10A NCAC 09 .0304 · Violation

Name of Operation: YANCEY COUNTY HEAD START CENTER Facility ID: 00000034 Consultant: GEORGIA MARSHALL Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 1/13/2026 Number Present: 59 Completed Date: 1/13/2026 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 330 Time In: 10:00 AM Time Out: 03:30 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 during an annual compliance with rated license assessment visit. A computerized generated report of today’s visit was completed, reviewed with you, and signed by Georgia Lee Marshall, Child Care Consultant and signed by Sally Hedrick, administrator, during the visit. An electronic signed copy of the visit summary was left on-site and is available to be electronically emailed to you. During today’s visit, Ms. Hedrick accompanied me throughout the facility. The indoor and outdoor areas were monitored today, including (but not limited to) supervision, staff/child ratios, permit restrictions, discipline, nutrition and routine caregiving activities. An annual compliance monitoring checklist for child care centers was used to note the requirements monitored and is attached to the computerized generated visit summary for your records. The center’s compliance history was reviewed with the operator. The program’s compliance history was ninety-three (93%) percentage as of 1/2/26. The North Carolina Secretary of State website was viewed prior to today’s visit and the Non-Profit Corporation, Intermountain Children`s Services, Inc., is current/active as of 1/12/26. Permit type – Four Star License issued on 7/29/19. Special Services/Restrictions – Daytime care only, meeting reduced ratios, meeting enhanced space. The last annual compliance visit was conducted on 1/23/25. The last fire drill was practiced on 12/18/25. The last shelter-in-place drill was practiced on 11/7/25. The last playground inspection was documented on 12/18/25. The last fire inspection was approved on 1/14/25. A fire inspection occurred today, however it was unsatisfactory and will be repeated in two (2) weeks. The last sanitation inspection was conducted on 5/13/25 with eight (8) demerits for a superior classification. The Emergency Medical Care plan was posted and current. The approved curriculum for four-year-old children is Creative Curriculum Teaching Strategies Gold. Lead water testing was completed on 3/14/25 without hazards. Lead paint test was completed on 9/8/25 without hazards. The asbestos testing was NA. Upon arrival I greeted the Administrator. I started my walkthrough of the facility in each classroom and the playgrounds. In space #1 children were playing in centers with playdough, blocks, dramatic play and manipulative toys. They were engaged and the teachers were interacting with them. In space #2 the children were all sitting in the floor with their teachers having floor play with a variety of materials. Children from spaces #3 and #5 were outside playing on the playground. Children were swinging, running, riding on riding toys and pretending with each other. In space #4 children were also outside playing, but on the Early Head Start playground on the other side of the building. They were riding in the cozy coups and other riding toys as well as running and enjoying the fresh air. Lunch today was hot ham and cheese sandwich on whole wheat bread, green beans, mandarin oranges and milk. I walked through again during rest time to make sure cots were spaced adequately, the rooms were light enough to supervise, and children did not have their faces covered with blankets. Children started departing at 2:30. Some getting picked up and some ride the bus. I used the Child Care Center Item Number Listing (DCDEE-0357) as a basic monitoring tool to assess compliance with all applicable child care requirements pertinent to this facility. For specific rule references, refer to Chapter 110 General Statues Child Care Facilities, Chapter nine (9) Child Care Rule (10A NCAC 09) and Section 2800 Sanitation of Child Care Center (15A NCAC 18A) for additional information. Updated copies of these rules can be located on our website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ The program does provide transportation. You stated that you do transport anywhere from ten (10) to twenty (20) children ages 3 to 5 years old. I monitored a 2011 Thomas Built Bus, tag # ZWF-4604, today. The following violations were documented during today’s visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 106 Operator has not scheduled and obtained a fire inspection within 12 months of the previous inspection. Operator did not submit the original approved report to DCDEE within one week of the inspection visit on a form provided by the Division. A fire inspection was completed today (1/13/26), however, it was not an approved inspection. 10A NCAC 09 .0304(a) 858 Plastic bags, materials that could be torn apart and toy parts small enough to be swallowed were accessible to children under three years of age. In space #2, there were drawers and a cabinet that had plastic items inside. .0604(q) Technical assistance was provided as follows: Item # 106 A fire inspection was completed today (1/13/26), however, it was not an approved inspection. *We discussed that he will be back in 2 weeks to re-inspect after you have fixed the items he listed. Item #858 In space #2, there were drawers and a cabinet that had plastic items inside. *We discussed that if plastic is below 5 feet in rooms with children under three years old, it must be locked by lock/key, combination lock or magnet lock. This was corrected during the visit. Achieving Compliance: Child Care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. The violation(s) documented must be corrected immediately. I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail, how and when the violations were corrected. Please be aware any information submitted by you is legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. The violations documented above must be corrected immediately. Send me a letter of compliance describing in detail specifically how each violation was corrected and how compliance will be maintained in the future. Include the following: • Facility name • Facility ID# • Date of visit • Violation item number • Signed statement of compliance I must receive your compliance statement by January 27, 2026. Email the compliance letter on signed letterhead or in the email identifying your facility name, ID#, name and position to: lee.marshall@ dhhs.nc.gov or you can mail to: Department of Health and Human Services Division of Child Development and Early Education Attn: Georgia Lee Marshall PO Box 253 Zionville, NC 28698 Please call me at 828-434-0236, or email lee.marshall@dhhs.nc.gov, if you need assistance. Please note: if mailing the letter of compliance, I must receive by the due date listed above. You will need to mail a compliance statement three to five days prior to the due date to ensure receipt within the designated timeline. Failure to correct the violations and send the written statement by the due date listed above may result in an unannounced follow-up visit being conducted. Based on Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 Section .2200, the Division of Child Development may take administrative action against the license and/or impose civil penalties based on the failure of the operator to correct any documented violations within the established time period. Consultation is provided as follows: • I have received your application for assessment for a Rated License. Your facility selected Pathway #3- Accreditation and Head Start. Once all violations are in compliance, your five-star license will be processed. If you elect to change and/or alter any previously approved spaces used by children as indicated on the approved indoor and outdoor floor plan, you will need to contact me within thirty (30) days prior to the change. Failure to notify a DCDEE representative may result in a violation of child care requirements. Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0304(a) states “Each operator shall schedule and obtain a fire inspection within 12 months of the center's previous fire inspection. The operator shall notify the local fire inspector when it is time for the center's annual fire inspection. The operator shall submit the original of the approved annual fire inspection report to the Division within one week of the inspection visit on the form provided by the Division.” As child care providers, you are a vital part in the prevention and intervention of child maltreatment! You may see potential indicators of maltreatment in the children under your care. Some children may even be more likely to disclose maltreatment to a child care provider than to a family member. It is required that all providers are aware of maltreatment indicators and to report any suspicions of maltreatment. Follow child care rules related to child maltreatment training: 10A NCAC 09 .1102(g) and 10A NCAC 09 .1703(a)(5) states the child care administrator, operator, and all staff members shall complete Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training within 90 days of employment. It is the center operator’s responsibility to make sure each staff person has registered for a WORKS account, submit an official transcript (if applicable) and apply for a position for evaluation. This should be completed immediately upon hiring or at the latest, by the end of the six-week orientation process. Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .3222 (c) If employment-related changes occur at a facility that result in noncompliance with or failure to meet the standards in the Section for the star rating issued, the operator shall correct the noncompliance within six months. If the operator does not correct the noncompliance within six months, the operator shall notify the Division. It is your responsibility to understand the health and safety requirements in child care rule .1102. If the program is out of compliance in accordance with health and safety requirements, Child Care Development Block Grant (CCDBG), it may affect subsidy funding. Stay updated with changes and new rule updates by visiting the DCDEE website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/.It is your responsibility to understand the rules and laws that are applicable your program. All rules/laws cannot be verbally reviewed during any monitoring visit. Please ask questions if you are having difficulty and would like additional technical assistance. I welcome your questions and want to be a resource for you. We appreciate all you are doing to serve the children and families of NC. If you have questions, please contact me at lee.marshall@dhhs.nc.gov or 828.434.0236, or Bonnie Mathis, Licensing Supervisor, at bonnie.mathis@dhhs.nc.gov. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

Open Not marked corrected in the state record

Category: supervision. Open / not marked corrected.

10A NCAC 09 .1102 · Violation

Name of Operation: YANCEY COUNTY HEAD START CENTER Facility ID: 00000034 Consultant: GEORGIA MARSHALL Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 1/13/2026 Number Present: 59 Completed Date: 1/13/2026 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 330 Time In: 10:00 AM Time Out: 03:30 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 during an annual compliance with rated license assessment visit. A computerized generated report of today’s visit was completed, reviewed with you, and signed by Georgia Lee Marshall, Child Care Consultant and signed by Sally Hedrick, administrator, during the visit. An electronic signed copy of the visit summary was left on-site and is available to be electronically emailed to you. During today’s visit, Ms. Hedrick accompanied me throughout the facility. The indoor and outdoor areas were monitored today, including (but not limited to) supervision, staff/child ratios, permit restrictions, discipline, nutrition and routine caregiving activities. An annual compliance monitoring checklist for child care centers was used to note the requirements monitored and is attached to the computerized generated visit summary for your records. The center’s compliance history was reviewed with the operator. The program’s compliance history was ninety-three (93%) percentage as of 1/2/26. The North Carolina Secretary of State website was viewed prior to today’s visit and the Non-Profit Corporation, Intermountain Children`s Services, Inc., is current/active as of 1/12/26. Permit type – Four Star License issued on 7/29/19. Special Services/Restrictions – Daytime care only, meeting reduced ratios, meeting enhanced space. The last annual compliance visit was conducted on 1/23/25. The last fire drill was practiced on 12/18/25. The last shelter-in-place drill was practiced on 11/7/25. The last playground inspection was documented on 12/18/25. The last fire inspection was approved on 1/14/25. A fire inspection occurred today, however it was unsatisfactory and will be repeated in two (2) weeks. The last sanitation inspection was conducted on 5/13/25 with eight (8) demerits for a superior classification. The Emergency Medical Care plan was posted and current. The approved curriculum for four-year-old children is Creative Curriculum Teaching Strategies Gold. Lead water testing was completed on 3/14/25 without hazards. Lead paint test was completed on 9/8/25 without hazards. The asbestos testing was NA. Upon arrival I greeted the Administrator. I started my walkthrough of the facility in each classroom and the playgrounds. In space #1 children were playing in centers with playdough, blocks, dramatic play and manipulative toys. They were engaged and the teachers were interacting with them. In space #2 the children were all sitting in the floor with their teachers having floor play with a variety of materials. Children from spaces #3 and #5 were outside playing on the playground. Children were swinging, running, riding on riding toys and pretending with each other. In space #4 children were also outside playing, but on the Early Head Start playground on the other side of the building. They were riding in the cozy coups and other riding toys as well as running and enjoying the fresh air. Lunch today was hot ham and cheese sandwich on whole wheat bread, green beans, mandarin oranges and milk. I walked through again during rest time to make sure cots were spaced adequately, the rooms were light enough to supervise, and children did not have their faces covered with blankets. Children started departing at 2:30. Some getting picked up and some ride the bus. I used the Child Care Center Item Number Listing (DCDEE-0357) as a basic monitoring tool to assess compliance with all applicable child care requirements pertinent to this facility. For specific rule references, refer to Chapter 110 General Statues Child Care Facilities, Chapter nine (9) Child Care Rule (10A NCAC 09) and Section 2800 Sanitation of Child Care Center (15A NCAC 18A) for additional information. Updated copies of these rules can be located on our website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ The program does provide transportation. You stated that you do transport anywhere from ten (10) to twenty (20) children ages 3 to 5 years old. I monitored a 2011 Thomas Built Bus, tag # ZWF-4604, today. The following violations were documented during today’s visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 106 Operator has not scheduled and obtained a fire inspection within 12 months of the previous inspection. Operator did not submit the original approved report to DCDEE within one week of the inspection visit on a form provided by the Division. A fire inspection was completed today (1/13/26), however, it was not an approved inspection. 10A NCAC 09 .0304(a) 858 Plastic bags, materials that could be torn apart and toy parts small enough to be swallowed were accessible to children under three years of age. In space #2, there were drawers and a cabinet that had plastic items inside. .0604(q) Technical assistance was provided as follows: Item # 106 A fire inspection was completed today (1/13/26), however, it was not an approved inspection. *We discussed that he will be back in 2 weeks to re-inspect after you have fixed the items he listed. Item #858 In space #2, there were drawers and a cabinet that had plastic items inside. *We discussed that if plastic is below 5 feet in rooms with children under three years old, it must be locked by lock/key, combination lock or magnet lock. This was corrected during the visit. Achieving Compliance: Child Care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. The violation(s) documented must be corrected immediately. I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail, how and when the violations were corrected. Please be aware any information submitted by you is legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. The violations documented above must be corrected immediately. Send me a letter of compliance describing in detail specifically how each violation was corrected and how compliance will be maintained in the future. Include the following: • Facility name • Facility ID# • Date of visit • Violation item number • Signed statement of compliance I must receive your compliance statement by January 27, 2026. Email the compliance letter on signed letterhead or in the email identifying your facility name, ID#, name and position to: lee.marshall@ dhhs.nc.gov or you can mail to: Department of Health and Human Services Division of Child Development and Early Education Attn: Georgia Lee Marshall PO Box 253 Zionville, NC 28698 Please call me at 828-434-0236, or email lee.marshall@dhhs.nc.gov, if you need assistance. Please note: if mailing the letter of compliance, I must receive by the due date listed above. You will need to mail a compliance statement three to five days prior to the due date to ensure receipt within the designated timeline. Failure to correct the violations and send the written statement by the due date listed above may result in an unannounced follow-up visit being conducted. Based on Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 Section .2200, the Division of Child Development may take administrative action against the license and/or impose civil penalties based on the failure of the operator to correct any documented violations within the established time period. Consultation is provided as follows: • I have received your application for assessment for a Rated License. Your facility selected Pathway #3- Accreditation and Head Start. Once all violations are in compliance, your five-star license will be processed. If you elect to change and/or alter any previously approved spaces used by children as indicated on the approved indoor and outdoor floor plan, you will need to contact me within thirty (30) days prior to the change. Failure to notify a DCDEE representative may result in a violation of child care requirements. Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0304(a) states “Each operator shall schedule and obtain a fire inspection within 12 months of the center's previous fire inspection. The operator shall notify the local fire inspector when it is time for the center's annual fire inspection. The operator shall submit the original of the approved annual fire inspection report to the Division within one week of the inspection visit on the form provided by the Division.” As child care providers, you are a vital part in the prevention and intervention of child maltreatment! You may see potential indicators of maltreatment in the children under your care. Some children may even be more likely to disclose maltreatment to a child care provider than to a family member. It is required that all providers are aware of maltreatment indicators and to report any suspicions of maltreatment. Follow child care rules related to child maltreatment training: 10A NCAC 09 .1102(g) and 10A NCAC 09 .1703(a)(5) states the child care administrator, operator, and all staff members shall complete Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training within 90 days of employment. It is the center operator’s responsibility to make sure each staff person has registered for a WORKS account, submit an official transcript (if applicable) and apply for a position for evaluation. This should be completed immediately upon hiring or at the latest, by the end of the six-week orientation process. Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .3222 (c) If employment-related changes occur at a facility that result in noncompliance with or failure to meet the standards in the Section for the star rating issued, the operator shall correct the noncompliance within six months. If the operator does not correct the noncompliance within six months, the operator shall notify the Division. It is your responsibility to understand the health and safety requirements in child care rule .1102. If the program is out of compliance in accordance with health and safety requirements, Child Care Development Block Grant (CCDBG), it may affect subsidy funding. Stay updated with changes and new rule updates by visiting the DCDEE website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/.It is your responsibility to understand the rules and laws that are applicable your program. All rules/laws cannot be verbally reviewed during any monitoring visit. Please ask questions if you are having difficulty and would like additional technical assistance. I welcome your questions and want to be a resource for you. We appreciate all you are doing to serve the children and families of NC. If you have questions, please contact me at lee.marshall@dhhs.nc.gov or 828.434.0236, or Bonnie Mathis, Licensing Supervisor, at bonnie.mathis@dhhs.nc.gov. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

10A NCAC 09 .1703 · Violation

Name of Operation: YANCEY COUNTY HEAD START CENTER Facility ID: 00000034 Consultant: GEORGIA MARSHALL Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 1/13/2026 Number Present: 59 Completed Date: 1/13/2026 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 330 Time In: 10:00 AM Time Out: 03:30 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 during an annual compliance with rated license assessment visit. A computerized generated report of today’s visit was completed, reviewed with you, and signed by Georgia Lee Marshall, Child Care Consultant and signed by Sally Hedrick, administrator, during the visit. An electronic signed copy of the visit summary was left on-site and is available to be electronically emailed to you. During today’s visit, Ms. Hedrick accompanied me throughout the facility. The indoor and outdoor areas were monitored today, including (but not limited to) supervision, staff/child ratios, permit restrictions, discipline, nutrition and routine caregiving activities. An annual compliance monitoring checklist for child care centers was used to note the requirements monitored and is attached to the computerized generated visit summary for your records. The center’s compliance history was reviewed with the operator. The program’s compliance history was ninety-three (93%) percentage as of 1/2/26. The North Carolina Secretary of State website was viewed prior to today’s visit and the Non-Profit Corporation, Intermountain Children`s Services, Inc., is current/active as of 1/12/26. Permit type – Four Star License issued on 7/29/19. Special Services/Restrictions – Daytime care only, meeting reduced ratios, meeting enhanced space. The last annual compliance visit was conducted on 1/23/25. The last fire drill was practiced on 12/18/25. The last shelter-in-place drill was practiced on 11/7/25. The last playground inspection was documented on 12/18/25. The last fire inspection was approved on 1/14/25. A fire inspection occurred today, however it was unsatisfactory and will be repeated in two (2) weeks. The last sanitation inspection was conducted on 5/13/25 with eight (8) demerits for a superior classification. The Emergency Medical Care plan was posted and current. The approved curriculum for four-year-old children is Creative Curriculum Teaching Strategies Gold. Lead water testing was completed on 3/14/25 without hazards. Lead paint test was completed on 9/8/25 without hazards. The asbestos testing was NA. Upon arrival I greeted the Administrator. I started my walkthrough of the facility in each classroom and the playgrounds. In space #1 children were playing in centers with playdough, blocks, dramatic play and manipulative toys. They were engaged and the teachers were interacting with them. In space #2 the children were all sitting in the floor with their teachers having floor play with a variety of materials. Children from spaces #3 and #5 were outside playing on the playground. Children were swinging, running, riding on riding toys and pretending with each other. In space #4 children were also outside playing, but on the Early Head Start playground on the other side of the building. They were riding in the cozy coups and other riding toys as well as running and enjoying the fresh air. Lunch today was hot ham and cheese sandwich on whole wheat bread, green beans, mandarin oranges and milk. I walked through again during rest time to make sure cots were spaced adequately, the rooms were light enough to supervise, and children did not have their faces covered with blankets. Children started departing at 2:30. Some getting picked up and some ride the bus. I used the Child Care Center Item Number Listing (DCDEE-0357) as a basic monitoring tool to assess compliance with all applicable child care requirements pertinent to this facility. For specific rule references, refer to Chapter 110 General Statues Child Care Facilities, Chapter nine (9) Child Care Rule (10A NCAC 09) and Section 2800 Sanitation of Child Care Center (15A NCAC 18A) for additional information. Updated copies of these rules can be located on our website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ The program does provide transportation. You stated that you do transport anywhere from ten (10) to twenty (20) children ages 3 to 5 years old. I monitored a 2011 Thomas Built Bus, tag # ZWF-4604, today. The following violations were documented during today’s visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 106 Operator has not scheduled and obtained a fire inspection within 12 months of the previous inspection. Operator did not submit the original approved report to DCDEE within one week of the inspection visit on a form provided by the Division. A fire inspection was completed today (1/13/26), however, it was not an approved inspection. 10A NCAC 09 .0304(a) 858 Plastic bags, materials that could be torn apart and toy parts small enough to be swallowed were accessible to children under three years of age. In space #2, there were drawers and a cabinet that had plastic items inside. .0604(q) Technical assistance was provided as follows: Item # 106 A fire inspection was completed today (1/13/26), however, it was not an approved inspection. *We discussed that he will be back in 2 weeks to re-inspect after you have fixed the items he listed. Item #858 In space #2, there were drawers and a cabinet that had plastic items inside. *We discussed that if plastic is below 5 feet in rooms with children under three years old, it must be locked by lock/key, combination lock or magnet lock. This was corrected during the visit. Achieving Compliance: Child Care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. The violation(s) documented must be corrected immediately. I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail, how and when the violations were corrected. Please be aware any information submitted by you is legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. The violations documented above must be corrected immediately. Send me a letter of compliance describing in detail specifically how each violation was corrected and how compliance will be maintained in the future. Include the following: • Facility name • Facility ID# • Date of visit • Violation item number • Signed statement of compliance I must receive your compliance statement by January 27, 2026. Email the compliance letter on signed letterhead or in the email identifying your facility name, ID#, name and position to: lee.marshall@ dhhs.nc.gov or you can mail to: Department of Health and Human Services Division of Child Development and Early Education Attn: Georgia Lee Marshall PO Box 253 Zionville, NC 28698 Please call me at 828-434-0236, or email lee.marshall@dhhs.nc.gov, if you need assistance. Please note: if mailing the letter of compliance, I must receive by the due date listed above. You will need to mail a compliance statement three to five days prior to the due date to ensure receipt within the designated timeline. Failure to correct the violations and send the written statement by the due date listed above may result in an unannounced follow-up visit being conducted. Based on Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 Section .2200, the Division of Child Development may take administrative action against the license and/or impose civil penalties based on the failure of the operator to correct any documented violations within the established time period. Consultation is provided as follows: • I have received your application for assessment for a Rated License. Your facility selected Pathway #3- Accreditation and Head Start. Once all violations are in compliance, your five-star license will be processed. If you elect to change and/or alter any previously approved spaces used by children as indicated on the approved indoor and outdoor floor plan, you will need to contact me within thirty (30) days prior to the change. Failure to notify a DCDEE representative may result in a violation of child care requirements. Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0304(a) states “Each operator shall schedule and obtain a fire inspection within 12 months of the center's previous fire inspection. The operator shall notify the local fire inspector when it is time for the center's annual fire inspection. The operator shall submit the original of the approved annual fire inspection report to the Division within one week of the inspection visit on the form provided by the Division.” As child care providers, you are a vital part in the prevention and intervention of child maltreatment! You may see potential indicators of maltreatment in the children under your care. Some children may even be more likely to disclose maltreatment to a child care provider than to a family member. It is required that all providers are aware of maltreatment indicators and to report any suspicions of maltreatment. Follow child care rules related to child maltreatment training: 10A NCAC 09 .1102(g) and 10A NCAC 09 .1703(a)(5) states the child care administrator, operator, and all staff members shall complete Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training within 90 days of employment. It is the center operator’s responsibility to make sure each staff person has registered for a WORKS account, submit an official transcript (if applicable) and apply for a position for evaluation. This should be completed immediately upon hiring or at the latest, by the end of the six-week orientation process. Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .3222 (c) If employment-related changes occur at a facility that result in noncompliance with or failure to meet the standards in the Section for the star rating issued, the operator shall correct the noncompliance within six months. If the operator does not correct the noncompliance within six months, the operator shall notify the Division. It is your responsibility to understand the health and safety requirements in child care rule .1102. If the program is out of compliance in accordance with health and safety requirements, Child Care Development Block Grant (CCDBG), it may affect subsidy funding. Stay updated with changes and new rule updates by visiting the DCDEE website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/.It is your responsibility to understand the rules and laws that are applicable your program. All rules/laws cannot be verbally reviewed during any monitoring visit. Please ask questions if you are having difficulty and would like additional technical assistance. I welcome your questions and want to be a resource for you. We appreciate all you are doing to serve the children and families of NC. If you have questions, please contact me at lee.marshall@dhhs.nc.gov or 828.434.0236, or Bonnie Mathis, Licensing Supervisor, at bonnie.mathis@dhhs.nc.gov. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

10A NCAC 09 .3222 · Violation

Name of Operation: YANCEY COUNTY HEAD START CENTER Facility ID: 00000034 Consultant: GEORGIA MARSHALL Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 1/13/2026 Number Present: 59 Completed Date: 1/13/2026 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 330 Time In: 10:00 AM Time Out: 03:30 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 during an annual compliance with rated license assessment visit. A computerized generated report of today’s visit was completed, reviewed with you, and signed by Georgia Lee Marshall, Child Care Consultant and signed by Sally Hedrick, administrator, during the visit. An electronic signed copy of the visit summary was left on-site and is available to be electronically emailed to you. During today’s visit, Ms. Hedrick accompanied me throughout the facility. The indoor and outdoor areas were monitored today, including (but not limited to) supervision, staff/child ratios, permit restrictions, discipline, nutrition and routine caregiving activities. An annual compliance monitoring checklist for child care centers was used to note the requirements monitored and is attached to the computerized generated visit summary for your records. The center’s compliance history was reviewed with the operator. The program’s compliance history was ninety-three (93%) percentage as of 1/2/26. The North Carolina Secretary of State website was viewed prior to today’s visit and the Non-Profit Corporation, Intermountain Children`s Services, Inc., is current/active as of 1/12/26. Permit type – Four Star License issued on 7/29/19. Special Services/Restrictions – Daytime care only, meeting reduced ratios, meeting enhanced space. The last annual compliance visit was conducted on 1/23/25. The last fire drill was practiced on 12/18/25. The last shelter-in-place drill was practiced on 11/7/25. The last playground inspection was documented on 12/18/25. The last fire inspection was approved on 1/14/25. A fire inspection occurred today, however it was unsatisfactory and will be repeated in two (2) weeks. The last sanitation inspection was conducted on 5/13/25 with eight (8) demerits for a superior classification. The Emergency Medical Care plan was posted and current. The approved curriculum for four-year-old children is Creative Curriculum Teaching Strategies Gold. Lead water testing was completed on 3/14/25 without hazards. Lead paint test was completed on 9/8/25 without hazards. The asbestos testing was NA. Upon arrival I greeted the Administrator. I started my walkthrough of the facility in each classroom and the playgrounds. In space #1 children were playing in centers with playdough, blocks, dramatic play and manipulative toys. They were engaged and the teachers were interacting with them. In space #2 the children were all sitting in the floor with their teachers having floor play with a variety of materials. Children from spaces #3 and #5 were outside playing on the playground. Children were swinging, running, riding on riding toys and pretending with each other. In space #4 children were also outside playing, but on the Early Head Start playground on the other side of the building. They were riding in the cozy coups and other riding toys as well as running and enjoying the fresh air. Lunch today was hot ham and cheese sandwich on whole wheat bread, green beans, mandarin oranges and milk. I walked through again during rest time to make sure cots were spaced adequately, the rooms were light enough to supervise, and children did not have their faces covered with blankets. Children started departing at 2:30. Some getting picked up and some ride the bus. I used the Child Care Center Item Number Listing (DCDEE-0357) as a basic monitoring tool to assess compliance with all applicable child care requirements pertinent to this facility. For specific rule references, refer to Chapter 110 General Statues Child Care Facilities, Chapter nine (9) Child Care Rule (10A NCAC 09) and Section 2800 Sanitation of Child Care Center (15A NCAC 18A) for additional information. Updated copies of these rules can be located on our website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ The program does provide transportation. You stated that you do transport anywhere from ten (10) to twenty (20) children ages 3 to 5 years old. I monitored a 2011 Thomas Built Bus, tag # ZWF-4604, today. The following violations were documented during today’s visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 106 Operator has not scheduled and obtained a fire inspection within 12 months of the previous inspection. Operator did not submit the original approved report to DCDEE within one week of the inspection visit on a form provided by the Division. A fire inspection was completed today (1/13/26), however, it was not an approved inspection. 10A NCAC 09 .0304(a) 858 Plastic bags, materials that could be torn apart and toy parts small enough to be swallowed were accessible to children under three years of age. In space #2, there were drawers and a cabinet that had plastic items inside. .0604(q) Technical assistance was provided as follows: Item # 106 A fire inspection was completed today (1/13/26), however, it was not an approved inspection. *We discussed that he will be back in 2 weeks to re-inspect after you have fixed the items he listed. Item #858 In space #2, there were drawers and a cabinet that had plastic items inside. *We discussed that if plastic is below 5 feet in rooms with children under three years old, it must be locked by lock/key, combination lock or magnet lock. This was corrected during the visit. Achieving Compliance: Child Care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. The violation(s) documented must be corrected immediately. I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail, how and when the violations were corrected. Please be aware any information submitted by you is legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. The violations documented above must be corrected immediately. Send me a letter of compliance describing in detail specifically how each violation was corrected and how compliance will be maintained in the future. Include the following: • Facility name • Facility ID# • Date of visit • Violation item number • Signed statement of compliance I must receive your compliance statement by January 27, 2026. Email the compliance letter on signed letterhead or in the email identifying your facility name, ID#, name and position to: lee.marshall@ dhhs.nc.gov or you can mail to: Department of Health and Human Services Division of Child Development and Early Education Attn: Georgia Lee Marshall PO Box 253 Zionville, NC 28698 Please call me at 828-434-0236, or email lee.marshall@dhhs.nc.gov, if you need assistance. Please note: if mailing the letter of compliance, I must receive by the due date listed above. You will need to mail a compliance statement three to five days prior to the due date to ensure receipt within the designated timeline. Failure to correct the violations and send the written statement by the due date listed above may result in an unannounced follow-up visit being conducted. Based on Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 Section .2200, the Division of Child Development may take administrative action against the license and/or impose civil penalties based on the failure of the operator to correct any documented violations within the established time period. Consultation is provided as follows: • I have received your application for assessment for a Rated License. Your facility selected Pathway #3- Accreditation and Head Start. Once all violations are in compliance, your five-star license will be processed. If you elect to change and/or alter any previously approved spaces used by children as indicated on the approved indoor and outdoor floor plan, you will need to contact me within thirty (30) days prior to the change. Failure to notify a DCDEE representative may result in a violation of child care requirements. Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0304(a) states “Each operator shall schedule and obtain a fire inspection within 12 months of the center's previous fire inspection. The operator shall notify the local fire inspector when it is time for the center's annual fire inspection. The operator shall submit the original of the approved annual fire inspection report to the Division within one week of the inspection visit on the form provided by the Division.” As child care providers, you are a vital part in the prevention and intervention of child maltreatment! You may see potential indicators of maltreatment in the children under your care. Some children may even be more likely to disclose maltreatment to a child care provider than to a family member. It is required that all providers are aware of maltreatment indicators and to report any suspicions of maltreatment. Follow child care rules related to child maltreatment training: 10A NCAC 09 .1102(g) and 10A NCAC 09 .1703(a)(5) states the child care administrator, operator, and all staff members shall complete Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training within 90 days of employment. It is the center operator’s responsibility to make sure each staff person has registered for a WORKS account, submit an official transcript (if applicable) and apply for a position for evaluation. This should be completed immediately upon hiring or at the latest, by the end of the six-week orientation process. Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .3222 (c) If employment-related changes occur at a facility that result in noncompliance with or failure to meet the standards in the Section for the star rating issued, the operator shall correct the noncompliance within six months. If the operator does not correct the noncompliance within six months, the operator shall notify the Division. It is your responsibility to understand the health and safety requirements in child care rule .1102. If the program is out of compliance in accordance with health and safety requirements, Child Care Development Block Grant (CCDBG), it may affect subsidy funding. Stay updated with changes and new rule updates by visiting the DCDEE website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/.It is your responsibility to understand the rules and laws that are applicable your program. All rules/laws cannot be verbally reviewed during any monitoring visit. Please ask questions if you are having difficulty and would like additional technical assistance. I welcome your questions and want to be a resource for you. We appreciate all you are doing to serve the children and families of NC. If you have questions, please contact me at lee.marshall@dhhs.nc.gov or 828.434.0236, or Bonnie Mathis, Licensing Supervisor, at bonnie.mathis@dhhs.nc.gov. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

NC GS 110-90 · Violation

Name of Operation: YANCEY COUNTY HEAD START CENTER Facility ID: 00000034 Consultant: GEORGIA MARSHALL Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 1/13/2026 Number Present: 59 Completed Date: 1/13/2026 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 330 Time In: 10:00 AM Time Out: 03:30 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 during an annual compliance with rated license assessment visit. A computerized generated report of today’s visit was completed, reviewed with you, and signed by Georgia Lee Marshall, Child Care Consultant and signed by Sally Hedrick, administrator, during the visit. An electronic signed copy of the visit summary was left on-site and is available to be electronically emailed to you. During today’s visit, Ms. Hedrick accompanied me throughout the facility. The indoor and outdoor areas were monitored today, including (but not limited to) supervision, staff/child ratios, permit restrictions, discipline, nutrition and routine caregiving activities. An annual compliance monitoring checklist for child care centers was used to note the requirements monitored and is attached to the computerized generated visit summary for your records. The center’s compliance history was reviewed with the operator. The program’s compliance history was ninety-three (93%) percentage as of 1/2/26. The North Carolina Secretary of State website was viewed prior to today’s visit and the Non-Profit Corporation, Intermountain Children`s Services, Inc., is current/active as of 1/12/26. Permit type – Four Star License issued on 7/29/19. Special Services/Restrictions – Daytime care only, meeting reduced ratios, meeting enhanced space. The last annual compliance visit was conducted on 1/23/25. The last fire drill was practiced on 12/18/25. The last shelter-in-place drill was practiced on 11/7/25. The last playground inspection was documented on 12/18/25. The last fire inspection was approved on 1/14/25. A fire inspection occurred today, however it was unsatisfactory and will be repeated in two (2) weeks. The last sanitation inspection was conducted on 5/13/25 with eight (8) demerits for a superior classification. The Emergency Medical Care plan was posted and current. The approved curriculum for four-year-old children is Creative Curriculum Teaching Strategies Gold. Lead water testing was completed on 3/14/25 without hazards. Lead paint test was completed on 9/8/25 without hazards. The asbestos testing was NA. Upon arrival I greeted the Administrator. I started my walkthrough of the facility in each classroom and the playgrounds. In space #1 children were playing in centers with playdough, blocks, dramatic play and manipulative toys. They were engaged and the teachers were interacting with them. In space #2 the children were all sitting in the floor with their teachers having floor play with a variety of materials. Children from spaces #3 and #5 were outside playing on the playground. Children were swinging, running, riding on riding toys and pretending with each other. In space #4 children were also outside playing, but on the Early Head Start playground on the other side of the building. They were riding in the cozy coups and other riding toys as well as running and enjoying the fresh air. Lunch today was hot ham and cheese sandwich on whole wheat bread, green beans, mandarin oranges and milk. I walked through again during rest time to make sure cots were spaced adequately, the rooms were light enough to supervise, and children did not have their faces covered with blankets. Children started departing at 2:30. Some getting picked up and some ride the bus. I used the Child Care Center Item Number Listing (DCDEE-0357) as a basic monitoring tool to assess compliance with all applicable child care requirements pertinent to this facility. For specific rule references, refer to Chapter 110 General Statues Child Care Facilities, Chapter nine (9) Child Care Rule (10A NCAC 09) and Section 2800 Sanitation of Child Care Center (15A NCAC 18A) for additional information. Updated copies of these rules can be located on our website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ The program does provide transportation. You stated that you do transport anywhere from ten (10) to twenty (20) children ages 3 to 5 years old. I monitored a 2011 Thomas Built Bus, tag # ZWF-4604, today. The following violations were documented during today’s visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 106 Operator has not scheduled and obtained a fire inspection within 12 months of the previous inspection. Operator did not submit the original approved report to DCDEE within one week of the inspection visit on a form provided by the Division. A fire inspection was completed today (1/13/26), however, it was not an approved inspection. 10A NCAC 09 .0304(a) 858 Plastic bags, materials that could be torn apart and toy parts small enough to be swallowed were accessible to children under three years of age. In space #2, there were drawers and a cabinet that had plastic items inside. .0604(q) Technical assistance was provided as follows: Item # 106 A fire inspection was completed today (1/13/26), however, it was not an approved inspection. *We discussed that he will be back in 2 weeks to re-inspect after you have fixed the items he listed. Item #858 In space #2, there were drawers and a cabinet that had plastic items inside. *We discussed that if plastic is below 5 feet in rooms with children under three years old, it must be locked by lock/key, combination lock or magnet lock. This was corrected during the visit. Achieving Compliance: Child Care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. The violation(s) documented must be corrected immediately. I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail, how and when the violations were corrected. Please be aware any information submitted by you is legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. The violations documented above must be corrected immediately. Send me a letter of compliance describing in detail specifically how each violation was corrected and how compliance will be maintained in the future. Include the following: • Facility name • Facility ID# • Date of visit • Violation item number • Signed statement of compliance I must receive your compliance statement by January 27, 2026. Email the compliance letter on signed letterhead or in the email identifying your facility name, ID#, name and position to: lee.marshall@ dhhs.nc.gov or you can mail to: Department of Health and Human Services Division of Child Development and Early Education Attn: Georgia Lee Marshall PO Box 253 Zionville, NC 28698 Please call me at 828-434-0236, or email lee.marshall@dhhs.nc.gov, if you need assistance. Please note: if mailing the letter of compliance, I must receive by the due date listed above. You will need to mail a compliance statement three to five days prior to the due date to ensure receipt within the designated timeline. Failure to correct the violations and send the written statement by the due date listed above may result in an unannounced follow-up visit being conducted. Based on Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 Section .2200, the Division of Child Development may take administrative action against the license and/or impose civil penalties based on the failure of the operator to correct any documented violations within the established time period. Consultation is provided as follows: • I have received your application for assessment for a Rated License. Your facility selected Pathway #3- Accreditation and Head Start. Once all violations are in compliance, your five-star license will be processed. If you elect to change and/or alter any previously approved spaces used by children as indicated on the approved indoor and outdoor floor plan, you will need to contact me within thirty (30) days prior to the change. Failure to notify a DCDEE representative may result in a violation of child care requirements. Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0304(a) states “Each operator shall schedule and obtain a fire inspection within 12 months of the center's previous fire inspection. The operator shall notify the local fire inspector when it is time for the center's annual fire inspection. The operator shall submit the original of the approved annual fire inspection report to the Division within one week of the inspection visit on the form provided by the Division.” As child care providers, you are a vital part in the prevention and intervention of child maltreatment! You may see potential indicators of maltreatment in the children under your care. Some children may even be more likely to disclose maltreatment to a child care provider than to a family member. It is required that all providers are aware of maltreatment indicators and to report any suspicions of maltreatment. Follow child care rules related to child maltreatment training: 10A NCAC 09 .1102(g) and 10A NCAC 09 .1703(a)(5) states the child care administrator, operator, and all staff members shall complete Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training within 90 days of employment. It is the center operator’s responsibility to make sure each staff person has registered for a WORKS account, submit an official transcript (if applicable) and apply for a position for evaluation. This should be completed immediately upon hiring or at the latest, by the end of the six-week orientation process. Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .3222 (c) If employment-related changes occur at a facility that result in noncompliance with or failure to meet the standards in the Section for the star rating issued, the operator shall correct the noncompliance within six months. If the operator does not correct the noncompliance within six months, the operator shall notify the Division. It is your responsibility to understand the health and safety requirements in child care rule .1102. If the program is out of compliance in accordance with health and safety requirements, Child Care Development Block Grant (CCDBG), it may affect subsidy funding. Stay updated with changes and new rule updates by visiting the DCDEE website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/.It is your responsibility to understand the rules and laws that are applicable your program. All rules/laws cannot be verbally reviewed during any monitoring visit. Please ask questions if you are having difficulty and would like additional technical assistance. I welcome your questions and want to be a resource for you. We appreciate all you are doing to serve the children and families of NC. If you have questions, please contact me at lee.marshall@dhhs.nc.gov or 828.434.0236, or Bonnie Mathis, Licensing Supervisor, at bonnie.mathis@dhhs.nc.gov. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

10A NCAC 09 .0304 · Violation

Name of Operation: YANCEY COUNTY HEAD START CENTER Facility ID: 00000034 Consultant: MONICA HOUCK Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 1/23/2025 Number Present: 42 Completed Date: 1/23/2025 Age: From 2 To 5 Total Minutes: 270 Time In: 09:30 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 an annual compliance visit. Due to Tropical Storm Helene, the facility was closed starting on 9/26/24 and reopened on 1/15/25. The facility was also closed on 1/20/25 for a holiday, on 1/21/25 and 1/22/25 due to inclement weather, and on a one hour delay today opening at 9am. A computerized generated report of today’s visit was completed, reviewed with you, and signed by me, Monica Houck, Child Care Consultant and also signed by Sallie Hedrick, Administrator, during the visit. A signed copy of the visit summary was left on-site for you. Sallie Hedrick, Administrator, was on-site and available to answer and ask questions. The indoor and outdoor areas were monitored today, including supervision, staff/child ratios, permit restrictions, discipline, nutrition and routine caregiving activities. An annual compliance monitoring checklist for child care centers was used to note the requirements monitored and is attached to the computerized generated visit summary for your records. The center’s compliance history was reviewed with the operator. The program’s compliance history was ninety-five (95%) percent as of 1/22/25. The ownership of the child care facility is a non-profit organization, Intermountain Children’s Services, Inc., and was listed as active-current on the North Carolina Secretary of State website. Permit type – Four Star License dated 7/29/19 Special Services/Restrictions – Approved for daytime care only, meets reduced staff/child ratios, meets enhanced space, approved as Head Start site, and approved for transportation. The last fire drill was practiced on 9/19/24. We discussed a fire drill will must be practiced on or before 1/31/25. The last lockdown drill and shelter-in-place drill were practiced on 8/26/24. We discussed a lockdown drill or shelter-in-place drill must be practiced on or before 1/31/25. The last playground inspection was documented on 9/20/24. You stated no children have used the playground since reopening and gross motor activities are incurring indoors due to inclement weather and unsafe playground conditions. We discussed a playground inspection must be completed on or before 1/24/25. The last fire inspection was approved on 1/14/25 for daytime care only. The last sanitation inspection was conducted on 7/19/24 with nine (9) demerits for a Superior classification. The Emergency Medical Care plan was posted and current. The approved curriculum for four-year-old children is Creative Curriculum. A Post-Disaster Child Care Center Sanitation Assessment Form dated 1/9/25 was collected during the visit. A new building inspection was required and the original building inspection was collected during the visit as well. Children were observed during breakfast, free play, routine care, small group activities, and rest time. The breakfast today was cinnamon toast, applesauce, and milk. The program does not currently have any infants enrolled or attending at the facility. The ITS-SIDS training is maintained by the administrator as required and safe sleep monitoring was unable to occur during the visit since no infants were present or enrolled. The surfacing under and around the swings on the outdoor play area for children ages three through five years of age could not be measured due to the ground being frozen. The program does provide transportation. Transportation is not currently being provided due to the bus being in the mechanic’s shop for repairs. Limited monitoring of transportation requirements occurred due to the bus not being on-site. During the next monitoring visit, transportation will be monitored. I used the Child Care Center Item Number Listing (DCDEE-0357) as a basic monitoring tool to assess compliance with all applicable child care requirements pertinent to this facility. For specific rule references, refer to Chapter 110 General Statues Child Care Facilities, Chapter nine (9) Child Care Rule (10A NCAC 09) and Section 2800 Sanitation of Child Care Center (15A NCAC 18A) for additional information. Updated copies of these rules can be located on our website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ The following violations were documented during today’s visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 862 The EMC plan was not reviewed with all staff annually and whenever the plan was revised. Two (2) staff substitutes that have been employed more than one year did not have an annual emergency medical care plan review per the staff and training worksheets. 10A NCAC 09 .0802(a) 1034 All staff, including the director, did not have an annual health questionnaire on file following the initial medical statement. One (1) staff hired on 7/26/23 last completed a health questionnaire on 3/27/23 per the staff and training worksheet. .0701(a) 1035 Child care providers, including the director, uncompensated providers, substitute providers, and volunteers did not have the required Emergency Information Form on file on or before the first day of work, which included all the required information and/or the information on the form was not updated as changes occur and at least annually. One (1) staff hired on 7/26/23 last completed an Emergency Information Form on 3/27/23 per the staff and training worksheet. .0701(a) 1825 All staff did not review the center's EPR Plan during orientation and/or on an annual basis with the trained staff. Documentation of the review was not maintained on file. Two (2) staff that have been employed for more than one year did not review the center EPR plan on an annual basis per the staff and training worksheet. .0607(f) Child Care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. The violation(s) documented must be corrected immediately. I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail, how and when the violations were corrected. Please be aware any information submitted by you is legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. The violations documented above must be corrected immediately. Send me a letter of compliance describing in detail specifically how each violation was corrected and how compliance will be maintained in the future. Include the following: • Facility name • Facility ID# • Date of visit • Violation item number • Statement of compliance I must receive your compliance statement by 2/6/25. Email the compliance letter on signed letterhead or in the email identifying your facility name, ID#, name and position to: monica.houck@dhhs.nc.gov or you can mail to: Department of Health and Human Services Division of Child Development and Early Education Attn: Monica Houck 151 Creekview Rd Hendersonville, NC 28792 Please call me at 828-243-2154, or email monica.houck@dhhs.nc.gov, if you need assistance. Please note: if mailing the letter of compliance, I must receive it by the due date listed above. You will need to mail a compliance statement three to five days prior to the due date to ensure receipt is within the designated timeline. Failure to correct the violations and send the written statement by the due date listed above may result in an unannounced follow-up visit being conducted. Based on Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 Section .2200, the Division of Child Development may take administrative action against the license and/or impose civil penalties based on the failure of the operator to correct any documented violations within the established time period. Technical Assistance for Compliance – rule references can be found in the cited violations Items #1034 and #1035 Staff must complete the health questionnaire annually after their first year of work. Staff must complete and update the emergency information form at least annually. Having up to date information allows for safety of staff in case of emergencies. The health questionnaire and emergency information form was completed today by the staff during the visit. These two violations were corrected during the visit. Items #862 and #1825 Annual review of the center's Emergency Preparedness and Response plan, as well as the Emergency Preparedness and Response plan, are required to be sure all staff understand how to respond in an emergency and to allow staff to provide a safe environment for children. Due to Tropical Storm Helene, the following guidance was discussed to allow additional time to achieve compliance. Outdoor Space There is an approved gross motor plan for the children two years of age. The outdoor space for two year old children is under repair due to Tropical Storm Helene. The fence height is below four feet and the gates need adjusting to close properly. You stated since returning to operation, the outdoor space for three through five year old children has not been used due to inclement weather unsafe playground conditions, and extreme cold wind chill. The monthly playground inspections must resume and be completed for both playgrounds on or before 1/24/25. We discussed that the fence height can be raised by using flexible piping on the top of the fence. Health & Safety Trainings The following staff must renew all required health and safety training topics within five years or were not found to have completed all required topics within the first year of employment. S. Hedrick - last completed 3/20/17 S. Hilliard - last completed 2/1/17 G. Hughes - last completed 11/1/19 M. Letterman - no date provided for last completion date, hire date October 2001 D. Wilson - hired on 7/26/23 and no date of completing health and safety training Most of the health and safety training topics can be completed through the on-demand DCDEE Moodle. The Recognizing to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment topic can be completed on-demand on the website https://www.preventchildabusenc.org/online-trainings/. Plan to update once the trainings are found or once completed. Consultation is provided as follows: If the emergency drills are not completed on or before 1/31/25, they will be cited as violations during the next monitoring visit. If a playground inspection is not completed on or before 1/24/25, it will be cited as a violation during the next monitoring visit. Ms. Hedrick's legal spelling of her first name is Sallie. This has been changed on the administrator screen in the Regulatory system. Lead Paint and Asbestos Testing- In April 2023, North Carolina enacted final rules 10A NCAC 41C .1001-1007 requiring all public schools and child care facilities to: Test for lead in drinking/cooking water (.1005 and .2816), Identify lead-based paint hazards (.1004), Identify asbestos hazards (.1003), Mitigate or restrict access to any identified hazards. Testing is required to be completed by May 31, 2025. The status for your facility on the Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids website is "enrollment started." A survey must be completed next to determine if lead paint testing and asbestos testing is required for your facility. 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 in 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. If you elect to change and/or alter any previously approved spaces used by children as indicated on the approved indoor and outdoor floor plan, you will need to contact me within thirty (30) days prior to the change. Failure to notify a DCDEE representative may result in a violation of child care requirements. Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0304(a) states “Each operator shall schedule and obtain a fire inspection within 12 months of the center's previous fire inspection. The operator shall notify the local fire inspector when it is time for the center's annual fire inspection. The operator shall submit the original of the approved annual fire inspection report to the Division within one week of the inspection visit on the form provided by the Division.” As child care providers, you are a vital part in the prevention and intervention of child maltreatment! You may see potential indicators of maltreatment in the children under your care. Some children may even be more likely to disclose maltreatment to a child care provider than to a family member. It is required that all providers are aware of maltreatment indicators and to report any suspicions of maltreatment. Follow child care rules related to child maltreatment training: 10A NCAC 09 .1102(g) and 10A NCAC 09 .1703(a)(5) states the child care administrator, operator, and all staff members shall complete Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training within 90 days of employment. It is the center operator’s responsibility to make sure each staff person has registered for a WORKS account, submit an official transcript (if applicable) and apply for a position for evaluation. This should be completed immediately upon hiring or at the latest, by the end of the six-week orientation process. Failure to maintain the same education point level may result in a violation of the above rule reference and may result in a reduction of stars. Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .2830 (c) If employment-related changes occur at a facility that result in the operator not complying with the standards in the Section for the star rating issued, the operator shall correct the noncompliance within 120 days. If the operator does not correct the noncompliance within 120 days, the operator shall notify the Division. It is your responsibility to understand the health and safety requirements in child care rule .1102. If the program is out of compliance in accordance with health and safety requirements, Child Care Development Block Grant (CCDBG), it may affect subsidy funding. Stay updated with changes and new rule updates by visiting the DCDEE website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/.It is your responsibility to understand the rules and laws that are applicable your program. All rules/laws cannot be verbally reviewed during any monitoring visit. Please ask questions if you are having difficulty and would like additional technical assistance. I welcome your questions and want to be a resource for you. We appreciate all you are doing to serve the children and families of NC. If you have questions, please contact me at monica.houck@dhhs.nc.gov or 828.273-4569, or Bonnie Mathis, Licensing Supervisor, at bonnie.mathis@dhhs.nc.gov. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

Open Not marked corrected in the state record

Category: supervision. Open / not marked corrected.

10A NCAC 09 .0802 · Violation

Name of Operation: YANCEY COUNTY HEAD START CENTER Facility ID: 00000034 Consultant: MONICA HOUCK Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 1/23/2025 Number Present: 42 Completed Date: 1/23/2025 Age: From 2 To 5 Total Minutes: 270 Time In: 09:30 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 an annual compliance visit. Due to Tropical Storm Helene, the facility was closed starting on 9/26/24 and reopened on 1/15/25. The facility was also closed on 1/20/25 for a holiday, on 1/21/25 and 1/22/25 due to inclement weather, and on a one hour delay today opening at 9am. A computerized generated report of today’s visit was completed, reviewed with you, and signed by me, Monica Houck, Child Care Consultant and also signed by Sallie Hedrick, Administrator, during the visit. A signed copy of the visit summary was left on-site for you. Sallie Hedrick, Administrator, was on-site and available to answer and ask questions. The indoor and outdoor areas were monitored today, including supervision, staff/child ratios, permit restrictions, discipline, nutrition and routine caregiving activities. An annual compliance monitoring checklist for child care centers was used to note the requirements monitored and is attached to the computerized generated visit summary for your records. The center’s compliance history was reviewed with the operator. The program’s compliance history was ninety-five (95%) percent as of 1/22/25. The ownership of the child care facility is a non-profit organization, Intermountain Children’s Services, Inc., and was listed as active-current on the North Carolina Secretary of State website. Permit type – Four Star License dated 7/29/19 Special Services/Restrictions – Approved for daytime care only, meets reduced staff/child ratios, meets enhanced space, approved as Head Start site, and approved for transportation. The last fire drill was practiced on 9/19/24. We discussed a fire drill will must be practiced on or before 1/31/25. The last lockdown drill and shelter-in-place drill were practiced on 8/26/24. We discussed a lockdown drill or shelter-in-place drill must be practiced on or before 1/31/25. The last playground inspection was documented on 9/20/24. You stated no children have used the playground since reopening and gross motor activities are incurring indoors due to inclement weather and unsafe playground conditions. We discussed a playground inspection must be completed on or before 1/24/25. The last fire inspection was approved on 1/14/25 for daytime care only. The last sanitation inspection was conducted on 7/19/24 with nine (9) demerits for a Superior classification. The Emergency Medical Care plan was posted and current. The approved curriculum for four-year-old children is Creative Curriculum. A Post-Disaster Child Care Center Sanitation Assessment Form dated 1/9/25 was collected during the visit. A new building inspection was required and the original building inspection was collected during the visit as well. Children were observed during breakfast, free play, routine care, small group activities, and rest time. The breakfast today was cinnamon toast, applesauce, and milk. The program does not currently have any infants enrolled or attending at the facility. The ITS-SIDS training is maintained by the administrator as required and safe sleep monitoring was unable to occur during the visit since no infants were present or enrolled. The surfacing under and around the swings on the outdoor play area for children ages three through five years of age could not be measured due to the ground being frozen. The program does provide transportation. Transportation is not currently being provided due to the bus being in the mechanic’s shop for repairs. Limited monitoring of transportation requirements occurred due to the bus not being on-site. During the next monitoring visit, transportation will be monitored. I used the Child Care Center Item Number Listing (DCDEE-0357) as a basic monitoring tool to assess compliance with all applicable child care requirements pertinent to this facility. For specific rule references, refer to Chapter 110 General Statues Child Care Facilities, Chapter nine (9) Child Care Rule (10A NCAC 09) and Section 2800 Sanitation of Child Care Center (15A NCAC 18A) for additional information. Updated copies of these rules can be located on our website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ The following violations were documented during today’s visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 862 The EMC plan was not reviewed with all staff annually and whenever the plan was revised. Two (2) staff substitutes that have been employed more than one year did not have an annual emergency medical care plan review per the staff and training worksheets. 10A NCAC 09 .0802(a) 1034 All staff, including the director, did not have an annual health questionnaire on file following the initial medical statement. One (1) staff hired on 7/26/23 last completed a health questionnaire on 3/27/23 per the staff and training worksheet. .0701(a) 1035 Child care providers, including the director, uncompensated providers, substitute providers, and volunteers did not have the required Emergency Information Form on file on or before the first day of work, which included all the required information and/or the information on the form was not updated as changes occur and at least annually. One (1) staff hired on 7/26/23 last completed an Emergency Information Form on 3/27/23 per the staff and training worksheet. .0701(a) 1825 All staff did not review the center's EPR Plan during orientation and/or on an annual basis with the trained staff. Documentation of the review was not maintained on file. Two (2) staff that have been employed for more than one year did not review the center EPR plan on an annual basis per the staff and training worksheet. .0607(f) Child Care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. The violation(s) documented must be corrected immediately. I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail, how and when the violations were corrected. Please be aware any information submitted by you is legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. The violations documented above must be corrected immediately. Send me a letter of compliance describing in detail specifically how each violation was corrected and how compliance will be maintained in the future. Include the following: • Facility name • Facility ID# • Date of visit • Violation item number • Statement of compliance I must receive your compliance statement by 2/6/25. Email the compliance letter on signed letterhead or in the email identifying your facility name, ID#, name and position to: monica.houck@dhhs.nc.gov or you can mail to: Department of Health and Human Services Division of Child Development and Early Education Attn: Monica Houck 151 Creekview Rd Hendersonville, NC 28792 Please call me at 828-243-2154, or email monica.houck@dhhs.nc.gov, if you need assistance. Please note: if mailing the letter of compliance, I must receive it by the due date listed above. You will need to mail a compliance statement three to five days prior to the due date to ensure receipt is within the designated timeline. Failure to correct the violations and send the written statement by the due date listed above may result in an unannounced follow-up visit being conducted. Based on Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 Section .2200, the Division of Child Development may take administrative action against the license and/or impose civil penalties based on the failure of the operator to correct any documented violations within the established time period. Technical Assistance for Compliance – rule references can be found in the cited violations Items #1034 and #1035 Staff must complete the health questionnaire annually after their first year of work. Staff must complete and update the emergency information form at least annually. Having up to date information allows for safety of staff in case of emergencies. The health questionnaire and emergency information form was completed today by the staff during the visit. These two violations were corrected during the visit. Items #862 and #1825 Annual review of the center's Emergency Preparedness and Response plan, as well as the Emergency Preparedness and Response plan, are required to be sure all staff understand how to respond in an emergency and to allow staff to provide a safe environment for children. Due to Tropical Storm Helene, the following guidance was discussed to allow additional time to achieve compliance. Outdoor Space There is an approved gross motor plan for the children two years of age. The outdoor space for two year old children is under repair due to Tropical Storm Helene. The fence height is below four feet and the gates need adjusting to close properly. You stated since returning to operation, the outdoor space for three through five year old children has not been used due to inclement weather unsafe playground conditions, and extreme cold wind chill. The monthly playground inspections must resume and be completed for both playgrounds on or before 1/24/25. We discussed that the fence height can be raised by using flexible piping on the top of the fence. Health & Safety Trainings The following staff must renew all required health and safety training topics within five years or were not found to have completed all required topics within the first year of employment. S. Hedrick - last completed 3/20/17 S. Hilliard - last completed 2/1/17 G. Hughes - last completed 11/1/19 M. Letterman - no date provided for last completion date, hire date October 2001 D. Wilson - hired on 7/26/23 and no date of completing health and safety training Most of the health and safety training topics can be completed through the on-demand DCDEE Moodle. The Recognizing to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment topic can be completed on-demand on the website https://www.preventchildabusenc.org/online-trainings/. Plan to update once the trainings are found or once completed. Consultation is provided as follows: If the emergency drills are not completed on or before 1/31/25, they will be cited as violations during the next monitoring visit. If a playground inspection is not completed on or before 1/24/25, it will be cited as a violation during the next monitoring visit. Ms. Hedrick's legal spelling of her first name is Sallie. This has been changed on the administrator screen in the Regulatory system. Lead Paint and Asbestos Testing- In April 2023, North Carolina enacted final rules 10A NCAC 41C .1001-1007 requiring all public schools and child care facilities to: Test for lead in drinking/cooking water (.1005 and .2816), Identify lead-based paint hazards (.1004), Identify asbestos hazards (.1003), Mitigate or restrict access to any identified hazards. Testing is required to be completed by May 31, 2025. The status for your facility on the Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids website is "enrollment started." A survey must be completed next to determine if lead paint testing and asbestos testing is required for your facility. 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 in 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. If you elect to change and/or alter any previously approved spaces used by children as indicated on the approved indoor and outdoor floor plan, you will need to contact me within thirty (30) days prior to the change. Failure to notify a DCDEE representative may result in a violation of child care requirements. Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0304(a) states “Each operator shall schedule and obtain a fire inspection within 12 months of the center's previous fire inspection. The operator shall notify the local fire inspector when it is time for the center's annual fire inspection. The operator shall submit the original of the approved annual fire inspection report to the Division within one week of the inspection visit on the form provided by the Division.” As child care providers, you are a vital part in the prevention and intervention of child maltreatment! You may see potential indicators of maltreatment in the children under your care. Some children may even be more likely to disclose maltreatment to a child care provider than to a family member. It is required that all providers are aware of maltreatment indicators and to report any suspicions of maltreatment. Follow child care rules related to child maltreatment training: 10A NCAC 09 .1102(g) and 10A NCAC 09 .1703(a)(5) states the child care administrator, operator, and all staff members shall complete Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training within 90 days of employment. It is the center operator’s responsibility to make sure each staff person has registered for a WORKS account, submit an official transcript (if applicable) and apply for a position for evaluation. This should be completed immediately upon hiring or at the latest, by the end of the six-week orientation process. Failure to maintain the same education point level may result in a violation of the above rule reference and may result in a reduction of stars. Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .2830 (c) If employment-related changes occur at a facility that result in the operator not complying with the standards in the Section for the star rating issued, the operator shall correct the noncompliance within 120 days. If the operator does not correct the noncompliance within 120 days, the operator shall notify the Division. It is your responsibility to understand the health and safety requirements in child care rule .1102. If the program is out of compliance in accordance with health and safety requirements, Child Care Development Block Grant (CCDBG), it may affect subsidy funding. Stay updated with changes and new rule updates by visiting the DCDEE website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/.It is your responsibility to understand the rules and laws that are applicable your program. All rules/laws cannot be verbally reviewed during any monitoring visit. Please ask questions if you are having difficulty and would like additional technical assistance. I welcome your questions and want to be a resource for you. We appreciate all you are doing to serve the children and families of NC. If you have questions, please contact me at monica.houck@dhhs.nc.gov or 828.273-4569, or Bonnie Mathis, Licensing Supervisor, at bonnie.mathis@dhhs.nc.gov. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

10A NCAC 09 .1102 · Violation

Name of Operation: YANCEY COUNTY HEAD START CENTER Facility ID: 00000034 Consultant: MONICA HOUCK Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 1/23/2025 Number Present: 42 Completed Date: 1/23/2025 Age: From 2 To 5 Total Minutes: 270 Time In: 09:30 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 an annual compliance visit. Due to Tropical Storm Helene, the facility was closed starting on 9/26/24 and reopened on 1/15/25. The facility was also closed on 1/20/25 for a holiday, on 1/21/25 and 1/22/25 due to inclement weather, and on a one hour delay today opening at 9am. A computerized generated report of today’s visit was completed, reviewed with you, and signed by me, Monica Houck, Child Care Consultant and also signed by Sallie Hedrick, Administrator, during the visit. A signed copy of the visit summary was left on-site for you. Sallie Hedrick, Administrator, was on-site and available to answer and ask questions. The indoor and outdoor areas were monitored today, including supervision, staff/child ratios, permit restrictions, discipline, nutrition and routine caregiving activities. An annual compliance monitoring checklist for child care centers was used to note the requirements monitored and is attached to the computerized generated visit summary for your records. The center’s compliance history was reviewed with the operator. The program’s compliance history was ninety-five (95%) percent as of 1/22/25. The ownership of the child care facility is a non-profit organization, Intermountain Children’s Services, Inc., and was listed as active-current on the North Carolina Secretary of State website. Permit type – Four Star License dated 7/29/19 Special Services/Restrictions – Approved for daytime care only, meets reduced staff/child ratios, meets enhanced space, approved as Head Start site, and approved for transportation. The last fire drill was practiced on 9/19/24. We discussed a fire drill will must be practiced on or before 1/31/25. The last lockdown drill and shelter-in-place drill were practiced on 8/26/24. We discussed a lockdown drill or shelter-in-place drill must be practiced on or before 1/31/25. The last playground inspection was documented on 9/20/24. You stated no children have used the playground since reopening and gross motor activities are incurring indoors due to inclement weather and unsafe playground conditions. We discussed a playground inspection must be completed on or before 1/24/25. The last fire inspection was approved on 1/14/25 for daytime care only. The last sanitation inspection was conducted on 7/19/24 with nine (9) demerits for a Superior classification. The Emergency Medical Care plan was posted and current. The approved curriculum for four-year-old children is Creative Curriculum. A Post-Disaster Child Care Center Sanitation Assessment Form dated 1/9/25 was collected during the visit. A new building inspection was required and the original building inspection was collected during the visit as well. Children were observed during breakfast, free play, routine care, small group activities, and rest time. The breakfast today was cinnamon toast, applesauce, and milk. The program does not currently have any infants enrolled or attending at the facility. The ITS-SIDS training is maintained by the administrator as required and safe sleep monitoring was unable to occur during the visit since no infants were present or enrolled. The surfacing under and around the swings on the outdoor play area for children ages three through five years of age could not be measured due to the ground being frozen. The program does provide transportation. Transportation is not currently being provided due to the bus being in the mechanic’s shop for repairs. Limited monitoring of transportation requirements occurred due to the bus not being on-site. During the next monitoring visit, transportation will be monitored. I used the Child Care Center Item Number Listing (DCDEE-0357) as a basic monitoring tool to assess compliance with all applicable child care requirements pertinent to this facility. For specific rule references, refer to Chapter 110 General Statues Child Care Facilities, Chapter nine (9) Child Care Rule (10A NCAC 09) and Section 2800 Sanitation of Child Care Center (15A NCAC 18A) for additional information. Updated copies of these rules can be located on our website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ The following violations were documented during today’s visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 862 The EMC plan was not reviewed with all staff annually and whenever the plan was revised. Two (2) staff substitutes that have been employed more than one year did not have an annual emergency medical care plan review per the staff and training worksheets. 10A NCAC 09 .0802(a) 1034 All staff, including the director, did not have an annual health questionnaire on file following the initial medical statement. One (1) staff hired on 7/26/23 last completed a health questionnaire on 3/27/23 per the staff and training worksheet. .0701(a) 1035 Child care providers, including the director, uncompensated providers, substitute providers, and volunteers did not have the required Emergency Information Form on file on or before the first day of work, which included all the required information and/or the information on the form was not updated as changes occur and at least annually. One (1) staff hired on 7/26/23 last completed an Emergency Information Form on 3/27/23 per the staff and training worksheet. .0701(a) 1825 All staff did not review the center's EPR Plan during orientation and/or on an annual basis with the trained staff. Documentation of the review was not maintained on file. Two (2) staff that have been employed for more than one year did not review the center EPR plan on an annual basis per the staff and training worksheet. .0607(f) Child Care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. The violation(s) documented must be corrected immediately. I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail, how and when the violations were corrected. Please be aware any information submitted by you is legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. The violations documented above must be corrected immediately. Send me a letter of compliance describing in detail specifically how each violation was corrected and how compliance will be maintained in the future. Include the following: • Facility name • Facility ID# • Date of visit • Violation item number • Statement of compliance I must receive your compliance statement by 2/6/25. Email the compliance letter on signed letterhead or in the email identifying your facility name, ID#, name and position to: monica.houck@dhhs.nc.gov or you can mail to: Department of Health and Human Services Division of Child Development and Early Education Attn: Monica Houck 151 Creekview Rd Hendersonville, NC 28792 Please call me at 828-243-2154, or email monica.houck@dhhs.nc.gov, if you need assistance. Please note: if mailing the letter of compliance, I must receive it by the due date listed above. You will need to mail a compliance statement three to five days prior to the due date to ensure receipt is within the designated timeline. Failure to correct the violations and send the written statement by the due date listed above may result in an unannounced follow-up visit being conducted. Based on Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 Section .2200, the Division of Child Development may take administrative action against the license and/or impose civil penalties based on the failure of the operator to correct any documented violations within the established time period. Technical Assistance for Compliance – rule references can be found in the cited violations Items #1034 and #1035 Staff must complete the health questionnaire annually after their first year of work. Staff must complete and update the emergency information form at least annually. Having up to date information allows for safety of staff in case of emergencies. The health questionnaire and emergency information form was completed today by the staff during the visit. These two violations were corrected during the visit. Items #862 and #1825 Annual review of the center's Emergency Preparedness and Response plan, as well as the Emergency Preparedness and Response plan, are required to be sure all staff understand how to respond in an emergency and to allow staff to provide a safe environment for children. Due to Tropical Storm Helene, the following guidance was discussed to allow additional time to achieve compliance. Outdoor Space There is an approved gross motor plan for the children two years of age. The outdoor space for two year old children is under repair due to Tropical Storm Helene. The fence height is below four feet and the gates need adjusting to close properly. You stated since returning to operation, the outdoor space for three through five year old children has not been used due to inclement weather unsafe playground conditions, and extreme cold wind chill. The monthly playground inspections must resume and be completed for both playgrounds on or before 1/24/25. We discussed that the fence height can be raised by using flexible piping on the top of the fence. Health & Safety Trainings The following staff must renew all required health and safety training topics within five years or were not found to have completed all required topics within the first year of employment. S. Hedrick - last completed 3/20/17 S. Hilliard - last completed 2/1/17 G. Hughes - last completed 11/1/19 M. Letterman - no date provided for last completion date, hire date October 2001 D. Wilson - hired on 7/26/23 and no date of completing health and safety training Most of the health and safety training topics can be completed through the on-demand DCDEE Moodle. The Recognizing to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment topic can be completed on-demand on the website https://www.preventchildabusenc.org/online-trainings/. Plan to update once the trainings are found or once completed. Consultation is provided as follows: If the emergency drills are not completed on or before 1/31/25, they will be cited as violations during the next monitoring visit. If a playground inspection is not completed on or before 1/24/25, it will be cited as a violation during the next monitoring visit. Ms. Hedrick's legal spelling of her first name is Sallie. This has been changed on the administrator screen in the Regulatory system. Lead Paint and Asbestos Testing- In April 2023, North Carolina enacted final rules 10A NCAC 41C .1001-1007 requiring all public schools and child care facilities to: Test for lead in drinking/cooking water (.1005 and .2816), Identify lead-based paint hazards (.1004), Identify asbestos hazards (.1003), Mitigate or restrict access to any identified hazards. Testing is required to be completed by May 31, 2025. The status for your facility on the Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids website is "enrollment started." A survey must be completed next to determine if lead paint testing and asbestos testing is required for your facility. 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 in 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. If you elect to change and/or alter any previously approved spaces used by children as indicated on the approved indoor and outdoor floor plan, you will need to contact me within thirty (30) days prior to the change. Failure to notify a DCDEE representative may result in a violation of child care requirements. Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0304(a) states “Each operator shall schedule and obtain a fire inspection within 12 months of the center's previous fire inspection. The operator shall notify the local fire inspector when it is time for the center's annual fire inspection. The operator shall submit the original of the approved annual fire inspection report to the Division within one week of the inspection visit on the form provided by the Division.” As child care providers, you are a vital part in the prevention and intervention of child maltreatment! You may see potential indicators of maltreatment in the children under your care. Some children may even be more likely to disclose maltreatment to a child care provider than to a family member. It is required that all providers are aware of maltreatment indicators and to report any suspicions of maltreatment. Follow child care rules related to child maltreatment training: 10A NCAC 09 .1102(g) and 10A NCAC 09 .1703(a)(5) states the child care administrator, operator, and all staff members shall complete Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training within 90 days of employment. It is the center operator’s responsibility to make sure each staff person has registered for a WORKS account, submit an official transcript (if applicable) and apply for a position for evaluation. This should be completed immediately upon hiring or at the latest, by the end of the six-week orientation process. Failure to maintain the same education point level may result in a violation of the above rule reference and may result in a reduction of stars. Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .2830 (c) If employment-related changes occur at a facility that result in the operator not complying with the standards in the Section for the star rating issued, the operator shall correct the noncompliance within 120 days. If the operator does not correct the noncompliance within 120 days, the operator shall notify the Division. It is your responsibility to understand the health and safety requirements in child care rule .1102. If the program is out of compliance in accordance with health and safety requirements, Child Care Development Block Grant (CCDBG), it may affect subsidy funding. Stay updated with changes and new rule updates by visiting the DCDEE website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/.It is your responsibility to understand the rules and laws that are applicable your program. All rules/laws cannot be verbally reviewed during any monitoring visit. Please ask questions if you are having difficulty and would like additional technical assistance. I welcome your questions and want to be a resource for you. We appreciate all you are doing to serve the children and families of NC. If you have questions, please contact me at monica.houck@dhhs.nc.gov or 828.273-4569, or Bonnie Mathis, Licensing Supervisor, at bonnie.mathis@dhhs.nc.gov. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

10A NCAC 09 .1703 · Violation

Name of Operation: YANCEY COUNTY HEAD START CENTER Facility ID: 00000034 Consultant: MONICA HOUCK Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 1/23/2025 Number Present: 42 Completed Date: 1/23/2025 Age: From 2 To 5 Total Minutes: 270 Time In: 09:30 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 an annual compliance visit. Due to Tropical Storm Helene, the facility was closed starting on 9/26/24 and reopened on 1/15/25. The facility was also closed on 1/20/25 for a holiday, on 1/21/25 and 1/22/25 due to inclement weather, and on a one hour delay today opening at 9am. A computerized generated report of today’s visit was completed, reviewed with you, and signed by me, Monica Houck, Child Care Consultant and also signed by Sallie Hedrick, Administrator, during the visit. A signed copy of the visit summary was left on-site for you. Sallie Hedrick, Administrator, was on-site and available to answer and ask questions. The indoor and outdoor areas were monitored today, including supervision, staff/child ratios, permit restrictions, discipline, nutrition and routine caregiving activities. An annual compliance monitoring checklist for child care centers was used to note the requirements monitored and is attached to the computerized generated visit summary for your records. The center’s compliance history was reviewed with the operator. The program’s compliance history was ninety-five (95%) percent as of 1/22/25. The ownership of the child care facility is a non-profit organization, Intermountain Children’s Services, Inc., and was listed as active-current on the North Carolina Secretary of State website. Permit type – Four Star License dated 7/29/19 Special Services/Restrictions – Approved for daytime care only, meets reduced staff/child ratios, meets enhanced space, approved as Head Start site, and approved for transportation. The last fire drill was practiced on 9/19/24. We discussed a fire drill will must be practiced on or before 1/31/25. The last lockdown drill and shelter-in-place drill were practiced on 8/26/24. We discussed a lockdown drill or shelter-in-place drill must be practiced on or before 1/31/25. The last playground inspection was documented on 9/20/24. You stated no children have used the playground since reopening and gross motor activities are incurring indoors due to inclement weather and unsafe playground conditions. We discussed a playground inspection must be completed on or before 1/24/25. The last fire inspection was approved on 1/14/25 for daytime care only. The last sanitation inspection was conducted on 7/19/24 with nine (9) demerits for a Superior classification. The Emergency Medical Care plan was posted and current. The approved curriculum for four-year-old children is Creative Curriculum. A Post-Disaster Child Care Center Sanitation Assessment Form dated 1/9/25 was collected during the visit. A new building inspection was required and the original building inspection was collected during the visit as well. Children were observed during breakfast, free play, routine care, small group activities, and rest time. The breakfast today was cinnamon toast, applesauce, and milk. The program does not currently have any infants enrolled or attending at the facility. The ITS-SIDS training is maintained by the administrator as required and safe sleep monitoring was unable to occur during the visit since no infants were present or enrolled. The surfacing under and around the swings on the outdoor play area for children ages three through five years of age could not be measured due to the ground being frozen. The program does provide transportation. Transportation is not currently being provided due to the bus being in the mechanic’s shop for repairs. Limited monitoring of transportation requirements occurred due to the bus not being on-site. During the next monitoring visit, transportation will be monitored. I used the Child Care Center Item Number Listing (DCDEE-0357) as a basic monitoring tool to assess compliance with all applicable child care requirements pertinent to this facility. For specific rule references, refer to Chapter 110 General Statues Child Care Facilities, Chapter nine (9) Child Care Rule (10A NCAC 09) and Section 2800 Sanitation of Child Care Center (15A NCAC 18A) for additional information. Updated copies of these rules can be located on our website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ The following violations were documented during today’s visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 862 The EMC plan was not reviewed with all staff annually and whenever the plan was revised. Two (2) staff substitutes that have been employed more than one year did not have an annual emergency medical care plan review per the staff and training worksheets. 10A NCAC 09 .0802(a) 1034 All staff, including the director, did not have an annual health questionnaire on file following the initial medical statement. One (1) staff hired on 7/26/23 last completed a health questionnaire on 3/27/23 per the staff and training worksheet. .0701(a) 1035 Child care providers, including the director, uncompensated providers, substitute providers, and volunteers did not have the required Emergency Information Form on file on or before the first day of work, which included all the required information and/or the information on the form was not updated as changes occur and at least annually. One (1) staff hired on 7/26/23 last completed an Emergency Information Form on 3/27/23 per the staff and training worksheet. .0701(a) 1825 All staff did not review the center's EPR Plan during orientation and/or on an annual basis with the trained staff. Documentation of the review was not maintained on file. Two (2) staff that have been employed for more than one year did not review the center EPR plan on an annual basis per the staff and training worksheet. .0607(f) Child Care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. The violation(s) documented must be corrected immediately. I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail, how and when the violations were corrected. Please be aware any information submitted by you is legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. The violations documented above must be corrected immediately. Send me a letter of compliance describing in detail specifically how each violation was corrected and how compliance will be maintained in the future. Include the following: • Facility name • Facility ID# • Date of visit • Violation item number • Statement of compliance I must receive your compliance statement by 2/6/25. Email the compliance letter on signed letterhead or in the email identifying your facility name, ID#, name and position to: monica.houck@dhhs.nc.gov or you can mail to: Department of Health and Human Services Division of Child Development and Early Education Attn: Monica Houck 151 Creekview Rd Hendersonville, NC 28792 Please call me at 828-243-2154, or email monica.houck@dhhs.nc.gov, if you need assistance. Please note: if mailing the letter of compliance, I must receive it by the due date listed above. You will need to mail a compliance statement three to five days prior to the due date to ensure receipt is within the designated timeline. Failure to correct the violations and send the written statement by the due date listed above may result in an unannounced follow-up visit being conducted. Based on Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 Section .2200, the Division of Child Development may take administrative action against the license and/or impose civil penalties based on the failure of the operator to correct any documented violations within the established time period. Technical Assistance for Compliance – rule references can be found in the cited violations Items #1034 and #1035 Staff must complete the health questionnaire annually after their first year of work. Staff must complete and update the emergency information form at least annually. Having up to date information allows for safety of staff in case of emergencies. The health questionnaire and emergency information form was completed today by the staff during the visit. These two violations were corrected during the visit. Items #862 and #1825 Annual review of the center's Emergency Preparedness and Response plan, as well as the Emergency Preparedness and Response plan, are required to be sure all staff understand how to respond in an emergency and to allow staff to provide a safe environment for children. Due to Tropical Storm Helene, the following guidance was discussed to allow additional time to achieve compliance. Outdoor Space There is an approved gross motor plan for the children two years of age. The outdoor space for two year old children is under repair due to Tropical Storm Helene. The fence height is below four feet and the gates need adjusting to close properly. You stated since returning to operation, the outdoor space for three through five year old children has not been used due to inclement weather unsafe playground conditions, and extreme cold wind chill. The monthly playground inspections must resume and be completed for both playgrounds on or before 1/24/25. We discussed that the fence height can be raised by using flexible piping on the top of the fence. Health & Safety Trainings The following staff must renew all required health and safety training topics within five years or were not found to have completed all required topics within the first year of employment. S. Hedrick - last completed 3/20/17 S. Hilliard - last completed 2/1/17 G. Hughes - last completed 11/1/19 M. Letterman - no date provided for last completion date, hire date October 2001 D. Wilson - hired on 7/26/23 and no date of completing health and safety training Most of the health and safety training topics can be completed through the on-demand DCDEE Moodle. The Recognizing to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment topic can be completed on-demand on the website https://www.preventchildabusenc.org/online-trainings/. Plan to update once the trainings are found or once completed. Consultation is provided as follows: If the emergency drills are not completed on or before 1/31/25, they will be cited as violations during the next monitoring visit. If a playground inspection is not completed on or before 1/24/25, it will be cited as a violation during the next monitoring visit. Ms. Hedrick's legal spelling of her first name is Sallie. This has been changed on the administrator screen in the Regulatory system. Lead Paint and Asbestos Testing- In April 2023, North Carolina enacted final rules 10A NCAC 41C .1001-1007 requiring all public schools and child care facilities to: Test for lead in drinking/cooking water (.1005 and .2816), Identify lead-based paint hazards (.1004), Identify asbestos hazards (.1003), Mitigate or restrict access to any identified hazards. Testing is required to be completed by May 31, 2025. The status for your facility on the Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids website is "enrollment started." A survey must be completed next to determine if lead paint testing and asbestos testing is required for your facility. 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 in 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. If you elect to change and/or alter any previously approved spaces used by children as indicated on the approved indoor and outdoor floor plan, you will need to contact me within thirty (30) days prior to the change. Failure to notify a DCDEE representative may result in a violation of child care requirements. Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0304(a) states “Each operator shall schedule and obtain a fire inspection within 12 months of the center's previous fire inspection. The operator shall notify the local fire inspector when it is time for the center's annual fire inspection. The operator shall submit the original of the approved annual fire inspection report to the Division within one week of the inspection visit on the form provided by the Division.” As child care providers, you are a vital part in the prevention and intervention of child maltreatment! You may see potential indicators of maltreatment in the children under your care. Some children may even be more likely to disclose maltreatment to a child care provider than to a family member. It is required that all providers are aware of maltreatment indicators and to report any suspicions of maltreatment. Follow child care rules related to child maltreatment training: 10A NCAC 09 .1102(g) and 10A NCAC 09 .1703(a)(5) states the child care administrator, operator, and all staff members shall complete Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training within 90 days of employment. It is the center operator’s responsibility to make sure each staff person has registered for a WORKS account, submit an official transcript (if applicable) and apply for a position for evaluation. This should be completed immediately upon hiring or at the latest, by the end of the six-week orientation process. Failure to maintain the same education point level may result in a violation of the above rule reference and may result in a reduction of stars. Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .2830 (c) If employment-related changes occur at a facility that result in the operator not complying with the standards in the Section for the star rating issued, the operator shall correct the noncompliance within 120 days. If the operator does not correct the noncompliance within 120 days, the operator shall notify the Division. It is your responsibility to understand the health and safety requirements in child care rule .1102. If the program is out of compliance in accordance with health and safety requirements, Child Care Development Block Grant (CCDBG), it may affect subsidy funding. Stay updated with changes and new rule updates by visiting the DCDEE website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/.It is your responsibility to understand the rules and laws that are applicable your program. All rules/laws cannot be verbally reviewed during any monitoring visit. Please ask questions if you are having difficulty and would like additional technical assistance. I welcome your questions and want to be a resource for you. We appreciate all you are doing to serve the children and families of NC. If you have questions, please contact me at monica.houck@dhhs.nc.gov or 828.273-4569, or Bonnie Mathis, Licensing Supervisor, at bonnie.mathis@dhhs.nc.gov. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

10A NCAC 09 .2830 · Violation

Name of Operation: YANCEY COUNTY HEAD START CENTER Facility ID: 00000034 Consultant: MONICA HOUCK Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 1/23/2025 Number Present: 42 Completed Date: 1/23/2025 Age: From 2 To 5 Total Minutes: 270 Time In: 09:30 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 an annual compliance visit. Due to Tropical Storm Helene, the facility was closed starting on 9/26/24 and reopened on 1/15/25. The facility was also closed on 1/20/25 for a holiday, on 1/21/25 and 1/22/25 due to inclement weather, and on a one hour delay today opening at 9am. A computerized generated report of today’s visit was completed, reviewed with you, and signed by me, Monica Houck, Child Care Consultant and also signed by Sallie Hedrick, Administrator, during the visit. A signed copy of the visit summary was left on-site for you. Sallie Hedrick, Administrator, was on-site and available to answer and ask questions. The indoor and outdoor areas were monitored today, including supervision, staff/child ratios, permit restrictions, discipline, nutrition and routine caregiving activities. An annual compliance monitoring checklist for child care centers was used to note the requirements monitored and is attached to the computerized generated visit summary for your records. The center’s compliance history was reviewed with the operator. The program’s compliance history was ninety-five (95%) percent as of 1/22/25. The ownership of the child care facility is a non-profit organization, Intermountain Children’s Services, Inc., and was listed as active-current on the North Carolina Secretary of State website. Permit type – Four Star License dated 7/29/19 Special Services/Restrictions – Approved for daytime care only, meets reduced staff/child ratios, meets enhanced space, approved as Head Start site, and approved for transportation. The last fire drill was practiced on 9/19/24. We discussed a fire drill will must be practiced on or before 1/31/25. The last lockdown drill and shelter-in-place drill were practiced on 8/26/24. We discussed a lockdown drill or shelter-in-place drill must be practiced on or before 1/31/25. The last playground inspection was documented on 9/20/24. You stated no children have used the playground since reopening and gross motor activities are incurring indoors due to inclement weather and unsafe playground conditions. We discussed a playground inspection must be completed on or before 1/24/25. The last fire inspection was approved on 1/14/25 for daytime care only. The last sanitation inspection was conducted on 7/19/24 with nine (9) demerits for a Superior classification. The Emergency Medical Care plan was posted and current. The approved curriculum for four-year-old children is Creative Curriculum. A Post-Disaster Child Care Center Sanitation Assessment Form dated 1/9/25 was collected during the visit. A new building inspection was required and the original building inspection was collected during the visit as well. Children were observed during breakfast, free play, routine care, small group activities, and rest time. The breakfast today was cinnamon toast, applesauce, and milk. The program does not currently have any infants enrolled or attending at the facility. The ITS-SIDS training is maintained by the administrator as required and safe sleep monitoring was unable to occur during the visit since no infants were present or enrolled. The surfacing under and around the swings on the outdoor play area for children ages three through five years of age could not be measured due to the ground being frozen. The program does provide transportation. Transportation is not currently being provided due to the bus being in the mechanic’s shop for repairs. Limited monitoring of transportation requirements occurred due to the bus not being on-site. During the next monitoring visit, transportation will be monitored. I used the Child Care Center Item Number Listing (DCDEE-0357) as a basic monitoring tool to assess compliance with all applicable child care requirements pertinent to this facility. For specific rule references, refer to Chapter 110 General Statues Child Care Facilities, Chapter nine (9) Child Care Rule (10A NCAC 09) and Section 2800 Sanitation of Child Care Center (15A NCAC 18A) for additional information. Updated copies of these rules can be located on our website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ The following violations were documented during today’s visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 862 The EMC plan was not reviewed with all staff annually and whenever the plan was revised. Two (2) staff substitutes that have been employed more than one year did not have an annual emergency medical care plan review per the staff and training worksheets. 10A NCAC 09 .0802(a) 1034 All staff, including the director, did not have an annual health questionnaire on file following the initial medical statement. One (1) staff hired on 7/26/23 last completed a health questionnaire on 3/27/23 per the staff and training worksheet. .0701(a) 1035 Child care providers, including the director, uncompensated providers, substitute providers, and volunteers did not have the required Emergency Information Form on file on or before the first day of work, which included all the required information and/or the information on the form was not updated as changes occur and at least annually. One (1) staff hired on 7/26/23 last completed an Emergency Information Form on 3/27/23 per the staff and training worksheet. .0701(a) 1825 All staff did not review the center's EPR Plan during orientation and/or on an annual basis with the trained staff. Documentation of the review was not maintained on file. Two (2) staff that have been employed for more than one year did not review the center EPR plan on an annual basis per the staff and training worksheet. .0607(f) Child Care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. The violation(s) documented must be corrected immediately. I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail, how and when the violations were corrected. Please be aware any information submitted by you is legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. The violations documented above must be corrected immediately. Send me a letter of compliance describing in detail specifically how each violation was corrected and how compliance will be maintained in the future. Include the following: • Facility name • Facility ID# • Date of visit • Violation item number • Statement of compliance I must receive your compliance statement by 2/6/25. Email the compliance letter on signed letterhead or in the email identifying your facility name, ID#, name and position to: monica.houck@dhhs.nc.gov or you can mail to: Department of Health and Human Services Division of Child Development and Early Education Attn: Monica Houck 151 Creekview Rd Hendersonville, NC 28792 Please call me at 828-243-2154, or email monica.houck@dhhs.nc.gov, if you need assistance. Please note: if mailing the letter of compliance, I must receive it by the due date listed above. You will need to mail a compliance statement three to five days prior to the due date to ensure receipt is within the designated timeline. Failure to correct the violations and send the written statement by the due date listed above may result in an unannounced follow-up visit being conducted. Based on Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 Section .2200, the Division of Child Development may take administrative action against the license and/or impose civil penalties based on the failure of the operator to correct any documented violations within the established time period. Technical Assistance for Compliance – rule references can be found in the cited violations Items #1034 and #1035 Staff must complete the health questionnaire annually after their first year of work. Staff must complete and update the emergency information form at least annually. Having up to date information allows for safety of staff in case of emergencies. The health questionnaire and emergency information form was completed today by the staff during the visit. These two violations were corrected during the visit. Items #862 and #1825 Annual review of the center's Emergency Preparedness and Response plan, as well as the Emergency Preparedness and Response plan, are required to be sure all staff understand how to respond in an emergency and to allow staff to provide a safe environment for children. Due to Tropical Storm Helene, the following guidance was discussed to allow additional time to achieve compliance. Outdoor Space There is an approved gross motor plan for the children two years of age. The outdoor space for two year old children is under repair due to Tropical Storm Helene. The fence height is below four feet and the gates need adjusting to close properly. You stated since returning to operation, the outdoor space for three through five year old children has not been used due to inclement weather unsafe playground conditions, and extreme cold wind chill. The monthly playground inspections must resume and be completed for both playgrounds on or before 1/24/25. We discussed that the fence height can be raised by using flexible piping on the top of the fence. Health & Safety Trainings The following staff must renew all required health and safety training topics within five years or were not found to have completed all required topics within the first year of employment. S. Hedrick - last completed 3/20/17 S. Hilliard - last completed 2/1/17 G. Hughes - last completed 11/1/19 M. Letterman - no date provided for last completion date, hire date October 2001 D. Wilson - hired on 7/26/23 and no date of completing health and safety training Most of the health and safety training topics can be completed through the on-demand DCDEE Moodle. The Recognizing to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment topic can be completed on-demand on the website https://www.preventchildabusenc.org/online-trainings/. Plan to update once the trainings are found or once completed. Consultation is provided as follows: If the emergency drills are not completed on or before 1/31/25, they will be cited as violations during the next monitoring visit. If a playground inspection is not completed on or before 1/24/25, it will be cited as a violation during the next monitoring visit. Ms. Hedrick's legal spelling of her first name is Sallie. This has been changed on the administrator screen in the Regulatory system. Lead Paint and Asbestos Testing- In April 2023, North Carolina enacted final rules 10A NCAC 41C .1001-1007 requiring all public schools and child care facilities to: Test for lead in drinking/cooking water (.1005 and .2816), Identify lead-based paint hazards (.1004), Identify asbestos hazards (.1003), Mitigate or restrict access to any identified hazards. Testing is required to be completed by May 31, 2025. The status for your facility on the Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids website is "enrollment started." A survey must be completed next to determine if lead paint testing and asbestos testing is required for your facility. 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 in 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. If you elect to change and/or alter any previously approved spaces used by children as indicated on the approved indoor and outdoor floor plan, you will need to contact me within thirty (30) days prior to the change. Failure to notify a DCDEE representative may result in a violation of child care requirements. Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0304(a) states “Each operator shall schedule and obtain a fire inspection within 12 months of the center's previous fire inspection. The operator shall notify the local fire inspector when it is time for the center's annual fire inspection. The operator shall submit the original of the approved annual fire inspection report to the Division within one week of the inspection visit on the form provided by the Division.” As child care providers, you are a vital part in the prevention and intervention of child maltreatment! You may see potential indicators of maltreatment in the children under your care. Some children may even be more likely to disclose maltreatment to a child care provider than to a family member. It is required that all providers are aware of maltreatment indicators and to report any suspicions of maltreatment. Follow child care rules related to child maltreatment training: 10A NCAC 09 .1102(g) and 10A NCAC 09 .1703(a)(5) states the child care administrator, operator, and all staff members shall complete Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training within 90 days of employment. It is the center operator’s responsibility to make sure each staff person has registered for a WORKS account, submit an official transcript (if applicable) and apply for a position for evaluation. This should be completed immediately upon hiring or at the latest, by the end of the six-week orientation process. Failure to maintain the same education point level may result in a violation of the above rule reference and may result in a reduction of stars. Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .2830 (c) If employment-related changes occur at a facility that result in the operator not complying with the standards in the Section for the star rating issued, the operator shall correct the noncompliance within 120 days. If the operator does not correct the noncompliance within 120 days, the operator shall notify the Division. It is your responsibility to understand the health and safety requirements in child care rule .1102. If the program is out of compliance in accordance with health and safety requirements, Child Care Development Block Grant (CCDBG), it may affect subsidy funding. Stay updated with changes and new rule updates by visiting the DCDEE website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/.It is your responsibility to understand the rules and laws that are applicable your program. All rules/laws cannot be verbally reviewed during any monitoring visit. Please ask questions if you are having difficulty and would like additional technical assistance. I welcome your questions and want to be a resource for you. We appreciate all you are doing to serve the children and families of NC. If you have questions, please contact me at monica.houck@dhhs.nc.gov or 828.273-4569, or Bonnie Mathis, Licensing Supervisor, at bonnie.mathis@dhhs.nc.gov. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

NC GS 110-90 · Violation

Name of Operation: YANCEY COUNTY HEAD START CENTER Facility ID: 00000034 Consultant: MONICA HOUCK Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 1/23/2025 Number Present: 42 Completed Date: 1/23/2025 Age: From 2 To 5 Total Minutes: 270 Time In: 09:30 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 an annual compliance visit. Due to Tropical Storm Helene, the facility was closed starting on 9/26/24 and reopened on 1/15/25. The facility was also closed on 1/20/25 for a holiday, on 1/21/25 and 1/22/25 due to inclement weather, and on a one hour delay today opening at 9am. A computerized generated report of today’s visit was completed, reviewed with you, and signed by me, Monica Houck, Child Care Consultant and also signed by Sallie Hedrick, Administrator, during the visit. A signed copy of the visit summary was left on-site for you. Sallie Hedrick, Administrator, was on-site and available to answer and ask questions. The indoor and outdoor areas were monitored today, including supervision, staff/child ratios, permit restrictions, discipline, nutrition and routine caregiving activities. An annual compliance monitoring checklist for child care centers was used to note the requirements monitored and is attached to the computerized generated visit summary for your records. The center’s compliance history was reviewed with the operator. The program’s compliance history was ninety-five (95%) percent as of 1/22/25. The ownership of the child care facility is a non-profit organization, Intermountain Children’s Services, Inc., and was listed as active-current on the North Carolina Secretary of State website. Permit type – Four Star License dated 7/29/19 Special Services/Restrictions – Approved for daytime care only, meets reduced staff/child ratios, meets enhanced space, approved as Head Start site, and approved for transportation. The last fire drill was practiced on 9/19/24. We discussed a fire drill will must be practiced on or before 1/31/25. The last lockdown drill and shelter-in-place drill were practiced on 8/26/24. We discussed a lockdown drill or shelter-in-place drill must be practiced on or before 1/31/25. The last playground inspection was documented on 9/20/24. You stated no children have used the playground since reopening and gross motor activities are incurring indoors due to inclement weather and unsafe playground conditions. We discussed a playground inspection must be completed on or before 1/24/25. The last fire inspection was approved on 1/14/25 for daytime care only. The last sanitation inspection was conducted on 7/19/24 with nine (9) demerits for a Superior classification. The Emergency Medical Care plan was posted and current. The approved curriculum for four-year-old children is Creative Curriculum. A Post-Disaster Child Care Center Sanitation Assessment Form dated 1/9/25 was collected during the visit. A new building inspection was required and the original building inspection was collected during the visit as well. Children were observed during breakfast, free play, routine care, small group activities, and rest time. The breakfast today was cinnamon toast, applesauce, and milk. The program does not currently have any infants enrolled or attending at the facility. The ITS-SIDS training is maintained by the administrator as required and safe sleep monitoring was unable to occur during the visit since no infants were present or enrolled. The surfacing under and around the swings on the outdoor play area for children ages three through five years of age could not be measured due to the ground being frozen. The program does provide transportation. Transportation is not currently being provided due to the bus being in the mechanic’s shop for repairs. Limited monitoring of transportation requirements occurred due to the bus not being on-site. During the next monitoring visit, transportation will be monitored. I used the Child Care Center Item Number Listing (DCDEE-0357) as a basic monitoring tool to assess compliance with all applicable child care requirements pertinent to this facility. For specific rule references, refer to Chapter 110 General Statues Child Care Facilities, Chapter nine (9) Child Care Rule (10A NCAC 09) and Section 2800 Sanitation of Child Care Center (15A NCAC 18A) for additional information. Updated copies of these rules can be located on our website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ The following violations were documented during today’s visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 862 The EMC plan was not reviewed with all staff annually and whenever the plan was revised. Two (2) staff substitutes that have been employed more than one year did not have an annual emergency medical care plan review per the staff and training worksheets. 10A NCAC 09 .0802(a) 1034 All staff, including the director, did not have an annual health questionnaire on file following the initial medical statement. One (1) staff hired on 7/26/23 last completed a health questionnaire on 3/27/23 per the staff and training worksheet. .0701(a) 1035 Child care providers, including the director, uncompensated providers, substitute providers, and volunteers did not have the required Emergency Information Form on file on or before the first day of work, which included all the required information and/or the information on the form was not updated as changes occur and at least annually. One (1) staff hired on 7/26/23 last completed an Emergency Information Form on 3/27/23 per the staff and training worksheet. .0701(a) 1825 All staff did not review the center's EPR Plan during orientation and/or on an annual basis with the trained staff. Documentation of the review was not maintained on file. Two (2) staff that have been employed for more than one year did not review the center EPR plan on an annual basis per the staff and training worksheet. .0607(f) Child Care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. The violation(s) documented must be corrected immediately. I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail, how and when the violations were corrected. Please be aware any information submitted by you is legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. The violations documented above must be corrected immediately. Send me a letter of compliance describing in detail specifically how each violation was corrected and how compliance will be maintained in the future. Include the following: • Facility name • Facility ID# • Date of visit • Violation item number • Statement of compliance I must receive your compliance statement by 2/6/25. Email the compliance letter on signed letterhead or in the email identifying your facility name, ID#, name and position to: monica.houck@dhhs.nc.gov or you can mail to: Department of Health and Human Services Division of Child Development and Early Education Attn: Monica Houck 151 Creekview Rd Hendersonville, NC 28792 Please call me at 828-243-2154, or email monica.houck@dhhs.nc.gov, if you need assistance. Please note: if mailing the letter of compliance, I must receive it by the due date listed above. You will need to mail a compliance statement three to five days prior to the due date to ensure receipt is within the designated timeline. Failure to correct the violations and send the written statement by the due date listed above may result in an unannounced follow-up visit being conducted. Based on Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 Section .2200, the Division of Child Development may take administrative action against the license and/or impose civil penalties based on the failure of the operator to correct any documented violations within the established time period. Technical Assistance for Compliance – rule references can be found in the cited violations Items #1034 and #1035 Staff must complete the health questionnaire annually after their first year of work. Staff must complete and update the emergency information form at least annually. Having up to date information allows for safety of staff in case of emergencies. The health questionnaire and emergency information form was completed today by the staff during the visit. These two violations were corrected during the visit. Items #862 and #1825 Annual review of the center's Emergency Preparedness and Response plan, as well as the Emergency Preparedness and Response plan, are required to be sure all staff understand how to respond in an emergency and to allow staff to provide a safe environment for children. Due to Tropical Storm Helene, the following guidance was discussed to allow additional time to achieve compliance. Outdoor Space There is an approved gross motor plan for the children two years of age. The outdoor space for two year old children is under repair due to Tropical Storm Helene. The fence height is below four feet and the gates need adjusting to close properly. You stated since returning to operation, the outdoor space for three through five year old children has not been used due to inclement weather unsafe playground conditions, and extreme cold wind chill. The monthly playground inspections must resume and be completed for both playgrounds on or before 1/24/25. We discussed that the fence height can be raised by using flexible piping on the top of the fence. Health & Safety Trainings The following staff must renew all required health and safety training topics within five years or were not found to have completed all required topics within the first year of employment. S. Hedrick - last completed 3/20/17 S. Hilliard - last completed 2/1/17 G. Hughes - last completed 11/1/19 M. Letterman - no date provided for last completion date, hire date October 2001 D. Wilson - hired on 7/26/23 and no date of completing health and safety training Most of the health and safety training topics can be completed through the on-demand DCDEE Moodle. The Recognizing to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment topic can be completed on-demand on the website https://www.preventchildabusenc.org/online-trainings/. Plan to update once the trainings are found or once completed. Consultation is provided as follows: If the emergency drills are not completed on or before 1/31/25, they will be cited as violations during the next monitoring visit. If a playground inspection is not completed on or before 1/24/25, it will be cited as a violation during the next monitoring visit. Ms. Hedrick's legal spelling of her first name is Sallie. This has been changed on the administrator screen in the Regulatory system. Lead Paint and Asbestos Testing- In April 2023, North Carolina enacted final rules 10A NCAC 41C .1001-1007 requiring all public schools and child care facilities to: Test for lead in drinking/cooking water (.1005 and .2816), Identify lead-based paint hazards (.1004), Identify asbestos hazards (.1003), Mitigate or restrict access to any identified hazards. Testing is required to be completed by May 31, 2025. The status for your facility on the Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids website is "enrollment started." A survey must be completed next to determine if lead paint testing and asbestos testing is required for your facility. 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 in 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. If you elect to change and/or alter any previously approved spaces used by children as indicated on the approved indoor and outdoor floor plan, you will need to contact me within thirty (30) days prior to the change. Failure to notify a DCDEE representative may result in a violation of child care requirements. Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0304(a) states “Each operator shall schedule and obtain a fire inspection within 12 months of the center's previous fire inspection. The operator shall notify the local fire inspector when it is time for the center's annual fire inspection. The operator shall submit the original of the approved annual fire inspection report to the Division within one week of the inspection visit on the form provided by the Division.” As child care providers, you are a vital part in the prevention and intervention of child maltreatment! You may see potential indicators of maltreatment in the children under your care. Some children may even be more likely to disclose maltreatment to a child care provider than to a family member. It is required that all providers are aware of maltreatment indicators and to report any suspicions of maltreatment. Follow child care rules related to child maltreatment training: 10A NCAC 09 .1102(g) and 10A NCAC 09 .1703(a)(5) states the child care administrator, operator, and all staff members shall complete Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training within 90 days of employment. It is the center operator’s responsibility to make sure each staff person has registered for a WORKS account, submit an official transcript (if applicable) and apply for a position for evaluation. This should be completed immediately upon hiring or at the latest, by the end of the six-week orientation process. Failure to maintain the same education point level may result in a violation of the above rule reference and may result in a reduction of stars. Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .2830 (c) If employment-related changes occur at a facility that result in the operator not complying with the standards in the Section for the star rating issued, the operator shall correct the noncompliance within 120 days. If the operator does not correct the noncompliance within 120 days, the operator shall notify the Division. It is your responsibility to understand the health and safety requirements in child care rule .1102. If the program is out of compliance in accordance with health and safety requirements, Child Care Development Block Grant (CCDBG), it may affect subsidy funding. Stay updated with changes and new rule updates by visiting the DCDEE website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/.It is your responsibility to understand the rules and laws that are applicable your program. All rules/laws cannot be verbally reviewed during any monitoring visit. Please ask questions if you are having difficulty and would like additional technical assistance. I welcome your questions and want to be a resource for you. We appreciate all you are doing to serve the children and families of NC. If you have questions, please contact me at monica.houck@dhhs.nc.gov or 828.273-4569, or Bonnie Mathis, Licensing Supervisor, at bonnie.mathis@dhhs.nc.gov. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

10A NCAC 09 .0304 · Violation

Name of Operation: YANCEY COUNTY HEAD START CENTER Facility ID: 00000034 Consultant: GEORGIA MARSHALL Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 1/26/2024 Number Present: 54 Completed Date: 1/26/2024 Age: From 1 To 5 Total Minutes: 245 Time In: 09:40 AM Time Out: 01:45 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor compliance during an annual compliance visit. A computerized generated report of today’s visit was completed, reviewed with Sally Headrick, on-site administrator, during the visit. An electronic signed copy of the visit summary was electronically emailed to you. Today, Ms. McHone, the assistant director, accompanied me during the walkthrough of the facility. Ms. Headrick, center administrator, arrived during my walkthrough and was available to answer questions that I had. The indoor and outdoor areas were monitored today, including but not limited to, supervision, staff/child ratios, permit restrictions, discipline, nutrition and routine caregiving activities. An annual compliance monitoring checklist for child care centers was used to note the requirements monitored and is attached to the computerized generated visit summary for your records. The center’s compliance history was reviewed with the operator. The program’s compliance history was ninety-one percentage (91%) as of 1/26/23. The North Carolina Secretary of State website was viewed prior to today’s visit and the non-profit corporation, Intermountain Children`s Services, Inc., is current/active as of 1/26/24. This facility is a child care facility with a Head Start component. The Head Start classroom operates from 8:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Monday-Friday. Permit type – Five Star Licensed, issued July 29, 2019. Special Services/Restrictions – Daytime care only, meeting reduced ratios and enhanced space. The last annual compliance visit was conducted on 2/8/23. The last fire drill was practiced on 1/11/24. The last shelter-in-place drill was practiced on 11/19/23. The last playground inspection was documented on 1/11/24. The last fire inspection was approved on 7/17/23. The last sanitation inspection was conducted on 7/13/23 with six (6) demerits for a superior classification. The Emergency Medical Care plan was posted and current. The Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan was updated on 9/19/23. The approved curriculum for four-year-old children is Creative Curriculum-teaching Strategies Gold. There are sixty-two (62) children enrolled and fifty-four (54) present today. Six (6) children’s files were monitored. There are sixteen (16) staff, which includes the cooks and office staff. The staff and training worksheet was not complete, so a follow up visit will need to be conducted to check staff files. Upon arrival, I introduced myself to the office staff and the purpose of today’s visit. I was informed that Ms. Headrick, administrator, was away at an appointment but should be back soon. A floater stepped into classroom #3, so that Ms. McHone, assistant administrator could accompany during today’s walkthrough. In spaces #2 and #4, is the early head start children. In space #2, children were in the cozy corner sitting on their teacher’s laps, looking at books, climbing on pillows and practicing walking. In space #4, they had just gone outside where they were climbing, digging in dirt, pushing truck and enjoying the fresh air. In the other three classrooms, children were playing with materials in centers. One class was learning all about artic animals. Not only were children participating in pretend play, building with blocks and experimenting in art, some were also sweeping up rice from sensory play. Lunch today consisted of ham and cheese sandwiches on whole wheat bread, including lettuce and tomato, apple slices (cooked apples for the younger children) and milk. After lunch, children settled down for rest time. I used the Child Care Center Item Number Listing (DCDEE-0357) as a basic monitoring tool to assess compliance with all applicable child care requirements pertinent to this facility. For specific rule references, refer to Chapter 110 General Statues Child Care Facilities, Chapter nine (9) Child Care Rule (10A NCAC 09) and Section 2800 Sanitation of Child Care Center (15A NCAC 18A) for additional information. Updated copies of these rules can be located on our website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ The program does provide transportation. You stated that you do transport ages three to five (3 to 5) years old. You stated that you transport at most eighteen (18) children for pickup and delivery. There are usually two (2) busses, however one in being repaired. I monitored the one bus today. A 2017 Thomas Built bus, license plate EBA-9160. The registration was current through April 2024. The following violations were documented during today’s visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 824 Outdoor play area was not enclosed by fence with a minimum height of 4 feet. The top of the fence, less than six feet, was not free from protrusions. Both playground spaces have sections of the fence that measures lower than four (4) feet high. GS 110-91(6); .0605((i) 858 Plastic bags, materials that could be torn apart and toy parts small enough to be swallowed were accessible to children under three years of age. In space #2, a drawer contained zip lock baggies containing various items, one of which was rubber band hair ties. .0604(q) 1867 The depth of the loose surfacing was not based on critical height of the equipment. Mulch under swings was dug out and did not measure 6 inches deep. .0605(k)(1-4) Technical assistance was provided as follows: Item #0858 10A NCAC 09 .0604 SAFETY REQUIREMENTS FOR CHILD CARE CENTERS (q) Plastic bags, toys, toy parts small enough to be swallowed, and materials that can be torn apart, such as foam rubber and styrofoam, shall not be accessible to children under three years of age. However, styrofoam plates and larger pieces of foam rubber may be used for supervised art activities and styrofoam plates may be used for food service. Jump ropes and rubber bands shall not be accessible to children under five years of age without adult supervision. Balloons shall be prohibited for children of all ages. Note: In space #2, a drawer contained zip lock baggies containing various items, one of which was rubber band hair ties. Item #0824 10A NCAC 09 .0605 OUTDOOR LEARNING ENVIRONMENT IN CHILD CARE CENTERS (i) The outdoor play area shall be protected by a fence. The height shall be a minimum of four feet and the top of the fence shall be free of protrusions. The requirement disallowing protrusions on the tops of fences shall not apply to fences six feet high or above. The fencing shall exclude fixed bodies of water such as ditches, quarries, canals, excavations, and fish ponds. Gates to the fenced outdoor play area shall remain closed while children occupy the area. Note: Both playground spaces have sections of the fence that measures lower than four (4) feet high. Item 1867 10A NCAC 09 .0605 OUTDOOR LEARNING ENVIRONMENT IN CHILD CARE CENTERS (k) The depth of the loose surfacing material shall be based on the critical height of the equipment, which is defined as the maximum height that a child may sit, or stand, as follows: (1) equipment with a critical height of 5 feet or less shall have 6 inches of loose surface materials; (2) equipment with a critical height of more than 5 feet, but less than 7 feet, shall have 6 inches of loose surfacing material, except for sand; (3) equipment with a critical height of 7 feet to 10 feet shall have 9 inches of any of the loose surfacing material, except for sand; and (4) when sand is used as a surfacing material for equipment with a critical height of more than 5 feet, 12 inches shall be required. Note: Mulch under swings was dug out and did not measure 6 inches deep. Corrective Action Plan: Child Care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. The violation(s) documented must be corrected immediately. I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail, how and when the violations were corrected. Please be aware any information submitted by you is legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. The violations documented above must be corrected immediately. Send me a letter of compliance describing in detail specifically how each violation was corrected and how compliance will be maintained in the future. Include the following: • Facility name • Facility ID# • Date of visit • Violation item number • Statement of compliance I must receive your compliance statement by February 9, 2024. Email the compliance letter on signed letterhead or in the email identifying your facility name, ID#, name and position to: lee.marshall@dhhs.nc.gov or you can mail to: Department of Health and Human Services Division of Child Development and Early Education Attn: Georgia Lee Marshall PO Box 253 Zionville, NC 28698 Please call me at 828-434-0236, or email lee.marshall@dhhs.nc.gov, if you need assistance. Please note: if mailing the letter of compliance, I must receive by the due date listed above. You will need to mail a compliance statement three to five days prior to the due date to ensure receipt within the designated timeline. Failure to correct the violations and send the written statement by the due date listed above may result in an unannounced follow-up visit being conducted. Based on Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 Section .2200, the Division of Child Development may take administrative action against the license and/or impose civil penalties based on the failure of the operator to correct any documented violations within the established time period. Consultation is provided as follows: • Remember to fluff the mulch periodically. Children can help with this as a fun activity. • In space #3, the door leading outside sticks and is hard to open. It may be due to all the rain we have had that caused it to swell. • In spaces #2 and #4 the lock under the changing tables is extremely hard to unlock and lock. • Storage in bathrooms shall be limited to toileting and diapering supplies. • We discussed how the playgrounds are super soft and muddy, however children can go on walks and play games and such outside the fenced area since permission slips are on file. • We discussed the best way to correct the violation of the fence height. We disused the fence extenders and plastic lattice. If you have any questions or concerns regarding the Stabilization Grant, please contact Kaitlyn Marshall, Child Care Consultant, at 828-713-8192 or email kaitlyn.marshall@dhhs.nc.gov. If you elect to change and/or alter any previously approved spaces used by children as indicated on the approved indoor and outdoor floor plan, you will need to contact me within thirty (30) days prior to the change. Failure to notify a DCDEE representative may result in a violation of child care requirements. Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0304(a) states “Each operator shall schedule and obtain a fire inspection within 12 months of the center's previous fire inspection. The operator shall notify the local fire inspector when it is time for the center's annual fire inspection. The operator shall submit the original of the approved annual fire inspection report to the Division within one week of the inspection visit on the form provided by the Division.” As child care providers, you are a vital part in the prevention and intervention of child maltreatment! You may see potential indicators of maltreatment in the children under your care. Some children may even be more likely to disclose maltreatment to a child care provider than to a family member. It is required that all providers are aware of maltreatment indicators and to report any suspicions of maltreatment. Follow child care rules related to child maltreatment training: 10A NCAC 09 .1102(g) and 10A NCAC 09 .1703(a)(5) states the child care administrator, operator, and all staff members shall complete Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training within 90 days of employment. Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .2830 MAINTAINING THE STAR RATING (a)A representative of the Division may make announced or unannounced visits to facilities to assess on-going compliance with the requirements of a star rating after it has been issued. It is the center operator’s responsibility to make sure each staff person has registered for a WORKS account, submit an official transcript (if applicable) and apply for a position for evaluation. This should be completed immediately upon hiring or at the latest, by the end of the six-week orientation process. Failure to maintain the same education point level may result in a violation of the above rule reference and may result in a reduction of stars. Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .2830 (c) If employment-related changes occur at a facility that result in the operator not complying with the standards in the Section for the star rating issued, the operator shall correct the noncompliance within 120 days. If the operator does not correct the noncompliance within 120 days, the operator shall notify the Division. It is your responsibility to understand the health and safety requirements in child care rule .1102. If the program is out of compliance in accordance with health and safety requirements, Child Care Development Block Grant (CCDBG), it may affect subsidy funding. Stay updated with changes and new rule updates by visiting the DCDEE website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/.It is your responsibility to understand the rules and laws that are applicable your program. All rules/laws cannot be verbally reviewed during any licensing visit. Please ask questions if you are having difficulty and would like additional technical assistance. I welcome your questions and want to be a resource for you. We appreciate all you are doing to serve the children and families of NC. If you have questions, please contact me at lee.marshall @dhhs.nc.gov or 828.434.0236, or Bonnie Mathis, Licensing Supervisor, at bonnie.mathis@dhhs.nc.gov. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

Open Not marked corrected in the state record

Category: supervision. Open / not marked corrected.

10A NCAC 09 .0604 · Violation

Name of Operation: YANCEY COUNTY HEAD START CENTER Facility ID: 00000034 Consultant: GEORGIA MARSHALL Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 1/26/2024 Number Present: 54 Completed Date: 1/26/2024 Age: From 1 To 5 Total Minutes: 245 Time In: 09:40 AM Time Out: 01:45 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor compliance during an annual compliance visit. A computerized generated report of today’s visit was completed, reviewed with Sally Headrick, on-site administrator, during the visit. An electronic signed copy of the visit summary was electronically emailed to you. Today, Ms. McHone, the assistant director, accompanied me during the walkthrough of the facility. Ms. Headrick, center administrator, arrived during my walkthrough and was available to answer questions that I had. The indoor and outdoor areas were monitored today, including but not limited to, supervision, staff/child ratios, permit restrictions, discipline, nutrition and routine caregiving activities. An annual compliance monitoring checklist for child care centers was used to note the requirements monitored and is attached to the computerized generated visit summary for your records. The center’s compliance history was reviewed with the operator. The program’s compliance history was ninety-one percentage (91%) as of 1/26/23. The North Carolina Secretary of State website was viewed prior to today’s visit and the non-profit corporation, Intermountain Children`s Services, Inc., is current/active as of 1/26/24. This facility is a child care facility with a Head Start component. The Head Start classroom operates from 8:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Monday-Friday. Permit type – Five Star Licensed, issued July 29, 2019. Special Services/Restrictions – Daytime care only, meeting reduced ratios and enhanced space. The last annual compliance visit was conducted on 2/8/23. The last fire drill was practiced on 1/11/24. The last shelter-in-place drill was practiced on 11/19/23. The last playground inspection was documented on 1/11/24. The last fire inspection was approved on 7/17/23. The last sanitation inspection was conducted on 7/13/23 with six (6) demerits for a superior classification. The Emergency Medical Care plan was posted and current. The Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan was updated on 9/19/23. The approved curriculum for four-year-old children is Creative Curriculum-teaching Strategies Gold. There are sixty-two (62) children enrolled and fifty-four (54) present today. Six (6) children’s files were monitored. There are sixteen (16) staff, which includes the cooks and office staff. The staff and training worksheet was not complete, so a follow up visit will need to be conducted to check staff files. Upon arrival, I introduced myself to the office staff and the purpose of today’s visit. I was informed that Ms. Headrick, administrator, was away at an appointment but should be back soon. A floater stepped into classroom #3, so that Ms. McHone, assistant administrator could accompany during today’s walkthrough. In spaces #2 and #4, is the early head start children. In space #2, children were in the cozy corner sitting on their teacher’s laps, looking at books, climbing on pillows and practicing walking. In space #4, they had just gone outside where they were climbing, digging in dirt, pushing truck and enjoying the fresh air. In the other three classrooms, children were playing with materials in centers. One class was learning all about artic animals. Not only were children participating in pretend play, building with blocks and experimenting in art, some were also sweeping up rice from sensory play. Lunch today consisted of ham and cheese sandwiches on whole wheat bread, including lettuce and tomato, apple slices (cooked apples for the younger children) and milk. After lunch, children settled down for rest time. I used the Child Care Center Item Number Listing (DCDEE-0357) as a basic monitoring tool to assess compliance with all applicable child care requirements pertinent to this facility. For specific rule references, refer to Chapter 110 General Statues Child Care Facilities, Chapter nine (9) Child Care Rule (10A NCAC 09) and Section 2800 Sanitation of Child Care Center (15A NCAC 18A) for additional information. Updated copies of these rules can be located on our website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ The program does provide transportation. You stated that you do transport ages three to five (3 to 5) years old. You stated that you transport at most eighteen (18) children for pickup and delivery. There are usually two (2) busses, however one in being repaired. I monitored the one bus today. A 2017 Thomas Built bus, license plate EBA-9160. The registration was current through April 2024. The following violations were documented during today’s visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 824 Outdoor play area was not enclosed by fence with a minimum height of 4 feet. The top of the fence, less than six feet, was not free from protrusions. Both playground spaces have sections of the fence that measures lower than four (4) feet high. GS 110-91(6); .0605((i) 858 Plastic bags, materials that could be torn apart and toy parts small enough to be swallowed were accessible to children under three years of age. In space #2, a drawer contained zip lock baggies containing various items, one of which was rubber band hair ties. .0604(q) 1867 The depth of the loose surfacing was not based on critical height of the equipment. Mulch under swings was dug out and did not measure 6 inches deep. .0605(k)(1-4) Technical assistance was provided as follows: Item #0858 10A NCAC 09 .0604 SAFETY REQUIREMENTS FOR CHILD CARE CENTERS (q) Plastic bags, toys, toy parts small enough to be swallowed, and materials that can be torn apart, such as foam rubber and styrofoam, shall not be accessible to children under three years of age. However, styrofoam plates and larger pieces of foam rubber may be used for supervised art activities and styrofoam plates may be used for food service. Jump ropes and rubber bands shall not be accessible to children under five years of age without adult supervision. Balloons shall be prohibited for children of all ages. Note: In space #2, a drawer contained zip lock baggies containing various items, one of which was rubber band hair ties. Item #0824 10A NCAC 09 .0605 OUTDOOR LEARNING ENVIRONMENT IN CHILD CARE CENTERS (i) The outdoor play area shall be protected by a fence. The height shall be a minimum of four feet and the top of the fence shall be free of protrusions. The requirement disallowing protrusions on the tops of fences shall not apply to fences six feet high or above. The fencing shall exclude fixed bodies of water such as ditches, quarries, canals, excavations, and fish ponds. Gates to the fenced outdoor play area shall remain closed while children occupy the area. Note: Both playground spaces have sections of the fence that measures lower than four (4) feet high. Item 1867 10A NCAC 09 .0605 OUTDOOR LEARNING ENVIRONMENT IN CHILD CARE CENTERS (k) The depth of the loose surfacing material shall be based on the critical height of the equipment, which is defined as the maximum height that a child may sit, or stand, as follows: (1) equipment with a critical height of 5 feet or less shall have 6 inches of loose surface materials; (2) equipment with a critical height of more than 5 feet, but less than 7 feet, shall have 6 inches of loose surfacing material, except for sand; (3) equipment with a critical height of 7 feet to 10 feet shall have 9 inches of any of the loose surfacing material, except for sand; and (4) when sand is used as a surfacing material for equipment with a critical height of more than 5 feet, 12 inches shall be required. Note: Mulch under swings was dug out and did not measure 6 inches deep. Corrective Action Plan: Child Care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. The violation(s) documented must be corrected immediately. I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail, how and when the violations were corrected. Please be aware any information submitted by you is legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. The violations documented above must be corrected immediately. Send me a letter of compliance describing in detail specifically how each violation was corrected and how compliance will be maintained in the future. Include the following: • Facility name • Facility ID# • Date of visit • Violation item number • Statement of compliance I must receive your compliance statement by February 9, 2024. Email the compliance letter on signed letterhead or in the email identifying your facility name, ID#, name and position to: lee.marshall@dhhs.nc.gov or you can mail to: Department of Health and Human Services Division of Child Development and Early Education Attn: Georgia Lee Marshall PO Box 253 Zionville, NC 28698 Please call me at 828-434-0236, or email lee.marshall@dhhs.nc.gov, if you need assistance. Please note: if mailing the letter of compliance, I must receive by the due date listed above. You will need to mail a compliance statement three to five days prior to the due date to ensure receipt within the designated timeline. Failure to correct the violations and send the written statement by the due date listed above may result in an unannounced follow-up visit being conducted. Based on Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 Section .2200, the Division of Child Development may take administrative action against the license and/or impose civil penalties based on the failure of the operator to correct any documented violations within the established time period. Consultation is provided as follows: • Remember to fluff the mulch periodically. Children can help with this as a fun activity. • In space #3, the door leading outside sticks and is hard to open. It may be due to all the rain we have had that caused it to swell. • In spaces #2 and #4 the lock under the changing tables is extremely hard to unlock and lock. • Storage in bathrooms shall be limited to toileting and diapering supplies. • We discussed how the playgrounds are super soft and muddy, however children can go on walks and play games and such outside the fenced area since permission slips are on file. • We discussed the best way to correct the violation of the fence height. We disused the fence extenders and plastic lattice. If you have any questions or concerns regarding the Stabilization Grant, please contact Kaitlyn Marshall, Child Care Consultant, at 828-713-8192 or email kaitlyn.marshall@dhhs.nc.gov. If you elect to change and/or alter any previously approved spaces used by children as indicated on the approved indoor and outdoor floor plan, you will need to contact me within thirty (30) days prior to the change. Failure to notify a DCDEE representative may result in a violation of child care requirements. Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0304(a) states “Each operator shall schedule and obtain a fire inspection within 12 months of the center's previous fire inspection. The operator shall notify the local fire inspector when it is time for the center's annual fire inspection. The operator shall submit the original of the approved annual fire inspection report to the Division within one week of the inspection visit on the form provided by the Division.” As child care providers, you are a vital part in the prevention and intervention of child maltreatment! You may see potential indicators of maltreatment in the children under your care. Some children may even be more likely to disclose maltreatment to a child care provider than to a family member. It is required that all providers are aware of maltreatment indicators and to report any suspicions of maltreatment. Follow child care rules related to child maltreatment training: 10A NCAC 09 .1102(g) and 10A NCAC 09 .1703(a)(5) states the child care administrator, operator, and all staff members shall complete Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training within 90 days of employment. Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .2830 MAINTAINING THE STAR RATING (a)A representative of the Division may make announced or unannounced visits to facilities to assess on-going compliance with the requirements of a star rating after it has been issued. It is the center operator’s responsibility to make sure each staff person has registered for a WORKS account, submit an official transcript (if applicable) and apply for a position for evaluation. This should be completed immediately upon hiring or at the latest, by the end of the six-week orientation process. Failure to maintain the same education point level may result in a violation of the above rule reference and may result in a reduction of stars. Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .2830 (c) If employment-related changes occur at a facility that result in the operator not complying with the standards in the Section for the star rating issued, the operator shall correct the noncompliance within 120 days. If the operator does not correct the noncompliance within 120 days, the operator shall notify the Division. It is your responsibility to understand the health and safety requirements in child care rule .1102. If the program is out of compliance in accordance with health and safety requirements, Child Care Development Block Grant (CCDBG), it may affect subsidy funding. Stay updated with changes and new rule updates by visiting the DCDEE website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/.It is your responsibility to understand the rules and laws that are applicable your program. All rules/laws cannot be verbally reviewed during any licensing visit. Please ask questions if you are having difficulty and would like additional technical assistance. I welcome your questions and want to be a resource for you. We appreciate all you are doing to serve the children and families of NC. If you have questions, please contact me at lee.marshall @dhhs.nc.gov or 828.434.0236, or Bonnie Mathis, Licensing Supervisor, at bonnie.mathis@dhhs.nc.gov. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

10A NCAC 09 .0605 · Violation

Name of Operation: YANCEY COUNTY HEAD START CENTER Facility ID: 00000034 Consultant: GEORGIA MARSHALL Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 1/26/2024 Number Present: 54 Completed Date: 1/26/2024 Age: From 1 To 5 Total Minutes: 245 Time In: 09:40 AM Time Out: 01:45 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor compliance during an annual compliance visit. A computerized generated report of today’s visit was completed, reviewed with Sally Headrick, on-site administrator, during the visit. An electronic signed copy of the visit summary was electronically emailed to you. Today, Ms. McHone, the assistant director, accompanied me during the walkthrough of the facility. Ms. Headrick, center administrator, arrived during my walkthrough and was available to answer questions that I had. The indoor and outdoor areas were monitored today, including but not limited to, supervision, staff/child ratios, permit restrictions, discipline, nutrition and routine caregiving activities. An annual compliance monitoring checklist for child care centers was used to note the requirements monitored and is attached to the computerized generated visit summary for your records. The center’s compliance history was reviewed with the operator. The program’s compliance history was ninety-one percentage (91%) as of 1/26/23. The North Carolina Secretary of State website was viewed prior to today’s visit and the non-profit corporation, Intermountain Children`s Services, Inc., is current/active as of 1/26/24. This facility is a child care facility with a Head Start component. The Head Start classroom operates from 8:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Monday-Friday. Permit type – Five Star Licensed, issued July 29, 2019. Special Services/Restrictions – Daytime care only, meeting reduced ratios and enhanced space. The last annual compliance visit was conducted on 2/8/23. The last fire drill was practiced on 1/11/24. The last shelter-in-place drill was practiced on 11/19/23. The last playground inspection was documented on 1/11/24. The last fire inspection was approved on 7/17/23. The last sanitation inspection was conducted on 7/13/23 with six (6) demerits for a superior classification. The Emergency Medical Care plan was posted and current. The Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan was updated on 9/19/23. The approved curriculum for four-year-old children is Creative Curriculum-teaching Strategies Gold. There are sixty-two (62) children enrolled and fifty-four (54) present today. Six (6) children’s files were monitored. There are sixteen (16) staff, which includes the cooks and office staff. The staff and training worksheet was not complete, so a follow up visit will need to be conducted to check staff files. Upon arrival, I introduced myself to the office staff and the purpose of today’s visit. I was informed that Ms. Headrick, administrator, was away at an appointment but should be back soon. A floater stepped into classroom #3, so that Ms. McHone, assistant administrator could accompany during today’s walkthrough. In spaces #2 and #4, is the early head start children. In space #2, children were in the cozy corner sitting on their teacher’s laps, looking at books, climbing on pillows and practicing walking. In space #4, they had just gone outside where they were climbing, digging in dirt, pushing truck and enjoying the fresh air. In the other three classrooms, children were playing with materials in centers. One class was learning all about artic animals. Not only were children participating in pretend play, building with blocks and experimenting in art, some were also sweeping up rice from sensory play. Lunch today consisted of ham and cheese sandwiches on whole wheat bread, including lettuce and tomato, apple slices (cooked apples for the younger children) and milk. After lunch, children settled down for rest time. I used the Child Care Center Item Number Listing (DCDEE-0357) as a basic monitoring tool to assess compliance with all applicable child care requirements pertinent to this facility. For specific rule references, refer to Chapter 110 General Statues Child Care Facilities, Chapter nine (9) Child Care Rule (10A NCAC 09) and Section 2800 Sanitation of Child Care Center (15A NCAC 18A) for additional information. Updated copies of these rules can be located on our website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ The program does provide transportation. You stated that you do transport ages three to five (3 to 5) years old. You stated that you transport at most eighteen (18) children for pickup and delivery. There are usually two (2) busses, however one in being repaired. I monitored the one bus today. A 2017 Thomas Built bus, license plate EBA-9160. The registration was current through April 2024. The following violations were documented during today’s visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 824 Outdoor play area was not enclosed by fence with a minimum height of 4 feet. The top of the fence, less than six feet, was not free from protrusions. Both playground spaces have sections of the fence that measures lower than four (4) feet high. GS 110-91(6); .0605((i) 858 Plastic bags, materials that could be torn apart and toy parts small enough to be swallowed were accessible to children under three years of age. In space #2, a drawer contained zip lock baggies containing various items, one of which was rubber band hair ties. .0604(q) 1867 The depth of the loose surfacing was not based on critical height of the equipment. Mulch under swings was dug out and did not measure 6 inches deep. .0605(k)(1-4) Technical assistance was provided as follows: Item #0858 10A NCAC 09 .0604 SAFETY REQUIREMENTS FOR CHILD CARE CENTERS (q) Plastic bags, toys, toy parts small enough to be swallowed, and materials that can be torn apart, such as foam rubber and styrofoam, shall not be accessible to children under three years of age. However, styrofoam plates and larger pieces of foam rubber may be used for supervised art activities and styrofoam plates may be used for food service. Jump ropes and rubber bands shall not be accessible to children under five years of age without adult supervision. Balloons shall be prohibited for children of all ages. Note: In space #2, a drawer contained zip lock baggies containing various items, one of which was rubber band hair ties. Item #0824 10A NCAC 09 .0605 OUTDOOR LEARNING ENVIRONMENT IN CHILD CARE CENTERS (i) The outdoor play area shall be protected by a fence. The height shall be a minimum of four feet and the top of the fence shall be free of protrusions. The requirement disallowing protrusions on the tops of fences shall not apply to fences six feet high or above. The fencing shall exclude fixed bodies of water such as ditches, quarries, canals, excavations, and fish ponds. Gates to the fenced outdoor play area shall remain closed while children occupy the area. Note: Both playground spaces have sections of the fence that measures lower than four (4) feet high. Item 1867 10A NCAC 09 .0605 OUTDOOR LEARNING ENVIRONMENT IN CHILD CARE CENTERS (k) The depth of the loose surfacing material shall be based on the critical height of the equipment, which is defined as the maximum height that a child may sit, or stand, as follows: (1) equipment with a critical height of 5 feet or less shall have 6 inches of loose surface materials; (2) equipment with a critical height of more than 5 feet, but less than 7 feet, shall have 6 inches of loose surfacing material, except for sand; (3) equipment with a critical height of 7 feet to 10 feet shall have 9 inches of any of the loose surfacing material, except for sand; and (4) when sand is used as a surfacing material for equipment with a critical height of more than 5 feet, 12 inches shall be required. Note: Mulch under swings was dug out and did not measure 6 inches deep. Corrective Action Plan: Child Care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. The violation(s) documented must be corrected immediately. I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail, how and when the violations were corrected. Please be aware any information submitted by you is legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. The violations documented above must be corrected immediately. Send me a letter of compliance describing in detail specifically how each violation was corrected and how compliance will be maintained in the future. Include the following: • Facility name • Facility ID# • Date of visit • Violation item number • Statement of compliance I must receive your compliance statement by February 9, 2024. Email the compliance letter on signed letterhead or in the email identifying your facility name, ID#, name and position to: lee.marshall@dhhs.nc.gov or you can mail to: Department of Health and Human Services Division of Child Development and Early Education Attn: Georgia Lee Marshall PO Box 253 Zionville, NC 28698 Please call me at 828-434-0236, or email lee.marshall@dhhs.nc.gov, if you need assistance. Please note: if mailing the letter of compliance, I must receive by the due date listed above. You will need to mail a compliance statement three to five days prior to the due date to ensure receipt within the designated timeline. Failure to correct the violations and send the written statement by the due date listed above may result in an unannounced follow-up visit being conducted. Based on Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 Section .2200, the Division of Child Development may take administrative action against the license and/or impose civil penalties based on the failure of the operator to correct any documented violations within the established time period. Consultation is provided as follows: • Remember to fluff the mulch periodically. Children can help with this as a fun activity. • In space #3, the door leading outside sticks and is hard to open. It may be due to all the rain we have had that caused it to swell. • In spaces #2 and #4 the lock under the changing tables is extremely hard to unlock and lock. • Storage in bathrooms shall be limited to toileting and diapering supplies. • We discussed how the playgrounds are super soft and muddy, however children can go on walks and play games and such outside the fenced area since permission slips are on file. • We discussed the best way to correct the violation of the fence height. We disused the fence extenders and plastic lattice. If you have any questions or concerns regarding the Stabilization Grant, please contact Kaitlyn Marshall, Child Care Consultant, at 828-713-8192 or email kaitlyn.marshall@dhhs.nc.gov. If you elect to change and/or alter any previously approved spaces used by children as indicated on the approved indoor and outdoor floor plan, you will need to contact me within thirty (30) days prior to the change. Failure to notify a DCDEE representative may result in a violation of child care requirements. Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0304(a) states “Each operator shall schedule and obtain a fire inspection within 12 months of the center's previous fire inspection. The operator shall notify the local fire inspector when it is time for the center's annual fire inspection. The operator shall submit the original of the approved annual fire inspection report to the Division within one week of the inspection visit on the form provided by the Division.” As child care providers, you are a vital part in the prevention and intervention of child maltreatment! You may see potential indicators of maltreatment in the children under your care. Some children may even be more likely to disclose maltreatment to a child care provider than to a family member. It is required that all providers are aware of maltreatment indicators and to report any suspicions of maltreatment. Follow child care rules related to child maltreatment training: 10A NCAC 09 .1102(g) and 10A NCAC 09 .1703(a)(5) states the child care administrator, operator, and all staff members shall complete Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training within 90 days of employment. Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .2830 MAINTAINING THE STAR RATING (a)A representative of the Division may make announced or unannounced visits to facilities to assess on-going compliance with the requirements of a star rating after it has been issued. It is the center operator’s responsibility to make sure each staff person has registered for a WORKS account, submit an official transcript (if applicable) and apply for a position for evaluation. This should be completed immediately upon hiring or at the latest, by the end of the six-week orientation process. Failure to maintain the same education point level may result in a violation of the above rule reference and may result in a reduction of stars. Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .2830 (c) If employment-related changes occur at a facility that result in the operator not complying with the standards in the Section for the star rating issued, the operator shall correct the noncompliance within 120 days. If the operator does not correct the noncompliance within 120 days, the operator shall notify the Division. It is your responsibility to understand the health and safety requirements in child care rule .1102. If the program is out of compliance in accordance with health and safety requirements, Child Care Development Block Grant (CCDBG), it may affect subsidy funding. Stay updated with changes and new rule updates by visiting the DCDEE website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/.It is your responsibility to understand the rules and laws that are applicable your program. All rules/laws cannot be verbally reviewed during any licensing visit. Please ask questions if you are having difficulty and would like additional technical assistance. I welcome your questions and want to be a resource for you. We appreciate all you are doing to serve the children and families of NC. If you have questions, please contact me at lee.marshall @dhhs.nc.gov or 828.434.0236, or Bonnie Mathis, Licensing Supervisor, at bonnie.mathis@dhhs.nc.gov. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

10A NCAC 09 .1102 · Violation

Name of Operation: YANCEY COUNTY HEAD START CENTER Facility ID: 00000034 Consultant: GEORGIA MARSHALL Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 1/26/2024 Number Present: 54 Completed Date: 1/26/2024 Age: From 1 To 5 Total Minutes: 245 Time In: 09:40 AM Time Out: 01:45 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor compliance during an annual compliance visit. A computerized generated report of today’s visit was completed, reviewed with Sally Headrick, on-site administrator, during the visit. An electronic signed copy of the visit summary was electronically emailed to you. Today, Ms. McHone, the assistant director, accompanied me during the walkthrough of the facility. Ms. Headrick, center administrator, arrived during my walkthrough and was available to answer questions that I had. The indoor and outdoor areas were monitored today, including but not limited to, supervision, staff/child ratios, permit restrictions, discipline, nutrition and routine caregiving activities. An annual compliance monitoring checklist for child care centers was used to note the requirements monitored and is attached to the computerized generated visit summary for your records. The center’s compliance history was reviewed with the operator. The program’s compliance history was ninety-one percentage (91%) as of 1/26/23. The North Carolina Secretary of State website was viewed prior to today’s visit and the non-profit corporation, Intermountain Children`s Services, Inc., is current/active as of 1/26/24. This facility is a child care facility with a Head Start component. The Head Start classroom operates from 8:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Monday-Friday. Permit type – Five Star Licensed, issued July 29, 2019. Special Services/Restrictions – Daytime care only, meeting reduced ratios and enhanced space. The last annual compliance visit was conducted on 2/8/23. The last fire drill was practiced on 1/11/24. The last shelter-in-place drill was practiced on 11/19/23. The last playground inspection was documented on 1/11/24. The last fire inspection was approved on 7/17/23. The last sanitation inspection was conducted on 7/13/23 with six (6) demerits for a superior classification. The Emergency Medical Care plan was posted and current. The Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan was updated on 9/19/23. The approved curriculum for four-year-old children is Creative Curriculum-teaching Strategies Gold. There are sixty-two (62) children enrolled and fifty-four (54) present today. Six (6) children’s files were monitored. There are sixteen (16) staff, which includes the cooks and office staff. The staff and training worksheet was not complete, so a follow up visit will need to be conducted to check staff files. Upon arrival, I introduced myself to the office staff and the purpose of today’s visit. I was informed that Ms. Headrick, administrator, was away at an appointment but should be back soon. A floater stepped into classroom #3, so that Ms. McHone, assistant administrator could accompany during today’s walkthrough. In spaces #2 and #4, is the early head start children. In space #2, children were in the cozy corner sitting on their teacher’s laps, looking at books, climbing on pillows and practicing walking. In space #4, they had just gone outside where they were climbing, digging in dirt, pushing truck and enjoying the fresh air. In the other three classrooms, children were playing with materials in centers. One class was learning all about artic animals. Not only were children participating in pretend play, building with blocks and experimenting in art, some were also sweeping up rice from sensory play. Lunch today consisted of ham and cheese sandwiches on whole wheat bread, including lettuce and tomato, apple slices (cooked apples for the younger children) and milk. After lunch, children settled down for rest time. I used the Child Care Center Item Number Listing (DCDEE-0357) as a basic monitoring tool to assess compliance with all applicable child care requirements pertinent to this facility. For specific rule references, refer to Chapter 110 General Statues Child Care Facilities, Chapter nine (9) Child Care Rule (10A NCAC 09) and Section 2800 Sanitation of Child Care Center (15A NCAC 18A) for additional information. Updated copies of these rules can be located on our website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ The program does provide transportation. You stated that you do transport ages three to five (3 to 5) years old. You stated that you transport at most eighteen (18) children for pickup and delivery. There are usually two (2) busses, however one in being repaired. I monitored the one bus today. A 2017 Thomas Built bus, license plate EBA-9160. The registration was current through April 2024. The following violations were documented during today’s visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 824 Outdoor play area was not enclosed by fence with a minimum height of 4 feet. The top of the fence, less than six feet, was not free from protrusions. Both playground spaces have sections of the fence that measures lower than four (4) feet high. GS 110-91(6); .0605((i) 858 Plastic bags, materials that could be torn apart and toy parts small enough to be swallowed were accessible to children under three years of age. In space #2, a drawer contained zip lock baggies containing various items, one of which was rubber band hair ties. .0604(q) 1867 The depth of the loose surfacing was not based on critical height of the equipment. Mulch under swings was dug out and did not measure 6 inches deep. .0605(k)(1-4) Technical assistance was provided as follows: Item #0858 10A NCAC 09 .0604 SAFETY REQUIREMENTS FOR CHILD CARE CENTERS (q) Plastic bags, toys, toy parts small enough to be swallowed, and materials that can be torn apart, such as foam rubber and styrofoam, shall not be accessible to children under three years of age. However, styrofoam plates and larger pieces of foam rubber may be used for supervised art activities and styrofoam plates may be used for food service. Jump ropes and rubber bands shall not be accessible to children under five years of age without adult supervision. Balloons shall be prohibited for children of all ages. Note: In space #2, a drawer contained zip lock baggies containing various items, one of which was rubber band hair ties. Item #0824 10A NCAC 09 .0605 OUTDOOR LEARNING ENVIRONMENT IN CHILD CARE CENTERS (i) The outdoor play area shall be protected by a fence. The height shall be a minimum of four feet and the top of the fence shall be free of protrusions. The requirement disallowing protrusions on the tops of fences shall not apply to fences six feet high or above. The fencing shall exclude fixed bodies of water such as ditches, quarries, canals, excavations, and fish ponds. Gates to the fenced outdoor play area shall remain closed while children occupy the area. Note: Both playground spaces have sections of the fence that measures lower than four (4) feet high. Item 1867 10A NCAC 09 .0605 OUTDOOR LEARNING ENVIRONMENT IN CHILD CARE CENTERS (k) The depth of the loose surfacing material shall be based on the critical height of the equipment, which is defined as the maximum height that a child may sit, or stand, as follows: (1) equipment with a critical height of 5 feet or less shall have 6 inches of loose surface materials; (2) equipment with a critical height of more than 5 feet, but less than 7 feet, shall have 6 inches of loose surfacing material, except for sand; (3) equipment with a critical height of 7 feet to 10 feet shall have 9 inches of any of the loose surfacing material, except for sand; and (4) when sand is used as a surfacing material for equipment with a critical height of more than 5 feet, 12 inches shall be required. Note: Mulch under swings was dug out and did not measure 6 inches deep. Corrective Action Plan: Child Care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. The violation(s) documented must be corrected immediately. I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail, how and when the violations were corrected. Please be aware any information submitted by you is legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. The violations documented above must be corrected immediately. Send me a letter of compliance describing in detail specifically how each violation was corrected and how compliance will be maintained in the future. Include the following: • Facility name • Facility ID# • Date of visit • Violation item number • Statement of compliance I must receive your compliance statement by February 9, 2024. Email the compliance letter on signed letterhead or in the email identifying your facility name, ID#, name and position to: lee.marshall@dhhs.nc.gov or you can mail to: Department of Health and Human Services Division of Child Development and Early Education Attn: Georgia Lee Marshall PO Box 253 Zionville, NC 28698 Please call me at 828-434-0236, or email lee.marshall@dhhs.nc.gov, if you need assistance. Please note: if mailing the letter of compliance, I must receive by the due date listed above. You will need to mail a compliance statement three to five days prior to the due date to ensure receipt within the designated timeline. Failure to correct the violations and send the written statement by the due date listed above may result in an unannounced follow-up visit being conducted. Based on Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 Section .2200, the Division of Child Development may take administrative action against the license and/or impose civil penalties based on the failure of the operator to correct any documented violations within the established time period. Consultation is provided as follows: • Remember to fluff the mulch periodically. Children can help with this as a fun activity. • In space #3, the door leading outside sticks and is hard to open. It may be due to all the rain we have had that caused it to swell. • In spaces #2 and #4 the lock under the changing tables is extremely hard to unlock and lock. • Storage in bathrooms shall be limited to toileting and diapering supplies. • We discussed how the playgrounds are super soft and muddy, however children can go on walks and play games and such outside the fenced area since permission slips are on file. • We discussed the best way to correct the violation of the fence height. We disused the fence extenders and plastic lattice. If you have any questions or concerns regarding the Stabilization Grant, please contact Kaitlyn Marshall, Child Care Consultant, at 828-713-8192 or email kaitlyn.marshall@dhhs.nc.gov. If you elect to change and/or alter any previously approved spaces used by children as indicated on the approved indoor and outdoor floor plan, you will need to contact me within thirty (30) days prior to the change. Failure to notify a DCDEE representative may result in a violation of child care requirements. Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0304(a) states “Each operator shall schedule and obtain a fire inspection within 12 months of the center's previous fire inspection. The operator shall notify the local fire inspector when it is time for the center's annual fire inspection. The operator shall submit the original of the approved annual fire inspection report to the Division within one week of the inspection visit on the form provided by the Division.” As child care providers, you are a vital part in the prevention and intervention of child maltreatment! You may see potential indicators of maltreatment in the children under your care. Some children may even be more likely to disclose maltreatment to a child care provider than to a family member. It is required that all providers are aware of maltreatment indicators and to report any suspicions of maltreatment. Follow child care rules related to child maltreatment training: 10A NCAC 09 .1102(g) and 10A NCAC 09 .1703(a)(5) states the child care administrator, operator, and all staff members shall complete Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training within 90 days of employment. Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .2830 MAINTAINING THE STAR RATING (a)A representative of the Division may make announced or unannounced visits to facilities to assess on-going compliance with the requirements of a star rating after it has been issued. It is the center operator’s responsibility to make sure each staff person has registered for a WORKS account, submit an official transcript (if applicable) and apply for a position for evaluation. This should be completed immediately upon hiring or at the latest, by the end of the six-week orientation process. Failure to maintain the same education point level may result in a violation of the above rule reference and may result in a reduction of stars. Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .2830 (c) If employment-related changes occur at a facility that result in the operator not complying with the standards in the Section for the star rating issued, the operator shall correct the noncompliance within 120 days. If the operator does not correct the noncompliance within 120 days, the operator shall notify the Division. It is your responsibility to understand the health and safety requirements in child care rule .1102. If the program is out of compliance in accordance with health and safety requirements, Child Care Development Block Grant (CCDBG), it may affect subsidy funding. Stay updated with changes and new rule updates by visiting the DCDEE website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/.It is your responsibility to understand the rules and laws that are applicable your program. All rules/laws cannot be verbally reviewed during any licensing visit. Please ask questions if you are having difficulty and would like additional technical assistance. I welcome your questions and want to be a resource for you. We appreciate all you are doing to serve the children and families of NC. If you have questions, please contact me at lee.marshall @dhhs.nc.gov or 828.434.0236, or Bonnie Mathis, Licensing Supervisor, at bonnie.mathis@dhhs.nc.gov. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

10A NCAC 09 .1703 · Violation

Name of Operation: YANCEY COUNTY HEAD START CENTER Facility ID: 00000034 Consultant: GEORGIA MARSHALL Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 1/26/2024 Number Present: 54 Completed Date: 1/26/2024 Age: From 1 To 5 Total Minutes: 245 Time In: 09:40 AM Time Out: 01:45 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor compliance during an annual compliance visit. A computerized generated report of today’s visit was completed, reviewed with Sally Headrick, on-site administrator, during the visit. An electronic signed copy of the visit summary was electronically emailed to you. Today, Ms. McHone, the assistant director, accompanied me during the walkthrough of the facility. Ms. Headrick, center administrator, arrived during my walkthrough and was available to answer questions that I had. The indoor and outdoor areas were monitored today, including but not limited to, supervision, staff/child ratios, permit restrictions, discipline, nutrition and routine caregiving activities. An annual compliance monitoring checklist for child care centers was used to note the requirements monitored and is attached to the computerized generated visit summary for your records. The center’s compliance history was reviewed with the operator. The program’s compliance history was ninety-one percentage (91%) as of 1/26/23. The North Carolina Secretary of State website was viewed prior to today’s visit and the non-profit corporation, Intermountain Children`s Services, Inc., is current/active as of 1/26/24. This facility is a child care facility with a Head Start component. The Head Start classroom operates from 8:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Monday-Friday. Permit type – Five Star Licensed, issued July 29, 2019. Special Services/Restrictions – Daytime care only, meeting reduced ratios and enhanced space. The last annual compliance visit was conducted on 2/8/23. The last fire drill was practiced on 1/11/24. The last shelter-in-place drill was practiced on 11/19/23. The last playground inspection was documented on 1/11/24. The last fire inspection was approved on 7/17/23. The last sanitation inspection was conducted on 7/13/23 with six (6) demerits for a superior classification. The Emergency Medical Care plan was posted and current. The Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan was updated on 9/19/23. The approved curriculum for four-year-old children is Creative Curriculum-teaching Strategies Gold. There are sixty-two (62) children enrolled and fifty-four (54) present today. Six (6) children’s files were monitored. There are sixteen (16) staff, which includes the cooks and office staff. The staff and training worksheet was not complete, so a follow up visit will need to be conducted to check staff files. Upon arrival, I introduced myself to the office staff and the purpose of today’s visit. I was informed that Ms. Headrick, administrator, was away at an appointment but should be back soon. A floater stepped into classroom #3, so that Ms. McHone, assistant administrator could accompany during today’s walkthrough. In spaces #2 and #4, is the early head start children. In space #2, children were in the cozy corner sitting on their teacher’s laps, looking at books, climbing on pillows and practicing walking. In space #4, they had just gone outside where they were climbing, digging in dirt, pushing truck and enjoying the fresh air. In the other three classrooms, children were playing with materials in centers. One class was learning all about artic animals. Not only were children participating in pretend play, building with blocks and experimenting in art, some were also sweeping up rice from sensory play. Lunch today consisted of ham and cheese sandwiches on whole wheat bread, including lettuce and tomato, apple slices (cooked apples for the younger children) and milk. After lunch, children settled down for rest time. I used the Child Care Center Item Number Listing (DCDEE-0357) as a basic monitoring tool to assess compliance with all applicable child care requirements pertinent to this facility. For specific rule references, refer to Chapter 110 General Statues Child Care Facilities, Chapter nine (9) Child Care Rule (10A NCAC 09) and Section 2800 Sanitation of Child Care Center (15A NCAC 18A) for additional information. Updated copies of these rules can be located on our website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ The program does provide transportation. You stated that you do transport ages three to five (3 to 5) years old. You stated that you transport at most eighteen (18) children for pickup and delivery. There are usually two (2) busses, however one in being repaired. I monitored the one bus today. A 2017 Thomas Built bus, license plate EBA-9160. The registration was current through April 2024. The following violations were documented during today’s visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 824 Outdoor play area was not enclosed by fence with a minimum height of 4 feet. The top of the fence, less than six feet, was not free from protrusions. Both playground spaces have sections of the fence that measures lower than four (4) feet high. GS 110-91(6); .0605((i) 858 Plastic bags, materials that could be torn apart and toy parts small enough to be swallowed were accessible to children under three years of age. In space #2, a drawer contained zip lock baggies containing various items, one of which was rubber band hair ties. .0604(q) 1867 The depth of the loose surfacing was not based on critical height of the equipment. Mulch under swings was dug out and did not measure 6 inches deep. .0605(k)(1-4) Technical assistance was provided as follows: Item #0858 10A NCAC 09 .0604 SAFETY REQUIREMENTS FOR CHILD CARE CENTERS (q) Plastic bags, toys, toy parts small enough to be swallowed, and materials that can be torn apart, such as foam rubber and styrofoam, shall not be accessible to children under three years of age. However, styrofoam plates and larger pieces of foam rubber may be used for supervised art activities and styrofoam plates may be used for food service. Jump ropes and rubber bands shall not be accessible to children under five years of age without adult supervision. Balloons shall be prohibited for children of all ages. Note: In space #2, a drawer contained zip lock baggies containing various items, one of which was rubber band hair ties. Item #0824 10A NCAC 09 .0605 OUTDOOR LEARNING ENVIRONMENT IN CHILD CARE CENTERS (i) The outdoor play area shall be protected by a fence. The height shall be a minimum of four feet and the top of the fence shall be free of protrusions. The requirement disallowing protrusions on the tops of fences shall not apply to fences six feet high or above. The fencing shall exclude fixed bodies of water such as ditches, quarries, canals, excavations, and fish ponds. Gates to the fenced outdoor play area shall remain closed while children occupy the area. Note: Both playground spaces have sections of the fence that measures lower than four (4) feet high. Item 1867 10A NCAC 09 .0605 OUTDOOR LEARNING ENVIRONMENT IN CHILD CARE CENTERS (k) The depth of the loose surfacing material shall be based on the critical height of the equipment, which is defined as the maximum height that a child may sit, or stand, as follows: (1) equipment with a critical height of 5 feet or less shall have 6 inches of loose surface materials; (2) equipment with a critical height of more than 5 feet, but less than 7 feet, shall have 6 inches of loose surfacing material, except for sand; (3) equipment with a critical height of 7 feet to 10 feet shall have 9 inches of any of the loose surfacing material, except for sand; and (4) when sand is used as a surfacing material for equipment with a critical height of more than 5 feet, 12 inches shall be required. Note: Mulch under swings was dug out and did not measure 6 inches deep. Corrective Action Plan: Child Care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. The violation(s) documented must be corrected immediately. I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail, how and when the violations were corrected. Please be aware any information submitted by you is legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. The violations documented above must be corrected immediately. Send me a letter of compliance describing in detail specifically how each violation was corrected and how compliance will be maintained in the future. Include the following: • Facility name • Facility ID# • Date of visit • Violation item number • Statement of compliance I must receive your compliance statement by February 9, 2024. Email the compliance letter on signed letterhead or in the email identifying your facility name, ID#, name and position to: lee.marshall@dhhs.nc.gov or you can mail to: Department of Health and Human Services Division of Child Development and Early Education Attn: Georgia Lee Marshall PO Box 253 Zionville, NC 28698 Please call me at 828-434-0236, or email lee.marshall@dhhs.nc.gov, if you need assistance. Please note: if mailing the letter of compliance, I must receive by the due date listed above. You will need to mail a compliance statement three to five days prior to the due date to ensure receipt within the designated timeline. Failure to correct the violations and send the written statement by the due date listed above may result in an unannounced follow-up visit being conducted. Based on Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 Section .2200, the Division of Child Development may take administrative action against the license and/or impose civil penalties based on the failure of the operator to correct any documented violations within the established time period. Consultation is provided as follows: • Remember to fluff the mulch periodically. Children can help with this as a fun activity. • In space #3, the door leading outside sticks and is hard to open. It may be due to all the rain we have had that caused it to swell. • In spaces #2 and #4 the lock under the changing tables is extremely hard to unlock and lock. • Storage in bathrooms shall be limited to toileting and diapering supplies. • We discussed how the playgrounds are super soft and muddy, however children can go on walks and play games and such outside the fenced area since permission slips are on file. • We discussed the best way to correct the violation of the fence height. We disused the fence extenders and plastic lattice. If you have any questions or concerns regarding the Stabilization Grant, please contact Kaitlyn Marshall, Child Care Consultant, at 828-713-8192 or email kaitlyn.marshall@dhhs.nc.gov. If you elect to change and/or alter any previously approved spaces used by children as indicated on the approved indoor and outdoor floor plan, you will need to contact me within thirty (30) days prior to the change. Failure to notify a DCDEE representative may result in a violation of child care requirements. Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0304(a) states “Each operator shall schedule and obtain a fire inspection within 12 months of the center's previous fire inspection. The operator shall notify the local fire inspector when it is time for the center's annual fire inspection. The operator shall submit the original of the approved annual fire inspection report to the Division within one week of the inspection visit on the form provided by the Division.” As child care providers, you are a vital part in the prevention and intervention of child maltreatment! You may see potential indicators of maltreatment in the children under your care. Some children may even be more likely to disclose maltreatment to a child care provider than to a family member. It is required that all providers are aware of maltreatment indicators and to report any suspicions of maltreatment. Follow child care rules related to child maltreatment training: 10A NCAC 09 .1102(g) and 10A NCAC 09 .1703(a)(5) states the child care administrator, operator, and all staff members shall complete Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training within 90 days of employment. Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .2830 MAINTAINING THE STAR RATING (a)A representative of the Division may make announced or unannounced visits to facilities to assess on-going compliance with the requirements of a star rating after it has been issued. It is the center operator’s responsibility to make sure each staff person has registered for a WORKS account, submit an official transcript (if applicable) and apply for a position for evaluation. This should be completed immediately upon hiring or at the latest, by the end of the six-week orientation process. Failure to maintain the same education point level may result in a violation of the above rule reference and may result in a reduction of stars. Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .2830 (c) If employment-related changes occur at a facility that result in the operator not complying with the standards in the Section for the star rating issued, the operator shall correct the noncompliance within 120 days. If the operator does not correct the noncompliance within 120 days, the operator shall notify the Division. It is your responsibility to understand the health and safety requirements in child care rule .1102. If the program is out of compliance in accordance with health and safety requirements, Child Care Development Block Grant (CCDBG), it may affect subsidy funding. Stay updated with changes and new rule updates by visiting the DCDEE website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/.It is your responsibility to understand the rules and laws that are applicable your program. All rules/laws cannot be verbally reviewed during any licensing visit. Please ask questions if you are having difficulty and would like additional technical assistance. I welcome your questions and want to be a resource for you. We appreciate all you are doing to serve the children and families of NC. If you have questions, please contact me at lee.marshall @dhhs.nc.gov or 828.434.0236, or Bonnie Mathis, Licensing Supervisor, at bonnie.mathis@dhhs.nc.gov. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

10A NCAC 09 .2830 · Violation

Name of Operation: YANCEY COUNTY HEAD START CENTER Facility ID: 00000034 Consultant: GEORGIA MARSHALL Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 1/26/2024 Number Present: 54 Completed Date: 1/26/2024 Age: From 1 To 5 Total Minutes: 245 Time In: 09:40 AM Time Out: 01:45 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor compliance during an annual compliance visit. A computerized generated report of today’s visit was completed, reviewed with Sally Headrick, on-site administrator, during the visit. An electronic signed copy of the visit summary was electronically emailed to you. Today, Ms. McHone, the assistant director, accompanied me during the walkthrough of the facility. Ms. Headrick, center administrator, arrived during my walkthrough and was available to answer questions that I had. The indoor and outdoor areas were monitored today, including but not limited to, supervision, staff/child ratios, permit restrictions, discipline, nutrition and routine caregiving activities. An annual compliance monitoring checklist for child care centers was used to note the requirements monitored and is attached to the computerized generated visit summary for your records. The center’s compliance history was reviewed with the operator. The program’s compliance history was ninety-one percentage (91%) as of 1/26/23. The North Carolina Secretary of State website was viewed prior to today’s visit and the non-profit corporation, Intermountain Children`s Services, Inc., is current/active as of 1/26/24. This facility is a child care facility with a Head Start component. The Head Start classroom operates from 8:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Monday-Friday. Permit type – Five Star Licensed, issued July 29, 2019. Special Services/Restrictions – Daytime care only, meeting reduced ratios and enhanced space. The last annual compliance visit was conducted on 2/8/23. The last fire drill was practiced on 1/11/24. The last shelter-in-place drill was practiced on 11/19/23. The last playground inspection was documented on 1/11/24. The last fire inspection was approved on 7/17/23. The last sanitation inspection was conducted on 7/13/23 with six (6) demerits for a superior classification. The Emergency Medical Care plan was posted and current. The Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan was updated on 9/19/23. The approved curriculum for four-year-old children is Creative Curriculum-teaching Strategies Gold. There are sixty-two (62) children enrolled and fifty-four (54) present today. Six (6) children’s files were monitored. There are sixteen (16) staff, which includes the cooks and office staff. The staff and training worksheet was not complete, so a follow up visit will need to be conducted to check staff files. Upon arrival, I introduced myself to the office staff and the purpose of today’s visit. I was informed that Ms. Headrick, administrator, was away at an appointment but should be back soon. A floater stepped into classroom #3, so that Ms. McHone, assistant administrator could accompany during today’s walkthrough. In spaces #2 and #4, is the early head start children. In space #2, children were in the cozy corner sitting on their teacher’s laps, looking at books, climbing on pillows and practicing walking. In space #4, they had just gone outside where they were climbing, digging in dirt, pushing truck and enjoying the fresh air. In the other three classrooms, children were playing with materials in centers. One class was learning all about artic animals. Not only were children participating in pretend play, building with blocks and experimenting in art, some were also sweeping up rice from sensory play. Lunch today consisted of ham and cheese sandwiches on whole wheat bread, including lettuce and tomato, apple slices (cooked apples for the younger children) and milk. After lunch, children settled down for rest time. I used the Child Care Center Item Number Listing (DCDEE-0357) as a basic monitoring tool to assess compliance with all applicable child care requirements pertinent to this facility. For specific rule references, refer to Chapter 110 General Statues Child Care Facilities, Chapter nine (9) Child Care Rule (10A NCAC 09) and Section 2800 Sanitation of Child Care Center (15A NCAC 18A) for additional information. Updated copies of these rules can be located on our website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ The program does provide transportation. You stated that you do transport ages three to five (3 to 5) years old. You stated that you transport at most eighteen (18) children for pickup and delivery. There are usually two (2) busses, however one in being repaired. I monitored the one bus today. A 2017 Thomas Built bus, license plate EBA-9160. The registration was current through April 2024. The following violations were documented during today’s visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 824 Outdoor play area was not enclosed by fence with a minimum height of 4 feet. The top of the fence, less than six feet, was not free from protrusions. Both playground spaces have sections of the fence that measures lower than four (4) feet high. GS 110-91(6); .0605((i) 858 Plastic bags, materials that could be torn apart and toy parts small enough to be swallowed were accessible to children under three years of age. In space #2, a drawer contained zip lock baggies containing various items, one of which was rubber band hair ties. .0604(q) 1867 The depth of the loose surfacing was not based on critical height of the equipment. Mulch under swings was dug out and did not measure 6 inches deep. .0605(k)(1-4) Technical assistance was provided as follows: Item #0858 10A NCAC 09 .0604 SAFETY REQUIREMENTS FOR CHILD CARE CENTERS (q) Plastic bags, toys, toy parts small enough to be swallowed, and materials that can be torn apart, such as foam rubber and styrofoam, shall not be accessible to children under three years of age. However, styrofoam plates and larger pieces of foam rubber may be used for supervised art activities and styrofoam plates may be used for food service. Jump ropes and rubber bands shall not be accessible to children under five years of age without adult supervision. Balloons shall be prohibited for children of all ages. Note: In space #2, a drawer contained zip lock baggies containing various items, one of which was rubber band hair ties. Item #0824 10A NCAC 09 .0605 OUTDOOR LEARNING ENVIRONMENT IN CHILD CARE CENTERS (i) The outdoor play area shall be protected by a fence. The height shall be a minimum of four feet and the top of the fence shall be free of protrusions. The requirement disallowing protrusions on the tops of fences shall not apply to fences six feet high or above. The fencing shall exclude fixed bodies of water such as ditches, quarries, canals, excavations, and fish ponds. Gates to the fenced outdoor play area shall remain closed while children occupy the area. Note: Both playground spaces have sections of the fence that measures lower than four (4) feet high. Item 1867 10A NCAC 09 .0605 OUTDOOR LEARNING ENVIRONMENT IN CHILD CARE CENTERS (k) The depth of the loose surfacing material shall be based on the critical height of the equipment, which is defined as the maximum height that a child may sit, or stand, as follows: (1) equipment with a critical height of 5 feet or less shall have 6 inches of loose surface materials; (2) equipment with a critical height of more than 5 feet, but less than 7 feet, shall have 6 inches of loose surfacing material, except for sand; (3) equipment with a critical height of 7 feet to 10 feet shall have 9 inches of any of the loose surfacing material, except for sand; and (4) when sand is used as a surfacing material for equipment with a critical height of more than 5 feet, 12 inches shall be required. Note: Mulch under swings was dug out and did not measure 6 inches deep. Corrective Action Plan: Child Care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. The violation(s) documented must be corrected immediately. I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail, how and when the violations were corrected. Please be aware any information submitted by you is legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. The violations documented above must be corrected immediately. Send me a letter of compliance describing in detail specifically how each violation was corrected and how compliance will be maintained in the future. Include the following: • Facility name • Facility ID# • Date of visit • Violation item number • Statement of compliance I must receive your compliance statement by February 9, 2024. Email the compliance letter on signed letterhead or in the email identifying your facility name, ID#, name and position to: lee.marshall@dhhs.nc.gov or you can mail to: Department of Health and Human Services Division of Child Development and Early Education Attn: Georgia Lee Marshall PO Box 253 Zionville, NC 28698 Please call me at 828-434-0236, or email lee.marshall@dhhs.nc.gov, if you need assistance. Please note: if mailing the letter of compliance, I must receive by the due date listed above. You will need to mail a compliance statement three to five days prior to the due date to ensure receipt within the designated timeline. Failure to correct the violations and send the written statement by the due date listed above may result in an unannounced follow-up visit being conducted. Based on Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 Section .2200, the Division of Child Development may take administrative action against the license and/or impose civil penalties based on the failure of the operator to correct any documented violations within the established time period. Consultation is provided as follows: • Remember to fluff the mulch periodically. Children can help with this as a fun activity. • In space #3, the door leading outside sticks and is hard to open. It may be due to all the rain we have had that caused it to swell. • In spaces #2 and #4 the lock under the changing tables is extremely hard to unlock and lock. • Storage in bathrooms shall be limited to toileting and diapering supplies. • We discussed how the playgrounds are super soft and muddy, however children can go on walks and play games and such outside the fenced area since permission slips are on file. • We discussed the best way to correct the violation of the fence height. We disused the fence extenders and plastic lattice. If you have any questions or concerns regarding the Stabilization Grant, please contact Kaitlyn Marshall, Child Care Consultant, at 828-713-8192 or email kaitlyn.marshall@dhhs.nc.gov. If you elect to change and/or alter any previously approved spaces used by children as indicated on the approved indoor and outdoor floor plan, you will need to contact me within thirty (30) days prior to the change. Failure to notify a DCDEE representative may result in a violation of child care requirements. Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0304(a) states “Each operator shall schedule and obtain a fire inspection within 12 months of the center's previous fire inspection. The operator shall notify the local fire inspector when it is time for the center's annual fire inspection. The operator shall submit the original of the approved annual fire inspection report to the Division within one week of the inspection visit on the form provided by the Division.” As child care providers, you are a vital part in the prevention and intervention of child maltreatment! You may see potential indicators of maltreatment in the children under your care. Some children may even be more likely to disclose maltreatment to a child care provider than to a family member. It is required that all providers are aware of maltreatment indicators and to report any suspicions of maltreatment. Follow child care rules related to child maltreatment training: 10A NCAC 09 .1102(g) and 10A NCAC 09 .1703(a)(5) states the child care administrator, operator, and all staff members shall complete Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training within 90 days of employment. Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .2830 MAINTAINING THE STAR RATING (a)A representative of the Division may make announced or unannounced visits to facilities to assess on-going compliance with the requirements of a star rating after it has been issued. It is the center operator’s responsibility to make sure each staff person has registered for a WORKS account, submit an official transcript (if applicable) and apply for a position for evaluation. This should be completed immediately upon hiring or at the latest, by the end of the six-week orientation process. Failure to maintain the same education point level may result in a violation of the above rule reference and may result in a reduction of stars. Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .2830 (c) If employment-related changes occur at a facility that result in the operator not complying with the standards in the Section for the star rating issued, the operator shall correct the noncompliance within 120 days. If the operator does not correct the noncompliance within 120 days, the operator shall notify the Division. It is your responsibility to understand the health and safety requirements in child care rule .1102. If the program is out of compliance in accordance with health and safety requirements, Child Care Development Block Grant (CCDBG), it may affect subsidy funding. Stay updated with changes and new rule updates by visiting the DCDEE website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/.It is your responsibility to understand the rules and laws that are applicable your program. All rules/laws cannot be verbally reviewed during any licensing visit. Please ask questions if you are having difficulty and would like additional technical assistance. I welcome your questions and want to be a resource for you. We appreciate all you are doing to serve the children and families of NC. If you have questions, please contact me at lee.marshall @dhhs.nc.gov or 828.434.0236, or Bonnie Mathis, Licensing Supervisor, at bonnie.mathis@dhhs.nc.gov. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

GS 110-91 · Violation

Name of Operation: YANCEY COUNTY HEAD START CENTER Facility ID: 00000034 Consultant: GEORGIA MARSHALL Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 1/26/2024 Number Present: 54 Completed Date: 1/26/2024 Age: From 1 To 5 Total Minutes: 245 Time In: 09:40 AM Time Out: 01:45 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor compliance during an annual compliance visit. A computerized generated report of today’s visit was completed, reviewed with Sally Headrick, on-site administrator, during the visit. An electronic signed copy of the visit summary was electronically emailed to you. Today, Ms. McHone, the assistant director, accompanied me during the walkthrough of the facility. Ms. Headrick, center administrator, arrived during my walkthrough and was available to answer questions that I had. The indoor and outdoor areas were monitored today, including but not limited to, supervision, staff/child ratios, permit restrictions, discipline, nutrition and routine caregiving activities. An annual compliance monitoring checklist for child care centers was used to note the requirements monitored and is attached to the computerized generated visit summary for your records. The center’s compliance history was reviewed with the operator. The program’s compliance history was ninety-one percentage (91%) as of 1/26/23. The North Carolina Secretary of State website was viewed prior to today’s visit and the non-profit corporation, Intermountain Children`s Services, Inc., is current/active as of 1/26/24. This facility is a child care facility with a Head Start component. The Head Start classroom operates from 8:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Monday-Friday. Permit type – Five Star Licensed, issued July 29, 2019. Special Services/Restrictions – Daytime care only, meeting reduced ratios and enhanced space. The last annual compliance visit was conducted on 2/8/23. The last fire drill was practiced on 1/11/24. The last shelter-in-place drill was practiced on 11/19/23. The last playground inspection was documented on 1/11/24. The last fire inspection was approved on 7/17/23. The last sanitation inspection was conducted on 7/13/23 with six (6) demerits for a superior classification. The Emergency Medical Care plan was posted and current. The Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan was updated on 9/19/23. The approved curriculum for four-year-old children is Creative Curriculum-teaching Strategies Gold. There are sixty-two (62) children enrolled and fifty-four (54) present today. Six (6) children’s files were monitored. There are sixteen (16) staff, which includes the cooks and office staff. The staff and training worksheet was not complete, so a follow up visit will need to be conducted to check staff files. Upon arrival, I introduced myself to the office staff and the purpose of today’s visit. I was informed that Ms. Headrick, administrator, was away at an appointment but should be back soon. A floater stepped into classroom #3, so that Ms. McHone, assistant administrator could accompany during today’s walkthrough. In spaces #2 and #4, is the early head start children. In space #2, children were in the cozy corner sitting on their teacher’s laps, looking at books, climbing on pillows and practicing walking. In space #4, they had just gone outside where they were climbing, digging in dirt, pushing truck and enjoying the fresh air. In the other three classrooms, children were playing with materials in centers. One class was learning all about artic animals. Not only were children participating in pretend play, building with blocks and experimenting in art, some were also sweeping up rice from sensory play. Lunch today consisted of ham and cheese sandwiches on whole wheat bread, including lettuce and tomato, apple slices (cooked apples for the younger children) and milk. After lunch, children settled down for rest time. I used the Child Care Center Item Number Listing (DCDEE-0357) as a basic monitoring tool to assess compliance with all applicable child care requirements pertinent to this facility. For specific rule references, refer to Chapter 110 General Statues Child Care Facilities, Chapter nine (9) Child Care Rule (10A NCAC 09) and Section 2800 Sanitation of Child Care Center (15A NCAC 18A) for additional information. Updated copies of these rules can be located on our website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ The program does provide transportation. You stated that you do transport ages three to five (3 to 5) years old. You stated that you transport at most eighteen (18) children for pickup and delivery. There are usually two (2) busses, however one in being repaired. I monitored the one bus today. A 2017 Thomas Built bus, license plate EBA-9160. The registration was current through April 2024. The following violations were documented during today’s visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 824 Outdoor play area was not enclosed by fence with a minimum height of 4 feet. The top of the fence, less than six feet, was not free from protrusions. Both playground spaces have sections of the fence that measures lower than four (4) feet high. GS 110-91(6); .0605((i) 858 Plastic bags, materials that could be torn apart and toy parts small enough to be swallowed were accessible to children under three years of age. In space #2, a drawer contained zip lock baggies containing various items, one of which was rubber band hair ties. .0604(q) 1867 The depth of the loose surfacing was not based on critical height of the equipment. Mulch under swings was dug out and did not measure 6 inches deep. .0605(k)(1-4) Technical assistance was provided as follows: Item #0858 10A NCAC 09 .0604 SAFETY REQUIREMENTS FOR CHILD CARE CENTERS (q) Plastic bags, toys, toy parts small enough to be swallowed, and materials that can be torn apart, such as foam rubber and styrofoam, shall not be accessible to children under three years of age. However, styrofoam plates and larger pieces of foam rubber may be used for supervised art activities and styrofoam plates may be used for food service. Jump ropes and rubber bands shall not be accessible to children under five years of age without adult supervision. Balloons shall be prohibited for children of all ages. Note: In space #2, a drawer contained zip lock baggies containing various items, one of which was rubber band hair ties. Item #0824 10A NCAC 09 .0605 OUTDOOR LEARNING ENVIRONMENT IN CHILD CARE CENTERS (i) The outdoor play area shall be protected by a fence. The height shall be a minimum of four feet and the top of the fence shall be free of protrusions. The requirement disallowing protrusions on the tops of fences shall not apply to fences six feet high or above. The fencing shall exclude fixed bodies of water such as ditches, quarries, canals, excavations, and fish ponds. Gates to the fenced outdoor play area shall remain closed while children occupy the area. Note: Both playground spaces have sections of the fence that measures lower than four (4) feet high. Item 1867 10A NCAC 09 .0605 OUTDOOR LEARNING ENVIRONMENT IN CHILD CARE CENTERS (k) The depth of the loose surfacing material shall be based on the critical height of the equipment, which is defined as the maximum height that a child may sit, or stand, as follows: (1) equipment with a critical height of 5 feet or less shall have 6 inches of loose surface materials; (2) equipment with a critical height of more than 5 feet, but less than 7 feet, shall have 6 inches of loose surfacing material, except for sand; (3) equipment with a critical height of 7 feet to 10 feet shall have 9 inches of any of the loose surfacing material, except for sand; and (4) when sand is used as a surfacing material for equipment with a critical height of more than 5 feet, 12 inches shall be required. Note: Mulch under swings was dug out and did not measure 6 inches deep. Corrective Action Plan: Child Care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. The violation(s) documented must be corrected immediately. I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail, how and when the violations were corrected. Please be aware any information submitted by you is legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. The violations documented above must be corrected immediately. Send me a letter of compliance describing in detail specifically how each violation was corrected and how compliance will be maintained in the future. Include the following: • Facility name • Facility ID# • Date of visit • Violation item number • Statement of compliance I must receive your compliance statement by February 9, 2024. Email the compliance letter on signed letterhead or in the email identifying your facility name, ID#, name and position to: lee.marshall@dhhs.nc.gov or you can mail to: Department of Health and Human Services Division of Child Development and Early Education Attn: Georgia Lee Marshall PO Box 253 Zionville, NC 28698 Please call me at 828-434-0236, or email lee.marshall@dhhs.nc.gov, if you need assistance. Please note: if mailing the letter of compliance, I must receive by the due date listed above. You will need to mail a compliance statement three to five days prior to the due date to ensure receipt within the designated timeline. Failure to correct the violations and send the written statement by the due date listed above may result in an unannounced follow-up visit being conducted. Based on Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 Section .2200, the Division of Child Development may take administrative action against the license and/or impose civil penalties based on the failure of the operator to correct any documented violations within the established time period. Consultation is provided as follows: • Remember to fluff the mulch periodically. Children can help with this as a fun activity. • In space #3, the door leading outside sticks and is hard to open. It may be due to all the rain we have had that caused it to swell. • In spaces #2 and #4 the lock under the changing tables is extremely hard to unlock and lock. • Storage in bathrooms shall be limited to toileting and diapering supplies. • We discussed how the playgrounds are super soft and muddy, however children can go on walks and play games and such outside the fenced area since permission slips are on file. • We discussed the best way to correct the violation of the fence height. We disused the fence extenders and plastic lattice. If you have any questions or concerns regarding the Stabilization Grant, please contact Kaitlyn Marshall, Child Care Consultant, at 828-713-8192 or email kaitlyn.marshall@dhhs.nc.gov. If you elect to change and/or alter any previously approved spaces used by children as indicated on the approved indoor and outdoor floor plan, you will need to contact me within thirty (30) days prior to the change. Failure to notify a DCDEE representative may result in a violation of child care requirements. Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0304(a) states “Each operator shall schedule and obtain a fire inspection within 12 months of the center's previous fire inspection. The operator shall notify the local fire inspector when it is time for the center's annual fire inspection. The operator shall submit the original of the approved annual fire inspection report to the Division within one week of the inspection visit on the form provided by the Division.” As child care providers, you are a vital part in the prevention and intervention of child maltreatment! You may see potential indicators of maltreatment in the children under your care. Some children may even be more likely to disclose maltreatment to a child care provider than to a family member. It is required that all providers are aware of maltreatment indicators and to report any suspicions of maltreatment. Follow child care rules related to child maltreatment training: 10A NCAC 09 .1102(g) and 10A NCAC 09 .1703(a)(5) states the child care administrator, operator, and all staff members shall complete Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training within 90 days of employment. Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .2830 MAINTAINING THE STAR RATING (a)A representative of the Division may make announced or unannounced visits to facilities to assess on-going compliance with the requirements of a star rating after it has been issued. It is the center operator’s responsibility to make sure each staff person has registered for a WORKS account, submit an official transcript (if applicable) and apply for a position for evaluation. This should be completed immediately upon hiring or at the latest, by the end of the six-week orientation process. Failure to maintain the same education point level may result in a violation of the above rule reference and may result in a reduction of stars. Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .2830 (c) If employment-related changes occur at a facility that result in the operator not complying with the standards in the Section for the star rating issued, the operator shall correct the noncompliance within 120 days. If the operator does not correct the noncompliance within 120 days, the operator shall notify the Division. It is your responsibility to understand the health and safety requirements in child care rule .1102. If the program is out of compliance in accordance with health and safety requirements, Child Care Development Block Grant (CCDBG), it may affect subsidy funding. Stay updated with changes and new rule updates by visiting the DCDEE website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/.It is your responsibility to understand the rules and laws that are applicable your program. All rules/laws cannot be verbally reviewed during any licensing visit. Please ask questions if you are having difficulty and would like additional technical assistance. I welcome your questions and want to be a resource for you. We appreciate all you are doing to serve the children and families of NC. If you have questions, please contact me at lee.marshall @dhhs.nc.gov or 828.434.0236, or Bonnie Mathis, Licensing Supervisor, at bonnie.mathis@dhhs.nc.gov. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

NC GS 110-90 · Violation

Name of Operation: YANCEY COUNTY HEAD START CENTER Facility ID: 00000034 Consultant: GEORGIA MARSHALL Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 1/26/2024 Number Present: 54 Completed Date: 1/26/2024 Age: From 1 To 5 Total Minutes: 245 Time In: 09:40 AM Time Out: 01:45 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor compliance during an annual compliance visit. A computerized generated report of today’s visit was completed, reviewed with Sally Headrick, on-site administrator, during the visit. An electronic signed copy of the visit summary was electronically emailed to you. Today, Ms. McHone, the assistant director, accompanied me during the walkthrough of the facility. Ms. Headrick, center administrator, arrived during my walkthrough and was available to answer questions that I had. The indoor and outdoor areas were monitored today, including but not limited to, supervision, staff/child ratios, permit restrictions, discipline, nutrition and routine caregiving activities. An annual compliance monitoring checklist for child care centers was used to note the requirements monitored and is attached to the computerized generated visit summary for your records. The center’s compliance history was reviewed with the operator. The program’s compliance history was ninety-one percentage (91%) as of 1/26/23. The North Carolina Secretary of State website was viewed prior to today’s visit and the non-profit corporation, Intermountain Children`s Services, Inc., is current/active as of 1/26/24. This facility is a child care facility with a Head Start component. The Head Start classroom operates from 8:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Monday-Friday. Permit type – Five Star Licensed, issued July 29, 2019. Special Services/Restrictions – Daytime care only, meeting reduced ratios and enhanced space. The last annual compliance visit was conducted on 2/8/23. The last fire drill was practiced on 1/11/24. The last shelter-in-place drill was practiced on 11/19/23. The last playground inspection was documented on 1/11/24. The last fire inspection was approved on 7/17/23. The last sanitation inspection was conducted on 7/13/23 with six (6) demerits for a superior classification. The Emergency Medical Care plan was posted and current. The Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan was updated on 9/19/23. The approved curriculum for four-year-old children is Creative Curriculum-teaching Strategies Gold. There are sixty-two (62) children enrolled and fifty-four (54) present today. Six (6) children’s files were monitored. There are sixteen (16) staff, which includes the cooks and office staff. The staff and training worksheet was not complete, so a follow up visit will need to be conducted to check staff files. Upon arrival, I introduced myself to the office staff and the purpose of today’s visit. I was informed that Ms. Headrick, administrator, was away at an appointment but should be back soon. A floater stepped into classroom #3, so that Ms. McHone, assistant administrator could accompany during today’s walkthrough. In spaces #2 and #4, is the early head start children. In space #2, children were in the cozy corner sitting on their teacher’s laps, looking at books, climbing on pillows and practicing walking. In space #4, they had just gone outside where they were climbing, digging in dirt, pushing truck and enjoying the fresh air. In the other three classrooms, children were playing with materials in centers. One class was learning all about artic animals. Not only were children participating in pretend play, building with blocks and experimenting in art, some were also sweeping up rice from sensory play. Lunch today consisted of ham and cheese sandwiches on whole wheat bread, including lettuce and tomato, apple slices (cooked apples for the younger children) and milk. After lunch, children settled down for rest time. I used the Child Care Center Item Number Listing (DCDEE-0357) as a basic monitoring tool to assess compliance with all applicable child care requirements pertinent to this facility. For specific rule references, refer to Chapter 110 General Statues Child Care Facilities, Chapter nine (9) Child Care Rule (10A NCAC 09) and Section 2800 Sanitation of Child Care Center (15A NCAC 18A) for additional information. Updated copies of these rules can be located on our website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ The program does provide transportation. You stated that you do transport ages three to five (3 to 5) years old. You stated that you transport at most eighteen (18) children for pickup and delivery. There are usually two (2) busses, however one in being repaired. I monitored the one bus today. A 2017 Thomas Built bus, license plate EBA-9160. The registration was current through April 2024. The following violations were documented during today’s visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 824 Outdoor play area was not enclosed by fence with a minimum height of 4 feet. The top of the fence, less than six feet, was not free from protrusions. Both playground spaces have sections of the fence that measures lower than four (4) feet high. GS 110-91(6); .0605((i) 858 Plastic bags, materials that could be torn apart and toy parts small enough to be swallowed were accessible to children under three years of age. In space #2, a drawer contained zip lock baggies containing various items, one of which was rubber band hair ties. .0604(q) 1867 The depth of the loose surfacing was not based on critical height of the equipment. Mulch under swings was dug out and did not measure 6 inches deep. .0605(k)(1-4) Technical assistance was provided as follows: Item #0858 10A NCAC 09 .0604 SAFETY REQUIREMENTS FOR CHILD CARE CENTERS (q) Plastic bags, toys, toy parts small enough to be swallowed, and materials that can be torn apart, such as foam rubber and styrofoam, shall not be accessible to children under three years of age. However, styrofoam plates and larger pieces of foam rubber may be used for supervised art activities and styrofoam plates may be used for food service. Jump ropes and rubber bands shall not be accessible to children under five years of age without adult supervision. Balloons shall be prohibited for children of all ages. Note: In space #2, a drawer contained zip lock baggies containing various items, one of which was rubber band hair ties. Item #0824 10A NCAC 09 .0605 OUTDOOR LEARNING ENVIRONMENT IN CHILD CARE CENTERS (i) The outdoor play area shall be protected by a fence. The height shall be a minimum of four feet and the top of the fence shall be free of protrusions. The requirement disallowing protrusions on the tops of fences shall not apply to fences six feet high or above. The fencing shall exclude fixed bodies of water such as ditches, quarries, canals, excavations, and fish ponds. Gates to the fenced outdoor play area shall remain closed while children occupy the area. Note: Both playground spaces have sections of the fence that measures lower than four (4) feet high. Item 1867 10A NCAC 09 .0605 OUTDOOR LEARNING ENVIRONMENT IN CHILD CARE CENTERS (k) The depth of the loose surfacing material shall be based on the critical height of the equipment, which is defined as the maximum height that a child may sit, or stand, as follows: (1) equipment with a critical height of 5 feet or less shall have 6 inches of loose surface materials; (2) equipment with a critical height of more than 5 feet, but less than 7 feet, shall have 6 inches of loose surfacing material, except for sand; (3) equipment with a critical height of 7 feet to 10 feet shall have 9 inches of any of the loose surfacing material, except for sand; and (4) when sand is used as a surfacing material for equipment with a critical height of more than 5 feet, 12 inches shall be required. Note: Mulch under swings was dug out and did not measure 6 inches deep. Corrective Action Plan: Child Care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. The violation(s) documented must be corrected immediately. I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail, how and when the violations were corrected. Please be aware any information submitted by you is legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. The violations documented above must be corrected immediately. Send me a letter of compliance describing in detail specifically how each violation was corrected and how compliance will be maintained in the future. Include the following: • Facility name • Facility ID# • Date of visit • Violation item number • Statement of compliance I must receive your compliance statement by February 9, 2024. Email the compliance letter on signed letterhead or in the email identifying your facility name, ID#, name and position to: lee.marshall@dhhs.nc.gov or you can mail to: Department of Health and Human Services Division of Child Development and Early Education Attn: Georgia Lee Marshall PO Box 253 Zionville, NC 28698 Please call me at 828-434-0236, or email lee.marshall@dhhs.nc.gov, if you need assistance. Please note: if mailing the letter of compliance, I must receive by the due date listed above. You will need to mail a compliance statement three to five days prior to the due date to ensure receipt within the designated timeline. Failure to correct the violations and send the written statement by the due date listed above may result in an unannounced follow-up visit being conducted. Based on Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 Section .2200, the Division of Child Development may take administrative action against the license and/or impose civil penalties based on the failure of the operator to correct any documented violations within the established time period. Consultation is provided as follows: • Remember to fluff the mulch periodically. Children can help with this as a fun activity. • In space #3, the door leading outside sticks and is hard to open. It may be due to all the rain we have had that caused it to swell. • In spaces #2 and #4 the lock under the changing tables is extremely hard to unlock and lock. • Storage in bathrooms shall be limited to toileting and diapering supplies. • We discussed how the playgrounds are super soft and muddy, however children can go on walks and play games and such outside the fenced area since permission slips are on file. • We discussed the best way to correct the violation of the fence height. We disused the fence extenders and plastic lattice. If you have any questions or concerns regarding the Stabilization Grant, please contact Kaitlyn Marshall, Child Care Consultant, at 828-713-8192 or email kaitlyn.marshall@dhhs.nc.gov. If you elect to change and/or alter any previously approved spaces used by children as indicated on the approved indoor and outdoor floor plan, you will need to contact me within thirty (30) days prior to the change. Failure to notify a DCDEE representative may result in a violation of child care requirements. Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0304(a) states “Each operator shall schedule and obtain a fire inspection within 12 months of the center's previous fire inspection. The operator shall notify the local fire inspector when it is time for the center's annual fire inspection. The operator shall submit the original of the approved annual fire inspection report to the Division within one week of the inspection visit on the form provided by the Division.” As child care providers, you are a vital part in the prevention and intervention of child maltreatment! You may see potential indicators of maltreatment in the children under your care. Some children may even be more likely to disclose maltreatment to a child care provider than to a family member. It is required that all providers are aware of maltreatment indicators and to report any suspicions of maltreatment. Follow child care rules related to child maltreatment training: 10A NCAC 09 .1102(g) and 10A NCAC 09 .1703(a)(5) states the child care administrator, operator, and all staff members shall complete Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training within 90 days of employment. Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .2830 MAINTAINING THE STAR RATING (a)A representative of the Division may make announced or unannounced visits to facilities to assess on-going compliance with the requirements of a star rating after it has been issued. It is the center operator’s responsibility to make sure each staff person has registered for a WORKS account, submit an official transcript (if applicable) and apply for a position for evaluation. This should be completed immediately upon hiring or at the latest, by the end of the six-week orientation process. Failure to maintain the same education point level may result in a violation of the above rule reference and may result in a reduction of stars. Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .2830 (c) If employment-related changes occur at a facility that result in the operator not complying with the standards in the Section for the star rating issued, the operator shall correct the noncompliance within 120 days. If the operator does not correct the noncompliance within 120 days, the operator shall notify the Division. It is your responsibility to understand the health and safety requirements in child care rule .1102. If the program is out of compliance in accordance with health and safety requirements, Child Care Development Block Grant (CCDBG), it may affect subsidy funding. Stay updated with changes and new rule updates by visiting the DCDEE website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/.It is your responsibility to understand the rules and laws that are applicable your program. All rules/laws cannot be verbally reviewed during any licensing visit. Please ask questions if you are having difficulty and would like additional technical assistance. I welcome your questions and want to be a resource for you. We appreciate all you are doing to serve the children and families of NC. If you have questions, please contact me at lee.marshall @dhhs.nc.gov or 828.434.0236, or Bonnie Mathis, Licensing Supervisor, at bonnie.mathis@dhhs.nc.gov. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

10A NCAC 09 .0304 · Violation

Name of Operation: YANCEY COUNTY HEAD START CENTER Facility ID: 00000034 Consultant: GEORGIA MARSHALL Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 10/12/2023 Number Present: 56 Completed Date: 10/12/2023 Age: From 1 To 5 Total Minutes: 195 Time In: 10:45 AM Time Out: 02:00 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Routine Unannounced Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of this routine unannounced visit was to conduct limited compliance monitoring and offer consultation to the program. A computerized generated report of today’s visit was completed, reviewed with you, and signed by Georgia Lee Marshall, Child Care Consultant and also signed by Sally Hedrick, Administrator, during my visit. An electronic signed copy of the visit summary was electronically emailed to Ms. Hedrick. Upon my arrival I was greeted by the administrator and cook. I explained the reason for my visit today. Ms. Hedrick accompanied me for part of the classroom visits. I observed children in spaces #1, #2 and #3 inside playing with table toys, dramatic play, preparing for lunch and rest time. I observed children in spaces # 4 and #5 outside on separated playgrounds. Children were climbing, interacting with each other, swinging, dramatic play and rolling down the hill. All teacher interactions were present and positive. Lunch today was breaded chicken strips, green beans, peaches, whole wheat roll and milk. Five new teachers have been hired since their last visit in February 2023. I reviewed those files today. The following items were monitored today: Supervision Staff Child Ratios CPR First Aid Special Training Criminal Record Checks Completed Emergency Medical Care Plan Administration of Medication Storage of Hazardous Substances Storage of Medication Adequate/Approved Space General Safety Discipline Program Records License Posted Permit Restrictions The last fire drill was practiced 9/20/23 An emergency drill was conducted on 9/19/23. The last fire inspection was 7/17/23. The last sanitation inspection was completed on 7/13/23 with six (6) demerits for a superior rating. The Emergency Medical Care Plan is posted and current. The incident log is in use and maintained. The following violations were documented during today’s visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 608 Children did not wash their hands upon arrival at the center, after each visit to the toilet, before eating, before and after water activity play, after outside play, and after handling animals or animal cages. Children in space #5 did not was their hands when they came in from outside. 15A NCAC 18A .2803(c) Technical assistance: Item #.0608 15A NCAC 18A .2803 HANDWASHING (c) Child care center employees shall ensure that children wash their hands as follows: (1) upon arrival at the child care center; (2) after each diaper change or visit to the toilet; (3) before eating meals or snacks; (4) before and after water play; (5) after being outdoors; and (6) after handling animals or animal cages. Note: Children in space #5 did not was their hands when they came in from outside. Corrective Action Plan: All violations are required to be corrected immediately. However, if at any time you are unable to correct all violations within the specified time frame, please send a written statement regarding those violations that were corrected and include a specific plan for correction of the remaining violations. Please be aware that any written information submitted by you regarding correction of violations documented during today’s visit would be considered as legal documentation. Therefore, it is important that all information submitted be accurate and truthful. Please be aware that if it is determined that information submitted was inaccurate or willfully falsified, an Administrative Action, including Revocation of the facility’s license may be issued. The violations documented above must be corrected immediately. Send me a letter of compliance describing in detail specifically how each violation was corrected and how compliance will be maintained in the future. Include the following: •Facility name •Facility ID# •Date of visit •Violation item number •Statement of compliance I must receive your compliance statement by October 26, 2023. Email the compliance letter on signed letterhead or on the email identifying your facility name, ID#, name and position to: lee.marshall@dhhs.nc.gov or you can mail to: Department of Health and Human Services Division of Child Development and Early Education Attn: Georgia Lee Marshall PO Box 253 Zionville, NC 28698 Please call me at 828.434.0236, or email lee.marshall@dhhs.nc.gov, if you need assistance. Please note: if mailing the letter of compliance, I must receive by the due date listed above. You will need to mail a compliance statement three to five days prior to the due date to ensure receipt within the designated timeline. Failure to correct the violations and send the written statement by the due date listed above may result in an unannounced follow-up visit being conducted. Based on Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 Section .2200, the Division of Child Development may take administrative action against the license and/or impose civil penalties based on the failure of the operator to correct any documented violations within the established time period. Falsification of any information may result in a revocation of your license. You must maintain at least 75% Compliance History for each 18-month period as required by G.S. 110-90(4) (c). Please note any violations cited today and during future visits will negatively impact your compliance history. Repeated violations or violations left unresolved may lead to an administrative action. If you have any questions or concerns regarding the Stabilization Grant, please contact Kaitlyn Marshall, Child Care Consultant, at 828.713.8192 or email kaitlyn.marshall@dhhs.nc.gov. If you elect to change and/or alter any previously approved spaces used by children as indicated on the approved indoor and outdoor floor plan, you will need to contact me within thirty (30) days prior to the change. Failure to notify me, may result in a violation of child care requirements. Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0304(a) states “Each operator shall schedule and obtain a fire inspection within 12 months of the center's previous fire inspection. The operator shall notify the local fire inspector when it is time for the center's annual fire inspection. The operator shall submit the original of the approved annual fire inspection report to the Division within one week of the inspection visit on the form provided by the Division.” As child care providers, you are a vital part in the prevention and intervention of child maltreatment! You may see potential indicators of maltreatment in the children under your care. Some children may even be more likely to disclose maltreatment to a child care provider than to a family member. It is required that all providers are aware of maltreatment indicators and to report any suspicions of maltreatment. Follow child care rules related to child maltreatment training: 10A NCAC 09 .1102(g) and 10A NCAC 09 .1703(a)(5) states the child care administrator, operator, and all staff members shall complete Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training within 90 days of employment. Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .2830 MAINTAINING THE STAR RATING (a)A representative of the Division may make announced or unannounced visits to facilities to assess on-going compliance with the requirements of a star rating after it has been issued. It is the center operator’s responsibility to make sure each staff person has registered for a WORKS account, submit an official transcript (if applicable) and apply for a position for evaluation. This should be completed immediately upon hiring or at the latest, by the end of the six-week orientation process. Failure to maintain the same education point level may result in a violation of the above rule reference and may result in a reduction of stars. Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .2830 (c) If employment-related changes occur at a facility that result in the operator not complying with the standards in the Section for the star rating issued, the operator shall correct the noncompliance within 120 days. If the operator does not correct the noncompliance within 120 days, the operator shall notify the Division. Consultation: • We discussed that the teachers might want to wait to put out cots until after lunch, (the older children can help or do it themselves). When cots are put out children come in from outside and step on the cots and get them dirty. • Make sure that activity plans are posted where parents can see them. In space #5, the activity plan was on a clipboard and turned face down on the wall. • Assure that all children wash their hands at all the times that are required. • Assure that teachers wash their hands as well. Putting on gloves, doesn’t take the place of handwashing. • Assure that all teachers are added to the staff and training worksheet. It is your responsibility to understand the health and safety requirements in child care rule .1102. If the program is out of compliance in accordance with health and safety requirements, Child Care Development Block Grant (CCDBG), it may affect subsidy funding. Stay updated with changes and new rule updates by visiting the DCDEE website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/.It is your responsibility to understand the rules and laws that are applicable your program. All rules/laws cannot be verbally reviewed during any licensing visit. Please ask questions if you are having difficulty and would like additional technical assistance. I welcome your questions and want to be a resource for you. Please continue to visit DCDEE’s website to get the latest COVID-19 information for child care at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/. We appreciate all you are doing to serve the children and families of NC. If you have questions, please contact me at lee.marshall@dhhs.nc.gov or 828.434.0236, or Bonnie Mathis, Licensing Supervisor, at bonnie.mathis@dhhs.nc.gov. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

Open Not marked corrected in the state record

Category: supervision. Open / not marked corrected.

10A NCAC 09 .1102 · Violation

Name of Operation: YANCEY COUNTY HEAD START CENTER Facility ID: 00000034 Consultant: GEORGIA MARSHALL Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 10/12/2023 Number Present: 56 Completed Date: 10/12/2023 Age: From 1 To 5 Total Minutes: 195 Time In: 10:45 AM Time Out: 02:00 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Routine Unannounced Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of this routine unannounced visit was to conduct limited compliance monitoring and offer consultation to the program. A computerized generated report of today’s visit was completed, reviewed with you, and signed by Georgia Lee Marshall, Child Care Consultant and also signed by Sally Hedrick, Administrator, during my visit. An electronic signed copy of the visit summary was electronically emailed to Ms. Hedrick. Upon my arrival I was greeted by the administrator and cook. I explained the reason for my visit today. Ms. Hedrick accompanied me for part of the classroom visits. I observed children in spaces #1, #2 and #3 inside playing with table toys, dramatic play, preparing for lunch and rest time. I observed children in spaces # 4 and #5 outside on separated playgrounds. Children were climbing, interacting with each other, swinging, dramatic play and rolling down the hill. All teacher interactions were present and positive. Lunch today was breaded chicken strips, green beans, peaches, whole wheat roll and milk. Five new teachers have been hired since their last visit in February 2023. I reviewed those files today. The following items were monitored today: Supervision Staff Child Ratios CPR First Aid Special Training Criminal Record Checks Completed Emergency Medical Care Plan Administration of Medication Storage of Hazardous Substances Storage of Medication Adequate/Approved Space General Safety Discipline Program Records License Posted Permit Restrictions The last fire drill was practiced 9/20/23 An emergency drill was conducted on 9/19/23. The last fire inspection was 7/17/23. The last sanitation inspection was completed on 7/13/23 with six (6) demerits for a superior rating. The Emergency Medical Care Plan is posted and current. The incident log is in use and maintained. The following violations were documented during today’s visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 608 Children did not wash their hands upon arrival at the center, after each visit to the toilet, before eating, before and after water activity play, after outside play, and after handling animals or animal cages. Children in space #5 did not was their hands when they came in from outside. 15A NCAC 18A .2803(c) Technical assistance: Item #.0608 15A NCAC 18A .2803 HANDWASHING (c) Child care center employees shall ensure that children wash their hands as follows: (1) upon arrival at the child care center; (2) after each diaper change or visit to the toilet; (3) before eating meals or snacks; (4) before and after water play; (5) after being outdoors; and (6) after handling animals or animal cages. Note: Children in space #5 did not was their hands when they came in from outside. Corrective Action Plan: All violations are required to be corrected immediately. However, if at any time you are unable to correct all violations within the specified time frame, please send a written statement regarding those violations that were corrected and include a specific plan for correction of the remaining violations. Please be aware that any written information submitted by you regarding correction of violations documented during today’s visit would be considered as legal documentation. Therefore, it is important that all information submitted be accurate and truthful. Please be aware that if it is determined that information submitted was inaccurate or willfully falsified, an Administrative Action, including Revocation of the facility’s license may be issued. The violations documented above must be corrected immediately. Send me a letter of compliance describing in detail specifically how each violation was corrected and how compliance will be maintained in the future. Include the following: •Facility name •Facility ID# •Date of visit •Violation item number •Statement of compliance I must receive your compliance statement by October 26, 2023. Email the compliance letter on signed letterhead or on the email identifying your facility name, ID#, name and position to: lee.marshall@dhhs.nc.gov or you can mail to: Department of Health and Human Services Division of Child Development and Early Education Attn: Georgia Lee Marshall PO Box 253 Zionville, NC 28698 Please call me at 828.434.0236, or email lee.marshall@dhhs.nc.gov, if you need assistance. Please note: if mailing the letter of compliance, I must receive by the due date listed above. You will need to mail a compliance statement three to five days prior to the due date to ensure receipt within the designated timeline. Failure to correct the violations and send the written statement by the due date listed above may result in an unannounced follow-up visit being conducted. Based on Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 Section .2200, the Division of Child Development may take administrative action against the license and/or impose civil penalties based on the failure of the operator to correct any documented violations within the established time period. Falsification of any information may result in a revocation of your license. You must maintain at least 75% Compliance History for each 18-month period as required by G.S. 110-90(4) (c). Please note any violations cited today and during future visits will negatively impact your compliance history. Repeated violations or violations left unresolved may lead to an administrative action. If you have any questions or concerns regarding the Stabilization Grant, please contact Kaitlyn Marshall, Child Care Consultant, at 828.713.8192 or email kaitlyn.marshall@dhhs.nc.gov. If you elect to change and/or alter any previously approved spaces used by children as indicated on the approved indoor and outdoor floor plan, you will need to contact me within thirty (30) days prior to the change. Failure to notify me, may result in a violation of child care requirements. Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0304(a) states “Each operator shall schedule and obtain a fire inspection within 12 months of the center's previous fire inspection. The operator shall notify the local fire inspector when it is time for the center's annual fire inspection. The operator shall submit the original of the approved annual fire inspection report to the Division within one week of the inspection visit on the form provided by the Division.” As child care providers, you are a vital part in the prevention and intervention of child maltreatment! You may see potential indicators of maltreatment in the children under your care. Some children may even be more likely to disclose maltreatment to a child care provider than to a family member. It is required that all providers are aware of maltreatment indicators and to report any suspicions of maltreatment. Follow child care rules related to child maltreatment training: 10A NCAC 09 .1102(g) and 10A NCAC 09 .1703(a)(5) states the child care administrator, operator, and all staff members shall complete Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training within 90 days of employment. Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .2830 MAINTAINING THE STAR RATING (a)A representative of the Division may make announced or unannounced visits to facilities to assess on-going compliance with the requirements of a star rating after it has been issued. It is the center operator’s responsibility to make sure each staff person has registered for a WORKS account, submit an official transcript (if applicable) and apply for a position for evaluation. This should be completed immediately upon hiring or at the latest, by the end of the six-week orientation process. Failure to maintain the same education point level may result in a violation of the above rule reference and may result in a reduction of stars. Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .2830 (c) If employment-related changes occur at a facility that result in the operator not complying with the standards in the Section for the star rating issued, the operator shall correct the noncompliance within 120 days. If the operator does not correct the noncompliance within 120 days, the operator shall notify the Division. Consultation: • We discussed that the teachers might want to wait to put out cots until after lunch, (the older children can help or do it themselves). When cots are put out children come in from outside and step on the cots and get them dirty. • Make sure that activity plans are posted where parents can see them. In space #5, the activity plan was on a clipboard and turned face down on the wall. • Assure that all children wash their hands at all the times that are required. • Assure that teachers wash their hands as well. Putting on gloves, doesn’t take the place of handwashing. • Assure that all teachers are added to the staff and training worksheet. It is your responsibility to understand the health and safety requirements in child care rule .1102. If the program is out of compliance in accordance with health and safety requirements, Child Care Development Block Grant (CCDBG), it may affect subsidy funding. Stay updated with changes and new rule updates by visiting the DCDEE website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/.It is your responsibility to understand the rules and laws that are applicable your program. All rules/laws cannot be verbally reviewed during any licensing visit. Please ask questions if you are having difficulty and would like additional technical assistance. I welcome your questions and want to be a resource for you. Please continue to visit DCDEE’s website to get the latest COVID-19 information for child care at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/. We appreciate all you are doing to serve the children and families of NC. If you have questions, please contact me at lee.marshall@dhhs.nc.gov or 828.434.0236, or Bonnie Mathis, Licensing Supervisor, at bonnie.mathis@dhhs.nc.gov. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

10A NCAC 09 .1703 · Violation

Name of Operation: YANCEY COUNTY HEAD START CENTER Facility ID: 00000034 Consultant: GEORGIA MARSHALL Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 10/12/2023 Number Present: 56 Completed Date: 10/12/2023 Age: From 1 To 5 Total Minutes: 195 Time In: 10:45 AM Time Out: 02:00 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Routine Unannounced Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of this routine unannounced visit was to conduct limited compliance monitoring and offer consultation to the program. A computerized generated report of today’s visit was completed, reviewed with you, and signed by Georgia Lee Marshall, Child Care Consultant and also signed by Sally Hedrick, Administrator, during my visit. An electronic signed copy of the visit summary was electronically emailed to Ms. Hedrick. Upon my arrival I was greeted by the administrator and cook. I explained the reason for my visit today. Ms. Hedrick accompanied me for part of the classroom visits. I observed children in spaces #1, #2 and #3 inside playing with table toys, dramatic play, preparing for lunch and rest time. I observed children in spaces # 4 and #5 outside on separated playgrounds. Children were climbing, interacting with each other, swinging, dramatic play and rolling down the hill. All teacher interactions were present and positive. Lunch today was breaded chicken strips, green beans, peaches, whole wheat roll and milk. Five new teachers have been hired since their last visit in February 2023. I reviewed those files today. The following items were monitored today: Supervision Staff Child Ratios CPR First Aid Special Training Criminal Record Checks Completed Emergency Medical Care Plan Administration of Medication Storage of Hazardous Substances Storage of Medication Adequate/Approved Space General Safety Discipline Program Records License Posted Permit Restrictions The last fire drill was practiced 9/20/23 An emergency drill was conducted on 9/19/23. The last fire inspection was 7/17/23. The last sanitation inspection was completed on 7/13/23 with six (6) demerits for a superior rating. The Emergency Medical Care Plan is posted and current. The incident log is in use and maintained. The following violations were documented during today’s visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 608 Children did not wash their hands upon arrival at the center, after each visit to the toilet, before eating, before and after water activity play, after outside play, and after handling animals or animal cages. Children in space #5 did not was their hands when they came in from outside. 15A NCAC 18A .2803(c) Technical assistance: Item #.0608 15A NCAC 18A .2803 HANDWASHING (c) Child care center employees shall ensure that children wash their hands as follows: (1) upon arrival at the child care center; (2) after each diaper change or visit to the toilet; (3) before eating meals or snacks; (4) before and after water play; (5) after being outdoors; and (6) after handling animals or animal cages. Note: Children in space #5 did not was their hands when they came in from outside. Corrective Action Plan: All violations are required to be corrected immediately. However, if at any time you are unable to correct all violations within the specified time frame, please send a written statement regarding those violations that were corrected and include a specific plan for correction of the remaining violations. Please be aware that any written information submitted by you regarding correction of violations documented during today’s visit would be considered as legal documentation. Therefore, it is important that all information submitted be accurate and truthful. Please be aware that if it is determined that information submitted was inaccurate or willfully falsified, an Administrative Action, including Revocation of the facility’s license may be issued. The violations documented above must be corrected immediately. Send me a letter of compliance describing in detail specifically how each violation was corrected and how compliance will be maintained in the future. Include the following: •Facility name •Facility ID# •Date of visit •Violation item number •Statement of compliance I must receive your compliance statement by October 26, 2023. Email the compliance letter on signed letterhead or on the email identifying your facility name, ID#, name and position to: lee.marshall@dhhs.nc.gov or you can mail to: Department of Health and Human Services Division of Child Development and Early Education Attn: Georgia Lee Marshall PO Box 253 Zionville, NC 28698 Please call me at 828.434.0236, or email lee.marshall@dhhs.nc.gov, if you need assistance. Please note: if mailing the letter of compliance, I must receive by the due date listed above. You will need to mail a compliance statement three to five days prior to the due date to ensure receipt within the designated timeline. Failure to correct the violations and send the written statement by the due date listed above may result in an unannounced follow-up visit being conducted. Based on Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 Section .2200, the Division of Child Development may take administrative action against the license and/or impose civil penalties based on the failure of the operator to correct any documented violations within the established time period. Falsification of any information may result in a revocation of your license. You must maintain at least 75% Compliance History for each 18-month period as required by G.S. 110-90(4) (c). Please note any violations cited today and during future visits will negatively impact your compliance history. Repeated violations or violations left unresolved may lead to an administrative action. If you have any questions or concerns regarding the Stabilization Grant, please contact Kaitlyn Marshall, Child Care Consultant, at 828.713.8192 or email kaitlyn.marshall@dhhs.nc.gov. If you elect to change and/or alter any previously approved spaces used by children as indicated on the approved indoor and outdoor floor plan, you will need to contact me within thirty (30) days prior to the change. Failure to notify me, may result in a violation of child care requirements. Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0304(a) states “Each operator shall schedule and obtain a fire inspection within 12 months of the center's previous fire inspection. The operator shall notify the local fire inspector when it is time for the center's annual fire inspection. The operator shall submit the original of the approved annual fire inspection report to the Division within one week of the inspection visit on the form provided by the Division.” As child care providers, you are a vital part in the prevention and intervention of child maltreatment! You may see potential indicators of maltreatment in the children under your care. Some children may even be more likely to disclose maltreatment to a child care provider than to a family member. It is required that all providers are aware of maltreatment indicators and to report any suspicions of maltreatment. Follow child care rules related to child maltreatment training: 10A NCAC 09 .1102(g) and 10A NCAC 09 .1703(a)(5) states the child care administrator, operator, and all staff members shall complete Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training within 90 days of employment. Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .2830 MAINTAINING THE STAR RATING (a)A representative of the Division may make announced or unannounced visits to facilities to assess on-going compliance with the requirements of a star rating after it has been issued. It is the center operator’s responsibility to make sure each staff person has registered for a WORKS account, submit an official transcript (if applicable) and apply for a position for evaluation. This should be completed immediately upon hiring or at the latest, by the end of the six-week orientation process. Failure to maintain the same education point level may result in a violation of the above rule reference and may result in a reduction of stars. Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .2830 (c) If employment-related changes occur at a facility that result in the operator not complying with the standards in the Section for the star rating issued, the operator shall correct the noncompliance within 120 days. If the operator does not correct the noncompliance within 120 days, the operator shall notify the Division. Consultation: • We discussed that the teachers might want to wait to put out cots until after lunch, (the older children can help or do it themselves). When cots are put out children come in from outside and step on the cots and get them dirty. • Make sure that activity plans are posted where parents can see them. In space #5, the activity plan was on a clipboard and turned face down on the wall. • Assure that all children wash their hands at all the times that are required. • Assure that teachers wash their hands as well. Putting on gloves, doesn’t take the place of handwashing. • Assure that all teachers are added to the staff and training worksheet. It is your responsibility to understand the health and safety requirements in child care rule .1102. If the program is out of compliance in accordance with health and safety requirements, Child Care Development Block Grant (CCDBG), it may affect subsidy funding. Stay updated with changes and new rule updates by visiting the DCDEE website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/.It is your responsibility to understand the rules and laws that are applicable your program. All rules/laws cannot be verbally reviewed during any licensing visit. Please ask questions if you are having difficulty and would like additional technical assistance. I welcome your questions and want to be a resource for you. Please continue to visit DCDEE’s website to get the latest COVID-19 information for child care at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/. We appreciate all you are doing to serve the children and families of NC. If you have questions, please contact me at lee.marshall@dhhs.nc.gov or 828.434.0236, or Bonnie Mathis, Licensing Supervisor, at bonnie.mathis@dhhs.nc.gov. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

10A NCAC 09 .2830 · Violation

Name of Operation: YANCEY COUNTY HEAD START CENTER Facility ID: 00000034 Consultant: GEORGIA MARSHALL Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 10/12/2023 Number Present: 56 Completed Date: 10/12/2023 Age: From 1 To 5 Total Minutes: 195 Time In: 10:45 AM Time Out: 02:00 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Routine Unannounced Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of this routine unannounced visit was to conduct limited compliance monitoring and offer consultation to the program. A computerized generated report of today’s visit was completed, reviewed with you, and signed by Georgia Lee Marshall, Child Care Consultant and also signed by Sally Hedrick, Administrator, during my visit. An electronic signed copy of the visit summary was electronically emailed to Ms. Hedrick. Upon my arrival I was greeted by the administrator and cook. I explained the reason for my visit today. Ms. Hedrick accompanied me for part of the classroom visits. I observed children in spaces #1, #2 and #3 inside playing with table toys, dramatic play, preparing for lunch and rest time. I observed children in spaces # 4 and #5 outside on separated playgrounds. Children were climbing, interacting with each other, swinging, dramatic play and rolling down the hill. All teacher interactions were present and positive. Lunch today was breaded chicken strips, green beans, peaches, whole wheat roll and milk. Five new teachers have been hired since their last visit in February 2023. I reviewed those files today. The following items were monitored today: Supervision Staff Child Ratios CPR First Aid Special Training Criminal Record Checks Completed Emergency Medical Care Plan Administration of Medication Storage of Hazardous Substances Storage of Medication Adequate/Approved Space General Safety Discipline Program Records License Posted Permit Restrictions The last fire drill was practiced 9/20/23 An emergency drill was conducted on 9/19/23. The last fire inspection was 7/17/23. The last sanitation inspection was completed on 7/13/23 with six (6) demerits for a superior rating. The Emergency Medical Care Plan is posted and current. The incident log is in use and maintained. The following violations were documented during today’s visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 608 Children did not wash their hands upon arrival at the center, after each visit to the toilet, before eating, before and after water activity play, after outside play, and after handling animals or animal cages. Children in space #5 did not was their hands when they came in from outside. 15A NCAC 18A .2803(c) Technical assistance: Item #.0608 15A NCAC 18A .2803 HANDWASHING (c) Child care center employees shall ensure that children wash their hands as follows: (1) upon arrival at the child care center; (2) after each diaper change or visit to the toilet; (3) before eating meals or snacks; (4) before and after water play; (5) after being outdoors; and (6) after handling animals or animal cages. Note: Children in space #5 did not was their hands when they came in from outside. Corrective Action Plan: All violations are required to be corrected immediately. However, if at any time you are unable to correct all violations within the specified time frame, please send a written statement regarding those violations that were corrected and include a specific plan for correction of the remaining violations. Please be aware that any written information submitted by you regarding correction of violations documented during today’s visit would be considered as legal documentation. Therefore, it is important that all information submitted be accurate and truthful. Please be aware that if it is determined that information submitted was inaccurate or willfully falsified, an Administrative Action, including Revocation of the facility’s license may be issued. The violations documented above must be corrected immediately. Send me a letter of compliance describing in detail specifically how each violation was corrected and how compliance will be maintained in the future. Include the following: •Facility name •Facility ID# •Date of visit •Violation item number •Statement of compliance I must receive your compliance statement by October 26, 2023. Email the compliance letter on signed letterhead or on the email identifying your facility name, ID#, name and position to: lee.marshall@dhhs.nc.gov or you can mail to: Department of Health and Human Services Division of Child Development and Early Education Attn: Georgia Lee Marshall PO Box 253 Zionville, NC 28698 Please call me at 828.434.0236, or email lee.marshall@dhhs.nc.gov, if you need assistance. Please note: if mailing the letter of compliance, I must receive by the due date listed above. You will need to mail a compliance statement three to five days prior to the due date to ensure receipt within the designated timeline. Failure to correct the violations and send the written statement by the due date listed above may result in an unannounced follow-up visit being conducted. Based on Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 Section .2200, the Division of Child Development may take administrative action against the license and/or impose civil penalties based on the failure of the operator to correct any documented violations within the established time period. Falsification of any information may result in a revocation of your license. You must maintain at least 75% Compliance History for each 18-month period as required by G.S. 110-90(4) (c). Please note any violations cited today and during future visits will negatively impact your compliance history. Repeated violations or violations left unresolved may lead to an administrative action. If you have any questions or concerns regarding the Stabilization Grant, please contact Kaitlyn Marshall, Child Care Consultant, at 828.713.8192 or email kaitlyn.marshall@dhhs.nc.gov. If you elect to change and/or alter any previously approved spaces used by children as indicated on the approved indoor and outdoor floor plan, you will need to contact me within thirty (30) days prior to the change. Failure to notify me, may result in a violation of child care requirements. Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0304(a) states “Each operator shall schedule and obtain a fire inspection within 12 months of the center's previous fire inspection. The operator shall notify the local fire inspector when it is time for the center's annual fire inspection. The operator shall submit the original of the approved annual fire inspection report to the Division within one week of the inspection visit on the form provided by the Division.” As child care providers, you are a vital part in the prevention and intervention of child maltreatment! You may see potential indicators of maltreatment in the children under your care. Some children may even be more likely to disclose maltreatment to a child care provider than to a family member. It is required that all providers are aware of maltreatment indicators and to report any suspicions of maltreatment. Follow child care rules related to child maltreatment training: 10A NCAC 09 .1102(g) and 10A NCAC 09 .1703(a)(5) states the child care administrator, operator, and all staff members shall complete Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training within 90 days of employment. Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .2830 MAINTAINING THE STAR RATING (a)A representative of the Division may make announced or unannounced visits to facilities to assess on-going compliance with the requirements of a star rating after it has been issued. It is the center operator’s responsibility to make sure each staff person has registered for a WORKS account, submit an official transcript (if applicable) and apply for a position for evaluation. This should be completed immediately upon hiring or at the latest, by the end of the six-week orientation process. Failure to maintain the same education point level may result in a violation of the above rule reference and may result in a reduction of stars. Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .2830 (c) If employment-related changes occur at a facility that result in the operator not complying with the standards in the Section for the star rating issued, the operator shall correct the noncompliance within 120 days. If the operator does not correct the noncompliance within 120 days, the operator shall notify the Division. Consultation: • We discussed that the teachers might want to wait to put out cots until after lunch, (the older children can help or do it themselves). When cots are put out children come in from outside and step on the cots and get them dirty. • Make sure that activity plans are posted where parents can see them. In space #5, the activity plan was on a clipboard and turned face down on the wall. • Assure that all children wash their hands at all the times that are required. • Assure that teachers wash their hands as well. Putting on gloves, doesn’t take the place of handwashing. • Assure that all teachers are added to the staff and training worksheet. It is your responsibility to understand the health and safety requirements in child care rule .1102. If the program is out of compliance in accordance with health and safety requirements, Child Care Development Block Grant (CCDBG), it may affect subsidy funding. Stay updated with changes and new rule updates by visiting the DCDEE website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/.It is your responsibility to understand the rules and laws that are applicable your program. All rules/laws cannot be verbally reviewed during any licensing visit. Please ask questions if you are having difficulty and would like additional technical assistance. I welcome your questions and want to be a resource for you. Please continue to visit DCDEE’s website to get the latest COVID-19 information for child care at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/. We appreciate all you are doing to serve the children and families of NC. If you have questions, please contact me at lee.marshall@dhhs.nc.gov or 828.434.0236, or Bonnie Mathis, Licensing Supervisor, at bonnie.mathis@dhhs.nc.gov. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

G.S. 110-90 · Violation

Name of Operation: YANCEY COUNTY HEAD START CENTER Facility ID: 00000034 Consultant: GEORGIA MARSHALL Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 10/12/2023 Number Present: 56 Completed Date: 10/12/2023 Age: From 1 To 5 Total Minutes: 195 Time In: 10:45 AM Time Out: 02:00 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Routine Unannounced Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of this routine unannounced visit was to conduct limited compliance monitoring and offer consultation to the program. A computerized generated report of today’s visit was completed, reviewed with you, and signed by Georgia Lee Marshall, Child Care Consultant and also signed by Sally Hedrick, Administrator, during my visit. An electronic signed copy of the visit summary was electronically emailed to Ms. Hedrick. Upon my arrival I was greeted by the administrator and cook. I explained the reason for my visit today. Ms. Hedrick accompanied me for part of the classroom visits. I observed children in spaces #1, #2 and #3 inside playing with table toys, dramatic play, preparing for lunch and rest time. I observed children in spaces # 4 and #5 outside on separated playgrounds. Children were climbing, interacting with each other, swinging, dramatic play and rolling down the hill. All teacher interactions were present and positive. Lunch today was breaded chicken strips, green beans, peaches, whole wheat roll and milk. Five new teachers have been hired since their last visit in February 2023. I reviewed those files today. The following items were monitored today: Supervision Staff Child Ratios CPR First Aid Special Training Criminal Record Checks Completed Emergency Medical Care Plan Administration of Medication Storage of Hazardous Substances Storage of Medication Adequate/Approved Space General Safety Discipline Program Records License Posted Permit Restrictions The last fire drill was practiced 9/20/23 An emergency drill was conducted on 9/19/23. The last fire inspection was 7/17/23. The last sanitation inspection was completed on 7/13/23 with six (6) demerits for a superior rating. The Emergency Medical Care Plan is posted and current. The incident log is in use and maintained. The following violations were documented during today’s visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 608 Children did not wash their hands upon arrival at the center, after each visit to the toilet, before eating, before and after water activity play, after outside play, and after handling animals or animal cages. Children in space #5 did not was their hands when they came in from outside. 15A NCAC 18A .2803(c) Technical assistance: Item #.0608 15A NCAC 18A .2803 HANDWASHING (c) Child care center employees shall ensure that children wash their hands as follows: (1) upon arrival at the child care center; (2) after each diaper change or visit to the toilet; (3) before eating meals or snacks; (4) before and after water play; (5) after being outdoors; and (6) after handling animals or animal cages. Note: Children in space #5 did not was their hands when they came in from outside. Corrective Action Plan: All violations are required to be corrected immediately. However, if at any time you are unable to correct all violations within the specified time frame, please send a written statement regarding those violations that were corrected and include a specific plan for correction of the remaining violations. Please be aware that any written information submitted by you regarding correction of violations documented during today’s visit would be considered as legal documentation. Therefore, it is important that all information submitted be accurate and truthful. Please be aware that if it is determined that information submitted was inaccurate or willfully falsified, an Administrative Action, including Revocation of the facility’s license may be issued. The violations documented above must be corrected immediately. Send me a letter of compliance describing in detail specifically how each violation was corrected and how compliance will be maintained in the future. Include the following: •Facility name •Facility ID# •Date of visit •Violation item number •Statement of compliance I must receive your compliance statement by October 26, 2023. Email the compliance letter on signed letterhead or on the email identifying your facility name, ID#, name and position to: lee.marshall@dhhs.nc.gov or you can mail to: Department of Health and Human Services Division of Child Development and Early Education Attn: Georgia Lee Marshall PO Box 253 Zionville, NC 28698 Please call me at 828.434.0236, or email lee.marshall@dhhs.nc.gov, if you need assistance. Please note: if mailing the letter of compliance, I must receive by the due date listed above. You will need to mail a compliance statement three to five days prior to the due date to ensure receipt within the designated timeline. Failure to correct the violations and send the written statement by the due date listed above may result in an unannounced follow-up visit being conducted. Based on Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 Section .2200, the Division of Child Development may take administrative action against the license and/or impose civil penalties based on the failure of the operator to correct any documented violations within the established time period. Falsification of any information may result in a revocation of your license. You must maintain at least 75% Compliance History for each 18-month period as required by G.S. 110-90(4) (c). Please note any violations cited today and during future visits will negatively impact your compliance history. Repeated violations or violations left unresolved may lead to an administrative action. If you have any questions or concerns regarding the Stabilization Grant, please contact Kaitlyn Marshall, Child Care Consultant, at 828.713.8192 or email kaitlyn.marshall@dhhs.nc.gov. If you elect to change and/or alter any previously approved spaces used by children as indicated on the approved indoor and outdoor floor plan, you will need to contact me within thirty (30) days prior to the change. Failure to notify me, may result in a violation of child care requirements. Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0304(a) states “Each operator shall schedule and obtain a fire inspection within 12 months of the center's previous fire inspection. The operator shall notify the local fire inspector when it is time for the center's annual fire inspection. The operator shall submit the original of the approved annual fire inspection report to the Division within one week of the inspection visit on the form provided by the Division.” As child care providers, you are a vital part in the prevention and intervention of child maltreatment! You may see potential indicators of maltreatment in the children under your care. Some children may even be more likely to disclose maltreatment to a child care provider than to a family member. It is required that all providers are aware of maltreatment indicators and to report any suspicions of maltreatment. Follow child care rules related to child maltreatment training: 10A NCAC 09 .1102(g) and 10A NCAC 09 .1703(a)(5) states the child care administrator, operator, and all staff members shall complete Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training within 90 days of employment. Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .2830 MAINTAINING THE STAR RATING (a)A representative of the Division may make announced or unannounced visits to facilities to assess on-going compliance with the requirements of a star rating after it has been issued. It is the center operator’s responsibility to make sure each staff person has registered for a WORKS account, submit an official transcript (if applicable) and apply for a position for evaluation. This should be completed immediately upon hiring or at the latest, by the end of the six-week orientation process. Failure to maintain the same education point level may result in a violation of the above rule reference and may result in a reduction of stars. Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .2830 (c) If employment-related changes occur at a facility that result in the operator not complying with the standards in the Section for the star rating issued, the operator shall correct the noncompliance within 120 days. If the operator does not correct the noncompliance within 120 days, the operator shall notify the Division. Consultation: • We discussed that the teachers might want to wait to put out cots until after lunch, (the older children can help or do it themselves). When cots are put out children come in from outside and step on the cots and get them dirty. • Make sure that activity plans are posted where parents can see them. In space #5, the activity plan was on a clipboard and turned face down on the wall. • Assure that all children wash their hands at all the times that are required. • Assure that teachers wash their hands as well. Putting on gloves, doesn’t take the place of handwashing. • Assure that all teachers are added to the staff and training worksheet. It is your responsibility to understand the health and safety requirements in child care rule .1102. If the program is out of compliance in accordance with health and safety requirements, Child Care Development Block Grant (CCDBG), it may affect subsidy funding. Stay updated with changes and new rule updates by visiting the DCDEE website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/.It is your responsibility to understand the rules and laws that are applicable your program. All rules/laws cannot be verbally reviewed during any licensing visit. Please ask questions if you are having difficulty and would like additional technical assistance. I welcome your questions and want to be a resource for you. Please continue to visit DCDEE’s website to get the latest COVID-19 information for child care at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/. We appreciate all you are doing to serve the children and families of NC. If you have questions, please contact me at lee.marshall@dhhs.nc.gov or 828.434.0236, or Bonnie Mathis, Licensing Supervisor, at bonnie.mathis@dhhs.nc.gov. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times