased children’s future contributions through increased intellectual and social development, school success, economic performance, and reduced commission of crimes in adulthood. One of the most quoted results of this study is that for every dollar invested in children’s early care and education there is a $17 return to society in terms of crime and education savings, increased taxes collected, and welfare savings. There are many other studies including the Abecedarian Project, the Arnett Caregiver Interaction Study, and the NC Rated License Assessment Project. What the research tells us, in a nutshell, is that high quality child care has a positive impact on children’s later school success. The key to quality experiences for children is interaction with and stimulation from educated, trained teachers. The neuroscience associated with brain research is complicated, but its lesson is simple: babies' brains develop at astonishing rates in the first few years after birth. Young children have a tremendous capacity to learn from the moment they are born, but optimal development hinges on the experiences provided for them by the adults who take care of them. Child Care Rules were revised July 1, 2025, and a new rule book was posted to the DCDEE website. You should discard any old versions of the rules and ensure you are referring to the most current rule book when reviewing or researching requirements. A follow up visit may be conducted in the near future to verify compliance with violations documented during the visit. Please contact me at (910) 824-0123 or at becky.jackson@dhhs.nc.gov if I can be of assistance. 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: ratio. Open / not marked corrected.