10A NCAC 09 .1102 · Violation

Name of Operation: C.F. POPE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL PRESCHOOL Facility ID: 71000125 Consultant: TAMMY ROSS Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 3/5/2026 Number Present: 38 Completed Date: 3/5/2026 Age: From 3 To 5 Total Minutes: 225 Time In: 10:45 AM Time Out: 02:30 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp w/Rated Lic Assess Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor compliance with applicable childcare requirements pertinent to an annual compliance with rated license visit. A checklist was used to note the requirements I monitored today, including staff and children’s files. This facility currently operates with a Five Star license issued on February 14, 2019, earning 7 points in Staff Education, 7 points in Program Standards, and a quality point. Restrictions on the permit include: an age range of 3-5 with a first shift capacity of 80; meeting all enhanced requirements and reduced ratios. This program is operated by Pender County Schools. The last annual compliance visit was conducted at this facility on March 12, 2025. As of today, your 18-month compliance history is 99%. Child Care programs are expected to always achieve and maintain compliance 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. Sanitation Inspection – 12/04/2025 – 8 Demerits - Superior Fire Inspection – 09/09/2025 – Pass There are three indoor spaces and one outdoor space being used by NC Pre-K students. There were forty-seven children enrolled, and thirty-eight children present, aged 3-5. Indoor spaces are arranged into activity areas that include but are not limited to language, blocks, art, math, science, sensory, dramatic play, and manipulatives. A variety of age-appropriate learning materials were observed in each classroom. NC PreK students were observed participating in free choice activities and large group time with teachers. Afterwards, they completed bathroom and handwashing routines and prepared for lunch. Lunch consisted of turkey sausage with pancakes or quesadilla, blueberries, cantaloupe, tator tots, and milk. Children ate lunch in the school cafeteria. After lunch, children prepared for nap/rest time. Children were resting on appropriately spaced covered mats with blankets, lights were off, and soft music played in the background making the space conducive to rest. Nap/Rest Time - The staff/child ratios for children two years and older, during naptime must be maintained by having at least one person in each room, visually supervising all children, and the total number of required staff on the premises within calling distance of each room occupied by children. Calling distance refers to required staff to be in the building – not in the parking lot or off the premises. During today’s visit, one staff member was left with thirteen children at nap/rest time; additional staff member was not in the building. This is a violation of staff/child ratios. Also, after nap time, several teachers were observed walking to the bathroom which is located down the hallway leaving their co-teachers with more than 10 children. Staff/child ratios must be maintained at all times. Also, in space #104, a child was upset and having a hard time transitioning to nap/rest time and staff member stated to child, “Do you want me to call Judy?” The child answered, “No,” and I visibly saw the child become more upset and could hear the fear in the child’s voice. I later found out that is a family member of the child. Staff members can not threaten, bully, or intimidate children. This will be cited as a discipline violation. Despite best efforts, challenging behaviors can’t always be completely avoided. In these situations, fostering the social-emotional skills children need to be able to help self-regulate is key. Young children cannot be expected to just know how to “calm down” the way some adults do. They need to be given the tools to be able to do this and a safe environment in which to practice these skills. They then need to be provided with positive feedback, specific to the situation allowing them to learn what the desired behavior looks and feels like. Once they begin learning key skills, adults can help reinforce and promote positive behavior by celebrating appropriate behaviors when they occur and responding consistently to negative behaviors. Space #108 has had significant turnover in staff this school year, at least 2 new teachers. Long term substitutes have served as teachers and instructional assistants in this classroom. During today’s visit, there was a long-term substitute and newly hired (January 2026) instructional assistant/teacher in this classroom. It was evident that these staff members were doing their best; the children were safe. It is imperative that new staff be properly trained in all areas – rules, procedures, policies - prior to taking on the responsibility of the classroom. This classroom needs extra support and attention – it is the largest classroom at this site but has had the most inconsistency. Therefore, administrative staff should be on site assisting staff members to ensure the children are prepared in all five of the developmental domains that are critical to children’s overall well-being and success in reading and math as they enter school: •Approaches to play and learning •Emotional and social development •Health and Physical Development •Language development and communication •Cognitive development We must ensure that a high-quality pre-kindergarten classroom experience is provided for all eligible four-year-old children in each local NC Pre-K Program. While at the visit, I contacted Stacie Poulin, Executive Director for Pender County School Preschool Program, and spoke with her about my concerns regarding this facility, not just space #108, she agreed and stated she would have Grace Moore, Education Coordinator, provide more hands-on assistance with all staff at this site. Health & Safety Training - Staff members who have been employed for at least one year and some new staff have completed Health and Safety training as outlined in Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .1102. Ensure health and safety trainings are recorded on the health and safety training log; this information must be maintained on file. Health and Safety training must be renewed every five years. Completing, refreshing, and updating the required Health and Safety Training increases your awareness and knowledge regarding child development and safety. Staff and Training Worksheets- There were eight staff members employed at this facility. There were three new staff members hired since the last annual compliance visit. All new staff and a percentage of veteran staff’s files were reviewed today. Required information and trainings for all existing staff were also monitored. There were violations observed and documented today. All violations must be corrected immediately. Continue to comply with all applicable child care rules. Violation Number Comment Rule 317 The staff/child ratios for children, two years and older, during naptime were not maintained by having at least one person in each room, visually supervising all children and the total number of required staff on the premises within calling distance of each room occupied by children. During today’s visit, one staff member was left with thirteen children at nap/rest time; additional staff member was not in the building. It was stated that staff member was in the parking lot moving their vehicle. .1801(b) 428 A current activity plan was not posted for each group of children for reference. An activity plan was not posted or available in space #108. GS 110-91(12); .0508(a) 805 Fire drills were not practiced monthly and/or the drill record was incomplete. A fire drill was not recorded for January 2026. .0604(t); .0302(d)(5) 811 Potentially hazardous items including but not limited to power tools, nails, chemicals, propane stoves, lawn mowers, gasoline, or kerosene were not stored in locked areas, removed from the premises, or made inaccessible to children. In space #102, baby wipes were laying on the table in the classroom and in space #104, a hand cream was located in a child's cubby; both had labels that read, "Keep out of reach of children" and should have been stored at least 5ft above floor level. .0604(a) 859 Monthly playground inspections were not completed and/or they were not completed by an individual trained in playground safety requirements. Outdoor inspections were not completed for December, January, or February. .0605(q) 1811 Shelter-in-place or lockdown drills were not practiced every three months and/or drill record was incomplete. An emergency drill had not be conducted and/or recorded since October 2025. .0604(u);.0302(d)(8) 1876 A child was yelled at, shamed, humiliated, frightened, threatened or bullied. In space #104, a staff member stated to child, “Do you want me to call Judy?” The child answered, “No,” and I visibly saw the child become more upset and could hear the fear in the child’s voice. .1803(a)(9) For your facility to remain in compliance with NC Child Care Requirements, violations must be corrected immediately. A signed and dated letter of compliance must be received March 19, 2026, describing how the violation was corrected and how compliance will be maintained in the future. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. A time frame is established to allow you time for submitting your compliance letter. This timeframe is not intended to be used as a guide for correcting violations, as they should be corrected immediately. If I can be of further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me at (910)824-1143 or you can email me at Tammy.Ross@dhhs.nc.gov. You may email me with your verification or mail it to me at: Tammy Ross, Child Care Licensing Consultant, P.O. Box 278, Jacksonville, NC 28541 Childcare licensing requirements are established to ensure a safe and healthy childcare environment. Therefore, it is important for you to be knowledgeable of and periodically review all the licensing requirements that apply to your type of program. It is your responsibility to always maintain compliance with all the applicable laws and rules whether they have been monitored or specifically discussed with you in the past. Comments regarding violations cited today Please review child care rules regarding storage and accessibility of potentially hazardous items. Items labeled “Keep out of reach of children” with no other warnings must be inaccessible to children which is being stored at a minimum of five feet off the floor. This includes hand creams and baby wipes. Activity Plan - A current activity pan must be posted for each group of children. For each group of children in care, the activity plan shall include activities intended to stimulate the following developmental domains, in accordance with North Carolina Foundations for Early Learning and Development, available on the Division's website at http://ncchildcare.nc.gov/providers/pv_foundations.asp: (1) emotional and social development; (2) health and physical development; (3) approaches to play and learning; (4) language development and communication; and (5) cognitive development. Outdoor inspections and fire drills must be conducted and recorded monthly. Outdoor inspections were not recorded for December, January, or February. Fire drill not recorded for January 2026. Emergency drills must be conducted and recorded every three months. The last emergency drill was recorded as conducted in October 2025. Therefore, a shelter in place or lock down drill should have been conducted and recorded in January 2026. I suggest marking a date on your calendar so that you can ensure that a fire drill is performed monthly. It may also help to plan these drills for different times of the day so children and staff can be prepared to evacuate no matter if activity or routine is taking place. Discipline - A child cannot be yelled at, shamed, humiliated, frightened, threatened or bullied. The word discipline means to teach and guide. Discipline is not punishment. The discipline standard should reflect an approach that prevents behavior problems by supporting children in learning appropriate social skills and emotional responses. Those that work with young children should care for children without ever resorting to physical punishment or abusive language. When a child needs assistance, needs to express feelings, needs, and wants, the adult should help the child learn strategies for dealing with any situation. Staff/Child Ratio – Staff/child ratios must be maintained at all times. Maintaining staff/child ratios and maximum group sizes is essential to the health and safety of children. Staff must be aware of children’s ages and how many children are always in each group. It may be helpful to review the rule regarding staff/child ratio in relation to naptime coverage as the staff members may need clarification regarding this rule due to it being cited today. Some operators find it beneficial to hire part-time staff to help provide extra coverage during certain hours of the day to assist primary caregivers with carrying out daily activities and routines. Due to discipline and staff/child ratio being cited as violations today, a follow-up visit will be conducted to ensure compliance is maintained at all times. Failure to maintain compliance may result in an administrative action being issued at your facility. Rated License Reassessment; QRIS - Choosing a Pathway to the Stars: Your facility chose Pathway #3, Accreditation and Head Start, and you submitted your application and required forms on October 7, 2025. This program is a head start designation and a copy of the federal reward information listing Pender County Schools as the recipient was submitted for verification purposes. For child care facilities that are Head Start grantee sites, the pathway to a Five Star Rated License is based on the Head Start educational and programmatic requirements that are comparable to or exceed NC QRIS requirements. Licensed child care facilities that are Head Start grantee sites may transition to this pathway by completing the Request for Accreditation and Head Start Licensure Pathway form. Your rated license reassessment will be completed and submitted to my supervisor for review, then forwarded to the Raleigh office for processing and printing. You will receive a new *****5 Star License in the mail; you will need to post this license immediately. Other Information: Provider Portal for ABCMS (the criminal records check database): Stacie Poulin, Executive Director for Pender County School Preschool program, has completed the required training, and access has been given, and current staff are noted on the roster. This information should be updated in ABCMS on an ongoing basis as staff members are hired and when their employment is terminated. This satisfies the requirement to notify the Division of new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. Should you need assistance please contact the Criminal Background Check Unit at (919) 814-8401 and someone will assist you. CLEAN CLASSROOMS FOR CAROLINA KIDS Your facility’s status, according to the Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids website, shows the following: • Water Testing-Completed on June 6, 2024. Water testing must be completed every three (3) years. • Lead-Based Paint- Exempt N/A • Asbestos- Exempt N/A Ensure you keep all paperwork that you receive regarding this matter, as it may be requested to verify compliance. Please refer to the website if you have specific questions! https://www.cleanwaterforuskids.org/en/carolina/faq/ for further guidance and ensure all steps have been completed. Use this link to enroll your program or view test results/status: https://www.cleanwaterforuskids.org/en/carolina/ 2025-2026 Respiratory Season: To help North Carolinians understand how to defend themselves against serious illness from the flu, COVID-19 and RSV, NCDHHS has released a bilingual Respiratory Illness Communications Toolkit for the 2025–2026 respiratory virus season. The toolkit offers ready-to-share fact sheets, social media content, videos, posters and other materials to help communities, health departments, schools and employers share respiratory illness information. The materials explain how these viruses spread, symptoms to watch for and the benefits of getting updated vaccines. They also provide information on where to get vaccinated. NCDHHS encourages North Carolinians to get vaccinated for the strongest protection and follow everyday steps like handwashing and staying home when sick. For questions or concerns, talk to a health care provider. Resources and vaccine-finder information are available at MySpot.nc.gov. Reminders: Ensure all staff are included on the Public-School Off-Site Records Verification form; update as staff changes occur. When children 3 years and older were in care, screen time must be used to stimulate a developmental domain; was not limited to 30 minutes a day and no more than a total of two and a half hours per week per child; and/or was not documented on a cumulative log or the activity plan that is available for review. Qualifying letters expires for Nicole Russell on May 3, 2026, and for Marsha Bradshaw on June 10, 2026. CPR/FA expire for Julisa Henry and Marsh Bradshaw on August 31, 2026. Outdoor Area - Mulch needs to be tilled by the swings and spray rust areas on swing chains and stationary equipment. For the latest information on childcare rules and regulations, please visit the Division of Child Development and Early Education's website at: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ Documentation was completed electronically, signed, and emailed to Ms. Poulin - per her request. As we discussed, this computer-generated visit summary serves as completion of the annual compliance visit with rated license assessment visit. Please remember it is your responsibility to always comply with all child care rules and requirements. Contact me at Tammy.Ross@dhhs.nc.gov at (910)824-1143 with any questions or concerns. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

Open Not marked corrected in the state record

Category: supervision. Open / not marked corrected.

GS 110-91 · Violation

Name of Operation: C.F. POPE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL PRESCHOOL Facility ID: 71000125 Consultant: TAMMY ROSS Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 3/5/2026 Number Present: 38 Completed Date: 3/5/2026 Age: From 3 To 5 Total Minutes: 225 Time In: 10:45 AM Time Out: 02:30 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp w/Rated Lic Assess Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor compliance with applicable childcare requirements pertinent to an annual compliance with rated license visit. A checklist was used to note the requirements I monitored today, including staff and children’s files. This facility currently operates with a Five Star license issued on February 14, 2019, earning 7 points in Staff Education, 7 points in Program Standards, and a quality point. Restrictions on the permit include: an age range of 3-5 with a first shift capacity of 80; meeting all enhanced requirements and reduced ratios. This program is operated by Pender County Schools. The last annual compliance visit was conducted at this facility on March 12, 2025. As of today, your 18-month compliance history is 99%. Child Care programs are expected to always achieve and maintain compliance 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. Sanitation Inspection – 12/04/2025 – 8 Demerits - Superior Fire Inspection – 09/09/2025 – Pass There are three indoor spaces and one outdoor space being used by NC Pre-K students. There were forty-seven children enrolled, and thirty-eight children present, aged 3-5. Indoor spaces are arranged into activity areas that include but are not limited to language, blocks, art, math, science, sensory, dramatic play, and manipulatives. A variety of age-appropriate learning materials were observed in each classroom. NC PreK students were observed participating in free choice activities and large group time with teachers. Afterwards, they completed bathroom and handwashing routines and prepared for lunch. Lunch consisted of turkey sausage with pancakes or quesadilla, blueberries, cantaloupe, tator tots, and milk. Children ate lunch in the school cafeteria. After lunch, children prepared for nap/rest time. Children were resting on appropriately spaced covered mats with blankets, lights were off, and soft music played in the background making the space conducive to rest. Nap/Rest Time - The staff/child ratios for children two years and older, during naptime must be maintained by having at least one person in each room, visually supervising all children, and the total number of required staff on the premises within calling distance of each room occupied by children. Calling distance refers to required staff to be in the building – not in the parking lot or off the premises. During today’s visit, one staff member was left with thirteen children at nap/rest time; additional staff member was not in the building. This is a violation of staff/child ratios. Also, after nap time, several teachers were observed walking to the bathroom which is located down the hallway leaving their co-teachers with more than 10 children. Staff/child ratios must be maintained at all times. Also, in space #104, a child was upset and having a hard time transitioning to nap/rest time and staff member stated to child, “Do you want me to call Judy?” The child answered, “No,” and I visibly saw the child become more upset and could hear the fear in the child’s voice. I later found out that is a family member of the child. Staff members can not threaten, bully, or intimidate children. This will be cited as a discipline violation. Despite best efforts, challenging behaviors can’t always be completely avoided. In these situations, fostering the social-emotional skills children need to be able to help self-regulate is key. Young children cannot be expected to just know how to “calm down” the way some adults do. They need to be given the tools to be able to do this and a safe environment in which to practice these skills. They then need to be provided with positive feedback, specific to the situation allowing them to learn what the desired behavior looks and feels like. Once they begin learning key skills, adults can help reinforce and promote positive behavior by celebrating appropriate behaviors when they occur and responding consistently to negative behaviors. Space #108 has had significant turnover in staff this school year, at least 2 new teachers. Long term substitutes have served as teachers and instructional assistants in this classroom. During today’s visit, there was a long-term substitute and newly hired (January 2026) instructional assistant/teacher in this classroom. It was evident that these staff members were doing their best; the children were safe. It is imperative that new staff be properly trained in all areas – rules, procedures, policies - prior to taking on the responsibility of the classroom. This classroom needs extra support and attention – it is the largest classroom at this site but has had the most inconsistency. Therefore, administrative staff should be on site assisting staff members to ensure the children are prepared in all five of the developmental domains that are critical to children’s overall well-being and success in reading and math as they enter school: •Approaches to play and learning •Emotional and social development •Health and Physical Development •Language development and communication •Cognitive development We must ensure that a high-quality pre-kindergarten classroom experience is provided for all eligible four-year-old children in each local NC Pre-K Program. While at the visit, I contacted Stacie Poulin, Executive Director for Pender County School Preschool Program, and spoke with her about my concerns regarding this facility, not just space #108, she agreed and stated she would have Grace Moore, Education Coordinator, provide more hands-on assistance with all staff at this site. Health & Safety Training - Staff members who have been employed for at least one year and some new staff have completed Health and Safety training as outlined in Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .1102. Ensure health and safety trainings are recorded on the health and safety training log; this information must be maintained on file. Health and Safety training must be renewed every five years. Completing, refreshing, and updating the required Health and Safety Training increases your awareness and knowledge regarding child development and safety. Staff and Training Worksheets- There were eight staff members employed at this facility. There were three new staff members hired since the last annual compliance visit. All new staff and a percentage of veteran staff’s files were reviewed today. Required information and trainings for all existing staff were also monitored. There were violations observed and documented today. All violations must be corrected immediately. Continue to comply with all applicable child care rules. Violation Number Comment Rule 317 The staff/child ratios for children, two years and older, during naptime were not maintained by having at least one person in each room, visually supervising all children and the total number of required staff on the premises within calling distance of each room occupied by children. During today’s visit, one staff member was left with thirteen children at nap/rest time; additional staff member was not in the building. It was stated that staff member was in the parking lot moving their vehicle. .1801(b) 428 A current activity plan was not posted for each group of children for reference. An activity plan was not posted or available in space #108. GS 110-91(12); .0508(a) 805 Fire drills were not practiced monthly and/or the drill record was incomplete. A fire drill was not recorded for January 2026. .0604(t); .0302(d)(5) 811 Potentially hazardous items including but not limited to power tools, nails, chemicals, propane stoves, lawn mowers, gasoline, or kerosene were not stored in locked areas, removed from the premises, or made inaccessible to children. In space #102, baby wipes were laying on the table in the classroom and in space #104, a hand cream was located in a child's cubby; both had labels that read, "Keep out of reach of children" and should have been stored at least 5ft above floor level. .0604(a) 859 Monthly playground inspections were not completed and/or they were not completed by an individual trained in playground safety requirements. Outdoor inspections were not completed for December, January, or February. .0605(q) 1811 Shelter-in-place or lockdown drills were not practiced every three months and/or drill record was incomplete. An emergency drill had not be conducted and/or recorded since October 2025. .0604(u);.0302(d)(8) 1876 A child was yelled at, shamed, humiliated, frightened, threatened or bullied. In space #104, a staff member stated to child, “Do you want me to call Judy?” The child answered, “No,” and I visibly saw the child become more upset and could hear the fear in the child’s voice. .1803(a)(9) For your facility to remain in compliance with NC Child Care Requirements, violations must be corrected immediately. A signed and dated letter of compliance must be received March 19, 2026, describing how the violation was corrected and how compliance will be maintained in the future. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. A time frame is established to allow you time for submitting your compliance letter. This timeframe is not intended to be used as a guide for correcting violations, as they should be corrected immediately. If I can be of further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me at (910)824-1143 or you can email me at Tammy.Ross@dhhs.nc.gov. You may email me with your verification or mail it to me at: Tammy Ross, Child Care Licensing Consultant, P.O. Box 278, Jacksonville, NC 28541 Childcare licensing requirements are established to ensure a safe and healthy childcare environment. Therefore, it is important for you to be knowledgeable of and periodically review all the licensing requirements that apply to your type of program. It is your responsibility to always maintain compliance with all the applicable laws and rules whether they have been monitored or specifically discussed with you in the past. Comments regarding violations cited today Please review child care rules regarding storage and accessibility of potentially hazardous items. Items labeled “Keep out of reach of children” with no other warnings must be inaccessible to children which is being stored at a minimum of five feet off the floor. This includes hand creams and baby wipes. Activity Plan - A current activity pan must be posted for each group of children. For each group of children in care, the activity plan shall include activities intended to stimulate the following developmental domains, in accordance with North Carolina Foundations for Early Learning and Development, available on the Division's website at http://ncchildcare.nc.gov/providers/pv_foundations.asp: (1) emotional and social development; (2) health and physical development; (3) approaches to play and learning; (4) language development and communication; and (5) cognitive development. Outdoor inspections and fire drills must be conducted and recorded monthly. Outdoor inspections were not recorded for December, January, or February. Fire drill not recorded for January 2026. Emergency drills must be conducted and recorded every three months. The last emergency drill was recorded as conducted in October 2025. Therefore, a shelter in place or lock down drill should have been conducted and recorded in January 2026. I suggest marking a date on your calendar so that you can ensure that a fire drill is performed monthly. It may also help to plan these drills for different times of the day so children and staff can be prepared to evacuate no matter if activity or routine is taking place. Discipline - A child cannot be yelled at, shamed, humiliated, frightened, threatened or bullied. The word discipline means to teach and guide. Discipline is not punishment. The discipline standard should reflect an approach that prevents behavior problems by supporting children in learning appropriate social skills and emotional responses. Those that work with young children should care for children without ever resorting to physical punishment or abusive language. When a child needs assistance, needs to express feelings, needs, and wants, the adult should help the child learn strategies for dealing with any situation. Staff/Child Ratio – Staff/child ratios must be maintained at all times. Maintaining staff/child ratios and maximum group sizes is essential to the health and safety of children. Staff must be aware of children’s ages and how many children are always in each group. It may be helpful to review the rule regarding staff/child ratio in relation to naptime coverage as the staff members may need clarification regarding this rule due to it being cited today. Some operators find it beneficial to hire part-time staff to help provide extra coverage during certain hours of the day to assist primary caregivers with carrying out daily activities and routines. Due to discipline and staff/child ratio being cited as violations today, a follow-up visit will be conducted to ensure compliance is maintained at all times. Failure to maintain compliance may result in an administrative action being issued at your facility. Rated License Reassessment; QRIS - Choosing a Pathway to the Stars: Your facility chose Pathway #3, Accreditation and Head Start, and you submitted your application and required forms on October 7, 2025. This program is a head start designation and a copy of the federal reward information listing Pender County Schools as the recipient was submitted for verification purposes. For child care facilities that are Head Start grantee sites, the pathway to a Five Star Rated License is based on the Head Start educational and programmatic requirements that are comparable to or exceed NC QRIS requirements. Licensed child care facilities that are Head Start grantee sites may transition to this pathway by completing the Request for Accreditation and Head Start Licensure Pathway form. Your rated license reassessment will be completed and submitted to my supervisor for review, then forwarded to the Raleigh office for processing and printing. You will receive a new *****5 Star License in the mail; you will need to post this license immediately. Other Information: Provider Portal for ABCMS (the criminal records check database): Stacie Poulin, Executive Director for Pender County School Preschool program, has completed the required training, and access has been given, and current staff are noted on the roster. This information should be updated in ABCMS on an ongoing basis as staff members are hired and when their employment is terminated. This satisfies the requirement to notify the Division of new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. Should you need assistance please contact the Criminal Background Check Unit at (919) 814-8401 and someone will assist you. CLEAN CLASSROOMS FOR CAROLINA KIDS Your facility’s status, according to the Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids website, shows the following: • Water Testing-Completed on June 6, 2024. Water testing must be completed every three (3) years. • Lead-Based Paint- Exempt N/A • Asbestos- Exempt N/A Ensure you keep all paperwork that you receive regarding this matter, as it may be requested to verify compliance. Please refer to the website if you have specific questions! https://www.cleanwaterforuskids.org/en/carolina/faq/ for further guidance and ensure all steps have been completed. Use this link to enroll your program or view test results/status: https://www.cleanwaterforuskids.org/en/carolina/ 2025-2026 Respiratory Season: To help North Carolinians understand how to defend themselves against serious illness from the flu, COVID-19 and RSV, NCDHHS has released a bilingual Respiratory Illness Communications Toolkit for the 2025–2026 respiratory virus season. The toolkit offers ready-to-share fact sheets, social media content, videos, posters and other materials to help communities, health departments, schools and employers share respiratory illness information. The materials explain how these viruses spread, symptoms to watch for and the benefits of getting updated vaccines. They also provide information on where to get vaccinated. NCDHHS encourages North Carolinians to get vaccinated for the strongest protection and follow everyday steps like handwashing and staying home when sick. For questions or concerns, talk to a health care provider. Resources and vaccine-finder information are available at MySpot.nc.gov. Reminders: Ensure all staff are included on the Public-School Off-Site Records Verification form; update as staff changes occur. When children 3 years and older were in care, screen time must be used to stimulate a developmental domain; was not limited to 30 minutes a day and no more than a total of two and a half hours per week per child; and/or was not documented on a cumulative log or the activity plan that is available for review. Qualifying letters expires for Nicole Russell on May 3, 2026, and for Marsha Bradshaw on June 10, 2026. CPR/FA expire for Julisa Henry and Marsh Bradshaw on August 31, 2026. Outdoor Area - Mulch needs to be tilled by the swings and spray rust areas on swing chains and stationary equipment. For the latest information on childcare rules and regulations, please visit the Division of Child Development and Early Education's website at: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ Documentation was completed electronically, signed, and emailed to Ms. Poulin - per her request. As we discussed, this computer-generated visit summary serves as completion of the annual compliance visit with rated license assessment visit. Please remember it is your responsibility to always comply with all child care rules and requirements. Contact me at Tammy.Ross@dhhs.nc.gov at (910)824-1143 with any questions or concerns. 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: C.F. POPE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL PRESCHOOL Facility ID: 71000125 Consultant: TAMMY ROSS Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 3/5/2026 Number Present: 38 Completed Date: 3/5/2026 Age: From 3 To 5 Total Minutes: 225 Time In: 10:45 AM Time Out: 02:30 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp w/Rated Lic Assess Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor compliance with applicable childcare requirements pertinent to an annual compliance with rated license visit. A checklist was used to note the requirements I monitored today, including staff and children’s files. This facility currently operates with a Five Star license issued on February 14, 2019, earning 7 points in Staff Education, 7 points in Program Standards, and a quality point. Restrictions on the permit include: an age range of 3-5 with a first shift capacity of 80; meeting all enhanced requirements and reduced ratios. This program is operated by Pender County Schools. The last annual compliance visit was conducted at this facility on March 12, 2025. As of today, your 18-month compliance history is 99%. Child Care programs are expected to always achieve and maintain compliance 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. Sanitation Inspection – 12/04/2025 – 8 Demerits - Superior Fire Inspection – 09/09/2025 – Pass There are three indoor spaces and one outdoor space being used by NC Pre-K students. There were forty-seven children enrolled, and thirty-eight children present, aged 3-5. Indoor spaces are arranged into activity areas that include but are not limited to language, blocks, art, math, science, sensory, dramatic play, and manipulatives. A variety of age-appropriate learning materials were observed in each classroom. NC PreK students were observed participating in free choice activities and large group time with teachers. Afterwards, they completed bathroom and handwashing routines and prepared for lunch. Lunch consisted of turkey sausage with pancakes or quesadilla, blueberries, cantaloupe, tator tots, and milk. Children ate lunch in the school cafeteria. After lunch, children prepared for nap/rest time. Children were resting on appropriately spaced covered mats with blankets, lights were off, and soft music played in the background making the space conducive to rest. Nap/Rest Time - The staff/child ratios for children two years and older, during naptime must be maintained by having at least one person in each room, visually supervising all children, and the total number of required staff on the premises within calling distance of each room occupied by children. Calling distance refers to required staff to be in the building – not in the parking lot or off the premises. During today’s visit, one staff member was left with thirteen children at nap/rest time; additional staff member was not in the building. This is a violation of staff/child ratios. Also, after nap time, several teachers were observed walking to the bathroom which is located down the hallway leaving their co-teachers with more than 10 children. Staff/child ratios must be maintained at all times. Also, in space #104, a child was upset and having a hard time transitioning to nap/rest time and staff member stated to child, “Do you want me to call Judy?” The child answered, “No,” and I visibly saw the child become more upset and could hear the fear in the child’s voice. I later found out that is a family member of the child. Staff members can not threaten, bully, or intimidate children. This will be cited as a discipline violation. Despite best efforts, challenging behaviors can’t always be completely avoided. In these situations, fostering the social-emotional skills children need to be able to help self-regulate is key. Young children cannot be expected to just know how to “calm down” the way some adults do. They need to be given the tools to be able to do this and a safe environment in which to practice these skills. They then need to be provided with positive feedback, specific to the situation allowing them to learn what the desired behavior looks and feels like. Once they begin learning key skills, adults can help reinforce and promote positive behavior by celebrating appropriate behaviors when they occur and responding consistently to negative behaviors. Space #108 has had significant turnover in staff this school year, at least 2 new teachers. Long term substitutes have served as teachers and instructional assistants in this classroom. During today’s visit, there was a long-term substitute and newly hired (January 2026) instructional assistant/teacher in this classroom. It was evident that these staff members were doing their best; the children were safe. It is imperative that new staff be properly trained in all areas – rules, procedures, policies - prior to taking on the responsibility of the classroom. This classroom needs extra support and attention – it is the largest classroom at this site but has had the most inconsistency. Therefore, administrative staff should be on site assisting staff members to ensure the children are prepared in all five of the developmental domains that are critical to children’s overall well-being and success in reading and math as they enter school: •Approaches to play and learning •Emotional and social development •Health and Physical Development •Language development and communication •Cognitive development We must ensure that a high-quality pre-kindergarten classroom experience is provided for all eligible four-year-old children in each local NC Pre-K Program. While at the visit, I contacted Stacie Poulin, Executive Director for Pender County School Preschool Program, and spoke with her about my concerns regarding this facility, not just space #108, she agreed and stated she would have Grace Moore, Education Coordinator, provide more hands-on assistance with all staff at this site. Health & Safety Training - Staff members who have been employed for at least one year and some new staff have completed Health and Safety training as outlined in Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .1102. Ensure health and safety trainings are recorded on the health and safety training log; this information must be maintained on file. Health and Safety training must be renewed every five years. Completing, refreshing, and updating the required Health and Safety Training increases your awareness and knowledge regarding child development and safety. Staff and Training Worksheets- There were eight staff members employed at this facility. There were three new staff members hired since the last annual compliance visit. All new staff and a percentage of veteran staff’s files were reviewed today. Required information and trainings for all existing staff were also monitored. There were violations observed and documented today. All violations must be corrected immediately. Continue to comply with all applicable child care rules. Violation Number Comment Rule 317 The staff/child ratios for children, two years and older, during naptime were not maintained by having at least one person in each room, visually supervising all children and the total number of required staff on the premises within calling distance of each room occupied by children. During today’s visit, one staff member was left with thirteen children at nap/rest time; additional staff member was not in the building. It was stated that staff member was in the parking lot moving their vehicle. .1801(b) 428 A current activity plan was not posted for each group of children for reference. An activity plan was not posted or available in space #108. GS 110-91(12); .0508(a) 805 Fire drills were not practiced monthly and/or the drill record was incomplete. A fire drill was not recorded for January 2026. .0604(t); .0302(d)(5) 811 Potentially hazardous items including but not limited to power tools, nails, chemicals, propane stoves, lawn mowers, gasoline, or kerosene were not stored in locked areas, removed from the premises, or made inaccessible to children. In space #102, baby wipes were laying on the table in the classroom and in space #104, a hand cream was located in a child's cubby; both had labels that read, "Keep out of reach of children" and should have been stored at least 5ft above floor level. .0604(a) 859 Monthly playground inspections were not completed and/or they were not completed by an individual trained in playground safety requirements. Outdoor inspections were not completed for December, January, or February. .0605(q) 1811 Shelter-in-place or lockdown drills were not practiced every three months and/or drill record was incomplete. An emergency drill had not be conducted and/or recorded since October 2025. .0604(u);.0302(d)(8) 1876 A child was yelled at, shamed, humiliated, frightened, threatened or bullied. In space #104, a staff member stated to child, “Do you want me to call Judy?” The child answered, “No,” and I visibly saw the child become more upset and could hear the fear in the child’s voice. .1803(a)(9) For your facility to remain in compliance with NC Child Care Requirements, violations must be corrected immediately. A signed and dated letter of compliance must be received March 19, 2026, describing how the violation was corrected and how compliance will be maintained in the future. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. A time frame is established to allow you time for submitting your compliance letter. This timeframe is not intended to be used as a guide for correcting violations, as they should be corrected immediately. If I can be of further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me at (910)824-1143 or you can email me at Tammy.Ross@dhhs.nc.gov. You may email me with your verification or mail it to me at: Tammy Ross, Child Care Licensing Consultant, P.O. Box 278, Jacksonville, NC 28541 Childcare licensing requirements are established to ensure a safe and healthy childcare environment. Therefore, it is important for you to be knowledgeable of and periodically review all the licensing requirements that apply to your type of program. It is your responsibility to always maintain compliance with all the applicable laws and rules whether they have been monitored or specifically discussed with you in the past. Comments regarding violations cited today Please review child care rules regarding storage and accessibility of potentially hazardous items. Items labeled “Keep out of reach of children” with no other warnings must be inaccessible to children which is being stored at a minimum of five feet off the floor. This includes hand creams and baby wipes. Activity Plan - A current activity pan must be posted for each group of children. For each group of children in care, the activity plan shall include activities intended to stimulate the following developmental domains, in accordance with North Carolina Foundations for Early Learning and Development, available on the Division's website at http://ncchildcare.nc.gov/providers/pv_foundations.asp: (1) emotional and social development; (2) health and physical development; (3) approaches to play and learning; (4) language development and communication; and (5) cognitive development. Outdoor inspections and fire drills must be conducted and recorded monthly. Outdoor inspections were not recorded for December, January, or February. Fire drill not recorded for January 2026. Emergency drills must be conducted and recorded every three months. The last emergency drill was recorded as conducted in October 2025. Therefore, a shelter in place or lock down drill should have been conducted and recorded in January 2026. I suggest marking a date on your calendar so that you can ensure that a fire drill is performed monthly. It may also help to plan these drills for different times of the day so children and staff can be prepared to evacuate no matter if activity or routine is taking place. Discipline - A child cannot be yelled at, shamed, humiliated, frightened, threatened or bullied. The word discipline means to teach and guide. Discipline is not punishment. The discipline standard should reflect an approach that prevents behavior problems by supporting children in learning appropriate social skills and emotional responses. Those that work with young children should care for children without ever resorting to physical punishment or abusive language. When a child needs assistance, needs to express feelings, needs, and wants, the adult should help the child learn strategies for dealing with any situation. Staff/Child Ratio – Staff/child ratios must be maintained at all times. Maintaining staff/child ratios and maximum group sizes is essential to the health and safety of children. Staff must be aware of children’s ages and how many children are always in each group. It may be helpful to review the rule regarding staff/child ratio in relation to naptime coverage as the staff members may need clarification regarding this rule due to it being cited today. Some operators find it beneficial to hire part-time staff to help provide extra coverage during certain hours of the day to assist primary caregivers with carrying out daily activities and routines. Due to discipline and staff/child ratio being cited as violations today, a follow-up visit will be conducted to ensure compliance is maintained at all times. Failure to maintain compliance may result in an administrative action being issued at your facility. Rated License Reassessment; QRIS - Choosing a Pathway to the Stars: Your facility chose Pathway #3, Accreditation and Head Start, and you submitted your application and required forms on October 7, 2025. This program is a head start designation and a copy of the federal reward information listing Pender County Schools as the recipient was submitted for verification purposes. For child care facilities that are Head Start grantee sites, the pathway to a Five Star Rated License is based on the Head Start educational and programmatic requirements that are comparable to or exceed NC QRIS requirements. Licensed child care facilities that are Head Start grantee sites may transition to this pathway by completing the Request for Accreditation and Head Start Licensure Pathway form. Your rated license reassessment will be completed and submitted to my supervisor for review, then forwarded to the Raleigh office for processing and printing. You will receive a new *****5 Star License in the mail; you will need to post this license immediately. Other Information: Provider Portal for ABCMS (the criminal records check database): Stacie Poulin, Executive Director for Pender County School Preschool program, has completed the required training, and access has been given, and current staff are noted on the roster. This information should be updated in ABCMS on an ongoing basis as staff members are hired and when their employment is terminated. This satisfies the requirement to notify the Division of new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. Should you need assistance please contact the Criminal Background Check Unit at (919) 814-8401 and someone will assist you. CLEAN CLASSROOMS FOR CAROLINA KIDS Your facility’s status, according to the Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids website, shows the following: • Water Testing-Completed on June 6, 2024. Water testing must be completed every three (3) years. • Lead-Based Paint- Exempt N/A • Asbestos- Exempt N/A Ensure you keep all paperwork that you receive regarding this matter, as it may be requested to verify compliance. Please refer to the website if you have specific questions! https://www.cleanwaterforuskids.org/en/carolina/faq/ for further guidance and ensure all steps have been completed. Use this link to enroll your program or view test results/status: https://www.cleanwaterforuskids.org/en/carolina/ 2025-2026 Respiratory Season: To help North Carolinians understand how to defend themselves against serious illness from the flu, COVID-19 and RSV, NCDHHS has released a bilingual Respiratory Illness Communications Toolkit for the 2025–2026 respiratory virus season. The toolkit offers ready-to-share fact sheets, social media content, videos, posters and other materials to help communities, health departments, schools and employers share respiratory illness information. The materials explain how these viruses spread, symptoms to watch for and the benefits of getting updated vaccines. They also provide information on where to get vaccinated. NCDHHS encourages North Carolinians to get vaccinated for the strongest protection and follow everyday steps like handwashing and staying home when sick. For questions or concerns, talk to a health care provider. Resources and vaccine-finder information are available at MySpot.nc.gov. Reminders: Ensure all staff are included on the Public-School Off-Site Records Verification form; update as staff changes occur. When children 3 years and older were in care, screen time must be used to stimulate a developmental domain; was not limited to 30 minutes a day and no more than a total of two and a half hours per week per child; and/or was not documented on a cumulative log or the activity plan that is available for review. Qualifying letters expires for Nicole Russell on May 3, 2026, and for Marsha Bradshaw on June 10, 2026. CPR/FA expire for Julisa Henry and Marsh Bradshaw on August 31, 2026. Outdoor Area - Mulch needs to be tilled by the swings and spray rust areas on swing chains and stationary equipment. For the latest information on childcare rules and regulations, please visit the Division of Child Development and Early Education's website at: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ Documentation was completed electronically, signed, and emailed to Ms. Poulin - per her request. As we discussed, this computer-generated visit summary serves as completion of the annual compliance visit with rated license assessment visit. Please remember it is your responsibility to always comply with all child care rules and requirements. Contact me at Tammy.Ross@dhhs.nc.gov at (910)824-1143 with any questions or concerns. 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 .0102 · Violation

Name of Operation: C.F. POPE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL PRESCHOOL Facility ID: 71000125 Consultant: TAMMY ROSS Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 12/9/2025 Number Present: 46 Completed Date: 12/9/2025 Age: From 4 To 5 Total Minutes: 165 Time In: 11:30 AM Time Out: 02:15 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Routine Unannounced Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor your program for compliance with applicable child care requirements pertinent to a routine unannounced visit. This facility currently operates with a Five Star license issued on February 14, 2019, earning 7 points in Staff Education, 7 points in Program Standards, and a quality point. Restrictions on the permit include: an age range of 3-5 with a first shift capacity of 80; meeting all enhanced requirements and reduced ratios. This program is operated by Pender County Schools. The last annual compliance visit was conducted at this facility on March 12, 2025. As of December 8, 2025, your 18-month compliance history is 95%. Child Care programs are expected to always achieve and maintain compliance 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. Sanitation Inspection – 03/20/2025 – 5 Demerits - Superior Fire Inspection – 09/09/2025 – Pass All indoor and outdoor spaces were monitored today. There are three classrooms operating. There are forty-six children enrolled and thirty-nine children ages 4-5, were present today. Daily schedules were available for each group of children. Activity plans were observed posted in each classroom. A variety of age-appropriate learning materials were observed in each classroom. Preschool children ate lunch. Lunch consisted of mozzarella sticks or chicken sandwich, grape or oranges, French fries or broccoli, and milk. After lunch children completed bathroom/handwashing routines and prepared for nap/rest time. I observed children laying on appropriately spaced covered mats with blankets, lights were off, and soft music played in the background. When children woke up, they completed hygiene routines and had snack and prepared for dismissal. Staff/child ratios were in compliance. All children were adequately supervised. Caregivers and children interacted in a positive and appropriate manner. NC Pre-K Site Monitoring The NC Pre-K requirements in Section .3000 of the Child Care Rules were monitored for compliance today. Staff-child ratios and maximum group sizes required in Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .3009 were verified in compliance. Children in this program attend from 7:20am to 1:50pm, meeting the instructional day requirement of 6.5 hours. This NC Pre-K program uses Creative Curriculum, Brigance Developmental screening, and Teaching Strategies Gold for their ongoing assessments. Developmental screenings and health assessments including vision, hearing, and dental screenings were on file for all NC Pre-K children’s files reviewed. Evidence of on-going assessments was observed in children’s files and on the Teaching Strategies GOLD website. The NC Pre-K Site Monitoring Tool for 2025-2026 was signed by Stacie Poulin, Preschool Program Executive Director for Pender County Schools, during an on-site visit October 21, 2025. It was noted that all requirements were in compliance. During today's visit child care requirements monitored for compliance included supervision, staff/child ratio, CPR and First Aid, Criminal Record Checks, storage of hazardous substances and medications, approved space, posting of the license, and other applicable requirements. Health & Safety Training - Staff members who have been employed for at least one year and some new staff have completed Health and Safety training as outlined in Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .1102. Ensure this information is maintained on file. Health and Safety training must be renewed every five years. Completing, refreshing, and updating the required Health and Safety Training increases your awareness and knowledge regarding child development and safety. Children’s files were not monitored today. There have no new staff hired since your last annual compliance visit. There are three positions vacant, and three substitutes were working today. One out of the three substitutes had a file available for review. I verified valid qualifying letters for substitutes through ABCMS. There were four violations observed today. All violations must be corrected immediately. Continued compliance with applicable child care requirements is always required. Violation Number Comment Rule 415 A current schedule was not posted for each group of children for reference. A daily schedule was not available in space #108. The substitute wrote out a daily schedule and posted while I was visiting the classroom. GS 110-91(12);.0508(a) 1043 All staff records were not made available for review. Two substitutes did not have a file available for review. G.S. 110-91( 9) 1955 The child care center was not free of lead poisoning hazards as defined in G.S. 1130A-131.7(7). According to the the Clean Water for US Kids website, there are no results available for this facility. 10A NCAC 09 .0601(f) 1959 The child care center was not free of asbestos hazards as defined in G.S. 130A-444(2) and 10A NCAC 09 .0102(4). According the the Clean Water for US Kids website, there are no results available for this facility. 10A NCAC 09 .0601(f) For your facility to remain in compliance with NC Child Care Requirements, violations must be corrected immediately. A signed and dated letter of compliance must be received December 23, 2024, describing how the violation was corrected and how compliance will be maintained in the future. A time frame is established to allow you time for submitting your compliance letter. This timeframe is not intended to be used as a guide for correcting violations, as they should be corrected immediately. If I can be of further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me at (910)824-1143 or you can email me at Tammy.Ross@dhhs.nc.gov. You may email me with your verification or mail it to me at: Tammy Ross, Child Care Licensing Consultant, P.O. Box 278, Jacksonville, NC 28541 Childcare licensing requirements are established to ensure a safe and healthy childcare environment. Therefore, it is important for you to be knowledgeable of and periodically review all the licensing requirements that apply to your type of program. It is your responsibility to always maintain compliance with all the applicable laws and rules whether they have been monitored or specifically discussed with you in the past. Technical Assistance: Provider Portal for ABCMS (the criminal records check database): As stated in G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(r), child care operators are to notify the Division of any new child care providers working who were hired within five business days. You have completed the training and linked your staff to your facility. CLEAN CLASSROOMS FOR CAROLINA KIDS Your facility’s status, according to the Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids website, shows the following: • Water Testing-Completed on June 10, 2024. Water testing must be completed every three (3) years. • Lead-Based Paint- There are no results available for this facility. • Asbestos- There are no results available for this facility. You must complete this process for this site immediately. Ensure you keep all paperwork that you receive regarding this matter, as it may be requested to verify compliance. Please refer to the website if you have specific questions! https://www.cleanwaterforuskids.org/en/carolina/faq/ for further guidance and ensure all steps have been completed. Use this link to enroll your program or view test results/status: https://www.cleanwaterforuskids.org/en/carolina/ Choosing a Pathway to the Stars: The new rules related to the star rated license system (QRIS) have been approved. The DCDEE team looks forward to working with child care facilities across the state to transition to the new QRIS system, also known as Pathways to the Stars, located in Section .3200 of the Child Care Rules. The transition will begin soon with the following informational opportunities: •You can review the rule roll out module in the DCDEE e-learning Moodle platform and •If you were unable to attend the recent webinars regarding Choosing a Pathway to the Stars, the sessions were recorded and are be posted on the QRIS Modernization page. •Follow this link for detailed information: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Licensing/Star-Rated-License/QRIS-Modernization. Today, I completed a QRIS Conversation Template for your facility. You reported that your facility is choosing Pathway 3, and you submitted your application on October 7, 2025. This program is a head start designation and a copy of the federal reward information listing Pender County Schools as the recipient was submitted for verification purposes. A copy of this template is attached to this visit summary and your application for assessment for a rated license will be processed. For child care facilities that are Head Start grantee sites, the pathway to a Five Star Rated License is based on the Head Start educational and programmatic requirements that are comparable to or exceed NC QRIS requirements. Licensed child care facilities that are Head Start grantee sites may transition to this pathway by completing the Request for Accreditation and Head Start Licensure Pathway form. We understand this is a big change and are committed to ensuring all providers have a good understanding of the new opportunities to make informed decisions on which pathway best suits the needs of the facility. Sign up for the Raise NC Newsletter! Don’t miss out on timely, relevant information about early childhood issues in North Carolina, proposed rules, upcoming training opportunities, and other resources for you and your staff. The Raise NC Newsletter is typically sent out weekly to all facility contact email addresses, but if your email is not the facility contact email address, you can go to the DCDEE Website, https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ and click on the “What’s New” tab to enter your email address and name under “Sign Up for Updates”. Share with your staff so they can be in the know too! You can contact the NC Resource Center for information, resources, and referrals on topics related to child health and health and safety in child care. Anyone in the greater early care and education community is welcome to call 1(800) 367-2229 (choose 1 then 2). Stay up to date with the Division of Child Development and Early Education by visiting www.ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov. This website enables you to view the entire Law and Child Care Requirements for North Carolina as well as download required forms. Click on the “What’s New” tab for important updates impacting child care in North Carolina. For the latest information on childcare rules and regulations, please visit the Division of Child Development and Early Education's website at: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ At the completion of the visit, documentation was completed electronically on site, signed, and a copy left with Ms. Bradshaw. As we discussed, this computer-generated visit summary serves as completion of the routine unannounced visit. Please remember it is your responsibility to always comply with all child care rules and requirements. Contact me at Tammy.Ross@dhhs.nc.gov at (910)824-1143 with any questions or concerns. Documentation was completed electronically, signed, and emailed to Stacie Poulin, Executive Director for Pender County School Preschool program - per her request. Please remember it is your responsibility to always comply with all child care rules and requirements. Contact me at Tammy.Ross@dhhs.nc.gov at (910)824-1143 with any questions or concerns. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

Open Not marked corrected in the state record

Category: supervision. Open / not marked corrected.

10A NCAC 09 .0601 · Violation

Name of Operation: C.F. POPE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL PRESCHOOL Facility ID: 71000125 Consultant: TAMMY ROSS Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 12/9/2025 Number Present: 46 Completed Date: 12/9/2025 Age: From 4 To 5 Total Minutes: 165 Time In: 11:30 AM Time Out: 02:15 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Routine Unannounced Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor your program for compliance with applicable child care requirements pertinent to a routine unannounced visit. This facility currently operates with a Five Star license issued on February 14, 2019, earning 7 points in Staff Education, 7 points in Program Standards, and a quality point. Restrictions on the permit include: an age range of 3-5 with a first shift capacity of 80; meeting all enhanced requirements and reduced ratios. This program is operated by Pender County Schools. The last annual compliance visit was conducted at this facility on March 12, 2025. As of December 8, 2025, your 18-month compliance history is 95%. Child Care programs are expected to always achieve and maintain compliance 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. Sanitation Inspection – 03/20/2025 – 5 Demerits - Superior Fire Inspection – 09/09/2025 – Pass All indoor and outdoor spaces were monitored today. There are three classrooms operating. There are forty-six children enrolled and thirty-nine children ages 4-5, were present today. Daily schedules were available for each group of children. Activity plans were observed posted in each classroom. A variety of age-appropriate learning materials were observed in each classroom. Preschool children ate lunch. Lunch consisted of mozzarella sticks or chicken sandwich, grape or oranges, French fries or broccoli, and milk. After lunch children completed bathroom/handwashing routines and prepared for nap/rest time. I observed children laying on appropriately spaced covered mats with blankets, lights were off, and soft music played in the background. When children woke up, they completed hygiene routines and had snack and prepared for dismissal. Staff/child ratios were in compliance. All children were adequately supervised. Caregivers and children interacted in a positive and appropriate manner. NC Pre-K Site Monitoring The NC Pre-K requirements in Section .3000 of the Child Care Rules were monitored for compliance today. Staff-child ratios and maximum group sizes required in Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .3009 were verified in compliance. Children in this program attend from 7:20am to 1:50pm, meeting the instructional day requirement of 6.5 hours. This NC Pre-K program uses Creative Curriculum, Brigance Developmental screening, and Teaching Strategies Gold for their ongoing assessments. Developmental screenings and health assessments including vision, hearing, and dental screenings were on file for all NC Pre-K children’s files reviewed. Evidence of on-going assessments was observed in children’s files and on the Teaching Strategies GOLD website. The NC Pre-K Site Monitoring Tool for 2025-2026 was signed by Stacie Poulin, Preschool Program Executive Director for Pender County Schools, during an on-site visit October 21, 2025. It was noted that all requirements were in compliance. During today's visit child care requirements monitored for compliance included supervision, staff/child ratio, CPR and First Aid, Criminal Record Checks, storage of hazardous substances and medications, approved space, posting of the license, and other applicable requirements. Health & Safety Training - Staff members who have been employed for at least one year and some new staff have completed Health and Safety training as outlined in Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .1102. Ensure this information is maintained on file. Health and Safety training must be renewed every five years. Completing, refreshing, and updating the required Health and Safety Training increases your awareness and knowledge regarding child development and safety. Children’s files were not monitored today. There have no new staff hired since your last annual compliance visit. There are three positions vacant, and three substitutes were working today. One out of the three substitutes had a file available for review. I verified valid qualifying letters for substitutes through ABCMS. There were four violations observed today. All violations must be corrected immediately. Continued compliance with applicable child care requirements is always required. Violation Number Comment Rule 415 A current schedule was not posted for each group of children for reference. A daily schedule was not available in space #108. The substitute wrote out a daily schedule and posted while I was visiting the classroom. GS 110-91(12);.0508(a) 1043 All staff records were not made available for review. Two substitutes did not have a file available for review. G.S. 110-91( 9) 1955 The child care center was not free of lead poisoning hazards as defined in G.S. 1130A-131.7(7). According to the the Clean Water for US Kids website, there are no results available for this facility. 10A NCAC 09 .0601(f) 1959 The child care center was not free of asbestos hazards as defined in G.S. 130A-444(2) and 10A NCAC 09 .0102(4). According the the Clean Water for US Kids website, there are no results available for this facility. 10A NCAC 09 .0601(f) For your facility to remain in compliance with NC Child Care Requirements, violations must be corrected immediately. A signed and dated letter of compliance must be received December 23, 2024, describing how the violation was corrected and how compliance will be maintained in the future. A time frame is established to allow you time for submitting your compliance letter. This timeframe is not intended to be used as a guide for correcting violations, as they should be corrected immediately. If I can be of further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me at (910)824-1143 or you can email me at Tammy.Ross@dhhs.nc.gov. You may email me with your verification or mail it to me at: Tammy Ross, Child Care Licensing Consultant, P.O. Box 278, Jacksonville, NC 28541 Childcare licensing requirements are established to ensure a safe and healthy childcare environment. Therefore, it is important for you to be knowledgeable of and periodically review all the licensing requirements that apply to your type of program. It is your responsibility to always maintain compliance with all the applicable laws and rules whether they have been monitored or specifically discussed with you in the past. Technical Assistance: Provider Portal for ABCMS (the criminal records check database): As stated in G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(r), child care operators are to notify the Division of any new child care providers working who were hired within five business days. You have completed the training and linked your staff to your facility. CLEAN CLASSROOMS FOR CAROLINA KIDS Your facility’s status, according to the Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids website, shows the following: • Water Testing-Completed on June 10, 2024. Water testing must be completed every three (3) years. • Lead-Based Paint- There are no results available for this facility. • Asbestos- There are no results available for this facility. You must complete this process for this site immediately. Ensure you keep all paperwork that you receive regarding this matter, as it may be requested to verify compliance. Please refer to the website if you have specific questions! https://www.cleanwaterforuskids.org/en/carolina/faq/ for further guidance and ensure all steps have been completed. Use this link to enroll your program or view test results/status: https://www.cleanwaterforuskids.org/en/carolina/ Choosing a Pathway to the Stars: The new rules related to the star rated license system (QRIS) have been approved. The DCDEE team looks forward to working with child care facilities across the state to transition to the new QRIS system, also known as Pathways to the Stars, located in Section .3200 of the Child Care Rules. The transition will begin soon with the following informational opportunities: •You can review the rule roll out module in the DCDEE e-learning Moodle platform and •If you were unable to attend the recent webinars regarding Choosing a Pathway to the Stars, the sessions were recorded and are be posted on the QRIS Modernization page. •Follow this link for detailed information: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Licensing/Star-Rated-License/QRIS-Modernization. Today, I completed a QRIS Conversation Template for your facility. You reported that your facility is choosing Pathway 3, and you submitted your application on October 7, 2025. This program is a head start designation and a copy of the federal reward information listing Pender County Schools as the recipient was submitted for verification purposes. A copy of this template is attached to this visit summary and your application for assessment for a rated license will be processed. For child care facilities that are Head Start grantee sites, the pathway to a Five Star Rated License is based on the Head Start educational and programmatic requirements that are comparable to or exceed NC QRIS requirements. Licensed child care facilities that are Head Start grantee sites may transition to this pathway by completing the Request for Accreditation and Head Start Licensure Pathway form. We understand this is a big change and are committed to ensuring all providers have a good understanding of the new opportunities to make informed decisions on which pathway best suits the needs of the facility. Sign up for the Raise NC Newsletter! Don’t miss out on timely, relevant information about early childhood issues in North Carolina, proposed rules, upcoming training opportunities, and other resources for you and your staff. The Raise NC Newsletter is typically sent out weekly to all facility contact email addresses, but if your email is not the facility contact email address, you can go to the DCDEE Website, https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ and click on the “What’s New” tab to enter your email address and name under “Sign Up for Updates”. Share with your staff so they can be in the know too! You can contact the NC Resource Center for information, resources, and referrals on topics related to child health and health and safety in child care. Anyone in the greater early care and education community is welcome to call 1(800) 367-2229 (choose 1 then 2). Stay up to date with the Division of Child Development and Early Education by visiting www.ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov. This website enables you to view the entire Law and Child Care Requirements for North Carolina as well as download required forms. Click on the “What’s New” tab for important updates impacting child care in North Carolina. For the latest information on childcare rules and regulations, please visit the Division of Child Development and Early Education's website at: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ At the completion of the visit, documentation was completed electronically on site, signed, and a copy left with Ms. Bradshaw. As we discussed, this computer-generated visit summary serves as completion of the routine unannounced visit. Please remember it is your responsibility to always comply with all child care rules and requirements. Contact me at Tammy.Ross@dhhs.nc.gov at (910)824-1143 with any questions or concerns. Documentation was completed electronically, signed, and emailed to Stacie Poulin, Executive Director for Pender County School Preschool program - per her request. Please remember it is your responsibility to always comply with all child care rules and requirements. Contact me at Tammy.Ross@dhhs.nc.gov at (910)824-1143 with any questions or concerns. 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 .1102 · Violation

Name of Operation: C.F. POPE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL PRESCHOOL Facility ID: 71000125 Consultant: TAMMY ROSS Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 12/9/2025 Number Present: 46 Completed Date: 12/9/2025 Age: From 4 To 5 Total Minutes: 165 Time In: 11:30 AM Time Out: 02:15 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Routine Unannounced Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor your program for compliance with applicable child care requirements pertinent to a routine unannounced visit. This facility currently operates with a Five Star license issued on February 14, 2019, earning 7 points in Staff Education, 7 points in Program Standards, and a quality point. Restrictions on the permit include: an age range of 3-5 with a first shift capacity of 80; meeting all enhanced requirements and reduced ratios. This program is operated by Pender County Schools. The last annual compliance visit was conducted at this facility on March 12, 2025. As of December 8, 2025, your 18-month compliance history is 95%. Child Care programs are expected to always achieve and maintain compliance 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. Sanitation Inspection – 03/20/2025 – 5 Demerits - Superior Fire Inspection – 09/09/2025 – Pass All indoor and outdoor spaces were monitored today. There are three classrooms operating. There are forty-six children enrolled and thirty-nine children ages 4-5, were present today. Daily schedules were available for each group of children. Activity plans were observed posted in each classroom. A variety of age-appropriate learning materials were observed in each classroom. Preschool children ate lunch. Lunch consisted of mozzarella sticks or chicken sandwich, grape or oranges, French fries or broccoli, and milk. After lunch children completed bathroom/handwashing routines and prepared for nap/rest time. I observed children laying on appropriately spaced covered mats with blankets, lights were off, and soft music played in the background. When children woke up, they completed hygiene routines and had snack and prepared for dismissal. Staff/child ratios were in compliance. All children were adequately supervised. Caregivers and children interacted in a positive and appropriate manner. NC Pre-K Site Monitoring The NC Pre-K requirements in Section .3000 of the Child Care Rules were monitored for compliance today. Staff-child ratios and maximum group sizes required in Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .3009 were verified in compliance. Children in this program attend from 7:20am to 1:50pm, meeting the instructional day requirement of 6.5 hours. This NC Pre-K program uses Creative Curriculum, Brigance Developmental screening, and Teaching Strategies Gold for their ongoing assessments. Developmental screenings and health assessments including vision, hearing, and dental screenings were on file for all NC Pre-K children’s files reviewed. Evidence of on-going assessments was observed in children’s files and on the Teaching Strategies GOLD website. The NC Pre-K Site Monitoring Tool for 2025-2026 was signed by Stacie Poulin, Preschool Program Executive Director for Pender County Schools, during an on-site visit October 21, 2025. It was noted that all requirements were in compliance. During today's visit child care requirements monitored for compliance included supervision, staff/child ratio, CPR and First Aid, Criminal Record Checks, storage of hazardous substances and medications, approved space, posting of the license, and other applicable requirements. Health & Safety Training - Staff members who have been employed for at least one year and some new staff have completed Health and Safety training as outlined in Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .1102. Ensure this information is maintained on file. Health and Safety training must be renewed every five years. Completing, refreshing, and updating the required Health and Safety Training increases your awareness and knowledge regarding child development and safety. Children’s files were not monitored today. There have no new staff hired since your last annual compliance visit. There are three positions vacant, and three substitutes were working today. One out of the three substitutes had a file available for review. I verified valid qualifying letters for substitutes through ABCMS. There were four violations observed today. All violations must be corrected immediately. Continued compliance with applicable child care requirements is always required. Violation Number Comment Rule 415 A current schedule was not posted for each group of children for reference. A daily schedule was not available in space #108. The substitute wrote out a daily schedule and posted while I was visiting the classroom. GS 110-91(12);.0508(a) 1043 All staff records were not made available for review. Two substitutes did not have a file available for review. G.S. 110-91( 9) 1955 The child care center was not free of lead poisoning hazards as defined in G.S. 1130A-131.7(7). According to the the Clean Water for US Kids website, there are no results available for this facility. 10A NCAC 09 .0601(f) 1959 The child care center was not free of asbestos hazards as defined in G.S. 130A-444(2) and 10A NCAC 09 .0102(4). According the the Clean Water for US Kids website, there are no results available for this facility. 10A NCAC 09 .0601(f) For your facility to remain in compliance with NC Child Care Requirements, violations must be corrected immediately. A signed and dated letter of compliance must be received December 23, 2024, describing how the violation was corrected and how compliance will be maintained in the future. A time frame is established to allow you time for submitting your compliance letter. This timeframe is not intended to be used as a guide for correcting violations, as they should be corrected immediately. If I can be of further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me at (910)824-1143 or you can email me at Tammy.Ross@dhhs.nc.gov. You may email me with your verification or mail it to me at: Tammy Ross, Child Care Licensing Consultant, P.O. Box 278, Jacksonville, NC 28541 Childcare licensing requirements are established to ensure a safe and healthy childcare environment. Therefore, it is important for you to be knowledgeable of and periodically review all the licensing requirements that apply to your type of program. It is your responsibility to always maintain compliance with all the applicable laws and rules whether they have been monitored or specifically discussed with you in the past. Technical Assistance: Provider Portal for ABCMS (the criminal records check database): As stated in G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(r), child care operators are to notify the Division of any new child care providers working who were hired within five business days. You have completed the training and linked your staff to your facility. CLEAN CLASSROOMS FOR CAROLINA KIDS Your facility’s status, according to the Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids website, shows the following: • Water Testing-Completed on June 10, 2024. Water testing must be completed every three (3) years. • Lead-Based Paint- There are no results available for this facility. • Asbestos- There are no results available for this facility. You must complete this process for this site immediately. Ensure you keep all paperwork that you receive regarding this matter, as it may be requested to verify compliance. Please refer to the website if you have specific questions! https://www.cleanwaterforuskids.org/en/carolina/faq/ for further guidance and ensure all steps have been completed. Use this link to enroll your program or view test results/status: https://www.cleanwaterforuskids.org/en/carolina/ Choosing a Pathway to the Stars: The new rules related to the star rated license system (QRIS) have been approved. The DCDEE team looks forward to working with child care facilities across the state to transition to the new QRIS system, also known as Pathways to the Stars, located in Section .3200 of the Child Care Rules. The transition will begin soon with the following informational opportunities: •You can review the rule roll out module in the DCDEE e-learning Moodle platform and •If you were unable to attend the recent webinars regarding Choosing a Pathway to the Stars, the sessions were recorded and are be posted on the QRIS Modernization page. •Follow this link for detailed information: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Licensing/Star-Rated-License/QRIS-Modernization. Today, I completed a QRIS Conversation Template for your facility. You reported that your facility is choosing Pathway 3, and you submitted your application on October 7, 2025. This program is a head start designation and a copy of the federal reward information listing Pender County Schools as the recipient was submitted for verification purposes. A copy of this template is attached to this visit summary and your application for assessment for a rated license will be processed. For child care facilities that are Head Start grantee sites, the pathway to a Five Star Rated License is based on the Head Start educational and programmatic requirements that are comparable to or exceed NC QRIS requirements. Licensed child care facilities that are Head Start grantee sites may transition to this pathway by completing the Request for Accreditation and Head Start Licensure Pathway form. We understand this is a big change and are committed to ensuring all providers have a good understanding of the new opportunities to make informed decisions on which pathway best suits the needs of the facility. Sign up for the Raise NC Newsletter! Don’t miss out on timely, relevant information about early childhood issues in North Carolina, proposed rules, upcoming training opportunities, and other resources for you and your staff. The Raise NC Newsletter is typically sent out weekly to all facility contact email addresses, but if your email is not the facility contact email address, you can go to the DCDEE Website, https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ and click on the “What’s New” tab to enter your email address and name under “Sign Up for Updates”. Share with your staff so they can be in the know too! You can contact the NC Resource Center for information, resources, and referrals on topics related to child health and health and safety in child care. Anyone in the greater early care and education community is welcome to call 1(800) 367-2229 (choose 1 then 2). Stay up to date with the Division of Child Development and Early Education by visiting www.ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov. This website enables you to view the entire Law and Child Care Requirements for North Carolina as well as download required forms. Click on the “What’s New” tab for important updates impacting child care in North Carolina. For the latest information on childcare rules and regulations, please visit the Division of Child Development and Early Education's website at: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ At the completion of the visit, documentation was completed electronically on site, signed, and a copy left with Ms. Bradshaw. As we discussed, this computer-generated visit summary serves as completion of the routine unannounced visit. Please remember it is your responsibility to always comply with all child care rules and requirements. Contact me at Tammy.Ross@dhhs.nc.gov at (910)824-1143 with any questions or concerns. Documentation was completed electronically, signed, and emailed to Stacie Poulin, Executive Director for Pender County School Preschool program - per her request. Please remember it is your responsibility to always comply with all child care rules and requirements. Contact me at Tammy.Ross@dhhs.nc.gov at (910)824-1143 with any questions or concerns. 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 .3009 · Violation

Name of Operation: C.F. POPE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL PRESCHOOL Facility ID: 71000125 Consultant: TAMMY ROSS Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 12/9/2025 Number Present: 46 Completed Date: 12/9/2025 Age: From 4 To 5 Total Minutes: 165 Time In: 11:30 AM Time Out: 02:15 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Routine Unannounced Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor your program for compliance with applicable child care requirements pertinent to a routine unannounced visit. This facility currently operates with a Five Star license issued on February 14, 2019, earning 7 points in Staff Education, 7 points in Program Standards, and a quality point. Restrictions on the permit include: an age range of 3-5 with a first shift capacity of 80; meeting all enhanced requirements and reduced ratios. This program is operated by Pender County Schools. The last annual compliance visit was conducted at this facility on March 12, 2025. As of December 8, 2025, your 18-month compliance history is 95%. Child Care programs are expected to always achieve and maintain compliance 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. Sanitation Inspection – 03/20/2025 – 5 Demerits - Superior Fire Inspection – 09/09/2025 – Pass All indoor and outdoor spaces were monitored today. There are three classrooms operating. There are forty-six children enrolled and thirty-nine children ages 4-5, were present today. Daily schedules were available for each group of children. Activity plans were observed posted in each classroom. A variety of age-appropriate learning materials were observed in each classroom. Preschool children ate lunch. Lunch consisted of mozzarella sticks or chicken sandwich, grape or oranges, French fries or broccoli, and milk. After lunch children completed bathroom/handwashing routines and prepared for nap/rest time. I observed children laying on appropriately spaced covered mats with blankets, lights were off, and soft music played in the background. When children woke up, they completed hygiene routines and had snack and prepared for dismissal. Staff/child ratios were in compliance. All children were adequately supervised. Caregivers and children interacted in a positive and appropriate manner. NC Pre-K Site Monitoring The NC Pre-K requirements in Section .3000 of the Child Care Rules were monitored for compliance today. Staff-child ratios and maximum group sizes required in Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .3009 were verified in compliance. Children in this program attend from 7:20am to 1:50pm, meeting the instructional day requirement of 6.5 hours. This NC Pre-K program uses Creative Curriculum, Brigance Developmental screening, and Teaching Strategies Gold for their ongoing assessments. Developmental screenings and health assessments including vision, hearing, and dental screenings were on file for all NC Pre-K children’s files reviewed. Evidence of on-going assessments was observed in children’s files and on the Teaching Strategies GOLD website. The NC Pre-K Site Monitoring Tool for 2025-2026 was signed by Stacie Poulin, Preschool Program Executive Director for Pender County Schools, during an on-site visit October 21, 2025. It was noted that all requirements were in compliance. During today's visit child care requirements monitored for compliance included supervision, staff/child ratio, CPR and First Aid, Criminal Record Checks, storage of hazardous substances and medications, approved space, posting of the license, and other applicable requirements. Health & Safety Training - Staff members who have been employed for at least one year and some new staff have completed Health and Safety training as outlined in Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .1102. Ensure this information is maintained on file. Health and Safety training must be renewed every five years. Completing, refreshing, and updating the required Health and Safety Training increases your awareness and knowledge regarding child development and safety. Children’s files were not monitored today. There have no new staff hired since your last annual compliance visit. There are three positions vacant, and three substitutes were working today. One out of the three substitutes had a file available for review. I verified valid qualifying letters for substitutes through ABCMS. There were four violations observed today. All violations must be corrected immediately. Continued compliance with applicable child care requirements is always required. Violation Number Comment Rule 415 A current schedule was not posted for each group of children for reference. A daily schedule was not available in space #108. The substitute wrote out a daily schedule and posted while I was visiting the classroom. GS 110-91(12);.0508(a) 1043 All staff records were not made available for review. Two substitutes did not have a file available for review. G.S. 110-91( 9) 1955 The child care center was not free of lead poisoning hazards as defined in G.S. 1130A-131.7(7). According to the the Clean Water for US Kids website, there are no results available for this facility. 10A NCAC 09 .0601(f) 1959 The child care center was not free of asbestos hazards as defined in G.S. 130A-444(2) and 10A NCAC 09 .0102(4). According the the Clean Water for US Kids website, there are no results available for this facility. 10A NCAC 09 .0601(f) For your facility to remain in compliance with NC Child Care Requirements, violations must be corrected immediately. A signed and dated letter of compliance must be received December 23, 2024, describing how the violation was corrected and how compliance will be maintained in the future. A time frame is established to allow you time for submitting your compliance letter. This timeframe is not intended to be used as a guide for correcting violations, as they should be corrected immediately. If I can be of further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me at (910)824-1143 or you can email me at Tammy.Ross@dhhs.nc.gov. You may email me with your verification or mail it to me at: Tammy Ross, Child Care Licensing Consultant, P.O. Box 278, Jacksonville, NC 28541 Childcare licensing requirements are established to ensure a safe and healthy childcare environment. Therefore, it is important for you to be knowledgeable of and periodically review all the licensing requirements that apply to your type of program. It is your responsibility to always maintain compliance with all the applicable laws and rules whether they have been monitored or specifically discussed with you in the past. Technical Assistance: Provider Portal for ABCMS (the criminal records check database): As stated in G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(r), child care operators are to notify the Division of any new child care providers working who were hired within five business days. You have completed the training and linked your staff to your facility. CLEAN CLASSROOMS FOR CAROLINA KIDS Your facility’s status, according to the Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids website, shows the following: • Water Testing-Completed on June 10, 2024. Water testing must be completed every three (3) years. • Lead-Based Paint- There are no results available for this facility. • Asbestos- There are no results available for this facility. You must complete this process for this site immediately. Ensure you keep all paperwork that you receive regarding this matter, as it may be requested to verify compliance. Please refer to the website if you have specific questions! https://www.cleanwaterforuskids.org/en/carolina/faq/ for further guidance and ensure all steps have been completed. Use this link to enroll your program or view test results/status: https://www.cleanwaterforuskids.org/en/carolina/ Choosing a Pathway to the Stars: The new rules related to the star rated license system (QRIS) have been approved. The DCDEE team looks forward to working with child care facilities across the state to transition to the new QRIS system, also known as Pathways to the Stars, located in Section .3200 of the Child Care Rules. The transition will begin soon with the following informational opportunities: •You can review the rule roll out module in the DCDEE e-learning Moodle platform and •If you were unable to attend the recent webinars regarding Choosing a Pathway to the Stars, the sessions were recorded and are be posted on the QRIS Modernization page. •Follow this link for detailed information: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Licensing/Star-Rated-License/QRIS-Modernization. Today, I completed a QRIS Conversation Template for your facility. You reported that your facility is choosing Pathway 3, and you submitted your application on October 7, 2025. This program is a head start designation and a copy of the federal reward information listing Pender County Schools as the recipient was submitted for verification purposes. A copy of this template is attached to this visit summary and your application for assessment for a rated license will be processed. For child care facilities that are Head Start grantee sites, the pathway to a Five Star Rated License is based on the Head Start educational and programmatic requirements that are comparable to or exceed NC QRIS requirements. Licensed child care facilities that are Head Start grantee sites may transition to this pathway by completing the Request for Accreditation and Head Start Licensure Pathway form. We understand this is a big change and are committed to ensuring all providers have a good understanding of the new opportunities to make informed decisions on which pathway best suits the needs of the facility. Sign up for the Raise NC Newsletter! Don’t miss out on timely, relevant information about early childhood issues in North Carolina, proposed rules, upcoming training opportunities, and other resources for you and your staff. The Raise NC Newsletter is typically sent out weekly to all facility contact email addresses, but if your email is not the facility contact email address, you can go to the DCDEE Website, https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ and click on the “What’s New” tab to enter your email address and name under “Sign Up for Updates”. Share with your staff so they can be in the know too! You can contact the NC Resource Center for information, resources, and referrals on topics related to child health and health and safety in child care. Anyone in the greater early care and education community is welcome to call 1(800) 367-2229 (choose 1 then 2). Stay up to date with the Division of Child Development and Early Education by visiting www.ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov. This website enables you to view the entire Law and Child Care Requirements for North Carolina as well as download required forms. Click on the “What’s New” tab for important updates impacting child care in North Carolina. For the latest information on childcare rules and regulations, please visit the Division of Child Development and Early Education's website at: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ At the completion of the visit, documentation was completed electronically on site, signed, and a copy left with Ms. Bradshaw. As we discussed, this computer-generated visit summary serves as completion of the routine unannounced visit. Please remember it is your responsibility to always comply with all child care rules and requirements. Contact me at Tammy.Ross@dhhs.nc.gov at (910)824-1143 with any questions or concerns. Documentation was completed electronically, signed, and emailed to Stacie Poulin, Executive Director for Pender County School Preschool program - per her request. Please remember it is your responsibility to always comply with all child care rules and requirements. Contact me at Tammy.Ross@dhhs.nc.gov at (910)824-1143 with any questions or concerns. 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: C.F. POPE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL PRESCHOOL Facility ID: 71000125 Consultant: TAMMY ROSS Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 12/9/2025 Number Present: 46 Completed Date: 12/9/2025 Age: From 4 To 5 Total Minutes: 165 Time In: 11:30 AM Time Out: 02:15 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Routine Unannounced Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor your program for compliance with applicable child care requirements pertinent to a routine unannounced visit. This facility currently operates with a Five Star license issued on February 14, 2019, earning 7 points in Staff Education, 7 points in Program Standards, and a quality point. Restrictions on the permit include: an age range of 3-5 with a first shift capacity of 80; meeting all enhanced requirements and reduced ratios. This program is operated by Pender County Schools. The last annual compliance visit was conducted at this facility on March 12, 2025. As of December 8, 2025, your 18-month compliance history is 95%. Child Care programs are expected to always achieve and maintain compliance 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. Sanitation Inspection – 03/20/2025 – 5 Demerits - Superior Fire Inspection – 09/09/2025 – Pass All indoor and outdoor spaces were monitored today. There are three classrooms operating. There are forty-six children enrolled and thirty-nine children ages 4-5, were present today. Daily schedules were available for each group of children. Activity plans were observed posted in each classroom. A variety of age-appropriate learning materials were observed in each classroom. Preschool children ate lunch. Lunch consisted of mozzarella sticks or chicken sandwich, grape or oranges, French fries or broccoli, and milk. After lunch children completed bathroom/handwashing routines and prepared for nap/rest time. I observed children laying on appropriately spaced covered mats with blankets, lights were off, and soft music played in the background. When children woke up, they completed hygiene routines and had snack and prepared for dismissal. Staff/child ratios were in compliance. All children were adequately supervised. Caregivers and children interacted in a positive and appropriate manner. NC Pre-K Site Monitoring The NC Pre-K requirements in Section .3000 of the Child Care Rules were monitored for compliance today. Staff-child ratios and maximum group sizes required in Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .3009 were verified in compliance. Children in this program attend from 7:20am to 1:50pm, meeting the instructional day requirement of 6.5 hours. This NC Pre-K program uses Creative Curriculum, Brigance Developmental screening, and Teaching Strategies Gold for their ongoing assessments. Developmental screenings and health assessments including vision, hearing, and dental screenings were on file for all NC Pre-K children’s files reviewed. Evidence of on-going assessments was observed in children’s files and on the Teaching Strategies GOLD website. The NC Pre-K Site Monitoring Tool for 2025-2026 was signed by Stacie Poulin, Preschool Program Executive Director for Pender County Schools, during an on-site visit October 21, 2025. It was noted that all requirements were in compliance. During today's visit child care requirements monitored for compliance included supervision, staff/child ratio, CPR and First Aid, Criminal Record Checks, storage of hazardous substances and medications, approved space, posting of the license, and other applicable requirements. Health & Safety Training - Staff members who have been employed for at least one year and some new staff have completed Health and Safety training as outlined in Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .1102. Ensure this information is maintained on file. Health and Safety training must be renewed every five years. Completing, refreshing, and updating the required Health and Safety Training increases your awareness and knowledge regarding child development and safety. Children’s files were not monitored today. There have no new staff hired since your last annual compliance visit. There are three positions vacant, and three substitutes were working today. One out of the three substitutes had a file available for review. I verified valid qualifying letters for substitutes through ABCMS. There were four violations observed today. All violations must be corrected immediately. Continued compliance with applicable child care requirements is always required. Violation Number Comment Rule 415 A current schedule was not posted for each group of children for reference. A daily schedule was not available in space #108. The substitute wrote out a daily schedule and posted while I was visiting the classroom. GS 110-91(12);.0508(a) 1043 All staff records were not made available for review. Two substitutes did not have a file available for review. G.S. 110-91( 9) 1955 The child care center was not free of lead poisoning hazards as defined in G.S. 1130A-131.7(7). According to the the Clean Water for US Kids website, there are no results available for this facility. 10A NCAC 09 .0601(f) 1959 The child care center was not free of asbestos hazards as defined in G.S. 130A-444(2) and 10A NCAC 09 .0102(4). According the the Clean Water for US Kids website, there are no results available for this facility. 10A NCAC 09 .0601(f) For your facility to remain in compliance with NC Child Care Requirements, violations must be corrected immediately. A signed and dated letter of compliance must be received December 23, 2024, describing how the violation was corrected and how compliance will be maintained in the future. A time frame is established to allow you time for submitting your compliance letter. This timeframe is not intended to be used as a guide for correcting violations, as they should be corrected immediately. If I can be of further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me at (910)824-1143 or you can email me at Tammy.Ross@dhhs.nc.gov. You may email me with your verification or mail it to me at: Tammy Ross, Child Care Licensing Consultant, P.O. Box 278, Jacksonville, NC 28541 Childcare licensing requirements are established to ensure a safe and healthy childcare environment. Therefore, it is important for you to be knowledgeable of and periodically review all the licensing requirements that apply to your type of program. It is your responsibility to always maintain compliance with all the applicable laws and rules whether they have been monitored or specifically discussed with you in the past. Technical Assistance: Provider Portal for ABCMS (the criminal records check database): As stated in G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(r), child care operators are to notify the Division of any new child care providers working who were hired within five business days. You have completed the training and linked your staff to your facility. CLEAN CLASSROOMS FOR CAROLINA KIDS Your facility’s status, according to the Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids website, shows the following: • Water Testing-Completed on June 10, 2024. Water testing must be completed every three (3) years. • Lead-Based Paint- There are no results available for this facility. • Asbestos- There are no results available for this facility. You must complete this process for this site immediately. Ensure you keep all paperwork that you receive regarding this matter, as it may be requested to verify compliance. Please refer to the website if you have specific questions! https://www.cleanwaterforuskids.org/en/carolina/faq/ for further guidance and ensure all steps have been completed. Use this link to enroll your program or view test results/status: https://www.cleanwaterforuskids.org/en/carolina/ Choosing a Pathway to the Stars: The new rules related to the star rated license system (QRIS) have been approved. The DCDEE team looks forward to working with child care facilities across the state to transition to the new QRIS system, also known as Pathways to the Stars, located in Section .3200 of the Child Care Rules. The transition will begin soon with the following informational opportunities: •You can review the rule roll out module in the DCDEE e-learning Moodle platform and •If you were unable to attend the recent webinars regarding Choosing a Pathway to the Stars, the sessions were recorded and are be posted on the QRIS Modernization page. •Follow this link for detailed information: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Licensing/Star-Rated-License/QRIS-Modernization. Today, I completed a QRIS Conversation Template for your facility. You reported that your facility is choosing Pathway 3, and you submitted your application on October 7, 2025. This program is a head start designation and a copy of the federal reward information listing Pender County Schools as the recipient was submitted for verification purposes. A copy of this template is attached to this visit summary and your application for assessment for a rated license will be processed. For child care facilities that are Head Start grantee sites, the pathway to a Five Star Rated License is based on the Head Start educational and programmatic requirements that are comparable to or exceed NC QRIS requirements. Licensed child care facilities that are Head Start grantee sites may transition to this pathway by completing the Request for Accreditation and Head Start Licensure Pathway form. We understand this is a big change and are committed to ensuring all providers have a good understanding of the new opportunities to make informed decisions on which pathway best suits the needs of the facility. Sign up for the Raise NC Newsletter! Don’t miss out on timely, relevant information about early childhood issues in North Carolina, proposed rules, upcoming training opportunities, and other resources for you and your staff. The Raise NC Newsletter is typically sent out weekly to all facility contact email addresses, but if your email is not the facility contact email address, you can go to the DCDEE Website, https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ and click on the “What’s New” tab to enter your email address and name under “Sign Up for Updates”. Share with your staff so they can be in the know too! You can contact the NC Resource Center for information, resources, and referrals on topics related to child health and health and safety in child care. Anyone in the greater early care and education community is welcome to call 1(800) 367-2229 (choose 1 then 2). Stay up to date with the Division of Child Development and Early Education by visiting www.ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov. This website enables you to view the entire Law and Child Care Requirements for North Carolina as well as download required forms. Click on the “What’s New” tab for important updates impacting child care in North Carolina. For the latest information on childcare rules and regulations, please visit the Division of Child Development and Early Education's website at: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ At the completion of the visit, documentation was completed electronically on site, signed, and a copy left with Ms. Bradshaw. As we discussed, this computer-generated visit summary serves as completion of the routine unannounced visit. Please remember it is your responsibility to always comply with all child care rules and requirements. Contact me at Tammy.Ross@dhhs.nc.gov at (910)824-1143 with any questions or concerns. Documentation was completed electronically, signed, and emailed to Stacie Poulin, Executive Director for Pender County School Preschool program - per her request. Please remember it is your responsibility to always comply with all child care rules and requirements. Contact me at Tammy.Ross@dhhs.nc.gov at (910)824-1143 with any questions or concerns. 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. 110-91 · Violation

Name of Operation: C.F. POPE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL PRESCHOOL Facility ID: 71000125 Consultant: TAMMY ROSS Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 12/9/2025 Number Present: 46 Completed Date: 12/9/2025 Age: From 4 To 5 Total Minutes: 165 Time In: 11:30 AM Time Out: 02:15 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Routine Unannounced Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor your program for compliance with applicable child care requirements pertinent to a routine unannounced visit. This facility currently operates with a Five Star license issued on February 14, 2019, earning 7 points in Staff Education, 7 points in Program Standards, and a quality point. Restrictions on the permit include: an age range of 3-5 with a first shift capacity of 80; meeting all enhanced requirements and reduced ratios. This program is operated by Pender County Schools. The last annual compliance visit was conducted at this facility on March 12, 2025. As of December 8, 2025, your 18-month compliance history is 95%. Child Care programs are expected to always achieve and maintain compliance 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. Sanitation Inspection – 03/20/2025 – 5 Demerits - Superior Fire Inspection – 09/09/2025 – Pass All indoor and outdoor spaces were monitored today. There are three classrooms operating. There are forty-six children enrolled and thirty-nine children ages 4-5, were present today. Daily schedules were available for each group of children. Activity plans were observed posted in each classroom. A variety of age-appropriate learning materials were observed in each classroom. Preschool children ate lunch. Lunch consisted of mozzarella sticks or chicken sandwich, grape or oranges, French fries or broccoli, and milk. After lunch children completed bathroom/handwashing routines and prepared for nap/rest time. I observed children laying on appropriately spaced covered mats with blankets, lights were off, and soft music played in the background. When children woke up, they completed hygiene routines and had snack and prepared for dismissal. Staff/child ratios were in compliance. All children were adequately supervised. Caregivers and children interacted in a positive and appropriate manner. NC Pre-K Site Monitoring The NC Pre-K requirements in Section .3000 of the Child Care Rules were monitored for compliance today. Staff-child ratios and maximum group sizes required in Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .3009 were verified in compliance. Children in this program attend from 7:20am to 1:50pm, meeting the instructional day requirement of 6.5 hours. This NC Pre-K program uses Creative Curriculum, Brigance Developmental screening, and Teaching Strategies Gold for their ongoing assessments. Developmental screenings and health assessments including vision, hearing, and dental screenings were on file for all NC Pre-K children’s files reviewed. Evidence of on-going assessments was observed in children’s files and on the Teaching Strategies GOLD website. The NC Pre-K Site Monitoring Tool for 2025-2026 was signed by Stacie Poulin, Preschool Program Executive Director for Pender County Schools, during an on-site visit October 21, 2025. It was noted that all requirements were in compliance. During today's visit child care requirements monitored for compliance included supervision, staff/child ratio, CPR and First Aid, Criminal Record Checks, storage of hazardous substances and medications, approved space, posting of the license, and other applicable requirements. Health & Safety Training - Staff members who have been employed for at least one year and some new staff have completed Health and Safety training as outlined in Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .1102. Ensure this information is maintained on file. Health and Safety training must be renewed every five years. Completing, refreshing, and updating the required Health and Safety Training increases your awareness and knowledge regarding child development and safety. Children’s files were not monitored today. There have no new staff hired since your last annual compliance visit. There are three positions vacant, and three substitutes were working today. One out of the three substitutes had a file available for review. I verified valid qualifying letters for substitutes through ABCMS. There were four violations observed today. All violations must be corrected immediately. Continued compliance with applicable child care requirements is always required. Violation Number Comment Rule 415 A current schedule was not posted for each group of children for reference. A daily schedule was not available in space #108. The substitute wrote out a daily schedule and posted while I was visiting the classroom. GS 110-91(12);.0508(a) 1043 All staff records were not made available for review. Two substitutes did not have a file available for review. G.S. 110-91( 9) 1955 The child care center was not free of lead poisoning hazards as defined in G.S. 1130A-131.7(7). According to the the Clean Water for US Kids website, there are no results available for this facility. 10A NCAC 09 .0601(f) 1959 The child care center was not free of asbestos hazards as defined in G.S. 130A-444(2) and 10A NCAC 09 .0102(4). According the the Clean Water for US Kids website, there are no results available for this facility. 10A NCAC 09 .0601(f) For your facility to remain in compliance with NC Child Care Requirements, violations must be corrected immediately. A signed and dated letter of compliance must be received December 23, 2024, describing how the violation was corrected and how compliance will be maintained in the future. A time frame is established to allow you time for submitting your compliance letter. This timeframe is not intended to be used as a guide for correcting violations, as they should be corrected immediately. If I can be of further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me at (910)824-1143 or you can email me at Tammy.Ross@dhhs.nc.gov. You may email me with your verification or mail it to me at: Tammy Ross, Child Care Licensing Consultant, P.O. Box 278, Jacksonville, NC 28541 Childcare licensing requirements are established to ensure a safe and healthy childcare environment. Therefore, it is important for you to be knowledgeable of and periodically review all the licensing requirements that apply to your type of program. It is your responsibility to always maintain compliance with all the applicable laws and rules whether they have been monitored or specifically discussed with you in the past. Technical Assistance: Provider Portal for ABCMS (the criminal records check database): As stated in G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(r), child care operators are to notify the Division of any new child care providers working who were hired within five business days. You have completed the training and linked your staff to your facility. CLEAN CLASSROOMS FOR CAROLINA KIDS Your facility’s status, according to the Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids website, shows the following: • Water Testing-Completed on June 10, 2024. Water testing must be completed every three (3) years. • Lead-Based Paint- There are no results available for this facility. • Asbestos- There are no results available for this facility. You must complete this process for this site immediately. Ensure you keep all paperwork that you receive regarding this matter, as it may be requested to verify compliance. Please refer to the website if you have specific questions! https://www.cleanwaterforuskids.org/en/carolina/faq/ for further guidance and ensure all steps have been completed. Use this link to enroll your program or view test results/status: https://www.cleanwaterforuskids.org/en/carolina/ Choosing a Pathway to the Stars: The new rules related to the star rated license system (QRIS) have been approved. The DCDEE team looks forward to working with child care facilities across the state to transition to the new QRIS system, also known as Pathways to the Stars, located in Section .3200 of the Child Care Rules. The transition will begin soon with the following informational opportunities: •You can review the rule roll out module in the DCDEE e-learning Moodle platform and •If you were unable to attend the recent webinars regarding Choosing a Pathway to the Stars, the sessions were recorded and are be posted on the QRIS Modernization page. •Follow this link for detailed information: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Licensing/Star-Rated-License/QRIS-Modernization. Today, I completed a QRIS Conversation Template for your facility. You reported that your facility is choosing Pathway 3, and you submitted your application on October 7, 2025. This program is a head start designation and a copy of the federal reward information listing Pender County Schools as the recipient was submitted for verification purposes. A copy of this template is attached to this visit summary and your application for assessment for a rated license will be processed. For child care facilities that are Head Start grantee sites, the pathway to a Five Star Rated License is based on the Head Start educational and programmatic requirements that are comparable to or exceed NC QRIS requirements. Licensed child care facilities that are Head Start grantee sites may transition to this pathway by completing the Request for Accreditation and Head Start Licensure Pathway form. We understand this is a big change and are committed to ensuring all providers have a good understanding of the new opportunities to make informed decisions on which pathway best suits the needs of the facility. Sign up for the Raise NC Newsletter! Don’t miss out on timely, relevant information about early childhood issues in North Carolina, proposed rules, upcoming training opportunities, and other resources for you and your staff. The Raise NC Newsletter is typically sent out weekly to all facility contact email addresses, but if your email is not the facility contact email address, you can go to the DCDEE Website, https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ and click on the “What’s New” tab to enter your email address and name under “Sign Up for Updates”. Share with your staff so they can be in the know too! You can contact the NC Resource Center for information, resources, and referrals on topics related to child health and health and safety in child care. Anyone in the greater early care and education community is welcome to call 1(800) 367-2229 (choose 1 then 2). Stay up to date with the Division of Child Development and Early Education by visiting www.ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov. This website enables you to view the entire Law and Child Care Requirements for North Carolina as well as download required forms. Click on the “What’s New” tab for important updates impacting child care in North Carolina. For the latest information on childcare rules and regulations, please visit the Division of Child Development and Early Education's website at: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ At the completion of the visit, documentation was completed electronically on site, signed, and a copy left with Ms. Bradshaw. As we discussed, this computer-generated visit summary serves as completion of the routine unannounced visit. Please remember it is your responsibility to always comply with all child care rules and requirements. Contact me at Tammy.Ross@dhhs.nc.gov at (910)824-1143 with any questions or concerns. Documentation was completed electronically, signed, and emailed to Stacie Poulin, Executive Director for Pender County School Preschool program - per her request. Please remember it is your responsibility to always comply with all child care rules and requirements. Contact me at Tammy.Ross@dhhs.nc.gov at (910)824-1143 with any questions or concerns. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

GS 110-91 · Violation

Name of Operation: C.F. POPE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL PRESCHOOL Facility ID: 71000125 Consultant: TAMMY ROSS Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 12/9/2025 Number Present: 46 Completed Date: 12/9/2025 Age: From 4 To 5 Total Minutes: 165 Time In: 11:30 AM Time Out: 02:15 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Routine Unannounced Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor your program for compliance with applicable child care requirements pertinent to a routine unannounced visit. This facility currently operates with a Five Star license issued on February 14, 2019, earning 7 points in Staff Education, 7 points in Program Standards, and a quality point. Restrictions on the permit include: an age range of 3-5 with a first shift capacity of 80; meeting all enhanced requirements and reduced ratios. This program is operated by Pender County Schools. The last annual compliance visit was conducted at this facility on March 12, 2025. As of December 8, 2025, your 18-month compliance history is 95%. Child Care programs are expected to always achieve and maintain compliance 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. Sanitation Inspection – 03/20/2025 – 5 Demerits - Superior Fire Inspection – 09/09/2025 – Pass All indoor and outdoor spaces were monitored today. There are three classrooms operating. There are forty-six children enrolled and thirty-nine children ages 4-5, were present today. Daily schedules were available for each group of children. Activity plans were observed posted in each classroom. A variety of age-appropriate learning materials were observed in each classroom. Preschool children ate lunch. Lunch consisted of mozzarella sticks or chicken sandwich, grape or oranges, French fries or broccoli, and milk. After lunch children completed bathroom/handwashing routines and prepared for nap/rest time. I observed children laying on appropriately spaced covered mats with blankets, lights were off, and soft music played in the background. When children woke up, they completed hygiene routines and had snack and prepared for dismissal. Staff/child ratios were in compliance. All children were adequately supervised. Caregivers and children interacted in a positive and appropriate manner. NC Pre-K Site Monitoring The NC Pre-K requirements in Section .3000 of the Child Care Rules were monitored for compliance today. Staff-child ratios and maximum group sizes required in Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .3009 were verified in compliance. Children in this program attend from 7:20am to 1:50pm, meeting the instructional day requirement of 6.5 hours. This NC Pre-K program uses Creative Curriculum, Brigance Developmental screening, and Teaching Strategies Gold for their ongoing assessments. Developmental screenings and health assessments including vision, hearing, and dental screenings were on file for all NC Pre-K children’s files reviewed. Evidence of on-going assessments was observed in children’s files and on the Teaching Strategies GOLD website. The NC Pre-K Site Monitoring Tool for 2025-2026 was signed by Stacie Poulin, Preschool Program Executive Director for Pender County Schools, during an on-site visit October 21, 2025. It was noted that all requirements were in compliance. During today's visit child care requirements monitored for compliance included supervision, staff/child ratio, CPR and First Aid, Criminal Record Checks, storage of hazardous substances and medications, approved space, posting of the license, and other applicable requirements. Health & Safety Training - Staff members who have been employed for at least one year and some new staff have completed Health and Safety training as outlined in Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .1102. Ensure this information is maintained on file. Health and Safety training must be renewed every five years. Completing, refreshing, and updating the required Health and Safety Training increases your awareness and knowledge regarding child development and safety. Children’s files were not monitored today. There have no new staff hired since your last annual compliance visit. There are three positions vacant, and three substitutes were working today. One out of the three substitutes had a file available for review. I verified valid qualifying letters for substitutes through ABCMS. There were four violations observed today. All violations must be corrected immediately. Continued compliance with applicable child care requirements is always required. Violation Number Comment Rule 415 A current schedule was not posted for each group of children for reference. A daily schedule was not available in space #108. The substitute wrote out a daily schedule and posted while I was visiting the classroom. GS 110-91(12);.0508(a) 1043 All staff records were not made available for review. Two substitutes did not have a file available for review. G.S. 110-91( 9) 1955 The child care center was not free of lead poisoning hazards as defined in G.S. 1130A-131.7(7). According to the the Clean Water for US Kids website, there are no results available for this facility. 10A NCAC 09 .0601(f) 1959 The child care center was not free of asbestos hazards as defined in G.S. 130A-444(2) and 10A NCAC 09 .0102(4). According the the Clean Water for US Kids website, there are no results available for this facility. 10A NCAC 09 .0601(f) For your facility to remain in compliance with NC Child Care Requirements, violations must be corrected immediately. A signed and dated letter of compliance must be received December 23, 2024, describing how the violation was corrected and how compliance will be maintained in the future. A time frame is established to allow you time for submitting your compliance letter. This timeframe is not intended to be used as a guide for correcting violations, as they should be corrected immediately. If I can be of further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me at (910)824-1143 or you can email me at Tammy.Ross@dhhs.nc.gov. You may email me with your verification or mail it to me at: Tammy Ross, Child Care Licensing Consultant, P.O. Box 278, Jacksonville, NC 28541 Childcare licensing requirements are established to ensure a safe and healthy childcare environment. Therefore, it is important for you to be knowledgeable of and periodically review all the licensing requirements that apply to your type of program. It is your responsibility to always maintain compliance with all the applicable laws and rules whether they have been monitored or specifically discussed with you in the past. Technical Assistance: Provider Portal for ABCMS (the criminal records check database): As stated in G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(r), child care operators are to notify the Division of any new child care providers working who were hired within five business days. You have completed the training and linked your staff to your facility. CLEAN CLASSROOMS FOR CAROLINA KIDS Your facility’s status, according to the Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids website, shows the following: • Water Testing-Completed on June 10, 2024. Water testing must be completed every three (3) years. • Lead-Based Paint- There are no results available for this facility. • Asbestos- There are no results available for this facility. You must complete this process for this site immediately. Ensure you keep all paperwork that you receive regarding this matter, as it may be requested to verify compliance. Please refer to the website if you have specific questions! https://www.cleanwaterforuskids.org/en/carolina/faq/ for further guidance and ensure all steps have been completed. Use this link to enroll your program or view test results/status: https://www.cleanwaterforuskids.org/en/carolina/ Choosing a Pathway to the Stars: The new rules related to the star rated license system (QRIS) have been approved. The DCDEE team looks forward to working with child care facilities across the state to transition to the new QRIS system, also known as Pathways to the Stars, located in Section .3200 of the Child Care Rules. The transition will begin soon with the following informational opportunities: •You can review the rule roll out module in the DCDEE e-learning Moodle platform and •If you were unable to attend the recent webinars regarding Choosing a Pathway to the Stars, the sessions were recorded and are be posted on the QRIS Modernization page. •Follow this link for detailed information: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Licensing/Star-Rated-License/QRIS-Modernization. Today, I completed a QRIS Conversation Template for your facility. You reported that your facility is choosing Pathway 3, and you submitted your application on October 7, 2025. This program is a head start designation and a copy of the federal reward information listing Pender County Schools as the recipient was submitted for verification purposes. A copy of this template is attached to this visit summary and your application for assessment for a rated license will be processed. For child care facilities that are Head Start grantee sites, the pathway to a Five Star Rated License is based on the Head Start educational and programmatic requirements that are comparable to or exceed NC QRIS requirements. Licensed child care facilities that are Head Start grantee sites may transition to this pathway by completing the Request for Accreditation and Head Start Licensure Pathway form. We understand this is a big change and are committed to ensuring all providers have a good understanding of the new opportunities to make informed decisions on which pathway best suits the needs of the facility. Sign up for the Raise NC Newsletter! Don’t miss out on timely, relevant information about early childhood issues in North Carolina, proposed rules, upcoming training opportunities, and other resources for you and your staff. The Raise NC Newsletter is typically sent out weekly to all facility contact email addresses, but if your email is not the facility contact email address, you can go to the DCDEE Website, https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ and click on the “What’s New” tab to enter your email address and name under “Sign Up for Updates”. Share with your staff so they can be in the know too! You can contact the NC Resource Center for information, resources, and referrals on topics related to child health and health and safety in child care. Anyone in the greater early care and education community is welcome to call 1(800) 367-2229 (choose 1 then 2). Stay up to date with the Division of Child Development and Early Education by visiting www.ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov. This website enables you to view the entire Law and Child Care Requirements for North Carolina as well as download required forms. Click on the “What’s New” tab for important updates impacting child care in North Carolina. For the latest information on childcare rules and regulations, please visit the Division of Child Development and Early Education's website at: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ At the completion of the visit, documentation was completed electronically on site, signed, and a copy left with Ms. Bradshaw. As we discussed, this computer-generated visit summary serves as completion of the routine unannounced visit. Please remember it is your responsibility to always comply with all child care rules and requirements. Contact me at Tammy.Ross@dhhs.nc.gov at (910)824-1143 with any questions or concerns. Documentation was completed electronically, signed, and emailed to Stacie Poulin, Executive Director for Pender County School Preschool program - per her request. Please remember it is your responsibility to always comply with all child care rules and requirements. Contact me at Tammy.Ross@dhhs.nc.gov at (910)824-1143 with any questions or concerns. 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: C.F. POPE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL PRESCHOOL Facility ID: 71000125 Consultant: TAMMY ROSS Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 12/9/2025 Number Present: 46 Completed Date: 12/9/2025 Age: From 4 To 5 Total Minutes: 165 Time In: 11:30 AM Time Out: 02:15 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Routine Unannounced Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor your program for compliance with applicable child care requirements pertinent to a routine unannounced visit. This facility currently operates with a Five Star license issued on February 14, 2019, earning 7 points in Staff Education, 7 points in Program Standards, and a quality point. Restrictions on the permit include: an age range of 3-5 with a first shift capacity of 80; meeting all enhanced requirements and reduced ratios. This program is operated by Pender County Schools. The last annual compliance visit was conducted at this facility on March 12, 2025. As of December 8, 2025, your 18-month compliance history is 95%. Child Care programs are expected to always achieve and maintain compliance 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. Sanitation Inspection – 03/20/2025 – 5 Demerits - Superior Fire Inspection – 09/09/2025 – Pass All indoor and outdoor spaces were monitored today. There are three classrooms operating. There are forty-six children enrolled and thirty-nine children ages 4-5, were present today. Daily schedules were available for each group of children. Activity plans were observed posted in each classroom. A variety of age-appropriate learning materials were observed in each classroom. Preschool children ate lunch. Lunch consisted of mozzarella sticks or chicken sandwich, grape or oranges, French fries or broccoli, and milk. After lunch children completed bathroom/handwashing routines and prepared for nap/rest time. I observed children laying on appropriately spaced covered mats with blankets, lights were off, and soft music played in the background. When children woke up, they completed hygiene routines and had snack and prepared for dismissal. Staff/child ratios were in compliance. All children were adequately supervised. Caregivers and children interacted in a positive and appropriate manner. NC Pre-K Site Monitoring The NC Pre-K requirements in Section .3000 of the Child Care Rules were monitored for compliance today. Staff-child ratios and maximum group sizes required in Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .3009 were verified in compliance. Children in this program attend from 7:20am to 1:50pm, meeting the instructional day requirement of 6.5 hours. This NC Pre-K program uses Creative Curriculum, Brigance Developmental screening, and Teaching Strategies Gold for their ongoing assessments. Developmental screenings and health assessments including vision, hearing, and dental screenings were on file for all NC Pre-K children’s files reviewed. Evidence of on-going assessments was observed in children’s files and on the Teaching Strategies GOLD website. The NC Pre-K Site Monitoring Tool for 2025-2026 was signed by Stacie Poulin, Preschool Program Executive Director for Pender County Schools, during an on-site visit October 21, 2025. It was noted that all requirements were in compliance. During today's visit child care requirements monitored for compliance included supervision, staff/child ratio, CPR and First Aid, Criminal Record Checks, storage of hazardous substances and medications, approved space, posting of the license, and other applicable requirements. Health & Safety Training - Staff members who have been employed for at least one year and some new staff have completed Health and Safety training as outlined in Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .1102. Ensure this information is maintained on file. Health and Safety training must be renewed every five years. Completing, refreshing, and updating the required Health and Safety Training increases your awareness and knowledge regarding child development and safety. Children’s files were not monitored today. There have no new staff hired since your last annual compliance visit. There are three positions vacant, and three substitutes were working today. One out of the three substitutes had a file available for review. I verified valid qualifying letters for substitutes through ABCMS. There were four violations observed today. All violations must be corrected immediately. Continued compliance with applicable child care requirements is always required. Violation Number Comment Rule 415 A current schedule was not posted for each group of children for reference. A daily schedule was not available in space #108. The substitute wrote out a daily schedule and posted while I was visiting the classroom. GS 110-91(12);.0508(a) 1043 All staff records were not made available for review. Two substitutes did not have a file available for review. G.S. 110-91( 9) 1955 The child care center was not free of lead poisoning hazards as defined in G.S. 1130A-131.7(7). According to the the Clean Water for US Kids website, there are no results available for this facility. 10A NCAC 09 .0601(f) 1959 The child care center was not free of asbestos hazards as defined in G.S. 130A-444(2) and 10A NCAC 09 .0102(4). According the the Clean Water for US Kids website, there are no results available for this facility. 10A NCAC 09 .0601(f) For your facility to remain in compliance with NC Child Care Requirements, violations must be corrected immediately. A signed and dated letter of compliance must be received December 23, 2024, describing how the violation was corrected and how compliance will be maintained in the future. A time frame is established to allow you time for submitting your compliance letter. This timeframe is not intended to be used as a guide for correcting violations, as they should be corrected immediately. If I can be of further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me at (910)824-1143 or you can email me at Tammy.Ross@dhhs.nc.gov. You may email me with your verification or mail it to me at: Tammy Ross, Child Care Licensing Consultant, P.O. Box 278, Jacksonville, NC 28541 Childcare licensing requirements are established to ensure a safe and healthy childcare environment. Therefore, it is important for you to be knowledgeable of and periodically review all the licensing requirements that apply to your type of program. It is your responsibility to always maintain compliance with all the applicable laws and rules whether they have been monitored or specifically discussed with you in the past. Technical Assistance: Provider Portal for ABCMS (the criminal records check database): As stated in G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(r), child care operators are to notify the Division of any new child care providers working who were hired within five business days. You have completed the training and linked your staff to your facility. CLEAN CLASSROOMS FOR CAROLINA KIDS Your facility’s status, according to the Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids website, shows the following: • Water Testing-Completed on June 10, 2024. Water testing must be completed every three (3) years. • Lead-Based Paint- There are no results available for this facility. • Asbestos- There are no results available for this facility. You must complete this process for this site immediately. Ensure you keep all paperwork that you receive regarding this matter, as it may be requested to verify compliance. Please refer to the website if you have specific questions! https://www.cleanwaterforuskids.org/en/carolina/faq/ for further guidance and ensure all steps have been completed. Use this link to enroll your program or view test results/status: https://www.cleanwaterforuskids.org/en/carolina/ Choosing a Pathway to the Stars: The new rules related to the star rated license system (QRIS) have been approved. The DCDEE team looks forward to working with child care facilities across the state to transition to the new QRIS system, also known as Pathways to the Stars, located in Section .3200 of the Child Care Rules. The transition will begin soon with the following informational opportunities: •You can review the rule roll out module in the DCDEE e-learning Moodle platform and •If you were unable to attend the recent webinars regarding Choosing a Pathway to the Stars, the sessions were recorded and are be posted on the QRIS Modernization page. •Follow this link for detailed information: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Licensing/Star-Rated-License/QRIS-Modernization. Today, I completed a QRIS Conversation Template for your facility. You reported that your facility is choosing Pathway 3, and you submitted your application on October 7, 2025. This program is a head start designation and a copy of the federal reward information listing Pender County Schools as the recipient was submitted for verification purposes. A copy of this template is attached to this visit summary and your application for assessment for a rated license will be processed. For child care facilities that are Head Start grantee sites, the pathway to a Five Star Rated License is based on the Head Start educational and programmatic requirements that are comparable to or exceed NC QRIS requirements. Licensed child care facilities that are Head Start grantee sites may transition to this pathway by completing the Request for Accreditation and Head Start Licensure Pathway form. We understand this is a big change and are committed to ensuring all providers have a good understanding of the new opportunities to make informed decisions on which pathway best suits the needs of the facility. Sign up for the Raise NC Newsletter! Don’t miss out on timely, relevant information about early childhood issues in North Carolina, proposed rules, upcoming training opportunities, and other resources for you and your staff. The Raise NC Newsletter is typically sent out weekly to all facility contact email addresses, but if your email is not the facility contact email address, you can go to the DCDEE Website, https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ and click on the “What’s New” tab to enter your email address and name under “Sign Up for Updates”. Share with your staff so they can be in the know too! You can contact the NC Resource Center for information, resources, and referrals on topics related to child health and health and safety in child care. Anyone in the greater early care and education community is welcome to call 1(800) 367-2229 (choose 1 then 2). Stay up to date with the Division of Child Development and Early Education by visiting www.ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov. This website enables you to view the entire Law and Child Care Requirements for North Carolina as well as download required forms. Click on the “What’s New” tab for important updates impacting child care in North Carolina. For the latest information on childcare rules and regulations, please visit the Division of Child Development and Early Education's website at: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ At the completion of the visit, documentation was completed electronically on site, signed, and a copy left with Ms. Bradshaw. As we discussed, this computer-generated visit summary serves as completion of the routine unannounced visit. Please remember it is your responsibility to always comply with all child care rules and requirements. Contact me at Tammy.Ross@dhhs.nc.gov at (910)824-1143 with any questions or concerns. Documentation was completed electronically, signed, and emailed to Stacie Poulin, Executive Director for Pender County School Preschool program - per her request. Please remember it is your responsibility to always comply with all child care rules and requirements. Contact me at Tammy.Ross@dhhs.nc.gov at (910)824-1143 with any questions or concerns. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

GS 110-91 · Violation

Name of Operation: C.F. POPE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL PRESCHOOL Facility ID: 71000125 Consultant: ALLISON DAVIS Operation Type: Center Case Number: 0925-308A Visit Date: 9/29/2025 Number Present: 0 Completed Date: 9/29/2025 Age: From 0 To 0 Total Minutes: 95 Time In: 02:25 PM Time Out: 04:00 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Complaint Visit Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of this unannounced visit was to investigate allegations of violations of child care requirements at this child care facility. Stacie Poulin, Administrator, accompanied me during a walk-through of the facility. During the visit, I discussed the allegations with Ms. Poulin and one additional staff member. Limited monitoring of child care requirements occurred during today’s visit. No children were present during today's visit. Violation Number Comment Rule 303 Children were not adequately supervised at all times. On September 15, 2025, staff members failed to provide adequate supervision when a four-year-old child was able to get out of their five-point harness car seat and was later found seated on the floor of the bus. .1801(a)(1-5) 1106 Each adult and child was not restrained by appropriate individual belt/device. On September 15, 2025, staff members failed to properly restrain a four-year-old child in their five-point harness car seat. The shoulder straps were buckled under the child's arms. GS 110-91(13) You may contact me at Allison Davis, Investigations Consultant, allison.davis@dhhs.nc.gov, 910-800-0079 or Melissa Loehr, Southeastern Investigations Supervisor, melissa.loehr@dhhs.nc.gov. Thank you for your time. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

Open Not marked corrected in the state record

Category: supervision. Open / not marked corrected.

10A NCAC 09 .1102 · Violation

Name of Operation: C.F. POPE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL PRESCHOOL Facility ID: 71000125 Consultant: TAMMY ROSS Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 3/12/2025 Number Present: 45 Completed Date: 3/12/2025 Age: From 3 To 5 Total Minutes: 180 Time In: 11:00 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 compliance during your annual compliance visit. A checklist was used to note the requirements I monitored today. This facility currently operates with a Five Star license issued on February 14, 2019, earning 7 points in Staff Education, 7 points in Program Standards, and a quality point. Restrictions on the permit include: an age range of 3-5 with a first shift capacity of 80; meeting all enhanced requirements and reduced ratios. This program is operated by Pender County Schools. The last annual compliance with rated license was conducted at this facility on April 17, 2024. As of March 12, 2025, your 18-month compliance history is 99%. Child Care programs are expected to always achieve and maintain compliance 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. Sanitation Inspection – 09/10/2024 – 2 Demerits - Superior Fire Inspection – 08/30/2024 – Pass All indoor and outdoor spaces were monitored today. There are four classrooms operating. There are fifty-eight children enrolled and forty-five children ages 3-5, were present today. Daily schedules were available for each group of children. Activity plans were observed posted in each classroom. A variety of age-appropriate learning materials were observed in each classroom. Preschool children were observed participating in free choice activities. They completed routines and prepared for lunch. Lunch consisted of pasta or ham and cheese sandwich, broccoli or carrots, apple slices or fruit cup, and milk. After lunch, children observed nap/rest time; covered mats with blankets were appropriately spaced, lights were off, and soft music played in the background. When children woke up, they completed hygiene routines and had snack. Snack consisted of cheddar goldfish crackers and apple juice. After snack, children went outside to play in fenced area. The children were observed riding bikes, sliding, swinging on swings, reading books in the shade, and climbing on the structure. All children were adequately supervised. Caregivers and children interacted in a positive and appropriate manner. There were two violations observed today. All violations must be corrected immediately. Continued compliance with applicable child care requirements is always required. Violation Number Comment Rule 1792 Staff did not model appropriate eating behaviors by consuming food or beverages that meet the nutritional requirements specified in the Meal Patterns for Children in Child Care Programs in the presence of children in care. A bottle of Pepsi and a Dr. Pepper can was observed on the teacher's desk. It was visible and accessible to the children in care. .0901(i) 1811 Shelter-in-place or lockdown drills were not practiced every three months and/or drill record was incomplete. According to the emergency drill report, the last emergency drill was conducted on 11/20/2024. .0604(u);.0302(d)(8) For your facility to remain in compliance with NC Child Care Requirements, violations must be corrected immediately. A signed and dated letter of compliance must be received March 19, 2025, describing how the violation was corrected and how compliance will be maintained in the future. A time frame is established to allow you time for submitting your compliance letter. This timeframe is not intended to be used as a guide for correcting violations, as they should be corrected immediately. If I can be of further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me at (910)824-1143 or you can email me at Tammy.Ross@dhhs.nc.gov. You may email me with your verification or mail it to me at: Tammy Ross, Child Care Licensing Consultant, P.O. Box 278, Jacksonville, NC 28541 Technical assistance regarding violations cited: According to the emergency drill log posted in space# 102, an emergency drill has not been conducted since 11/20/2024. Lockdown or shelter-in-place drills must be practiced at least every three months as part of your facility's EPR plan. These drills should be documented on the Emergency Drill Record. Frequent practice will allow children and staff members to be familiar with the steps to take to keep everyone safe in an emergency. Today I suggested you plan the dates and times of your drills in advance and use calendar reminders to ensure they are completed at least every three months. I observed a bottle of Pepsi and a can of Dr. Pepper on the teacher’s desk in space #108. It was accessible and visible to the children. Staff must model appropriate eating behaviors by consuming food or beverages that meet the nutritional requirements specified in the Meal Patterns for Children in Child Care Programs in the presence of children in care. Other Information: Health & Safety Training - Staff members, who have been employed for at least one year, have completed Health and Safety training as outlined in Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .1102. Ensure this information is maintained on file. New staff are in the process of completing these training courses. Completing, refreshing, and updating the required Health and Safety Training increases your awareness and knowledge regarding child development and safety. Health and safety trainings are required to be completed during the first year of employment and renewed every 5 years. CLEAN CLASSROOMS FOR CAROLINA KIDS - This is a reminder and update about the REQUIRED testing for lead in water, lead-based paint and asbestos. To meet requirements, you must enroll your program through Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids in ALL THREE TESTING PROGRAMS. Enrollment in the lead-based paint and asbestos testing programs is required for all facilities by May 31, 2025. This applies to private centers, FCCH and child care programs in the public schools. DPI Pre-K programs do not need to enroll separately as public schools will be tested as a whole. Please refer to the website if you have specific questions! Use this link to enroll your program or view test results/status: https://www.cleanwaterforuskids.org/en/carolina/ Rated License Reassessment Information - There are no longer any cohorts. The “hold harmless” state of rated license reassessments has been extended until the new Quality Rating Improvement System standards are put in place. This means that you may not be required to have a reassessment according to timelines discussed previously, however you may request one voluntarily. Today I encourage you to review information about the new standards as it becomes available and to plan on training your additional caregivers on new assessment tools if you are still interested in Environment Rating Scales assessments. The new tools are the “3” versions, and I will share more information about training opportunities as they become available. Starting on February 1, 2025, the ECERS-3, ITERS-3, and FCCERS-3—also known as the "3s"—will be used for DCDEE environment rating scale assessments. The DCDEE and the North Carolina Rated License Assessment Project (NCRLAP) are collaboratively working on preparations for the transition to the third editions. These third editions come with a spiral binding at the top, replacing the current revised editions. Visit the NCRLAP’s website for more information about updated resources, credit hour trainings, and outreach assessment opportunities to help you become familiar with these tools. For official environment rating scale assessments for a NC Star Rated License, the NCRLAP will use the Revised editions until February 1, 2025. Ensure all information and education has been submitted to DCDEE WORKS as you complete additional coursework. Keep in mind, it is expected that compliance with Education standards is always maintained. Criminal Background Check Information – This is a requirement and if it is not completed, it will be documented as a violation during your next visit. DCDEE launched the Provider Portal for ABCMS on February 1, 2024. This access will allow providers to see applicants that associate themselves with their facility and allow them to “hire” the applicant to their roster, see the real-time background check status of staff/household members, and run a printable report of the staff roster to assist with compliance visits. To gain access to the Provider Portal complete the ABCMS Child Care Provider Portal Training on DCDEE's Moodle. The training consists of watching a short video then taking a test about the video. A certificate will be issued upon successful completion of the test. Email the certificate along with your full name, position, and Facility ID to DCDEE_ABCMS_Provider@dhhs.nc.gov to get access to the portal. Access will then be granted within two business days. If you have general questions, please continue to use DHHS.CBC.Unit@dhhs.nc.gov. As stated in G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(r) child care operators are to notify the Division of any new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. The process of notifying the Division has changed and is now captured in ABCMS. This change has been in effect since February 2024. Effective immediately, you will need to obtain a Business NCID and complete Provider Portal training in Moodle at https://www.dcdee.moodle.nc.gov/course/view.php?id=119. No action is needed on your part if you have completed the reference training and are currently using the ABCMS Provider Portal to update information regarding new hires or residents. Once the training has been completed and access has been given, you must verify your facility roster to ensure current staff are noted on the roster. This information should be updated in ABCMS on an ongoing basis as staff members are hired and when their employment is terminated. This satisfies the requirement to notify the Division of new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. The compliance of this rule will be monitored during your next visit. Please note, the hard copy of the Change of Information form will no longer be needed or accepted. Should you need assistance please contact the Criminal Background Check Unit at (919) 814-8401 and someone will assist you. Reminder: The completed NC Pre-K Site Monitoring Tool for 2024-2025 was not available for review. Submit a copy of the information for verification purposes with your letter of compliance on or before March 19, 2025 Documentation was completed electronically, signed, and emailed to Stacie Poulin, PCS Preschool Program Executive Director – per her request. Please remember it is your responsibility to comply with all child care rules and requirements at all times. Contact me at Tammy.Ross@dhhs.nc.gov at (910)824-1143 with any questions or concerns. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

Open Not marked corrected in the state record

Category: supervision. Open / not marked corrected.

G.S. 110-90 · Violation

Name of Operation: C.F. POPE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL PRESCHOOL Facility ID: 71000125 Consultant: TAMMY ROSS Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 3/12/2025 Number Present: 45 Completed Date: 3/12/2025 Age: From 3 To 5 Total Minutes: 180 Time In: 11:00 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 compliance during your annual compliance visit. A checklist was used to note the requirements I monitored today. This facility currently operates with a Five Star license issued on February 14, 2019, earning 7 points in Staff Education, 7 points in Program Standards, and a quality point. Restrictions on the permit include: an age range of 3-5 with a first shift capacity of 80; meeting all enhanced requirements and reduced ratios. This program is operated by Pender County Schools. The last annual compliance with rated license was conducted at this facility on April 17, 2024. As of March 12, 2025, your 18-month compliance history is 99%. Child Care programs are expected to always achieve and maintain compliance 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. Sanitation Inspection – 09/10/2024 – 2 Demerits - Superior Fire Inspection – 08/30/2024 – Pass All indoor and outdoor spaces were monitored today. There are four classrooms operating. There are fifty-eight children enrolled and forty-five children ages 3-5, were present today. Daily schedules were available for each group of children. Activity plans were observed posted in each classroom. A variety of age-appropriate learning materials were observed in each classroom. Preschool children were observed participating in free choice activities. They completed routines and prepared for lunch. Lunch consisted of pasta or ham and cheese sandwich, broccoli or carrots, apple slices or fruit cup, and milk. After lunch, children observed nap/rest time; covered mats with blankets were appropriately spaced, lights were off, and soft music played in the background. When children woke up, they completed hygiene routines and had snack. Snack consisted of cheddar goldfish crackers and apple juice. After snack, children went outside to play in fenced area. The children were observed riding bikes, sliding, swinging on swings, reading books in the shade, and climbing on the structure. All children were adequately supervised. Caregivers and children interacted in a positive and appropriate manner. There were two violations observed today. All violations must be corrected immediately. Continued compliance with applicable child care requirements is always required. Violation Number Comment Rule 1792 Staff did not model appropriate eating behaviors by consuming food or beverages that meet the nutritional requirements specified in the Meal Patterns for Children in Child Care Programs in the presence of children in care. A bottle of Pepsi and a Dr. Pepper can was observed on the teacher's desk. It was visible and accessible to the children in care. .0901(i) 1811 Shelter-in-place or lockdown drills were not practiced every three months and/or drill record was incomplete. According to the emergency drill report, the last emergency drill was conducted on 11/20/2024. .0604(u);.0302(d)(8) For your facility to remain in compliance with NC Child Care Requirements, violations must be corrected immediately. A signed and dated letter of compliance must be received March 19, 2025, describing how the violation was corrected and how compliance will be maintained in the future. A time frame is established to allow you time for submitting your compliance letter. This timeframe is not intended to be used as a guide for correcting violations, as they should be corrected immediately. If I can be of further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me at (910)824-1143 or you can email me at Tammy.Ross@dhhs.nc.gov. You may email me with your verification or mail it to me at: Tammy Ross, Child Care Licensing Consultant, P.O. Box 278, Jacksonville, NC 28541 Technical assistance regarding violations cited: According to the emergency drill log posted in space# 102, an emergency drill has not been conducted since 11/20/2024. Lockdown or shelter-in-place drills must be practiced at least every three months as part of your facility's EPR plan. These drills should be documented on the Emergency Drill Record. Frequent practice will allow children and staff members to be familiar with the steps to take to keep everyone safe in an emergency. Today I suggested you plan the dates and times of your drills in advance and use calendar reminders to ensure they are completed at least every three months. I observed a bottle of Pepsi and a can of Dr. Pepper on the teacher’s desk in space #108. It was accessible and visible to the children. Staff must model appropriate eating behaviors by consuming food or beverages that meet the nutritional requirements specified in the Meal Patterns for Children in Child Care Programs in the presence of children in care. Other Information: Health & Safety Training - Staff members, who have been employed for at least one year, have completed Health and Safety training as outlined in Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .1102. Ensure this information is maintained on file. New staff are in the process of completing these training courses. Completing, refreshing, and updating the required Health and Safety Training increases your awareness and knowledge regarding child development and safety. Health and safety trainings are required to be completed during the first year of employment and renewed every 5 years. CLEAN CLASSROOMS FOR CAROLINA KIDS - This is a reminder and update about the REQUIRED testing for lead in water, lead-based paint and asbestos. To meet requirements, you must enroll your program through Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids in ALL THREE TESTING PROGRAMS. Enrollment in the lead-based paint and asbestos testing programs is required for all facilities by May 31, 2025. This applies to private centers, FCCH and child care programs in the public schools. DPI Pre-K programs do not need to enroll separately as public schools will be tested as a whole. Please refer to the website if you have specific questions! Use this link to enroll your program or view test results/status: https://www.cleanwaterforuskids.org/en/carolina/ Rated License Reassessment Information - There are no longer any cohorts. The “hold harmless” state of rated license reassessments has been extended until the new Quality Rating Improvement System standards are put in place. This means that you may not be required to have a reassessment according to timelines discussed previously, however you may request one voluntarily. Today I encourage you to review information about the new standards as it becomes available and to plan on training your additional caregivers on new assessment tools if you are still interested in Environment Rating Scales assessments. The new tools are the “3” versions, and I will share more information about training opportunities as they become available. Starting on February 1, 2025, the ECERS-3, ITERS-3, and FCCERS-3—also known as the "3s"—will be used for DCDEE environment rating scale assessments. The DCDEE and the North Carolina Rated License Assessment Project (NCRLAP) are collaboratively working on preparations for the transition to the third editions. These third editions come with a spiral binding at the top, replacing the current revised editions. Visit the NCRLAP’s website for more information about updated resources, credit hour trainings, and outreach assessment opportunities to help you become familiar with these tools. For official environment rating scale assessments for a NC Star Rated License, the NCRLAP will use the Revised editions until February 1, 2025. Ensure all information and education has been submitted to DCDEE WORKS as you complete additional coursework. Keep in mind, it is expected that compliance with Education standards is always maintained. Criminal Background Check Information – This is a requirement and if it is not completed, it will be documented as a violation during your next visit. DCDEE launched the Provider Portal for ABCMS on February 1, 2024. This access will allow providers to see applicants that associate themselves with their facility and allow them to “hire” the applicant to their roster, see the real-time background check status of staff/household members, and run a printable report of the staff roster to assist with compliance visits. To gain access to the Provider Portal complete the ABCMS Child Care Provider Portal Training on DCDEE's Moodle. The training consists of watching a short video then taking a test about the video. A certificate will be issued upon successful completion of the test. Email the certificate along with your full name, position, and Facility ID to DCDEE_ABCMS_Provider@dhhs.nc.gov to get access to the portal. Access will then be granted within two business days. If you have general questions, please continue to use DHHS.CBC.Unit@dhhs.nc.gov. As stated in G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(r) child care operators are to notify the Division of any new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. The process of notifying the Division has changed and is now captured in ABCMS. This change has been in effect since February 2024. Effective immediately, you will need to obtain a Business NCID and complete Provider Portal training in Moodle at https://www.dcdee.moodle.nc.gov/course/view.php?id=119. No action is needed on your part if you have completed the reference training and are currently using the ABCMS Provider Portal to update information regarding new hires or residents. Once the training has been completed and access has been given, you must verify your facility roster to ensure current staff are noted on the roster. This information should be updated in ABCMS on an ongoing basis as staff members are hired and when their employment is terminated. This satisfies the requirement to notify the Division of new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. The compliance of this rule will be monitored during your next visit. Please note, the hard copy of the Change of Information form will no longer be needed or accepted. Should you need assistance please contact the Criminal Background Check Unit at (919) 814-8401 and someone will assist you. Reminder: The completed NC Pre-K Site Monitoring Tool for 2024-2025 was not available for review. Submit a copy of the information for verification purposes with your letter of compliance on or before March 19, 2025 Documentation was completed electronically, signed, and emailed to Stacie Poulin, PCS Preschool Program Executive Director – per her request. Please remember it is your responsibility to comply with all child care rules and requirements at all times. Contact me at Tammy.Ross@dhhs.nc.gov at (910)824-1143 with any questions or concerns. 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: C.F. POPE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL PRESCHOOL Facility ID: 71000125 Consultant: TAMMY ROSS Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 3/12/2025 Number Present: 45 Completed Date: 3/12/2025 Age: From 3 To 5 Total Minutes: 180 Time In: 11:00 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 compliance during your annual compliance visit. A checklist was used to note the requirements I monitored today. This facility currently operates with a Five Star license issued on February 14, 2019, earning 7 points in Staff Education, 7 points in Program Standards, and a quality point. Restrictions on the permit include: an age range of 3-5 with a first shift capacity of 80; meeting all enhanced requirements and reduced ratios. This program is operated by Pender County Schools. The last annual compliance with rated license was conducted at this facility on April 17, 2024. As of March 12, 2025, your 18-month compliance history is 99%. Child Care programs are expected to always achieve and maintain compliance 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. Sanitation Inspection – 09/10/2024 – 2 Demerits - Superior Fire Inspection – 08/30/2024 – Pass All indoor and outdoor spaces were monitored today. There are four classrooms operating. There are fifty-eight children enrolled and forty-five children ages 3-5, were present today. Daily schedules were available for each group of children. Activity plans were observed posted in each classroom. A variety of age-appropriate learning materials were observed in each classroom. Preschool children were observed participating in free choice activities. They completed routines and prepared for lunch. Lunch consisted of pasta or ham and cheese sandwich, broccoli or carrots, apple slices or fruit cup, and milk. After lunch, children observed nap/rest time; covered mats with blankets were appropriately spaced, lights were off, and soft music played in the background. When children woke up, they completed hygiene routines and had snack. Snack consisted of cheddar goldfish crackers and apple juice. After snack, children went outside to play in fenced area. The children were observed riding bikes, sliding, swinging on swings, reading books in the shade, and climbing on the structure. All children were adequately supervised. Caregivers and children interacted in a positive and appropriate manner. There were two violations observed today. All violations must be corrected immediately. Continued compliance with applicable child care requirements is always required. Violation Number Comment Rule 1792 Staff did not model appropriate eating behaviors by consuming food or beverages that meet the nutritional requirements specified in the Meal Patterns for Children in Child Care Programs in the presence of children in care. A bottle of Pepsi and a Dr. Pepper can was observed on the teacher's desk. It was visible and accessible to the children in care. .0901(i) 1811 Shelter-in-place or lockdown drills were not practiced every three months and/or drill record was incomplete. According to the emergency drill report, the last emergency drill was conducted on 11/20/2024. .0604(u);.0302(d)(8) For your facility to remain in compliance with NC Child Care Requirements, violations must be corrected immediately. A signed and dated letter of compliance must be received March 19, 2025, describing how the violation was corrected and how compliance will be maintained in the future. A time frame is established to allow you time for submitting your compliance letter. This timeframe is not intended to be used as a guide for correcting violations, as they should be corrected immediately. If I can be of further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me at (910)824-1143 or you can email me at Tammy.Ross@dhhs.nc.gov. You may email me with your verification or mail it to me at: Tammy Ross, Child Care Licensing Consultant, P.O. Box 278, Jacksonville, NC 28541 Technical assistance regarding violations cited: According to the emergency drill log posted in space# 102, an emergency drill has not been conducted since 11/20/2024. Lockdown or shelter-in-place drills must be practiced at least every three months as part of your facility's EPR plan. These drills should be documented on the Emergency Drill Record. Frequent practice will allow children and staff members to be familiar with the steps to take to keep everyone safe in an emergency. Today I suggested you plan the dates and times of your drills in advance and use calendar reminders to ensure they are completed at least every three months. I observed a bottle of Pepsi and a can of Dr. Pepper on the teacher’s desk in space #108. It was accessible and visible to the children. Staff must model appropriate eating behaviors by consuming food or beverages that meet the nutritional requirements specified in the Meal Patterns for Children in Child Care Programs in the presence of children in care. Other Information: Health & Safety Training - Staff members, who have been employed for at least one year, have completed Health and Safety training as outlined in Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .1102. Ensure this information is maintained on file. New staff are in the process of completing these training courses. Completing, refreshing, and updating the required Health and Safety Training increases your awareness and knowledge regarding child development and safety. Health and safety trainings are required to be completed during the first year of employment and renewed every 5 years. CLEAN CLASSROOMS FOR CAROLINA KIDS - This is a reminder and update about the REQUIRED testing for lead in water, lead-based paint and asbestos. To meet requirements, you must enroll your program through Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids in ALL THREE TESTING PROGRAMS. Enrollment in the lead-based paint and asbestos testing programs is required for all facilities by May 31, 2025. This applies to private centers, FCCH and child care programs in the public schools. DPI Pre-K programs do not need to enroll separately as public schools will be tested as a whole. Please refer to the website if you have specific questions! Use this link to enroll your program or view test results/status: https://www.cleanwaterforuskids.org/en/carolina/ Rated License Reassessment Information - There are no longer any cohorts. The “hold harmless” state of rated license reassessments has been extended until the new Quality Rating Improvement System standards are put in place. This means that you may not be required to have a reassessment according to timelines discussed previously, however you may request one voluntarily. Today I encourage you to review information about the new standards as it becomes available and to plan on training your additional caregivers on new assessment tools if you are still interested in Environment Rating Scales assessments. The new tools are the “3” versions, and I will share more information about training opportunities as they become available. Starting on February 1, 2025, the ECERS-3, ITERS-3, and FCCERS-3—also known as the "3s"—will be used for DCDEE environment rating scale assessments. The DCDEE and the North Carolina Rated License Assessment Project (NCRLAP) are collaboratively working on preparations for the transition to the third editions. These third editions come with a spiral binding at the top, replacing the current revised editions. Visit the NCRLAP’s website for more information about updated resources, credit hour trainings, and outreach assessment opportunities to help you become familiar with these tools. For official environment rating scale assessments for a NC Star Rated License, the NCRLAP will use the Revised editions until February 1, 2025. Ensure all information and education has been submitted to DCDEE WORKS as you complete additional coursework. Keep in mind, it is expected that compliance with Education standards is always maintained. Criminal Background Check Information – This is a requirement and if it is not completed, it will be documented as a violation during your next visit. DCDEE launched the Provider Portal for ABCMS on February 1, 2024. This access will allow providers to see applicants that associate themselves with their facility and allow them to “hire” the applicant to their roster, see the real-time background check status of staff/household members, and run a printable report of the staff roster to assist with compliance visits. To gain access to the Provider Portal complete the ABCMS Child Care Provider Portal Training on DCDEE's Moodle. The training consists of watching a short video then taking a test about the video. A certificate will be issued upon successful completion of the test. Email the certificate along with your full name, position, and Facility ID to DCDEE_ABCMS_Provider@dhhs.nc.gov to get access to the portal. Access will then be granted within two business days. If you have general questions, please continue to use DHHS.CBC.Unit@dhhs.nc.gov. As stated in G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(r) child care operators are to notify the Division of any new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. The process of notifying the Division has changed and is now captured in ABCMS. This change has been in effect since February 2024. Effective immediately, you will need to obtain a Business NCID and complete Provider Portal training in Moodle at https://www.dcdee.moodle.nc.gov/course/view.php?id=119. No action is needed on your part if you have completed the reference training and are currently using the ABCMS Provider Portal to update information regarding new hires or residents. Once the training has been completed and access has been given, you must verify your facility roster to ensure current staff are noted on the roster. This information should be updated in ABCMS on an ongoing basis as staff members are hired and when their employment is terminated. This satisfies the requirement to notify the Division of new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. The compliance of this rule will be monitored during your next visit. Please note, the hard copy of the Change of Information form will no longer be needed or accepted. Should you need assistance please contact the Criminal Background Check Unit at (919) 814-8401 and someone will assist you. Reminder: The completed NC Pre-K Site Monitoring Tool for 2024-2025 was not available for review. Submit a copy of the information for verification purposes with your letter of compliance on or before March 19, 2025 Documentation was completed electronically, signed, and emailed to Stacie Poulin, PCS Preschool Program Executive Director – per her request. Please remember it is your responsibility to comply with all child care rules and requirements at all times. Contact me at Tammy.Ross@dhhs.nc.gov at (910)824-1143 with any questions or concerns. 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 .1102 · Violation

Name of Operation: C.F. POPE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL PRESCHOOL Facility ID: 71000125 Consultant: TAMMY ROSS Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 11/14/2024 Number Present: 52 Completed Date: 11/14/2024 Age: From 3 To 5 Total Minutes: 120 Time In: 11:45 AM Time Out: 01:45 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 compliance with applicable child care requirements. Your environment rating scales results were reviewed during this visit. Limited child care requirements pertinent to this visit type were monitored. This facility currently operates with a Five Star license issued on February 14, 2019, earning 7 points in Staff Education, 7 points in Program Standards, and a quality point. Restrictions on the permit include: an age range of 3-5 with a first shift capacity of 80; meeting all enhanced requirements and reduced ratios. This program is operated by Pender County Schools. The last annual compliance with rated license was conducted at this facility on April 17, 2024. As of November 8, 2024, your 18-month compliance history is 100%. 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. Sanitation Inspection – 09/10/2024 – 6 Demerits - Superior Fire Inspection – 08/30/2024 – Pass All indoor and outdoor spaces were monitored today. There are four classrooms operating. There are fifty-nine children enrolled, and fifty-two children aged 3-5, were present today. Daily schedules were available for each group of children. Activity plans were observed posted in each classroom. A variety of age-appropriate learning materials were observed in each classroom. All children in each classroom were observing nap/rest time. Children were observed sleeping on adequately spaced covered cots with blankets, lights were off, and soft music played. After nap/rest time, children completed bathroom and handwashing routines and ate snack. Snack consisted of milk and cheddar goldfish. All children were appropriately supervised. Staff in all classrooms were observed interacting with children in a positive and nurturing manner. NC Pre-K Monitoring: The NC Pre-Kindergarten Program (NC Pre-K) Site Monitoring Tool for the 2024-2025 school year has not been completed at this time. The tool will be reviewed in its entirety during the facility’s next annual compliance visit. The program follows the Pender County school calendar. The length of the day, 8:10am until 3:30pm, meets the instructional day requirement of 6.5-10 hours. Child Assessment and Required Screenings: The assessment tool, GOLD, Teaching Strategies 2010-2011, is in place. Portfolios for each child are maintained electronically Online with Teaching Strategies Gold. The facility uses the developmental screening ASQ tool for pre-screening and ongoing assessments. Curriculum: The Creative Curriculum for Preschool, 6th Edition, Teaching Strategies, 2016 has been implemented and the classroom has the required resources available for use. Materials to support the current activity plan were displayed throughout the classroom. Family Engagement: Daily parent involvement includes “Take Home” and “Return to School” folders, open house, and end of learning family projects. Parent-Teacher conferences are held twice a year. Staff Requirements: The Administrator, Lead Teachers, and teachers met NC Pre-K education requirements as noted in the NC-Pre-K plan database. During today's visit child care requirements monitored for compliance included supervision, staff/child ratio, CPR and First Aid, Criminal Record Checks, storage of hazardous substances and medications, approved space, posting of the license, and other applicable requirements. Health & Safety Training - Staff members who have been employed for at least one year have completed Health and Safety training as outlined in Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .1102. New staff have one year from the date of hire to complete these required trainings. Ensure this information is maintained on file. Health and Safety training must be renewed every five years. Completing, refreshing, and updating the required Health and Safety Training increases your awareness and knowledge regarding child development and safety. Two new staff members have been hired since your last visit. File for new staff members were monitored today. There was one violation observed today. Violation must be corrected immediately. Continued compliance with all applicable child care requirements is required at all times. Violation Number Comment Rule 1811 Shelter-in-place or lockdown drills were not practiced every three months and/or drill record was incomplete. This facility has not completed nor recorded any emergency drills for this school year; school started in August 2024. .0604(u);.0302(d)(8) In order for your facility to remain in compliance with NC Child Care Requirements, violations must be corrected immediately. On or before November 28, 2024, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail how and when the violations were corrected as well as how compliance will be maintained in the future. A time frame is established to allow you time for submitting your compliance letter. This timeframe is not intended to be used as a guide for correcting violations, as they should be corrected immediately. Email the information to me at Tammy.Ross@dhhs.nc.gov. Child care licensing requirements are established to ensure a safe and healthy child care environment. Therefore, it is important for you to be knowledgeable of all the licensing requirements that apply to your type of program. It is your responsibility to maintain compliance with all the applicable laws and rules always whether they have been monitored or specifically discussed with you in the past. The best way for you to make sure that you are meeting all requirements is to periodically review the child care law and rules. Technical Assistance regarding violation cited: Lockdown or shelter-in-place drills must be practiced at least every three months as part of your facility's EPR plan. These drills should be documented on the Emergency Drill Record. Frequent practice will allow children and staff members to be familiar with the steps to take to keep everyone safe in an emergency. An emergency drill has not been conducted at this facility. Today I suggested you plan the dates and times of your drills in advance and use calendar reminders to ensure they are completed at least every three months. Reminders: There were no supervision or staff/child ratio concerns observed today. However, I do want to remind you that the staff/child ratios for children two years and older, during naptime must be maintained by having at least one person in each room, visually supervising all children, and the total number of required staff on the premises within calling distance of each room occupied by children in order to provide immediate assistance. Medical Action Plan - For any child with health care needs such as allergies, asthma, or other chronic conditions that require specialized health services during his or her time in child care, a medical action plan shall be attached to the application. The medical action plan shall be completed by the child's parent or a health care professional and must include all required information. The medical action plan shall be updated on an annual basis and when changes to the plan are made by the child's parent or health care professional. Sample medical action plans may be found on the Division's website at http://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/providers Rated License Reassessment Information - Your facility’s three-year rated license reassessment was due is due to be completed in April 2025. There are no longer any cohorts. The “hold harmless” state of rated license reassessments has been extended until the new Quality Rating Improvement System standards are put in place. This means that you may not be required to have a reassessment according to timelines discussed previously, however you may request one voluntarily. Today I encouraged you to review information about the new standards as it becomes available and to plan on training your additional caregivers on new assessment tools if you are still interested in Environment Rating Scales assessments. The new tools are the “3” versions, and I will share more information about training opportunities as they become available. Starting on February 1, 2025, the ECERS-3, ITERS-3, and FCCERS-3, also known as the "3s”will be used for DCDEE environment rating scale assessments. The DCDEE and the North Carolina Rated License Assessment Project (NCRLAP) are collaboratively working on preparations for the transition to the third editions. These third editions come with a spiral binding at the top, replacing the current revised editions. Visit the NCRLAP’s website for more information about updated resources, credit hour trainings, and outreach assessment opportunities to help you become familiar with these tools. For official environment rating scale assessments for a NC Star Rated License, the NCRLAP will use the Revised editions until February 1, 2025. Ensure all information and education has been submitted to DCDEE WORKS as you hire new staff or as staff complete additional coursework. Keep in mind, it is expected that compliance with Education standards is maintained at all times, so you must ensure you monitor staff qualifications and percentages in advance of your upcoming reassessment. Other Information Criminal Background Check Information - DCDEE launched the Provider Portal for ABCMS on February 1, 2024. This access will allow providers to see applicants that associate themselves with their facility and allow them to “hire” the applicant to their roster, see the real-time background check status of staff/household members, and run a printable report of the staff roster to assist with compliance visits. To gain access to the Provider Portal complete the ABCMS Child Care Provider Portal Training on DCDEE's Moodle. The training consists of watching a short video then taking a test about the video. A certificate will be issued upon successful completion of the test. Email the certificate along with your full name, position, and Facility ID to DCDEE_ABCMS_Provider@dhhs.nc.gov to get access to the portal. Access will then be granted within 2 business days. If you have general questions, please continue to use DHHS.CBC.Unit@dhhs.nc.gov. Child Care Immunization Report 2024-2025 - This year's Child Care Immunization Reports are due January 15, 2025. This temporary extension is intended to provide additional time for families to meet these requirements in light of potential barriers caused by Hurricane Helene. Pursuant to Executive Order 319, NCDHHS will accept report submissions no later than January 15, 2025, but submissions may be completed at any time prior to that date and are now open. Failure to submit an annual child care immunization report per G.S. 130A-155 will be reported to the Local Health Director for your county. Submit a report even if no children are attending your child care center or your child care center has closed. This will ensure your center meets the reporting requirement and is not considered delinquent. Download instructions and a worksheet to assist in determining the status of each child (Word document). Access the worksheet as a PDF. This worksheet is only an aid and does not need to be submitted. The summary table on the fourth page contains the information required to complete the online report. Access a guide to submitting a child care report through the online portal. If you have questions about the Child Care Immunization Report, please email Immunization.Reports@dhhs.nc.gov or call 919-707-5595. Documentation was completed electronically, signed, and emailed to Stacie Poulin, PCS Preschool Program Executive Director / Director – per her request. Please remember it is your responsibility to comply with all child care rules and requirements at all times. Contact me at Tammy.Ross@dhhs.nc.gov at (910)824-1143 with any questions or concerns. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

Open Not marked corrected in the state record

Category: supervision. Open / not marked corrected.

NC GS 110-90 · Violation

Name of Operation: C.F. POPE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL PRESCHOOL Facility ID: 71000125 Consultant: TAMMY ROSS Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 11/14/2024 Number Present: 52 Completed Date: 11/14/2024 Age: From 3 To 5 Total Minutes: 120 Time In: 11:45 AM Time Out: 01:45 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 compliance with applicable child care requirements. Your environment rating scales results were reviewed during this visit. Limited child care requirements pertinent to this visit type were monitored. This facility currently operates with a Five Star license issued on February 14, 2019, earning 7 points in Staff Education, 7 points in Program Standards, and a quality point. Restrictions on the permit include: an age range of 3-5 with a first shift capacity of 80; meeting all enhanced requirements and reduced ratios. This program is operated by Pender County Schools. The last annual compliance with rated license was conducted at this facility on April 17, 2024. As of November 8, 2024, your 18-month compliance history is 100%. 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. Sanitation Inspection – 09/10/2024 – 6 Demerits - Superior Fire Inspection – 08/30/2024 – Pass All indoor and outdoor spaces were monitored today. There are four classrooms operating. There are fifty-nine children enrolled, and fifty-two children aged 3-5, were present today. Daily schedules were available for each group of children. Activity plans were observed posted in each classroom. A variety of age-appropriate learning materials were observed in each classroom. All children in each classroom were observing nap/rest time. Children were observed sleeping on adequately spaced covered cots with blankets, lights were off, and soft music played. After nap/rest time, children completed bathroom and handwashing routines and ate snack. Snack consisted of milk and cheddar goldfish. All children were appropriately supervised. Staff in all classrooms were observed interacting with children in a positive and nurturing manner. NC Pre-K Monitoring: The NC Pre-Kindergarten Program (NC Pre-K) Site Monitoring Tool for the 2024-2025 school year has not been completed at this time. The tool will be reviewed in its entirety during the facility’s next annual compliance visit. The program follows the Pender County school calendar. The length of the day, 8:10am until 3:30pm, meets the instructional day requirement of 6.5-10 hours. Child Assessment and Required Screenings: The assessment tool, GOLD, Teaching Strategies 2010-2011, is in place. Portfolios for each child are maintained electronically Online with Teaching Strategies Gold. The facility uses the developmental screening ASQ tool for pre-screening and ongoing assessments. Curriculum: The Creative Curriculum for Preschool, 6th Edition, Teaching Strategies, 2016 has been implemented and the classroom has the required resources available for use. Materials to support the current activity plan were displayed throughout the classroom. Family Engagement: Daily parent involvement includes “Take Home” and “Return to School” folders, open house, and end of learning family projects. Parent-Teacher conferences are held twice a year. Staff Requirements: The Administrator, Lead Teachers, and teachers met NC Pre-K education requirements as noted in the NC-Pre-K plan database. During today's visit child care requirements monitored for compliance included supervision, staff/child ratio, CPR and First Aid, Criminal Record Checks, storage of hazardous substances and medications, approved space, posting of the license, and other applicable requirements. Health & Safety Training - Staff members who have been employed for at least one year have completed Health and Safety training as outlined in Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .1102. New staff have one year from the date of hire to complete these required trainings. Ensure this information is maintained on file. Health and Safety training must be renewed every five years. Completing, refreshing, and updating the required Health and Safety Training increases your awareness and knowledge regarding child development and safety. Two new staff members have been hired since your last visit. File for new staff members were monitored today. There was one violation observed today. Violation must be corrected immediately. Continued compliance with all applicable child care requirements is required at all times. Violation Number Comment Rule 1811 Shelter-in-place or lockdown drills were not practiced every three months and/or drill record was incomplete. This facility has not completed nor recorded any emergency drills for this school year; school started in August 2024. .0604(u);.0302(d)(8) In order for your facility to remain in compliance with NC Child Care Requirements, violations must be corrected immediately. On or before November 28, 2024, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail how and when the violations were corrected as well as how compliance will be maintained in the future. A time frame is established to allow you time for submitting your compliance letter. This timeframe is not intended to be used as a guide for correcting violations, as they should be corrected immediately. Email the information to me at Tammy.Ross@dhhs.nc.gov. Child care licensing requirements are established to ensure a safe and healthy child care environment. Therefore, it is important for you to be knowledgeable of all the licensing requirements that apply to your type of program. It is your responsibility to maintain compliance with all the applicable laws and rules always whether they have been monitored or specifically discussed with you in the past. The best way for you to make sure that you are meeting all requirements is to periodically review the child care law and rules. Technical Assistance regarding violation cited: Lockdown or shelter-in-place drills must be practiced at least every three months as part of your facility's EPR plan. These drills should be documented on the Emergency Drill Record. Frequent practice will allow children and staff members to be familiar with the steps to take to keep everyone safe in an emergency. An emergency drill has not been conducted at this facility. Today I suggested you plan the dates and times of your drills in advance and use calendar reminders to ensure they are completed at least every three months. Reminders: There were no supervision or staff/child ratio concerns observed today. However, I do want to remind you that the staff/child ratios for children two years and older, during naptime must be maintained by having at least one person in each room, visually supervising all children, and the total number of required staff on the premises within calling distance of each room occupied by children in order to provide immediate assistance. Medical Action Plan - For any child with health care needs such as allergies, asthma, or other chronic conditions that require specialized health services during his or her time in child care, a medical action plan shall be attached to the application. The medical action plan shall be completed by the child's parent or a health care professional and must include all required information. The medical action plan shall be updated on an annual basis and when changes to the plan are made by the child's parent or health care professional. Sample medical action plans may be found on the Division's website at http://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/providers Rated License Reassessment Information - Your facility’s three-year rated license reassessment was due is due to be completed in April 2025. There are no longer any cohorts. The “hold harmless” state of rated license reassessments has been extended until the new Quality Rating Improvement System standards are put in place. This means that you may not be required to have a reassessment according to timelines discussed previously, however you may request one voluntarily. Today I encouraged you to review information about the new standards as it becomes available and to plan on training your additional caregivers on new assessment tools if you are still interested in Environment Rating Scales assessments. The new tools are the “3” versions, and I will share more information about training opportunities as they become available. Starting on February 1, 2025, the ECERS-3, ITERS-3, and FCCERS-3, also known as the "3s”will be used for DCDEE environment rating scale assessments. The DCDEE and the North Carolina Rated License Assessment Project (NCRLAP) are collaboratively working on preparations for the transition to the third editions. These third editions come with a spiral binding at the top, replacing the current revised editions. Visit the NCRLAP’s website for more information about updated resources, credit hour trainings, and outreach assessment opportunities to help you become familiar with these tools. For official environment rating scale assessments for a NC Star Rated License, the NCRLAP will use the Revised editions until February 1, 2025. Ensure all information and education has been submitted to DCDEE WORKS as you hire new staff or as staff complete additional coursework. Keep in mind, it is expected that compliance with Education standards is maintained at all times, so you must ensure you monitor staff qualifications and percentages in advance of your upcoming reassessment. Other Information Criminal Background Check Information - DCDEE launched the Provider Portal for ABCMS on February 1, 2024. This access will allow providers to see applicants that associate themselves with their facility and allow them to “hire” the applicant to their roster, see the real-time background check status of staff/household members, and run a printable report of the staff roster to assist with compliance visits. To gain access to the Provider Portal complete the ABCMS Child Care Provider Portal Training on DCDEE's Moodle. The training consists of watching a short video then taking a test about the video. A certificate will be issued upon successful completion of the test. Email the certificate along with your full name, position, and Facility ID to DCDEE_ABCMS_Provider@dhhs.nc.gov to get access to the portal. Access will then be granted within 2 business days. If you have general questions, please continue to use DHHS.CBC.Unit@dhhs.nc.gov. Child Care Immunization Report 2024-2025 - This year's Child Care Immunization Reports are due January 15, 2025. This temporary extension is intended to provide additional time for families to meet these requirements in light of potential barriers caused by Hurricane Helene. Pursuant to Executive Order 319, NCDHHS will accept report submissions no later than January 15, 2025, but submissions may be completed at any time prior to that date and are now open. Failure to submit an annual child care immunization report per G.S. 130A-155 will be reported to the Local Health Director for your county. Submit a report even if no children are attending your child care center or your child care center has closed. This will ensure your center meets the reporting requirement and is not considered delinquent. Download instructions and a worksheet to assist in determining the status of each child (Word document). Access the worksheet as a PDF. This worksheet is only an aid and does not need to be submitted. The summary table on the fourth page contains the information required to complete the online report. Access a guide to submitting a child care report through the online portal. If you have questions about the Child Care Immunization Report, please email Immunization.Reports@dhhs.nc.gov or call 919-707-5595. Documentation was completed electronically, signed, and emailed to Stacie Poulin, PCS Preschool Program Executive Director / Director – per her request. Please remember it is your responsibility to comply with all child care rules and requirements at all times. Contact me at Tammy.Ross@dhhs.nc.gov at (910)824-1143 with any questions or concerns. 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