G.S. 110-90 · Violation

Name of Operation: MALPASS CORNER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL-PRESCHOOL Facility ID: 71000124 Consultant: TAMMY ROSS Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 12/19/2024 Number Present: 35 Completed Date: 12/19/2024 Age: From 3 To 5 Total Minutes: 60 Time In: 11:15 AM Time Out: 12:15 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Routine Unannounced Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor compliance with applicable child care requirements. Limited child care requirements pertinent to this visit type were monitored. This facility currently operates with a Five Star License that was issued to this facility on May 6, 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 60; meeting enhanced ratios/space. As of December 18, 2024, this facility has an 18-month compliance history of 98%. 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. This program is operated by Pender County Schools. The last annual compliance visit was conducted on May 23, 2024. Sanitation Inspection – 11/27/2024 – 2 Demerits – Superior Fire Inspection – 09/09/2024 – PASS All areas, indoors and outdoors, used by the children were monitored. There are three classrooms operating at this location, spaces #102, 105, and 106 are being utilized for NC PreK students. There are forty-four children enrolled and thirty-three children, ages 3-5, were present today. Accurate attendance sheets were observed in each classroom. At least five (5) activity areas including language, blocks, manipulatives, dramatic play, and art were available in all classrooms. Age-appropriate materials and activities were provided for all children. NC PreK students in space #102 and #106 were observed participating in the activity areas mentioned above and the math center and light table center. Some children were also observed completing a Christmas art activity; they were making candy canes with strings and red and white beads. NC PreK students in space #105 were observed participating in story time. The students listened intently as the teacher read, “There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed A Bell.” As the book was being read, the teacher asked the children questions related to the book. NC PreK students were also observed completing handwashing/bathroom routines and prepared for lunch. Lunch consisted of ham & cheese sandwich or chicken nuggets, sweet potato or carrots, peaches or apples, and milk. All teachers were actively engaged with the children. All children were adequately supervised. Caregivers and children interacted in a positive and appropriate manner. The program follows the Pender County school calendar, the length of the day meets requirements, and all staff meet education requirements. The facility uses Teaching Strategies Gold as their curriculum as well as their assessment tool. Three formal assessments with parent conferences are scheduled throughout the school year. Portfolios are maintained on Teacher Strategies Gold by taking pictures of the children’s work and uploading them to the program. The NC Pre-Kindergarten Program (NC Pre-K) Site Monitoring Tool was on site and available for review. 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. A new staff member has been hired since the last annual compliance visit was conducted. File for new staff member was monitored during this visit. 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 must complete this training within one year of hire. 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. There were two violations observed today. Violation must be corrected immediately. Continued compliance with all applicable child care requirements is required at all times. Violation Number Comment Rule 1044 Prior to the expiration date of the qualification letter, the child care provider did not complete and submit required forms to complete a criminal background check (a qualification letter is valid for a maximum of five years for the date of issuance). Qualification letter for Principal, A.Ellington, expired 11/01/2024 and has not been renewed. G.S. 110-90.2(b) & .2703(n)&(o) 1757 A valid qualification letter was not on file and available to review at the facility. Qualification letter for Principal, A.Ellington, expired 11/01/2024 and has not been renewed. G.S. 110-90.2(b) & (d) & .2703(e) In order for your facility to remain in compliance with NC Child Care Requirements, violations must be corrected immediately. On or before January 2, 2025, 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 meet all requirements is to periodically review the child care law and rules. Technical Assistance regarding violation cited: CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECK REQUIREMENTS - A valid qualification letter was not on file for Principal, Avery Ellington; according to the regulatory system, it was last completed in November 2019. I informed you; Ms. Ellington will be allowed fifteen days (01/03/2025) to complete the criminal background check process and obtain qualification letter. A compliance letter regarding criminal background checks and all qualification letters must be submitted to me on or before 01/03/2025 verifying correction. Criminal Background Check qualification letters can be renewed six months prior to the expiration date of current qualification letter. Reminder - 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 March 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 to train 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 always maintained, so you must ensure you monitor staff qualifications and percentages in advance of your upcoming reassessment. Other Information CLEAN CLASSROOMS FOR CAROLINA KIDS - You stated the registration, and webinars have been completed for Clean classrooms for Carolina Kids. https://www.cleanwaterforuskids.org/en/carolina/faq/ for further guidance and ensure all steps are followed. 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. Your facility may be exempt from testing for lead-based paint and/or asbestos based on the year built, however it is still required that you enroll in the programs and provide documentation to request exemption. See key points below: -Centers must have water tested for lead every three years. Check the date of your previous testing and ensure you request a new one if your three years are up. -Family Child Care Homes (FCCH) must have water tested by January 1, 2025. -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. Use this link to enroll your program or view test results/status: https://www.cleanwaterforuskids.org/en/carolina/ The Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids Program provides free facility-wide testing and inspections without any out-of-pocket costs. Due to the volume of testing and inspections, completion of the online enrollment process in the program is considered temporary compliance with the testing and inspection requirement and will allow facilities to participate in the funding mechanisms. 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 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. Immunization Report - 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. Use this link to submit your report: https://survey.alchemer.com/s3/7955242/2024-2025-Child-Care-Immunization-Report. Send any questions regarding child care immunization reporting to immunization.reports@dhhs.nc.gov. 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: MALPASS CORNER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL-PRESCHOOL Facility ID: 71000124 Consultant: TAMMY ROSS Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 12/19/2024 Number Present: 35 Completed Date: 12/19/2024 Age: From 3 To 5 Total Minutes: 60 Time In: 11:15 AM Time Out: 12:15 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Routine Unannounced Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor compliance with applicable child care requirements. Limited child care requirements pertinent to this visit type were monitored. This facility currently operates with a Five Star License that was issued to this facility on May 6, 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 60; meeting enhanced ratios/space. As of December 18, 2024, this facility has an 18-month compliance history of 98%. 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. This program is operated by Pender County Schools. The last annual compliance visit was conducted on May 23, 2024. Sanitation Inspection – 11/27/2024 – 2 Demerits – Superior Fire Inspection – 09/09/2024 – PASS All areas, indoors and outdoors, used by the children were monitored. There are three classrooms operating at this location, spaces #102, 105, and 106 are being utilized for NC PreK students. There are forty-four children enrolled and thirty-three children, ages 3-5, were present today. Accurate attendance sheets were observed in each classroom. At least five (5) activity areas including language, blocks, manipulatives, dramatic play, and art were available in all classrooms. Age-appropriate materials and activities were provided for all children. NC PreK students in space #102 and #106 were observed participating in the activity areas mentioned above and the math center and light table center. Some children were also observed completing a Christmas art activity; they were making candy canes with strings and red and white beads. NC PreK students in space #105 were observed participating in story time. The students listened intently as the teacher read, “There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed A Bell.” As the book was being read, the teacher asked the children questions related to the book. NC PreK students were also observed completing handwashing/bathroom routines and prepared for lunch. Lunch consisted of ham & cheese sandwich or chicken nuggets, sweet potato or carrots, peaches or apples, and milk. All teachers were actively engaged with the children. All children were adequately supervised. Caregivers and children interacted in a positive and appropriate manner. The program follows the Pender County school calendar, the length of the day meets requirements, and all staff meet education requirements. The facility uses Teaching Strategies Gold as their curriculum as well as their assessment tool. Three formal assessments with parent conferences are scheduled throughout the school year. Portfolios are maintained on Teacher Strategies Gold by taking pictures of the children’s work and uploading them to the program. The NC Pre-Kindergarten Program (NC Pre-K) Site Monitoring Tool was on site and available for review. 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. A new staff member has been hired since the last annual compliance visit was conducted. File for new staff member was monitored during this visit. 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 must complete this training within one year of hire. 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. There were two violations observed today. Violation must be corrected immediately. Continued compliance with all applicable child care requirements is required at all times. Violation Number Comment Rule 1044 Prior to the expiration date of the qualification letter, the child care provider did not complete and submit required forms to complete a criminal background check (a qualification letter is valid for a maximum of five years for the date of issuance). Qualification letter for Principal, A.Ellington, expired 11/01/2024 and has not been renewed. G.S. 110-90.2(b) & .2703(n)&(o) 1757 A valid qualification letter was not on file and available to review at the facility. Qualification letter for Principal, A.Ellington, expired 11/01/2024 and has not been renewed. G.S. 110-90.2(b) & (d) & .2703(e) In order for your facility to remain in compliance with NC Child Care Requirements, violations must be corrected immediately. On or before January 2, 2025, 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 meet all requirements is to periodically review the child care law and rules. Technical Assistance regarding violation cited: CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECK REQUIREMENTS - A valid qualification letter was not on file for Principal, Avery Ellington; according to the regulatory system, it was last completed in November 2019. I informed you; Ms. Ellington will be allowed fifteen days (01/03/2025) to complete the criminal background check process and obtain qualification letter. A compliance letter regarding criminal background checks and all qualification letters must be submitted to me on or before 01/03/2025 verifying correction. Criminal Background Check qualification letters can be renewed six months prior to the expiration date of current qualification letter. Reminder - 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 March 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 to train 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 always maintained, so you must ensure you monitor staff qualifications and percentages in advance of your upcoming reassessment. Other Information CLEAN CLASSROOMS FOR CAROLINA KIDS - You stated the registration, and webinars have been completed for Clean classrooms for Carolina Kids. https://www.cleanwaterforuskids.org/en/carolina/faq/ for further guidance and ensure all steps are followed. 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. Your facility may be exempt from testing for lead-based paint and/or asbestos based on the year built, however it is still required that you enroll in the programs and provide documentation to request exemption. See key points below: -Centers must have water tested for lead every three years. Check the date of your previous testing and ensure you request a new one if your three years are up. -Family Child Care Homes (FCCH) must have water tested by January 1, 2025. -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. Use this link to enroll your program or view test results/status: https://www.cleanwaterforuskids.org/en/carolina/ The Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids Program provides free facility-wide testing and inspections without any out-of-pocket costs. Due to the volume of testing and inspections, completion of the online enrollment process in the program is considered temporary compliance with the testing and inspection requirement and will allow facilities to participate in the funding mechanisms. 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 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. Immunization Report - 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. Use this link to submit your report: https://survey.alchemer.com/s3/7955242/2024-2025-Child-Care-Immunization-Report. Send any questions regarding child care immunization reporting to immunization.reports@dhhs.nc.gov. 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.