Smilin' Faces Child Care

G.S. 110-91 · Violation

Name of Operation: SMILIN' FACES CHILD CARE Facility ID: 69000077 Consultant: BRITTANY JONES Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 3/4/2026 Number Present: 25 Completed Date: 3/4/2026 Age: From 0 To 4 Total Minutes: 315 Time In: 08:45 AM Time Out: 02:00 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 child care requirements for an annual compliance visit. J. Spain, Administrator, and C. Jones- Carter, Assistant Administrator, assisted me with the visit. Your program currently operates with a four-star license, issued 12/12/2022, earning 4 points in the education component, 5 points in the program standards component and 1 quality point for having a staff benefits package and infrastructure of parental involvement. The last annual compliance visit was conducted 3/27/25. The sanitation inspection was completed 2/11/26 with a “Superior” classification. The last fire inspection was conducted on 4/11/25 and your facility was approved for daytime care only. The center's compliance history was reviewed with the operator. The program’s compliance history was ninety six percent as of 2/24/26. The NC Secretary of State website was reviewed on 2/24/26 and this facility is not currently owned or operated by a corporation. Please contact me prior to any changes regarding the ownership of this facility. We reviewed your facility contact information listed on the Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) website and all information is current. Contact me if you need to make any changes to your contact information, e.g., phone numbers, mailing address. A walk-through of the facility was completed today, all indoor and outdoor areas were monitored. Children throughout the facility were participating in free play in activity areas, transitions, and personal care routines. Upon arrival, children were served breakfast that consisted of biscuits, applesauce, and milk. Preschoolers were drawing letter s and coloring with crayons. Toddlers were observed in the outdoor space playing in the sand with toys and pulling toys. The outdoor space was observed to have a tunnel, stepping stones, and balls for the children to engage in gross motor activities. A large shade structure was available for children to play underneath. Lunch was observed and consisted of beef tips with gravy, rice, collard greens, pineapple, roll, and milk. The following violations were documented. Violation Number Comment Rule 721 All equipment and furnishings were not in good repair. One corner of the garden container was broken with exposed sharp edges. G.S. 110-91(6); .0601(b) 826 Gates to the fenced outdoor play area did not remain closed while children occupied the area. The back gate to the playground space from the parking lot was open and unable to stay closed while children were playing in the space. .0605(i) 1834 Application did not have a medical action plan attached for any child with health care needs such as allergies, asthma, or other chronic conditions that require specialized health services. A child enrolled in space #4, had asthma listed on their application. A medical action plan was not on file for review. .0801(b) 1912 The written feeding plan did not include the type of milk, formula or food and/or the frequency of the feedings. One infant had a feeding schedule posted that was not complete. .0902(a) Child Care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. The violation(s) documented must be corrected immediately. On or before 3/18/26, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail, how and when the violations were corrected. Please be aware any information submitted by you is legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. Mail or email the information to: Brittany Jones, Child Care Consultant PO Box 3272 New Bern, NC 28564 Brittany.j.jones@dhhs.nc.gov If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent from the email address registered with the DCDEE (this serves as your signature) and the following information must be included: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. An example is: Jane Doe, Administrator AAA Child Care ID # 12345678 Technical Assistance with Documented Violations: Gate: Supervision and how you set up your outdoor environment is important to protect and keep children safe while they are in your care. It is important that the outdoor area is checked daily to ensure that the gates to the playground are closed, and proper upkeep is conducted to ensure the environment is safe for use. This standard helps to ensure proper supervision and protection, prevention of injuries, and control of the area. An effective fence is one that prevents a child from getting over, under, or through it and keeps children from leaving the fenced outdoor play area, except when supervising adults are present. Although fences are not childproof, they provide a layer of protection for children who stray from supervision. Small openings in the fence (no larger than three and one-half inches) prevent entrapment and discourage climbing. The back gate to the playground space from the parking lot was open and unable to stay closed while children were playing in the space. You stated that the gate was old and you were considering updating the fence to a wooden fence. We discussed that even when the gate is latched, the wind can open the gate. Have the gate fixed and attach a picture of it with the compliance letter. Ensure that staff members are actively supervising that the children do not push on the gate until it is repaired. Designate a staff member to check to the playgrounds daily, prior to the children going outside to ensure that all gates to the fence are closed and operating correctly. Medical Action Plan: Medicines can be crucial to the health and wellness of children. They can also be very dangerous if the wrong type or wrong amount is given to the wrong person or at the wrong time. A medical action plan is required for children with health care needs such as allergies, asthma, or other chronic conditions that require specialized health services and the form needs to be completed by the parent or a health care professional. A child enrolled in space #4, had asthma listed on their application. A medical action plan was not on file for review. We discussed that since the updated child’s application reflected asthma; a medical action plan is needed to see if emergency medication is required. You stated that the child has been enrolled for several years, and the parent had recently told you that the child uses an inhaler at home. When you receive the annual updated applications, review and use the children’s file checklist to ensure all required documents are on file and document when they are received. Feeding Schedules: Growth and development during infancy require that nourishing, wholesome, and developmentally appropriate food be provided along with safe approaches to feeding. Because individual needs must be accommodated and improper practices can have dire consequences for the child’s health and safety, written feeding schedule must be on file for each child under 15 months of age and/or must be updated regularly to reflect changes in the child's needs. One infant had a feeding schedule posted that was not complete. We discussed that the feeding plan should be reviewed with the parent on or before the child’s first day to ensure that the staff members understand the child’s feeding schedule. You stated that the child was an emergency placement in the center and will have the caregiver complete the feeding schedule this afternoon. Review posted documents in the classroom weekly to ensure that they are complete and up to date. Outdoor Environment: The outdoor learning environment offers a sense of freedom for children. Children are able to play freely with peers, expand their imagination beyond restraints of indoor activities, release energy and explore their sense of touch, smell, taste and their sense of motion. It is important that the outdoor area is checked daily and proper upkeep is conducted to ensure the environment is safe for use. One corner of the garden container was broken with exposed sharp edges. We discussed that that garden container could be fixed so that edges are contained and plants can be planted. You stated that you will consider placing pool noodles around the edges after it is repaired. Repair the garden area and attach a picture to the compliance letter. Check the outdoor area every morning before the children arrive to the center to ensure hazards are inaccessible to the children. Resources: As a licensed child care facility, it is your responsibility to be knowledgeable of the child care laws and rules and to teach your staff the rules to ensure your center remains in compliance. The following resources are available to you: 1. DCDEE website, www.ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov – current laws and rules regarding child care facilities in North Carolina, “What’s New” tab, Items Number Listing which you can use as a checklist for your program. 2. Raise NC Newsletter – weekly newsletter emailed to facility email including relevant information from the Division, training opportunities, grants, and more. You can sign up to receive Raise NC on the What’s New tab. 3. NC Health & Safety Resource Center publishes a quarterly newsletter which provides topical information on a variety of health and safety topics. If you are not receiving these emails and newsletters, then please go to https://healthychildcare.unc.edu/resources/nc-child-care-health-and-safety-e-news/ and click on ‘Newsletter Signup’ to join their mailing list. The Winter 2026 edition, “Ready, Set, Action!” includes articles on the emergency medical care plan and responding to infant/toddler emergencies. The North Carolina Rated License Assessment Project (NCRLAP), www.ncrlap.org , has resources to help you and your staff prepare for the third editions of the Environment Rating Scales (ECERS-3 and ITERS-3). Visit the website for more information about updated resources, credit hour trainings, self-assessments and outreach assessment opportunities to help you become familiar with these tools. At this time the SACERS-U will continue to be the program assessment tool for school-age programs and classrooms. Southwestern Child Development Commission, www.swcdcinc.org, Child Care Resources Inc., https://www.childcareresourcesinc.org/ and Early Years, https://www.earlyyearsnc.org/ offer DCDEE approved, on-line, self-paced and virtual real-time training and CEUs. SWCDC also offers affordable annual packages allowing you to take as many courses as you need or want for one price. The T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood® North Carolina Scholarship Program provides educational scholarships to early care professionals and those who perform specialized functions in the early care system. https://www.childcareservices.org/programs/teach-north-carolina/ Additional Comments: Staff Education and Works: Assist staff with getting education posted in Works to count for your upcoming QRIS rated license reassessment. QRIS (Quality Rating Improvement System) Technical Assistance: All information on the QRIS rated license assessments and documents will be posted at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Licensing/Star-Rated-License/QRISModernization and will also be provided through emails and Raise NC newsletters. During the visit we completed the QRIS Conversation Template with a focus on the selected pathway. Your QRIS assessment is due by 12/31/2026. You have decided to follow Pathway #2: Classroom and Instructional Quality Pathway. We reviewed all forms for pathway #2 and accessed them at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov. North Carolina General Statute 14-208 requires sex offenders to register with the North Carolina Department of Justice. The law states that a sex offender shall not knowingly reside within 1,000 feet of the property on which any public or nonpublic school or child care center is located. This does not apply to child care centers that are located on or within 1,000 feet of property of an institution of higher education where the registrant is a student or is employed. All licensed child care centers must register to receive e-mail notification when a registered sex offender moves within a one-mile radius of the center. (§14-208.19) To register for the e-mail notification, go to http://sexoffender.ncsbi.gov. If you have any questions, please contact your local sheriff's department. NCID: Did you know that if you do not login on any DCDEE platforms (e.g., Moodle, WORKS, CBC) for a period of 12 months, your account will be archived? An archived account cannot be reinstated. You will need to create a new one and then email all platforms (e.g., Moodle, WORKS, CBC) to merge accounts. Pro Tip: Set your calendar to remind you every 6 months to login and out at https://myncid.nc.gov to keep your account activated and it will NOT be archived. Outdoor Learning Environments Work Plan: Bring nature to children by naturalizing childcare centers and family child care homes, schools, residential neighborhoods, parks and greenways, community centers, cultural facilities, botanical gardens, museums and other nonformal education institutions. Today, we discussed adding a science center with a thermometer and rain gauge and a reading center with soft furnishings and books. Craven Smart Start is also able to provide you with resources and information, training opportunities, and technical assistance on childcare issues. Their phone number is (252) 636- 3198 or check out their website at www.cravensmartstart.org. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with you. Contact me at Brittany Jones, Child Care Consultant, (252) 947-1036, Brittany.j.jones@dhhs.nc.gov or Jennifer Linhardt, Licensing Supervisor, (252) 373-4199, Jennifer.Linhardt@dhhs.nc.gov if you have questions. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

NC GS 110-90 · Violation

Name of Operation: SMILIN' FACES CHILD CARE Facility ID: 69000077 Consultant: BRITTANY JONES Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 3/4/2026 Number Present: 25 Completed Date: 3/4/2026 Age: From 0 To 4 Total Minutes: 315 Time In: 08:45 AM Time Out: 02:00 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 child care requirements for an annual compliance visit. J. Spain, Administrator, and C. Jones- Carter, Assistant Administrator, assisted me with the visit. Your program currently operates with a four-star license, issued 12/12/2022, earning 4 points in the education component, 5 points in the program standards component and 1 quality point for having a staff benefits package and infrastructure of parental involvement. The last annual compliance visit was conducted 3/27/25. The sanitation inspection was completed 2/11/26 with a “Superior” classification. The last fire inspection was conducted on 4/11/25 and your facility was approved for daytime care only. The center's compliance history was reviewed with the operator. The program’s compliance history was ninety six percent as of 2/24/26. The NC Secretary of State website was reviewed on 2/24/26 and this facility is not currently owned or operated by a corporation. Please contact me prior to any changes regarding the ownership of this facility. We reviewed your facility contact information listed on the Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) website and all information is current. Contact me if you need to make any changes to your contact information, e.g., phone numbers, mailing address. A walk-through of the facility was completed today, all indoor and outdoor areas were monitored. Children throughout the facility were participating in free play in activity areas, transitions, and personal care routines. Upon arrival, children were served breakfast that consisted of biscuits, applesauce, and milk. Preschoolers were drawing letter s and coloring with crayons. Toddlers were observed in the outdoor space playing in the sand with toys and pulling toys. The outdoor space was observed to have a tunnel, stepping stones, and balls for the children to engage in gross motor activities. A large shade structure was available for children to play underneath. Lunch was observed and consisted of beef tips with gravy, rice, collard greens, pineapple, roll, and milk. The following violations were documented. Violation Number Comment Rule 721 All equipment and furnishings were not in good repair. One corner of the garden container was broken with exposed sharp edges. G.S. 110-91(6); .0601(b) 826 Gates to the fenced outdoor play area did not remain closed while children occupied the area. The back gate to the playground space from the parking lot was open and unable to stay closed while children were playing in the space. .0605(i) 1834 Application did not have a medical action plan attached for any child with health care needs such as allergies, asthma, or other chronic conditions that require specialized health services. A child enrolled in space #4, had asthma listed on their application. A medical action plan was not on file for review. .0801(b) 1912 The written feeding plan did not include the type of milk, formula or food and/or the frequency of the feedings. One infant had a feeding schedule posted that was not complete. .0902(a) Child Care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. The violation(s) documented must be corrected immediately. On or before 3/18/26, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail, how and when the violations were corrected. Please be aware any information submitted by you is legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. Mail or email the information to: Brittany Jones, Child Care Consultant PO Box 3272 New Bern, NC 28564 Brittany.j.jones@dhhs.nc.gov If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent from the email address registered with the DCDEE (this serves as your signature) and the following information must be included: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. An example is: Jane Doe, Administrator AAA Child Care ID # 12345678 Technical Assistance with Documented Violations: Gate: Supervision and how you set up your outdoor environment is important to protect and keep children safe while they are in your care. It is important that the outdoor area is checked daily to ensure that the gates to the playground are closed, and proper upkeep is conducted to ensure the environment is safe for use. This standard helps to ensure proper supervision and protection, prevention of injuries, and control of the area. An effective fence is one that prevents a child from getting over, under, or through it and keeps children from leaving the fenced outdoor play area, except when supervising adults are present. Although fences are not childproof, they provide a layer of protection for children who stray from supervision. Small openings in the fence (no larger than three and one-half inches) prevent entrapment and discourage climbing. The back gate to the playground space from the parking lot was open and unable to stay closed while children were playing in the space. You stated that the gate was old and you were considering updating the fence to a wooden fence. We discussed that even when the gate is latched, the wind can open the gate. Have the gate fixed and attach a picture of it with the compliance letter. Ensure that staff members are actively supervising that the children do not push on the gate until it is repaired. Designate a staff member to check to the playgrounds daily, prior to the children going outside to ensure that all gates to the fence are closed and operating correctly. Medical Action Plan: Medicines can be crucial to the health and wellness of children. They can also be very dangerous if the wrong type or wrong amount is given to the wrong person or at the wrong time. A medical action plan is required for children with health care needs such as allergies, asthma, or other chronic conditions that require specialized health services and the form needs to be completed by the parent or a health care professional. A child enrolled in space #4, had asthma listed on their application. A medical action plan was not on file for review. We discussed that since the updated child’s application reflected asthma; a medical action plan is needed to see if emergency medication is required. You stated that the child has been enrolled for several years, and the parent had recently told you that the child uses an inhaler at home. When you receive the annual updated applications, review and use the children’s file checklist to ensure all required documents are on file and document when they are received. Feeding Schedules: Growth and development during infancy require that nourishing, wholesome, and developmentally appropriate food be provided along with safe approaches to feeding. Because individual needs must be accommodated and improper practices can have dire consequences for the child’s health and safety, written feeding schedule must be on file for each child under 15 months of age and/or must be updated regularly to reflect changes in the child's needs. One infant had a feeding schedule posted that was not complete. We discussed that the feeding plan should be reviewed with the parent on or before the child’s first day to ensure that the staff members understand the child’s feeding schedule. You stated that the child was an emergency placement in the center and will have the caregiver complete the feeding schedule this afternoon. Review posted documents in the classroom weekly to ensure that they are complete and up to date. Outdoor Environment: The outdoor learning environment offers a sense of freedom for children. Children are able to play freely with peers, expand their imagination beyond restraints of indoor activities, release energy and explore their sense of touch, smell, taste and their sense of motion. It is important that the outdoor area is checked daily and proper upkeep is conducted to ensure the environment is safe for use. One corner of the garden container was broken with exposed sharp edges. We discussed that that garden container could be fixed so that edges are contained and plants can be planted. You stated that you will consider placing pool noodles around the edges after it is repaired. Repair the garden area and attach a picture to the compliance letter. Check the outdoor area every morning before the children arrive to the center to ensure hazards are inaccessible to the children. Resources: As a licensed child care facility, it is your responsibility to be knowledgeable of the child care laws and rules and to teach your staff the rules to ensure your center remains in compliance. The following resources are available to you: 1. DCDEE website, www.ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov – current laws and rules regarding child care facilities in North Carolina, “What’s New” tab, Items Number Listing which you can use as a checklist for your program. 2. Raise NC Newsletter – weekly newsletter emailed to facility email including relevant information from the Division, training opportunities, grants, and more. You can sign up to receive Raise NC on the What’s New tab. 3. NC Health & Safety Resource Center publishes a quarterly newsletter which provides topical information on a variety of health and safety topics. If you are not receiving these emails and newsletters, then please go to https://healthychildcare.unc.edu/resources/nc-child-care-health-and-safety-e-news/ and click on ‘Newsletter Signup’ to join their mailing list. The Winter 2026 edition, “Ready, Set, Action!” includes articles on the emergency medical care plan and responding to infant/toddler emergencies. The North Carolina Rated License Assessment Project (NCRLAP), www.ncrlap.org , has resources to help you and your staff prepare for the third editions of the Environment Rating Scales (ECERS-3 and ITERS-3). Visit the website for more information about updated resources, credit hour trainings, self-assessments and outreach assessment opportunities to help you become familiar with these tools. At this time the SACERS-U will continue to be the program assessment tool for school-age programs and classrooms. Southwestern Child Development Commission, www.swcdcinc.org, Child Care Resources Inc., https://www.childcareresourcesinc.org/ and Early Years, https://www.earlyyearsnc.org/ offer DCDEE approved, on-line, self-paced and virtual real-time training and CEUs. SWCDC also offers affordable annual packages allowing you to take as many courses as you need or want for one price. The T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood® North Carolina Scholarship Program provides educational scholarships to early care professionals and those who perform specialized functions in the early care system. https://www.childcareservices.org/programs/teach-north-carolina/ Additional Comments: Staff Education and Works: Assist staff with getting education posted in Works to count for your upcoming QRIS rated license reassessment. QRIS (Quality Rating Improvement System) Technical Assistance: All information on the QRIS rated license assessments and documents will be posted at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Licensing/Star-Rated-License/QRISModernization and will also be provided through emails and Raise NC newsletters. During the visit we completed the QRIS Conversation Template with a focus on the selected pathway. Your QRIS assessment is due by 12/31/2026. You have decided to follow Pathway #2: Classroom and Instructional Quality Pathway. We reviewed all forms for pathway #2 and accessed them at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov. North Carolina General Statute 14-208 requires sex offenders to register with the North Carolina Department of Justice. The law states that a sex offender shall not knowingly reside within 1,000 feet of the property on which any public or nonpublic school or child care center is located. This does not apply to child care centers that are located on or within 1,000 feet of property of an institution of higher education where the registrant is a student or is employed. All licensed child care centers must register to receive e-mail notification when a registered sex offender moves within a one-mile radius of the center. (§14-208.19) To register for the e-mail notification, go to http://sexoffender.ncsbi.gov. If you have any questions, please contact your local sheriff's department. NCID: Did you know that if you do not login on any DCDEE platforms (e.g., Moodle, WORKS, CBC) for a period of 12 months, your account will be archived? An archived account cannot be reinstated. You will need to create a new one and then email all platforms (e.g., Moodle, WORKS, CBC) to merge accounts. Pro Tip: Set your calendar to remind you every 6 months to login and out at https://myncid.nc.gov to keep your account activated and it will NOT be archived. Outdoor Learning Environments Work Plan: Bring nature to children by naturalizing childcare centers and family child care homes, schools, residential neighborhoods, parks and greenways, community centers, cultural facilities, botanical gardens, museums and other nonformal education institutions. Today, we discussed adding a science center with a thermometer and rain gauge and a reading center with soft furnishings and books. Craven Smart Start is also able to provide you with resources and information, training opportunities, and technical assistance on childcare issues. Their phone number is (252) 636- 3198 or check out their website at www.cravensmartstart.org. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with you. Contact me at Brittany Jones, Child Care Consultant, (252) 947-1036, Brittany.j.jones@dhhs.nc.gov or Jennifer Linhardt, Licensing Supervisor, (252) 373-4199, Jennifer.Linhardt@dhhs.nc.gov if you have questions. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

G.S. 110-90 · Violation

Name of Operation: SMILIN' FACES CHILD CARE Facility ID: 69000077 Consultant: BRITTANY JONES Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 9/18/2025 Number Present: 23 Completed Date: 9/18/2025 Age: From 0 To 4 Total Minutes: 165 Time In: 12:05 PM Time Out: 02:50 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Routine Unannounced Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor your program for compliance with applicable child care requirements for a routine unannounced visit. J. Spain, Administrator assisted me with today’s visit. Your program currently operates with a four-star license, issued 12/12/22, earning 4 points in the education component, 5 points in the program standards component and 1 quality point for having a staff benefits package and infrastructure of parent involvement. The last annual compliance visit was conducted on 3/27/25. The sanitation inspection was completed on 3/24/25 with a “Superior” classification. The last fire inspection was conducted on 4/11/25 . The center's compliance history was reviewed with the operator. The program’s compliance history was ninety percent as of 9/16/25. We reviewed your facility contact information listed on the Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) website and all information is current. Contact me if you need to make any changes to your contact information, e.g., phone numbers, mailing address. The NC Secretary of State website was reviewed on 9/16/25 and this facility is not currently owned or operated by a corporation. Please contact me prior to and changes regarding the ownership of this facility. A walk-through of the facility was completed today, all indoor and outdoor areas were monitored. Upon arrival, children were preparing for rest time. Infants were eating lunch and napping in cribs. Toddlers and preschoolers completed personal care routines before resting on cots covered with sheets. The outdoor space had a large shade structure with picnic tables beneath, tunnel, and stepping stones. The following violations were documented. Violation Number Comment Rule 1044 Prior to the expiration date of the qualification letter, the child care provider did not complete and submit required forms to complete a criminal background check (a qualification letter is valid for a maximum of five years for the date of issuance). The administrator's qualification letter expired on May 27, 2025, and the five-year renewal qualification letter was issued on September 8, 2025. G.S. 110-90.2(b) & .2703(n)&(o) 1757 A valid qualification letter was not on file and available to review at the facility. A play therapist that was observed working with a child in space #2, did not have a qualification letter on file. G.S. 110-90.2(b) & (d) & .2703(e) Child care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. The violation(s) documented must be corrected immediately. On or before 10/2/25, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail, how and when the violations were corrected. Please be aware any information submitted by you is considered legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit may be completed. Mail or email the information to: Brittany Jones, Child Care Consultant PO Box 3272 New Bern, NC 28564 Brittany.j.jones@dhhs.nc.gov If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent from the email address on file with DCDEE (this serves as your signature) and the following information must be included: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. An example is: Jane Doe, Administrator AAA Child Care ID # 12345678 Technical Assistance with Violations: Criminal Background Checks: Criminal background checks (CBC) are completed to protect children from abuse and reduce liability risks. Background screenings are needed to provide a safe program environment, support children’s health and safety, and are important for preventing child maltreatment in early care and education programs. A CBC must be completed prior to employee hire and every five years thereafter. An expiration date is now listed on each Qualification Letter. Submissions can also be made six months before the expiration date listed on the current Qualification Letter. J. Spain, qualification letter expired on May 27, 2025, and the five-year renewal qualification letter was issued on September 8, 2025. You stated that you had recently had a foster background check completed and forgot that it was also time to renew your child care background check. You also stated that you have created a spreadsheet for staff files that has expiration dates of background checks and trainings and are going to post it where the staff members can review it. We discussed adding these expiration dates in a digital calendar that will send reminders. Today, J. Peterson, a play therapist, was working with a child in space #2. You stated that he just started seeing the child this month and had come in with the child’s parent for his first visit. Upon review of the ABCMS portal, he has a current qualification letter but there is not a copy of it on file to review at the center. You stated that you will contact him to get a copy of it before his next visit. We discussed that if therapists work with children outside of the classroom and are unattended by other staff members, a criminal background check must be on file. Ensure that all staff members understand that therapists that see children outside of the room must have a qualification letter on file. Additional Comments: During today’s visit, you told me that you are no longer using space #5, space #6, and space #7 and I observed that the doors leading to these spaces have been locked to block access to them. I have updated the floor plan to reflect this change and have attached. We discussed that iron-fortified formula should be refrigerated until immediately before feeding. For bottles containing formula, any contents remaining after a feeding should be discarded. This is important to remember because bottles are stored in the kitchen. Additional Comments: July '25 Rule Changes: Summary, Training Available: The Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) is excited to share information about the July 2025 child care rule changes. The Child Care Commission adopted rules to support QRIS modernization. The new section, .3200, provides the standards for earning a two-though five-star-rated license. There are three pathways: program assessment, classroom and instructional quality, and accreditation and head start. To support the QRIS changes, additional rules were amended within the following sections: definitions, developmental day services, and NC Pre-Kindergarten services. Consultants will assist as you begin to review the changes, but please note some of the rule changes may not impact your facility. DCDEE has provided a summary of the changes, but for specific details regarding these changes, please ensure you are using the updated July 1, 2025 rule book, and view information in the DCDEE Moodle(Enroll if you haven’t yet).You will need to have an NCID - the same NCID that you use for the health & safety training, WORKS login, and/or the CBC Portal - to participate in Moodle training. If you do not have an NCID, use this link to get one: https://ncid.nc.gov/ncidsspr/. Rule training modules can be found in the same course as the previous Child Care Rule Rollout. If you are unfamiliar with the Child Care Rule Rollout within Moodle and how to navigate, please visit: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Learning-Resources/How-to-Navigate-Moodle. For assistance with Moodle, contact DCDEE_MOODLE_SUPPORT@dhhs.nc.gov. NCID: Did you know that if you do not login on any DCDEE platforms (e.g., Moodle, WORKS, CBC) for a period of 12 months, your account will be archived? An archived account cannot be reinstated. You will need to create a new one and then email all platforms (e.g., Moodle, WORKS, CBC) to merge accounts. Pro Tip: Set your calendar to remind you every 6 months to login and out at https://myncid.nc.gov to keep your account activated and it will NOT be archived. Natural Learning Initiative: https://naturalearning.org/resources/. Resources are created, often in collaboration with the Natural Learning Initiative’s interdisciplinary partners, to support technical assistance, professional development, and generally to promote the importance of the natural environment in the daily experience of all children. Please use and share. Pamlico Partnership for Children is also able to provide you with resources and information, training opportunities, and technical assistance on childcare issues. Their phone number is (252) 745-7850 or check out their website at www.pamlicopartnership.org. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with you. Contact me at Brittany Jones, Child Care Consultant, (252) 947-1036, Brittany.j.jones@dhhs.nc.gov or Jennifer Linhardt, Licensing Supervisor, Jennifer.Linhardt@dhhs.nc.gov if you have questions. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

NC GS 110-90 · Violation

Name of Operation: SMILIN' FACES CHILD CARE Facility ID: 69000077 Consultant: BRITTANY JONES Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 9/18/2025 Number Present: 23 Completed Date: 9/18/2025 Age: From 0 To 4 Total Minutes: 165 Time In: 12:05 PM Time Out: 02:50 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Routine Unannounced Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor your program for compliance with applicable child care requirements for a routine unannounced visit. J. Spain, Administrator assisted me with today’s visit. Your program currently operates with a four-star license, issued 12/12/22, earning 4 points in the education component, 5 points in the program standards component and 1 quality point for having a staff benefits package and infrastructure of parent involvement. The last annual compliance visit was conducted on 3/27/25. The sanitation inspection was completed on 3/24/25 with a “Superior” classification. The last fire inspection was conducted on 4/11/25 . The center's compliance history was reviewed with the operator. The program’s compliance history was ninety percent as of 9/16/25. We reviewed your facility contact information listed on the Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) website and all information is current. Contact me if you need to make any changes to your contact information, e.g., phone numbers, mailing address. The NC Secretary of State website was reviewed on 9/16/25 and this facility is not currently owned or operated by a corporation. Please contact me prior to and changes regarding the ownership of this facility. A walk-through of the facility was completed today, all indoor and outdoor areas were monitored. Upon arrival, children were preparing for rest time. Infants were eating lunch and napping in cribs. Toddlers and preschoolers completed personal care routines before resting on cots covered with sheets. The outdoor space had a large shade structure with picnic tables beneath, tunnel, and stepping stones. The following violations were documented. Violation Number Comment Rule 1044 Prior to the expiration date of the qualification letter, the child care provider did not complete and submit required forms to complete a criminal background check (a qualification letter is valid for a maximum of five years for the date of issuance). The administrator's qualification letter expired on May 27, 2025, and the five-year renewal qualification letter was issued on September 8, 2025. G.S. 110-90.2(b) & .2703(n)&(o) 1757 A valid qualification letter was not on file and available to review at the facility. A play therapist that was observed working with a child in space #2, did not have a qualification letter on file. G.S. 110-90.2(b) & (d) & .2703(e) Child care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. The violation(s) documented must be corrected immediately. On or before 10/2/25, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail, how and when the violations were corrected. Please be aware any information submitted by you is considered legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit may be completed. Mail or email the information to: Brittany Jones, Child Care Consultant PO Box 3272 New Bern, NC 28564 Brittany.j.jones@dhhs.nc.gov If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent from the email address on file with DCDEE (this serves as your signature) and the following information must be included: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. An example is: Jane Doe, Administrator AAA Child Care ID # 12345678 Technical Assistance with Violations: Criminal Background Checks: Criminal background checks (CBC) are completed to protect children from abuse and reduce liability risks. Background screenings are needed to provide a safe program environment, support children’s health and safety, and are important for preventing child maltreatment in early care and education programs. A CBC must be completed prior to employee hire and every five years thereafter. An expiration date is now listed on each Qualification Letter. Submissions can also be made six months before the expiration date listed on the current Qualification Letter. J. Spain, qualification letter expired on May 27, 2025, and the five-year renewal qualification letter was issued on September 8, 2025. You stated that you had recently had a foster background check completed and forgot that it was also time to renew your child care background check. You also stated that you have created a spreadsheet for staff files that has expiration dates of background checks and trainings and are going to post it where the staff members can review it. We discussed adding these expiration dates in a digital calendar that will send reminders. Today, J. Peterson, a play therapist, was working with a child in space #2. You stated that he just started seeing the child this month and had come in with the child’s parent for his first visit. Upon review of the ABCMS portal, he has a current qualification letter but there is not a copy of it on file to review at the center. You stated that you will contact him to get a copy of it before his next visit. We discussed that if therapists work with children outside of the classroom and are unattended by other staff members, a criminal background check must be on file. Ensure that all staff members understand that therapists that see children outside of the room must have a qualification letter on file. Additional Comments: During today’s visit, you told me that you are no longer using space #5, space #6, and space #7 and I observed that the doors leading to these spaces have been locked to block access to them. I have updated the floor plan to reflect this change and have attached. We discussed that iron-fortified formula should be refrigerated until immediately before feeding. For bottles containing formula, any contents remaining after a feeding should be discarded. This is important to remember because bottles are stored in the kitchen. Additional Comments: July '25 Rule Changes: Summary, Training Available: The Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) is excited to share information about the July 2025 child care rule changes. The Child Care Commission adopted rules to support QRIS modernization. The new section, .3200, provides the standards for earning a two-though five-star-rated license. There are three pathways: program assessment, classroom and instructional quality, and accreditation and head start. To support the QRIS changes, additional rules were amended within the following sections: definitions, developmental day services, and NC Pre-Kindergarten services. Consultants will assist as you begin to review the changes, but please note some of the rule changes may not impact your facility. DCDEE has provided a summary of the changes, but for specific details regarding these changes, please ensure you are using the updated July 1, 2025 rule book, and view information in the DCDEE Moodle(Enroll if you haven’t yet).You will need to have an NCID - the same NCID that you use for the health & safety training, WORKS login, and/or the CBC Portal - to participate in Moodle training. If you do not have an NCID, use this link to get one: https://ncid.nc.gov/ncidsspr/. Rule training modules can be found in the same course as the previous Child Care Rule Rollout. If you are unfamiliar with the Child Care Rule Rollout within Moodle and how to navigate, please visit: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Learning-Resources/How-to-Navigate-Moodle. For assistance with Moodle, contact DCDEE_MOODLE_SUPPORT@dhhs.nc.gov. NCID: Did you know that if you do not login on any DCDEE platforms (e.g., Moodle, WORKS, CBC) for a period of 12 months, your account will be archived? An archived account cannot be reinstated. You will need to create a new one and then email all platforms (e.g., Moodle, WORKS, CBC) to merge accounts. Pro Tip: Set your calendar to remind you every 6 months to login and out at https://myncid.nc.gov to keep your account activated and it will NOT be archived. Natural Learning Initiative: https://naturalearning.org/resources/. Resources are created, often in collaboration with the Natural Learning Initiative’s interdisciplinary partners, to support technical assistance, professional development, and generally to promote the importance of the natural environment in the daily experience of all children. Please use and share. Pamlico Partnership for Children is also able to provide you with resources and information, training opportunities, and technical assistance on childcare issues. Their phone number is (252) 745-7850 or check out their website at www.pamlicopartnership.org. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with you. Contact me at Brittany Jones, Child Care Consultant, (252) 947-1036, Brittany.j.jones@dhhs.nc.gov or Jennifer Linhardt, Licensing Supervisor, Jennifer.Linhardt@dhhs.nc.gov if you have questions. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

10A NCAC 09 .2818 · Violation

Name of Operation: SMILIN' FACES CHILD CARE Facility ID: 69000077 Consultant: BRITTANY JONES Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 3/27/2025 Number Present: 29 Completed Date: 3/27/2025 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 300 Time In: 08:45 AM Time Out: 01:45 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor your program for compliance with applicable child care requirements for an annual compliance visit. J. Spain, Administrator, and C. Jones-Carter, Assistant Administrator, assisted me with the visit. Your program currently operates with a four-star license, issued 12/12/2022, earning 4 points in the education component, 5 points in the program standards component and 1 quality point for having a staff benefits package and infrastructure of parental involvement. The last annual compliance visit was conducted 4/11/24. The sanitation inspection was completed 3/24/25 with a “Superior” classification. The last fire inspection was conducted 6/3/24 and your facility was approved for daytime care only. The center's compliance history was reviewed with the operator. The program’s compliance history was ninety percent as of 3/11/2025. The NC Secretary of State website was reviewed on 3/11/2025 and this facility is not currently owned or operated by a corporation. Please contact me prior to any changes regarding the ownership of this facility. We reviewed your facility contact information listed on the Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) website and all information is current. Contact me if you need to make any changes to your contact information, e.g., phone numbers, mailing address. All indoor and outdoor areas were monitored. Children throughout the facility were participating in group time, free play in activity areas, transitions, and personal care routines. Children were observed eating a breakfast of French toast sticks, peaches, and milk. Toddlers were observed dancing to music. Preschoolers had group time on the carpet before coloring with crayons. The outdoor space was observed to have a basketball goal. tunnel, stepping stones, and balls for the children to engage in gross motor activities. A large shade structure was available for children to play underneath. Lunch was observed and consisted of pork chops, mixed fruit, carrots, peas, roll, and milk. The following violation was documented. Violation Number Comment Rule 1756 Enhanced staff/child ratios and group sizes were not met. In space #6, a staff member left the classroom space and walked into the staff room so that thirteen (13) children 3-5 years of age were in care with one staff member. 10A NCAC 09 .2818 Child Care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. The violation(s) documented must be corrected immediately. On or before 4/10/25, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail, how and when the violations were corrected. Please be aware any information submitted by you is legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. Mail or email the information to: Brittany Jones, Child Care Consultant PO Box 3272 New Bern, NC 28564 Brittany.j.jones@dhhs.nc.gov If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent from the email address registered with the DCDEE (this serves as your signature) and the following information must be included: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. An example is: Jane Doe, Administrator AAA Child Care ID # 12345678 Technical Assistance with Documented Violations: Staff Child Ratio: A staff-to-child ratio is a measure of the number of children for whom each child care provider is responsible. Because younger children need more direct one-on-one interaction, response, and supervision, staff-to-child ratios are lower for younger children than for older ones. Ratio and group size are two factors that are critical to a child’s health, safety, and development. Ratios and group sizes help ensure that a child gets enough one-on-one attention from an adult who is available to take care of each child’s unique needs. This responsive caregiving is extremely important to a child ’s social and emotional development, physical well-being, and overall learning. In space #6, a staff member left the classroom space and walked into space #7 so that thirteen (13) children 3-5 years of age were in care with one staff member. We discussed that staff members cannot leave the classroom space until someone relieves them to maintain the ratio or brings enough children with them to maintain the ratio. You stated that the staff member is new to working in that classroom space full-time and the cots had recently been moved into space #7. You spoke with the staff members in space #6 during the visit about calling each other out if they try to leave the classroom space and to call for assistance if needed. You stated that you are considering moving the cots back into the same classroom space. I observed staff members using walkie talkies during the visit when assistance was needed. Ensure that all staff members understand the process of using the walkie talkie to ask for assistance before they leave the classroom. Due to a violation regarding staff/child ratio, a follow-up visit will be conducted. If this violation is documented on two consecutive visits, an administrative action may be recommended. Additional Comments: During the visit, you requested to decrease the capacity of the facility to 99. You will receive a new license in the mail. Post the new license and return the old license to me. NCID Password Rule to Change If you have a MYNCID or NCID account, you may have received an email this week announcing changes to the password rules. As part of ongoing efforts to protect state systems and data, the N.C. Department of Information Technology will be changing the minimum length of NCID passwords from eight to 14 characters. The change will affect state agency staff as well as external users like citizens, providers, and state and local county staff. When you change your current password after Feb. 23, however, you will be required to create a new one that must: • Be a minimum of 14 characters. • Consist of at least one numeric character, at least one uppercase letter, at least one lowercase letter, and at least one special character such as #, &, * etc. • Passwords shall not contain number or character substitutes to create dictionary words (e.g., d33psl33p for deepsleep). Strong, unique passwords – along with practicing mindful cybersecurity practices – are key components to protecting your devices and personal information at home and at work. Natural Learning Initiative: https://naturalearning.org/resources/ Resources are created, often in collaboration with the Natural Learning Initiative’s interdisciplinary partners, to support technical assistance, professional development, and generally to promote the importance of the natural environment in the daily experience of all children. Please use and share. We discussed the North Carolina Rated License Assessment Project: NCRLAP’s mission is to promote the quality of child care by consistently and reliably assessing environments for the North Carolina Star Rated License. We collaborate with professionals in the early childhood education field to foster the development and learning of young children. The website ncrlap.org offers resources, trainings, videos, worksheets, and getting ready for ITERS-3 and ECERS-3. Craven Smart Start is also able to provide you with resources and information, training opportunities, technical assistance on childcare issues. Their phone number is (252) 636- 3198 or check out their website at www.cravensmartstart.org. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with you. Contact me at Brittany Jones, Child Care Consultant, (252) 947-1036, Brittany.j.jones@dhhs.nc.gov or Jennifer Linhardt, Licensing Supervisor, (252) 373-4199, Jennifer.Linhardt@dhhs.nc.gov if you have questions. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

NC GS 110-90 · Violation

Name of Operation: SMILIN' FACES CHILD CARE Facility ID: 69000077 Consultant: BRITTANY JONES Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 3/27/2025 Number Present: 29 Completed Date: 3/27/2025 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 300 Time In: 08:45 AM Time Out: 01:45 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor your program for compliance with applicable child care requirements for an annual compliance visit. J. Spain, Administrator, and C. Jones-Carter, Assistant Administrator, assisted me with the visit. Your program currently operates with a four-star license, issued 12/12/2022, earning 4 points in the education component, 5 points in the program standards component and 1 quality point for having a staff benefits package and infrastructure of parental involvement. The last annual compliance visit was conducted 4/11/24. The sanitation inspection was completed 3/24/25 with a “Superior” classification. The last fire inspection was conducted 6/3/24 and your facility was approved for daytime care only. The center's compliance history was reviewed with the operator. The program’s compliance history was ninety percent as of 3/11/2025. The NC Secretary of State website was reviewed on 3/11/2025 and this facility is not currently owned or operated by a corporation. Please contact me prior to any changes regarding the ownership of this facility. We reviewed your facility contact information listed on the Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) website and all information is current. Contact me if you need to make any changes to your contact information, e.g., phone numbers, mailing address. All indoor and outdoor areas were monitored. Children throughout the facility were participating in group time, free play in activity areas, transitions, and personal care routines. Children were observed eating a breakfast of French toast sticks, peaches, and milk. Toddlers were observed dancing to music. Preschoolers had group time on the carpet before coloring with crayons. The outdoor space was observed to have a basketball goal. tunnel, stepping stones, and balls for the children to engage in gross motor activities. A large shade structure was available for children to play underneath. Lunch was observed and consisted of pork chops, mixed fruit, carrots, peas, roll, and milk. The following violation was documented. Violation Number Comment Rule 1756 Enhanced staff/child ratios and group sizes were not met. In space #6, a staff member left the classroom space and walked into the staff room so that thirteen (13) children 3-5 years of age were in care with one staff member. 10A NCAC 09 .2818 Child Care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. The violation(s) documented must be corrected immediately. On or before 4/10/25, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail, how and when the violations were corrected. Please be aware any information submitted by you is legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. Mail or email the information to: Brittany Jones, Child Care Consultant PO Box 3272 New Bern, NC 28564 Brittany.j.jones@dhhs.nc.gov If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent from the email address registered with the DCDEE (this serves as your signature) and the following information must be included: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. An example is: Jane Doe, Administrator AAA Child Care ID # 12345678 Technical Assistance with Documented Violations: Staff Child Ratio: A staff-to-child ratio is a measure of the number of children for whom each child care provider is responsible. Because younger children need more direct one-on-one interaction, response, and supervision, staff-to-child ratios are lower for younger children than for older ones. Ratio and group size are two factors that are critical to a child’s health, safety, and development. Ratios and group sizes help ensure that a child gets enough one-on-one attention from an adult who is available to take care of each child’s unique needs. This responsive caregiving is extremely important to a child ’s social and emotional development, physical well-being, and overall learning. In space #6, a staff member left the classroom space and walked into space #7 so that thirteen (13) children 3-5 years of age were in care with one staff member. We discussed that staff members cannot leave the classroom space until someone relieves them to maintain the ratio or brings enough children with them to maintain the ratio. You stated that the staff member is new to working in that classroom space full-time and the cots had recently been moved into space #7. You spoke with the staff members in space #6 during the visit about calling each other out if they try to leave the classroom space and to call for assistance if needed. You stated that you are considering moving the cots back into the same classroom space. I observed staff members using walkie talkies during the visit when assistance was needed. Ensure that all staff members understand the process of using the walkie talkie to ask for assistance before they leave the classroom. Due to a violation regarding staff/child ratio, a follow-up visit will be conducted. If this violation is documented on two consecutive visits, an administrative action may be recommended. Additional Comments: During the visit, you requested to decrease the capacity of the facility to 99. You will receive a new license in the mail. Post the new license and return the old license to me. NCID Password Rule to Change If you have a MYNCID or NCID account, you may have received an email this week announcing changes to the password rules. As part of ongoing efforts to protect state systems and data, the N.C. Department of Information Technology will be changing the minimum length of NCID passwords from eight to 14 characters. The change will affect state agency staff as well as external users like citizens, providers, and state and local county staff. When you change your current password after Feb. 23, however, you will be required to create a new one that must: • Be a minimum of 14 characters. • Consist of at least one numeric character, at least one uppercase letter, at least one lowercase letter, and at least one special character such as #, &, * etc. • Passwords shall not contain number or character substitutes to create dictionary words (e.g., d33psl33p for deepsleep). Strong, unique passwords – along with practicing mindful cybersecurity practices – are key components to protecting your devices and personal information at home and at work. Natural Learning Initiative: https://naturalearning.org/resources/ Resources are created, often in collaboration with the Natural Learning Initiative’s interdisciplinary partners, to support technical assistance, professional development, and generally to promote the importance of the natural environment in the daily experience of all children. Please use and share. We discussed the North Carolina Rated License Assessment Project: NCRLAP’s mission is to promote the quality of child care by consistently and reliably assessing environments for the North Carolina Star Rated License. We collaborate with professionals in the early childhood education field to foster the development and learning of young children. The website ncrlap.org offers resources, trainings, videos, worksheets, and getting ready for ITERS-3 and ECERS-3. Craven Smart Start is also able to provide you with resources and information, training opportunities, technical assistance on childcare issues. Their phone number is (252) 636- 3198 or check out their website at www.cravensmartstart.org. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with you. Contact me at Brittany Jones, Child Care Consultant, (252) 947-1036, Brittany.j.jones@dhhs.nc.gov or Jennifer Linhardt, Licensing Supervisor, (252) 373-4199, Jennifer.Linhardt@dhhs.nc.gov if you have questions. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

NC GS 110-90 · Violation

Name of Operation: SMILIN' FACES CHILD CARE Facility ID: 69000077 Consultant: BRITTANY JONES Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 6/6/2024 Number Present: 29 Completed Date: 6/6/2024 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 250 Time In: 09:30 AM Time Out: 01:40 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Admin Action Follow-Up Lic Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor compliance with applicable child care requirements for an administrative action follow-up visit, including the Corrective Action Plan included in the Written Warning issued by the DCDEE to this facility on May 29, 2024 J. Spain, Administrator, assisted me with today’s visit. I provided the administrator with a copy of the administrative action and reviewed the corrective action plan. Upon arrival, children throughout the center were eating a breakfast of French toast sticks, pears, and milk. Infants were being cared for according to individual needs. In the outdoor space, toddlers threw basketballs into hoops and used shovels to dig in the sand under the large shade structure. The following violation(s) were documented. Violation Number Comment Rule 505 Drinking water was not freely available to children of all ages. Drinking water was not readily available for the children in space #3 while they were in the outdoor space. .0901(e) 609 Staff did not wash their hands thoroughly before beginning work, before/after handling food, before bottle feeding or serving to other children, after toileting or handling body fluids, after diaper changing and after handling soiled items. While space #3 was in the outdoor space, a staff member did not wash their hands after wiping a child’s nose. The staff member proceeded to wipe other children’s noses. 15A NCAC 18A .2803(a) 887 Caregivers did not document compliance with visually checking on sleeping infants aged 12 months or younger and/or the documents were not maintained for a minimum of one month. A child was observed sleeping in a crib and upon review of the safe sleep chart, there was not any documentation to reflect the times the child had been sleeping. .0606(g) Child care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4)(d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. The violation(s) documented must be corrected immediately. On or before 6/20/24, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail, how and when the violations were corrected. Please be aware any information submitted by you is legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. Mail or email the information to: Brittany Jones, Child Care Consultant PO Box 3272 New Bern, NC 28564 Brittany.j.jones@dhhs.nc.gov If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent from the email address registered with the DCDEE (this serves as your signature) and the following information must be included: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. An example is: Jane Doe, Administrator AAA Child Care ID # 12345678 Technical Assistance with Documented Violations: Safe Sleep Practices: Safe sleep practices help reduce the risk of sudden unexpected infant deaths (SUIDs). If an infant falls asleep in any place that is not a safe sleep environment, staff should immediately move the infant and place them in the supine position in their crib. The caregiver must document compliance with visually checking on sleeping infants aged 12 months or younger as described in the safe sleep policy on file for the infant They note the infant’s sleep position, skin color, breathing, level of sleep, and body temperature. This needs to be documented every time a child is sleeping in your care. A child was observed sleeping in a crib and upon review of the safe sleep chart, there was not any documentation to reflect the times the child had been sleeping. The teacher was unable to tell me when the child had fallen asleep. You stated that you used to have the sleep charts on a clipboard that hung on the outside of the crib so it can be easily accessed when an infant falls asleep. We discussed that using a dry erase board to document when children are last fed, changed, and fell asleep will be a visual for all staff members to be able to see and update even if they are only in the room to cover a bathroom or lunch break. Ensure that staff members can easily access sleep charts to document when a child falls asleep and every 15 minutes until they wake up. Hand washing: Hand hygiene is the most important way to reduce the spread of infection. Many studies have shown that improperly cleansed hands are the primary carriers of infections. Deficiencies in hand hygiene have contributed to many outbreaks of diarrhea among children and caregivers/teachers in child care centers. While space #3 was in the outdoor space, a staff member did not wash their hands after wiping a child’s nose. The staff member proceeded to wipe other children’s noses. Hand antiseptic was not available. We discussed that a staff member who is supervising children outdoors may use a hand antiseptic while outdoors in lieu of handwashing. You stated that staff members sometimes carry hand antiseptic in their pockets. We discussed that hand antiseptic could be stored outside as long as it five feet above the ground in a bag or a container such as a mailbox. This container could also store wipes, tissues, gloves, plastic cups, and Band-Aids. You stated that you are going to investigate getting a mailbox and place it under the large shade structure or another place that is five feet above the ground. Ensure that hand antiseptic is available for staff members in the outdoor space. Availability of Drinking Water: Clean, sanitary drinking water should be readily available, in indoor and outdoor areas, throughout the day. Water should not be a substitute for milk in meals or snacks where milk is a required food component unless recommended by the child’s primary health care provider. When children are thirsty between meals and snacks, water is the best choice. Drinking water helps maintain a child’s hydration and overall health. Drinking water was not readily available for the children in space #3 while they were in the outdoor space. It was reported to me that the children in that classroom are usually given small bottles of water, but they were out the bottles of water. I observed that space #4 had a gallon of water stored in the refrigerator in the classroom and it was brought outside with cups for the children. We reviewed the sanitation rules about water supply and discussed that a large water cooler with spigot could be used in the outdoor space. It would need to be kept clean and the spout protected from contamination by hazards. You stated that you have a water cooler that you will begin using and store plastic cups in the outdoor container that is going to be added. Ensure that children have access to drinking water throughout the day. Administrative Action: During today's visit, I provided you a copy of the administrative action and reviewed the stipulations outlined in the Corrective Action Plan. Stipulation #1: Maintaining compliance with NC Child Care Requirements. Three violations were documented today. Stipulation #2: Within two (2) weeks (June 20, 2024) after this Notice is received the administrator shall develop written policies and procedures that include a staffing plan that ensures staff/child ratios and group sizes are met throughout the day. Today, we reviewed this stipulation and discussed that a draft of the written policies and procedures are due by 6/4/24. Stipulation #3: Within one (1) week after approval of the written procedures in Item #2, a staff meeting shall be conducted to review the approved written procedures. Today, we reviewed this stipulation. Additional Comments: Southwestern Child Development Commission https://www.swcdcinc.org/ offers a variety of online courses and trainings, including BSAC. We discussed this site being a resource for completing on-going training hours, BSAC, and orientation. Craven Smart Start is also able to provide you with resources and information, training opportunities, technical assistance on childcare issues. Their phone number is (252) 636- 3198 or check out their website at www.cravensmartstart.org. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with you. Contact me at Brittany Jones, Child Care Consultant, (252) 947-1036, Brittany.j.jones@dhhs.nc.gov or Jennifer Linhardt, Licensing Supervisor, (252) 373-4199, Jennifer.Linhardt@dhhs.nc.gov if you have questions. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

10A NCAC 09 .2818 · Violation

Name of Operation: SMILIN' FACES CHILD CARE Facility ID: 69000077 Consultant: BRITTANY JONES Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 4/17/2024 Number Present: 27 Completed Date: 4/17/2024 Age: From 0 To 4 Total Minutes: 155 Time In: 01:40 PM Time Out: 04:15 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Compliance Follow-Up Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to verify correction of violations documented during my April 11, 2024, Annual Compliance visit. J. Spain, Owner, assisted with the visit. Children throughout the center were napping on child sized cots covered with sheets. Once children were awake, they completed personal care routines before sitting at the table to eat snack. Snack was observed to include animal crackers and milk. The following violation was documented during the 4/11/24 visit and was monitored for compliance and was documented as a repeated violation: 1756- Enhanced staff/child ratios and group sizes were not met. This is a violation of a requirement in 10A NCAC 09 .2818. Today, in space #3, ten (10) children, ages 1-2, were in care with one teacher. Upon arrival, the second teacher assigned to space #3 was walking into space #3 from space #4. As stated in the 4/11/24 visit summary, all violations must be corrected immediately and a compliance letter verifying this must be received by the established due date of 4/25/24. At the time of today’s visit, a compliance letter had not been received. Repeat violations demonstrate a pattern of noncompliance and may result in an administrative action. You will be notified in writing of any action taken. In addition, a follow-up visit will be conducted. The following violation was documented. Violation Number Comment Rule 1756 Enhanced staff/child ratios and group sizes were not met. In space #3, ten (10) children, ages 1-2, were in care with one teacher. 10A NCAC 09 .2818 Child Care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. The violation(s) documented must be corrected immediately. On or before 5/1/24, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail, how and when the violations were corrected. Please be aware any information submitted by you is considered legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit may be completed. Mail or email the information to: Brittany Jones, Child Care Consultant PO Box 3272 New Bern, NC 28564 Brittany.j.jones@dhhs.nc.gov If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent from the email address on file with DCDEE (this serves as your signature) and the following information must be included: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. An example is: Jane Doe, Administrator AAA Child Care ID # 12345678 Violations with Documented Violations: Staff/child Ratio: Staff/child ratios must be met at all times while caring for children in a center. If a teacher needs to leave the room, another staff member needs to be notified so they can cover the ratio while teacher is out of the room. A communication system, such as phones or walkie talkies, can be utilized so it is easy for teachers to inform others when they need assistance. Today, in space #3, ten (10) children, ages 1-2, were in care with one teacher. When I walked into the classroom space, the second teacher assigned to space #3 was walking into space #3 from space #4. It was reported that the staff member had walked into space #4 to retrieve her belongings. You stated that the teachers were told multiple times to remain in ratio at all times. We discussed that if a teacher in space #3 needs something in space #4 to walk to the half door and request assistance rather than walking into the next classroom space. We also discussed that the ratio for one year old children is 1:6 and it remains the same at nap time. We discussed that training staff about staff/child ratio begins during orientation and you stated that the caregiver was new and still going through orientation. Use the classroom staff/child ratio worksheet when discussing staff/child ratio with staff to explain to them what the classroom’s staff/child ratio is with each age and classroom and where to find the worksheet to review. Craven Smart Start is also able to provide you with resources and information, training opportunities, technical assistance on childcare issues. Their phone number is (252) 636- 3198 or check out their website at www.cravensmartstart.org. At the completion of the visit, this Visit Summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with you. Contact me at Brittany Jones, Child Care Consultant, (252) 947-1036, Brittany.j.jones@dhhs.nc.gov or Jennifer Linhardt, Licensing Supervisor, (252) 373-4199, Jennifer.Linhardt@dhhs.nc.gov if you have questions. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

NC GS 110-90 · Violation

Name of Operation: SMILIN' FACES CHILD CARE Facility ID: 69000077 Consultant: BRITTANY JONES Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 4/17/2024 Number Present: 27 Completed Date: 4/17/2024 Age: From 0 To 4 Total Minutes: 155 Time In: 01:40 PM Time Out: 04:15 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Compliance Follow-Up Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to verify correction of violations documented during my April 11, 2024, Annual Compliance visit. J. Spain, Owner, assisted with the visit. Children throughout the center were napping on child sized cots covered with sheets. Once children were awake, they completed personal care routines before sitting at the table to eat snack. Snack was observed to include animal crackers and milk. The following violation was documented during the 4/11/24 visit and was monitored for compliance and was documented as a repeated violation: 1756- Enhanced staff/child ratios and group sizes were not met. This is a violation of a requirement in 10A NCAC 09 .2818. Today, in space #3, ten (10) children, ages 1-2, were in care with one teacher. Upon arrival, the second teacher assigned to space #3 was walking into space #3 from space #4. As stated in the 4/11/24 visit summary, all violations must be corrected immediately and a compliance letter verifying this must be received by the established due date of 4/25/24. At the time of today’s visit, a compliance letter had not been received. Repeat violations demonstrate a pattern of noncompliance and may result in an administrative action. You will be notified in writing of any action taken. In addition, a follow-up visit will be conducted. The following violation was documented. Violation Number Comment Rule 1756 Enhanced staff/child ratios and group sizes were not met. In space #3, ten (10) children, ages 1-2, were in care with one teacher. 10A NCAC 09 .2818 Child Care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. The violation(s) documented must be corrected immediately. On or before 5/1/24, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail, how and when the violations were corrected. Please be aware any information submitted by you is considered legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit may be completed. Mail or email the information to: Brittany Jones, Child Care Consultant PO Box 3272 New Bern, NC 28564 Brittany.j.jones@dhhs.nc.gov If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent from the email address on file with DCDEE (this serves as your signature) and the following information must be included: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. An example is: Jane Doe, Administrator AAA Child Care ID # 12345678 Violations with Documented Violations: Staff/child Ratio: Staff/child ratios must be met at all times while caring for children in a center. If a teacher needs to leave the room, another staff member needs to be notified so they can cover the ratio while teacher is out of the room. A communication system, such as phones or walkie talkies, can be utilized so it is easy for teachers to inform others when they need assistance. Today, in space #3, ten (10) children, ages 1-2, were in care with one teacher. When I walked into the classroom space, the second teacher assigned to space #3 was walking into space #3 from space #4. It was reported that the staff member had walked into space #4 to retrieve her belongings. You stated that the teachers were told multiple times to remain in ratio at all times. We discussed that if a teacher in space #3 needs something in space #4 to walk to the half door and request assistance rather than walking into the next classroom space. We also discussed that the ratio for one year old children is 1:6 and it remains the same at nap time. We discussed that training staff about staff/child ratio begins during orientation and you stated that the caregiver was new and still going through orientation. Use the classroom staff/child ratio worksheet when discussing staff/child ratio with staff to explain to them what the classroom’s staff/child ratio is with each age and classroom and where to find the worksheet to review. Craven Smart Start is also able to provide you with resources and information, training opportunities, technical assistance on childcare issues. Their phone number is (252) 636- 3198 or check out their website at www.cravensmartstart.org. At the completion of the visit, this Visit Summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with you. Contact me at Brittany Jones, Child Care Consultant, (252) 947-1036, Brittany.j.jones@dhhs.nc.gov or Jennifer Linhardt, Licensing Supervisor, (252) 373-4199, Jennifer.Linhardt@dhhs.nc.gov if you have questions. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

10A NCAC 09 .2818 · Violation

Name of Operation: SMILIN' FACES CHILD CARE Facility ID: 69000077 Consultant: BRITTANY JONES Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 4/11/2024 Number Present: 30 Completed Date: 4/11/2024 Age: From 0 To 4 Total Minutes: 350 Time In: 09:00 AM Time Out: 02:50 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor your program for compliance with applicable child care requirements for an annual compliance visit. C. Jones-Carter, Assistant Administrator, assisted me with the visit. Your program currently operates with a four-star license, issued 12/12/2022, earning 4 points in the education component, 5 points in the program standards component and 1 quality point for having a staff benefits package and infrastructure of parental involvement. The last annual compliance visit was conducted 4/27/23. The sanitation inspection was completed 12/12/23 with a “Superior” classification. The last fire inspection was conducted 6/9/23 and your facility was approved for daytime care only. The center's compliance history was reviewed with the operator. The program’s compliance history was ninety six percent as of 4/2/2024. The NC Secretary of State website was reviewed on 4/2/2024 and this facility is not currently owned or operated by a corporation. Please contact me prior to any changes regarding the ownership of this facility. We reviewed your facility contact information listed on the Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) website and all information is current. Contact me if you need to make any changes to your contact information, e.g., phone numbers, mailing address. All indoor and outdoor areas were monitored. Children throughout the facility were participating in group time, free play in activity areas, transitions, and personal care routines. Children in space #1 were finishing a breakfast of French toast sticks, pears, and milk. Toddlers were in the outdoor space throwing balls into the basketball hoops. Preschoolers were sitting at the table and playing with manipulatives. The outdoor space was observed to have a tunnel, stepping stones, and balls for the children to engage in gross motor activities. A large shade structure was available for children to play underneath. Lunch was observed and consisted of fish sticks, baked beans, oranges, cornbread, and milk. The following violation(s) were documented. Violation Number Comment Rule 542 The written feeding plan was not modified as the child's needs changed. In space #1, two (2) out of nine (9) feeding plans were not updated to reflect the intake of table foods. 10 NCAC 09 .0902(a) 840 All corrosive agents, pesticides, bleaches, detergents, cleansers, polishes, any product which is under pressure in an aerosol dispenser, and any substance which may be hazardous to a child if ingested, inhaled, or handled were not stored in a locked room or cabinet. In space #3, a container of Zep wipes was sitting on a shelf beside the children’s cubbies. .2820(b) 887 Caregivers did not document compliance with visually checking on sleeping infants aged 12 months or younger and/or the documents were not maintained for a minimum of one month. A child was observed sleeping in a crib and upon review of the safe sleep chart, there was not any documentation to reflect the times the child had been sleeping. .0606(g) 1041 Prior to employment a Criminal Background Check was not completed. Jessica Henries was hired on 3/25/24 and did not have a qualification letter to review. G.S. 110-90.2(b) 1048 All staff did not successfully complete certification in First Aid appropriate to the age of children in care. Verification of staff completion of First Aid training from an approved training organization was not in the staff file. A staff member hired on 2/10/11 First Aid certification on file that expired 3/2024. .1102(c) 1049 All staff did not successfully complete certification in CPR training appropriate to the age of the children in care. Verification of staff completion of the CPR course from an approved training organization was not in the staff file. A staff member hired on 2/10/11 had CPR certification on file that expired 3/2024. .1102(d) 1756 Enhanced staff/child ratios and group sizes were not met. In space #3, thirteen (13) children, ages 1-2, were in care with two staff members. 10A NCAC 09 .2818 1757 A valid qualification letter was not on file and available to review at the facility. Jessica Henries was hired on 3/25/24 and did not have a qualification letter on file to review. G.S. 110-90.2(b) & (d) & .2703(e) 1914 The person identified as the person or alternate person responsible for carrying out the emergency medical care plan was not on the premises at all times and/or did not accompany children for off premise activities. The emergency medical care plan was dated 1/10/23 and was not updated to reflect current staff employed in the facility. .0802(b)(1-2) Child Care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. The violation(s) documented must be corrected immediately. On or before 4/25/24, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail, how and when the violations were corrected. Please be aware any information submitted by you is legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. Mail or email the information to: Brittany Jones, Child Care Consultant PO Box 3272 New Bern, NC 28564 Brittany.j.jones@dhhs.nc.gov If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent from the email address registered with the DCDEE (this serves as your signature) and the following information must be included: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. An example is: Jane Doe, Administrator AAA Child Care ID # 12345678 Technical Assistance with Documented Violations: Staff Child Ratio: A staff-to-child ratio is a measure of the number of children for whom each child care provider is responsible. Because younger children need more direct one-on-one interaction, response, and supervision, staff-to-child ratios are lower for younger children than for older ones. Ratio and group size are two factors that are critical to a child’s health, safety, and development. Ratios and group sizes help ensure that a child gets enough one-on-one attention from an adult who is available to take care of each child’s unique needs. This responsive caregiving is extremely important to a child ’s social and emotional development, physical well-being, and overall learning. In space #3, thirteen (13) children, ages 1-2, were in care with two staff members. You stated that a parent had wanted her child to move up to the next classroom and dropped the child off in the classroom that morning. We discussed that the staff/child ratio for one-year-old children is 1:6 or 2:12 as documented on the staff/child ratio sheet. When ratio is met, staff members can not accept another child and need to notify administration that assistance is needed. During the visit, a one-year-old child was moved to the infant classroom. We discussed that until there is room in the classroom, the child needs to remain in the infant room. Ensure that staff members know the ratio for the youngest child in the classroom and have a method of communication to notify administration when assistance is needed. Criminal Background Checks: Criminal Background Checks ensure that staff have not committed any crimes which could potentially make them unsafe to be around children and other staff. Because Abuse and Neglect registries are also checked, it helps to ensure that children are protected from physical, mental, and sexual abuse. Performing diligent background screenings also protects the child care facility against future legal challenges. All owners of licensed child care facilities and employees working in a licensed child care center are required to submit a Criminal Background Check (CBC) and receive their Qualifying Letter prior to their first day of employment and complete a five-year requalification (on-line application and fingerprints) so that the new Qualifying Letter is on file before the expiration date listed on their current Qualifying Letter. Multiple instances of failing to complete Criminal Background Checks may result in an Administrative Action. Jessica Henries was hired on 3/25/24 and did not have a qualification letter on file. She has completed an on-line application for a Criminal Background Check and results are pending. Because Ms. Henries has not received a CBC Qualification Letter, she may not work in the licensed facility until she is qualified and has provided you with a Qualification Letter. You stated that you have been waiting for her qualification letter and were short staffed. We discussed that volunteers are not able to count in staff/child ratios. During the visit, you sent Ms. Henries home and replaced her with a qualified staff member that works in the afternoons. We discussed that it is so important to have a background check prior to employment to ensure the safety of the children. Use the staff file checklist when hiring new staff to document when documents are received according to the due date listed on the checklist. First Aid and CPR: First Aid and CPR are required within three months of hire and then every two years. This ensures the staff are skilled at up-to-date techniques for first aid or other lifesaving skills. It also provides a refresher so that you are confident to act in a medical emergency. A person with current CPR/First Aid certification is required to be on-site and/or off-site with children away from the center. A staff member hired on 2/10/11 had CPR and First Aid certification on file that expired 3/2024. We discussed that a digital calendar could send reminders of due dates ahead of time and can be shared with others. Use your staff worksheets and create a “tickler” to send a reminder to your phone or email several months before CPR/First Aid expires to ensure you register for a class before your certifications expire. Infant Needs: Maintaining accurate documentation at the child care center is important in determining compliance with the child care rules and to ensure the health and safety of each child. Infant sleep charts allow teachers to document visually checking sleeping infants every 15 minutes. They note the infant’s sleep position, skin color, breathing, level of sleep, and body temperature. This needs to be documented every time a child is sleeping in your care. A child was observed sleeping in a crib and upon review of the safe sleep chart, there was not any documentation to reflect the times the child had been sleeping. We discussed that documentation needs to be done every time the children are asleep. Growth and development during infancy require that nourishing, wholesome, and developmentally appropriate food be provided, using safe approaches to feeding. All children under 15 months of age must have a signed feeding schedule/plan on file. The infant feeding plans should be developed with each infant’s parents/guardians and, when appropriate, in collaboration with the child’s primary care provider. In space #1, two (2) out of nine (9) feeding plans were not updated to reflect the intake of table foods. The teacher reported that the parents had verbally told the teachers that the children could begin to eat table foods, but it was not indicated on the feeding plans. We discussed that anytime there is a change in an infant’s feeding schedule, ask the parent to get the feeding plan that is posted in the classroom and have them document the change on the plan during the discussion with the caregiver. Emergency Medical Care Plan: Your program’s Emergency Medical Care plan was created to assist you with following a plan in the event of an emergency and who is responsible for each task list. You must update the plan whenever changes occur in your program. Your facilities emergency medical care plan must be reviewed with staff annually or when changes occur. The emergency medical care plan was dated 1/10/23 and not updated to reflect current staff employed in the facility. We discussed that the plan needs to be reviewed often to ensure that it is up to date with current staff members. When conducting orientation with new staff members, review the plan and up date if needed. Storage of Hazardous Items: Intentional planning of the environment ensures a safe environment has been created which prevents and reduces injuries to young children. In space #3, a container of Zep wipes was sitting on a shelf beside the children’s cubbies. When brought to your attention, the container was moved to locked storage. You stated that you were deep cleaning last week when the center was closed for spring break. Check the classroom daily before the children arrive to ensure that the environment is safe. Additional Comments: A violation was documented for failure to maintain compliance with staff/child ratio requirements. Violations of this nature directly impact the safety of the children while in your care. In addition, these types of violations have the greatest negative impact on your compliance history. During the visit, we discussed that repeated violations of this nature during consecutive visits may lead to an administrative action against your license. A follow-up visit will be conducted in the near future to monitor compliance with child care requirements. Natural Learning Initiative: Time outdoors is a critical tool for supporting mental and physical health in young children. Adoption of best practices for outdoor play and learning spaces is critical to increase daily time spent outside. The four components of this project include: 1. Relaunch a supportive network for outdoor play and learning environments in North Carolina; 2. Research nature-based programs and spaces and develop a plan to embed these in licensed childcare in North Carolina; 3. Motivate and train early educators and specialists to promote best practices and increase time in outdoor play and learning in NC childcare facilities; 4. Increase time outdoors playing and learning in NC family child care homes through professional development and technical assistance. Today, we discussed ways to create a natural learning environment in the outdoor spaces. Some of the ideas included a music wall made from kitchen accessories, a garden that the children can help plant, and a science center. I encourage you to check out naturallearning.org to find resources and professional development options for ways to enhance your outdoor learning environments. Moodle: The Division’s online training planning platform, DCDEE Moodle is up and operating as expected. You should be able to access Moodle and the required trainings within. We thank everyone for their patience and support as we worked through the sign-in and other technical issues. Note: The North Carolina Early Childhood Equivalency Exam remains unavailable until further notice. In the meantime, explore other Pathways to the Profession such as: • Pursue the Child Development Associate Credential at no cost. • Enroll in EDU 119 at a local North Carolina Community College To get help with Moodle, email DCDEE_Moodle_Support@dhhs.nc.gov or call (919) 814-6326. Craven Smart Start is also able to provide you with resources and information, training opportunities, technical assistance on childcare issues. Their phone number is (252) 636- 3198 or check out their website at www.cravensmartstart.org. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with you. Contact me at Brittany Jones, Child Care Consultant, (252) 947-1036, Brittany.j.jones@dhhs.nc.gov or Jennifer Linhardt, Licensing Supervisor, (252) 373-4199, Jennifer.Linhardt@dhhs.nc.gov if you have questions. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

G.S. 110-90 · Violation

Name of Operation: SMILIN' FACES CHILD CARE Facility ID: 69000077 Consultant: BRITTANY JONES Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 4/11/2024 Number Present: 30 Completed Date: 4/11/2024 Age: From 0 To 4 Total Minutes: 350 Time In: 09:00 AM Time Out: 02:50 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor your program for compliance with applicable child care requirements for an annual compliance visit. C. Jones-Carter, Assistant Administrator, assisted me with the visit. Your program currently operates with a four-star license, issued 12/12/2022, earning 4 points in the education component, 5 points in the program standards component and 1 quality point for having a staff benefits package and infrastructure of parental involvement. The last annual compliance visit was conducted 4/27/23. The sanitation inspection was completed 12/12/23 with a “Superior” classification. The last fire inspection was conducted 6/9/23 and your facility was approved for daytime care only. The center's compliance history was reviewed with the operator. The program’s compliance history was ninety six percent as of 4/2/2024. The NC Secretary of State website was reviewed on 4/2/2024 and this facility is not currently owned or operated by a corporation. Please contact me prior to any changes regarding the ownership of this facility. We reviewed your facility contact information listed on the Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) website and all information is current. Contact me if you need to make any changes to your contact information, e.g., phone numbers, mailing address. All indoor and outdoor areas were monitored. Children throughout the facility were participating in group time, free play in activity areas, transitions, and personal care routines. Children in space #1 were finishing a breakfast of French toast sticks, pears, and milk. Toddlers were in the outdoor space throwing balls into the basketball hoops. Preschoolers were sitting at the table and playing with manipulatives. The outdoor space was observed to have a tunnel, stepping stones, and balls for the children to engage in gross motor activities. A large shade structure was available for children to play underneath. Lunch was observed and consisted of fish sticks, baked beans, oranges, cornbread, and milk. The following violation(s) were documented. Violation Number Comment Rule 542 The written feeding plan was not modified as the child's needs changed. In space #1, two (2) out of nine (9) feeding plans were not updated to reflect the intake of table foods. 10 NCAC 09 .0902(a) 840 All corrosive agents, pesticides, bleaches, detergents, cleansers, polishes, any product which is under pressure in an aerosol dispenser, and any substance which may be hazardous to a child if ingested, inhaled, or handled were not stored in a locked room or cabinet. In space #3, a container of Zep wipes was sitting on a shelf beside the children’s cubbies. .2820(b) 887 Caregivers did not document compliance with visually checking on sleeping infants aged 12 months or younger and/or the documents were not maintained for a minimum of one month. A child was observed sleeping in a crib and upon review of the safe sleep chart, there was not any documentation to reflect the times the child had been sleeping. .0606(g) 1041 Prior to employment a Criminal Background Check was not completed. Jessica Henries was hired on 3/25/24 and did not have a qualification letter to review. G.S. 110-90.2(b) 1048 All staff did not successfully complete certification in First Aid appropriate to the age of children in care. Verification of staff completion of First Aid training from an approved training organization was not in the staff file. A staff member hired on 2/10/11 First Aid certification on file that expired 3/2024. .1102(c) 1049 All staff did not successfully complete certification in CPR training appropriate to the age of the children in care. Verification of staff completion of the CPR course from an approved training organization was not in the staff file. A staff member hired on 2/10/11 had CPR certification on file that expired 3/2024. .1102(d) 1756 Enhanced staff/child ratios and group sizes were not met. In space #3, thirteen (13) children, ages 1-2, were in care with two staff members. 10A NCAC 09 .2818 1757 A valid qualification letter was not on file and available to review at the facility. Jessica Henries was hired on 3/25/24 and did not have a qualification letter on file to review. G.S. 110-90.2(b) & (d) & .2703(e) 1914 The person identified as the person or alternate person responsible for carrying out the emergency medical care plan was not on the premises at all times and/or did not accompany children for off premise activities. The emergency medical care plan was dated 1/10/23 and was not updated to reflect current staff employed in the facility. .0802(b)(1-2) Child Care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. The violation(s) documented must be corrected immediately. On or before 4/25/24, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail, how and when the violations were corrected. Please be aware any information submitted by you is legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. Mail or email the information to: Brittany Jones, Child Care Consultant PO Box 3272 New Bern, NC 28564 Brittany.j.jones@dhhs.nc.gov If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent from the email address registered with the DCDEE (this serves as your signature) and the following information must be included: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. An example is: Jane Doe, Administrator AAA Child Care ID # 12345678 Technical Assistance with Documented Violations: Staff Child Ratio: A staff-to-child ratio is a measure of the number of children for whom each child care provider is responsible. Because younger children need more direct one-on-one interaction, response, and supervision, staff-to-child ratios are lower for younger children than for older ones. Ratio and group size are two factors that are critical to a child’s health, safety, and development. Ratios and group sizes help ensure that a child gets enough one-on-one attention from an adult who is available to take care of each child’s unique needs. This responsive caregiving is extremely important to a child ’s social and emotional development, physical well-being, and overall learning. In space #3, thirteen (13) children, ages 1-2, were in care with two staff members. You stated that a parent had wanted her child to move up to the next classroom and dropped the child off in the classroom that morning. We discussed that the staff/child ratio for one-year-old children is 1:6 or 2:12 as documented on the staff/child ratio sheet. When ratio is met, staff members can not accept another child and need to notify administration that assistance is needed. During the visit, a one-year-old child was moved to the infant classroom. We discussed that until there is room in the classroom, the child needs to remain in the infant room. Ensure that staff members know the ratio for the youngest child in the classroom and have a method of communication to notify administration when assistance is needed. Criminal Background Checks: Criminal Background Checks ensure that staff have not committed any crimes which could potentially make them unsafe to be around children and other staff. Because Abuse and Neglect registries are also checked, it helps to ensure that children are protected from physical, mental, and sexual abuse. Performing diligent background screenings also protects the child care facility against future legal challenges. All owners of licensed child care facilities and employees working in a licensed child care center are required to submit a Criminal Background Check (CBC) and receive their Qualifying Letter prior to their first day of employment and complete a five-year requalification (on-line application and fingerprints) so that the new Qualifying Letter is on file before the expiration date listed on their current Qualifying Letter. Multiple instances of failing to complete Criminal Background Checks may result in an Administrative Action. Jessica Henries was hired on 3/25/24 and did not have a qualification letter on file. She has completed an on-line application for a Criminal Background Check and results are pending. Because Ms. Henries has not received a CBC Qualification Letter, she may not work in the licensed facility until she is qualified and has provided you with a Qualification Letter. You stated that you have been waiting for her qualification letter and were short staffed. We discussed that volunteers are not able to count in staff/child ratios. During the visit, you sent Ms. Henries home and replaced her with a qualified staff member that works in the afternoons. We discussed that it is so important to have a background check prior to employment to ensure the safety of the children. Use the staff file checklist when hiring new staff to document when documents are received according to the due date listed on the checklist. First Aid and CPR: First Aid and CPR are required within three months of hire and then every two years. This ensures the staff are skilled at up-to-date techniques for first aid or other lifesaving skills. It also provides a refresher so that you are confident to act in a medical emergency. A person with current CPR/First Aid certification is required to be on-site and/or off-site with children away from the center. A staff member hired on 2/10/11 had CPR and First Aid certification on file that expired 3/2024. We discussed that a digital calendar could send reminders of due dates ahead of time and can be shared with others. Use your staff worksheets and create a “tickler” to send a reminder to your phone or email several months before CPR/First Aid expires to ensure you register for a class before your certifications expire. Infant Needs: Maintaining accurate documentation at the child care center is important in determining compliance with the child care rules and to ensure the health and safety of each child. Infant sleep charts allow teachers to document visually checking sleeping infants every 15 minutes. They note the infant’s sleep position, skin color, breathing, level of sleep, and body temperature. This needs to be documented every time a child is sleeping in your care. A child was observed sleeping in a crib and upon review of the safe sleep chart, there was not any documentation to reflect the times the child had been sleeping. We discussed that documentation needs to be done every time the children are asleep. Growth and development during infancy require that nourishing, wholesome, and developmentally appropriate food be provided, using safe approaches to feeding. All children under 15 months of age must have a signed feeding schedule/plan on file. The infant feeding plans should be developed with each infant’s parents/guardians and, when appropriate, in collaboration with the child’s primary care provider. In space #1, two (2) out of nine (9) feeding plans were not updated to reflect the intake of table foods. The teacher reported that the parents had verbally told the teachers that the children could begin to eat table foods, but it was not indicated on the feeding plans. We discussed that anytime there is a change in an infant’s feeding schedule, ask the parent to get the feeding plan that is posted in the classroom and have them document the change on the plan during the discussion with the caregiver. Emergency Medical Care Plan: Your program’s Emergency Medical Care plan was created to assist you with following a plan in the event of an emergency and who is responsible for each task list. You must update the plan whenever changes occur in your program. Your facilities emergency medical care plan must be reviewed with staff annually or when changes occur. The emergency medical care plan was dated 1/10/23 and not updated to reflect current staff employed in the facility. We discussed that the plan needs to be reviewed often to ensure that it is up to date with current staff members. When conducting orientation with new staff members, review the plan and up date if needed. Storage of Hazardous Items: Intentional planning of the environment ensures a safe environment has been created which prevents and reduces injuries to young children. In space #3, a container of Zep wipes was sitting on a shelf beside the children’s cubbies. When brought to your attention, the container was moved to locked storage. You stated that you were deep cleaning last week when the center was closed for spring break. Check the classroom daily before the children arrive to ensure that the environment is safe. Additional Comments: A violation was documented for failure to maintain compliance with staff/child ratio requirements. Violations of this nature directly impact the safety of the children while in your care. In addition, these types of violations have the greatest negative impact on your compliance history. During the visit, we discussed that repeated violations of this nature during consecutive visits may lead to an administrative action against your license. A follow-up visit will be conducted in the near future to monitor compliance with child care requirements. Natural Learning Initiative: Time outdoors is a critical tool for supporting mental and physical health in young children. Adoption of best practices for outdoor play and learning spaces is critical to increase daily time spent outside. The four components of this project include: 1. Relaunch a supportive network for outdoor play and learning environments in North Carolina; 2. Research nature-based programs and spaces and develop a plan to embed these in licensed childcare in North Carolina; 3. Motivate and train early educators and specialists to promote best practices and increase time in outdoor play and learning in NC childcare facilities; 4. Increase time outdoors playing and learning in NC family child care homes through professional development and technical assistance. Today, we discussed ways to create a natural learning environment in the outdoor spaces. Some of the ideas included a music wall made from kitchen accessories, a garden that the children can help plant, and a science center. I encourage you to check out naturallearning.org to find resources and professional development options for ways to enhance your outdoor learning environments. Moodle: The Division’s online training planning platform, DCDEE Moodle is up and operating as expected. You should be able to access Moodle and the required trainings within. We thank everyone for their patience and support as we worked through the sign-in and other technical issues. Note: The North Carolina Early Childhood Equivalency Exam remains unavailable until further notice. In the meantime, explore other Pathways to the Profession such as: • Pursue the Child Development Associate Credential at no cost. • Enroll in EDU 119 at a local North Carolina Community College To get help with Moodle, email DCDEE_Moodle_Support@dhhs.nc.gov or call (919) 814-6326. Craven Smart Start is also able to provide you with resources and information, training opportunities, technical assistance on childcare issues. Their phone number is (252) 636- 3198 or check out their website at www.cravensmartstart.org. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with you. Contact me at Brittany Jones, Child Care Consultant, (252) 947-1036, Brittany.j.jones@dhhs.nc.gov or Jennifer Linhardt, Licensing Supervisor, (252) 373-4199, Jennifer.Linhardt@dhhs.nc.gov if you have questions. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

NC GS 110-90 · Violation

Name of Operation: SMILIN' FACES CHILD CARE Facility ID: 69000077 Consultant: BRITTANY JONES Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 4/11/2024 Number Present: 30 Completed Date: 4/11/2024 Age: From 0 To 4 Total Minutes: 350 Time In: 09:00 AM Time Out: 02:50 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor your program for compliance with applicable child care requirements for an annual compliance visit. C. Jones-Carter, Assistant Administrator, assisted me with the visit. Your program currently operates with a four-star license, issued 12/12/2022, earning 4 points in the education component, 5 points in the program standards component and 1 quality point for having a staff benefits package and infrastructure of parental involvement. The last annual compliance visit was conducted 4/27/23. The sanitation inspection was completed 12/12/23 with a “Superior” classification. The last fire inspection was conducted 6/9/23 and your facility was approved for daytime care only. The center's compliance history was reviewed with the operator. The program’s compliance history was ninety six percent as of 4/2/2024. The NC Secretary of State website was reviewed on 4/2/2024 and this facility is not currently owned or operated by a corporation. Please contact me prior to any changes regarding the ownership of this facility. We reviewed your facility contact information listed on the Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) website and all information is current. Contact me if you need to make any changes to your contact information, e.g., phone numbers, mailing address. All indoor and outdoor areas were monitored. Children throughout the facility were participating in group time, free play in activity areas, transitions, and personal care routines. Children in space #1 were finishing a breakfast of French toast sticks, pears, and milk. Toddlers were in the outdoor space throwing balls into the basketball hoops. Preschoolers were sitting at the table and playing with manipulatives. The outdoor space was observed to have a tunnel, stepping stones, and balls for the children to engage in gross motor activities. A large shade structure was available for children to play underneath. Lunch was observed and consisted of fish sticks, baked beans, oranges, cornbread, and milk. The following violation(s) were documented. Violation Number Comment Rule 542 The written feeding plan was not modified as the child's needs changed. In space #1, two (2) out of nine (9) feeding plans were not updated to reflect the intake of table foods. 10 NCAC 09 .0902(a) 840 All corrosive agents, pesticides, bleaches, detergents, cleansers, polishes, any product which is under pressure in an aerosol dispenser, and any substance which may be hazardous to a child if ingested, inhaled, or handled were not stored in a locked room or cabinet. In space #3, a container of Zep wipes was sitting on a shelf beside the children’s cubbies. .2820(b) 887 Caregivers did not document compliance with visually checking on sleeping infants aged 12 months or younger and/or the documents were not maintained for a minimum of one month. A child was observed sleeping in a crib and upon review of the safe sleep chart, there was not any documentation to reflect the times the child had been sleeping. .0606(g) 1041 Prior to employment a Criminal Background Check was not completed. Jessica Henries was hired on 3/25/24 and did not have a qualification letter to review. G.S. 110-90.2(b) 1048 All staff did not successfully complete certification in First Aid appropriate to the age of children in care. Verification of staff completion of First Aid training from an approved training organization was not in the staff file. A staff member hired on 2/10/11 First Aid certification on file that expired 3/2024. .1102(c) 1049 All staff did not successfully complete certification in CPR training appropriate to the age of the children in care. Verification of staff completion of the CPR course from an approved training organization was not in the staff file. A staff member hired on 2/10/11 had CPR certification on file that expired 3/2024. .1102(d) 1756 Enhanced staff/child ratios and group sizes were not met. In space #3, thirteen (13) children, ages 1-2, were in care with two staff members. 10A NCAC 09 .2818 1757 A valid qualification letter was not on file and available to review at the facility. Jessica Henries was hired on 3/25/24 and did not have a qualification letter on file to review. G.S. 110-90.2(b) & (d) & .2703(e) 1914 The person identified as the person or alternate person responsible for carrying out the emergency medical care plan was not on the premises at all times and/or did not accompany children for off premise activities. The emergency medical care plan was dated 1/10/23 and was not updated to reflect current staff employed in the facility. .0802(b)(1-2) Child Care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. The violation(s) documented must be corrected immediately. On or before 4/25/24, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail, how and when the violations were corrected. Please be aware any information submitted by you is legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. Mail or email the information to: Brittany Jones, Child Care Consultant PO Box 3272 New Bern, NC 28564 Brittany.j.jones@dhhs.nc.gov If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent from the email address registered with the DCDEE (this serves as your signature) and the following information must be included: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. An example is: Jane Doe, Administrator AAA Child Care ID # 12345678 Technical Assistance with Documented Violations: Staff Child Ratio: A staff-to-child ratio is a measure of the number of children for whom each child care provider is responsible. Because younger children need more direct one-on-one interaction, response, and supervision, staff-to-child ratios are lower for younger children than for older ones. Ratio and group size are two factors that are critical to a child’s health, safety, and development. Ratios and group sizes help ensure that a child gets enough one-on-one attention from an adult who is available to take care of each child’s unique needs. This responsive caregiving is extremely important to a child ’s social and emotional development, physical well-being, and overall learning. In space #3, thirteen (13) children, ages 1-2, were in care with two staff members. You stated that a parent had wanted her child to move up to the next classroom and dropped the child off in the classroom that morning. We discussed that the staff/child ratio for one-year-old children is 1:6 or 2:12 as documented on the staff/child ratio sheet. When ratio is met, staff members can not accept another child and need to notify administration that assistance is needed. During the visit, a one-year-old child was moved to the infant classroom. We discussed that until there is room in the classroom, the child needs to remain in the infant room. Ensure that staff members know the ratio for the youngest child in the classroom and have a method of communication to notify administration when assistance is needed. Criminal Background Checks: Criminal Background Checks ensure that staff have not committed any crimes which could potentially make them unsafe to be around children and other staff. Because Abuse and Neglect registries are also checked, it helps to ensure that children are protected from physical, mental, and sexual abuse. Performing diligent background screenings also protects the child care facility against future legal challenges. All owners of licensed child care facilities and employees working in a licensed child care center are required to submit a Criminal Background Check (CBC) and receive their Qualifying Letter prior to their first day of employment and complete a five-year requalification (on-line application and fingerprints) so that the new Qualifying Letter is on file before the expiration date listed on their current Qualifying Letter. Multiple instances of failing to complete Criminal Background Checks may result in an Administrative Action. Jessica Henries was hired on 3/25/24 and did not have a qualification letter on file. She has completed an on-line application for a Criminal Background Check and results are pending. Because Ms. Henries has not received a CBC Qualification Letter, she may not work in the licensed facility until she is qualified and has provided you with a Qualification Letter. You stated that you have been waiting for her qualification letter and were short staffed. We discussed that volunteers are not able to count in staff/child ratios. During the visit, you sent Ms. Henries home and replaced her with a qualified staff member that works in the afternoons. We discussed that it is so important to have a background check prior to employment to ensure the safety of the children. Use the staff file checklist when hiring new staff to document when documents are received according to the due date listed on the checklist. First Aid and CPR: First Aid and CPR are required within three months of hire and then every two years. This ensures the staff are skilled at up-to-date techniques for first aid or other lifesaving skills. It also provides a refresher so that you are confident to act in a medical emergency. A person with current CPR/First Aid certification is required to be on-site and/or off-site with children away from the center. A staff member hired on 2/10/11 had CPR and First Aid certification on file that expired 3/2024. We discussed that a digital calendar could send reminders of due dates ahead of time and can be shared with others. Use your staff worksheets and create a “tickler” to send a reminder to your phone or email several months before CPR/First Aid expires to ensure you register for a class before your certifications expire. Infant Needs: Maintaining accurate documentation at the child care center is important in determining compliance with the child care rules and to ensure the health and safety of each child. Infant sleep charts allow teachers to document visually checking sleeping infants every 15 minutes. They note the infant’s sleep position, skin color, breathing, level of sleep, and body temperature. This needs to be documented every time a child is sleeping in your care. A child was observed sleeping in a crib and upon review of the safe sleep chart, there was not any documentation to reflect the times the child had been sleeping. We discussed that documentation needs to be done every time the children are asleep. Growth and development during infancy require that nourishing, wholesome, and developmentally appropriate food be provided, using safe approaches to feeding. All children under 15 months of age must have a signed feeding schedule/plan on file. The infant feeding plans should be developed with each infant’s parents/guardians and, when appropriate, in collaboration with the child’s primary care provider. In space #1, two (2) out of nine (9) feeding plans were not updated to reflect the intake of table foods. The teacher reported that the parents had verbally told the teachers that the children could begin to eat table foods, but it was not indicated on the feeding plans. We discussed that anytime there is a change in an infant’s feeding schedule, ask the parent to get the feeding plan that is posted in the classroom and have them document the change on the plan during the discussion with the caregiver. Emergency Medical Care Plan: Your program’s Emergency Medical Care plan was created to assist you with following a plan in the event of an emergency and who is responsible for each task list. You must update the plan whenever changes occur in your program. Your facilities emergency medical care plan must be reviewed with staff annually or when changes occur. The emergency medical care plan was dated 1/10/23 and not updated to reflect current staff employed in the facility. We discussed that the plan needs to be reviewed often to ensure that it is up to date with current staff members. When conducting orientation with new staff members, review the plan and up date if needed. Storage of Hazardous Items: Intentional planning of the environment ensures a safe environment has been created which prevents and reduces injuries to young children. In space #3, a container of Zep wipes was sitting on a shelf beside the children’s cubbies. When brought to your attention, the container was moved to locked storage. You stated that you were deep cleaning last week when the center was closed for spring break. Check the classroom daily before the children arrive to ensure that the environment is safe. Additional Comments: A violation was documented for failure to maintain compliance with staff/child ratio requirements. Violations of this nature directly impact the safety of the children while in your care. In addition, these types of violations have the greatest negative impact on your compliance history. During the visit, we discussed that repeated violations of this nature during consecutive visits may lead to an administrative action against your license. A follow-up visit will be conducted in the near future to monitor compliance with child care requirements. Natural Learning Initiative: Time outdoors is a critical tool for supporting mental and physical health in young children. Adoption of best practices for outdoor play and learning spaces is critical to increase daily time spent outside. The four components of this project include: 1. Relaunch a supportive network for outdoor play and learning environments in North Carolina; 2. Research nature-based programs and spaces and develop a plan to embed these in licensed childcare in North Carolina; 3. Motivate and train early educators and specialists to promote best practices and increase time in outdoor play and learning in NC childcare facilities; 4. Increase time outdoors playing and learning in NC family child care homes through professional development and technical assistance. Today, we discussed ways to create a natural learning environment in the outdoor spaces. Some of the ideas included a music wall made from kitchen accessories, a garden that the children can help plant, and a science center. I encourage you to check out naturallearning.org to find resources and professional development options for ways to enhance your outdoor learning environments. Moodle: The Division’s online training planning platform, DCDEE Moodle is up and operating as expected. You should be able to access Moodle and the required trainings within. We thank everyone for their patience and support as we worked through the sign-in and other technical issues. Note: The North Carolina Early Childhood Equivalency Exam remains unavailable until further notice. In the meantime, explore other Pathways to the Profession such as: • Pursue the Child Development Associate Credential at no cost. • Enroll in EDU 119 at a local North Carolina Community College To get help with Moodle, email DCDEE_Moodle_Support@dhhs.nc.gov or call (919) 814-6326. Craven Smart Start is also able to provide you with resources and information, training opportunities, technical assistance on childcare issues. Their phone number is (252) 636- 3198 or check out their website at www.cravensmartstart.org. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with you. Contact me at Brittany Jones, Child Care Consultant, (252) 947-1036, Brittany.j.jones@dhhs.nc.gov or Jennifer Linhardt, Licensing Supervisor, (252) 373-4199, Jennifer.Linhardt@dhhs.nc.gov if you have questions. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

10A NCAC 09 .0701 · Violation

Name of Operation: SMILIN' FACES CHILD CARE Facility ID: 69000077 Consultant: BRITTANY JONES Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 11/27/2023 Number Present: 29 Completed Date: 11/27/2023 Age: From 0 To 4 Total Minutes: 160 Time In: 10:45 AM Time Out: 01:25 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Routine Unannounced Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor your program for compliance with applicable child care requirements for a routine unannounced visit. J. Spain, Administrator, assisted me with today’s visit. Your program currently operates with a four-star license, issued 12/12/22, earning 4 points in the education component, 5 points in the program standards component and 1 quality point for having a staff benefits package and infrastructure of parent involvement. The last annual compliance visit was conducted 4/27/23. The sanitation inspection was completed on 6/28/23 with a “Superior” classification. The last fire inspection was conducted 6/9/23. The center's compliance history was reviewed with the operator. The program’s compliance history was ninety four percent as of 11/27/23. We reviewed your facility contact information listed on the Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) website and all information is current. Contact me if you need to make any changes to your contact information, e.g., phone numbers, mailing address. The NC Secretary of State website was reviewed on 11/27/23 and this facility is not currently owned or operated by a corporation. Please contact me prior to and changes regarding the ownership of this facility. All indoor and outdoor areas were monitored. Children throughout the facility were engaged in free play in activity areas, transitions, and personal care routines. Infants were engaged in tummy time and free play on the carpet. Preschoolers were observed sitting at child sized picnic tables and building with manipulatives. Toddlers were observed playing in the play kitchen and listening to a story being read to them. The outdoor space had a tunnel, riding, toys, and balls for the children to engage in gross motor activities. Lunch was observed and included ham, peas, pineapple, buns, and milk. The following violation was documented. Violation Number Comment Rule 1032 Child care providers and uncompensated providers who are not substitute providers or volunteers, including the director did not have a medical report on file prior to employment that was signed by a health care professional and/ or the medical report was older than 12 months. A staff member hired on 11/1/23 did not have a medical report on file to review. 10A NCAC 09 .0701(a) Child care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. The violation(s) documented must be corrected immediately. On or before 12/11/23, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail, how and when the violations were corrected. Please be aware any information submitted by you is considered legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit may be completed. Mail or email the information to: Brittany Jones, Child Care Consultant PO Box 3272 New Bern, NC 28564 Brittany.j.jones@dhhs.nc.gov If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent from the email address on file with DCDEE (this serves as your signature) and the following information must be included: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. An example is: Jane Doe, Administrator AAA Child Care ID # 12345678 Technical assistance with violations: Staff Medical Report: A Staff Medical Report is due for new employees by their first day of work to ensure they are physically, mentally, and emotionally well enough to care for children in a busy, rigorous environment. A staff member hired on 11/1/23 did not have a medical report on file to review. You stated that you lost the medical report that the staff member turned in to you and the staff member has contacted her physician to get a new copy of the medical report. It would be helpful to use the current Staff and Training Worksheet in addition to the staff file checklist to help you verify that all required forms are on file. Placing each form in the same order as the worksheet makes it even quicker and easier to review files and update the worksheet. Additional Comments: Screen time: Excessive media use has been associated with lags in achievement of knowledge and skills, as well as negative impacts on sleep, weight, and social/emotional health. Screen time, for children three years and older, should be used to stimulate a developmental domain; limited to 30 minutes a day and documented on a cumulative log or the activity plan that is available for review. Today, we discussed alternative methods of listening to music rather than using a smart tv. It was reported that the tvs are kept on a blank screen while music streams and TVs were not being used during the visit. Consider replacing the CD players throughout the center or getting a smart speaker to stream music. Changes for 2023 Annual License Fees! License fee collection for 2023 is moved to December. There are a few other changes to the Annual License Fee process: • All invoices will be emailed, and no paper copies will be sent through the U.S. Postal Service. • All invoices will be emailed by December 1, 2023 and will include the invoice number and total amount due. • All payments are due no later than December 31, 2023. Payments must be submitted online only through the Division’s website using a Mastercard or Visa debit or credit card, or by e-check. Providers will need their Facility ID number and their 2023 Invoice number to complete the payment process. Failure to pay the license fee is a violation of NCGS § 110-90(1a) and can result in a revocation of your child care license. In addition, unpaid license fees will be assessed a 10% late fee and accrued interest as established by NCGS § 147-86.23. If you have any questions, check the short Frequently Asked Questions on our website for answers or email DCDEE_LF@dhhs.nc.gov. Free Teacher Professional Development Available! NC child care teachers and staff are eligible for an online professional development membership program for early educators. DCDEE covers the cost! Membership includes 200+ hours including all training required for a CDA. Learning is engaging, interactive and includes relevant content, games and videos. Courses are available in English and Spanish. To learn more, register now! North Carolina Teacher Professional Development Resources Webinar Nov 30, 2023 at 1:00 PM Eastern Time Space is limited. Register in advance for this webinar: https://teachingstrategies.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_RjOYSOSBRxur5dhunfZDpA Meeting ID: 987 6848 1576 Passcode: 370896 Pamlico Partnership for Children is also able to provide you with resources and information, training opportunities, technical assistance on childcare issues. Their phone number is (252) 745-7850 or check out their website at www.pamlicopartnership.org. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with you. Contact me at Brittany Jones, Child Care Consultant, (252) 947-1036, Brittany.j.jones@dhhs.nc.gov or Jennifer Linhardt, Licensing Supervisor, Jennifer.Linhardt@dhhs.nc.gov if you have questions. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

NC GS 110-90 · Violation

Name of Operation: SMILIN' FACES CHILD CARE Facility ID: 69000077 Consultant: BRITTANY JONES Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 11/27/2023 Number Present: 29 Completed Date: 11/27/2023 Age: From 0 To 4 Total Minutes: 160 Time In: 10:45 AM Time Out: 01:25 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Routine Unannounced Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor your program for compliance with applicable child care requirements for a routine unannounced visit. J. Spain, Administrator, assisted me with today’s visit. Your program currently operates with a four-star license, issued 12/12/22, earning 4 points in the education component, 5 points in the program standards component and 1 quality point for having a staff benefits package and infrastructure of parent involvement. The last annual compliance visit was conducted 4/27/23. The sanitation inspection was completed on 6/28/23 with a “Superior” classification. The last fire inspection was conducted 6/9/23. The center's compliance history was reviewed with the operator. The program’s compliance history was ninety four percent as of 11/27/23. We reviewed your facility contact information listed on the Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) website and all information is current. Contact me if you need to make any changes to your contact information, e.g., phone numbers, mailing address. The NC Secretary of State website was reviewed on 11/27/23 and this facility is not currently owned or operated by a corporation. Please contact me prior to and changes regarding the ownership of this facility. All indoor and outdoor areas were monitored. Children throughout the facility were engaged in free play in activity areas, transitions, and personal care routines. Infants were engaged in tummy time and free play on the carpet. Preschoolers were observed sitting at child sized picnic tables and building with manipulatives. Toddlers were observed playing in the play kitchen and listening to a story being read to them. The outdoor space had a tunnel, riding, toys, and balls for the children to engage in gross motor activities. Lunch was observed and included ham, peas, pineapple, buns, and milk. The following violation was documented. Violation Number Comment Rule 1032 Child care providers and uncompensated providers who are not substitute providers or volunteers, including the director did not have a medical report on file prior to employment that was signed by a health care professional and/ or the medical report was older than 12 months. A staff member hired on 11/1/23 did not have a medical report on file to review. 10A NCAC 09 .0701(a) Child care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. The violation(s) documented must be corrected immediately. On or before 12/11/23, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail, how and when the violations were corrected. Please be aware any information submitted by you is considered legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit may be completed. Mail or email the information to: Brittany Jones, Child Care Consultant PO Box 3272 New Bern, NC 28564 Brittany.j.jones@dhhs.nc.gov If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent from the email address on file with DCDEE (this serves as your signature) and the following information must be included: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. An example is: Jane Doe, Administrator AAA Child Care ID # 12345678 Technical assistance with violations: Staff Medical Report: A Staff Medical Report is due for new employees by their first day of work to ensure they are physically, mentally, and emotionally well enough to care for children in a busy, rigorous environment. A staff member hired on 11/1/23 did not have a medical report on file to review. You stated that you lost the medical report that the staff member turned in to you and the staff member has contacted her physician to get a new copy of the medical report. It would be helpful to use the current Staff and Training Worksheet in addition to the staff file checklist to help you verify that all required forms are on file. Placing each form in the same order as the worksheet makes it even quicker and easier to review files and update the worksheet. Additional Comments: Screen time: Excessive media use has been associated with lags in achievement of knowledge and skills, as well as negative impacts on sleep, weight, and social/emotional health. Screen time, for children three years and older, should be used to stimulate a developmental domain; limited to 30 minutes a day and documented on a cumulative log or the activity plan that is available for review. Today, we discussed alternative methods of listening to music rather than using a smart tv. It was reported that the tvs are kept on a blank screen while music streams and TVs were not being used during the visit. Consider replacing the CD players throughout the center or getting a smart speaker to stream music. Changes for 2023 Annual License Fees! License fee collection for 2023 is moved to December. There are a few other changes to the Annual License Fee process: • All invoices will be emailed, and no paper copies will be sent through the U.S. Postal Service. • All invoices will be emailed by December 1, 2023 and will include the invoice number and total amount due. • All payments are due no later than December 31, 2023. Payments must be submitted online only through the Division’s website using a Mastercard or Visa debit or credit card, or by e-check. Providers will need their Facility ID number and their 2023 Invoice number to complete the payment process. Failure to pay the license fee is a violation of NCGS § 110-90(1a) and can result in a revocation of your child care license. In addition, unpaid license fees will be assessed a 10% late fee and accrued interest as established by NCGS § 147-86.23. If you have any questions, check the short Frequently Asked Questions on our website for answers or email DCDEE_LF@dhhs.nc.gov. Free Teacher Professional Development Available! NC child care teachers and staff are eligible for an online professional development membership program for early educators. DCDEE covers the cost! Membership includes 200+ hours including all training required for a CDA. Learning is engaging, interactive and includes relevant content, games and videos. Courses are available in English and Spanish. To learn more, register now! North Carolina Teacher Professional Development Resources Webinar Nov 30, 2023 at 1:00 PM Eastern Time Space is limited. Register in advance for this webinar: https://teachingstrategies.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_RjOYSOSBRxur5dhunfZDpA Meeting ID: 987 6848 1576 Passcode: 370896 Pamlico Partnership for Children is also able to provide you with resources and information, training opportunities, technical assistance on childcare issues. Their phone number is (252) 745-7850 or check out their website at www.pamlicopartnership.org. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with you. Contact me at Brittany Jones, Child Care Consultant, (252) 947-1036, Brittany.j.jones@dhhs.nc.gov or Jennifer Linhardt, Licensing Supervisor, Jennifer.Linhardt@dhhs.nc.gov if you have questions. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times