Lightbridge Academy Apex

10A NCAC 09 .0803 · Violation

Name of Operation: LIGHTBRIDGE ACADEMY APEX Facility ID: 92003754 Consultant: CORRINE FULP Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 2/18/2025 Number Present: 153 Completed Date: 2/18/2025 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 210 Time In: 09:30 AM Time Out: 01:00 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor your program for compliance with applicable children care requirements for an annual compliance visit. Upon arrival, I was greeted by Amanda Benson, and she accompanied me throughout the visit. CURRENT LICENSE STATUS: The program operates with a 4 star-rated License issued on 11/15/22. They received 2 points in program standards, 7 points in staff education and 1 quality point through the programmatic option of having a staff benefit package and an infrastructure of parent involvement. ANNUAL INSPECTIONS: The last sanitation inspection was completed on: 6/28/24. The last fire inspection was completed on 3/4/24. The last outdoor play area inspection was completed on 1/24/25. The last fire drill was conducted on 1/13/25 The last lock down/shelter-in-place drill was completed on 12/19/24. The EPR plan was updated on 1/26/25. The last annual compliance visit was conducted on 3/18/24. A full assessment was conducted. A monitoring checklist was used to observe all minimum licensing requirements and applicable enhanced requirements including but not limited to approved space, child interactions, required in-service trainings, indoor and outdoor materials and equipment, storage of hazardous items, storage of medication and medication forms, children records, Staff Criminal Record Checks, attendance records, CPR and First Aid certificates, ITSIDS certificates, activity plans and supervision. Fourteen staff files were reviewed during today’s visit. A sample of the files reviewed for children/staff was left with you. A copy of the visit summary will be emailed due to internet connection. ON GOING TRAINING HOURS Your center’s annual Inservice training for the period of March 2024 through February 2025 was reviewed during today’s visit. Prior to the visit I reviewed the NC Secretary of State's website and observed that the owner of this facility, Lightbridge Academy Apex, LLC. was current/active. The following violations were observed and documented during today’s visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 428 A current activity plan was not posted for each group of children for reference. The activity plan in space #8 was not posted. GS 110-91(12); .0508(a) 533 Human milk, formula and other bottled beverages including sippy cups, sent from child's home were not fully prepared, dated, and labeled for the appropriate child. A bottle in space #1 was not dated with current date. 15A NCAC 18A .2804(d) 858 Plastic bags, materials that could be torn apart and toy parts small enough to be swallowed were accessible to children under three years of age. A plastic bag was stored in an unlocked cabinet accessible to two year old. .0604(q) 1879 Prescribed medicines, that are pharmaceutical samples, was not stored in the manufacturers original packaging, was not labeled with the child's name, and/or written instructions did not include the required information. A container of Vaseline all-over body balm was not labeled with the child's name. 10A NCAC 09 .0803(2)(b)(i-v) All violations were corrected during the visit therefore no correction letter is required. COMPLIANCE HISTORY Prior to today’s visit, the program’s compliance history score was 96%. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE In space #3 “Vaseline all-over body balm” was not labeled with the child’s name. Over-the-counter medications should be kept in the original container as sold by the manufacturer, labeled by the parent/guardian, with the child’s name and specific instructions given by the child’s prescribing health professional for administration. CONSULTATION AND RESOURCES: PATHWAYS TO STARS Now is the time to start thinking about which pathway you plan to take to maintain your 5-star license. The Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (Division), is updating and revising the quality rating improvement system (QRIS) to include alternative pathways for licensed child care facilities to earn a license for two to five stars based on program standards and education levels of staff as follows: (1) A pathway focused on program assessment. (2) A pathway focused on classroom and instructional quality. (3) A pathway focused on accreditation. Star-rated licenses based on accreditation shall be issued as follows: (1) A three-star-rated license for a facility with an accreditation from any of the following: a. National Early Childhood Program Accreditation (NECPA). b. National Association for Family Child Care (NAFCC). c. American Montessori Society (AMS). d. International Montessori Council (IMC) (2) A five-star-rated license for a facility that meets the criteria of or has an accreditation from any of the following: a. National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). b. National Accreditation Commission for Early Care and Education Programs (NAC). c. Cognia (formerly Advance ED) that includes early learning standards. HEALTH AND SAFETY Training in all the required health and safety topics must be completed at least every 5 years. The Health and Safety training is available, at no charge, on the DCDEE website, in Moodle. Staff should use their individual NCID username and password to access this training. Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment must also be completed at least every 5 years. This training is available at www.preventchildabusenc.org. North Carolina child care administrators can now view and edit their facility’s staff roster in ABCMS, the DCDEE’s criminal background check system. Provider Access to ABCMS allows administrators to: See the real-time background check status of staff members. Run a printable report of the staff roster to assist with compliance visits. See new background check applicants and add to staff roster. To get access, complete the ABCMS Child Care Provider Portal Training in Moodle. DCDEE UPDATES AND NEWS For the latest information on child care rules and regulations, please visit the DCDEE website at www.ncchildcare.nc.gov. CONTACT INFORMATION If you have any questions about today’s visit, I can be reached at: 919-606-2388 or email me at corrine.fulp@dhhs.nc.gov. 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

GS 110-91 · Violation

Name of Operation: LIGHTBRIDGE ACADEMY APEX Facility ID: 92003754 Consultant: CORRINE FULP Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 2/18/2025 Number Present: 153 Completed Date: 2/18/2025 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 210 Time In: 09:30 AM Time Out: 01:00 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor your program for compliance with applicable children care requirements for an annual compliance visit. Upon arrival, I was greeted by Amanda Benson, and she accompanied me throughout the visit. CURRENT LICENSE STATUS: The program operates with a 4 star-rated License issued on 11/15/22. They received 2 points in program standards, 7 points in staff education and 1 quality point through the programmatic option of having a staff benefit package and an infrastructure of parent involvement. ANNUAL INSPECTIONS: The last sanitation inspection was completed on: 6/28/24. The last fire inspection was completed on 3/4/24. The last outdoor play area inspection was completed on 1/24/25. The last fire drill was conducted on 1/13/25 The last lock down/shelter-in-place drill was completed on 12/19/24. The EPR plan was updated on 1/26/25. The last annual compliance visit was conducted on 3/18/24. A full assessment was conducted. A monitoring checklist was used to observe all minimum licensing requirements and applicable enhanced requirements including but not limited to approved space, child interactions, required in-service trainings, indoor and outdoor materials and equipment, storage of hazardous items, storage of medication and medication forms, children records, Staff Criminal Record Checks, attendance records, CPR and First Aid certificates, ITSIDS certificates, activity plans and supervision. Fourteen staff files were reviewed during today’s visit. A sample of the files reviewed for children/staff was left with you. A copy of the visit summary will be emailed due to internet connection. ON GOING TRAINING HOURS Your center’s annual Inservice training for the period of March 2024 through February 2025 was reviewed during today’s visit. Prior to the visit I reviewed the NC Secretary of State's website and observed that the owner of this facility, Lightbridge Academy Apex, LLC. was current/active. The following violations were observed and documented during today’s visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 428 A current activity plan was not posted for each group of children for reference. The activity plan in space #8 was not posted. GS 110-91(12); .0508(a) 533 Human milk, formula and other bottled beverages including sippy cups, sent from child's home were not fully prepared, dated, and labeled for the appropriate child. A bottle in space #1 was not dated with current date. 15A NCAC 18A .2804(d) 858 Plastic bags, materials that could be torn apart and toy parts small enough to be swallowed were accessible to children under three years of age. A plastic bag was stored in an unlocked cabinet accessible to two year old. .0604(q) 1879 Prescribed medicines, that are pharmaceutical samples, was not stored in the manufacturers original packaging, was not labeled with the child's name, and/or written instructions did not include the required information. A container of Vaseline all-over body balm was not labeled with the child's name. 10A NCAC 09 .0803(2)(b)(i-v) All violations were corrected during the visit therefore no correction letter is required. COMPLIANCE HISTORY Prior to today’s visit, the program’s compliance history score was 96%. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE In space #3 “Vaseline all-over body balm” was not labeled with the child’s name. Over-the-counter medications should be kept in the original container as sold by the manufacturer, labeled by the parent/guardian, with the child’s name and specific instructions given by the child’s prescribing health professional for administration. CONSULTATION AND RESOURCES: PATHWAYS TO STARS Now is the time to start thinking about which pathway you plan to take to maintain your 5-star license. The Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (Division), is updating and revising the quality rating improvement system (QRIS) to include alternative pathways for licensed child care facilities to earn a license for two to five stars based on program standards and education levels of staff as follows: (1) A pathway focused on program assessment. (2) A pathway focused on classroom and instructional quality. (3) A pathway focused on accreditation. Star-rated licenses based on accreditation shall be issued as follows: (1) A three-star-rated license for a facility with an accreditation from any of the following: a. National Early Childhood Program Accreditation (NECPA). b. National Association for Family Child Care (NAFCC). c. American Montessori Society (AMS). d. International Montessori Council (IMC) (2) A five-star-rated license for a facility that meets the criteria of or has an accreditation from any of the following: a. National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). b. National Accreditation Commission for Early Care and Education Programs (NAC). c. Cognia (formerly Advance ED) that includes early learning standards. HEALTH AND SAFETY Training in all the required health and safety topics must be completed at least every 5 years. The Health and Safety training is available, at no charge, on the DCDEE website, in Moodle. Staff should use their individual NCID username and password to access this training. Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment must also be completed at least every 5 years. This training is available at www.preventchildabusenc.org. North Carolina child care administrators can now view and edit their facility’s staff roster in ABCMS, the DCDEE’s criminal background check system. Provider Access to ABCMS allows administrators to: See the real-time background check status of staff members. Run a printable report of the staff roster to assist with compliance visits. See new background check applicants and add to staff roster. To get access, complete the ABCMS Child Care Provider Portal Training in Moodle. DCDEE UPDATES AND NEWS For the latest information on child care rules and regulations, please visit the DCDEE website at www.ncchildcare.nc.gov. CONTACT INFORMATION If you have any questions about today’s visit, I can be reached at: 919-606-2388 or email me at corrine.fulp@dhhs.nc.gov. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

10A NCAC 09 .0803 · Violation

Name of Operation: LIGHTBRIDGE ACADEMY APEX Facility ID: 92003754 Consultant: CORRINE FULP Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 9/5/2024 Number Present: 148 Completed Date: 9/5/2024 Age: From 0 To 4 Total Minutes: 120 Time In: 01:00 PM Time Out: 03:00 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Routine Unannounced Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor your program for compliance with applicable child care requirements for a routine unannounced visit. The center director, Amanda Benson, assisted me with today’s visit. LICENSE STATUS: The program operates with a 4 star-rated License issued on 11/15/22. They received 2 points in program standards, 7 points in staff education and 1 quality point through the programmatic option of having a staff benefit package and an infrastructure of parent involvement. A walk-through of the indoor and outdoor space was completed on today’s visit. I observed several classrooms eating lunch and transitioning to nap time. In the infant classroom children were engaged in one-on-one floor time. INSPECTION/SAFTEY DRILL STATUS: The last sanitation inspection was conducted on 6/28/24. The last fire inspection was conducted on 3/4/24. The last outdoor play area inspection was conducted on 8/13/24. The last fire drill was conducted on 8/29/24. The last shelter-in-place/lockdown was conducted on 6/5/24. The EPR plan was updated on 12/20/23. The last annual compliance visit was conducted on 3/18/24. According to the NC Secretary of State web site, the status of LIGHTBRIDGE ACADEMY APEX LLC is “current-active”. ITEMS MONITORED: A partial monitoring of applicable child care requirements was conducted, monitoring Supervision, Staff Child Ratio, CPR/First Aid, Special Training, Storage of Hazardous Substances, Storage of Medication, Adequate Approved/Space, Staff Records, Program Records, License Posted, and Permit Restrictions. Violations were observed and documented during today’s visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 847 Parent's medication authorization did not include required information. A container of Neutrogena cream was not labeled with the child's name and the authorization form did not have the amount to apply listed. 10A NCAC 09 .0803(4)(6-9) 849 Leftover medicines were not returned to the parent after the course of treatment was completed, after authorization was withdrawn or after authorization had expired and/or medication was not discarded within 72 hours of completion of treatment or withdrawal of authorization. A container of Butt paste expired on 5/2023 and Think baby sunscreen expired on 2/2024. .0803(12) Please submit a corrective action letter for the above violations. While the Division allows you time to explain how you have corrected violations when they are documented, it is expected that you correct all violations immediately. Your corrective action letter must include the following: Name of your program, Id number of your program, Date of Letter, Violation(s) number(s), and How and When each violation was corrected. If I do not receive your letter by 9/19/24, and/or if you do not address all violations, I will be making a return visit to your program to monitor for compliance of violations and to obtain your compliance letter. Additional violations may be documented if the situation has not been corrected or addressed. Your compliance letter should be sent to me at the following email address: corrine.fulp@dhhs.nc.gov., or mailed to 1781 Indian Camp Road Clayton, NC 27520. COMPLIANCE HISTORY Prior to today’s visit, the program’s compliance history score was 95%. The center was not in compliance with all applicable minimum licensing requirements during today's visit and violations were cited that could impact the center’s overall Compliance History Score. An updated Compliance History Score will be generated after today’s visit, and you will be informed of the results on the next visit to your center. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE MEDICATION During my walk through I observed a container of Neutrogena that was not labeled with a child’s name and the authorization form did not have required information. All medications should be labeled with the child’s first and last names; the authorization form should have the date the medication is to be administered, and the amount to apply, when to apply, and parent’s signature. REMINDERS Your emergency drill [shelter-in-place/lockdown] will be due by the end of this month. CONSULTATION We talked about adapting a brand of sunscreen for the school, it would help cut down on the different kinds of medication teacher would have to apply daily. It would also help in reducing the potential number of violations. Parents would have to sign an authorization and agree to the brand you have selected. This would help teachers tremendously during the application process. Hold harmless has been extended until the new QRIS is implemented (SB 425). Providers are not required to go any further with a rated license assessment unless they want to. HEALTH AND SAFETY Training in all the required health and safety topics must be completed at least every 5 years. The Health and Safety training is available, at no charge, on the DCDEE website, in Moodle. Staff should use their individual NCID username and password to access this training. Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment must also be completed at least every 5 years. This training is available at www.preventchildabusenc.org DCDEE UPDATES AND NEWS For the latest information on child care rules and regulations, please visit the DCDEE website at www.ncchildcare.nc.gov. At the completion of the visit, this summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with you. CONTACT INFORMATION If you have any questions about today’s visit, I can be reached via email at corrine.fulp@dhhs.nc.gov or by phone at (919) 606-2388. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

10A NCAC 09 .0601 · Violation

Name of Operation: LIGHTBRIDGE ACADEMY APEX Facility ID: 92003754 Consultant: WANDA FOWLER Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 10/2/2023 Number Present: 148 Completed Date: 10/2/2023 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 90 Time In: 11:00 AM Time Out: 12:30 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Routine Unannounced Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to assess applicable child-care requirements during a routine unannounced visit. The assistant director, Amanda, assisted me with today’s visit. We conducted a walk-through of the indoor and outdoor learning environments I observed group of children engaged in free play or group time in their classrooms and free play outdoors. RATED LICENSE STATUS The program operates with a 4-star rated license issued on 11/15/21. They received 2 points in program standards, 7 points in staff education and one quality point through the programmatic option of having a staff benefit package and an infrastructure of parent involvement. INSPECTIONS The last sanitation inspection was conducted 6/8/23. The last fire inspection was conducted 3/8/23. The last documented fire drill was conducted 9/22/23. The last documented shelter-in-place or lockdown drill was conducted 9/22/23. The last documented playground inspection was conducted 9/22/23. The status of the owners, Lightbridge Academy Apex, LLC., is listed as current and active on the NC Secretary of State website. Limited monitoring of child care requirements was assessed during today’s visit. I reviewed emergency medications, 6 new staff files and confirmed that all staff have current CPR, First Aid and ITS SIDS certificates, as required. The program does not transport children or enroll school aged children, therefore, these requirements were not assessed. The following violations were observed and recorded during today’s visit. Violation Number Comment Rule 601 Refrigerator(s) did not maintain a temperature of 45 degrees F. or below. The refrigerator's temperature in one of the classrooms was 55 degrees F. 15A NCAC 18A .2806(j)(2) 807 A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children. Aerosol sanitizer spray and Pepto Bismol was stored in an unlocked cabinet on a shelf approximately 4 feet above the ground. 10A NCAC 09 .0601(a) The above violations must be corrected immediately. By 10/16/23 please email me a signed letter of compliance. Before the letter is sent, all violations should be corrected; please contact me if additional time is needed to correct a specific violation. Include the following in your letter: facility ID number, list the item number describing how and when the violations were corrected and tell me how you plan to maintain compliance in the future with each item. If you prefer to mail your letter, you may send it to 2201 Mail Service Center Raleigh, NC 27699-2201 If the compliance action letter is not received by the due date another visit to the center may be made and additional violations may be added. COMPLIANCE HISTORY Prior to today’s visit, the program’s compliance history was 92%. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE All potentially hazardous materials, such as aerosol sprays or medication, must be placed in locked storage. Remind staff to keep their storage cabinets and closets locked, if they contain potentially hazardous materials. The thermometer for the refrigerator in the Khaki Kangaroos registered 55 degrees. Foods that require refrigeration should be stored at 45 degrees or below. CONSULTATION There are new sanitation requirements effective 7/1/23. I recommend you contact your Environmental Health Specialist or review their website for more information. Training in all the required health and safety topics must be completed at least every 5 years. It may be time for your staff to complete this training again. Health and Safety training is available, at no charge, on the DCDEE website, in Moodle. Staff should use their individual NCID user name and password to access this training. Staff should use their individual NCID user name and password to access this training. Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment must also be completed at least every 5 years. There is a link to this training on Moodle. Medication Administration is also a required health and safety training topic. This training is available through Moodle as a separate training. AGENCY UPDATES Please remember to check the Division of Child Development and Early Education website: ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov frequently to stay updated on rule requirements. Please be safe and continue to follow the guidelines in the Childcare Strong NC Public Health Toolkit, which was last updated on 8/31/22. Also, remember that COVID is still a reportable disease. You should contact the Health Department or a child care health consultant for information about reporting. If you have any questions or need assistance, please contact me at wanda.fowler@dhhs.nc.gov or by phone at 919 218-0988. 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