10A NCAC 09 .3909 · Violation

Name of Operation: SUCCESS ACADEMY Facility ID: 15000022 Consultant: MARJORIE WHITE Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 2/24/2025 Number Present: 64 Completed Date: 2/24/2025 Age: From 2 To 5 Total Minutes: 480 Time In: 09:30 AM Time Out: 05:30 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced * The purpose of today’s Annual Compliance visit was to monitor compliance with applicable child care requirements and to follow-up on an Administrative Action – Provisional License, dated September 20, 2024 – March 20, 2024, issued to Success Academy for 3’s and 4’s, operator of Success Academy, #15000022. Monitoring included NC Pre-K requirements in the NC Child Care Rules Section .3000 which are applicable to Rooms 5 and 6. The current administrative action and Provisional License was posted at the entrance. Last Annual Compliance visit – 4/3/24 18-month compliance history from 8/20/23 – 2/19/25 = 92% Last Sanitation Inspection – 1/8/25 - Superior Last Fire Inspection – 2/29/24 – Satisfactory; Daytime Care Only, but expiring this week *Sanitation and fire inspections are required at least annually by the end of the month of the previous inspection. Send fire inspections to me within seven (7) days of the inspection. D. Brown, Administrator, was present and assisted me with the visit. The facility currently operates with a Provisional License, 9/20/24 – 3/20/25. Due to the current hold harmless legislation, the facility will return to Five Stars when the Provisional Administrative Action is completed. Program (7 PTS) + Education (7 PTS) + Quality Point (1 PT) = 15 Points = 5 Stars *Quality Point met and remains in effect: Meets the following: 1. Staff Benefits 2. Enhanced Parent Involvement The program was also monitored for compliance with implementing an approved curriculum (Creative Curriculum 5th edition) as required for all four and five star facilities where four-year old children are enrolled. The next rated license assessment was due by 2/28/22, but new legislation (Senate Bill 425) has extended the “hold harmless” period until the new Quality Rating Improvement System (QRIS) is implemented. At this time, you may choose to complete a rated license assessment using the current rated license process or you may wait until the new QRIS is implemented. The proposed QRIS Modernization rules have been published and are open for public comments. I encourage you to review these and share any feedback you may have with the Child Care Commission. See Additional Comments for links for the proposed rules and contact information for the Commission. Note that the current program assessment tool is changing from the Early Childhood Environment Rating Scale – Revised (ECERS-R) to the Early Childhood Environment Rating Scale – 3 (ECERS-3). Information and training on the new program assessment tool is available on the NC Rating License Assessment Project website at https://ncrlap.org/. This facility is owned by Success Academy for 3’s and 4’s. According to the NC Secretary of State's website, this non-profit corporation is current and active as of 2/20/25. Please contact me prior to any information change regarding the ownership of this facility. License information was current. Contact me to make any changes to address, phone, or email or to request changes to the license. I monitored the classrooms and spaces used for child care and outdoor play area for applicable child care center requirements using the Child Care Center Requirements, effective 11/1/2024 and Item Numbers Listing, effective 3/2024. I monitored six staff records, eight children’s records and all program records. The facility does not offer transportation. The NCPre-K requirements in Section .3000 of the child care rules were monitored for compliance in Rooms 5 and 6. I reviewed the NCPre-K Site Monitoring Tool. Staff-child ratios were 1:10 or 2:20 or better, as required in Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .3909. The current NCPre-K staff are NCPK Teachers: N. Hendricks and M. Slades and NCPK Teacher Assistants: P. Watson and H. Barnes. I monitored two children’s files for completed health assessments (dental, hearing, and vision), developmental screenings, and on-going instructional assessments. The facility uses the Brigance developmental screening which was completed for children in June 2024 or as they entered the program throughout the year. The NCPreK program uses Creative Curriculum and Teaching Strategies Gold as the approved curriculum and on-going instructional assessment tool to document evidence of each child’s progress at three checkpoints throughout the school year. The NCPre-K operates daily from 8/26/24 – 5/23/25 from Monday – Friday, 8am – 2:30pm. Parent conferences are held twice a year. You stated that you use the Ready Rosie for family engagement and Class DoJo app to communicate with families, along with daily notes that go back and forth with reminders, and information for families and from families. The NCPreK program completed an Early Childhood Environment Rating Scale – Revised (ECERS-R) on 11/19/2018 and scored 5.84. Center Observations: There was a two-hour delay today due to the winter storm from the previous week. Children were arriving. Parents signed them in using the Bright Wheel app and took them to their classrooms where they put away their personal belongings and washed their hands. As more staff arrived, the morning groups split off into their own classrooms. There was still snow on the playground in the fall zone of the complex climbers on Playground 2 and 3; however, the wood chip surfacing under the snow measured 12 inches deep on both playgrounds. Dramatic play materials and play houses were available as well as sand play. Portable gross motor equipment and riding toys were stored in the sheds. Inside children participated in group and free play activities. Activity plans were posted. Most of the teachers were doing a little catch-up from the three missed days last week and weaving it into this week’s plans. All classrooms were arranged into activity centers with a variety of materials. Children were encouraged to clean up before moving to their next activity choice. Lunch was cheese quesadillas, broccoli, peaches, and milk. Children washed hands before eating. As they finished, they were allowed to clean up their plates, wash hands and transition back to free play before naptime. They rested on linen-covered cots. I observed and documented the following violations during today’s visit. Violation Number Comment Rule 1044 Prior to the expiration date of the qualification letter, the child care provider did not complete and submit required forms to complete a criminal background check (a qualification letter is valid for a maximum of five years for the date of issuance). The Authorized Individual for the owner did not complete a criminal background check prior to the expiration of the qualification letter. The previous qualification letter expired on August 29, 2024, but the new Qualification Letter was not received until October 9, 2024. G.S. 110-90.2(b) & .2703(n)&(o) * Child care programs are expected to achieve and always maintain compliance and are required by NC GS 110-90(4)(d) to achieve and maintain an 18-month compliance history score of at least 75%. Any violations documented may impact the compliance history score. I completed an electronic copy of the visit summary and provided a printed copy of it to you, D. Brown, Administrator. I will send an electronic copy to A. Charlton, Authorized Individual and NCPre-K Contractor and A. Arsenault, Program Manager. We reviewed the visit summary and violation documented during today’s visit. The violation has been corrected and no further action is required except to ensure that five-year criminal background checks are completed before the expiration of the qualifying letter. If I may be of further assistance, please contact me by phone at (252) 373-9385, by e-mail at Marjorie.White@dhhs.nc.gov. You may also call Jennifer Linhardt, Licensing Supervisor, at (252) 373-4199. Technical Assistance With Documented Violation: Criminal Background Check (CBC) – Criminal Background Checks ensure that staff have not committed any crimes which could potentially make them unsafe to be around children and other staff. Because Abuse and Neglect registries are also checked, it helps to ensure that children are protected from physical, mental, and sexual abuse. Performing diligent background screenings also protects the child care facility against future legal challenges. A. Charlton is the authorized individual for Success Academy for 3’s and 4’s, the owner of Success Academy and is required to maintain a current Criminal Background Check (CBC) with a Qualifying Letter (QL) available on-site. Her previous QL expired on 8/29/24, but she did not complete a five-year CBC and receive a current QL until 10/9/24. A copy of her QL was available for review. You stated that Ms. Charlton was out for part of the time before and after the five-year CBC was due and just forgot about it. You just had three staff complete their five-year CBCs at the end of the year with plenty of lead time prior to the expiration of their previous QLs. This violation has been corrected, but I encourage you to track expiration dates for staff CBCs and have staff complete them prior to expiration with a little extra time in case there are any issues that could delay the process. General Visit Information: As a licensed child care facility, it is your responsibility to be knowledgeable of the child care laws and rules and to teach your staff the rules to ensure your center remains in compliance. The most recent versions of laws and rules regarding child care facilities in North Carolina are available on the DCDEE website, www.ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov. You can also review the “What’s New” section and download a copy of the Items Number Listing which you can use as a checklist for your program. Check the designated facility email at least weekly to stay current with communication and email blasts from DCDEE. The Raise NC Newsletter, which is sent to your facility email almost weekly, provides the most current information and updates from the Division and available training opportunities. Consider creating an email folder for it so that you can refer back to it after you read it. If your email is not the facility email, sign up for email blasts on the What’s New page for general information and communication from DCDEE. Your local and regional Smart Start Partnerships and Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies and Child Care Health Consultants provide general training to meet on-going training hours, health and safety training requirements, Environment Rating Scale training and training specific to your center’s needs. They can also work with you to provide on-site technical assistance. *Albemarle Alliance for Children and Families (AACF) and Region 1 Child Care Resource and Referral: Phone – (252) 333-1233; website - www.aacfnc.org . *Child Care Health Consultant – C. Smith - (252) 340-0212 or cindy@aacfnc.org *Healthy Behaviors Specialist: P. White – Phone (252) 333-1233; pam@aacfnc.org *Birth – 3 Quality Specialist: J. Davidson – Phone (252) 333-1233; joy@aacfnc.org *Southwestern Child Development Commission, www.swcdcinc.org - offers DCDEE approved, on-line, self-paced training with affordable annual packages allowing you to take as many courses as you need or want for one price. Administrative Action Corrective Action Plan Review: Ms. Brown and I reviewed the expectations and progress of the Corrective Action Plan for the Provisional License issued September 20, 2024. Item #1 – Maintaining compliance with NC Child Care Requirements but specifically pertaining to supervision. One violation was documented today but has been corrected. Item #2 – Staff training on playground supervision was completed on October 14, 2024. The staff roster reflects that all staff attended. This item has been met. Item #3 – Updated Supervision Policies and Procedures for outdoor supervision were reviewed and met requirements, effective October 31, 2024. They were incorporated into center policies. This item has been met. Item #4 – A mandatory staff meeting to share and discuss updated supervision policies was held November 6, 2024. The staff roster reflects that all staff attended. This item has been met. Item #5 – For the duration of the provisional period, Ms. Brown shall complete routine observations of each staff member two (2) times per month with weekly observations of new staff members hired after this notice is issued. The observations shall be at least twenty (20) minutes in duration and shall be scheduled to allow observation of staff members’ ability to supervise children during different times of the day, including indoor play time, outside play time, toileting, napping and transition periods to and from the classroom. I observed documented observations and feedback for all staff. I also observed tracking forms used by the teachers for the transitions from the classrooms to the playgrounds and the return. This item has been met but continue to complete supervision observations until the action is closed. I will inform you when all items are completed and the action is closed. Reminders: ABCMS Portal – You have completed the ABCMS training and are working on your staff roster. Moving forward, you will update this information in ABCMS within five days as staff members are hired or terminated. This is a child care requirement that you notify the Division (through this new process) within five days when new staff are hired. • If you need assistance using the ABCMS Provider Portal, contact the Criminal Background Check Unit at (919) 814-6401 or DCDEE_ABCMS_Provider@dhhs.nc.gov and someone will assist you. • If you or your staff need assistance with completing a Criminal Background Check in the ABCMS Applicant Portal, contact the Criminal Background Check Unit at (919) 814-6401 or DHHS.CBC.Unit@dhhs.nc.gov and someone will assist you. • If you or your staff need assistance with your NCID, contact https://myNCID.nc.gov or (919) 754-6000. Staff Worksheets – Your Staff Worksheets are a great tool to help you track when items such as Criminal Background Checks, required trainings and staff forms expire and need to be updated. I encourage you to update information on the staff worksheets throughout the year as items are updated and/or staff change. *Encourage staff to maintain copies of all initial hire documents, Qualifying Letters, training certificates, etc. in their own professional file maintained at home. *From reviewing your staff worksheet, I can see you are completing various updates at scheduled times during the year: August – Professional Development Plans, Health Questionnaires and Emergency Information Forms, Emergency Medical Care Plan and EPR Plan. March – Annual Evaluations. Continue to move all staff into this cycle to make tracking these staff updates easier for you! *We reviewed your staff worksheet. I highlighted items that were delinquent and items that are coming due in the next year. *L. Hunt – CPR/First Aid – expires 3/31/25 Health and Safety Training and Five (5) Year Cycle Tracking Requirements – Review Row 17 on Staff Worksheet for initial and five-year H&S Training renewal dates. New staff need to complete Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment and CPR/First Aid within three months of hire and the rest of the training modules within twelve months. All staff have completed initial or five-year H&S Training On-going Training Hours – Review Row 18 (# hours to carry over) on the Staff Worksheets to determine how many on-going training hours returning staff will need by 4/3/25 (anniversary of last Annual Compliance visit) or by 2/24/26 (anniversary to today’s Annual Compliance visit). If they have not completed the required number of on-going training hours, they have until 4/3/25 to complete them and I will check at the next monitoring visit. *P. Watson needs 11.5 hrs for the current training cycle by 4/3/25. Staff Education and Works – Nice job getting staff registered for Works. Assist H. Barnes with sending her official transcripts reflecting her AAS-ECE to Works so that she meets NCPre-K Teacher Assistant Requirements. Teacher Assistant Education - All teacher assistants shall have a high school diploma or its equivalent and a CDA or AAS-ECE. All teacher assistants shall complete a minimum of 15 hours of annual in-service professional development. A combination of college coursework, Continuing Education Units (CEUs), or clock hours may be used to complete the requirements of this Rule. Children’s Records – Review at enrollment to ensure that all information is completed and forms are signed and dated. Fire and Emergency Drills – current Emergency Medical Care Plan – current and posted EPR Plan – last updated in Emergency Management Portal 9/2024; Ready to Go Files in each classroom - current Playground Inspections – current Maintenance – Ceiling tiles throughout the center are stained. Have your maintenance team check roof and attics for leaks. Privacy walls in the bathrooms between Spaces 3 and 4 and between 5 and 6 show signs of rust. Sand and repaint to ensure that they can be easily cleaned and disinfected. Remember that all windows that are open must be screened to protect against flying insects. Medication Forms – Much improvement in the four medication permission forms observed today. When a medical action plan was required, a copy was available in the child’s file and with the medication in the ready to go bag. Additional Comments: I shared information on the following topics and emailed the information to you after the visit: 1. Important! NCID Password Rule Changing and Tips to Keep NCID Updated 2. Update on QRIS Modernization – Proposed Rules Published, Open for Public Comments 3. Moodle Helpful Hints 4. Free Training – Logical Consequences – 2/18/25 5. Health & Safety Resource Center – E New- Winter, Water and Safety 6. Environment Rating Scales – Get Ready for the 3’s! Rated License Information You have worked hard to encourage new staff to complete EDU 119 or earn a NCECC equivalent and to get them registered for Works. Your points in Education have returned to 7 points. If you choose to have a rated license assessment before the new QRIS rules are implemented, you will need to complete at least two ECERS-3 (randomly selected between the five classrooms.) At least one of the assessments must be completed in an NCPre-K classroom and score a 4.0 or higher. If you are interested in moving forward with a rated license assessment this year, contact me so that we can request the ECERS-3 assessments before the NCPre-K classes finish at the end of May Education Standards – current eligible for Seven (7) Points *Based in information available in DCDEE Works *Points are earned based on the lowest level of education for any one position. Administrator Education – Currently eligible for 7 Points D. Brown – NCECAC III w/ 26+y ec and 7y ad exp = 7 points Lead/NCPre-K Teacher Education – Currently eligible for 7 Points *SB 570 providing flexibility to allow 50% of lead teachers have AAS-ECE or higher at 7 Point level until 6/2023 Space 1 (2’s) M. Soderquist – NCECC w/ 3+y exp = 3 points Space 2 - not currently in use Space 3 (3’s & 4’s) K. Riddick – NCECC w/ 7.5y exp = 4 points Space 4 (4’s & 5’s ) A. Williams – AAS-Arts + NCECC (CDA) + 16 ECE w/ 3y 4m exp = 7 points Space 5 (NCPre-K 1) N. Hendricks – BS-CD + BK License w/ 17y ec exp = 7 points Space 6 (NCPre-K 2 ) M. Slades – BS-Soc Science + MS- ECE w/ 22y ec exp = 7 points *Completing 6 hours ECE annually towards B-K license Teacher Education – 7 Points - Currently eligible for 7 Points Space 1 (2’s) 2nd teacher not required Space 2 () – not currently in use Space 3 (3’s & 4’s ) N. Slozes – NCECC w/ 2y 8m exp = 4 points Space 4 (4’s & 5’s) A. Riley – NCECC w/ 16y ec exp = 4 points Space 5 (NCPre-K 1) P. Watson – AAS-ECE + BS-Nursing w/ 19y ec exp = 7 points *Meets NCPre-K TA requirements (AAS-ECE) Space 6 (NCPre-K 2) H. Barnes – NCECC + 21 ECE (AAS-ECE will be complete in May 2024) w/ 3y 3m ec exp – 7 points *Needs to submit original, official transcripts of AAS-ECE degree to Works or must complete 6 hours ECE annually towards AAS-ECE Thank you for your time and assistance today. Refer to this visit summary for a refresher of our discussions today, and I encourage you to share with staff and use the information as a teaching tool. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to call or email me at the contact information listed above. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

Open Not marked corrected in the state record

Category: supervision. Open / not marked corrected.

G.S. 110-90 · Violation

Name of Operation: SUCCESS ACADEMY Facility ID: 15000022 Consultant: MARJORIE WHITE Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 2/24/2025 Number Present: 64 Completed Date: 2/24/2025 Age: From 2 To 5 Total Minutes: 480 Time In: 09:30 AM Time Out: 05:30 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced * The purpose of today’s Annual Compliance visit was to monitor compliance with applicable child care requirements and to follow-up on an Administrative Action – Provisional License, dated September 20, 2024 – March 20, 2024, issued to Success Academy for 3’s and 4’s, operator of Success Academy, #15000022. Monitoring included NC Pre-K requirements in the NC Child Care Rules Section .3000 which are applicable to Rooms 5 and 6. The current administrative action and Provisional License was posted at the entrance. Last Annual Compliance visit – 4/3/24 18-month compliance history from 8/20/23 – 2/19/25 = 92% Last Sanitation Inspection – 1/8/25 - Superior Last Fire Inspection – 2/29/24 – Satisfactory; Daytime Care Only, but expiring this week *Sanitation and fire inspections are required at least annually by the end of the month of the previous inspection. Send fire inspections to me within seven (7) days of the inspection. D. Brown, Administrator, was present and assisted me with the visit. The facility currently operates with a Provisional License, 9/20/24 – 3/20/25. Due to the current hold harmless legislation, the facility will return to Five Stars when the Provisional Administrative Action is completed. Program (7 PTS) + Education (7 PTS) + Quality Point (1 PT) = 15 Points = 5 Stars *Quality Point met and remains in effect: Meets the following: 1. Staff Benefits 2. Enhanced Parent Involvement The program was also monitored for compliance with implementing an approved curriculum (Creative Curriculum 5th edition) as required for all four and five star facilities where four-year old children are enrolled. The next rated license assessment was due by 2/28/22, but new legislation (Senate Bill 425) has extended the “hold harmless” period until the new Quality Rating Improvement System (QRIS) is implemented. At this time, you may choose to complete a rated license assessment using the current rated license process or you may wait until the new QRIS is implemented. The proposed QRIS Modernization rules have been published and are open for public comments. I encourage you to review these and share any feedback you may have with the Child Care Commission. See Additional Comments for links for the proposed rules and contact information for the Commission. Note that the current program assessment tool is changing from the Early Childhood Environment Rating Scale – Revised (ECERS-R) to the Early Childhood Environment Rating Scale – 3 (ECERS-3). Information and training on the new program assessment tool is available on the NC Rating License Assessment Project website at https://ncrlap.org/. This facility is owned by Success Academy for 3’s and 4’s. According to the NC Secretary of State's website, this non-profit corporation is current and active as of 2/20/25. Please contact me prior to any information change regarding the ownership of this facility. License information was current. Contact me to make any changes to address, phone, or email or to request changes to the license. I monitored the classrooms and spaces used for child care and outdoor play area for applicable child care center requirements using the Child Care Center Requirements, effective 11/1/2024 and Item Numbers Listing, effective 3/2024. I monitored six staff records, eight children’s records and all program records. The facility does not offer transportation. The NCPre-K requirements in Section .3000 of the child care rules were monitored for compliance in Rooms 5 and 6. I reviewed the NCPre-K Site Monitoring Tool. Staff-child ratios were 1:10 or 2:20 or better, as required in Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .3909. The current NCPre-K staff are NCPK Teachers: N. Hendricks and M. Slades and NCPK Teacher Assistants: P. Watson and H. Barnes. I monitored two children’s files for completed health assessments (dental, hearing, and vision), developmental screenings, and on-going instructional assessments. The facility uses the Brigance developmental screening which was completed for children in June 2024 or as they entered the program throughout the year. The NCPreK program uses Creative Curriculum and Teaching Strategies Gold as the approved curriculum and on-going instructional assessment tool to document evidence of each child’s progress at three checkpoints throughout the school year. The NCPre-K operates daily from 8/26/24 – 5/23/25 from Monday – Friday, 8am – 2:30pm. Parent conferences are held twice a year. You stated that you use the Ready Rosie for family engagement and Class DoJo app to communicate with families, along with daily notes that go back and forth with reminders, and information for families and from families. The NCPreK program completed an Early Childhood Environment Rating Scale – Revised (ECERS-R) on 11/19/2018 and scored 5.84. Center Observations: There was a two-hour delay today due to the winter storm from the previous week. Children were arriving. Parents signed them in using the Bright Wheel app and took them to their classrooms where they put away their personal belongings and washed their hands. As more staff arrived, the morning groups split off into their own classrooms. There was still snow on the playground in the fall zone of the complex climbers on Playground 2 and 3; however, the wood chip surfacing under the snow measured 12 inches deep on both playgrounds. Dramatic play materials and play houses were available as well as sand play. Portable gross motor equipment and riding toys were stored in the sheds. Inside children participated in group and free play activities. Activity plans were posted. Most of the teachers were doing a little catch-up from the three missed days last week and weaving it into this week’s plans. All classrooms were arranged into activity centers with a variety of materials. Children were encouraged to clean up before moving to their next activity choice. Lunch was cheese quesadillas, broccoli, peaches, and milk. Children washed hands before eating. As they finished, they were allowed to clean up their plates, wash hands and transition back to free play before naptime. They rested on linen-covered cots. I observed and documented the following violations during today’s visit. Violation Number Comment Rule 1044 Prior to the expiration date of the qualification letter, the child care provider did not complete and submit required forms to complete a criminal background check (a qualification letter is valid for a maximum of five years for the date of issuance). The Authorized Individual for the owner did not complete a criminal background check prior to the expiration of the qualification letter. The previous qualification letter expired on August 29, 2024, but the new Qualification Letter was not received until October 9, 2024. G.S. 110-90.2(b) & .2703(n)&(o) * Child care programs are expected to achieve and always maintain compliance and are required by NC GS 110-90(4)(d) to achieve and maintain an 18-month compliance history score of at least 75%. Any violations documented may impact the compliance history score. I completed an electronic copy of the visit summary and provided a printed copy of it to you, D. Brown, Administrator. I will send an electronic copy to A. Charlton, Authorized Individual and NCPre-K Contractor and A. Arsenault, Program Manager. We reviewed the visit summary and violation documented during today’s visit. The violation has been corrected and no further action is required except to ensure that five-year criminal background checks are completed before the expiration of the qualifying letter. If I may be of further assistance, please contact me by phone at (252) 373-9385, by e-mail at Marjorie.White@dhhs.nc.gov. You may also call Jennifer Linhardt, Licensing Supervisor, at (252) 373-4199. Technical Assistance With Documented Violation: Criminal Background Check (CBC) – Criminal Background Checks ensure that staff have not committed any crimes which could potentially make them unsafe to be around children and other staff. Because Abuse and Neglect registries are also checked, it helps to ensure that children are protected from physical, mental, and sexual abuse. Performing diligent background screenings also protects the child care facility against future legal challenges. A. Charlton is the authorized individual for Success Academy for 3’s and 4’s, the owner of Success Academy and is required to maintain a current Criminal Background Check (CBC) with a Qualifying Letter (QL) available on-site. Her previous QL expired on 8/29/24, but she did not complete a five-year CBC and receive a current QL until 10/9/24. A copy of her QL was available for review. You stated that Ms. Charlton was out for part of the time before and after the five-year CBC was due and just forgot about it. You just had three staff complete their five-year CBCs at the end of the year with plenty of lead time prior to the expiration of their previous QLs. This violation has been corrected, but I encourage you to track expiration dates for staff CBCs and have staff complete them prior to expiration with a little extra time in case there are any issues that could delay the process. General Visit Information: As a licensed child care facility, it is your responsibility to be knowledgeable of the child care laws and rules and to teach your staff the rules to ensure your center remains in compliance. The most recent versions of laws and rules regarding child care facilities in North Carolina are available on the DCDEE website, www.ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov. You can also review the “What’s New” section and download a copy of the Items Number Listing which you can use as a checklist for your program. Check the designated facility email at least weekly to stay current with communication and email blasts from DCDEE. The Raise NC Newsletter, which is sent to your facility email almost weekly, provides the most current information and updates from the Division and available training opportunities. Consider creating an email folder for it so that you can refer back to it after you read it. If your email is not the facility email, sign up for email blasts on the What’s New page for general information and communication from DCDEE. Your local and regional Smart Start Partnerships and Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies and Child Care Health Consultants provide general training to meet on-going training hours, health and safety training requirements, Environment Rating Scale training and training specific to your center’s needs. They can also work with you to provide on-site technical assistance. *Albemarle Alliance for Children and Families (AACF) and Region 1 Child Care Resource and Referral: Phone – (252) 333-1233; website - www.aacfnc.org . *Child Care Health Consultant – C. Smith - (252) 340-0212 or cindy@aacfnc.org *Healthy Behaviors Specialist: P. White – Phone (252) 333-1233; pam@aacfnc.org *Birth – 3 Quality Specialist: J. Davidson – Phone (252) 333-1233; joy@aacfnc.org *Southwestern Child Development Commission, www.swcdcinc.org - offers DCDEE approved, on-line, self-paced training with affordable annual packages allowing you to take as many courses as you need or want for one price. Administrative Action Corrective Action Plan Review: Ms. Brown and I reviewed the expectations and progress of the Corrective Action Plan for the Provisional License issued September 20, 2024. Item #1 – Maintaining compliance with NC Child Care Requirements but specifically pertaining to supervision. One violation was documented today but has been corrected. Item #2 – Staff training on playground supervision was completed on October 14, 2024. The staff roster reflects that all staff attended. This item has been met. Item #3 – Updated Supervision Policies and Procedures for outdoor supervision were reviewed and met requirements, effective October 31, 2024. They were incorporated into center policies. This item has been met. Item #4 – A mandatory staff meeting to share and discuss updated supervision policies was held November 6, 2024. The staff roster reflects that all staff attended. This item has been met. Item #5 – For the duration of the provisional period, Ms. Brown shall complete routine observations of each staff member two (2) times per month with weekly observations of new staff members hired after this notice is issued. The observations shall be at least twenty (20) minutes in duration and shall be scheduled to allow observation of staff members’ ability to supervise children during different times of the day, including indoor play time, outside play time, toileting, napping and transition periods to and from the classroom. I observed documented observations and feedback for all staff. I also observed tracking forms used by the teachers for the transitions from the classrooms to the playgrounds and the return. This item has been met but continue to complete supervision observations until the action is closed. I will inform you when all items are completed and the action is closed. Reminders: ABCMS Portal – You have completed the ABCMS training and are working on your staff roster. Moving forward, you will update this information in ABCMS within five days as staff members are hired or terminated. This is a child care requirement that you notify the Division (through this new process) within five days when new staff are hired. • If you need assistance using the ABCMS Provider Portal, contact the Criminal Background Check Unit at (919) 814-6401 or DCDEE_ABCMS_Provider@dhhs.nc.gov and someone will assist you. • If you or your staff need assistance with completing a Criminal Background Check in the ABCMS Applicant Portal, contact the Criminal Background Check Unit at (919) 814-6401 or DHHS.CBC.Unit@dhhs.nc.gov and someone will assist you. • If you or your staff need assistance with your NCID, contact https://myNCID.nc.gov or (919) 754-6000. Staff Worksheets – Your Staff Worksheets are a great tool to help you track when items such as Criminal Background Checks, required trainings and staff forms expire and need to be updated. I encourage you to update information on the staff worksheets throughout the year as items are updated and/or staff change. *Encourage staff to maintain copies of all initial hire documents, Qualifying Letters, training certificates, etc. in their own professional file maintained at home. *From reviewing your staff worksheet, I can see you are completing various updates at scheduled times during the year: August – Professional Development Plans, Health Questionnaires and Emergency Information Forms, Emergency Medical Care Plan and EPR Plan. March – Annual Evaluations. Continue to move all staff into this cycle to make tracking these staff updates easier for you! *We reviewed your staff worksheet. I highlighted items that were delinquent and items that are coming due in the next year. *L. Hunt – CPR/First Aid – expires 3/31/25 Health and Safety Training and Five (5) Year Cycle Tracking Requirements – Review Row 17 on Staff Worksheet for initial and five-year H&S Training renewal dates. New staff need to complete Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment and CPR/First Aid within three months of hire and the rest of the training modules within twelve months. All staff have completed initial or five-year H&S Training On-going Training Hours – Review Row 18 (# hours to carry over) on the Staff Worksheets to determine how many on-going training hours returning staff will need by 4/3/25 (anniversary of last Annual Compliance visit) or by 2/24/26 (anniversary to today’s Annual Compliance visit). If they have not completed the required number of on-going training hours, they have until 4/3/25 to complete them and I will check at the next monitoring visit. *P. Watson needs 11.5 hrs for the current training cycle by 4/3/25. Staff Education and Works – Nice job getting staff registered for Works. Assist H. Barnes with sending her official transcripts reflecting her AAS-ECE to Works so that she meets NCPre-K Teacher Assistant Requirements. Teacher Assistant Education - All teacher assistants shall have a high school diploma or its equivalent and a CDA or AAS-ECE. All teacher assistants shall complete a minimum of 15 hours of annual in-service professional development. A combination of college coursework, Continuing Education Units (CEUs), or clock hours may be used to complete the requirements of this Rule. Children’s Records – Review at enrollment to ensure that all information is completed and forms are signed and dated. Fire and Emergency Drills – current Emergency Medical Care Plan – current and posted EPR Plan – last updated in Emergency Management Portal 9/2024; Ready to Go Files in each classroom - current Playground Inspections – current Maintenance – Ceiling tiles throughout the center are stained. Have your maintenance team check roof and attics for leaks. Privacy walls in the bathrooms between Spaces 3 and 4 and between 5 and 6 show signs of rust. Sand and repaint to ensure that they can be easily cleaned and disinfected. Remember that all windows that are open must be screened to protect against flying insects. Medication Forms – Much improvement in the four medication permission forms observed today. When a medical action plan was required, a copy was available in the child’s file and with the medication in the ready to go bag. Additional Comments: I shared information on the following topics and emailed the information to you after the visit: 1. Important! NCID Password Rule Changing and Tips to Keep NCID Updated 2. Update on QRIS Modernization – Proposed Rules Published, Open for Public Comments 3. Moodle Helpful Hints 4. Free Training – Logical Consequences – 2/18/25 5. Health & Safety Resource Center – E New- Winter, Water and Safety 6. Environment Rating Scales – Get Ready for the 3’s! Rated License Information You have worked hard to encourage new staff to complete EDU 119 or earn a NCECC equivalent and to get them registered for Works. Your points in Education have returned to 7 points. If you choose to have a rated license assessment before the new QRIS rules are implemented, you will need to complete at least two ECERS-3 (randomly selected between the five classrooms.) At least one of the assessments must be completed in an NCPre-K classroom and score a 4.0 or higher. If you are interested in moving forward with a rated license assessment this year, contact me so that we can request the ECERS-3 assessments before the NCPre-K classes finish at the end of May Education Standards – current eligible for Seven (7) Points *Based in information available in DCDEE Works *Points are earned based on the lowest level of education for any one position. Administrator Education – Currently eligible for 7 Points D. Brown – NCECAC III w/ 26+y ec and 7y ad exp = 7 points Lead/NCPre-K Teacher Education – Currently eligible for 7 Points *SB 570 providing flexibility to allow 50% of lead teachers have AAS-ECE or higher at 7 Point level until 6/2023 Space 1 (2’s) M. Soderquist – NCECC w/ 3+y exp = 3 points Space 2 - not currently in use Space 3 (3’s & 4’s) K. Riddick – NCECC w/ 7.5y exp = 4 points Space 4 (4’s & 5’s ) A. Williams – AAS-Arts + NCECC (CDA) + 16 ECE w/ 3y 4m exp = 7 points Space 5 (NCPre-K 1) N. Hendricks – BS-CD + BK License w/ 17y ec exp = 7 points Space 6 (NCPre-K 2 ) M. Slades – BS-Soc Science + MS- ECE w/ 22y ec exp = 7 points *Completing 6 hours ECE annually towards B-K license Teacher Education – 7 Points - Currently eligible for 7 Points Space 1 (2’s) 2nd teacher not required Space 2 () – not currently in use Space 3 (3’s & 4’s ) N. Slozes – NCECC w/ 2y 8m exp = 4 points Space 4 (4’s & 5’s) A. Riley – NCECC w/ 16y ec exp = 4 points Space 5 (NCPre-K 1) P. Watson – AAS-ECE + BS-Nursing w/ 19y ec exp = 7 points *Meets NCPre-K TA requirements (AAS-ECE) Space 6 (NCPre-K 2) H. Barnes – NCECC + 21 ECE (AAS-ECE will be complete in May 2024) w/ 3y 3m ec exp – 7 points *Needs to submit original, official transcripts of AAS-ECE degree to Works or must complete 6 hours ECE annually towards AAS-ECE Thank you for your time and assistance today. Refer to this visit summary for a refresher of our discussions today, and I encourage you to share with staff and use the information as a teaching tool. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to call or email me at the contact information listed above. 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: SUCCESS ACADEMY Facility ID: 15000022 Consultant: MARJORIE WHITE Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 2/24/2025 Number Present: 64 Completed Date: 2/24/2025 Age: From 2 To 5 Total Minutes: 480 Time In: 09:30 AM Time Out: 05:30 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced * The purpose of today’s Annual Compliance visit was to monitor compliance with applicable child care requirements and to follow-up on an Administrative Action – Provisional License, dated September 20, 2024 – March 20, 2024, issued to Success Academy for 3’s and 4’s, operator of Success Academy, #15000022. Monitoring included NC Pre-K requirements in the NC Child Care Rules Section .3000 which are applicable to Rooms 5 and 6. The current administrative action and Provisional License was posted at the entrance. Last Annual Compliance visit – 4/3/24 18-month compliance history from 8/20/23 – 2/19/25 = 92% Last Sanitation Inspection – 1/8/25 - Superior Last Fire Inspection – 2/29/24 – Satisfactory; Daytime Care Only, but expiring this week *Sanitation and fire inspections are required at least annually by the end of the month of the previous inspection. Send fire inspections to me within seven (7) days of the inspection. D. Brown, Administrator, was present and assisted me with the visit. The facility currently operates with a Provisional License, 9/20/24 – 3/20/25. Due to the current hold harmless legislation, the facility will return to Five Stars when the Provisional Administrative Action is completed. Program (7 PTS) + Education (7 PTS) + Quality Point (1 PT) = 15 Points = 5 Stars *Quality Point met and remains in effect: Meets the following: 1. Staff Benefits 2. Enhanced Parent Involvement The program was also monitored for compliance with implementing an approved curriculum (Creative Curriculum 5th edition) as required for all four and five star facilities where four-year old children are enrolled. The next rated license assessment was due by 2/28/22, but new legislation (Senate Bill 425) has extended the “hold harmless” period until the new Quality Rating Improvement System (QRIS) is implemented. At this time, you may choose to complete a rated license assessment using the current rated license process or you may wait until the new QRIS is implemented. The proposed QRIS Modernization rules have been published and are open for public comments. I encourage you to review these and share any feedback you may have with the Child Care Commission. See Additional Comments for links for the proposed rules and contact information for the Commission. Note that the current program assessment tool is changing from the Early Childhood Environment Rating Scale – Revised (ECERS-R) to the Early Childhood Environment Rating Scale – 3 (ECERS-3). Information and training on the new program assessment tool is available on the NC Rating License Assessment Project website at https://ncrlap.org/. This facility is owned by Success Academy for 3’s and 4’s. According to the NC Secretary of State's website, this non-profit corporation is current and active as of 2/20/25. Please contact me prior to any information change regarding the ownership of this facility. License information was current. Contact me to make any changes to address, phone, or email or to request changes to the license. I monitored the classrooms and spaces used for child care and outdoor play area for applicable child care center requirements using the Child Care Center Requirements, effective 11/1/2024 and Item Numbers Listing, effective 3/2024. I monitored six staff records, eight children’s records and all program records. The facility does not offer transportation. The NCPre-K requirements in Section .3000 of the child care rules were monitored for compliance in Rooms 5 and 6. I reviewed the NCPre-K Site Monitoring Tool. Staff-child ratios were 1:10 or 2:20 or better, as required in Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .3909. The current NCPre-K staff are NCPK Teachers: N. Hendricks and M. Slades and NCPK Teacher Assistants: P. Watson and H. Barnes. I monitored two children’s files for completed health assessments (dental, hearing, and vision), developmental screenings, and on-going instructional assessments. The facility uses the Brigance developmental screening which was completed for children in June 2024 or as they entered the program throughout the year. The NCPreK program uses Creative Curriculum and Teaching Strategies Gold as the approved curriculum and on-going instructional assessment tool to document evidence of each child’s progress at three checkpoints throughout the school year. The NCPre-K operates daily from 8/26/24 – 5/23/25 from Monday – Friday, 8am – 2:30pm. Parent conferences are held twice a year. You stated that you use the Ready Rosie for family engagement and Class DoJo app to communicate with families, along with daily notes that go back and forth with reminders, and information for families and from families. The NCPreK program completed an Early Childhood Environment Rating Scale – Revised (ECERS-R) on 11/19/2018 and scored 5.84. Center Observations: There was a two-hour delay today due to the winter storm from the previous week. Children were arriving. Parents signed them in using the Bright Wheel app and took them to their classrooms where they put away their personal belongings and washed their hands. As more staff arrived, the morning groups split off into their own classrooms. There was still snow on the playground in the fall zone of the complex climbers on Playground 2 and 3; however, the wood chip surfacing under the snow measured 12 inches deep on both playgrounds. Dramatic play materials and play houses were available as well as sand play. Portable gross motor equipment and riding toys were stored in the sheds. Inside children participated in group and free play activities. Activity plans were posted. Most of the teachers were doing a little catch-up from the three missed days last week and weaving it into this week’s plans. All classrooms were arranged into activity centers with a variety of materials. Children were encouraged to clean up before moving to their next activity choice. Lunch was cheese quesadillas, broccoli, peaches, and milk. Children washed hands before eating. As they finished, they were allowed to clean up their plates, wash hands and transition back to free play before naptime. They rested on linen-covered cots. I observed and documented the following violations during today’s visit. Violation Number Comment Rule 1044 Prior to the expiration date of the qualification letter, the child care provider did not complete and submit required forms to complete a criminal background check (a qualification letter is valid for a maximum of five years for the date of issuance). The Authorized Individual for the owner did not complete a criminal background check prior to the expiration of the qualification letter. The previous qualification letter expired on August 29, 2024, but the new Qualification Letter was not received until October 9, 2024. G.S. 110-90.2(b) & .2703(n)&(o) * Child care programs are expected to achieve and always maintain compliance and are required by NC GS 110-90(4)(d) to achieve and maintain an 18-month compliance history score of at least 75%. Any violations documented may impact the compliance history score. I completed an electronic copy of the visit summary and provided a printed copy of it to you, D. Brown, Administrator. I will send an electronic copy to A. Charlton, Authorized Individual and NCPre-K Contractor and A. Arsenault, Program Manager. We reviewed the visit summary and violation documented during today’s visit. The violation has been corrected and no further action is required except to ensure that five-year criminal background checks are completed before the expiration of the qualifying letter. If I may be of further assistance, please contact me by phone at (252) 373-9385, by e-mail at Marjorie.White@dhhs.nc.gov. You may also call Jennifer Linhardt, Licensing Supervisor, at (252) 373-4199. Technical Assistance With Documented Violation: Criminal Background Check (CBC) – Criminal Background Checks ensure that staff have not committed any crimes which could potentially make them unsafe to be around children and other staff. Because Abuse and Neglect registries are also checked, it helps to ensure that children are protected from physical, mental, and sexual abuse. Performing diligent background screenings also protects the child care facility against future legal challenges. A. Charlton is the authorized individual for Success Academy for 3’s and 4’s, the owner of Success Academy and is required to maintain a current Criminal Background Check (CBC) with a Qualifying Letter (QL) available on-site. Her previous QL expired on 8/29/24, but she did not complete a five-year CBC and receive a current QL until 10/9/24. A copy of her QL was available for review. You stated that Ms. Charlton was out for part of the time before and after the five-year CBC was due and just forgot about it. You just had three staff complete their five-year CBCs at the end of the year with plenty of lead time prior to the expiration of their previous QLs. This violation has been corrected, but I encourage you to track expiration dates for staff CBCs and have staff complete them prior to expiration with a little extra time in case there are any issues that could delay the process. General Visit Information: As a licensed child care facility, it is your responsibility to be knowledgeable of the child care laws and rules and to teach your staff the rules to ensure your center remains in compliance. The most recent versions of laws and rules regarding child care facilities in North Carolina are available on the DCDEE website, www.ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov. You can also review the “What’s New” section and download a copy of the Items Number Listing which you can use as a checklist for your program. Check the designated facility email at least weekly to stay current with communication and email blasts from DCDEE. The Raise NC Newsletter, which is sent to your facility email almost weekly, provides the most current information and updates from the Division and available training opportunities. Consider creating an email folder for it so that you can refer back to it after you read it. If your email is not the facility email, sign up for email blasts on the What’s New page for general information and communication from DCDEE. Your local and regional Smart Start Partnerships and Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies and Child Care Health Consultants provide general training to meet on-going training hours, health and safety training requirements, Environment Rating Scale training and training specific to your center’s needs. They can also work with you to provide on-site technical assistance. *Albemarle Alliance for Children and Families (AACF) and Region 1 Child Care Resource and Referral: Phone – (252) 333-1233; website - www.aacfnc.org . *Child Care Health Consultant – C. Smith - (252) 340-0212 or cindy@aacfnc.org *Healthy Behaviors Specialist: P. White – Phone (252) 333-1233; pam@aacfnc.org *Birth – 3 Quality Specialist: J. Davidson – Phone (252) 333-1233; joy@aacfnc.org *Southwestern Child Development Commission, www.swcdcinc.org - offers DCDEE approved, on-line, self-paced training with affordable annual packages allowing you to take as many courses as you need or want for one price. Administrative Action Corrective Action Plan Review: Ms. Brown and I reviewed the expectations and progress of the Corrective Action Plan for the Provisional License issued September 20, 2024. Item #1 – Maintaining compliance with NC Child Care Requirements but specifically pertaining to supervision. One violation was documented today but has been corrected. Item #2 – Staff training on playground supervision was completed on October 14, 2024. The staff roster reflects that all staff attended. This item has been met. Item #3 – Updated Supervision Policies and Procedures for outdoor supervision were reviewed and met requirements, effective October 31, 2024. They were incorporated into center policies. This item has been met. Item #4 – A mandatory staff meeting to share and discuss updated supervision policies was held November 6, 2024. The staff roster reflects that all staff attended. This item has been met. Item #5 – For the duration of the provisional period, Ms. Brown shall complete routine observations of each staff member two (2) times per month with weekly observations of new staff members hired after this notice is issued. The observations shall be at least twenty (20) minutes in duration and shall be scheduled to allow observation of staff members’ ability to supervise children during different times of the day, including indoor play time, outside play time, toileting, napping and transition periods to and from the classroom. I observed documented observations and feedback for all staff. I also observed tracking forms used by the teachers for the transitions from the classrooms to the playgrounds and the return. This item has been met but continue to complete supervision observations until the action is closed. I will inform you when all items are completed and the action is closed. Reminders: ABCMS Portal – You have completed the ABCMS training and are working on your staff roster. Moving forward, you will update this information in ABCMS within five days as staff members are hired or terminated. This is a child care requirement that you notify the Division (through this new process) within five days when new staff are hired. • If you need assistance using the ABCMS Provider Portal, contact the Criminal Background Check Unit at (919) 814-6401 or DCDEE_ABCMS_Provider@dhhs.nc.gov and someone will assist you. • If you or your staff need assistance with completing a Criminal Background Check in the ABCMS Applicant Portal, contact the Criminal Background Check Unit at (919) 814-6401 or DHHS.CBC.Unit@dhhs.nc.gov and someone will assist you. • If you or your staff need assistance with your NCID, contact https://myNCID.nc.gov or (919) 754-6000. Staff Worksheets – Your Staff Worksheets are a great tool to help you track when items such as Criminal Background Checks, required trainings and staff forms expire and need to be updated. I encourage you to update information on the staff worksheets throughout the year as items are updated and/or staff change. *Encourage staff to maintain copies of all initial hire documents, Qualifying Letters, training certificates, etc. in their own professional file maintained at home. *From reviewing your staff worksheet, I can see you are completing various updates at scheduled times during the year: August – Professional Development Plans, Health Questionnaires and Emergency Information Forms, Emergency Medical Care Plan and EPR Plan. March – Annual Evaluations. Continue to move all staff into this cycle to make tracking these staff updates easier for you! *We reviewed your staff worksheet. I highlighted items that were delinquent and items that are coming due in the next year. *L. Hunt – CPR/First Aid – expires 3/31/25 Health and Safety Training and Five (5) Year Cycle Tracking Requirements – Review Row 17 on Staff Worksheet for initial and five-year H&S Training renewal dates. New staff need to complete Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment and CPR/First Aid within three months of hire and the rest of the training modules within twelve months. All staff have completed initial or five-year H&S Training On-going Training Hours – Review Row 18 (# hours to carry over) on the Staff Worksheets to determine how many on-going training hours returning staff will need by 4/3/25 (anniversary of last Annual Compliance visit) or by 2/24/26 (anniversary to today’s Annual Compliance visit). If they have not completed the required number of on-going training hours, they have until 4/3/25 to complete them and I will check at the next monitoring visit. *P. Watson needs 11.5 hrs for the current training cycle by 4/3/25. Staff Education and Works – Nice job getting staff registered for Works. Assist H. Barnes with sending her official transcripts reflecting her AAS-ECE to Works so that she meets NCPre-K Teacher Assistant Requirements. Teacher Assistant Education - All teacher assistants shall have a high school diploma or its equivalent and a CDA or AAS-ECE. All teacher assistants shall complete a minimum of 15 hours of annual in-service professional development. A combination of college coursework, Continuing Education Units (CEUs), or clock hours may be used to complete the requirements of this Rule. Children’s Records – Review at enrollment to ensure that all information is completed and forms are signed and dated. Fire and Emergency Drills – current Emergency Medical Care Plan – current and posted EPR Plan – last updated in Emergency Management Portal 9/2024; Ready to Go Files in each classroom - current Playground Inspections – current Maintenance – Ceiling tiles throughout the center are stained. Have your maintenance team check roof and attics for leaks. Privacy walls in the bathrooms between Spaces 3 and 4 and between 5 and 6 show signs of rust. Sand and repaint to ensure that they can be easily cleaned and disinfected. Remember that all windows that are open must be screened to protect against flying insects. Medication Forms – Much improvement in the four medication permission forms observed today. When a medical action plan was required, a copy was available in the child’s file and with the medication in the ready to go bag. Additional Comments: I shared information on the following topics and emailed the information to you after the visit: 1. Important! NCID Password Rule Changing and Tips to Keep NCID Updated 2. Update on QRIS Modernization – Proposed Rules Published, Open for Public Comments 3. Moodle Helpful Hints 4. Free Training – Logical Consequences – 2/18/25 5. Health & Safety Resource Center – E New- Winter, Water and Safety 6. Environment Rating Scales – Get Ready for the 3’s! Rated License Information You have worked hard to encourage new staff to complete EDU 119 or earn a NCECC equivalent and to get them registered for Works. Your points in Education have returned to 7 points. If you choose to have a rated license assessment before the new QRIS rules are implemented, you will need to complete at least two ECERS-3 (randomly selected between the five classrooms.) At least one of the assessments must be completed in an NCPre-K classroom and score a 4.0 or higher. If you are interested in moving forward with a rated license assessment this year, contact me so that we can request the ECERS-3 assessments before the NCPre-K classes finish at the end of May Education Standards – current eligible for Seven (7) Points *Based in information available in DCDEE Works *Points are earned based on the lowest level of education for any one position. Administrator Education – Currently eligible for 7 Points D. Brown – NCECAC III w/ 26+y ec and 7y ad exp = 7 points Lead/NCPre-K Teacher Education – Currently eligible for 7 Points *SB 570 providing flexibility to allow 50% of lead teachers have AAS-ECE or higher at 7 Point level until 6/2023 Space 1 (2’s) M. Soderquist – NCECC w/ 3+y exp = 3 points Space 2 - not currently in use Space 3 (3’s & 4’s) K. Riddick – NCECC w/ 7.5y exp = 4 points Space 4 (4’s & 5’s ) A. Williams – AAS-Arts + NCECC (CDA) + 16 ECE w/ 3y 4m exp = 7 points Space 5 (NCPre-K 1) N. Hendricks – BS-CD + BK License w/ 17y ec exp = 7 points Space 6 (NCPre-K 2 ) M. Slades – BS-Soc Science + MS- ECE w/ 22y ec exp = 7 points *Completing 6 hours ECE annually towards B-K license Teacher Education – 7 Points - Currently eligible for 7 Points Space 1 (2’s) 2nd teacher not required Space 2 () – not currently in use Space 3 (3’s & 4’s ) N. Slozes – NCECC w/ 2y 8m exp = 4 points Space 4 (4’s & 5’s) A. Riley – NCECC w/ 16y ec exp = 4 points Space 5 (NCPre-K 1) P. Watson – AAS-ECE + BS-Nursing w/ 19y ec exp = 7 points *Meets NCPre-K TA requirements (AAS-ECE) Space 6 (NCPre-K 2) H. Barnes – NCECC + 21 ECE (AAS-ECE will be complete in May 2024) w/ 3y 3m ec exp – 7 points *Needs to submit original, official transcripts of AAS-ECE degree to Works or must complete 6 hours ECE annually towards AAS-ECE Thank you for your time and assistance today. Refer to this visit summary for a refresher of our discussions today, and I encourage you to share with staff and use the information as a teaching tool. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to call or email me at the contact information listed above. 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: SUCCESS ACADEMY Facility ID: 15000022 Consultant: MARJORIE WHITE Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 8/13/2024 Number Present: 39 Completed Date: 8/13/2024 Age: From 3 To 8 Total Minutes: 375 Time In: 09:00 AM Time Out: 03:15 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Routine Unannounced Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced * The purpose of today’s Routine Unannounced visit was to monitor compliance with applicable child care requirements, follow-up on an Administrative Action – Written Warning, dated 4/17/2024, issued to Success Academy for 3’s and 4’s, operator of Success Academy, #15000022, and re-measure space per the operator’s request. Last Annual Compliance visit – 4/3/24 18-month compliance history from 2/10/23 – 8/9/24 = 88% Last Sanitation Inspection – 3/12/24 - Superior Last Fire Inspection – 2/29/24 – Satisfactory; approved for daytime only *Sanitation and fire inspections are required at least annually by the date of the previous inspection. Send fire inspections to me within seven (7) days of the inspection. The Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids website reflects the following information about your center’s required three-year water testing, lead paint testing, and asbestos testing: Three-year Water Testing – 4/24/24; due again 4/2027 Lead Paint Testing – exempt per letter 4/15/24 Asbestos Testing –exempt per letter 4/15/24 Maintain any paperwork received by mail or email in your Program Records file. D. Brown, Administrator, was not present, but A. Arsenault, ECE Manager and Legal Designee, arrived and assisted me with the visit. The facility currently operates with a Five-Star Center License, issued 12/24/23 (return to full licensure after administrative action) earning points in the following components: Program (7 PTS) + Education (7 PTS) + Quality Point (1 PT) = 15 Points = 5 Stars *Quality Point met and remains in effect: Meets the following: 1. Staff Benefits 2. Enhanced Parent Involvement The program was also monitored for compliance with implementing an approved curriculum (Creative Curriculum 6th edition) as required for all four and five star facilities where four-year old children are enrolled. The next rated license assessment was due by 2/28/22, but new legislation (Senate Bill 425) has extended the “hold harmless” period until the new Quality Rating Improvement System (QRIS) is implemented. At this time, you may choose to complete a rated license assessment using the current rated license process or you may wait until the new QRIS is implemented. This facility is owned by Success Academy for 3’s and 4’s. According to the NC Secretary of State's website, this non-profit corporation is current and active as of 8/9/24. Please contact me prior to any information change regarding the ownership of this facility. License information was current. Contact me to make any changes to address, phone, or email or to request changes to the license. I monitored the classrooms and spaces used for child care, kitchen, and outdoor play area for applicable child care center requirements using the Child Care Center Requirements, effective 1/1/2024 and Item Numbers Listing, effective 3/2024. There were no new staff so I did not monitor staff records; however, I provided some reminders about upcoming staff document due dates. I monitored all program records. The facility does not offer transportation. Center Observations: It was the last week of summer camp, and today was bike day for the children in Space 2 with a few others joining in from other classrooms. Parents had dropped off bikes and scooters. Teachers set up a safe space in the far side of the parking lot. Children wore helmets and rode their bikes and scooters following the traffic pattern set up by the teachers. Teachers supervised closely. Children from Space 3 had bike day on Monday and were outdoors on the playground. Teachers moved throughout the playground counting and supervising but also interacting with the children. Water was available for hydration. Indoors, children engaged in free play with toys and materials. Lunch was beef ravioli with tomato sauce, green beans, pears, and milk. Some children brought their lunches from home. Most appeared to meet the nutritional guidelines, but nutrition opt-out forms were reported to be available in their files. Later they rested on linen-covered cots. I observed one emergency medication and three topical creams. A few challenging behaviors occurred, but teachers handled them appropriately using a soothing tone and redirection. I observed and documented the following violations during today’s visit. Violation Number Comment Rule 840 All corrosive agents, pesticides, bleaches, detergents, cleansers, polishes, any product which is under pressure in an aerosol dispenser, and any substance which may be hazardous to a child if ingested, inhaled, or handled were not stored in a locked room or cabinet. Two aerosol cans of shave cream were stored in an unlocked cabinet, out of reach of children, but were not locked. .2820(b) 849 Leftover medicines were not returned to the parent after the course of treatment was completed, after authorization was withdrawn or after authorization had expired and/or medication was not discarded within 72 hours of completion of treatment or withdrawal of authorization. The medication permission form for an Albuterol Inhaler in Space 3 expired on June 1, 2024. The permission form was not renewed, and the medication was not returned to the parent. .0803(12) * Child care programs are expected to achieve and always maintain compliance and are required by NC GS 110-90(4)(d) to achieve and maintain an 18-month compliance history score of at least 75%. Any violations documented may impact the compliance history score. I completed an electronic copy of the visit summary and provided a printed copy of it to A. Arsenault, ECE Manager and Legal Designee. I will follow up with an electronic copy to A. Charlton, Authorized Individual, and D. Brown, Administrator. We reviewed the visit summary and violation(s) documented during today’s visit. One was corrected during the visit, and Ms. Arsenault had already started correction of the second violation. Send evidence of correction to me so that I receive it no later than 8/27/2024. The compliance verification letter needs to state the facility name and license number and list each violation by Item # and describe in detail when and how each violation has been corrected. If referring to staff or children in your compliance letter, refer to them by initials or position. Send compliance verification letter in an email from the center’s official email address, angela@aacfnc.org to my email address, Marjorie.White@dhhs.nc.gov. If sent from another email address, the center’s official address must be Cc’d in the compliance email. You may include the compliance verification as an attachment or in the body of the email. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit may be conducted. *I will email a sample compliance verification letter to you. *Please be aware that any information submitted by you is legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the compliance letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If I may be of further assistance, please contact me by phone at (252) 373-9385, by e-mail at Marjorie.White@dhhs.nc.gov. You may also call Jennifer Linhardt, Licensing Supervisor, at (252) 373-4199 or Jennifer.Linhardt@dhhs.nc.gov. Technical Assistance With Documented Violations: Storage of Aerosol Sprays – Aerosol spray cans or cans in which the contents are under pressure can be dangerous because they can explode, burning persons with the chemical inside the spray can and showering them with metal shrapnel from the can itself. Two cans of shave cream were stored in an unlocked cabinet out of reach of children in Space 4. The teacher stated that she did not think they needed to be locked because they were not cleaning products and did not think about them being pressurized. She immediately moved them to the locked closet. To protect staff and children, lock all aerosol sprays – disinfectants, air fresheners, sunscreen, shave cream etc. This has been corrected but the beginning of the new school year coming up is a good time to remind staff of hazardous item storage. Expired Medication/Medication Permission Forms – Not having current authorization to administer medication, could create medical or liability issues if there are changes to the child’s medication, dosage, or instructions for administration. In Space 3, a 6-month medication permission form for an Albuterol Inhaler for BD was 1/1/2024 – 6/1/2024 and was expired. The inhaler was not returned to the parent, or the medication permission forms was not reauthorized for another six months. The staff stated that the child had joined their classroom for summer camp, and they did not realize the medication permission form had expired. They stated that they had not administered the inhaler to the child. Either return the inhaler to the parent or have the parent review and update the medication permission form or complete a new form if any of the instructions have changed. (The inhaler and the Medical Action Plan expire in November 2023.) Consider having a master list of all medications in the center by classroom that gets updated when children leave or transition to another classroom. Update all six-month medications (inhalers, Epi-pens, anti-seizure medication, other medications for chronic illnesses) on the same cycle (January and July – for example.) Update all 12- month medications (diaper creams, sunscreen, lotion, and other topical ointments) at the same time annually (August for example). Check medication boxes or cabinets monthly to review medications and medication permission forms. Update or return as needed. For your compliance letter, state the date when the inhaler is either returned to the parent or an updated medication administration form is on file. General Visit Information: As a licensed child care facility, it is your responsibility to be knowledgeable of the child care laws and rules and to teach your staff the rules to ensure your center remains in compliance. The most recent versions of laws and rules regarding child care facilities in North Carolina are available on the DCDEE website, www.ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov. You can also review the “What’s New” section and download a copy of the Items Number Listing which you can use as a checklist for your program. Check the designated facility email at least weekly to stay current with communication and email blasts from DCDEE. If your email is not the facility email, sign up for email blasts on the What’s New page for general information and communication from DCDEE. Your local and regional Smart Start Partnerships and Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies and Child Care Health Consultants provide general training to meet on-going training hours, health and safety training requirements, Environment Rating Scale training and training specific to your center’s needs. They can also work with you to provide on-site technical assistance. *Albemarle Alliance for Children and Families (AACF) and Region 1 Child Care Resource and Referral: Phone (252) 333-1233; website - www.aacfnc.org . *Healthy Behaviors Specialist: P. White – Phone (252) 333-1233; pam@aacfnc.org *Birth – 3 Quality Specialist: J. Davidson – Phone (252) 333-1233; joy@aacfnc.org *Child Care Health Consultant: C. Smith – Phone (252) 340-0212 or cindy@aacfnc.org Administrative Action Corrective Action Plan Review: The administrative action, effective 4/17/24 was posted at the entrance. We reviewed the expectations and progress of the Corrective Action Plan for the Written Warning issued 4/17/2024: Item #1 – Maintaining compliance with NC Child Care Requirements but specifically pertaining to supervision and maintenance of accurate children’s records. A violation related to supervision was documented during a Complaint visit on 7/8/2024. No supervision violations were documented today. Two other violations were documented during the visit. This item is pending. Item #2 – Staff training on supervision was completed on 5/20/2024. This item has been met. Item #3 – Technical Assistance visit on children’s records management was completed on 5/29/2024. This item has been met. Item #4 – Supervision Policies and Procedures approved on 6/20/2024. This item has been met. Item #5 – Written Plan for Observing/Evaluating Staff Supervision of Children approved 7/5/2024. The first part of this item has been met. I observed observations/evaluations/feedback for each staff for the three weeks since 7/22/24. Implementation is in progress. Item #6 – Staff meeting to share supervision policies and supervision observation plan completed on 7/16/2024. Roster forwarded to consultant. This item has been met. Reminders: Staff Worksheets – We reviewed your staff worksheet. I highlighted items that were delinquent and items that are coming due in the next year. **Five-year Criminal Background Check due for the following: A. Charlton (exp 8/29/24); P. Watson (exp 12/18/24); K. Riddick (exp 2/14/25); N. Hendricks (exp 2/17/24). Health and Safety Training and Five (5) Year Cycle Tracking Requirements – Review Row 17 on Staff Worksheet for staff members needing initial H&S Training or five-year renewal. On-going Training Hours – Review Row 18 (# hours to carry over) on the Staff Worksheets to determine how many on-going training hours returning staff will need by 4/3/25 (anniversary of last Annual Compliance visit). Emergency Preparedness and Response (EPR) Requirements, Emergency Medical Care Plan (EMCP) and Ready-to-Go File – Your EPR Plan was reviewed and updated in the NC Risk Management Portal in October 2023 Review in the NC Risk Management Portal and update or document date of review in October 2024. Once this is completed review EPR Plan and EMCP with staff. Activity Plans – Activity plans are essential to planning and preparing for children’s activities throughout the week and can make or break the flow of the classroom. Well-planned, intentional activities keep children engaged with less time for challenging behaviors. Date weekly activity plans and post where they are visible to parents. Include both free choice and teacher-directed activities, that allow children to choose to participate with the whole group, in a small group or independently. Listed activities must stimulate the following 5 developmental domains each day, as listed in the NC Foundations for Early Learning and Development book: social & emotional development (ESD), health & physical development (HPD), approaches to play and learning (APL), language development & communication (LDC), and cognitive development (CD). Plan for at least 4 activities daily, one of which must be a planned gross motor activity which may occur indoors or outdoors. The remaining 3 activities should occur in the following areas (art, books, blocks, manipulatives and dramatic play). In addition, plan for these 3 enrichment activities on at least a weekly basis: sand or water play; science and nature; and music and rhythm. Many teachers include these items daily also. To smoothly implement the daily activity plan, have materials and equipment available both inside and outside to support the activities listed. Allergy Postings – As children transition out of the center or to a new classroom, update your allergy postings so they are current. Additional Comments: I shared information on the following topics and emailed the information to you after the visit: 1. Webinar - Getting Started in the New Year – 8/20/24 7-8pm 2. Webinar - Child Care 101: Navigating NC Early Childhood System – 8/19/24 6 – 7pm OR 8/20/24 6 - 7pm 3. QRIS Update 4. Stabilization Grants 5. Summer Tips 6. Criminal Background Check Reminders 7. Moodle Back Up and Running! 8. Provider Access to the Background Check Management System 9. Free On-line Teacher Professional Development Memberships Space Calculations – You requested that I remeasure classrooms. These are the calculations: You previously elected to meet 35 square feet per child indoors, but due to new outdoor space capacity requirements, you can meet 30 square feet per child to meet enhanced space capacity Space 1 = 14 children @ 30 square feet Space 2 = 13 children @ 30 square feet Space 3 = 22 children @ 30 square feet Space 4 = 25 children @ 30 square feet (Limited to 18 – 20 when used for NCPre-K) Space 5 = 25 children @ 30 square feet (Limited to 18 – 20 when used for NCPre-K) Space 6 = 22 children @ 30 square feet (Limited to 18 – 20 when used for NCPre-K) Total Indoor Space Capacity @ 30 square feet = 121 children Capacity selected at licensing = 96 children (This is your maximum capacity.) *You still need to meet enhanced ratios minus one staff/child ratios and group capacity in each classroom. Three’s – 1:9 or 2:18 Four’s & Five’s – 1:12 or 2:24 NCPre-K – 1:9 or 2:18 (New – 1:10 or 2:20) Outdoors @ 100 square feet per child Outdoor Space 1 = 10 children @ 100 square feet Outdoor Space 2 = 34 children @ 100 square feet Outdoor Space 3 = 39 children @ 100 square feet I will send you an updated Space Calculations Worksheet and Floor Plan. Update Staff/Child Ratio and Space Capacity Posters for each classroom. Thank you for your time and assistance today. Refer to this visit summary for a refresher of our discussions today, and I encourage you to share with staff and use the information as a teaching tool. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to call or email me at the contact information listed above. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

Open Not marked corrected in the state record

Category: supervision. Open / not marked corrected.

NC GS 110-90 · Violation

Name of Operation: SUCCESS ACADEMY Facility ID: 15000022 Consultant: MARJORIE WHITE Operation Type: Center Case Number: 0624-256L Visit Date: 7/8/2024 Number Present: 42 Completed Date: 7/8/2024 Age: From 3 To 9 Total Minutes: 210 Time In: 02:00 PM Time Out: 05:30 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Complaint Visit Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced * The purpose of today's unannounced visit was to obtain information regarding an alleged violation of child care requirements. The allegation was self-reported from the administrator and is as follows: There is a concern that a child was not adequately supervised while on the playground. I completed limited monitoring of child care requirements during the visit. Supervision of children, staff/child ratios, adequate/approved space and permit restrictions were observed in compliance at the time of my observations. The administrative action and cover letter for an Administrative Action – Written Warning, issued April 17, 2024, was posted at the entrance. I also reviewed staff files for two new staff persons hired since the center’s last visit. Investigation: The allegations were shared with the administrator and one staff member. Allegation #1: There is a concern that a child was not adequately supervised while on the playground. Your Responses: On Thursday, July 20, 2024, the administrator stated that two classrooms were on Playground 3. B. Holt, Lead Teacher from Space 2, was on the playground with six children, four and five years of age. B. Singleton, Floater/Group Leader from Space 5, was on the playground with nine children, preschool five through eight years of age. A pre-k child, five years of age from Space 5 who is known to be a “runner”, opened the gate separating Playgrounds 2 and 3. B. Singleton saw the child and immediately ran over to retrieve him. The child started running, but the teacher caught up with him and escorted him back to Playground 3. Later the two teachers were sitting down under the shade tree when the same child opened the gate again and walked through to Playground 2. The child meandered through the playground and stopped to play at the backdoor of Space 3. Shortly after, he opened the gate to Playground 1 (currently not being used; has a gate that opens to the parking lot) on the west side of the building and eventually opened the door into the hallway and returned indoors. K. Riddick, Lead Teacher from Space 1, was in the hallway supervising a child in the bathroom and observed him come through the door and go into her classroom. She had stated that she was expecting a teacher to follow, but A. Riley, who was assisting in Space 1, brought the child out and returned him to Playground 3 and handed him off to B. Holt. A. Riley stated that when she returned the child to the playground, his teacher, B. Singleton, was engaged with a parent, but her jaw dropped when she saw A. Riley bring him outside. B. Holt asked how he got out but turned around and saw the open gate which she then closed. A. Riley called D. Brown, Administrator, to inform her of the incident. When she returned to the center on Friday, July 21, 2024, she checked camera footage to review the incident and determine where the supervision lapse occurred. She self-reported the supervision violation to her Child Care Consultant that day and left a message with Intake at the Division. On Monday, July 24, 2024, she terminated B. Holt and B. Singleton and self-reported the incident to Intake. My Observations: The administrator and I reviewed camera footage of both incidents. The time stamp on the camera is one hour behind the actual time the events occurred. At 2:50pm, both classes were on Playground 3. Children were playing and the teachers were actively supervising children. At 2:55pm, the “runner” dropped some sand buckets over the fence and opened the gate separating Playgrounds 3 and 2. His teacher, B. Singleton, saw him and ran through the gate to retrieve him. He started running but she caught up with him and brought him back to Playground 3. At 3:20pm, children were playing, but B. Holt was now seated on a green plastic cube under the shade tree, and B. Singleton was seated on the plastic fall zone border for the complex climber facing B. Holt. At 3:28:36, B. Singleton moved one of the green plastic cubes next to B. Holt and sat on it. At 3:29:43, the “runner” opened the gate again between Playgrounds 3 and 2. This time he meandered through the playground with his sand buckets and stopped at the back door of Space 3 where he set the buckets down. Around 3:30:20, he went out of view of the camera but must have opened the gate between Playgrounds 2 and 1. At 3:30:40, he was observed opening the hall door off Playground 1 and entering the center where he turned into Space 1. Shortly after, A. Riley was observed escorting him back to Playground 3 and the two teachers. Based upon your self-report, statements todays, and observations of the camera footage, this allegation is confirmed. The following item was documented as a violation during today’s visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 303 Children were not adequately supervised at all times. A preschool-age child, five years of age, was not adequately supervised on the playground and was able to exit from one playground to two other fenced-in playgrounds unnoticed until the child returned indoors and was found by a staff member. .1801(a)(1-5) * Child care programs are expected to achieve and always maintain compliance and are required by NC GS 110-90(4)(d) to achieve and maintain an 18-month compliance history score of at least 75%. Any violations documented may impact the compliance history score. I completed an electronic copy of the visit summary and provided a printed copy of it to you, D. Brown, Administrator. We reviewed the visit summary and violation(s) documented during today’s visit. Correct these immediately. Send evidence of correction to me so that I receive it no later than 7/22/2024. Your compliance verification letter needs to include the following: 1. Name of facility and facility license # 2. Name of person writing compliance letter and position 3. Date of monitoring visit when violations were documented 4. Date compliance letter written 5. List each violation by Item # and describe when and how each violation has been corrected. Also include the following documents/pictures to verify compliance: documents from staff meeting on supervision policies and observation plan. 6. Send compliance verification letter in an email from your center’s official email address angela@aacfnc.org to my email address, Marjorie.White@dhhs.nc.gov. If sent from another email address, the center’s official address must be Cc’d in the compliance email. 7. You may include the compliance verification as an attachment or in the body of the email. 8. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit may be conducted. *I will email a sample compliance verification letter to you. *Please be aware that any information submitted by you is legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the compliance letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. A violation was documented that requires a follow-up visit. An unannounced visit will be made soon to verify correction of violations. If I may be of further assistance, please contact me by phone at (252) 373-9385, by e-mail at Marjorie.White@dhhs.nc.gov. You may also call Jennifer Linhardt, Licensing Supervisor, at (252) 373-4199 or Jennifer.Linhardt@dhhs.nc.gov. Technical Assistance with Documented Violation: Supervision – Responsive interactions and understanding each child’s strengths and challenges while providing active supervision for young children offers a safe learning and play environment. Two teachers on the playground were not vigilant about supervising a child with a known history of “running”. Earlier in the afternoon outdoor play period, a child left Playground 3, but his teacher was providing active supervision, saw him and immediately retrieved him. Later the two teachers sat down under the shade tree. About thirty-five minutes after the first incident, the same child was able to again open the gate to the next playground, this time unnoticed, and make his way to another playground on the other side of the building and come back indoors. A teacher saw him and returned him to his class. The two teachers on the playground not only failed to adequately supervise the “runner” but also failed to adequately supervise the other children because they were sitting down, engaged in conversation instead of focusing on the children, their whereabouts, and their activities. Knowing a child’s history of running and an earlier attempt that afternoon, extra close supervision should have been implemented. This child could have gone out the gate to the parking lot where he could have been injured or lost. You are currently working through a Written Warning issued April 17, 2024 for repeated supervision violations. You and your staff have received training on active supervision from the Division. You have developed supervision policies and a written plan to observe and evaluate staff supervision of children. Both the policies and procedures and the written plan have been approved. Continue to work through the corrective action plan. Your next item to complete is to have a staff meeting by Monday, July 22, 2024 to review the supervision policies and procedures and supervision observation/evaluation plan and then to immediately implement both. You stated that the staff meeting is scheduled for July 16, 2024. For your compliance letter, email documentation of the meeting (roster with date, time and length of the meeting, each staff’s printed name and signature, and minutes of information discussed during the meeting. Compliance History: I reviewed the facility’s compliance history with the administrator. The 18-month compliance history from 1/4/23 – 7/3/24 = 89%. Please be aware that any information received during this investigation and any violations documented may be included in any future administrative actions. Violations of child care requirements, particularly repeated violations, could result in a civil penalty and/or administrative action that could jeopardize the status of the license for the child care facility. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact me at the contact information listed above. 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 .3909 · Violation

Name of Operation: SUCCESS ACADEMY Facility ID: 15000022 Consultant: MARJORIE WHITE Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 4/3/2024 Number Present: 15 Completed Date: 4/3/2024 Age: From 3 To 5 Total Minutes: 525 Time In: 08:45 AM Time Out: 05:30 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced * The purpose of today’s Annual Compliance visit was to monitor compliance with applicable child care requirements and to follow-up on an Administrative Action – Written Warning, dated August 31, 2023, issued to Success Academy for 3’s and 4’s, operator of Success Academy, #15000022. Monitoring included NC Pre-K requirements in the NC Child Care Rules Section .3000 which are applicable to Spaces 4, 5, and 6. The current administrative action was posted at the entrance. Last Annual Compliance visit – 5/9/23 Last Sanitation Inspection – 3/12/24 with a Superior Rating Last Fire Inspection – 2/29/24 with Satisfactory rating; approved for daytime only *Sanitation and fire inspections are required at least annually by the date of the previous inspection. Send fire inspections to me within seven (7) days of the inspection. 18-month compliance history from 9/27/22 – 3/26/24 = 84% D. Brown, Administrator, was present and assisted me with the visit. The facility currently operates with a Five-Star Center License, issued 12/24/23 (return to full licensure after administrative action) earning points in the following components: Program (7 PTS) + Education (7 PTS) + Quality Point (1 PT) = 15 Points = 5 Stars *Quality Point met and remains in effect: Meets the following: 1. Staff Benefits 2. Enhanced Parent Involvement The program was also monitored for compliance with implementing an approved curriculum (Creative Curriculum 5th edition) as required for all four and five star facilities where four-year old children are enrolled. The next rated license assessment was due by 2/28/22, but DCDEE has developed a two-year cohort system to return all facilities back to rated license reassessments. Your center has been assigned to Cohort 2. See below for more information about the Division’s plan to return to rated license assessments. This facility is owned by Success Academy for 3’s and 4’s. According to the NC Secretary of State's website, this non-profit corporation is current and active as of 4/1/24. Please contact me prior to any information change regarding the ownership of this facility. License information was current. Contact me to make any changes to address, phone, or email or to request changes to the license. I monitored the classrooms and spaces used for child care, kitchen, and outdoor play area for applicable child care center requirements using the Child Care Center Requirements, effective 1/1/2024 and Item Number Listing, effective 8/2023. Eighty-one children, three – five years of age are currently enrolled; however, twenty-four of the children enrolled in NCPre-K also attend afternoon Wrap-Around Care. I monitored eight children’s records, twelve staff records and all program records. The facility does not offer transportation. The NCPre-K requirements in Section .3000 of the child care rules were monitored for compliance in Spaces 4, 5, and 6. I reviewed the NC Pre-K Site Monitoring Tool. Staff-child ratios were 1:9 or 2:18 or better, as required in Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .3909. The current NCPre-K staff are NCPK Teachers: H. Barnes, N. Hendricks, M. Slade and NCPK Teacher Assistants, A. Williams, P. Watson, C. Nickens. I monitored four children’s files for completed health assessments (dental, hearing, and vision), developmental screenings, and on-going instructional assessments. The facility uses the Brigance developmental screening which was completed for children in June 2023 or as they entered the program throughout the year. The NCPreK program uses Creative Curriculum and Teaching Strategies Gold as the on-going instructional assessment tool to document evidence of each child’s progress three times throughout the school year: Teachers had completed the second checkpoint. The NCPre-K operates daily from 8/28/23 – 5/24/24 from 8am – 2:55pm. Parent conferences are held twice a year. You stated that you use Ready Rosie to communicate with families, along with daily notes that go back and forth with reminders, and information for families and from families. The NCPreK program completed an Early Childhood Environment Rating Scale – Revised (ECERS-R) on 11/19/2018 and scored 5.84. Center Observations: Parent information including a current menu was posted at the entrance. It was Spring Break, and the NCPre-K classrooms were not in attendance. Fifteen children, three through five years of age were present on the private-pay side of the center. Teachers combined ten children from Spaces 1 and 3 in Space 3. Five children were present in Space 2. It was rainy, and children spent the day indoors with a variety of indoor free play, active play, and group time; however, new mulch was recently added to the fall zones of the complex climbers. During the visit, new materials for the playground were delivered and will be put outdoors when the rain stops. Activity plans were posted in classrooms. Materials were arranged in defined centers and were easily accessible for children to select. Teachers interacted with children, asking thoughtful questions, engaging them in conversation and handling challenging behaviors. Lunch was chicken noodle soup, carrots, pears, and milk. Children who brought their lunches had Nutrition Opt-out forms in their files. Children rested on linen-covered cots. Parents used Brightwheel to sign children in and out, but teachers documented attendance in the classrooms also. Documentation of transitions to and from the playground was observed in all classrooms. Hazardous products were locked. All medications were stored appropriately with completed medication permission forms and medical action plans, if needed. Interactions between staff and children were warm and respectful. I observed and documented the following violation during today’s visit. Violation Number Comment Rule 1897 The child care administrator and all staff did not complete the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training within 90 days of employment. A staff member hired on August 28, 2023 was required to complete child maltreatment training by November 28, 2023 but did not complete it until January 4, 2024. .1102(g) * Child care programs are expected to achieve and always maintain compliance and are required by NC GS 110-90(4)(d) to achieve and maintain an 18-month compliance history score of at least 75%. Any violations documented may impact the compliance history score. I completed an electronic copy of the visit summary and provided a printed copy of it to D. Brown, Administrator. I will forward an electronic copy to A. Charlton, Authorized Individual and A. Arsenault, Legal Designee. We reviewed the visit summary and violation documented during today’s visit. The violation was corrected prior to the visit so no further action is required except to ensure new hire trainings are completed as required. If I may be of further assistance, please contact me by phone at (252) 373-9385, by e-mail at Marjorie.White@dhhs.nc.gov. You may also call Jennifer Linhardt, Licensing Supervisor, at (252) 373-4199 or Jennifer.Linhardt@dhhs.nc.gov. Technical Assistance With Documented Violation: Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment – Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment teaches citizens and professionals the signs and symptoms to look out for with child abuse and neglect, what to do when they suspect it is happening, NC’s reporting law, and what happens after a report is made. B. Holt was required to complete the training by 11/28/2023 but did not complete it until 1/4/2024. You stated that you were on your second month of hire, and the training for Ms. Holt just got past you until you started updating the staff worksheet and realized it was delinquent. You stated that you took action and had her complete it after the Christmas holiday. You are now having staff complete the training during the first six weeks of orientation. I will email a list of required trainings/tasks that need to be completed at hire and throughout a new employee’s first year. This violation has been corrected. General Visit Information: Be knowledgeable of the child care laws and rules and environmental health rules; review them with your staff and assist them with understanding and implementing them to maintain compliance and keep children safe and healthy. The most recent versions of child care laws and rules (updated 1/1/24) and environmental health rules (updated 7/1/23) in North Carolina, the Items Number Listing (can be used as a detailed checklist of required items) and What’s New information are available on the DCDEE website, www.ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov. Check the designated facility email at least weekly to stay current with communication and email blasts from DCDEE. If your email is not the facility email, sign up for email blasts on the What’s New page for general information and communication from DCDEE. Your local and regional Smart Start Partnerships and Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies are available to assist you with technical assistance and training on a multitude of topics including but not limited to: Environment Rating Scales, healthy behaviors and classroom management, developmentally appropriate practice, EPR plans, activity plans, NC Foundations for Early Learning (developmental domains), etc. Child Care Health Consultants can provide training and technical assistance on topics related to health and safety such as sanitation, handwashing, diapering, illness policies, etc. *Albemarle Alliance for Children and Families (AACF) and Region 1 Child Care Resource and Referral: Phone (252) 333-1233; website - www.aacfnc.org . *Child Care Health Consultant: C. Smith – Phone (252) 340-0212 or cindy@aacfnc.org Reminders: Children’s Records – Children’s files for NCPre-K and private pay were complete and organized. Staff Worksheets – Staff files were complete. New hire documentation was completed prior to hire and all due dates were met. On-going training and health and safety training were documented on training logs with certificates attached. Evaluations and professional development plans were completed and reviewed with staff. You are working to have staff updates completed on annual cycles. *We reviewed your staff worksheet. I highlighted items that are coming due in the next year. Health and Safety Training and Five (5) Year Cycle Tracking Requirements – Review Row 17 on Staff Worksheet for staff members needing initial H&S Training. New staff are required to complete Health & Safety Training (H&S Training) within one year of hire (CPR/First Aid and Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment within 3 months of hire) and then complete training in all topic areas every five years. On-going Training Hours – Review Row 18 (# hours to carry over) on the Staff Worksheets to determine how many on-going training hours returning staff will need by 4/3/25 (anniversary of today’s Annual Compliance visit). New staff will complete Health & Safety in their first year and then will complete on-going training annually based upon their level of education posted in DCDEE Works. Staff Education and Works - Formal education (NCECC, college coursework, Principal and Teaching Licenses, BSAC training certificates, and Early Educator Certificates) are submitted to DCDEE through WORKS, an on-line portal where you can register, request to be approved for various positions, and access your education information once evaluated and posted. You can now request to have your transcripts sent electronically from colleges attended. *When education is posted, staff need to log back into Works and print a copy of their Education Status Letter for their file. *See information on staff education below in Rated License Update Emergency Preparedness and Response (EPR) Requirements, Emergency Medical Care Plan (EMCP) and Ready-to-Go File – Your Emergency Preparedness and Response (EPR) Plan needs to be reviewed and updated annually. You last updated your EPR Plan in October 2023. Playground – You recently added new mulch and are adding new materials for the playgrounds. Activity Plans – Activity Plans must be current, dated and posted where they are easily visible and include daily activities that meet the five developmental goals in the NC Foundations for Early Learning and Development. I shared an Activity Plan checklist that you can share with staff for creating activity plans that meet all requirements. Water Bottles – Water bottles must be labeled with child’s name (date not required) and returned home daily to be washed. Supervision – All staff have completed Active Supervision training through the Southwestern Child Development Commission. Staff are counting children when transitioning to and from the playground and documenting numbers on a transition form. The administrator is conducting observations of classroom, playground, and transition supervision and reviewing her observations with staff to help them improve their supervision and interaction skills. Follow-up on Corrective Action Plan: We reviewed the expectations of the Corrective Action Plan, including: Stipulation #1 – Maintaining compliance with NC Child Care Requirements but specifically pertaining to falsification and enhanced staff/child ratios. You have elected to meet enhanced minus one staff/child ratios. One violation related to staff training was documented today. Stipulation #2 – Staff training on falsification. This stipulation has been met. Stipulation #3 – Policies related to falsification and records management were completed and approved on September 29, 2023. The policies have been added to the personnel policies. This stipulation has been met. I will inform you when the Written Warning is closed. Additional Comments: Required Water, Lead Paint, and Asbestos Testing - New child care rules require child care facilities to test for lead in drinking water, lead paint, and asbestos. Testing is required by 1/1/2025, but enrollment is required by 5/1/2024. Check out the FAQ in the updated Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids. Currently there is funding to pay for the testing and to mitigate lead paint or asbestos hazards. Depending on the age of your home or building and the information you provide in the enrollment process, testing for lead paint and asbestos may not be required. (Lead paint was not used in homes built after 1978. Asbestos was not used in homes after 1988.) Water testing will be required every three years. For more information go to https://www.cleanwaterforuskids.org/en/carolina/ or contact your Environmental Health Specialist. I shared information on the following topics and emailed the information to you after the visit: 1. Supporting Health Social-Emotional Development Webinar 2. Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids – required testing for lead in water, lead paint, asbestos – Enrollment due 5/1/24 3. Moodle Back Up and Running! 4. Love Them Through It: Understanding Trauma in Young Children – 6 month training opportunity 5. Rules Changes, effective 1/1/2024 – Review on Moodle! 6. Provider Access to the Background Check Management System 7. Free On-line Teacher Professional Development Memberships 8. Resources from Health and Safety Resource Center! 9. Environmental Health Rules Update 10. NC Rated License Assessment Project (NCRLAP) Resources 11. NCID – Keep it active! Transition Back To Rated License Assessments And Cohorts To transition back to rated license assessments, the Division has created a two-year Cohort Model. All facilities are assigned to one of three cohorts based on their current rated license assessment due date. Each cohort will have a year for preparation and a year for assessment. (However, you are encouraged to begin preparations now so that you are ready when your cohort group is due!) Your child care center/NCPre-K program was due for a three-year rated license reassessment 2/28/22 and has been assigned to Cohort 2. The Cohort 2 Rated License Preparation Year is from 7/1/2024 – 6/30/2025 (begins this July!) During your preparation year, if you are interested in having the Environment Rating Scales completed, review the ECERS-R by obtaining the manuals for each classroom and looking for assessment related resources at ncrlap.org. Request technical assistance and training for your staff from Albemarle Alliance for Children and Families (AACF). You can request and complete an ECERS-R (2 will be required; at least one must be an NCPre-K class) during your preparation year. If your scores help you meet your current star rating and you are ready to move forward with your rated license assessment, you may choose to do so during your preparation year. Your preparation year is also the time to continue to work on staff education and ensure that Works accounts are completed and up to date for staff members. Look at options to help staff earn the NC Early Childhood Credential (NCECC): completing EDU 119 at one of the NC Community Colleges, applying for Early Educator Certification through the NC Institute for Child Development Professionals, completing and passing the new NCECC Equivalency Exam (not currently available), or earning the Child Development Associate (CDA). Encourage staff with the NCECC to enroll in additional college coursework to increase points in Education. TEACH Scholarships are available to help staff pay for educational expenses. Go to https://www.childcareservices.org/programs/teach-north-carolina/ The Cohort 2 Rated License Assessment Year is from 7/1/2025 – 6/30/2026. During your assessment year you may choose to complete the ECERS-R again at no cost even if you completed them during your preparation year. Use the feedback from your preparation year scores to create a plan to improve your scores. During this year, all education needs to be posted in Works. At some point during that year, you will have your rated license assessed. Update On Center’s Rated License Points: *meets enhanced space and enhanced ratios minus one *needs to score a 5.0 or higher in any NCPre-K classrooms assessed Education Standards – current eligible for Five (5) Points *Based in information available in DCDEE Works *Points are earned based on the lowest level of education for any one position. Administrator Education – Currently eligible for 5 Points D. Brown – NCECAC II w/ 25+y ec and 6y ad exp = 5 points *With new ECE equivalencies, D. Brown needs to complete 2 hrs ECE to earn NCECAC III required for NCPre-K Administrators; will also earn 7 points Lead/NCPre-K Teacher Education – Currently eligible for 5 Points *SB 570 providing flexibility to allow 50% of lead teachers have AAS-ECE or higher at 7 Point level until 6/2023 Space 1 (3’s) K. Riddick – NCECC w/ 6+y exp = 4 points Space 2 (3’s & 4’s) B. Holt – Education not posted in Works (NCECC? AAS-ECE?) w/ 7m ec exp = 1 point *Not currently qualified as LT; needs to submit original, official transcripts to Works); may qualify for 6 points w/ 1y exp and 7 points w/ 2y exp. Space 3 (4’s & 5’s ) A. Riley – NCECC w/ 15y ec exp = 4 points Space 4 (NCPre-K 1) H. Barnes – NCECC + 21 ECE (AAS-ECE will be complete in May 2024) w/ 2y 4m ec exp – 5 points *Needs to submit original, official transcripts of AAS-ECE degree to Works; must complete 6 hours ECE annually towards BS-ECE and B-K License Space 5 (NCPre-K 2) N. Hendricks – BS-CD + BK License w/ 16y ec exp = 7 points Space 6 (NCPre-K 3 ) M. Slades – BS-Soc Science + MS- ECE w/ 21y ec exp = 7 points * Continue to complete 6 hours ECE annually towards B-K license Teacher Education – 7 Points - Currently eligible for 7 Points Space 1 (3’s) N. Slozes – HS w/ 1y 9m exp = 2 points Space 2 (3’s & 4’s) – not required Space 3 (4’s & 5’s ) E. Brothers – GED w/ 7m ec exp = 1 point Space 4 (NCPre-K 1) A. Williams – AAS-Arts + NCECC (CDA) + 16 ECE w/ 2+m ec exp = 7 points *Meets NCPre-K TA requirements (CDA) Space 5 (NCPre-K 2) P. Watson – AAS-ECE + BS-Nursing w/ 18y ec exp = 7 points *Meets NCPre-K TA requirements (AAS-ECE) Space 6 (NCPre-K 3) C. Nickens – MS- ECE w/ 14+ ec exp = 7 points *Meets NCPre-K TA requirements (MS-ECE) Quality Point - One (1) Point Meets the following: 1. Staff Benefits (offers the following: paid leave for professional development, paid planning time, vacation, sick time, retirement; health insurance) 2. Enhanced Parent Involvement (offers 2 of the following: quarterly newsletter, periodic conferences for all children, quarterly parent meetings) Total the amount of points in Program Standards, Education Standards and Quality Point. 1 – 3 Points = One Star 4 – 6 Points = Two Stars 7 – 9 Points = Three Stars 10 – 12 Points = Four Stars 13 – 15 Points = Five Stars Technical Assistance to Improve ECERS-R Scores – The website for the NC Rated License Assessment Project (NCRLAP), www.ncrlap.org , has a wealth of resources and training opportunities to help you intentionally prepare for your upcoming ECERS-R assessment. From the main webpage, you can access self-assessment tools to review each subscale in detail and determine how you can make improvements in each area. See “Thinking More About Space and Furnishing,” “Thinking More About Personal Care Routines,” “Thinking More About Language and Interactions,” “Thinking More About Activities,” and “Thinking More About Program Structure.” Taking the time to work through these activities with your staff and using that self-reflection to purchase materials, rearrange your classrooms, work on interactions, improve daily routines, etc. will help you improve your environment and your scores. Also check out the training options under the training tab. Trainings are both self-guided and live (virtual). You and your staff can earn training credit for participating in these trainings. Thank you for your time and assistance today. Refer to this visit summary for a refresher of our discussions today, and I encourage you to share with staff and use the information as a teaching tool. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to call or email me at the contact information listed above. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

Open Not marked corrected in the state record

Category: supervision. Open / not marked corrected.

NC GS 110-90 · Violation

Name of Operation: SUCCESS ACADEMY Facility ID: 15000022 Consultant: MARJORIE WHITE Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 4/3/2024 Number Present: 15 Completed Date: 4/3/2024 Age: From 3 To 5 Total Minutes: 525 Time In: 08:45 AM Time Out: 05:30 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced * The purpose of today’s Annual Compliance visit was to monitor compliance with applicable child care requirements and to follow-up on an Administrative Action – Written Warning, dated August 31, 2023, issued to Success Academy for 3’s and 4’s, operator of Success Academy, #15000022. Monitoring included NC Pre-K requirements in the NC Child Care Rules Section .3000 which are applicable to Spaces 4, 5, and 6. The current administrative action was posted at the entrance. Last Annual Compliance visit – 5/9/23 Last Sanitation Inspection – 3/12/24 with a Superior Rating Last Fire Inspection – 2/29/24 with Satisfactory rating; approved for daytime only *Sanitation and fire inspections are required at least annually by the date of the previous inspection. Send fire inspections to me within seven (7) days of the inspection. 18-month compliance history from 9/27/22 – 3/26/24 = 84% D. Brown, Administrator, was present and assisted me with the visit. The facility currently operates with a Five-Star Center License, issued 12/24/23 (return to full licensure after administrative action) earning points in the following components: Program (7 PTS) + Education (7 PTS) + Quality Point (1 PT) = 15 Points = 5 Stars *Quality Point met and remains in effect: Meets the following: 1. Staff Benefits 2. Enhanced Parent Involvement The program was also monitored for compliance with implementing an approved curriculum (Creative Curriculum 5th edition) as required for all four and five star facilities where four-year old children are enrolled. The next rated license assessment was due by 2/28/22, but DCDEE has developed a two-year cohort system to return all facilities back to rated license reassessments. Your center has been assigned to Cohort 2. See below for more information about the Division’s plan to return to rated license assessments. This facility is owned by Success Academy for 3’s and 4’s. According to the NC Secretary of State's website, this non-profit corporation is current and active as of 4/1/24. Please contact me prior to any information change regarding the ownership of this facility. License information was current. Contact me to make any changes to address, phone, or email or to request changes to the license. I monitored the classrooms and spaces used for child care, kitchen, and outdoor play area for applicable child care center requirements using the Child Care Center Requirements, effective 1/1/2024 and Item Number Listing, effective 8/2023. Eighty-one children, three – five years of age are currently enrolled; however, twenty-four of the children enrolled in NCPre-K also attend afternoon Wrap-Around Care. I monitored eight children’s records, twelve staff records and all program records. The facility does not offer transportation. The NCPre-K requirements in Section .3000 of the child care rules were monitored for compliance in Spaces 4, 5, and 6. I reviewed the NC Pre-K Site Monitoring Tool. Staff-child ratios were 1:9 or 2:18 or better, as required in Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .3909. The current NCPre-K staff are NCPK Teachers: H. Barnes, N. Hendricks, M. Slade and NCPK Teacher Assistants, A. Williams, P. Watson, C. Nickens. I monitored four children’s files for completed health assessments (dental, hearing, and vision), developmental screenings, and on-going instructional assessments. The facility uses the Brigance developmental screening which was completed for children in June 2023 or as they entered the program throughout the year. The NCPreK program uses Creative Curriculum and Teaching Strategies Gold as the on-going instructional assessment tool to document evidence of each child’s progress three times throughout the school year: Teachers had completed the second checkpoint. The NCPre-K operates daily from 8/28/23 – 5/24/24 from 8am – 2:55pm. Parent conferences are held twice a year. You stated that you use Ready Rosie to communicate with families, along with daily notes that go back and forth with reminders, and information for families and from families. The NCPreK program completed an Early Childhood Environment Rating Scale – Revised (ECERS-R) on 11/19/2018 and scored 5.84. Center Observations: Parent information including a current menu was posted at the entrance. It was Spring Break, and the NCPre-K classrooms were not in attendance. Fifteen children, three through five years of age were present on the private-pay side of the center. Teachers combined ten children from Spaces 1 and 3 in Space 3. Five children were present in Space 2. It was rainy, and children spent the day indoors with a variety of indoor free play, active play, and group time; however, new mulch was recently added to the fall zones of the complex climbers. During the visit, new materials for the playground were delivered and will be put outdoors when the rain stops. Activity plans were posted in classrooms. Materials were arranged in defined centers and were easily accessible for children to select. Teachers interacted with children, asking thoughtful questions, engaging them in conversation and handling challenging behaviors. Lunch was chicken noodle soup, carrots, pears, and milk. Children who brought their lunches had Nutrition Opt-out forms in their files. Children rested on linen-covered cots. Parents used Brightwheel to sign children in and out, but teachers documented attendance in the classrooms also. Documentation of transitions to and from the playground was observed in all classrooms. Hazardous products were locked. All medications were stored appropriately with completed medication permission forms and medical action plans, if needed. Interactions between staff and children were warm and respectful. I observed and documented the following violation during today’s visit. Violation Number Comment Rule 1897 The child care administrator and all staff did not complete the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training within 90 days of employment. A staff member hired on August 28, 2023 was required to complete child maltreatment training by November 28, 2023 but did not complete it until January 4, 2024. .1102(g) * Child care programs are expected to achieve and always maintain compliance and are required by NC GS 110-90(4)(d) to achieve and maintain an 18-month compliance history score of at least 75%. Any violations documented may impact the compliance history score. I completed an electronic copy of the visit summary and provided a printed copy of it to D. Brown, Administrator. I will forward an electronic copy to A. Charlton, Authorized Individual and A. Arsenault, Legal Designee. We reviewed the visit summary and violation documented during today’s visit. The violation was corrected prior to the visit so no further action is required except to ensure new hire trainings are completed as required. If I may be of further assistance, please contact me by phone at (252) 373-9385, by e-mail at Marjorie.White@dhhs.nc.gov. You may also call Jennifer Linhardt, Licensing Supervisor, at (252) 373-4199 or Jennifer.Linhardt@dhhs.nc.gov. Technical Assistance With Documented Violation: Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment – Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment teaches citizens and professionals the signs and symptoms to look out for with child abuse and neglect, what to do when they suspect it is happening, NC’s reporting law, and what happens after a report is made. B. Holt was required to complete the training by 11/28/2023 but did not complete it until 1/4/2024. You stated that you were on your second month of hire, and the training for Ms. Holt just got past you until you started updating the staff worksheet and realized it was delinquent. You stated that you took action and had her complete it after the Christmas holiday. You are now having staff complete the training during the first six weeks of orientation. I will email a list of required trainings/tasks that need to be completed at hire and throughout a new employee’s first year. This violation has been corrected. General Visit Information: Be knowledgeable of the child care laws and rules and environmental health rules; review them with your staff and assist them with understanding and implementing them to maintain compliance and keep children safe and healthy. The most recent versions of child care laws and rules (updated 1/1/24) and environmental health rules (updated 7/1/23) in North Carolina, the Items Number Listing (can be used as a detailed checklist of required items) and What’s New information are available on the DCDEE website, www.ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov. Check the designated facility email at least weekly to stay current with communication and email blasts from DCDEE. If your email is not the facility email, sign up for email blasts on the What’s New page for general information and communication from DCDEE. Your local and regional Smart Start Partnerships and Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies are available to assist you with technical assistance and training on a multitude of topics including but not limited to: Environment Rating Scales, healthy behaviors and classroom management, developmentally appropriate practice, EPR plans, activity plans, NC Foundations for Early Learning (developmental domains), etc. Child Care Health Consultants can provide training and technical assistance on topics related to health and safety such as sanitation, handwashing, diapering, illness policies, etc. *Albemarle Alliance for Children and Families (AACF) and Region 1 Child Care Resource and Referral: Phone (252) 333-1233; website - www.aacfnc.org . *Child Care Health Consultant: C. Smith – Phone (252) 340-0212 or cindy@aacfnc.org Reminders: Children’s Records – Children’s files for NCPre-K and private pay were complete and organized. Staff Worksheets – Staff files were complete. New hire documentation was completed prior to hire and all due dates were met. On-going training and health and safety training were documented on training logs with certificates attached. Evaluations and professional development plans were completed and reviewed with staff. You are working to have staff updates completed on annual cycles. *We reviewed your staff worksheet. I highlighted items that are coming due in the next year. Health and Safety Training and Five (5) Year Cycle Tracking Requirements – Review Row 17 on Staff Worksheet for staff members needing initial H&S Training. New staff are required to complete Health & Safety Training (H&S Training) within one year of hire (CPR/First Aid and Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment within 3 months of hire) and then complete training in all topic areas every five years. On-going Training Hours – Review Row 18 (# hours to carry over) on the Staff Worksheets to determine how many on-going training hours returning staff will need by 4/3/25 (anniversary of today’s Annual Compliance visit). New staff will complete Health & Safety in their first year and then will complete on-going training annually based upon their level of education posted in DCDEE Works. Staff Education and Works - Formal education (NCECC, college coursework, Principal and Teaching Licenses, BSAC training certificates, and Early Educator Certificates) are submitted to DCDEE through WORKS, an on-line portal where you can register, request to be approved for various positions, and access your education information once evaluated and posted. You can now request to have your transcripts sent electronically from colleges attended. *When education is posted, staff need to log back into Works and print a copy of their Education Status Letter for their file. *See information on staff education below in Rated License Update Emergency Preparedness and Response (EPR) Requirements, Emergency Medical Care Plan (EMCP) and Ready-to-Go File – Your Emergency Preparedness and Response (EPR) Plan needs to be reviewed and updated annually. You last updated your EPR Plan in October 2023. Playground – You recently added new mulch and are adding new materials for the playgrounds. Activity Plans – Activity Plans must be current, dated and posted where they are easily visible and include daily activities that meet the five developmental goals in the NC Foundations for Early Learning and Development. I shared an Activity Plan checklist that you can share with staff for creating activity plans that meet all requirements. Water Bottles – Water bottles must be labeled with child’s name (date not required) and returned home daily to be washed. Supervision – All staff have completed Active Supervision training through the Southwestern Child Development Commission. Staff are counting children when transitioning to and from the playground and documenting numbers on a transition form. The administrator is conducting observations of classroom, playground, and transition supervision and reviewing her observations with staff to help them improve their supervision and interaction skills. Follow-up on Corrective Action Plan: We reviewed the expectations of the Corrective Action Plan, including: Stipulation #1 – Maintaining compliance with NC Child Care Requirements but specifically pertaining to falsification and enhanced staff/child ratios. You have elected to meet enhanced minus one staff/child ratios. One violation related to staff training was documented today. Stipulation #2 – Staff training on falsification. This stipulation has been met. Stipulation #3 – Policies related to falsification and records management were completed and approved on September 29, 2023. The policies have been added to the personnel policies. This stipulation has been met. I will inform you when the Written Warning is closed. Additional Comments: Required Water, Lead Paint, and Asbestos Testing - New child care rules require child care facilities to test for lead in drinking water, lead paint, and asbestos. Testing is required by 1/1/2025, but enrollment is required by 5/1/2024. Check out the FAQ in the updated Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids. Currently there is funding to pay for the testing and to mitigate lead paint or asbestos hazards. Depending on the age of your home or building and the information you provide in the enrollment process, testing for lead paint and asbestos may not be required. (Lead paint was not used in homes built after 1978. Asbestos was not used in homes after 1988.) Water testing will be required every three years. For more information go to https://www.cleanwaterforuskids.org/en/carolina/ or contact your Environmental Health Specialist. I shared information on the following topics and emailed the information to you after the visit: 1. Supporting Health Social-Emotional Development Webinar 2. Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids – required testing for lead in water, lead paint, asbestos – Enrollment due 5/1/24 3. Moodle Back Up and Running! 4. Love Them Through It: Understanding Trauma in Young Children – 6 month training opportunity 5. Rules Changes, effective 1/1/2024 – Review on Moodle! 6. Provider Access to the Background Check Management System 7. Free On-line Teacher Professional Development Memberships 8. Resources from Health and Safety Resource Center! 9. Environmental Health Rules Update 10. NC Rated License Assessment Project (NCRLAP) Resources 11. NCID – Keep it active! Transition Back To Rated License Assessments And Cohorts To transition back to rated license assessments, the Division has created a two-year Cohort Model. All facilities are assigned to one of three cohorts based on their current rated license assessment due date. Each cohort will have a year for preparation and a year for assessment. (However, you are encouraged to begin preparations now so that you are ready when your cohort group is due!) Your child care center/NCPre-K program was due for a three-year rated license reassessment 2/28/22 and has been assigned to Cohort 2. The Cohort 2 Rated License Preparation Year is from 7/1/2024 – 6/30/2025 (begins this July!) During your preparation year, if you are interested in having the Environment Rating Scales completed, review the ECERS-R by obtaining the manuals for each classroom and looking for assessment related resources at ncrlap.org. Request technical assistance and training for your staff from Albemarle Alliance for Children and Families (AACF). You can request and complete an ECERS-R (2 will be required; at least one must be an NCPre-K class) during your preparation year. If your scores help you meet your current star rating and you are ready to move forward with your rated license assessment, you may choose to do so during your preparation year. Your preparation year is also the time to continue to work on staff education and ensure that Works accounts are completed and up to date for staff members. Look at options to help staff earn the NC Early Childhood Credential (NCECC): completing EDU 119 at one of the NC Community Colleges, applying for Early Educator Certification through the NC Institute for Child Development Professionals, completing and passing the new NCECC Equivalency Exam (not currently available), or earning the Child Development Associate (CDA). Encourage staff with the NCECC to enroll in additional college coursework to increase points in Education. TEACH Scholarships are available to help staff pay for educational expenses. Go to https://www.childcareservices.org/programs/teach-north-carolina/ The Cohort 2 Rated License Assessment Year is from 7/1/2025 – 6/30/2026. During your assessment year you may choose to complete the ECERS-R again at no cost even if you completed them during your preparation year. Use the feedback from your preparation year scores to create a plan to improve your scores. During this year, all education needs to be posted in Works. At some point during that year, you will have your rated license assessed. Update On Center’s Rated License Points: *meets enhanced space and enhanced ratios minus one *needs to score a 5.0 or higher in any NCPre-K classrooms assessed Education Standards – current eligible for Five (5) Points *Based in information available in DCDEE Works *Points are earned based on the lowest level of education for any one position. Administrator Education – Currently eligible for 5 Points D. Brown – NCECAC II w/ 25+y ec and 6y ad exp = 5 points *With new ECE equivalencies, D. Brown needs to complete 2 hrs ECE to earn NCECAC III required for NCPre-K Administrators; will also earn 7 points Lead/NCPre-K Teacher Education – Currently eligible for 5 Points *SB 570 providing flexibility to allow 50% of lead teachers have AAS-ECE or higher at 7 Point level until 6/2023 Space 1 (3’s) K. Riddick – NCECC w/ 6+y exp = 4 points Space 2 (3’s & 4’s) B. Holt – Education not posted in Works (NCECC? AAS-ECE?) w/ 7m ec exp = 1 point *Not currently qualified as LT; needs to submit original, official transcripts to Works); may qualify for 6 points w/ 1y exp and 7 points w/ 2y exp. Space 3 (4’s & 5’s ) A. Riley – NCECC w/ 15y ec exp = 4 points Space 4 (NCPre-K 1) H. Barnes – NCECC + 21 ECE (AAS-ECE will be complete in May 2024) w/ 2y 4m ec exp – 5 points *Needs to submit original, official transcripts of AAS-ECE degree to Works; must complete 6 hours ECE annually towards BS-ECE and B-K License Space 5 (NCPre-K 2) N. Hendricks – BS-CD + BK License w/ 16y ec exp = 7 points Space 6 (NCPre-K 3 ) M. Slades – BS-Soc Science + MS- ECE w/ 21y ec exp = 7 points * Continue to complete 6 hours ECE annually towards B-K license Teacher Education – 7 Points - Currently eligible for 7 Points Space 1 (3’s) N. Slozes – HS w/ 1y 9m exp = 2 points Space 2 (3’s & 4’s) – not required Space 3 (4’s & 5’s ) E. Brothers – GED w/ 7m ec exp = 1 point Space 4 (NCPre-K 1) A. Williams – AAS-Arts + NCECC (CDA) + 16 ECE w/ 2+m ec exp = 7 points *Meets NCPre-K TA requirements (CDA) Space 5 (NCPre-K 2) P. Watson – AAS-ECE + BS-Nursing w/ 18y ec exp = 7 points *Meets NCPre-K TA requirements (AAS-ECE) Space 6 (NCPre-K 3) C. Nickens – MS- ECE w/ 14+ ec exp = 7 points *Meets NCPre-K TA requirements (MS-ECE) Quality Point - One (1) Point Meets the following: 1. Staff Benefits (offers the following: paid leave for professional development, paid planning time, vacation, sick time, retirement; health insurance) 2. Enhanced Parent Involvement (offers 2 of the following: quarterly newsletter, periodic conferences for all children, quarterly parent meetings) Total the amount of points in Program Standards, Education Standards and Quality Point. 1 – 3 Points = One Star 4 – 6 Points = Two Stars 7 – 9 Points = Three Stars 10 – 12 Points = Four Stars 13 – 15 Points = Five Stars Technical Assistance to Improve ECERS-R Scores – The website for the NC Rated License Assessment Project (NCRLAP), www.ncrlap.org , has a wealth of resources and training opportunities to help you intentionally prepare for your upcoming ECERS-R assessment. From the main webpage, you can access self-assessment tools to review each subscale in detail and determine how you can make improvements in each area. See “Thinking More About Space and Furnishing,” “Thinking More About Personal Care Routines,” “Thinking More About Language and Interactions,” “Thinking More About Activities,” and “Thinking More About Program Structure.” Taking the time to work through these activities with your staff and using that self-reflection to purchase materials, rearrange your classrooms, work on interactions, improve daily routines, etc. will help you improve your environment and your scores. Also check out the training options under the training tab. Trainings are both self-guided and live (virtual). You and your staff can earn training credit for participating in these trainings. Thank you for your time and assistance today. Refer to this visit summary for a refresher of our discussions today, and I encourage you to share with staff and use the information as a teaching tool. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to call or email me at the contact information listed above. 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 .0514 · Violation

Name of Operation: SUCCESS ACADEMY Facility ID: 15000022 Consultant: MARJORIE WHITE Operation Type: Center Case Number: 0124-185L Visit Date: 1/22/2024 Number Present: 71 Completed Date: 1/22/2024 Age: From 3 To 5 Total Minutes: 270 Time In: 11:30 AM Time Out: 04:00 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Complaint Visit Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced * The purpose of today's unannounced visit was to obtain information regarding a self-report of an alleged violation of child care requirements. The allegation is: there is a concern that a child was left on the playground unsupervised. I completed limited monitoring of child care requirements during the visit. Supervision of children, staff/child ratios, adequate/approved space and permit restrictions were observed in compliance at the time of my observations. The Special Provisional License and two administrative actions were posted at the entrance D. Brown, Administrator, assisted me with the visit. I also observed two staff files. The following staff/child ratios (S/C) were observed: Space 3 – 15 children, ages 3 – 5 years (B. Holt; L. Brothers) s/c ratios = 2:15 Investigation: The allegation was shared with the administrator who self-reported the allegation. There is a concern that a child was left on the playground unsupervised. . Your Response: On Wednesday, 1/17/2024, the teacher from Space 1 needed to take an early lunch. The teachers moved one child, three years of age, to Space 3 to maintain a 1:9 staff/child ratio. They chose a child who does not mind being re-grouped and likes to be in Space 3. Even though it was cold, the lead teacher and a floater in Space 3 wanted to take the children outdoors for a few minutes to run off some energy. They checked the weather conditions against the weather watch chart and decided to take them out for a short time. They put on coats and went outdoors for about 15 minutes and left the child from Space 1 on the playground for about 43 minutes. One of the teachers from Space 1 brought over the child’s lunch. The lead teacher from Space 3 said that she did not have the child. The teacher from Space 1 reminded her that she brought the child over before she left at 9:45 am and he had not been returned to their class. The lead teacher from Space 3 ran out to the playground and found child and brought him back to the classroom. The administrator was immediately notified of the incident. She reviewed camera footage that reflected the children in Space 3 going out to the playground and the child being left on the playground. The teachers did not follow the supervision policy and count children before going outside and after returning. The administrator stated that she spoke with the lead teacher and the floater and terminated them. She called the parent to inform her of the incident. She called the Intake Unit at the Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) to self-report the incident. She also self-reported the incident to Marjorie White, Child Care Consultant. My Observations: Before arriving at the center, I checked weather conditions for around 10am on the morning of Wednesday, 1/17/2024. The air temperature was 27 degrees Fahrenheit and the wind speed was around 6mph. According to the Weather Watch Chart, used to determine if outdoor play is permitted based on weather conditions, weather conditions were in the “yellow zone” which recommended a shorter outdoor time and appropriate clothing. During the visit, I observed camera footage of the incident. A child, three years of age was re-grouped from Space 1 to Space 3 around 9:48am on Wednesday, 1/17/2024. A lead teacher, teacher, and floater were in Space 3 with eleven children, three and four years of age. A technical assistance staff person from Albemarle Alliance for Children and Families was in Space 3 working with the teacher. The child from Space 1 immediately joined in the indoor free play, playing in different centers with the other children and accessing toys and materials. At 10:25am, the children put on coats. The floater stepped out of the classroom to get the child’s coat from his cubby across the hall. At 10:27, the lead teacher, floater and children went through the door from the classroom to the playground. The staff did not line up and count children before exiting the classroom. They did not line up children outside the door to count them before releasing them to play. Children played outdoors for about 15 minutes. They started to return indoors around 10:42am. The lead teacher and floater did not count children before going indoors. They did not count children after getting back into the classroom. As observed on camera footage, the two staff members did not even scan the playground for children or items they may have left behind. The child from Space 1 who was left behind was observed playing in a space on the other side of the stationary climber as the class went indoors. He continued to play outdoors by himself. At times, he may have been playing on a part of the playground that was not picked up by the camera, perhaps the sandbox that is in the southwest corner of the playground. He was then observed to come and sit on the containment border of the fall zone for the complex climber. He was facing the door and appeared to be looking around and waiting for someone to get. He remained there until the lead teacher came outdoors to get him. During this time, the children in Space 3 washed hands and played before lunch. They washed hands and ate lunch. Around 11:25am, the lead teacher stepped out of the classroom. Suddenly she came running back into the classroom and out the exit door. She saw the child sitting on the containment border and picked him up and returned him indoors. The child was outside alone and unsupervised for about 43 minutes from 10:42am to 11:25am in weather conditions that the Weather Watch Chart recommended a shorter outdoor time. I also asked to see “Shift Sheets” from Space 1 and Space 3 that are used by the center to document when children are re-grouped from one classroom to another. The lead teacher in Space 1 said that she did not complete a shift sheet. The shift sheet on the attendance clipboard in Space 3 was blank and did not reflect the child being re-grouped to that classroom on 1/17/2024. Based upon your statements and my observations, this allegation is confirmed. The following items were documented as a violation during today’s visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 303 Children were not adequately supervised at all times. On January 17, 2024, a child, three years of age, was left alone on the playground for forty-three minutes. .1801(a)(1-5) 1212 Centers with more than two staff did not have written personnel policies. Staff did not follow the center's supervision policy for counting children when transitioning to and from the playground. 10A NCAC 09 .0514(d) 9995 A violation was found for which there is no item number. Staff did not follow policies and procedures for documenting when children are regrouped from one classroom to another classroom to maintain staff/child ratios or space capacity as described in the facility's approved Corrective Action Plan Stipulation #2 for a Written Warning issued on March 24, 2023. This is in violation of 10A NCAC 09 .2205(2). * Child care programs are expected to achieve and always maintain compliance and are required by NC GS 110-90(4)(d) to achieve and maintain an 18-month compliance history score of at least 75%. Any violations documented may impact the compliance history score. I completed an electronic copy of the visit summary and provided a printed copy of it to you, D. Brown, Administrator. We reviewed the visit summary and violation(s) documented during today’s visit. Correct these immediately. Send evidence of correction to me so that I receive it no later than 2/5/2023. Your compliance verification letter needs to include the following: 1. Name of facility and facility license # 2. Name of person writing compliance letter and position 3. Date of monitoring visit when violations were documented 4. Date compliance letter written 5. List each violation by Item # and describe when and how each violation has been corrected. Also include the following documents/pictures to verify compliance. 6. Send compliance verification letter in an email from your center’s official email address angela@aacfnc.org to my email address, Marjorie.White@dhhs.nc.gov. If sent from another email address, the center’s official address must be Cc’d in the compliance email. 7. You may include the compliance verification as an attachment or in the body of the email. 8. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit may be conducted. *I will email a sample compliance verification letter to you. *Please be aware that any information submitted by you is legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the compliance letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. A violation was documented that requires a follow-up visit. An unannounced visit will be made soon to verify correction of violations. If I may be of further assistance, please contact me by phone at (252) 373-9385, by e-mail at Marjorie.White@dhhs.nc.gov. You may also call Jennifer Linhardt, Licensing Supervisor, at (252) 373-4199 or Jennifer.Linhardt@dhhs.nc.gov. Technical Assistance with Documented Violations: Personnel Policies and Supervision – Personnel Policies are more commonly known as a Staff Handbook. They are a tool to share the center’s policies and procedures with staff so that staff know what their responsibility is to maintain and healthy and safe environment. There are minimum requirements for information to be shared as listed in 10A NCAC .0514(d); however, many centers include additional information on policies that they feel need to be implemented to keep children safe. Sometimes as part of a compliance letter or corrective action plan, facilities are required to add policies and procedures to their staff handbooks to address violations or confirmed complaint allegations. Administrators are required to review the staff handbook at orientation and as policies are updated or added. Annual reviews, regardless of updates, are encouraged. Because supervision is directly tied to safety and the prevention of injury and maintaining quality child care for children, many facilities include supervision policies in their staff handbooks as a tool for staff to use to provide adequate supervision. Success Academy includes a supervision policy in its staff handbook. After a supervision violation was documented on a Complaint visit on 10/20/2023 where a teacher left a child in a classroom when transitioning to the playground, the administrator included a copy of the center’s supervision policy, “Accountability While Providing Supervision and Care for Children” with the compliance letter. At the time, this was not a new policy, but management felt they needed to review and revisit the policy with staff. The policy includes procedures for ensuring all children are accounted for when going to and from the playground. This policy requires a head count before going outdoors, an immediate head count when outdoors and before releasing children to play, a head count before returning indoors, and an immediate head count when back inside. This policy was reviewed with all staff employed at that time. A copy of the signed supervision policy, dated 8/22/2023, was observed in the file for the lead teacher in Space 3. A copy of the signed policy was not observed in the file for the floater, hired on 12/11/2023 and responsible for the children during the incident. This is the second supervision violation since that policy was reviewed with staff in October 2024 and during orientation. On Wednesday, 1/17/2024, a child was left outdoors for 40 minutes in the cold. The two teachers in the class did not follow the supervision policy for going out and returning indoors. Even though the child that was left on the playground was not assigned to their classroom and had to be shifted over to maintain staff/child ratios in Space 1, if they had counted the children before releasing them for play and counted them before and after returning inside, they would have immediately recognized that they were missing a child and returned to the playground to find him. Because the policy is not working as designed, and there continues to be supervision violations, you need to review the policy and determine how to improve it so that it provides more accountability. Consider adding a playground transition head count form where teachers are counting and documenting the number of children present in the classroom before going outside, directly outside the door before being released to play and again directly outside the door before returning inside, and in the classroom after going back indoors. Consider adding a policy where a staff member does a walkthrough of the playground while the second staff person is counting children before going back inside. Look at how administration can monitor staff compliance with supervision policies and provide technical assistance when staff are not observed following policies. Create a checklist to document that this monitoring is occurring. This is a repeated violation from 10/24/2023 and 11/29/2023. For your compliance letter, describe your strategies for ensuring adequate supervision and accounting for children during transitions that require them to move from one space to another such as from the classroom to the playground. Corrective Action Plan – Child Care Requirements – Administrative Actions General Provisions 10A NCAC 09 .2201 (g) it states, “When a corrective action plan is included in the notice of administrative action, it shall describe those actions necessary for the operator to be in full compliance with requirements of G.S. 110, Article 7, this Chapter, or 10A NCAC 10, and shall specify a time period for completion of additional requirements that may prevent recurrence, such as training or policy implementation.” This written plan and/or policies and procedures become a permanent part of your operating/personnel policies and are expected to be followed to maintain compliance with rules needing to be corrected. In Stipulation #2 of your Corrective Action Plan for the Written Warning issued on 3/24/2023, the administrator was required to create policies and procedures to maintain compliance with staff/child ratios and space capacity. The written policies and procedures were approved on 5/5/2023. The policy included the use of a “shift sheet” to document when children are re-grouped from one classroom to another to maintain staff/child ratios. The administrator held a staff meeting on 5/18/2023 and reviewed these policies and procedures with all staff with the expectation that the policies be implemented immediately. On 1/17/2024, Space 1 was in staff/child ratio with 10 children, three years of age, until a teacher has to take an early lunch. Enhanced minus one staff/child ratios for classrooms with children three-years of age are 1:9. The plan was to shift a child to Space 3 where there were two teachers with eleven of children, three to four years of age, until the teacher from Space 1 returned. A shift sheet was not completed in Space 1 or Space 3 to reflect that one child was moved from Space 1 to Space 3. This child was later left on the playground alone for 43 minutes. It is possible that if the shift sheet had been completed in Space 3, it may have solidified in the teachers’ minds that a new child was present in the class and that child may have been missed when the class returned indoors. You stated that the shift sheet was used by the previous administrator and you were not aware of it and have not been training new staff to use it. You are working with A. Arsenault to update this policy and documentation for regrouping children. For your compliance letter, describe your updated policy and documentation for regrouping children to maintain staff/child ratios or space capacity. Compliance History: I reviewed the facility’s compliance history with the lead teacher. The 18-month compliance history from 7/20/2022 – 1/19/2024 is 83% . Please be aware that any information received during this investigation and any violations documented may be included in any future administrative actions. Violations of child care requirements, particularly repeated violations, could result in a civil penalty and/or administrative action that could jeopardize the status of the license for the child care facility. Please also refer to sections labeled Technical Assistance and Reminder for a refresher of our discussions today. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact me at the contact information listed above. 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 .2201 · Violation

Name of Operation: SUCCESS ACADEMY Facility ID: 15000022 Consultant: MARJORIE WHITE Operation Type: Center Case Number: 0124-185L Visit Date: 1/22/2024 Number Present: 71 Completed Date: 1/22/2024 Age: From 3 To 5 Total Minutes: 270 Time In: 11:30 AM Time Out: 04:00 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Complaint Visit Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced * The purpose of today's unannounced visit was to obtain information regarding a self-report of an alleged violation of child care requirements. The allegation is: there is a concern that a child was left on the playground unsupervised. I completed limited monitoring of child care requirements during the visit. Supervision of children, staff/child ratios, adequate/approved space and permit restrictions were observed in compliance at the time of my observations. The Special Provisional License and two administrative actions were posted at the entrance D. Brown, Administrator, assisted me with the visit. I also observed two staff files. The following staff/child ratios (S/C) were observed: Space 3 – 15 children, ages 3 – 5 years (B. Holt; L. Brothers) s/c ratios = 2:15 Investigation: The allegation was shared with the administrator who self-reported the allegation. There is a concern that a child was left on the playground unsupervised. . Your Response: On Wednesday, 1/17/2024, the teacher from Space 1 needed to take an early lunch. The teachers moved one child, three years of age, to Space 3 to maintain a 1:9 staff/child ratio. They chose a child who does not mind being re-grouped and likes to be in Space 3. Even though it was cold, the lead teacher and a floater in Space 3 wanted to take the children outdoors for a few minutes to run off some energy. They checked the weather conditions against the weather watch chart and decided to take them out for a short time. They put on coats and went outdoors for about 15 minutes and left the child from Space 1 on the playground for about 43 minutes. One of the teachers from Space 1 brought over the child’s lunch. The lead teacher from Space 3 said that she did not have the child. The teacher from Space 1 reminded her that she brought the child over before she left at 9:45 am and he had not been returned to their class. The lead teacher from Space 3 ran out to the playground and found child and brought him back to the classroom. The administrator was immediately notified of the incident. She reviewed camera footage that reflected the children in Space 3 going out to the playground and the child being left on the playground. The teachers did not follow the supervision policy and count children before going outside and after returning. The administrator stated that she spoke with the lead teacher and the floater and terminated them. She called the parent to inform her of the incident. She called the Intake Unit at the Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) to self-report the incident. She also self-reported the incident to Marjorie White, Child Care Consultant. My Observations: Before arriving at the center, I checked weather conditions for around 10am on the morning of Wednesday, 1/17/2024. The air temperature was 27 degrees Fahrenheit and the wind speed was around 6mph. According to the Weather Watch Chart, used to determine if outdoor play is permitted based on weather conditions, weather conditions were in the “yellow zone” which recommended a shorter outdoor time and appropriate clothing. During the visit, I observed camera footage of the incident. A child, three years of age was re-grouped from Space 1 to Space 3 around 9:48am on Wednesday, 1/17/2024. A lead teacher, teacher, and floater were in Space 3 with eleven children, three and four years of age. A technical assistance staff person from Albemarle Alliance for Children and Families was in Space 3 working with the teacher. The child from Space 1 immediately joined in the indoor free play, playing in different centers with the other children and accessing toys and materials. At 10:25am, the children put on coats. The floater stepped out of the classroom to get the child’s coat from his cubby across the hall. At 10:27, the lead teacher, floater and children went through the door from the classroom to the playground. The staff did not line up and count children before exiting the classroom. They did not line up children outside the door to count them before releasing them to play. Children played outdoors for about 15 minutes. They started to return indoors around 10:42am. The lead teacher and floater did not count children before going indoors. They did not count children after getting back into the classroom. As observed on camera footage, the two staff members did not even scan the playground for children or items they may have left behind. The child from Space 1 who was left behind was observed playing in a space on the other side of the stationary climber as the class went indoors. He continued to play outdoors by himself. At times, he may have been playing on a part of the playground that was not picked up by the camera, perhaps the sandbox that is in the southwest corner of the playground. He was then observed to come and sit on the containment border of the fall zone for the complex climber. He was facing the door and appeared to be looking around and waiting for someone to get. He remained there until the lead teacher came outdoors to get him. During this time, the children in Space 3 washed hands and played before lunch. They washed hands and ate lunch. Around 11:25am, the lead teacher stepped out of the classroom. Suddenly she came running back into the classroom and out the exit door. She saw the child sitting on the containment border and picked him up and returned him indoors. The child was outside alone and unsupervised for about 43 minutes from 10:42am to 11:25am in weather conditions that the Weather Watch Chart recommended a shorter outdoor time. I also asked to see “Shift Sheets” from Space 1 and Space 3 that are used by the center to document when children are re-grouped from one classroom to another. The lead teacher in Space 1 said that she did not complete a shift sheet. The shift sheet on the attendance clipboard in Space 3 was blank and did not reflect the child being re-grouped to that classroom on 1/17/2024. Based upon your statements and my observations, this allegation is confirmed. The following items were documented as a violation during today’s visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 303 Children were not adequately supervised at all times. On January 17, 2024, a child, three years of age, was left alone on the playground for forty-three minutes. .1801(a)(1-5) 1212 Centers with more than two staff did not have written personnel policies. Staff did not follow the center's supervision policy for counting children when transitioning to and from the playground. 10A NCAC 09 .0514(d) 9995 A violation was found for which there is no item number. Staff did not follow policies and procedures for documenting when children are regrouped from one classroom to another classroom to maintain staff/child ratios or space capacity as described in the facility's approved Corrective Action Plan Stipulation #2 for a Written Warning issued on March 24, 2023. This is in violation of 10A NCAC 09 .2205(2). * Child care programs are expected to achieve and always maintain compliance and are required by NC GS 110-90(4)(d) to achieve and maintain an 18-month compliance history score of at least 75%. Any violations documented may impact the compliance history score. I completed an electronic copy of the visit summary and provided a printed copy of it to you, D. Brown, Administrator. We reviewed the visit summary and violation(s) documented during today’s visit. Correct these immediately. Send evidence of correction to me so that I receive it no later than 2/5/2023. Your compliance verification letter needs to include the following: 1. Name of facility and facility license # 2. Name of person writing compliance letter and position 3. Date of monitoring visit when violations were documented 4. Date compliance letter written 5. List each violation by Item # and describe when and how each violation has been corrected. Also include the following documents/pictures to verify compliance. 6. Send compliance verification letter in an email from your center’s official email address angela@aacfnc.org to my email address, Marjorie.White@dhhs.nc.gov. If sent from another email address, the center’s official address must be Cc’d in the compliance email. 7. You may include the compliance verification as an attachment or in the body of the email. 8. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit may be conducted. *I will email a sample compliance verification letter to you. *Please be aware that any information submitted by you is legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the compliance letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. A violation was documented that requires a follow-up visit. An unannounced visit will be made soon to verify correction of violations. If I may be of further assistance, please contact me by phone at (252) 373-9385, by e-mail at Marjorie.White@dhhs.nc.gov. You may also call Jennifer Linhardt, Licensing Supervisor, at (252) 373-4199 or Jennifer.Linhardt@dhhs.nc.gov. Technical Assistance with Documented Violations: Personnel Policies and Supervision – Personnel Policies are more commonly known as a Staff Handbook. They are a tool to share the center’s policies and procedures with staff so that staff know what their responsibility is to maintain and healthy and safe environment. There are minimum requirements for information to be shared as listed in 10A NCAC .0514(d); however, many centers include additional information on policies that they feel need to be implemented to keep children safe. Sometimes as part of a compliance letter or corrective action plan, facilities are required to add policies and procedures to their staff handbooks to address violations or confirmed complaint allegations. Administrators are required to review the staff handbook at orientation and as policies are updated or added. Annual reviews, regardless of updates, are encouraged. Because supervision is directly tied to safety and the prevention of injury and maintaining quality child care for children, many facilities include supervision policies in their staff handbooks as a tool for staff to use to provide adequate supervision. Success Academy includes a supervision policy in its staff handbook. After a supervision violation was documented on a Complaint visit on 10/20/2023 where a teacher left a child in a classroom when transitioning to the playground, the administrator included a copy of the center’s supervision policy, “Accountability While Providing Supervision and Care for Children” with the compliance letter. At the time, this was not a new policy, but management felt they needed to review and revisit the policy with staff. The policy includes procedures for ensuring all children are accounted for when going to and from the playground. This policy requires a head count before going outdoors, an immediate head count when outdoors and before releasing children to play, a head count before returning indoors, and an immediate head count when back inside. This policy was reviewed with all staff employed at that time. A copy of the signed supervision policy, dated 8/22/2023, was observed in the file for the lead teacher in Space 3. A copy of the signed policy was not observed in the file for the floater, hired on 12/11/2023 and responsible for the children during the incident. This is the second supervision violation since that policy was reviewed with staff in October 2024 and during orientation. On Wednesday, 1/17/2024, a child was left outdoors for 40 minutes in the cold. The two teachers in the class did not follow the supervision policy for going out and returning indoors. Even though the child that was left on the playground was not assigned to their classroom and had to be shifted over to maintain staff/child ratios in Space 1, if they had counted the children before releasing them for play and counted them before and after returning inside, they would have immediately recognized that they were missing a child and returned to the playground to find him. Because the policy is not working as designed, and there continues to be supervision violations, you need to review the policy and determine how to improve it so that it provides more accountability. Consider adding a playground transition head count form where teachers are counting and documenting the number of children present in the classroom before going outside, directly outside the door before being released to play and again directly outside the door before returning inside, and in the classroom after going back indoors. Consider adding a policy where a staff member does a walkthrough of the playground while the second staff person is counting children before going back inside. Look at how administration can monitor staff compliance with supervision policies and provide technical assistance when staff are not observed following policies. Create a checklist to document that this monitoring is occurring. This is a repeated violation from 10/24/2023 and 11/29/2023. For your compliance letter, describe your strategies for ensuring adequate supervision and accounting for children during transitions that require them to move from one space to another such as from the classroom to the playground. Corrective Action Plan – Child Care Requirements – Administrative Actions General Provisions 10A NCAC 09 .2201 (g) it states, “When a corrective action plan is included in the notice of administrative action, it shall describe those actions necessary for the operator to be in full compliance with requirements of G.S. 110, Article 7, this Chapter, or 10A NCAC 10, and shall specify a time period for completion of additional requirements that may prevent recurrence, such as training or policy implementation.” This written plan and/or policies and procedures become a permanent part of your operating/personnel policies and are expected to be followed to maintain compliance with rules needing to be corrected. In Stipulation #2 of your Corrective Action Plan for the Written Warning issued on 3/24/2023, the administrator was required to create policies and procedures to maintain compliance with staff/child ratios and space capacity. The written policies and procedures were approved on 5/5/2023. The policy included the use of a “shift sheet” to document when children are re-grouped from one classroom to another to maintain staff/child ratios. The administrator held a staff meeting on 5/18/2023 and reviewed these policies and procedures with all staff with the expectation that the policies be implemented immediately. On 1/17/2024, Space 1 was in staff/child ratio with 10 children, three years of age, until a teacher has to take an early lunch. Enhanced minus one staff/child ratios for classrooms with children three-years of age are 1:9. The plan was to shift a child to Space 3 where there were two teachers with eleven of children, three to four years of age, until the teacher from Space 1 returned. A shift sheet was not completed in Space 1 or Space 3 to reflect that one child was moved from Space 1 to Space 3. This child was later left on the playground alone for 43 minutes. It is possible that if the shift sheet had been completed in Space 3, it may have solidified in the teachers’ minds that a new child was present in the class and that child may have been missed when the class returned indoors. You stated that the shift sheet was used by the previous administrator and you were not aware of it and have not been training new staff to use it. You are working with A. Arsenault to update this policy and documentation for regrouping children. For your compliance letter, describe your updated policy and documentation for regrouping children to maintain staff/child ratios or space capacity. Compliance History: I reviewed the facility’s compliance history with the lead teacher. The 18-month compliance history from 7/20/2022 – 1/19/2024 is 83% . Please be aware that any information received during this investigation and any violations documented may be included in any future administrative actions. Violations of child care requirements, particularly repeated violations, could result in a civil penalty and/or administrative action that could jeopardize the status of the license for the child care facility. Please also refer to sections labeled Technical Assistance and Reminder for a refresher of our discussions today. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact me at the contact information listed above. 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 .2205 · Violation

Name of Operation: SUCCESS ACADEMY Facility ID: 15000022 Consultant: MARJORIE WHITE Operation Type: Center Case Number: 0124-185L Visit Date: 1/22/2024 Number Present: 71 Completed Date: 1/22/2024 Age: From 3 To 5 Total Minutes: 270 Time In: 11:30 AM Time Out: 04:00 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Complaint Visit Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced * The purpose of today's unannounced visit was to obtain information regarding a self-report of an alleged violation of child care requirements. The allegation is: there is a concern that a child was left on the playground unsupervised. I completed limited monitoring of child care requirements during the visit. Supervision of children, staff/child ratios, adequate/approved space and permit restrictions were observed in compliance at the time of my observations. The Special Provisional License and two administrative actions were posted at the entrance D. Brown, Administrator, assisted me with the visit. I also observed two staff files. The following staff/child ratios (S/C) were observed: Space 3 – 15 children, ages 3 – 5 years (B. Holt; L. Brothers) s/c ratios = 2:15 Investigation: The allegation was shared with the administrator who self-reported the allegation. There is a concern that a child was left on the playground unsupervised. . Your Response: On Wednesday, 1/17/2024, the teacher from Space 1 needed to take an early lunch. The teachers moved one child, three years of age, to Space 3 to maintain a 1:9 staff/child ratio. They chose a child who does not mind being re-grouped and likes to be in Space 3. Even though it was cold, the lead teacher and a floater in Space 3 wanted to take the children outdoors for a few minutes to run off some energy. They checked the weather conditions against the weather watch chart and decided to take them out for a short time. They put on coats and went outdoors for about 15 minutes and left the child from Space 1 on the playground for about 43 minutes. One of the teachers from Space 1 brought over the child’s lunch. The lead teacher from Space 3 said that she did not have the child. The teacher from Space 1 reminded her that she brought the child over before she left at 9:45 am and he had not been returned to their class. The lead teacher from Space 3 ran out to the playground and found child and brought him back to the classroom. The administrator was immediately notified of the incident. She reviewed camera footage that reflected the children in Space 3 going out to the playground and the child being left on the playground. The teachers did not follow the supervision policy and count children before going outside and after returning. The administrator stated that she spoke with the lead teacher and the floater and terminated them. She called the parent to inform her of the incident. She called the Intake Unit at the Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) to self-report the incident. She also self-reported the incident to Marjorie White, Child Care Consultant. My Observations: Before arriving at the center, I checked weather conditions for around 10am on the morning of Wednesday, 1/17/2024. The air temperature was 27 degrees Fahrenheit and the wind speed was around 6mph. According to the Weather Watch Chart, used to determine if outdoor play is permitted based on weather conditions, weather conditions were in the “yellow zone” which recommended a shorter outdoor time and appropriate clothing. During the visit, I observed camera footage of the incident. A child, three years of age was re-grouped from Space 1 to Space 3 around 9:48am on Wednesday, 1/17/2024. A lead teacher, teacher, and floater were in Space 3 with eleven children, three and four years of age. A technical assistance staff person from Albemarle Alliance for Children and Families was in Space 3 working with the teacher. The child from Space 1 immediately joined in the indoor free play, playing in different centers with the other children and accessing toys and materials. At 10:25am, the children put on coats. The floater stepped out of the classroom to get the child’s coat from his cubby across the hall. At 10:27, the lead teacher, floater and children went through the door from the classroom to the playground. The staff did not line up and count children before exiting the classroom. They did not line up children outside the door to count them before releasing them to play. Children played outdoors for about 15 minutes. They started to return indoors around 10:42am. The lead teacher and floater did not count children before going indoors. They did not count children after getting back into the classroom. As observed on camera footage, the two staff members did not even scan the playground for children or items they may have left behind. The child from Space 1 who was left behind was observed playing in a space on the other side of the stationary climber as the class went indoors. He continued to play outdoors by himself. At times, he may have been playing on a part of the playground that was not picked up by the camera, perhaps the sandbox that is in the southwest corner of the playground. He was then observed to come and sit on the containment border of the fall zone for the complex climber. He was facing the door and appeared to be looking around and waiting for someone to get. He remained there until the lead teacher came outdoors to get him. During this time, the children in Space 3 washed hands and played before lunch. They washed hands and ate lunch. Around 11:25am, the lead teacher stepped out of the classroom. Suddenly she came running back into the classroom and out the exit door. She saw the child sitting on the containment border and picked him up and returned him indoors. The child was outside alone and unsupervised for about 43 minutes from 10:42am to 11:25am in weather conditions that the Weather Watch Chart recommended a shorter outdoor time. I also asked to see “Shift Sheets” from Space 1 and Space 3 that are used by the center to document when children are re-grouped from one classroom to another. The lead teacher in Space 1 said that she did not complete a shift sheet. The shift sheet on the attendance clipboard in Space 3 was blank and did not reflect the child being re-grouped to that classroom on 1/17/2024. Based upon your statements and my observations, this allegation is confirmed. The following items were documented as a violation during today’s visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 303 Children were not adequately supervised at all times. On January 17, 2024, a child, three years of age, was left alone on the playground for forty-three minutes. .1801(a)(1-5) 1212 Centers with more than two staff did not have written personnel policies. Staff did not follow the center's supervision policy for counting children when transitioning to and from the playground. 10A NCAC 09 .0514(d) 9995 A violation was found for which there is no item number. Staff did not follow policies and procedures for documenting when children are regrouped from one classroom to another classroom to maintain staff/child ratios or space capacity as described in the facility's approved Corrective Action Plan Stipulation #2 for a Written Warning issued on March 24, 2023. This is in violation of 10A NCAC 09 .2205(2). * Child care programs are expected to achieve and always maintain compliance and are required by NC GS 110-90(4)(d) to achieve and maintain an 18-month compliance history score of at least 75%. Any violations documented may impact the compliance history score. I completed an electronic copy of the visit summary and provided a printed copy of it to you, D. Brown, Administrator. We reviewed the visit summary and violation(s) documented during today’s visit. Correct these immediately. Send evidence of correction to me so that I receive it no later than 2/5/2023. Your compliance verification letter needs to include the following: 1. Name of facility and facility license # 2. Name of person writing compliance letter and position 3. Date of monitoring visit when violations were documented 4. Date compliance letter written 5. List each violation by Item # and describe when and how each violation has been corrected. Also include the following documents/pictures to verify compliance. 6. Send compliance verification letter in an email from your center’s official email address angela@aacfnc.org to my email address, Marjorie.White@dhhs.nc.gov. If sent from another email address, the center’s official address must be Cc’d in the compliance email. 7. You may include the compliance verification as an attachment or in the body of the email. 8. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit may be conducted. *I will email a sample compliance verification letter to you. *Please be aware that any information submitted by you is legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the compliance letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. A violation was documented that requires a follow-up visit. An unannounced visit will be made soon to verify correction of violations. If I may be of further assistance, please contact me by phone at (252) 373-9385, by e-mail at Marjorie.White@dhhs.nc.gov. You may also call Jennifer Linhardt, Licensing Supervisor, at (252) 373-4199 or Jennifer.Linhardt@dhhs.nc.gov. Technical Assistance with Documented Violations: Personnel Policies and Supervision – Personnel Policies are more commonly known as a Staff Handbook. They are a tool to share the center’s policies and procedures with staff so that staff know what their responsibility is to maintain and healthy and safe environment. There are minimum requirements for information to be shared as listed in 10A NCAC .0514(d); however, many centers include additional information on policies that they feel need to be implemented to keep children safe. Sometimes as part of a compliance letter or corrective action plan, facilities are required to add policies and procedures to their staff handbooks to address violations or confirmed complaint allegations. Administrators are required to review the staff handbook at orientation and as policies are updated or added. Annual reviews, regardless of updates, are encouraged. Because supervision is directly tied to safety and the prevention of injury and maintaining quality child care for children, many facilities include supervision policies in their staff handbooks as a tool for staff to use to provide adequate supervision. Success Academy includes a supervision policy in its staff handbook. After a supervision violation was documented on a Complaint visit on 10/20/2023 where a teacher left a child in a classroom when transitioning to the playground, the administrator included a copy of the center’s supervision policy, “Accountability While Providing Supervision and Care for Children” with the compliance letter. At the time, this was not a new policy, but management felt they needed to review and revisit the policy with staff. The policy includes procedures for ensuring all children are accounted for when going to and from the playground. This policy requires a head count before going outdoors, an immediate head count when outdoors and before releasing children to play, a head count before returning indoors, and an immediate head count when back inside. This policy was reviewed with all staff employed at that time. A copy of the signed supervision policy, dated 8/22/2023, was observed in the file for the lead teacher in Space 3. A copy of the signed policy was not observed in the file for the floater, hired on 12/11/2023 and responsible for the children during the incident. This is the second supervision violation since that policy was reviewed with staff in October 2024 and during orientation. On Wednesday, 1/17/2024, a child was left outdoors for 40 minutes in the cold. The two teachers in the class did not follow the supervision policy for going out and returning indoors. Even though the child that was left on the playground was not assigned to their classroom and had to be shifted over to maintain staff/child ratios in Space 1, if they had counted the children before releasing them for play and counted them before and after returning inside, they would have immediately recognized that they were missing a child and returned to the playground to find him. Because the policy is not working as designed, and there continues to be supervision violations, you need to review the policy and determine how to improve it so that it provides more accountability. Consider adding a playground transition head count form where teachers are counting and documenting the number of children present in the classroom before going outside, directly outside the door before being released to play and again directly outside the door before returning inside, and in the classroom after going back indoors. Consider adding a policy where a staff member does a walkthrough of the playground while the second staff person is counting children before going back inside. Look at how administration can monitor staff compliance with supervision policies and provide technical assistance when staff are not observed following policies. Create a checklist to document that this monitoring is occurring. This is a repeated violation from 10/24/2023 and 11/29/2023. For your compliance letter, describe your strategies for ensuring adequate supervision and accounting for children during transitions that require them to move from one space to another such as from the classroom to the playground. Corrective Action Plan – Child Care Requirements – Administrative Actions General Provisions 10A NCAC 09 .2201 (g) it states, “When a corrective action plan is included in the notice of administrative action, it shall describe those actions necessary for the operator to be in full compliance with requirements of G.S. 110, Article 7, this Chapter, or 10A NCAC 10, and shall specify a time period for completion of additional requirements that may prevent recurrence, such as training or policy implementation.” This written plan and/or policies and procedures become a permanent part of your operating/personnel policies and are expected to be followed to maintain compliance with rules needing to be corrected. In Stipulation #2 of your Corrective Action Plan for the Written Warning issued on 3/24/2023, the administrator was required to create policies and procedures to maintain compliance with staff/child ratios and space capacity. The written policies and procedures were approved on 5/5/2023. The policy included the use of a “shift sheet” to document when children are re-grouped from one classroom to another to maintain staff/child ratios. The administrator held a staff meeting on 5/18/2023 and reviewed these policies and procedures with all staff with the expectation that the policies be implemented immediately. On 1/17/2024, Space 1 was in staff/child ratio with 10 children, three years of age, until a teacher has to take an early lunch. Enhanced minus one staff/child ratios for classrooms with children three-years of age are 1:9. The plan was to shift a child to Space 3 where there were two teachers with eleven of children, three to four years of age, until the teacher from Space 1 returned. A shift sheet was not completed in Space 1 or Space 3 to reflect that one child was moved from Space 1 to Space 3. This child was later left on the playground alone for 43 minutes. It is possible that if the shift sheet had been completed in Space 3, it may have solidified in the teachers’ minds that a new child was present in the class and that child may have been missed when the class returned indoors. You stated that the shift sheet was used by the previous administrator and you were not aware of it and have not been training new staff to use it. You are working with A. Arsenault to update this policy and documentation for regrouping children. For your compliance letter, describe your updated policy and documentation for regrouping children to maintain staff/child ratios or space capacity. Compliance History: I reviewed the facility’s compliance history with the lead teacher. The 18-month compliance history from 7/20/2022 – 1/19/2024 is 83% . Please be aware that any information received during this investigation and any violations documented may be included in any future administrative actions. Violations of child care requirements, particularly repeated violations, could result in a civil penalty and/or administrative action that could jeopardize the status of the license for the child care facility. Please also refer to sections labeled Technical Assistance and Reminder for a refresher of our discussions today. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact me at the contact information listed above. 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: SUCCESS ACADEMY Facility ID: 15000022 Consultant: MARJORIE WHITE Operation Type: Center Case Number: 0124-185L Visit Date: 1/22/2024 Number Present: 71 Completed Date: 1/22/2024 Age: From 3 To 5 Total Minutes: 270 Time In: 11:30 AM Time Out: 04:00 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Complaint Visit Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced * The purpose of today's unannounced visit was to obtain information regarding a self-report of an alleged violation of child care requirements. The allegation is: there is a concern that a child was left on the playground unsupervised. I completed limited monitoring of child care requirements during the visit. Supervision of children, staff/child ratios, adequate/approved space and permit restrictions were observed in compliance at the time of my observations. The Special Provisional License and two administrative actions were posted at the entrance D. Brown, Administrator, assisted me with the visit. I also observed two staff files. The following staff/child ratios (S/C) were observed: Space 3 – 15 children, ages 3 – 5 years (B. Holt; L. Brothers) s/c ratios = 2:15 Investigation: The allegation was shared with the administrator who self-reported the allegation. There is a concern that a child was left on the playground unsupervised. . Your Response: On Wednesday, 1/17/2024, the teacher from Space 1 needed to take an early lunch. The teachers moved one child, three years of age, to Space 3 to maintain a 1:9 staff/child ratio. They chose a child who does not mind being re-grouped and likes to be in Space 3. Even though it was cold, the lead teacher and a floater in Space 3 wanted to take the children outdoors for a few minutes to run off some energy. They checked the weather conditions against the weather watch chart and decided to take them out for a short time. They put on coats and went outdoors for about 15 minutes and left the child from Space 1 on the playground for about 43 minutes. One of the teachers from Space 1 brought over the child’s lunch. The lead teacher from Space 3 said that she did not have the child. The teacher from Space 1 reminded her that she brought the child over before she left at 9:45 am and he had not been returned to their class. The lead teacher from Space 3 ran out to the playground and found child and brought him back to the classroom. The administrator was immediately notified of the incident. She reviewed camera footage that reflected the children in Space 3 going out to the playground and the child being left on the playground. The teachers did not follow the supervision policy and count children before going outside and after returning. The administrator stated that she spoke with the lead teacher and the floater and terminated them. She called the parent to inform her of the incident. She called the Intake Unit at the Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) to self-report the incident. She also self-reported the incident to Marjorie White, Child Care Consultant. My Observations: Before arriving at the center, I checked weather conditions for around 10am on the morning of Wednesday, 1/17/2024. The air temperature was 27 degrees Fahrenheit and the wind speed was around 6mph. According to the Weather Watch Chart, used to determine if outdoor play is permitted based on weather conditions, weather conditions were in the “yellow zone” which recommended a shorter outdoor time and appropriate clothing. During the visit, I observed camera footage of the incident. A child, three years of age was re-grouped from Space 1 to Space 3 around 9:48am on Wednesday, 1/17/2024. A lead teacher, teacher, and floater were in Space 3 with eleven children, three and four years of age. A technical assistance staff person from Albemarle Alliance for Children and Families was in Space 3 working with the teacher. The child from Space 1 immediately joined in the indoor free play, playing in different centers with the other children and accessing toys and materials. At 10:25am, the children put on coats. The floater stepped out of the classroom to get the child’s coat from his cubby across the hall. At 10:27, the lead teacher, floater and children went through the door from the classroom to the playground. The staff did not line up and count children before exiting the classroom. They did not line up children outside the door to count them before releasing them to play. Children played outdoors for about 15 minutes. They started to return indoors around 10:42am. The lead teacher and floater did not count children before going indoors. They did not count children after getting back into the classroom. As observed on camera footage, the two staff members did not even scan the playground for children or items they may have left behind. The child from Space 1 who was left behind was observed playing in a space on the other side of the stationary climber as the class went indoors. He continued to play outdoors by himself. At times, he may have been playing on a part of the playground that was not picked up by the camera, perhaps the sandbox that is in the southwest corner of the playground. He was then observed to come and sit on the containment border of the fall zone for the complex climber. He was facing the door and appeared to be looking around and waiting for someone to get. He remained there until the lead teacher came outdoors to get him. During this time, the children in Space 3 washed hands and played before lunch. They washed hands and ate lunch. Around 11:25am, the lead teacher stepped out of the classroom. Suddenly she came running back into the classroom and out the exit door. She saw the child sitting on the containment border and picked him up and returned him indoors. The child was outside alone and unsupervised for about 43 minutes from 10:42am to 11:25am in weather conditions that the Weather Watch Chart recommended a shorter outdoor time. I also asked to see “Shift Sheets” from Space 1 and Space 3 that are used by the center to document when children are re-grouped from one classroom to another. The lead teacher in Space 1 said that she did not complete a shift sheet. The shift sheet on the attendance clipboard in Space 3 was blank and did not reflect the child being re-grouped to that classroom on 1/17/2024. Based upon your statements and my observations, this allegation is confirmed. The following items were documented as a violation during today’s visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 303 Children were not adequately supervised at all times. On January 17, 2024, a child, three years of age, was left alone on the playground for forty-three minutes. .1801(a)(1-5) 1212 Centers with more than two staff did not have written personnel policies. Staff did not follow the center's supervision policy for counting children when transitioning to and from the playground. 10A NCAC 09 .0514(d) 9995 A violation was found for which there is no item number. Staff did not follow policies and procedures for documenting when children are regrouped from one classroom to another classroom to maintain staff/child ratios or space capacity as described in the facility's approved Corrective Action Plan Stipulation #2 for a Written Warning issued on March 24, 2023. This is in violation of 10A NCAC 09 .2205(2). * Child care programs are expected to achieve and always maintain compliance and are required by NC GS 110-90(4)(d) to achieve and maintain an 18-month compliance history score of at least 75%. Any violations documented may impact the compliance history score. I completed an electronic copy of the visit summary and provided a printed copy of it to you, D. Brown, Administrator. We reviewed the visit summary and violation(s) documented during today’s visit. Correct these immediately. Send evidence of correction to me so that I receive it no later than 2/5/2023. Your compliance verification letter needs to include the following: 1. Name of facility and facility license # 2. Name of person writing compliance letter and position 3. Date of monitoring visit when violations were documented 4. Date compliance letter written 5. List each violation by Item # and describe when and how each violation has been corrected. Also include the following documents/pictures to verify compliance. 6. Send compliance verification letter in an email from your center’s official email address angela@aacfnc.org to my email address, Marjorie.White@dhhs.nc.gov. If sent from another email address, the center’s official address must be Cc’d in the compliance email. 7. You may include the compliance verification as an attachment or in the body of the email. 8. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit may be conducted. *I will email a sample compliance verification letter to you. *Please be aware that any information submitted by you is legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the compliance letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. A violation was documented that requires a follow-up visit. An unannounced visit will be made soon to verify correction of violations. If I may be of further assistance, please contact me by phone at (252) 373-9385, by e-mail at Marjorie.White@dhhs.nc.gov. You may also call Jennifer Linhardt, Licensing Supervisor, at (252) 373-4199 or Jennifer.Linhardt@dhhs.nc.gov. Technical Assistance with Documented Violations: Personnel Policies and Supervision – Personnel Policies are more commonly known as a Staff Handbook. They are a tool to share the center’s policies and procedures with staff so that staff know what their responsibility is to maintain and healthy and safe environment. There are minimum requirements for information to be shared as listed in 10A NCAC .0514(d); however, many centers include additional information on policies that they feel need to be implemented to keep children safe. Sometimes as part of a compliance letter or corrective action plan, facilities are required to add policies and procedures to their staff handbooks to address violations or confirmed complaint allegations. Administrators are required to review the staff handbook at orientation and as policies are updated or added. Annual reviews, regardless of updates, are encouraged. Because supervision is directly tied to safety and the prevention of injury and maintaining quality child care for children, many facilities include supervision policies in their staff handbooks as a tool for staff to use to provide adequate supervision. Success Academy includes a supervision policy in its staff handbook. After a supervision violation was documented on a Complaint visit on 10/20/2023 where a teacher left a child in a classroom when transitioning to the playground, the administrator included a copy of the center’s supervision policy, “Accountability While Providing Supervision and Care for Children” with the compliance letter. At the time, this was not a new policy, but management felt they needed to review and revisit the policy with staff. The policy includes procedures for ensuring all children are accounted for when going to and from the playground. This policy requires a head count before going outdoors, an immediate head count when outdoors and before releasing children to play, a head count before returning indoors, and an immediate head count when back inside. This policy was reviewed with all staff employed at that time. A copy of the signed supervision policy, dated 8/22/2023, was observed in the file for the lead teacher in Space 3. A copy of the signed policy was not observed in the file for the floater, hired on 12/11/2023 and responsible for the children during the incident. This is the second supervision violation since that policy was reviewed with staff in October 2024 and during orientation. On Wednesday, 1/17/2024, a child was left outdoors for 40 minutes in the cold. The two teachers in the class did not follow the supervision policy for going out and returning indoors. Even though the child that was left on the playground was not assigned to their classroom and had to be shifted over to maintain staff/child ratios in Space 1, if they had counted the children before releasing them for play and counted them before and after returning inside, they would have immediately recognized that they were missing a child and returned to the playground to find him. Because the policy is not working as designed, and there continues to be supervision violations, you need to review the policy and determine how to improve it so that it provides more accountability. Consider adding a playground transition head count form where teachers are counting and documenting the number of children present in the classroom before going outside, directly outside the door before being released to play and again directly outside the door before returning inside, and in the classroom after going back indoors. Consider adding a policy where a staff member does a walkthrough of the playground while the second staff person is counting children before going back inside. Look at how administration can monitor staff compliance with supervision policies and provide technical assistance when staff are not observed following policies. Create a checklist to document that this monitoring is occurring. This is a repeated violation from 10/24/2023 and 11/29/2023. For your compliance letter, describe your strategies for ensuring adequate supervision and accounting for children during transitions that require them to move from one space to another such as from the classroom to the playground. Corrective Action Plan – Child Care Requirements – Administrative Actions General Provisions 10A NCAC 09 .2201 (g) it states, “When a corrective action plan is included in the notice of administrative action, it shall describe those actions necessary for the operator to be in full compliance with requirements of G.S. 110, Article 7, this Chapter, or 10A NCAC 10, and shall specify a time period for completion of additional requirements that may prevent recurrence, such as training or policy implementation.” This written plan and/or policies and procedures become a permanent part of your operating/personnel policies and are expected to be followed to maintain compliance with rules needing to be corrected. In Stipulation #2 of your Corrective Action Plan for the Written Warning issued on 3/24/2023, the administrator was required to create policies and procedures to maintain compliance with staff/child ratios and space capacity. The written policies and procedures were approved on 5/5/2023. The policy included the use of a “shift sheet” to document when children are re-grouped from one classroom to another to maintain staff/child ratios. The administrator held a staff meeting on 5/18/2023 and reviewed these policies and procedures with all staff with the expectation that the policies be implemented immediately. On 1/17/2024, Space 1 was in staff/child ratio with 10 children, three years of age, until a teacher has to take an early lunch. Enhanced minus one staff/child ratios for classrooms with children three-years of age are 1:9. The plan was to shift a child to Space 3 where there were two teachers with eleven of children, three to four years of age, until the teacher from Space 1 returned. A shift sheet was not completed in Space 1 or Space 3 to reflect that one child was moved from Space 1 to Space 3. This child was later left on the playground alone for 43 minutes. It is possible that if the shift sheet had been completed in Space 3, it may have solidified in the teachers’ minds that a new child was present in the class and that child may have been missed when the class returned indoors. You stated that the shift sheet was used by the previous administrator and you were not aware of it and have not been training new staff to use it. You are working with A. Arsenault to update this policy and documentation for regrouping children. For your compliance letter, describe your updated policy and documentation for regrouping children to maintain staff/child ratios or space capacity. Compliance History: I reviewed the facility’s compliance history with the lead teacher. The 18-month compliance history from 7/20/2022 – 1/19/2024 is 83% . Please be aware that any information received during this investigation and any violations documented may be included in any future administrative actions. Violations of child care requirements, particularly repeated violations, could result in a civil penalty and/or administrative action that could jeopardize the status of the license for the child care facility. Please also refer to sections labeled Technical Assistance and Reminder for a refresher of our discussions today. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact me at the contact information listed above. 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 .1801 · Violation

Name of Operation: SUCCESS ACADEMY Facility ID: 15000022 Consultant: MARJORIE WHITE Operation Type: Center Case Number: 1123-198L Visit Date: 11/29/2023 Number Present: 79 Completed Date: 11/29/2023 Age: From 2 To 5 Total Minutes: 190 Time In: 10:00 AM Time Out: 01:10 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Complaint Visit Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced * The purpose of today's unannounced visit was to obtain information regarding a self-report of an alleged violation of child care requirements. The allegation is: there is a concern that children were left unsupervised in a classroom. I completed limited monitoring of child care requirements during the visit. Supervision of children, staff/child ratios, adequate/approved space and permit restrictions were observed in compliance at the time of my observations. The Special Provisional License and two administrative actions were posted at the entrance D. Brown, Administrator, was not available when I arrived but returned to review the visit summary with me. The following staff/child ratios (S/C) were observed: Space 3 – 13 children, ages 3 – 4 years (T. Wilson; L. Brothers) s/c ratios = 2:13 Investigation: The allegation was shared with the three staff members. Allegation #1: There is a concern that children were left unsupervised in a classroom. . Your Responses: The lead teacher from Space 3 who left the room unsupervised stated that the twelve children were on their cots and resting during naptime. The second teacher in the classroom was on lunch break when she developed an emergency that required her to leave the room as soon as possible to take care of personal needs. She stated that she called to the teachers in Space 4 that is connected to Space 3 by the children’s bathroom. The lead teacher in Space 4 told her that the second teacher was out of the classroom. The lead teacher from Space 3 stated that she waited a few minutes but could not wait any longer and left the class. She stated that she knows she should have used the walkie talkie to request assistance from the office staff but needed to leave quickly and was not thinking to use the walkie talkie or yell for help down the hall. She stated that she left the classroom to take care of personal needs and returned immediately after about three minutes. The two teachers in Space 4 stated that the lead teacher was in the classroom alone during naptime when the lead teacher from Space 3 requested someone to step in so that she could attend to personal needs. The lead teacher in Space 4 told her that she would send the second teacher when she returned. When the second teacher returned to Space 4, she went over to Space 3 to relieve the lead teacher, but no one was in the classroom with the sleeping children. She traded places with her co-worker who texted the administrator who came immediately to the class. The lead teacher returned about two to three minutes later. My Observations: All classrooms had two walkie talkies for staff to use to request a break or to communicate with office staff in an emergency such as a sick or injured child. Based upon your statements and my observations, this allegation is confirmed. The following item was documented as a violation during today’s visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 303 Children were not adequately supervised at all times. A teacher left a classroom with twelve children sleeping at naptime for three minutes. .1801(a)(1-5) * Child care programs are expected to achieve and always maintain compliance and are required by NC GS 110-90(4)(d) to achieve and maintain an 18-month compliance history score of at least 75%. Any violations documented may impact the compliance history score. I completed an electronic copy of the visit summary and provided a printed copy of it to you, D. Brown, Administrator. We reviewed the visit summary and violation(s) documented during today’s visit. Correct these immediately. Send evidence of correction to me so that I receive it no later than 12/13/2023. Your compliance verification letter needs to include the following: 1. Name of facility and facility license # 2. Name of person writing compliance letter and position 3. Date of monitoring visit when violations were documented 4. Date compliance letter written 5. List each violation by Item # and describe when and how each violation has been corrected. Also include the following documents/pictures to verify compliance. 6. Send compliance verification letter in an email from your center’s official email address angela@aacfnc.org to my email address, Marjorie.White@dhhs.nc.gov. If sent from another email address, the center’s official address must be Cc’d in the compliance email. 7. You may include the compliance verification as an attachment or in the body of the email. 8. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit may be conducted. *I will email a sample compliance verification letter to you. *Please be aware that any information submitted by you is legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the compliance letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. Violations were documented that require a follow-up visit. An unannounced visit will be made soon to verify correction of violations. If I may be of further assistance, please contact me by phone at (252) 373-9385, by e-mail at Marjorie.White@dhhs.nc.gov. You may also call Jennifer Linhardt, Licensing Supervisor, at (252) 373-4199 or Jennifer.Linhardt@dhhs.nc.gov. Technical Assistance with Documented Violation – Supervision – Supervision is directly tied to safety and the prevention of injury and maintaining quality child care for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. Parents/guardians depend on caregivers/teachers to supervise their children. To be available for normal supervision or rescue in an emergency, an adult must be able to hear and see the children. With proper supervision and in the event of an emergency, supervising adults can quickly and efficiently remove children from any potential harm. During naptime, if all children are two years of age and older and are resting, the second teacher required to maintain ratios may leave the room if a second person is within calling distance of the room to provide assistance, if needed. One person may not serve as the “second person” during naptime for more than one classroom. To review the rules on Supervision in Child Care Centers, see 10A NCAC 09 .1801. I also suggest you review information on supervision in Caring for Our Children 4th Edition: Chapter 2 – Program Activities for Healthy Development; Section 2.2 – Supervision and Discipline. This is available online at https://nrckids.org/ or just search for “Caring for Our Children”. You provide walkie talkies for classroom staff to communicate with office staff to request a personal needs break, help with a sick or injured child, or help with a difficult child. Consider discussing use of walkie talkies and even role playing during a staff meeting to help teachers become comfortable with requesting assistance when needed for a break or a classroom incident. Consider developing a “code” system for different levels of needed assistance such as “I need to take care of personal needs when you have a moment” or “I need to take care of personal needs now” or “Child has gotten sick” or “Child needs first aid” or “I need help with child.” This code system in turn could be used to inform staff of dangerous situations that might require going into lockdown. When floaters are not available, staff in the office need to be sensitive to staff needs to take care of personal needs and relieve them as soon as possible. Reminders: Annual License Fee - There are a few changes to the Annual License Fee process this year: • All invoices will be emailed, and no paper copies will be sent through the U.S. Postal Service. • All invoices will be emailed to the facility contact email by December 1, 2023, and will include the invoice number and total amount due. • All payments are due no later than December 31, 2023. Payments must be submitted online only through the Division’s website using a Mastercard or Visa debit or credit card, or by e-check. Providers will need their Facility ID number and their 2023 Invoice number to complete the payment process. If you have any questions, check the short Frequently Asked Questions on our website for answers or email DCDEE_LF@dhhs.nc.gov . Compliance History: I reviewed the facility’s compliance history with the lead teacher. The 18-month compliance history from 5/28/2022 – 11/27/2023 is 82% . Please be aware that any information received during this investigation and any violations documented may be included in any future administrative actions. Violations of child care requirements, particularly repeated violations, could result in a civil penalty and/or administrative action that could jeopardize the status of the license for the child care facility. Please also refer to sections labeled Technical Assistance and Reminder for a refresher of our discussions today. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact me at the contact information listed above. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

Open Not marked corrected in the state record

Category: supervision. Open / not marked corrected.

NC GS 110-90 · Violation

Name of Operation: SUCCESS ACADEMY Facility ID: 15000022 Consultant: MARJORIE WHITE Operation Type: Center Case Number: 1123-198L Visit Date: 11/29/2023 Number Present: 79 Completed Date: 11/29/2023 Age: From 2 To 5 Total Minutes: 190 Time In: 10:00 AM Time Out: 01:10 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Complaint Visit Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced * The purpose of today's unannounced visit was to obtain information regarding a self-report of an alleged violation of child care requirements. The allegation is: there is a concern that children were left unsupervised in a classroom. I completed limited monitoring of child care requirements during the visit. Supervision of children, staff/child ratios, adequate/approved space and permit restrictions were observed in compliance at the time of my observations. The Special Provisional License and two administrative actions were posted at the entrance D. Brown, Administrator, was not available when I arrived but returned to review the visit summary with me. The following staff/child ratios (S/C) were observed: Space 3 – 13 children, ages 3 – 4 years (T. Wilson; L. Brothers) s/c ratios = 2:13 Investigation: The allegation was shared with the three staff members. Allegation #1: There is a concern that children were left unsupervised in a classroom. . Your Responses: The lead teacher from Space 3 who left the room unsupervised stated that the twelve children were on their cots and resting during naptime. The second teacher in the classroom was on lunch break when she developed an emergency that required her to leave the room as soon as possible to take care of personal needs. She stated that she called to the teachers in Space 4 that is connected to Space 3 by the children’s bathroom. The lead teacher in Space 4 told her that the second teacher was out of the classroom. The lead teacher from Space 3 stated that she waited a few minutes but could not wait any longer and left the class. She stated that she knows she should have used the walkie talkie to request assistance from the office staff but needed to leave quickly and was not thinking to use the walkie talkie or yell for help down the hall. She stated that she left the classroom to take care of personal needs and returned immediately after about three minutes. The two teachers in Space 4 stated that the lead teacher was in the classroom alone during naptime when the lead teacher from Space 3 requested someone to step in so that she could attend to personal needs. The lead teacher in Space 4 told her that she would send the second teacher when she returned. When the second teacher returned to Space 4, she went over to Space 3 to relieve the lead teacher, but no one was in the classroom with the sleeping children. She traded places with her co-worker who texted the administrator who came immediately to the class. The lead teacher returned about two to three minutes later. My Observations: All classrooms had two walkie talkies for staff to use to request a break or to communicate with office staff in an emergency such as a sick or injured child. Based upon your statements and my observations, this allegation is confirmed. The following item was documented as a violation during today’s visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 303 Children were not adequately supervised at all times. A teacher left a classroom with twelve children sleeping at naptime for three minutes. .1801(a)(1-5) * Child care programs are expected to achieve and always maintain compliance and are required by NC GS 110-90(4)(d) to achieve and maintain an 18-month compliance history score of at least 75%. Any violations documented may impact the compliance history score. I completed an electronic copy of the visit summary and provided a printed copy of it to you, D. Brown, Administrator. We reviewed the visit summary and violation(s) documented during today’s visit. Correct these immediately. Send evidence of correction to me so that I receive it no later than 12/13/2023. Your compliance verification letter needs to include the following: 1. Name of facility and facility license # 2. Name of person writing compliance letter and position 3. Date of monitoring visit when violations were documented 4. Date compliance letter written 5. List each violation by Item # and describe when and how each violation has been corrected. Also include the following documents/pictures to verify compliance. 6. Send compliance verification letter in an email from your center’s official email address angela@aacfnc.org to my email address, Marjorie.White@dhhs.nc.gov. If sent from another email address, the center’s official address must be Cc’d in the compliance email. 7. You may include the compliance verification as an attachment or in the body of the email. 8. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit may be conducted. *I will email a sample compliance verification letter to you. *Please be aware that any information submitted by you is legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the compliance letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. Violations were documented that require a follow-up visit. An unannounced visit will be made soon to verify correction of violations. If I may be of further assistance, please contact me by phone at (252) 373-9385, by e-mail at Marjorie.White@dhhs.nc.gov. You may also call Jennifer Linhardt, Licensing Supervisor, at (252) 373-4199 or Jennifer.Linhardt@dhhs.nc.gov. Technical Assistance with Documented Violation – Supervision – Supervision is directly tied to safety and the prevention of injury and maintaining quality child care for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. Parents/guardians depend on caregivers/teachers to supervise their children. To be available for normal supervision or rescue in an emergency, an adult must be able to hear and see the children. With proper supervision and in the event of an emergency, supervising adults can quickly and efficiently remove children from any potential harm. During naptime, if all children are two years of age and older and are resting, the second teacher required to maintain ratios may leave the room if a second person is within calling distance of the room to provide assistance, if needed. One person may not serve as the “second person” during naptime for more than one classroom. To review the rules on Supervision in Child Care Centers, see 10A NCAC 09 .1801. I also suggest you review information on supervision in Caring for Our Children 4th Edition: Chapter 2 – Program Activities for Healthy Development; Section 2.2 – Supervision and Discipline. This is available online at https://nrckids.org/ or just search for “Caring for Our Children”. You provide walkie talkies for classroom staff to communicate with office staff to request a personal needs break, help with a sick or injured child, or help with a difficult child. Consider discussing use of walkie talkies and even role playing during a staff meeting to help teachers become comfortable with requesting assistance when needed for a break or a classroom incident. Consider developing a “code” system for different levels of needed assistance such as “I need to take care of personal needs when you have a moment” or “I need to take care of personal needs now” or “Child has gotten sick” or “Child needs first aid” or “I need help with child.” This code system in turn could be used to inform staff of dangerous situations that might require going into lockdown. When floaters are not available, staff in the office need to be sensitive to staff needs to take care of personal needs and relieve them as soon as possible. Reminders: Annual License Fee - There are a few changes to the Annual License Fee process this year: • All invoices will be emailed, and no paper copies will be sent through the U.S. Postal Service. • All invoices will be emailed to the facility contact email by December 1, 2023, and will include the invoice number and total amount due. • All payments are due no later than December 31, 2023. Payments must be submitted online only through the Division’s website using a Mastercard or Visa debit or credit card, or by e-check. Providers will need their Facility ID number and their 2023 Invoice number to complete the payment process. If you have any questions, check the short Frequently Asked Questions on our website for answers or email DCDEE_LF@dhhs.nc.gov . Compliance History: I reviewed the facility’s compliance history with the lead teacher. The 18-month compliance history from 5/28/2022 – 11/27/2023 is 82% . Please be aware that any information received during this investigation and any violations documented may be included in any future administrative actions. Violations of child care requirements, particularly repeated violations, could result in a civil penalty and/or administrative action that could jeopardize the status of the license for the child care facility. Please also refer to sections labeled Technical Assistance and Reminder for a refresher of our discussions today. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact me at the contact information listed above. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

10A NCAC 09 .0803 · Violation

Name of Operation: SUCCESS ACADEMY Facility ID: 15000022 Consultant: MARJORIE WHITE Operation Type: Center Case Number: 1023-218L Visit Date: 10/30/2023 Number Present: 77 Completed Date: 10/30/2023 Age: From 2 To 5 Total Minutes: 460 Time In: 10:20 AM Time Out: 06:00 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Complaint Follow-Up Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced * The purpose of today’s Complaint Follow-up visit was to verify correction of a violation documented during a Complaint visit on 10/24/2023, follow-up on an Administrative Action – Written Warning, dated August 31, 2023, issued to Success Academy for 3’s and 4’s, operator of Success Academy, #15000022, and monitor compliance with applicable child care requirements to complete a rated license assessment. The two current administrative actions and Special Provisional License were posted at the entrance. Last Annual Compliance visit – 5/6/22 Last Sanitation Inspection – 3/13/23 with a Superior Rating; expires 3/13/24 Last Fire Inspection – 3/11/23 with a Satisfactory rating; expires 3/11/24 *Sanitation and fire inspections are required at least annually by the date of the previous inspection. Send fire inspections to me within seven (7) days of the inspection. 18-month compliance history from 4/28/22 – 10/27/23 = 80% I monitored the following violation documented on 10/24/2023 during today’s visit. Item #303: Supervision – A child was left alone in a classroom for thirty-five minutes. Children were supervised. I observed teachers counting heads when transitioning indoors and outdoors and maintaining supervision in classrooms and outdoors. This was observed to be in compliance today. I received your Compliance Verification Email on 10/27/2023. Today, I further verified correction of the violation. Due to the nature of the complaint and violation, an administrative action will be recommended. D. Brown, Administrator, was present and assisted me with the visit. The facility currently operates with a Special Provisional Center License, effective 6/23/23 – 12/23/23. This facility is owned by Success Academy for 3’s and 4’s. According to the NC Secretary of State's website, this non-profit corporation is current and active as of 10/27/23. Please contact me prior to any information change regarding the ownership of this facility. License information was current. Contact me to make any changes to address, phone, or email or to request changes to the license. I monitored the classrooms and spaces used for child care, kitchen, and outdoor play area for applicable child care center requirements using the Child Care Center Requirements, effective 7/1/2023 and Item Number Listing, effective 8/2023. I monitored eighteen children’s records, sixteen staff records and all program records. The facility does not offer transportation. The facility has three NCPre-K classrooms. I will monitor NCPre-K requirements at the next Annual Compliance visit. Center Observations: Parent information was posted at the entrance. The current menu reflected that lunch would be spaghetti with meat sauce, broccoli, spiced apples, and milk. Children were participating in developmentally appropriate activities indoors and outdoors. Activity plans were posted in all classrooms and activities observed matched the activity plans and themes. Classrooms were arranged into organized centers with accessible toys and materials. Teachers worked with children individually and in small groups during free play and had group time for stories. Teachers counted heads transitioning indoors or outdoors to verify all children were accounted for. Lunch was social and relaxed and included the items listed on the menu. After lunch, children rested on linen-covered cots. NCPre-K children left at 2:30pm. Some children are picked up by parents or ride the bus to Grandy Primary School. Others participate in the aftercare program. Interactions between teachers and children were warm and respectful. Parents picked up their children from the classrooms. I observed and documented the following violations during today’s visit. Violation Number Comment Rule 841 Medications including prescription and non-prescription items were not stored in a locked cabinet or other locked container. In Spaces 1 and 5, an OTC bottle of Benadryl and a prescription bottle of Cetirizine were stored out of reach of children but were not in locked storage. 15A NCAC 18A .2820(d) 842 A drug or medication was administered without written authorization and/or instructions from a child's parent or authorized health professional. The following medications were present but did not have a current, complete or correct medication permission form: Space 3: EpiPen and Benadryl; Ventolin; Clindamycin; Space 5: Cetirizine, Albuterol, and EpiPen; 2nd Albuterol; Space 6: EpiPen; 2nd EpiPen, Albuterol; 3rd EpiPen. Except for the Clindamycin, staff stated that the medications had not been administered. 10A NCAC 09 .0803(1)(a & b) 851 When medication was administered, documentation was not completed or maintained for 6 months and/or the documentation did not include the required information. In Space 3, Clindamycin as administered to a child with a medication permission form, but there was no documentation of administration. .0803(13)(a-e); .2318(3) 1045 New staff, who had contact with children, did not receive at least 16 hrs. orientation within first 6 weeks. Eight staff who started work between August 28, 2023 and September 1, 2023 had not received 16 hours of orientation. .1101(a) * Child care programs are expected to achieve and always maintain compliance and are required by NC GS 110-90(4)(d) to achieve and maintain an 18-month compliance history score of at least 75%. Any violations documented may impact the compliance history score. I completed an electronic copy of the visit summary and provided a printed copy of it to D. Brown, Administrator. We reviewed the visit summary and violation(s) documented during today’s visit. Correct these immediately. Send evidence of correction to me so that I receive it no later than 11/13/2023. The compliance verification letter needs to state the facility name and license number and list each violation by Item # and describe in detail when and how each violation has been corrected. Also include the following documents/pictures to verify compliance: Send compliance verification letter in an email from the center’s official email address, angela@aacfnc.org to my email address, Marjorie.White@dhhs.nc.gov. If sent from another email address, the center’s official address must be Cc’d in the compliance email. You may include the compliance verification as an attachment or in the body of the email. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit may be conducted. *I will email a sample compliance verification letter to you. *Please be aware that any information submitted by you is legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the compliance letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If I may be of further assistance, please contact me by phone at (252) 373-9385, by e-mail at Marjorie.White@dhhs.nc.gov. You may also call Jennifer Linhardt, Licensing Supervisor, at (252) 373-4199 or Jennifer.Linhardt@dhhs.nc.gov. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE WITH DOCUMENTED VIOLATIONS: Storage of Medication - There are over two million human poison exposures reported to poison centers every year. Children under six years of age account for over half of those potential poisonings. The substances most involved in poison exposures of children are cosmetics and personal care products, cleaning substances, and medications. While emergency medications may be stored so that they are out of reach but not locked, other medications related to asthma or allergies such as OTC Benadryl or prescription Cetirizine that are used in non-emergency situations need to be locked when not in use. The teachers were not aware that these medications needed to be locked and locked them immediately. You stated that you will share this information with staff. Medication Permission Forms – Completed, correct medication administration forms ensure that staff know how to administer medication correctly and effectively. The following medications did not have a current, correct, or completed medication permission form. Space 3 – CS – EpiPen – did not have six-month administration period listed; Benadryl – had a 12-month administration period listed AM – Ventolin - had a 12-month administration period listed CF – Clindamycin – completed on topical ointment form instead of six-month form for chronic medications; had start date but no end date; medication no longer being administered and was returned to parent Space 5 – HK – Permission to administer Cetirizine, Albuterol, and EpiPen were completed on one form instead of a separate form for each medication BD – Albuterol – permission expired on 10/25/23 Space 6 – AE – EpiPen – no medication permission form HL – EpiPen and Inhaler – no medication permission form EK – EpiPen – no medication permission form – corrected during visit You stated that you will review all medication documentation and have parents complete or update. *Because administration of these types of medications must be documented, include the Medication Documentation Log (2nd page) with each medication to remind staff to document administration of medication *Consider having all 6-month medication permission forms expire twice a year to make tracking updates easier. Choose January and July. At the beginning of these months having parents update authorization for medication and review the Medical Action Plan to ensure it is current (valid for one year.) *Medical Action Plans must be attached to Child’s Application and updated annually. It is helpful to include a copy with the medication and medication permission form. *Consider having one or two staff be responsible for taking in medication and having parents complete the correct medication permission form and then distribute to classrooms and review with teaching staff. You may want to create a master list of all medications in classrooms and check monthly. *If you are going to post lists of medications for each classroom with the allergy posting, ensure that they are current. Medication Administration Documentation – Keeping an accurate record of medication administration helps staff know when medication is given so that children are not over or undermedicated. Except for applying topical ointments and cremes such a diaper cream or sunscreen, you are required to document administration of medication. Clindamycin was administered to a child in Space 3, but there was no documentation available. Teachers thought that someone had documented it, but the medication log could not be located. Include the 2nd page of the medication permission form with all medications that require documentation so that it is easily available for staff to complete. You stated that you are going to meet with C. Smith, Child Care Health Consultant, to create medication administration policies and procedures. Staff Orientation – Providing staff with a solid orientation to child care rules and requirements and your own center’s policies and procedures ensures staff are prepared for their assigned positions and responsibilities. Eight staff who started work between August 28, 2023, and September 1, 2023, had not received 16 hours of orientation. You stated that because so many staff, including yourself, started at the end of August, it was overlooked. You are required to provide at least 16 hours of orientation using the Documentation of Staff Orientation log as your outline. The four topic areas at the top must be completed within two weeks of hire. The remaining topics at the bottom must be completed within six weeks of hire. The person completing each topic area (does not have to be the administrator) will initial, date, and record the time spent on that topic. When orientation is completed, the administrator and the new staff person sign and date at the bottom. You will have each member of staff complete the on-line orientation offered through Southwest Child Development Commission and fill in the gaps for the center-specific topics. Include a copy of each staff member’s completed Orientation form. GENERAL VISIT INFORMATION: Be knowledgeable of the child care laws and rules and environmental health rules; review them with your staff and assist them with understanding and implementing them to maintain compliance and keep children safe and healthy. The most recent versions of child care laws and rules (updated 7/1/23) and environmental health rules (updated 7/1/23) in North Carolina, the Items Number Listing (can be used as a detailed checklist of required items) and What’s New information are available on the DCDEE website, www.ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov. Check the designated facility email at least weekly to stay current with communication and email blasts from DCDEE. If your email is not the facility email, sign up for email blasts on the What’s New page for general information and communication from DCDEE. Your local and regional Smart Start Partnerships and Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies are available to assist you with technical assistance and training on a multitude of topics including but not limited to: Environment Rating Scales, healthy behaviors and classroom management, developmentally appropriate practice, EPR plans, activity plans, NC Foundations for Early Learning (developmental domains), etc. Child Care Health Consultants can provide training and technical assistance on topics related to health and safety such as sanitation, handwashing, diapering, illness policies, etc. *Albemarle Alliance for Children and Families (AACF) and Region 1 Child Care Resource and Referral: Phone (252) 333-1233; website - www.aacfnc.org . *Child Care Health Consultant: C. Smith – Phone (252) 340-0212 or cindy@aacfnc.org REMINDERS: Staff Worksheets – Your Staff Worksheets are a great tool to help you track when items such as Criminal Background Checks, required trainings and staff forms expire and need to be updated. I encourage you to update information on the staff worksheets throughout the year as items are updated and/or staff change. *Encourage staff to maintain copies of all initial hire documents, Qualifying Letters, training certificates, etc. in their own professional file maintained at home. *Make it easier on yourself and schedule annual updates for staff evaluations, professional development plans, health questionnaires, emergency information forms, and EPR plan and Emergency Medical Care Plan at the same time to streamline your staff updates. *We reviewed your staff worksheet. I highlighted items that were delinquent and items that are coming due in the next year. Health and Safety Training and Five (5) Year Cycle Tracking Requirements – Review Row 17 on Staff Worksheet for staff members needing initial H&S Training or five-year renewal. New staff are required to complete Health & Safety Training (H&S Training) within one year of hire (CPR/First Aid and Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment within 3 months of hire) and then complete training in all topic areas every five years. On-going Training Hours – Review Row 18 (# hours to carry over) on the Staff Worksheets to determine how many on-going training hours returning staff will need by 5/6/24 (anniversary of last Annual Compliance visit). New staff will complete Health & Safety in their first year and then will complete on-going training annually based upon their level of education posted in DCDEE Works. Staff Education and Works - Formal education (NCECC, college coursework, Principal and Teaching Licenses, BSAC training certificates, and Early Educator Certificates) are submitted to DCDEE through WORKS, an on-line portal where you can register, request to be approved for various positions, and access your education information once evaluated and posted. You can now request to have your transcripts sent electronically from colleges attended. *When education is posted, staff need to log back into Works and print a copy of their Education Status Letter for their file. *See information on staff education below in Rated License Update New Rules on NCPre-K Teacher Assistant Education - All teacher assistants shall have a high school diploma or its equivalent and a CDA or AAS-ECE. All teacher assistants shall complete a minimum of 15 hours of annual in-service professional development. A combination of college coursework, Continuing Education Units (CEUs), or clock hours may be used to complete the requirements of this Rule. Fire and Emergency Drills – Fire drills are required to be completed monthly during any month or part of the month the facility is open and operating. Emergency drills (shelter-in-place or lock-down) are required to be completed for any quarter or part of a quarter the facility is open (Jan-March; April-June; July-Sept; Oct-Dec). Emergency Preparedness and Response (EPR) Requirements, Emergency Medical Care Plan (EMCP) and Ready-to-Go File – EPR Plan was updated 10/13/23. CORRECTIVE ACTION PLAN: We reviewed the expectations of the Corrective Action Plan, including: Stipulation #1 – Maintaining compliance with NC Child Care Requirements but specifically pertaining to falsification and enhanced staff/child ratios. You have elected to meet enhanced minus one staff/child ratios. Four violations related to medication storage, medication administration, and orientation were documented today. Stipulation #2 – Within one (1) week after this notice is received (by September 12, 2023), Ms. Hickman-Sawyer shall contact Marjorie White, Child Care Consultant, to arrange for training addressing falsification. The training was scheduled on September 11, 2023, for October 17, 2023, and was completed. All staff participated as documented by the roster and the statements of understanding. This stipulation has been met. Stipulation #3 – Within two (2) weeks after this Notice is received (by September 19, 2023), Ms. Hickman-Sawyer shall develop written policies and procedures, which describes, in detail, the steps the facility will take to ensure compliance letters, or any other documentation, are not falsified and are submitted by the required deadline. The written policies and procedures shall include, but not be limited to, the two bullet points listed in the corrective action plan. Final policies related to falsification and records management were completed and approved on September 29, 2023. The policies have been added to the personnel policies. This stipulation has been met. ADDITIONAL COMMENTS: Rated License Cohort Training – Tuesday, 11/7/23 – 9:30 – 11am – Join my colleague and me for a free virtual training to share information on the Rated License Cohort Model as DCDEE transitions back to rated license assessments after COVID. We will share information about available activities during the rated license preparation year and the timeline for the rated license assessment year. We will look at education opportunities available to help staff meet minimum and enhanced education requirements. We will also share information on DCDEE updates related to new rules. Contact me to register by Friday, 11/3/23. I shared information on the following topics and emailed the information to you after the visit: 1. Resources from Health and Safety Resource Center! 2. Child Care Immunization Report – due 11/1/23 3. Mental Health First Aid Training for Administrators 4. Annual License Fee 5. Environmental Health Rules Update 6. Moodle Support Email and Phone Contact 7. New Rules – July 2023 – enhanced outdoor space, cooperative arrangements, multi-age grouping 8. New Challenging Behaviors Helpline! 9. Two New Lead Teacher Options - NC Early Childhood Credential (NCECC) Equivalency Exam and Child Development Associate (CDA) 10. NC Rated License Assessment Project (NCRLAP) Resources 11. NCID – Keep it active! RATED LICENSE ASSESSMENT: You currently operate with a Special Provisional License, effective 6/23/23 – 12/23/23. Your rated license is being reassessed in the event the corrective action plan is met, and your facility returns to full licensure. PROGRAM STANDARDS – Currently Seven (7) Points *ECERS-R – 5.84; completed 11/19/18 *meets enhanced space and enhanced ratios minus one (needed to meet 7 points) EDUCATION STANDARDS –7 Points; currently eligible for One (1) Point *Based in information available in DCDEE Works *Points are earned based on the lowest level of education for any one position. Administrator Education – 7 Points; currently eligible for 5 points DB – NCECAC II + 1 (+3) w/ 5+y ad and 8+y ece exp = 5 points *Log into Works and re-request to be approved as administrator *Needs 3 ECE (1 class) to earn NCECAC III and 7 points Lead Teacher/NCPre-K Teacher Education – 7 Points: Currently eligible for 2 Points *SB 570 providing flexibility to allow 50% of lead teachers have AAS-ECE or higher at 7 Point level until 6/2023 Space 1 (2’s-3’s): KR – NCECAC w/ 6+y exp = 4 points Space 3 (3’s-4’s): TW - NCECC + 20 ECE w/ 3m exp = 4 points *will be 5 points with 1y experience (or update experience on application) Space 3 (4’s): BH – Needs to complete Works = 1 point Space 4 (NCPK): AO – Needs to complete Works = 1 point *Needs to complete 6 hours annually towards BK-License to remain qualified for NCPre-K Teacher Space 5 (NCPK): NH – BS-CD + B-K License w/ 15y exp = 7 points Space 6 (NCPK): JW – BS-ED Studies + NCECC (BS w/6) + 24 ECE w/ 4.5+y exp = 7 points *Needs to complete 6 hours annually towards BK-License to remain qualified for NCPre-K Teacher Teacher/NCPre-K Teacher Assistant Education – 7 Points: Currently eligible for 6 Points Space 1 (2’s-3’s): TBA Space 3 (3’s-4’s): EB – Needs to complete Works = 1 points Space 3 (4’s): n/a Space 4 (NCPK): AW – AAS-Other + NCECC + 13 ECE w/ 1y exp = 6 points *Needs to complete 6 hours annually towards AAS-ECE to remain qualified as NCPre-K Teacher Assistant Space 5 (NCPK): PW – AAS-ECE w/ 17y exp = 7 points Space 6 (NCPK): HB –NCECC + 15 ECE w/ 15m exp = 6 points *Needs to complete 6 hours annually towards AAS-ECE to remain qualified as NCPre-K Teacher Assistant QUALTY POINT - One (1) Point Staff Benefits – all Parent Involvement – monthly newsletter, semi-annual conferences Program (7 PTS) + Education (1 PT) + QP (1 PT) = 9 Points = 3 Stars *It is possible that points in Education will revert to 7 points from the Five Star License issued 2/28/2019 and will be fully assessed during Cohort 2 when your facility will participate in rated license reassessments. *In the meantime, it is imperative that all staff register for and complete Works. Early Educator Certification (EEC) is another option to earn education points for the rated license. To apply for Early Educator Certification, go to the website for the NC Institute for Child Development Professionals https://ncicdp.org/ 1. On the left, click on Certifications and Endorsements 2. Slide to the right to Early Educator Certification (EEC) Forms and Endorsements 3. Read the information and follow the instructions to apply. 4. Mail completed application, original, official transcripts (may be opened), and $50 application fee to NCICDP. 5. Once a certificate or letter verifying the award of the certificate is received, log into Works account and upload the EEC Certificate or Letter. EEC will expire, but it counts towards rated license points indefinitely if it is current when posted in Works. Thank you for your time and assistance today. Refer to this visit summary for a refresher of our discussions today, and I encourage you to share with staff and use the information as a teaching tool. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to call or email me at the contact information listed above. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

Open Not marked corrected in the state record

Category: supervision. Open / not marked corrected.

NC GS 110-90 · Violation

Name of Operation: SUCCESS ACADEMY Facility ID: 15000022 Consultant: MARJORIE WHITE Operation Type: Center Case Number: 1023-218L Visit Date: 10/30/2023 Number Present: 77 Completed Date: 10/30/2023 Age: From 2 To 5 Total Minutes: 460 Time In: 10:20 AM Time Out: 06:00 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Complaint Follow-Up Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced * The purpose of today’s Complaint Follow-up visit was to verify correction of a violation documented during a Complaint visit on 10/24/2023, follow-up on an Administrative Action – Written Warning, dated August 31, 2023, issued to Success Academy for 3’s and 4’s, operator of Success Academy, #15000022, and monitor compliance with applicable child care requirements to complete a rated license assessment. The two current administrative actions and Special Provisional License were posted at the entrance. Last Annual Compliance visit – 5/6/22 Last Sanitation Inspection – 3/13/23 with a Superior Rating; expires 3/13/24 Last Fire Inspection – 3/11/23 with a Satisfactory rating; expires 3/11/24 *Sanitation and fire inspections are required at least annually by the date of the previous inspection. Send fire inspections to me within seven (7) days of the inspection. 18-month compliance history from 4/28/22 – 10/27/23 = 80% I monitored the following violation documented on 10/24/2023 during today’s visit. Item #303: Supervision – A child was left alone in a classroom for thirty-five minutes. Children were supervised. I observed teachers counting heads when transitioning indoors and outdoors and maintaining supervision in classrooms and outdoors. This was observed to be in compliance today. I received your Compliance Verification Email on 10/27/2023. Today, I further verified correction of the violation. Due to the nature of the complaint and violation, an administrative action will be recommended. D. Brown, Administrator, was present and assisted me with the visit. The facility currently operates with a Special Provisional Center License, effective 6/23/23 – 12/23/23. This facility is owned by Success Academy for 3’s and 4’s. According to the NC Secretary of State's website, this non-profit corporation is current and active as of 10/27/23. Please contact me prior to any information change regarding the ownership of this facility. License information was current. Contact me to make any changes to address, phone, or email or to request changes to the license. I monitored the classrooms and spaces used for child care, kitchen, and outdoor play area for applicable child care center requirements using the Child Care Center Requirements, effective 7/1/2023 and Item Number Listing, effective 8/2023. I monitored eighteen children’s records, sixteen staff records and all program records. The facility does not offer transportation. The facility has three NCPre-K classrooms. I will monitor NCPre-K requirements at the next Annual Compliance visit. Center Observations: Parent information was posted at the entrance. The current menu reflected that lunch would be spaghetti with meat sauce, broccoli, spiced apples, and milk. Children were participating in developmentally appropriate activities indoors and outdoors. Activity plans were posted in all classrooms and activities observed matched the activity plans and themes. Classrooms were arranged into organized centers with accessible toys and materials. Teachers worked with children individually and in small groups during free play and had group time for stories. Teachers counted heads transitioning indoors or outdoors to verify all children were accounted for. Lunch was social and relaxed and included the items listed on the menu. After lunch, children rested on linen-covered cots. NCPre-K children left at 2:30pm. Some children are picked up by parents or ride the bus to Grandy Primary School. Others participate in the aftercare program. Interactions between teachers and children were warm and respectful. Parents picked up their children from the classrooms. I observed and documented the following violations during today’s visit. Violation Number Comment Rule 841 Medications including prescription and non-prescription items were not stored in a locked cabinet or other locked container. In Spaces 1 and 5, an OTC bottle of Benadryl and a prescription bottle of Cetirizine were stored out of reach of children but were not in locked storage. 15A NCAC 18A .2820(d) 842 A drug or medication was administered without written authorization and/or instructions from a child's parent or authorized health professional. The following medications were present but did not have a current, complete or correct medication permission form: Space 3: EpiPen and Benadryl; Ventolin; Clindamycin; Space 5: Cetirizine, Albuterol, and EpiPen; 2nd Albuterol; Space 6: EpiPen; 2nd EpiPen, Albuterol; 3rd EpiPen. Except for the Clindamycin, staff stated that the medications had not been administered. 10A NCAC 09 .0803(1)(a & b) 851 When medication was administered, documentation was not completed or maintained for 6 months and/or the documentation did not include the required information. In Space 3, Clindamycin as administered to a child with a medication permission form, but there was no documentation of administration. .0803(13)(a-e); .2318(3) 1045 New staff, who had contact with children, did not receive at least 16 hrs. orientation within first 6 weeks. Eight staff who started work between August 28, 2023 and September 1, 2023 had not received 16 hours of orientation. .1101(a) * Child care programs are expected to achieve and always maintain compliance and are required by NC GS 110-90(4)(d) to achieve and maintain an 18-month compliance history score of at least 75%. Any violations documented may impact the compliance history score. I completed an electronic copy of the visit summary and provided a printed copy of it to D. Brown, Administrator. We reviewed the visit summary and violation(s) documented during today’s visit. Correct these immediately. Send evidence of correction to me so that I receive it no later than 11/13/2023. The compliance verification letter needs to state the facility name and license number and list each violation by Item # and describe in detail when and how each violation has been corrected. Also include the following documents/pictures to verify compliance: Send compliance verification letter in an email from the center’s official email address, angela@aacfnc.org to my email address, Marjorie.White@dhhs.nc.gov. If sent from another email address, the center’s official address must be Cc’d in the compliance email. You may include the compliance verification as an attachment or in the body of the email. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit may be conducted. *I will email a sample compliance verification letter to you. *Please be aware that any information submitted by you is legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the compliance letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If I may be of further assistance, please contact me by phone at (252) 373-9385, by e-mail at Marjorie.White@dhhs.nc.gov. You may also call Jennifer Linhardt, Licensing Supervisor, at (252) 373-4199 or Jennifer.Linhardt@dhhs.nc.gov. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE WITH DOCUMENTED VIOLATIONS: Storage of Medication - There are over two million human poison exposures reported to poison centers every year. Children under six years of age account for over half of those potential poisonings. The substances most involved in poison exposures of children are cosmetics and personal care products, cleaning substances, and medications. While emergency medications may be stored so that they are out of reach but not locked, other medications related to asthma or allergies such as OTC Benadryl or prescription Cetirizine that are used in non-emergency situations need to be locked when not in use. The teachers were not aware that these medications needed to be locked and locked them immediately. You stated that you will share this information with staff. Medication Permission Forms – Completed, correct medication administration forms ensure that staff know how to administer medication correctly and effectively. The following medications did not have a current, correct, or completed medication permission form. Space 3 – CS – EpiPen – did not have six-month administration period listed; Benadryl – had a 12-month administration period listed AM – Ventolin - had a 12-month administration period listed CF – Clindamycin – completed on topical ointment form instead of six-month form for chronic medications; had start date but no end date; medication no longer being administered and was returned to parent Space 5 – HK – Permission to administer Cetirizine, Albuterol, and EpiPen were completed on one form instead of a separate form for each medication BD – Albuterol – permission expired on 10/25/23 Space 6 – AE – EpiPen – no medication permission form HL – EpiPen and Inhaler – no medication permission form EK – EpiPen – no medication permission form – corrected during visit You stated that you will review all medication documentation and have parents complete or update. *Because administration of these types of medications must be documented, include the Medication Documentation Log (2nd page) with each medication to remind staff to document administration of medication *Consider having all 6-month medication permission forms expire twice a year to make tracking updates easier. Choose January and July. At the beginning of these months having parents update authorization for medication and review the Medical Action Plan to ensure it is current (valid for one year.) *Medical Action Plans must be attached to Child’s Application and updated annually. It is helpful to include a copy with the medication and medication permission form. *Consider having one or two staff be responsible for taking in medication and having parents complete the correct medication permission form and then distribute to classrooms and review with teaching staff. You may want to create a master list of all medications in classrooms and check monthly. *If you are going to post lists of medications for each classroom with the allergy posting, ensure that they are current. Medication Administration Documentation – Keeping an accurate record of medication administration helps staff know when medication is given so that children are not over or undermedicated. Except for applying topical ointments and cremes such a diaper cream or sunscreen, you are required to document administration of medication. Clindamycin was administered to a child in Space 3, but there was no documentation available. Teachers thought that someone had documented it, but the medication log could not be located. Include the 2nd page of the medication permission form with all medications that require documentation so that it is easily available for staff to complete. You stated that you are going to meet with C. Smith, Child Care Health Consultant, to create medication administration policies and procedures. Staff Orientation – Providing staff with a solid orientation to child care rules and requirements and your own center’s policies and procedures ensures staff are prepared for their assigned positions and responsibilities. Eight staff who started work between August 28, 2023, and September 1, 2023, had not received 16 hours of orientation. You stated that because so many staff, including yourself, started at the end of August, it was overlooked. You are required to provide at least 16 hours of orientation using the Documentation of Staff Orientation log as your outline. The four topic areas at the top must be completed within two weeks of hire. The remaining topics at the bottom must be completed within six weeks of hire. The person completing each topic area (does not have to be the administrator) will initial, date, and record the time spent on that topic. When orientation is completed, the administrator and the new staff person sign and date at the bottom. You will have each member of staff complete the on-line orientation offered through Southwest Child Development Commission and fill in the gaps for the center-specific topics. Include a copy of each staff member’s completed Orientation form. GENERAL VISIT INFORMATION: Be knowledgeable of the child care laws and rules and environmental health rules; review them with your staff and assist them with understanding and implementing them to maintain compliance and keep children safe and healthy. The most recent versions of child care laws and rules (updated 7/1/23) and environmental health rules (updated 7/1/23) in North Carolina, the Items Number Listing (can be used as a detailed checklist of required items) and What’s New information are available on the DCDEE website, www.ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov. Check the designated facility email at least weekly to stay current with communication and email blasts from DCDEE. If your email is not the facility email, sign up for email blasts on the What’s New page for general information and communication from DCDEE. Your local and regional Smart Start Partnerships and Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies are available to assist you with technical assistance and training on a multitude of topics including but not limited to: Environment Rating Scales, healthy behaviors and classroom management, developmentally appropriate practice, EPR plans, activity plans, NC Foundations for Early Learning (developmental domains), etc. Child Care Health Consultants can provide training and technical assistance on topics related to health and safety such as sanitation, handwashing, diapering, illness policies, etc. *Albemarle Alliance for Children and Families (AACF) and Region 1 Child Care Resource and Referral: Phone (252) 333-1233; website - www.aacfnc.org . *Child Care Health Consultant: C. Smith – Phone (252) 340-0212 or cindy@aacfnc.org REMINDERS: Staff Worksheets – Your Staff Worksheets are a great tool to help you track when items such as Criminal Background Checks, required trainings and staff forms expire and need to be updated. I encourage you to update information on the staff worksheets throughout the year as items are updated and/or staff change. *Encourage staff to maintain copies of all initial hire documents, Qualifying Letters, training certificates, etc. in their own professional file maintained at home. *Make it easier on yourself and schedule annual updates for staff evaluations, professional development plans, health questionnaires, emergency information forms, and EPR plan and Emergency Medical Care Plan at the same time to streamline your staff updates. *We reviewed your staff worksheet. I highlighted items that were delinquent and items that are coming due in the next year. Health and Safety Training and Five (5) Year Cycle Tracking Requirements – Review Row 17 on Staff Worksheet for staff members needing initial H&S Training or five-year renewal. New staff are required to complete Health & Safety Training (H&S Training) within one year of hire (CPR/First Aid and Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment within 3 months of hire) and then complete training in all topic areas every five years. On-going Training Hours – Review Row 18 (# hours to carry over) on the Staff Worksheets to determine how many on-going training hours returning staff will need by 5/6/24 (anniversary of last Annual Compliance visit). New staff will complete Health & Safety in their first year and then will complete on-going training annually based upon their level of education posted in DCDEE Works. Staff Education and Works - Formal education (NCECC, college coursework, Principal and Teaching Licenses, BSAC training certificates, and Early Educator Certificates) are submitted to DCDEE through WORKS, an on-line portal where you can register, request to be approved for various positions, and access your education information once evaluated and posted. You can now request to have your transcripts sent electronically from colleges attended. *When education is posted, staff need to log back into Works and print a copy of their Education Status Letter for their file. *See information on staff education below in Rated License Update New Rules on NCPre-K Teacher Assistant Education - All teacher assistants shall have a high school diploma or its equivalent and a CDA or AAS-ECE. All teacher assistants shall complete a minimum of 15 hours of annual in-service professional development. A combination of college coursework, Continuing Education Units (CEUs), or clock hours may be used to complete the requirements of this Rule. Fire and Emergency Drills – Fire drills are required to be completed monthly during any month or part of the month the facility is open and operating. Emergency drills (shelter-in-place or lock-down) are required to be completed for any quarter or part of a quarter the facility is open (Jan-March; April-June; July-Sept; Oct-Dec). Emergency Preparedness and Response (EPR) Requirements, Emergency Medical Care Plan (EMCP) and Ready-to-Go File – EPR Plan was updated 10/13/23. CORRECTIVE ACTION PLAN: We reviewed the expectations of the Corrective Action Plan, including: Stipulation #1 – Maintaining compliance with NC Child Care Requirements but specifically pertaining to falsification and enhanced staff/child ratios. You have elected to meet enhanced minus one staff/child ratios. Four violations related to medication storage, medication administration, and orientation were documented today. Stipulation #2 – Within one (1) week after this notice is received (by September 12, 2023), Ms. Hickman-Sawyer shall contact Marjorie White, Child Care Consultant, to arrange for training addressing falsification. The training was scheduled on September 11, 2023, for October 17, 2023, and was completed. All staff participated as documented by the roster and the statements of understanding. This stipulation has been met. Stipulation #3 – Within two (2) weeks after this Notice is received (by September 19, 2023), Ms. Hickman-Sawyer shall develop written policies and procedures, which describes, in detail, the steps the facility will take to ensure compliance letters, or any other documentation, are not falsified and are submitted by the required deadline. The written policies and procedures shall include, but not be limited to, the two bullet points listed in the corrective action plan. Final policies related to falsification and records management were completed and approved on September 29, 2023. The policies have been added to the personnel policies. This stipulation has been met. ADDITIONAL COMMENTS: Rated License Cohort Training – Tuesday, 11/7/23 – 9:30 – 11am – Join my colleague and me for a free virtual training to share information on the Rated License Cohort Model as DCDEE transitions back to rated license assessments after COVID. We will share information about available activities during the rated license preparation year and the timeline for the rated license assessment year. We will look at education opportunities available to help staff meet minimum and enhanced education requirements. We will also share information on DCDEE updates related to new rules. Contact me to register by Friday, 11/3/23. I shared information on the following topics and emailed the information to you after the visit: 1. Resources from Health and Safety Resource Center! 2. Child Care Immunization Report – due 11/1/23 3. Mental Health First Aid Training for Administrators 4. Annual License Fee 5. Environmental Health Rules Update 6. Moodle Support Email and Phone Contact 7. New Rules – July 2023 – enhanced outdoor space, cooperative arrangements, multi-age grouping 8. New Challenging Behaviors Helpline! 9. Two New Lead Teacher Options - NC Early Childhood Credential (NCECC) Equivalency Exam and Child Development Associate (CDA) 10. NC Rated License Assessment Project (NCRLAP) Resources 11. NCID – Keep it active! RATED LICENSE ASSESSMENT: You currently operate with a Special Provisional License, effective 6/23/23 – 12/23/23. Your rated license is being reassessed in the event the corrective action plan is met, and your facility returns to full licensure. PROGRAM STANDARDS – Currently Seven (7) Points *ECERS-R – 5.84; completed 11/19/18 *meets enhanced space and enhanced ratios minus one (needed to meet 7 points) EDUCATION STANDARDS –7 Points; currently eligible for One (1) Point *Based in information available in DCDEE Works *Points are earned based on the lowest level of education for any one position. Administrator Education – 7 Points; currently eligible for 5 points DB – NCECAC II + 1 (+3) w/ 5+y ad and 8+y ece exp = 5 points *Log into Works and re-request to be approved as administrator *Needs 3 ECE (1 class) to earn NCECAC III and 7 points Lead Teacher/NCPre-K Teacher Education – 7 Points: Currently eligible for 2 Points *SB 570 providing flexibility to allow 50% of lead teachers have AAS-ECE or higher at 7 Point level until 6/2023 Space 1 (2’s-3’s): KR – NCECAC w/ 6+y exp = 4 points Space 3 (3’s-4’s): TW - NCECC + 20 ECE w/ 3m exp = 4 points *will be 5 points with 1y experience (or update experience on application) Space 3 (4’s): BH – Needs to complete Works = 1 point Space 4 (NCPK): AO – Needs to complete Works = 1 point *Needs to complete 6 hours annually towards BK-License to remain qualified for NCPre-K Teacher Space 5 (NCPK): NH – BS-CD + B-K License w/ 15y exp = 7 points Space 6 (NCPK): JW – BS-ED Studies + NCECC (BS w/6) + 24 ECE w/ 4.5+y exp = 7 points *Needs to complete 6 hours annually towards BK-License to remain qualified for NCPre-K Teacher Teacher/NCPre-K Teacher Assistant Education – 7 Points: Currently eligible for 6 Points Space 1 (2’s-3’s): TBA Space 3 (3’s-4’s): EB – Needs to complete Works = 1 points Space 3 (4’s): n/a Space 4 (NCPK): AW – AAS-Other + NCECC + 13 ECE w/ 1y exp = 6 points *Needs to complete 6 hours annually towards AAS-ECE to remain qualified as NCPre-K Teacher Assistant Space 5 (NCPK): PW – AAS-ECE w/ 17y exp = 7 points Space 6 (NCPK): HB –NCECC + 15 ECE w/ 15m exp = 6 points *Needs to complete 6 hours annually towards AAS-ECE to remain qualified as NCPre-K Teacher Assistant QUALTY POINT - One (1) Point Staff Benefits – all Parent Involvement – monthly newsletter, semi-annual conferences Program (7 PTS) + Education (1 PT) + QP (1 PT) = 9 Points = 3 Stars *It is possible that points in Education will revert to 7 points from the Five Star License issued 2/28/2019 and will be fully assessed during Cohort 2 when your facility will participate in rated license reassessments. *In the meantime, it is imperative that all staff register for and complete Works. Early Educator Certification (EEC) is another option to earn education points for the rated license. To apply for Early Educator Certification, go to the website for the NC Institute for Child Development Professionals https://ncicdp.org/ 1. On the left, click on Certifications and Endorsements 2. Slide to the right to Early Educator Certification (EEC) Forms and Endorsements 3. Read the information and follow the instructions to apply. 4. Mail completed application, original, official transcripts (may be opened), and $50 application fee to NCICDP. 5. Once a certificate or letter verifying the award of the certificate is received, log into Works account and upload the EEC Certificate or Letter. EEC will expire, but it counts towards rated license points indefinitely if it is current when posted in Works. Thank you for your time and assistance today. Refer to this visit summary for a refresher of our discussions today, and I encourage you to share with staff and use the information as a teaching tool. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to call or email me at the contact information listed above. 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: SUCCESS ACADEMY Facility ID: 15000022 Consultant: MARJORIE WHITE Operation Type: Center Case Number: 1023-218L Visit Date: 10/24/2023 Number Present: 83 Completed Date: 10/24/2023 Age: From 2 To 5 Total Minutes: 150 Time In: 02:30 PM Time Out: 05:00 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Complaint Visit Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced * The purpose of today's unannounced visit was to obtain information regarding alleged violations of child care requirements. The allegation is as follows: there are concerns that a child was left unsupervised in the classroom. I completed limited monitoring of child care requirements during the visit. Supervision of children, staff/child ratios, adequate/approved space and permit restrictions were observed in compliance at the time of my observations. I also reviewed the center’s supervision policy. The following staff/child ratios (S/C) were observed: Space 1 – 8 children, ages 2-3 years (N. Slozes) s/c ratios = 1:8 INVESTIGATION The allegations were shared with the administrator and one staff member. Allegation: There are concerns that a child was left unsupervised in the classroom. Your Responses: The administrator self-reported the allegation and shared information about the allegation with me today. She stated on Thursday, 10/19/2023 in the morning, a teacher in Space 1 lined up eight children, two and three years of age, to take them to the playground by going through the Space 3 classroom across the hall. One child, two years of age, did not follow the group and stayed behind in the classroom for about fifteen minutes. Later, the child went to the Space 3 classroom and remained alone for about another twenty minutes, until a teacher from Space 3 came inside and found the child. The teacher told me that the child was anxious when found and appeared to be relieved to join the class outdoors. The administrator reviewed camera footage and confirmed the information shared with her and immediately reported it to DCDEE and the parent. My Observations: Today I observed eight children, two and three years of age, in Space 1 with one teacher. Children were supervised as they ate their snack and later went outdoors. Outside I observed teachers doing head counts to verify that all children were present. I observed camera footage from the incident. The teacher had the eight children from Space 1 line up at the door. She did a head count at the door and then led them across the hall to Space 3. She did not stop at the door to do a head count when entering Space 3. Once outside, she supervised and interacted with children on the playground but did not do a head count to verify that all children were present. The child was left alone in Space 1 and later moved to Space 3 and was alone for a total of thirty-five minutes before a teacher came inside and found her. I also observed the center’s policy “Accountability while Providing Supervision and Care to Children”, which states, “Count your children before leaving the room; immediately count your children outside the door before releasing them to play.” This policy was signed by the staff member who left the child alone. Based upon your statements and my observations, this allegation is confirmed. The following item was documented as a violation during today’s visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 303 Children were not adequately supervised at all times. A child, two years of age, was left alone in a classroom for thirty-five minutes. .1801(a)(1-5) * Child care programs are expected to achieve and always maintain compliance and are required by NC GS 110-90(4)(d) to achieve and maintain an 18-month compliance history score of at least 75%. Any violations documented may impact the compliance history score. I completed an electronic copy of the visit summary and provided a printed copy of it to you, D. Brown, Administrator. We reviewed the visit summary and violation(s) documented during today’s visit. Correct these immediately. Send evidence of correction to me so that I receive it no later than 11/7/2023. Your compliance verification letter needs to include the following: 1. Name of facility and facility license # 2. Name of person writing compliance letter and position 3. Date of monitoring visit when violations were documented 4. Date compliance letter written 5. List each violation by Item # and describe when and how each violation has been corrected. Also include the following documents/pictures to verify compliance. 6. Send compliance verification letter in an email from your center’s official email address angela@aacfnc.org to my email address, Marjorie.White@dhhs.nc.gov. If sent from another email address, the center’s official address must be Cc’d in the compliance email. 7. You may include the compliance verification as an attachment or in the body of the email. 8. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit may be conducted. *I will email a sample compliance verification letter to you. *Please be aware that any information submitted by you is legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the compliance letter is not true, this may be considered falsification. The violation that was documented today requires a follow-up visit. An unannounced visit will be made soon to verify correction of violations. If I may be of further assistance, please contact me by phone at (252) 373-9385, by e-mail at Marjorie.White@dhhs.nc.gov. You may also call Jennifer Linhardt, Licensing Supervisor, at (252) 373-4199 or Jennifer.Linhardt@dhhs.nc.gov. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE WITH DOCUMENTED VIOLATION – Supervision – Supervision is directly tied to safety and the prevention of injury and maintaining quality child care for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. Parents/guardians depend on caregivers/teachers to supervise their children. To be available for supervision or rescue in an emergency, an adult must be able to hear and see the children. With proper supervision and in the event of an emergency, supervising adults can quickly and efficiently remove children from any potential harm. The center has a supervision policy which requires a head count when lining up at the classroom door to go outside, a head count outside the door before children are released to play and a head count when lining up to go inside and a head count when back in the classroom. The teacher was observed counting heads at the door of the classroom but did not follow supervision procedures and do a head count once on the playground to verify that all children were present. You stated that you will review the supervision policy to determine if additional procedures are needed. You stated that you reviewed general supervision with staff at the last staff meeting but will pull the specific policy and review it with staff at the next staff meeting. You are also going to look at the path the children from Space 1 take to the playground. COMPLIANCE HISTORY: I reviewed the facility’s compliance history with the administrator. The 18-month compliance history from 4/21/2022 – 10/20/2023 is 81% . Please be aware that any information received during this investigation and any violations documented may be included in any current and future administrative actions. Violations of child care requirements, particularly repeated violations, could result in a civil penalty and/or administrative action that could jeopardize the status of the license for the child care facility. Please also refer to the visit summary for a refresher of our discussions today. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact me at the contact information listed above. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

Open Not marked corrected in the state record

Category: supervision. Open / not marked corrected.

NC GS 110-90 · Violation

Name of Operation: SUCCESS ACADEMY Facility ID: 15000022 Consultant: MARJORIE WHITE Operation Type: Center Case Number: 0923-122L Visit Date: 9/19/2023 Number Present: 74 Completed Date: 9/19/2023 Age: From 2 To 5 Total Minutes: 225 Time In: 10:15 AM Time Out: 02:00 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Complaint Visit Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced * The purpose of today's unannounced visit was to obtain information regarding an alleged violation of child care requirements. The allegation is as follows: There are concerns that inappropriate discipline was used. I completed limited monitoring of child care requirements during the visit. Supervision of children, staff/child ratios, adequate/approved space and permit restrictions were observed in compliance at the time of my observations. The following staff/child ratios (S/C) was observed: Space 4 – 12 children, ages 4-5 years (A. Williams, J. Houston) s/c ratios = 2:12 INVESTIGATION The allegations were shared with the interim administrator. Allegation #1: There are concerns that inappropriate discipline was used. . Your Responses: You stated that you received a report that a teacher in had slapped a child’s hand. You met with the two classroom teachers and discussed the incident with them. They stated that while on the playground another teacher recognized that a child might have ringworm. While looking at the rash more closely, another child, four years of age, reached out to touch the rash. One of the classroom teachers swatted her hand away and asked her not to touch the spot. The child did not cry and turned around to play with other children; the other classroom teacher who observed the interaction did not think anything of it because it was a minor reflexive action to keep the child from touching the rash. Later the child whose hand was swatted asked another teacher if she was going to hit her. The teacher reported the incident to the interim administrator. The interim administrator self-reported the incident to DCDEE and contacted the parent to inform her of the incident. The parent was not concerned and stated that the child sometimes exaggerates. She had not observed any marks on her child and did not want her child to be moved from the classroom. The interim administrator and new administrator met with the employee who stated that she did not intend to hurt the child, but it was just a reflexive action to tap her hand away from touching the other child’s infected spot. Together they completed an action plan for the teacher to complete six hours of training and eight hours of technical assistance related to appropriate discipline from technical assistance staff and the Healthy Behaviors Specialist at Albemarle Alliance for Children and Families (AACF). My Observations: I reviewed the corrective action plan where the teacher described how she reflexively swatted the child’s hand to keep her from touching another child’s rash. I reviewed an incident report completed after the incident. I reviewed the center’s discipline policy which stated, “We do not handle children roughly in any way, including shaking, pushing, shoving, pinching, slapping, biting, kicking, or spanking.” I reviewed inconclusive camera footage of the incident. During my classroom observations today, I observed positive, respectful, and nurturing staff child interactions. Based upon your statements and my observations, this allegation is confirmed. The following item was documented as a violation during today’s visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 904 Child was handled roughly. A teacher swatted a child's hand to prevent the child from touching another child's rash. .1803(a)(1) * Child care programs are expected to achieve and always maintain compliance and are required by NC GS 110-90(4)(d) to achieve and maintain an 18-month compliance history score of at least 75%. Any violations documented may impact the compliance history score. I completed an electronic copy of the visit summary and provided a printed copy of it to you, B. Hickman-Sawyer, Administrator. We reviewed the visit summary and violation(s) documented during today’s visit. Correct these immediately. Send evidence of correction to me so that I receive it no later than 10/3/2023. Your compliance verification letter needs to include the following: 1. Name of facility and facility license # 2. Name of person writing compliance letter and position 3. Date of monitoring visit when violations were documented 4. Date compliance letter written 5. List each violation by Item # and describe when and how each violation has been corrected. 6. Send compliance verification letter in an email from your center’s official email address, angela@aacfnc.org to my email address, Marjorie.White@dhhs.nc.gov. If sent from another email address, the center’s official address must be Cc’d in the compliance email. 7. You may include the compliance verification as an attachment or in the body of the email. 8. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit may be conducted. *I will email a sample compliance verification letter to you. *Please be aware that any information submitted by you is legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the compliance letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. A violation was documented that requires a follow-up visit. An unannounced visit will be made soon to verify correction of violations. If I may be of further assistance, please contact me by phone at (252) 373-9385, by e-mail at Marjorie.White@dhhs.nc.gov. You may also call Jennifer Linhardt, Licensing Supervisor, at (252) 373-4199 or Jennifer.Linhardt@dhhs.nc.gov. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE WITH DOCUMENTED VIOLATION – Discipline – Praise and positive reinforcement are effective methods of the behavior management of children. When children receive positive, non-violent, and understanding interactions from adults and others, they develop good self-concepts, problem solving abilities, and self-discipline. A teacher swatted a child’s hand to prevent the child from reaching out to touch another child’s rash. You stated that the swat was a reflexive action by the teacher to protect the child from touching the infected area. While hand swats and bottom pops may seem harmless, physical punishment of any type does not promote positive relationships or provide children with the guidance they need to learn to make good choices. Review your discipline policy with all staff to remind them to use positive guidance techniques and that even seemingly harmless touches can be interpreted very differently by children and parents. Role play discipline scenarios to help staff build and practice positive guidance. Request training and classroom observations from the Health Behavior Specialist at Albemarle Alliance for Children and Families. COMPLIANCE HISTORY: I reviewed the facility’s compliance history with the administrator. The 18-month compliance history from 3/16/2022 – 9/15/2023 is 80% . Please be aware that any information received during this investigation and any violations documented may be included in any future administrative actions. Violations of child care requirements, particularly repeated violations, could result in a civil penalty and/or administrative action that could jeopardize the status of the license for the child care facility. Please also refer to sections labeled Technical Assistance, Consultation, and Reminders for a refresher of our discussions today. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact me at the contact information listed above. 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 .0701 · Violation

Name of Operation: SUCCESS ACADEMY Facility ID: 15000022 Consultant: MARJORIE WHITE Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 9/5/2023 Number Present: 78 Completed Date: 9/5/2023 Age: From 2 To 5 Total Minutes: 535 Time In: 09:00 AM Time Out: 05:55 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Admin Action Follow-Up Lic Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced * The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to monitor compliance with applicable child care requirements and review an Administrative Action – Written Warning, dated August 31, 2023, issued to Success Academy for 3’s and 4’s, operator of Success Academy, #15000022. I reviewed the Administrative Action with you, B. Hickman-Sawyer, Interim Administrator. You stated that you have not received the action, as of this morning, but I provided you with a copy today. The appeal deadline is September 30, 2023. Currently, you do not plan to file an appeal. Tamaria Williams, Child Care Consultant, accompanied me on the visit. I explained that you are required to immediately post the Notice of Administrative Action, cover letter, and corrective action plan for three months and until receipt of a closure letter from the Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) stating that the corrective action plan has been completed. Post in a location visible to parents and visitors near the entrance of the child care facility. The facility must maintain compliance with all applicable child care requirements. Unannounced follow-up visits will occur to monitor compliance with applicable child care requirements, completion of the corrective action plan, and posting of the action. I reviewed the Notice of Administrative Action with you page by page, including the basis for action, corrective action plan (CAP) and appeals procedure. I stressed the importance of complying with each item in the CAP within the timeframe identified during the review and that failure to complete any part of the CAP by the due date may result in a more stringent Administrative Action, up to and including revocation of the license. For each section reviewed in the Notice of Administrative Action, I provided you with the opportunity to summarize your understanding and ask questions. CORRECTIVE ACTION PLAN: We reviewed the expectations of the Corrective Action Plan, including: Stipulation #1 – Maintaining compliance with NC Child Care Requirements but specifically pertaining to falsification and enhanced staff/child ratios. You have elected to meet enhanced minus one staff/child ratios. Stipulation #2 – Within one (1) week after this notice is received (by September 12, 2023), Ms. Hickman-Sawyer shall contact Marjorie White, Child Care Consultant, to arrange for training addressing falsification. All staff members, including full-time, part-time, substitutes, and auxiliary staff, with responsibilities for caring for children shall participate in this mandatory training. Stipulation #3 – Within two (2) weeks after this Notice is received (by September 19, 2023), Ms. Hickman-Sawyer shall develop written policies and procedures, which describes, in detail, the steps the facility will take to ensure compliance letters, or any other documentation, are not falsified and are submitted by the required deadline. The written policies and procedures shall include, but not be limited to, the two bullet points listed in the corrective action plan. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE WITH POLICIES AND PROCEDURES: Keep your policies and procedures simple. A policy is broad and general and states what you are going to do such as stay in compliance with a child care rule. The procedures describe the steps you are going to take to ensure the policy is met. Typically, policies do not change that often; however, procedures often change to make them more effective or more realistic. Prior to submitting your written policies and procedures for approval, review them carefully to ensure they include both what is required and how you will comply (detailed steps). Ensure the information required from the bulleted list is included. Consider having someone else proofread them to see if the policies and procedures are understandable from a different perspective. These will be guidelines for you and your staff. You want to be sure that they can be realistically followed. During this Administrative Action process, you have an opportunity to demonstrate your ability to achieve and maintain compliance with child care requirements. Review the NC Child Care Requirements, updated July 1, 2023, to help you maintain compliance at all times with the applicable child care laws and rules, especially areas included in the basis for the action as we reviewed today. Both are available on the DCDEE website at www.ncchildcare.nc.gov. It is your responsibility to be knowledgeable of the child care laws and rules that apply to your facility. I remain available to assist you, should you have questions about laws or rules. You may find additional resources as well as updates on any new requirements on the Division’s website. APPEALS PROCESS: I reviewed the Procedures for Appeal with you, including informal and formal procedures. You have thirty (30) days from the mailing date of the action (by September 30, 2023) to file a formal appeal with the Office of Administrative Hearings. You may also request an Informal Meeting, but that does not extend your appeal deadline. COMPLIANCE HISTORY: Your current year compliance history score prior to today’s visit is 80% based on the visit dates from March 1, 2022 – August 31, 2023. During the visit we monitored supervision, discipline and nurture care of children, enhanced staff/child ratios and group size, licensed capacity, permit restrictions, all staff records including but not limited to CPR/First Aid training and criminal background checks, and all children’s and program records. Observations Parent information was posted on the bulletin board in the foyer. Parents are now required to take their children to the classrooms for drop-off and meet them in the classroom for pick-up. Parents document arrival and departure on the Bright Wheel iPad outside each classroom. Children in all six classrooms participated in indoor and outdoor play. Lunch was chicken tenders, carrots, applesauce or pineapple and milk. After lunch children rested on linen-covered cots. When NCPre-K was over at 2:30pm, some children were picked up. Two groups of children remained for aftercare. We observed and documented the following violations today: Violation Number Comment Rule 114 A summary of the NC Child Care Law was not given to a parent of every child enrolled in the center. In forty-five of eighty-three children's files reviewed, documentation of receipt of the Summary of NC Child Care Law was not available. GS 110-102 862 The EMC plan was not reviewed with all staff annually and whenever the plan was revised. In four of sixteen staff files reviewed, documentation of an annual review of the center's Emergency Medical Care Plan was not available. 10A NCAC 09 .0802(a) 1032 Child care providers and uncompensated providers who are not substitute providers or volunteers, including the director did not have a medical report on file prior to employment that was signed by a health care professional and/ or the medical report was older than 12 months. In four of twelve staff files reviewed, a staff medical report was not available. 10A NCAC 09 .0701(a) 1033 On or before the first day of work, all staff, including the director and individuals who volunteer more than once per week did not provide results indicating that they were free of active TB and/or TB test or screening was older than 12 months. In four of sixteen staff files reviewed, documentation of a negative TB test or TB screening was not available. .0701(a) 1048 All staff did not successfully complete certification in First Aid appropriate to the age of children in care. Verification of staff completion of First Aid training from an approved training organization was not in the staff file. In one of sixteen staff files reviewed, a staff person hired on May 1, 2023 did not complete an approved First Aid course by August 1, 2023. .1102(c) 1049 All staff did not successfully complete certification in CPR training appropriate to the age of the children in care. Verification of staff completion of the CPR course from an approved training organization was not in the staff file. In one of sixteen staff files reviewed, a staff person hired on May 1, 2023 did not complete an approved CPR course by August 1, 2023. .1102(d) 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. In four of sixteen children's records reviewed, documentation of an annual review of the center's EPR Plan was not available. .0607(f) 1851 The operator did not notify the parent of each child enrolled in writing of the smoking and tobacco restriction. In forty-seven of eighty-three children's files reviewed, documentation of receipt of the center's tobacco restriction policy was not available. .0604(j) 1908 A child's file did not have a statement with parent signature acknowledging receipt and explanation of the Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy and/or the acknowledgement did not have all the required information. In thirty-six of eighty-three children's files reviewed, documentation of receipt of the SBS/AHT Policy was not available. .0608(b)(1-6) * Child care programs are expected to achieve and always maintain compliance and are required by NC GS 110-90(4)(d) to achieve and maintain an 18-month compliance history score of at least 75%. Any violations documented may impact the compliance history score. I completed an electronic copy of the visit summary and provided a printed copy of it to B. Hickman-Sawyer, Interim Administrator and followed up with an electronic copy to Ms. Hickman-Sawyer, D. Brown, Administrator and A. Charlton, Authorized Individual for Success Academy for 3’s and 4’s. We reviewed the visit summary and violation(s) documented during today’s visit. Correct these immediately. Send evidence of correction to me so that I receive it no later than 9/19/2023. The compliance verification letter needs to state the facility name and license number and list each violation by Item # and describe in detail when and how each violation has been corrected. Send compliance verification letter in an email from the center’s official email address, angela@aacfnc.org to my email address, Marjorie.White@dhhs.nc.gov. If sent from another email address, the center’s official address must be Cc’d in the compliance email. You may include the compliance verification as an attachment or in the body of the email. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit may be conducted. *I will email a sample compliance verification letter to you. *Please be aware that any information submitted by you is legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the compliance letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If I may be of further assistance, please contact me by phone at (252) 373-9385, by e-mail at Marjorie.White@dhhs.nc.gov. You may also call Jennifer Linhardt, Licensing Supervisor, at (252) 373-4199 or Jennifer.Linhardt@dhhs.nc.gov. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE WITH DOCUMENTED VIOLATIONS: Staff Records Organized, up-to-date staff records help you maintain your staff files and update your staff worksheet to ensure required information that affects the health and safety of staff and children is completed, current and available. The following staff records were not available in staff files. #862: Documentation of Annual Review of Emergency Medical Care Plan – missing for A. Riley, N. Hendricks, P. Watson, H. Barnes #1032: Staff Medical Report – Not available for B. Holt, A. Ogundare, A. Williams, L. Hunt #1033: Negative TB Test or TB Screening – Not available for B. Holt, A. Ogundare, A. Williams, L. Hunt #1048 and #1049: CPR/First Aid Certification – Not available for A. Morris hired 5/1/23 (completed an unapproved course on 7/1/2023). Repeated violations of CPR and First Aid may result in an Administrative Action. #1825: Documentation of Annual Review of EPR Plan – Not available for A. Riley, N. Hendricks, P. Watson, H. Barnes #1897: Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment Training – Not available for A. Morris hired 5/1/23, A. Ogundare hired 4/27/23 You stated that you were left with incomplete files when the previous administrator left, and you have been inventorying files since you started at the beginning of August. Collect and/or complete the missing documents listed above by 9/19/2023. Do not send copies of any of the documents. Just document when they are received for each staff member. Also review staff worksheets to determine when specific items are due for new staff recently hired at the end of August. Consider these tips: 1. Complete annual updates for all staff at the same time each year – annual staff reviews, annual professional development plans, health questionnaires, staff emergency forms, EPR Plan and Emergency Medical Care Plan reviews. 2. Use your staff worksheet as a tool to determine when documents are initially due or due for an update. Keep it current throughout the year. 3. Staff Medical Information – Federal guidelines require that personal health care information for staff be stored in separate medical files from the rest of the employee’s staff record. This includes the staff medical report, documentation of a negative TB test or screening, and annual health questionnaire. Any other medical documentation such as doctors’ notes must be maintained in the staff medical file. Children’s Files Maintaining accurate records on the children in your care helps to ensure their health and safety, informs families of rules you are required to follow and your center’s policies, and provides a certain transfer of knowledge so that you can provide the best care possible for their children. The following items were missing from children’s files. See the attached Children’s Records Checklist to determine which files were missing documents: #114: Summary of NC Child Care Law – In 45 of 83 children’s files reviewed, documentation that the parent had received a copy of the Summary of NC Child Care Law was not available. #1851: Receipt of Tobacco Restriction – In 47 of 83 children’ files reviewed, documentation that the parents had received a copy of the center’s tobacco restriction was not available. #1908: Receipt of Policy for Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome/Abusive Head Trauma (SBS/AHT) – In 36 of 83 children’ files reviewed, documentation that the parents had received a copy of the center’s SBS/AHT was not available. You stated that you have been actively working to get children’s files back in order and are looking at various enrollment documents to update and simplify. Use Children’s File Checklist to verify you have received all required enrollment documents. Consistently using an Enrollment Documents Signature Checklist will simplify your children’s records. Also consider using the DCDEE version of the Child’s Application for Enrollment to collect basic contact information and health and emergency information for each child. Build in time to review enrollment documents with families explaining that they need to be fully completed, signed and dated. Check them before the parent leaves their children with you the first time. The empty blank might be the signature you need to seek emergency medical care if the child is injured. Have parents review and update the Child’s Application annually to ensure information is still current. FACILITY INFORMATION UPDATE: Success Academy has a new administrator, D. Brown. I provided you with an Administrator Preservice Form to complete, sign, have signed by A. Charlton, Authorized Individual for Success Academy for 3’s and 4’s, and return to me by 9/19/2023. ADDITIONAL COMMENTS: Emergency Preparedness and Response (EPR) Requirements, Emergency Medical Care Plan (EMCP) and Ready-to-Go File – Your Emergency Preparedness and Response (EPR) Plan needs to be reviewed and updated annually. The previous administrator did not leave the password to the Emergency Management Portal, so you have been working with the Pasquotank Emergency Management Director to access the plan and update it. The new administrator already has EPR Training. As soon as you can, update the on-line EPR Plan. *Log into the Emergency Management Portal on the DCDEE website -> Provider tab -> Emergency Preparedness and Response -> Emergency Management Portal -> Log in using NCID used to create or update EPR Plan. Review EPR Plan and update as needed. Document review date on page 28. If changes are needed, print the plan up to page 29. Review annually with staff and during orientation with new staff. Use this time to review and update Emergency Medical Care Plan and review with staff also. * If you have questions, or need assistance with accessing your EPR Plan contact Amia M. Eaton, Training and Program Development Consultant Amia.Eaton@dhhs.nc.gov *Use this time to also review and update Emergency Medical Care Plan (EMCP) and review with staff also. Ensure that at least one person listed on the EMCP is on-site at all times. *Also update your Ready-to-Go File to include new students, remove former students, and add updated medication information. (Make sure a copy of the Child’s Application for Enrollment is added to the R2G File when a new child starts, or the application is updated.) *Fire and Emergency Drills – Fire drills are required to be completed monthly during any month or part of the month the facility is open and operating. Emergency drills (shelter-in-place or lock-down) are required to be completed for any quarter or part of a quarter the facility is open (Jan-March; April-June; July-Sept; Oct-Dec). Annual Licensing Fee – Licensed facilities that have a current license (whether active or inactive) on October 1st of each year will receive an invoice for a licensing fee based on their licensed capacity. Invoices will be mailed out in November and must be paid on-line. For more information, watch for the Email Blasts from NC DHHS to your facility email address. If you want to close or reduce your center’s capacity to reduce the amount of your licensing fee, notify me by 9/15/2023 so the change can take place prior to October 1st. Updated Child Care Requirements – July 2023 - The Child Care Commission revised rules related to staff/child ratios for multi-age groups; cooperative arrangements; and enhanced space requirements. For more information review the Email blast sent out on 8/8/2023 or complete the training module in DCDEE Moodle. Rule training modules can be found in the same course as the October 2017 Child Care Rule Rollout and count for .25 hours of on-going training. Environmental Health Rule Updates Webinars - Children’s Environmental Health conducted a series of virtual trainings on the recently re-adopted Child Care Sanitation Rules, effective July 1, 2023. If you were not able to participate, check the link to see the training agenda, new rules and other resources at https://ehs.dph.ncdhhs.gov/hhccehb/cehu/ccs/children.htm. Trainings specifically for child care programs will be offered on September 20th and September 26th from 9:00 – 11:30am. Thank you for your time and assistance today. Refer to this visit summary for a refresher of our discussions today, and I encourage you to share with staff and use the information as a teaching tool. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to call or email me at the contact information listed above. 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: SUCCESS ACADEMY Facility ID: 15000022 Consultant: MARJORIE WHITE Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 9/5/2023 Number Present: 78 Completed Date: 9/5/2023 Age: From 2 To 5 Total Minutes: 535 Time In: 09:00 AM Time Out: 05:55 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Admin Action Follow-Up Lic Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced * The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to monitor compliance with applicable child care requirements and review an Administrative Action – Written Warning, dated August 31, 2023, issued to Success Academy for 3’s and 4’s, operator of Success Academy, #15000022. I reviewed the Administrative Action with you, B. Hickman-Sawyer, Interim Administrator. You stated that you have not received the action, as of this morning, but I provided you with a copy today. The appeal deadline is September 30, 2023. Currently, you do not plan to file an appeal. Tamaria Williams, Child Care Consultant, accompanied me on the visit. I explained that you are required to immediately post the Notice of Administrative Action, cover letter, and corrective action plan for three months and until receipt of a closure letter from the Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) stating that the corrective action plan has been completed. Post in a location visible to parents and visitors near the entrance of the child care facility. The facility must maintain compliance with all applicable child care requirements. Unannounced follow-up visits will occur to monitor compliance with applicable child care requirements, completion of the corrective action plan, and posting of the action. I reviewed the Notice of Administrative Action with you page by page, including the basis for action, corrective action plan (CAP) and appeals procedure. I stressed the importance of complying with each item in the CAP within the timeframe identified during the review and that failure to complete any part of the CAP by the due date may result in a more stringent Administrative Action, up to and including revocation of the license. For each section reviewed in the Notice of Administrative Action, I provided you with the opportunity to summarize your understanding and ask questions. CORRECTIVE ACTION PLAN: We reviewed the expectations of the Corrective Action Plan, including: Stipulation #1 – Maintaining compliance with NC Child Care Requirements but specifically pertaining to falsification and enhanced staff/child ratios. You have elected to meet enhanced minus one staff/child ratios. Stipulation #2 – Within one (1) week after this notice is received (by September 12, 2023), Ms. Hickman-Sawyer shall contact Marjorie White, Child Care Consultant, to arrange for training addressing falsification. All staff members, including full-time, part-time, substitutes, and auxiliary staff, with responsibilities for caring for children shall participate in this mandatory training. Stipulation #3 – Within two (2) weeks after this Notice is received (by September 19, 2023), Ms. Hickman-Sawyer shall develop written policies and procedures, which describes, in detail, the steps the facility will take to ensure compliance letters, or any other documentation, are not falsified and are submitted by the required deadline. The written policies and procedures shall include, but not be limited to, the two bullet points listed in the corrective action plan. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE WITH POLICIES AND PROCEDURES: Keep your policies and procedures simple. A policy is broad and general and states what you are going to do such as stay in compliance with a child care rule. The procedures describe the steps you are going to take to ensure the policy is met. Typically, policies do not change that often; however, procedures often change to make them more effective or more realistic. Prior to submitting your written policies and procedures for approval, review them carefully to ensure they include both what is required and how you will comply (detailed steps). Ensure the information required from the bulleted list is included. Consider having someone else proofread them to see if the policies and procedures are understandable from a different perspective. These will be guidelines for you and your staff. You want to be sure that they can be realistically followed. During this Administrative Action process, you have an opportunity to demonstrate your ability to achieve and maintain compliance with child care requirements. Review the NC Child Care Requirements, updated July 1, 2023, to help you maintain compliance at all times with the applicable child care laws and rules, especially areas included in the basis for the action as we reviewed today. Both are available on the DCDEE website at www.ncchildcare.nc.gov. It is your responsibility to be knowledgeable of the child care laws and rules that apply to your facility. I remain available to assist you, should you have questions about laws or rules. You may find additional resources as well as updates on any new requirements on the Division’s website. APPEALS PROCESS: I reviewed the Procedures for Appeal with you, including informal and formal procedures. You have thirty (30) days from the mailing date of the action (by September 30, 2023) to file a formal appeal with the Office of Administrative Hearings. You may also request an Informal Meeting, but that does not extend your appeal deadline. COMPLIANCE HISTORY: Your current year compliance history score prior to today’s visit is 80% based on the visit dates from March 1, 2022 – August 31, 2023. During the visit we monitored supervision, discipline and nurture care of children, enhanced staff/child ratios and group size, licensed capacity, permit restrictions, all staff records including but not limited to CPR/First Aid training and criminal background checks, and all children’s and program records. Observations Parent information was posted on the bulletin board in the foyer. Parents are now required to take their children to the classrooms for drop-off and meet them in the classroom for pick-up. Parents document arrival and departure on the Bright Wheel iPad outside each classroom. Children in all six classrooms participated in indoor and outdoor play. Lunch was chicken tenders, carrots, applesauce or pineapple and milk. After lunch children rested on linen-covered cots. When NCPre-K was over at 2:30pm, some children were picked up. Two groups of children remained for aftercare. We observed and documented the following violations today: Violation Number Comment Rule 114 A summary of the NC Child Care Law was not given to a parent of every child enrolled in the center. In forty-five of eighty-three children's files reviewed, documentation of receipt of the Summary of NC Child Care Law was not available. GS 110-102 862 The EMC plan was not reviewed with all staff annually and whenever the plan was revised. In four of sixteen staff files reviewed, documentation of an annual review of the center's Emergency Medical Care Plan was not available. 10A NCAC 09 .0802(a) 1032 Child care providers and uncompensated providers who are not substitute providers or volunteers, including the director did not have a medical report on file prior to employment that was signed by a health care professional and/ or the medical report was older than 12 months. In four of twelve staff files reviewed, a staff medical report was not available. 10A NCAC 09 .0701(a) 1033 On or before the first day of work, all staff, including the director and individuals who volunteer more than once per week did not provide results indicating that they were free of active TB and/or TB test or screening was older than 12 months. In four of sixteen staff files reviewed, documentation of a negative TB test or TB screening was not available. .0701(a) 1048 All staff did not successfully complete certification in First Aid appropriate to the age of children in care. Verification of staff completion of First Aid training from an approved training organization was not in the staff file. In one of sixteen staff files reviewed, a staff person hired on May 1, 2023 did not complete an approved First Aid course by August 1, 2023. .1102(c) 1049 All staff did not successfully complete certification in CPR training appropriate to the age of the children in care. Verification of staff completion of the CPR course from an approved training organization was not in the staff file. In one of sixteen staff files reviewed, a staff person hired on May 1, 2023 did not complete an approved CPR course by August 1, 2023. .1102(d) 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. In four of sixteen children's records reviewed, documentation of an annual review of the center's EPR Plan was not available. .0607(f) 1851 The operator did not notify the parent of each child enrolled in writing of the smoking and tobacco restriction. In forty-seven of eighty-three children's files reviewed, documentation of receipt of the center's tobacco restriction policy was not available. .0604(j) 1908 A child's file did not have a statement with parent signature acknowledging receipt and explanation of the Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy and/or the acknowledgement did not have all the required information. In thirty-six of eighty-three children's files reviewed, documentation of receipt of the SBS/AHT Policy was not available. .0608(b)(1-6) * Child care programs are expected to achieve and always maintain compliance and are required by NC GS 110-90(4)(d) to achieve and maintain an 18-month compliance history score of at least 75%. Any violations documented may impact the compliance history score. I completed an electronic copy of the visit summary and provided a printed copy of it to B. Hickman-Sawyer, Interim Administrator and followed up with an electronic copy to Ms. Hickman-Sawyer, D. Brown, Administrator and A. Charlton, Authorized Individual for Success Academy for 3’s and 4’s. We reviewed the visit summary and violation(s) documented during today’s visit. Correct these immediately. Send evidence of correction to me so that I receive it no later than 9/19/2023. The compliance verification letter needs to state the facility name and license number and list each violation by Item # and describe in detail when and how each violation has been corrected. Send compliance verification letter in an email from the center’s official email address, angela@aacfnc.org to my email address, Marjorie.White@dhhs.nc.gov. If sent from another email address, the center’s official address must be Cc’d in the compliance email. You may include the compliance verification as an attachment or in the body of the email. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit may be conducted. *I will email a sample compliance verification letter to you. *Please be aware that any information submitted by you is legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the compliance letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If I may be of further assistance, please contact me by phone at (252) 373-9385, by e-mail at Marjorie.White@dhhs.nc.gov. You may also call Jennifer Linhardt, Licensing Supervisor, at (252) 373-4199 or Jennifer.Linhardt@dhhs.nc.gov. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE WITH DOCUMENTED VIOLATIONS: Staff Records Organized, up-to-date staff records help you maintain your staff files and update your staff worksheet to ensure required information that affects the health and safety of staff and children is completed, current and available. The following staff records were not available in staff files. #862: Documentation of Annual Review of Emergency Medical Care Plan – missing for A. Riley, N. Hendricks, P. Watson, H. Barnes #1032: Staff Medical Report – Not available for B. Holt, A. Ogundare, A. Williams, L. Hunt #1033: Negative TB Test or TB Screening – Not available for B. Holt, A. Ogundare, A. Williams, L. Hunt #1048 and #1049: CPR/First Aid Certification – Not available for A. Morris hired 5/1/23 (completed an unapproved course on 7/1/2023). Repeated violations of CPR and First Aid may result in an Administrative Action. #1825: Documentation of Annual Review of EPR Plan – Not available for A. Riley, N. Hendricks, P. Watson, H. Barnes #1897: Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment Training – Not available for A. Morris hired 5/1/23, A. Ogundare hired 4/27/23 You stated that you were left with incomplete files when the previous administrator left, and you have been inventorying files since you started at the beginning of August. Collect and/or complete the missing documents listed above by 9/19/2023. Do not send copies of any of the documents. Just document when they are received for each staff member. Also review staff worksheets to determine when specific items are due for new staff recently hired at the end of August. Consider these tips: 1. Complete annual updates for all staff at the same time each year – annual staff reviews, annual professional development plans, health questionnaires, staff emergency forms, EPR Plan and Emergency Medical Care Plan reviews. 2. Use your staff worksheet as a tool to determine when documents are initially due or due for an update. Keep it current throughout the year. 3. Staff Medical Information – Federal guidelines require that personal health care information for staff be stored in separate medical files from the rest of the employee’s staff record. This includes the staff medical report, documentation of a negative TB test or screening, and annual health questionnaire. Any other medical documentation such as doctors’ notes must be maintained in the staff medical file. Children’s Files Maintaining accurate records on the children in your care helps to ensure their health and safety, informs families of rules you are required to follow and your center’s policies, and provides a certain transfer of knowledge so that you can provide the best care possible for their children. The following items were missing from children’s files. See the attached Children’s Records Checklist to determine which files were missing documents: #114: Summary of NC Child Care Law – In 45 of 83 children’s files reviewed, documentation that the parent had received a copy of the Summary of NC Child Care Law was not available. #1851: Receipt of Tobacco Restriction – In 47 of 83 children’ files reviewed, documentation that the parents had received a copy of the center’s tobacco restriction was not available. #1908: Receipt of Policy for Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome/Abusive Head Trauma (SBS/AHT) – In 36 of 83 children’ files reviewed, documentation that the parents had received a copy of the center’s SBS/AHT was not available. You stated that you have been actively working to get children’s files back in order and are looking at various enrollment documents to update and simplify. Use Children’s File Checklist to verify you have received all required enrollment documents. Consistently using an Enrollment Documents Signature Checklist will simplify your children’s records. Also consider using the DCDEE version of the Child’s Application for Enrollment to collect basic contact information and health and emergency information for each child. Build in time to review enrollment documents with families explaining that they need to be fully completed, signed and dated. Check them before the parent leaves their children with you the first time. The empty blank might be the signature you need to seek emergency medical care if the child is injured. Have parents review and update the Child’s Application annually to ensure information is still current. FACILITY INFORMATION UPDATE: Success Academy has a new administrator, D. Brown. I provided you with an Administrator Preservice Form to complete, sign, have signed by A. Charlton, Authorized Individual for Success Academy for 3’s and 4’s, and return to me by 9/19/2023. ADDITIONAL COMMENTS: Emergency Preparedness and Response (EPR) Requirements, Emergency Medical Care Plan (EMCP) and Ready-to-Go File – Your Emergency Preparedness and Response (EPR) Plan needs to be reviewed and updated annually. The previous administrator did not leave the password to the Emergency Management Portal, so you have been working with the Pasquotank Emergency Management Director to access the plan and update it. The new administrator already has EPR Training. As soon as you can, update the on-line EPR Plan. *Log into the Emergency Management Portal on the DCDEE website -> Provider tab -> Emergency Preparedness and Response -> Emergency Management Portal -> Log in using NCID used to create or update EPR Plan. Review EPR Plan and update as needed. Document review date on page 28. If changes are needed, print the plan up to page 29. Review annually with staff and during orientation with new staff. Use this time to review and update Emergency Medical Care Plan and review with staff also. * If you have questions, or need assistance with accessing your EPR Plan contact Amia M. Eaton, Training and Program Development Consultant Amia.Eaton@dhhs.nc.gov *Use this time to also review and update Emergency Medical Care Plan (EMCP) and review with staff also. Ensure that at least one person listed on the EMCP is on-site at all times. *Also update your Ready-to-Go File to include new students, remove former students, and add updated medication information. (Make sure a copy of the Child’s Application for Enrollment is added to the R2G File when a new child starts, or the application is updated.) *Fire and Emergency Drills – Fire drills are required to be completed monthly during any month or part of the month the facility is open and operating. Emergency drills (shelter-in-place or lock-down) are required to be completed for any quarter or part of a quarter the facility is open (Jan-March; April-June; July-Sept; Oct-Dec). Annual Licensing Fee – Licensed facilities that have a current license (whether active or inactive) on October 1st of each year will receive an invoice for a licensing fee based on their licensed capacity. Invoices will be mailed out in November and must be paid on-line. For more information, watch for the Email Blasts from NC DHHS to your facility email address. If you want to close or reduce your center’s capacity to reduce the amount of your licensing fee, notify me by 9/15/2023 so the change can take place prior to October 1st. Updated Child Care Requirements – July 2023 - The Child Care Commission revised rules related to staff/child ratios for multi-age groups; cooperative arrangements; and enhanced space requirements. For more information review the Email blast sent out on 8/8/2023 or complete the training module in DCDEE Moodle. Rule training modules can be found in the same course as the October 2017 Child Care Rule Rollout and count for .25 hours of on-going training. Environmental Health Rule Updates Webinars - Children’s Environmental Health conducted a series of virtual trainings on the recently re-adopted Child Care Sanitation Rules, effective July 1, 2023. If you were not able to participate, check the link to see the training agenda, new rules and other resources at https://ehs.dph.ncdhhs.gov/hhccehb/cehu/ccs/children.htm. Trainings specifically for child care programs will be offered on September 20th and September 26th from 9:00 – 11:30am. Thank you for your time and assistance today. Refer to this visit summary for a refresher of our discussions today, and I encourage you to share with staff and use the information as a teaching tool. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to call or email me at the contact information listed above. 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 110-102 · Violation

Name of Operation: SUCCESS ACADEMY Facility ID: 15000022 Consultant: MARJORIE WHITE Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 9/5/2023 Number Present: 78 Completed Date: 9/5/2023 Age: From 2 To 5 Total Minutes: 535 Time In: 09:00 AM Time Out: 05:55 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Admin Action Follow-Up Lic Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced * The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to monitor compliance with applicable child care requirements and review an Administrative Action – Written Warning, dated August 31, 2023, issued to Success Academy for 3’s and 4’s, operator of Success Academy, #15000022. I reviewed the Administrative Action with you, B. Hickman-Sawyer, Interim Administrator. You stated that you have not received the action, as of this morning, but I provided you with a copy today. The appeal deadline is September 30, 2023. Currently, you do not plan to file an appeal. Tamaria Williams, Child Care Consultant, accompanied me on the visit. I explained that you are required to immediately post the Notice of Administrative Action, cover letter, and corrective action plan for three months and until receipt of a closure letter from the Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) stating that the corrective action plan has been completed. Post in a location visible to parents and visitors near the entrance of the child care facility. The facility must maintain compliance with all applicable child care requirements. Unannounced follow-up visits will occur to monitor compliance with applicable child care requirements, completion of the corrective action plan, and posting of the action. I reviewed the Notice of Administrative Action with you page by page, including the basis for action, corrective action plan (CAP) and appeals procedure. I stressed the importance of complying with each item in the CAP within the timeframe identified during the review and that failure to complete any part of the CAP by the due date may result in a more stringent Administrative Action, up to and including revocation of the license. For each section reviewed in the Notice of Administrative Action, I provided you with the opportunity to summarize your understanding and ask questions. CORRECTIVE ACTION PLAN: We reviewed the expectations of the Corrective Action Plan, including: Stipulation #1 – Maintaining compliance with NC Child Care Requirements but specifically pertaining to falsification and enhanced staff/child ratios. You have elected to meet enhanced minus one staff/child ratios. Stipulation #2 – Within one (1) week after this notice is received (by September 12, 2023), Ms. Hickman-Sawyer shall contact Marjorie White, Child Care Consultant, to arrange for training addressing falsification. All staff members, including full-time, part-time, substitutes, and auxiliary staff, with responsibilities for caring for children shall participate in this mandatory training. Stipulation #3 – Within two (2) weeks after this Notice is received (by September 19, 2023), Ms. Hickman-Sawyer shall develop written policies and procedures, which describes, in detail, the steps the facility will take to ensure compliance letters, or any other documentation, are not falsified and are submitted by the required deadline. The written policies and procedures shall include, but not be limited to, the two bullet points listed in the corrective action plan. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE WITH POLICIES AND PROCEDURES: Keep your policies and procedures simple. A policy is broad and general and states what you are going to do such as stay in compliance with a child care rule. The procedures describe the steps you are going to take to ensure the policy is met. Typically, policies do not change that often; however, procedures often change to make them more effective or more realistic. Prior to submitting your written policies and procedures for approval, review them carefully to ensure they include both what is required and how you will comply (detailed steps). Ensure the information required from the bulleted list is included. Consider having someone else proofread them to see if the policies and procedures are understandable from a different perspective. These will be guidelines for you and your staff. You want to be sure that they can be realistically followed. During this Administrative Action process, you have an opportunity to demonstrate your ability to achieve and maintain compliance with child care requirements. Review the NC Child Care Requirements, updated July 1, 2023, to help you maintain compliance at all times with the applicable child care laws and rules, especially areas included in the basis for the action as we reviewed today. Both are available on the DCDEE website at www.ncchildcare.nc.gov. It is your responsibility to be knowledgeable of the child care laws and rules that apply to your facility. I remain available to assist you, should you have questions about laws or rules. You may find additional resources as well as updates on any new requirements on the Division’s website. APPEALS PROCESS: I reviewed the Procedures for Appeal with you, including informal and formal procedures. You have thirty (30) days from the mailing date of the action (by September 30, 2023) to file a formal appeal with the Office of Administrative Hearings. You may also request an Informal Meeting, but that does not extend your appeal deadline. COMPLIANCE HISTORY: Your current year compliance history score prior to today’s visit is 80% based on the visit dates from March 1, 2022 – August 31, 2023. During the visit we monitored supervision, discipline and nurture care of children, enhanced staff/child ratios and group size, licensed capacity, permit restrictions, all staff records including but not limited to CPR/First Aid training and criminal background checks, and all children’s and program records. Observations Parent information was posted on the bulletin board in the foyer. Parents are now required to take their children to the classrooms for drop-off and meet them in the classroom for pick-up. Parents document arrival and departure on the Bright Wheel iPad outside each classroom. Children in all six classrooms participated in indoor and outdoor play. Lunch was chicken tenders, carrots, applesauce or pineapple and milk. After lunch children rested on linen-covered cots. When NCPre-K was over at 2:30pm, some children were picked up. Two groups of children remained for aftercare. We observed and documented the following violations today: Violation Number Comment Rule 114 A summary of the NC Child Care Law was not given to a parent of every child enrolled in the center. In forty-five of eighty-three children's files reviewed, documentation of receipt of the Summary of NC Child Care Law was not available. GS 110-102 862 The EMC plan was not reviewed with all staff annually and whenever the plan was revised. In four of sixteen staff files reviewed, documentation of an annual review of the center's Emergency Medical Care Plan was not available. 10A NCAC 09 .0802(a) 1032 Child care providers and uncompensated providers who are not substitute providers or volunteers, including the director did not have a medical report on file prior to employment that was signed by a health care professional and/ or the medical report was older than 12 months. In four of twelve staff files reviewed, a staff medical report was not available. 10A NCAC 09 .0701(a) 1033 On or before the first day of work, all staff, including the director and individuals who volunteer more than once per week did not provide results indicating that they were free of active TB and/or TB test or screening was older than 12 months. In four of sixteen staff files reviewed, documentation of a negative TB test or TB screening was not available. .0701(a) 1048 All staff did not successfully complete certification in First Aid appropriate to the age of children in care. Verification of staff completion of First Aid training from an approved training organization was not in the staff file. In one of sixteen staff files reviewed, a staff person hired on May 1, 2023 did not complete an approved First Aid course by August 1, 2023. .1102(c) 1049 All staff did not successfully complete certification in CPR training appropriate to the age of the children in care. Verification of staff completion of the CPR course from an approved training organization was not in the staff file. In one of sixteen staff files reviewed, a staff person hired on May 1, 2023 did not complete an approved CPR course by August 1, 2023. .1102(d) 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. In four of sixteen children's records reviewed, documentation of an annual review of the center's EPR Plan was not available. .0607(f) 1851 The operator did not notify the parent of each child enrolled in writing of the smoking and tobacco restriction. In forty-seven of eighty-three children's files reviewed, documentation of receipt of the center's tobacco restriction policy was not available. .0604(j) 1908 A child's file did not have a statement with parent signature acknowledging receipt and explanation of the Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy and/or the acknowledgement did not have all the required information. In thirty-six of eighty-three children's files reviewed, documentation of receipt of the SBS/AHT Policy was not available. .0608(b)(1-6) * Child care programs are expected to achieve and always maintain compliance and are required by NC GS 110-90(4)(d) to achieve and maintain an 18-month compliance history score of at least 75%. Any violations documented may impact the compliance history score. I completed an electronic copy of the visit summary and provided a printed copy of it to B. Hickman-Sawyer, Interim Administrator and followed up with an electronic copy to Ms. Hickman-Sawyer, D. Brown, Administrator and A. Charlton, Authorized Individual for Success Academy for 3’s and 4’s. We reviewed the visit summary and violation(s) documented during today’s visit. Correct these immediately. Send evidence of correction to me so that I receive it no later than 9/19/2023. The compliance verification letter needs to state the facility name and license number and list each violation by Item # and describe in detail when and how each violation has been corrected. Send compliance verification letter in an email from the center’s official email address, angela@aacfnc.org to my email address, Marjorie.White@dhhs.nc.gov. If sent from another email address, the center’s official address must be Cc’d in the compliance email. You may include the compliance verification as an attachment or in the body of the email. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit may be conducted. *I will email a sample compliance verification letter to you. *Please be aware that any information submitted by you is legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the compliance letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If I may be of further assistance, please contact me by phone at (252) 373-9385, by e-mail at Marjorie.White@dhhs.nc.gov. You may also call Jennifer Linhardt, Licensing Supervisor, at (252) 373-4199 or Jennifer.Linhardt@dhhs.nc.gov. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE WITH DOCUMENTED VIOLATIONS: Staff Records Organized, up-to-date staff records help you maintain your staff files and update your staff worksheet to ensure required information that affects the health and safety of staff and children is completed, current and available. The following staff records were not available in staff files. #862: Documentation of Annual Review of Emergency Medical Care Plan – missing for A. Riley, N. Hendricks, P. Watson, H. Barnes #1032: Staff Medical Report – Not available for B. Holt, A. Ogundare, A. Williams, L. Hunt #1033: Negative TB Test or TB Screening – Not available for B. Holt, A. Ogundare, A. Williams, L. Hunt #1048 and #1049: CPR/First Aid Certification – Not available for A. Morris hired 5/1/23 (completed an unapproved course on 7/1/2023). Repeated violations of CPR and First Aid may result in an Administrative Action. #1825: Documentation of Annual Review of EPR Plan – Not available for A. Riley, N. Hendricks, P. Watson, H. Barnes #1897: Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment Training – Not available for A. Morris hired 5/1/23, A. Ogundare hired 4/27/23 You stated that you were left with incomplete files when the previous administrator left, and you have been inventorying files since you started at the beginning of August. Collect and/or complete the missing documents listed above by 9/19/2023. Do not send copies of any of the documents. Just document when they are received for each staff member. Also review staff worksheets to determine when specific items are due for new staff recently hired at the end of August. Consider these tips: 1. Complete annual updates for all staff at the same time each year – annual staff reviews, annual professional development plans, health questionnaires, staff emergency forms, EPR Plan and Emergency Medical Care Plan reviews. 2. Use your staff worksheet as a tool to determine when documents are initially due or due for an update. Keep it current throughout the year. 3. Staff Medical Information – Federal guidelines require that personal health care information for staff be stored in separate medical files from the rest of the employee’s staff record. This includes the staff medical report, documentation of a negative TB test or screening, and annual health questionnaire. Any other medical documentation such as doctors’ notes must be maintained in the staff medical file. Children’s Files Maintaining accurate records on the children in your care helps to ensure their health and safety, informs families of rules you are required to follow and your center’s policies, and provides a certain transfer of knowledge so that you can provide the best care possible for their children. The following items were missing from children’s files. See the attached Children’s Records Checklist to determine which files were missing documents: #114: Summary of NC Child Care Law – In 45 of 83 children’s files reviewed, documentation that the parent had received a copy of the Summary of NC Child Care Law was not available. #1851: Receipt of Tobacco Restriction – In 47 of 83 children’ files reviewed, documentation that the parents had received a copy of the center’s tobacco restriction was not available. #1908: Receipt of Policy for Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome/Abusive Head Trauma (SBS/AHT) – In 36 of 83 children’ files reviewed, documentation that the parents had received a copy of the center’s SBS/AHT was not available. You stated that you have been actively working to get children’s files back in order and are looking at various enrollment documents to update and simplify. Use Children’s File Checklist to verify you have received all required enrollment documents. Consistently using an Enrollment Documents Signature Checklist will simplify your children’s records. Also consider using the DCDEE version of the Child’s Application for Enrollment to collect basic contact information and health and emergency information for each child. Build in time to review enrollment documents with families explaining that they need to be fully completed, signed and dated. Check them before the parent leaves their children with you the first time. The empty blank might be the signature you need to seek emergency medical care if the child is injured. Have parents review and update the Child’s Application annually to ensure information is still current. FACILITY INFORMATION UPDATE: Success Academy has a new administrator, D. Brown. I provided you with an Administrator Preservice Form to complete, sign, have signed by A. Charlton, Authorized Individual for Success Academy for 3’s and 4’s, and return to me by 9/19/2023. ADDITIONAL COMMENTS: Emergency Preparedness and Response (EPR) Requirements, Emergency Medical Care Plan (EMCP) and Ready-to-Go File – Your Emergency Preparedness and Response (EPR) Plan needs to be reviewed and updated annually. The previous administrator did not leave the password to the Emergency Management Portal, so you have been working with the Pasquotank Emergency Management Director to access the plan and update it. The new administrator already has EPR Training. As soon as you can, update the on-line EPR Plan. *Log into the Emergency Management Portal on the DCDEE website -> Provider tab -> Emergency Preparedness and Response -> Emergency Management Portal -> Log in using NCID used to create or update EPR Plan. Review EPR Plan and update as needed. Document review date on page 28. If changes are needed, print the plan up to page 29. Review annually with staff and during orientation with new staff. Use this time to review and update Emergency Medical Care Plan and review with staff also. * If you have questions, or need assistance with accessing your EPR Plan contact Amia M. Eaton, Training and Program Development Consultant Amia.Eaton@dhhs.nc.gov *Use this time to also review and update Emergency Medical Care Plan (EMCP) and review with staff also. Ensure that at least one person listed on the EMCP is on-site at all times. *Also update your Ready-to-Go File to include new students, remove former students, and add updated medication information. (Make sure a copy of the Child’s Application for Enrollment is added to the R2G File when a new child starts, or the application is updated.) *Fire and Emergency Drills – Fire drills are required to be completed monthly during any month or part of the month the facility is open and operating. Emergency drills (shelter-in-place or lock-down) are required to be completed for any quarter or part of a quarter the facility is open (Jan-March; April-June; July-Sept; Oct-Dec). Annual Licensing Fee – Licensed facilities that have a current license (whether active or inactive) on October 1st of each year will receive an invoice for a licensing fee based on their licensed capacity. Invoices will be mailed out in November and must be paid on-line. For more information, watch for the Email Blasts from NC DHHS to your facility email address. If you want to close or reduce your center’s capacity to reduce the amount of your licensing fee, notify me by 9/15/2023 so the change can take place prior to October 1st. Updated Child Care Requirements – July 2023 - The Child Care Commission revised rules related to staff/child ratios for multi-age groups; cooperative arrangements; and enhanced space requirements. For more information review the Email blast sent out on 8/8/2023 or complete the training module in DCDEE Moodle. Rule training modules can be found in the same course as the October 2017 Child Care Rule Rollout and count for .25 hours of on-going training. Environmental Health Rule Updates Webinars - Children’s Environmental Health conducted a series of virtual trainings on the recently re-adopted Child Care Sanitation Rules, effective July 1, 2023. If you were not able to participate, check the link to see the training agenda, new rules and other resources at https://ehs.dph.ncdhhs.gov/hhccehb/cehu/ccs/children.htm. Trainings specifically for child care programs will be offered on September 20th and September 26th from 9:00 – 11:30am. Thank you for your time and assistance today. Refer to this visit summary for a refresher of our discussions today, and I encourage you to share with staff and use the information as a teaching tool. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to call or email me at the contact information listed above. 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: SUCCESS ACADEMY Facility ID: 15000022 Consultant: MARJORIE WHITE Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 9/5/2023 Number Present: 78 Completed Date: 9/5/2023 Age: From 2 To 5 Total Minutes: 535 Time In: 09:00 AM Time Out: 05:55 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Admin Action Follow-Up Lic Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced * The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to monitor compliance with applicable child care requirements and review an Administrative Action – Written Warning, dated August 31, 2023, issued to Success Academy for 3’s and 4’s, operator of Success Academy, #15000022. I reviewed the Administrative Action with you, B. Hickman-Sawyer, Interim Administrator. You stated that you have not received the action, as of this morning, but I provided you with a copy today. The appeal deadline is September 30, 2023. Currently, you do not plan to file an appeal. Tamaria Williams, Child Care Consultant, accompanied me on the visit. I explained that you are required to immediately post the Notice of Administrative Action, cover letter, and corrective action plan for three months and until receipt of a closure letter from the Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) stating that the corrective action plan has been completed. Post in a location visible to parents and visitors near the entrance of the child care facility. The facility must maintain compliance with all applicable child care requirements. Unannounced follow-up visits will occur to monitor compliance with applicable child care requirements, completion of the corrective action plan, and posting of the action. I reviewed the Notice of Administrative Action with you page by page, including the basis for action, corrective action plan (CAP) and appeals procedure. I stressed the importance of complying with each item in the CAP within the timeframe identified during the review and that failure to complete any part of the CAP by the due date may result in a more stringent Administrative Action, up to and including revocation of the license. For each section reviewed in the Notice of Administrative Action, I provided you with the opportunity to summarize your understanding and ask questions. CORRECTIVE ACTION PLAN: We reviewed the expectations of the Corrective Action Plan, including: Stipulation #1 – Maintaining compliance with NC Child Care Requirements but specifically pertaining to falsification and enhanced staff/child ratios. You have elected to meet enhanced minus one staff/child ratios. Stipulation #2 – Within one (1) week after this notice is received (by September 12, 2023), Ms. Hickman-Sawyer shall contact Marjorie White, Child Care Consultant, to arrange for training addressing falsification. All staff members, including full-time, part-time, substitutes, and auxiliary staff, with responsibilities for caring for children shall participate in this mandatory training. Stipulation #3 – Within two (2) weeks after this Notice is received (by September 19, 2023), Ms. Hickman-Sawyer shall develop written policies and procedures, which describes, in detail, the steps the facility will take to ensure compliance letters, or any other documentation, are not falsified and are submitted by the required deadline. The written policies and procedures shall include, but not be limited to, the two bullet points listed in the corrective action plan. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE WITH POLICIES AND PROCEDURES: Keep your policies and procedures simple. A policy is broad and general and states what you are going to do such as stay in compliance with a child care rule. The procedures describe the steps you are going to take to ensure the policy is met. Typically, policies do not change that often; however, procedures often change to make them more effective or more realistic. Prior to submitting your written policies and procedures for approval, review them carefully to ensure they include both what is required and how you will comply (detailed steps). Ensure the information required from the bulleted list is included. Consider having someone else proofread them to see if the policies and procedures are understandable from a different perspective. These will be guidelines for you and your staff. You want to be sure that they can be realistically followed. During this Administrative Action process, you have an opportunity to demonstrate your ability to achieve and maintain compliance with child care requirements. Review the NC Child Care Requirements, updated July 1, 2023, to help you maintain compliance at all times with the applicable child care laws and rules, especially areas included in the basis for the action as we reviewed today. Both are available on the DCDEE website at www.ncchildcare.nc.gov. It is your responsibility to be knowledgeable of the child care laws and rules that apply to your facility. I remain available to assist you, should you have questions about laws or rules. You may find additional resources as well as updates on any new requirements on the Division’s website. APPEALS PROCESS: I reviewed the Procedures for Appeal with you, including informal and formal procedures. You have thirty (30) days from the mailing date of the action (by September 30, 2023) to file a formal appeal with the Office of Administrative Hearings. You may also request an Informal Meeting, but that does not extend your appeal deadline. COMPLIANCE HISTORY: Your current year compliance history score prior to today’s visit is 80% based on the visit dates from March 1, 2022 – August 31, 2023. During the visit we monitored supervision, discipline and nurture care of children, enhanced staff/child ratios and group size, licensed capacity, permit restrictions, all staff records including but not limited to CPR/First Aid training and criminal background checks, and all children’s and program records. Observations Parent information was posted on the bulletin board in the foyer. Parents are now required to take their children to the classrooms for drop-off and meet them in the classroom for pick-up. Parents document arrival and departure on the Bright Wheel iPad outside each classroom. Children in all six classrooms participated in indoor and outdoor play. Lunch was chicken tenders, carrots, applesauce or pineapple and milk. After lunch children rested on linen-covered cots. When NCPre-K was over at 2:30pm, some children were picked up. Two groups of children remained for aftercare. We observed and documented the following violations today: Violation Number Comment Rule 114 A summary of the NC Child Care Law was not given to a parent of every child enrolled in the center. In forty-five of eighty-three children's files reviewed, documentation of receipt of the Summary of NC Child Care Law was not available. GS 110-102 862 The EMC plan was not reviewed with all staff annually and whenever the plan was revised. In four of sixteen staff files reviewed, documentation of an annual review of the center's Emergency Medical Care Plan was not available. 10A NCAC 09 .0802(a) 1032 Child care providers and uncompensated providers who are not substitute providers or volunteers, including the director did not have a medical report on file prior to employment that was signed by a health care professional and/ or the medical report was older than 12 months. In four of twelve staff files reviewed, a staff medical report was not available. 10A NCAC 09 .0701(a) 1033 On or before the first day of work, all staff, including the director and individuals who volunteer more than once per week did not provide results indicating that they were free of active TB and/or TB test or screening was older than 12 months. In four of sixteen staff files reviewed, documentation of a negative TB test or TB screening was not available. .0701(a) 1048 All staff did not successfully complete certification in First Aid appropriate to the age of children in care. Verification of staff completion of First Aid training from an approved training organization was not in the staff file. In one of sixteen staff files reviewed, a staff person hired on May 1, 2023 did not complete an approved First Aid course by August 1, 2023. .1102(c) 1049 All staff did not successfully complete certification in CPR training appropriate to the age of the children in care. Verification of staff completion of the CPR course from an approved training organization was not in the staff file. In one of sixteen staff files reviewed, a staff person hired on May 1, 2023 did not complete an approved CPR course by August 1, 2023. .1102(d) 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. In four of sixteen children's records reviewed, documentation of an annual review of the center's EPR Plan was not available. .0607(f) 1851 The operator did not notify the parent of each child enrolled in writing of the smoking and tobacco restriction. In forty-seven of eighty-three children's files reviewed, documentation of receipt of the center's tobacco restriction policy was not available. .0604(j) 1908 A child's file did not have a statement with parent signature acknowledging receipt and explanation of the Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy and/or the acknowledgement did not have all the required information. In thirty-six of eighty-three children's files reviewed, documentation of receipt of the SBS/AHT Policy was not available. .0608(b)(1-6) * Child care programs are expected to achieve and always maintain compliance and are required by NC GS 110-90(4)(d) to achieve and maintain an 18-month compliance history score of at least 75%. Any violations documented may impact the compliance history score. I completed an electronic copy of the visit summary and provided a printed copy of it to B. Hickman-Sawyer, Interim Administrator and followed up with an electronic copy to Ms. Hickman-Sawyer, D. Brown, Administrator and A. Charlton, Authorized Individual for Success Academy for 3’s and 4’s. We reviewed the visit summary and violation(s) documented during today’s visit. Correct these immediately. Send evidence of correction to me so that I receive it no later than 9/19/2023. The compliance verification letter needs to state the facility name and license number and list each violation by Item # and describe in detail when and how each violation has been corrected. Send compliance verification letter in an email from the center’s official email address, angela@aacfnc.org to my email address, Marjorie.White@dhhs.nc.gov. If sent from another email address, the center’s official address must be Cc’d in the compliance email. You may include the compliance verification as an attachment or in the body of the email. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit may be conducted. *I will email a sample compliance verification letter to you. *Please be aware that any information submitted by you is legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the compliance letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If I may be of further assistance, please contact me by phone at (252) 373-9385, by e-mail at Marjorie.White@dhhs.nc.gov. You may also call Jennifer Linhardt, Licensing Supervisor, at (252) 373-4199 or Jennifer.Linhardt@dhhs.nc.gov. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE WITH DOCUMENTED VIOLATIONS: Staff Records Organized, up-to-date staff records help you maintain your staff files and update your staff worksheet to ensure required information that affects the health and safety of staff and children is completed, current and available. The following staff records were not available in staff files. #862: Documentation of Annual Review of Emergency Medical Care Plan – missing for A. Riley, N. Hendricks, P. Watson, H. Barnes #1032: Staff Medical Report – Not available for B. Holt, A. Ogundare, A. Williams, L. Hunt #1033: Negative TB Test or TB Screening – Not available for B. Holt, A. Ogundare, A. Williams, L. Hunt #1048 and #1049: CPR/First Aid Certification – Not available for A. Morris hired 5/1/23 (completed an unapproved course on 7/1/2023). Repeated violations of CPR and First Aid may result in an Administrative Action. #1825: Documentation of Annual Review of EPR Plan – Not available for A. Riley, N. Hendricks, P. Watson, H. Barnes #1897: Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment Training – Not available for A. Morris hired 5/1/23, A. Ogundare hired 4/27/23 You stated that you were left with incomplete files when the previous administrator left, and you have been inventorying files since you started at the beginning of August. Collect and/or complete the missing documents listed above by 9/19/2023. Do not send copies of any of the documents. Just document when they are received for each staff member. Also review staff worksheets to determine when specific items are due for new staff recently hired at the end of August. Consider these tips: 1. Complete annual updates for all staff at the same time each year – annual staff reviews, annual professional development plans, health questionnaires, staff emergency forms, EPR Plan and Emergency Medical Care Plan reviews. 2. Use your staff worksheet as a tool to determine when documents are initially due or due for an update. Keep it current throughout the year. 3. Staff Medical Information – Federal guidelines require that personal health care information for staff be stored in separate medical files from the rest of the employee’s staff record. This includes the staff medical report, documentation of a negative TB test or screening, and annual health questionnaire. Any other medical documentation such as doctors’ notes must be maintained in the staff medical file. Children’s Files Maintaining accurate records on the children in your care helps to ensure their health and safety, informs families of rules you are required to follow and your center’s policies, and provides a certain transfer of knowledge so that you can provide the best care possible for their children. The following items were missing from children’s files. See the attached Children’s Records Checklist to determine which files were missing documents: #114: Summary of NC Child Care Law – In 45 of 83 children’s files reviewed, documentation that the parent had received a copy of the Summary of NC Child Care Law was not available. #1851: Receipt of Tobacco Restriction – In 47 of 83 children’ files reviewed, documentation that the parents had received a copy of the center’s tobacco restriction was not available. #1908: Receipt of Policy for Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome/Abusive Head Trauma (SBS/AHT) – In 36 of 83 children’ files reviewed, documentation that the parents had received a copy of the center’s SBS/AHT was not available. You stated that you have been actively working to get children’s files back in order and are looking at various enrollment documents to update and simplify. Use Children’s File Checklist to verify you have received all required enrollment documents. Consistently using an Enrollment Documents Signature Checklist will simplify your children’s records. Also consider using the DCDEE version of the Child’s Application for Enrollment to collect basic contact information and health and emergency information for each child. Build in time to review enrollment documents with families explaining that they need to be fully completed, signed and dated. Check them before the parent leaves their children with you the first time. The empty blank might be the signature you need to seek emergency medical care if the child is injured. Have parents review and update the Child’s Application annually to ensure information is still current. FACILITY INFORMATION UPDATE: Success Academy has a new administrator, D. Brown. I provided you with an Administrator Preservice Form to complete, sign, have signed by A. Charlton, Authorized Individual for Success Academy for 3’s and 4’s, and return to me by 9/19/2023. ADDITIONAL COMMENTS: Emergency Preparedness and Response (EPR) Requirements, Emergency Medical Care Plan (EMCP) and Ready-to-Go File – Your Emergency Preparedness and Response (EPR) Plan needs to be reviewed and updated annually. The previous administrator did not leave the password to the Emergency Management Portal, so you have been working with the Pasquotank Emergency Management Director to access the plan and update it. The new administrator already has EPR Training. As soon as you can, update the on-line EPR Plan. *Log into the Emergency Management Portal on the DCDEE website -> Provider tab -> Emergency Preparedness and Response -> Emergency Management Portal -> Log in using NCID used to create or update EPR Plan. Review EPR Plan and update as needed. Document review date on page 28. If changes are needed, print the plan up to page 29. Review annually with staff and during orientation with new staff. Use this time to review and update Emergency Medical Care Plan and review with staff also. * If you have questions, or need assistance with accessing your EPR Plan contact Amia M. Eaton, Training and Program Development Consultant Amia.Eaton@dhhs.nc.gov *Use this time to also review and update Emergency Medical Care Plan (EMCP) and review with staff also. Ensure that at least one person listed on the EMCP is on-site at all times. *Also update your Ready-to-Go File to include new students, remove former students, and add updated medication information. (Make sure a copy of the Child’s Application for Enrollment is added to the R2G File when a new child starts, or the application is updated.) *Fire and Emergency Drills – Fire drills are required to be completed monthly during any month or part of the month the facility is open and operating. Emergency drills (shelter-in-place or lock-down) are required to be completed for any quarter or part of a quarter the facility is open (Jan-March; April-June; July-Sept; Oct-Dec). Annual Licensing Fee – Licensed facilities that have a current license (whether active or inactive) on October 1st of each year will receive an invoice for a licensing fee based on their licensed capacity. Invoices will be mailed out in November and must be paid on-line. For more information, watch for the Email Blasts from NC DHHS to your facility email address. If you want to close or reduce your center’s capacity to reduce the amount of your licensing fee, notify me by 9/15/2023 so the change can take place prior to October 1st. Updated Child Care Requirements – July 2023 - The Child Care Commission revised rules related to staff/child ratios for multi-age groups; cooperative arrangements; and enhanced space requirements. For more information review the Email blast sent out on 8/8/2023 or complete the training module in DCDEE Moodle. Rule training modules can be found in the same course as the October 2017 Child Care Rule Rollout and count for .25 hours of on-going training. Environmental Health Rule Updates Webinars - Children’s Environmental Health conducted a series of virtual trainings on the recently re-adopted Child Care Sanitation Rules, effective July 1, 2023. If you were not able to participate, check the link to see the training agenda, new rules and other resources at https://ehs.dph.ncdhhs.gov/hhccehb/cehu/ccs/children.htm. Trainings specifically for child care programs will be offered on September 20th and September 26th from 9:00 – 11:30am. Thank you for your time and assistance today. Refer to this visit summary for a refresher of our discussions today, and I encourage you to share with staff and use the information as a teaching tool. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to call or email me at the contact information listed above. 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 .0713 · Violation

Name of Operation: SUCCESS ACADEMY Facility ID: 15000022 Consultant: HOLLY LASSITER Operation Type: Center Case Number: 1222-047A Visit Date: 7/18/2023 Number Present: 79 Completed Date: 7/18/2023 Age: From 2 To 8 Total Minutes: 95 Time In: 08:40 AM Time Out: 10:15 AM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Initial Administrative Action Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today's unannounced visit was to monitor compliance with the Corrective Action Plan (CAP), included in the Special Provisional, issued on June 23, 2023. Chudney Hill-Gregory, Administrator, was also present during the visit. Ms. Gregory accompanied me during a walk-through of the facility. I spoke with Ms. Gregory and informed her of the purpose of the visit. I observed a copy of the administrative action, cover letter, and CAP posted as required. I also reminded Ms. Gregory the information must remain posted until December 23, 2023. Limited monitoring of child care requirements occurred during today’s visit. I monitored supervision, staff/child ratio, CPR, First Aid, criminal background check, ITS-SIDS, discipline, adequate/approved space, licensed posted, and permit restrictions. I reviewed a copy of the staff training worksheet and verified valid CPR training, First Aid training, ITS-SIDS training, and criminal background check qualification letters for all current staff members. The following violations were observed and/or confirmed during today’s visit. Minimum staff/child ratios and group sizes for the number and ages of children in care were not met. During todays visit the classroom for two to three year olds was out of ratio and the number of children exceeded the required group size. Also, the classroom for three to four year old children was out of ratio. This is a violation of NC General Statute 110-97(7) and NC Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0713 (a-e). Violation Number Comment Rule 301 Minimum staff/child ratios and group sizes for the number and ages of children in care were not met. During todays visit the classroom for two to three year olds was out of ratio and the number of children exceeded the required group size. Also, the classroom for three to four year old children was out of ratio. GS 110-91(7);.0713(a-d) All violations documented above must be corrected immediately. A written, dated, and signed letter of compliance must be submitted to me within one week, by July 25, 2023, describing how and when the violations were corrected and how compliance will be maintained in the future. The letter of compliance should be emailed or mailed to Holly Lassiter, Investigations Consultant, (252)820-2367, holly.lassiter@dhhs.nc.gov, fax (919)715-1013. The violations were corrected during the visit. I monitored for compliance with the CAP as follows 1. The child care operator shall always maintain compliance with all applicable child care requirements, including but not limited to: • North Carolina General Statute 110-91(7) and Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0713 regarding staff/child ratios • North Carolina General Statute 110-91(10) regarding nurture, care, and treatment • Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .1803(a)(10) regarding discipline Item #1 – Violations were observed today related to the requirements included in this stipulation. A violation was cited. This item is in not in compliance. 2. Within two (2) weeks after this notice is received, Chudney Hill-Gregory, administrator, shall develop a written plan for routine observations and evaluations of each staff member to ensure compliance with child care requirements and facility policies and procedures regarding the care, treatment, and discipline of children and maintaining staff/child ratios in the classroom. Documentation of the observations shall include the date, time, and location of each observation, the name and signature of the person(s) observed, the signature of the observer, a summary of each observation, the observer’s feedback/guidance to the staff members, and the staff member’s response The plan shall be submitted to Holly Lassiter, Investigations Consultant, at 2201 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-2200, telephone number (252) 820-2367, fax number (919) 715-1013, email holly.lassiter@dhhs.nc.gov, for approval. Ms. Lassiter shall notify Ms. Hill-Gregory, orally and in writing, whether the revised plan is approved or if modifications are needed. Item #2 – Ms. Hill-Gregory submitted a copy of the written plan for routine observations and evaluations of each staff member to ensure compliance with child care requirements and facility policies and procedures regarding the care, treatment, and discipline of children and maintaining staff/child ratios in the classroom on May 19, 2023. The plan was approved on June 28, 2023. This stipulation was completed as required and is in compliance. 3. Within two (2) weeks) after the approval of the written plan, Ms. Hill-Gregory shall conduct a staff meeting with all staff members to discuss the approved written plan. Documentation of the staff meeting shall include an attendance roster with the printed name and signature of each staff member in attendance, the date, time, and length of the meeting, and minutes documenting the information discussed during the meeting. All documentation shall be maintained in facility files for review by representatives of the Division of Child Development and Early Education upon request. Item #3 – Ms. Hill-Gregory conducted a staff meeting on July 6, 2023. Today I observed the required documentation from that meeting. This stipulation was completed as required and was in compliance. The following technical assistance was provided: Maintaining staff/child ratios is important for the safety of children in care and is important for the overall quality of the child care program. It is important to create schedules and hire the amount of staff needed to successfully maintain ratios. I will be contacting Angela Charlton, Executive Director, to discuss this. Violations of child care requirements, particularly repeated violations, could result in a civil penalty and/or administrative action that could jeopardize the status of the license for the child care facility. You may contact me at Holly Lassiter, Investigations Consultant, (252)820-2367, holly.lassiter@dhhs.nc,gov or Corrie Davenport, Northeastern Investigations Supervisor, Corrie.Davenport@dhhs.nc.gov. Thank you for your time. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

Open Not marked corrected in the state record

Category: supervision. Open / not marked corrected.

10A NCAC 09 .1803 · Violation

Name of Operation: SUCCESS ACADEMY Facility ID: 15000022 Consultant: HOLLY LASSITER Operation Type: Center Case Number: 1222-047A Visit Date: 7/18/2023 Number Present: 79 Completed Date: 7/18/2023 Age: From 2 To 8 Total Minutes: 95 Time In: 08:40 AM Time Out: 10:15 AM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Initial Administrative Action Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today's unannounced visit was to monitor compliance with the Corrective Action Plan (CAP), included in the Special Provisional, issued on June 23, 2023. Chudney Hill-Gregory, Administrator, was also present during the visit. Ms. Gregory accompanied me during a walk-through of the facility. I spoke with Ms. Gregory and informed her of the purpose of the visit. I observed a copy of the administrative action, cover letter, and CAP posted as required. I also reminded Ms. Gregory the information must remain posted until December 23, 2023. Limited monitoring of child care requirements occurred during today’s visit. I monitored supervision, staff/child ratio, CPR, First Aid, criminal background check, ITS-SIDS, discipline, adequate/approved space, licensed posted, and permit restrictions. I reviewed a copy of the staff training worksheet and verified valid CPR training, First Aid training, ITS-SIDS training, and criminal background check qualification letters for all current staff members. The following violations were observed and/or confirmed during today’s visit. Minimum staff/child ratios and group sizes for the number and ages of children in care were not met. During todays visit the classroom for two to three year olds was out of ratio and the number of children exceeded the required group size. Also, the classroom for three to four year old children was out of ratio. This is a violation of NC General Statute 110-97(7) and NC Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0713 (a-e). Violation Number Comment Rule 301 Minimum staff/child ratios and group sizes for the number and ages of children in care were not met. During todays visit the classroom for two to three year olds was out of ratio and the number of children exceeded the required group size. Also, the classroom for three to four year old children was out of ratio. GS 110-91(7);.0713(a-d) All violations documented above must be corrected immediately. A written, dated, and signed letter of compliance must be submitted to me within one week, by July 25, 2023, describing how and when the violations were corrected and how compliance will be maintained in the future. The letter of compliance should be emailed or mailed to Holly Lassiter, Investigations Consultant, (252)820-2367, holly.lassiter@dhhs.nc.gov, fax (919)715-1013. The violations were corrected during the visit. I monitored for compliance with the CAP as follows 1. The child care operator shall always maintain compliance with all applicable child care requirements, including but not limited to: • North Carolina General Statute 110-91(7) and Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0713 regarding staff/child ratios • North Carolina General Statute 110-91(10) regarding nurture, care, and treatment • Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .1803(a)(10) regarding discipline Item #1 – Violations were observed today related to the requirements included in this stipulation. A violation was cited. This item is in not in compliance. 2. Within two (2) weeks after this notice is received, Chudney Hill-Gregory, administrator, shall develop a written plan for routine observations and evaluations of each staff member to ensure compliance with child care requirements and facility policies and procedures regarding the care, treatment, and discipline of children and maintaining staff/child ratios in the classroom. Documentation of the observations shall include the date, time, and location of each observation, the name and signature of the person(s) observed, the signature of the observer, a summary of each observation, the observer’s feedback/guidance to the staff members, and the staff member’s response The plan shall be submitted to Holly Lassiter, Investigations Consultant, at 2201 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-2200, telephone number (252) 820-2367, fax number (919) 715-1013, email holly.lassiter@dhhs.nc.gov, for approval. Ms. Lassiter shall notify Ms. Hill-Gregory, orally and in writing, whether the revised plan is approved or if modifications are needed. Item #2 – Ms. Hill-Gregory submitted a copy of the written plan for routine observations and evaluations of each staff member to ensure compliance with child care requirements and facility policies and procedures regarding the care, treatment, and discipline of children and maintaining staff/child ratios in the classroom on May 19, 2023. The plan was approved on June 28, 2023. This stipulation was completed as required and is in compliance. 3. Within two (2) weeks) after the approval of the written plan, Ms. Hill-Gregory shall conduct a staff meeting with all staff members to discuss the approved written plan. Documentation of the staff meeting shall include an attendance roster with the printed name and signature of each staff member in attendance, the date, time, and length of the meeting, and minutes documenting the information discussed during the meeting. All documentation shall be maintained in facility files for review by representatives of the Division of Child Development and Early Education upon request. Item #3 – Ms. Hill-Gregory conducted a staff meeting on July 6, 2023. Today I observed the required documentation from that meeting. This stipulation was completed as required and was in compliance. The following technical assistance was provided: Maintaining staff/child ratios is important for the safety of children in care and is important for the overall quality of the child care program. It is important to create schedules and hire the amount of staff needed to successfully maintain ratios. I will be contacting Angela Charlton, Executive Director, to discuss this. Violations of child care requirements, particularly repeated violations, could result in a civil penalty and/or administrative action that could jeopardize the status of the license for the child care facility. You may contact me at Holly Lassiter, Investigations Consultant, (252)820-2367, holly.lassiter@dhhs.nc,gov or Corrie Davenport, Northeastern Investigations Supervisor, Corrie.Davenport@dhhs.nc.gov. Thank you for your time. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

GS 110-91 · Violation

Name of Operation: SUCCESS ACADEMY Facility ID: 15000022 Consultant: HOLLY LASSITER Operation Type: Center Case Number: 1222-047A Visit Date: 7/18/2023 Number Present: 79 Completed Date: 7/18/2023 Age: From 2 To 8 Total Minutes: 95 Time In: 08:40 AM Time Out: 10:15 AM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Initial Administrative Action Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today's unannounced visit was to monitor compliance with the Corrective Action Plan (CAP), included in the Special Provisional, issued on June 23, 2023. Chudney Hill-Gregory, Administrator, was also present during the visit. Ms. Gregory accompanied me during a walk-through of the facility. I spoke with Ms. Gregory and informed her of the purpose of the visit. I observed a copy of the administrative action, cover letter, and CAP posted as required. I also reminded Ms. Gregory the information must remain posted until December 23, 2023. Limited monitoring of child care requirements occurred during today’s visit. I monitored supervision, staff/child ratio, CPR, First Aid, criminal background check, ITS-SIDS, discipline, adequate/approved space, licensed posted, and permit restrictions. I reviewed a copy of the staff training worksheet and verified valid CPR training, First Aid training, ITS-SIDS training, and criminal background check qualification letters for all current staff members. The following violations were observed and/or confirmed during today’s visit. Minimum staff/child ratios and group sizes for the number and ages of children in care were not met. During todays visit the classroom for two to three year olds was out of ratio and the number of children exceeded the required group size. Also, the classroom for three to four year old children was out of ratio. This is a violation of NC General Statute 110-97(7) and NC Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0713 (a-e). Violation Number Comment Rule 301 Minimum staff/child ratios and group sizes for the number and ages of children in care were not met. During todays visit the classroom for two to three year olds was out of ratio and the number of children exceeded the required group size. Also, the classroom for three to four year old children was out of ratio. GS 110-91(7);.0713(a-d) All violations documented above must be corrected immediately. A written, dated, and signed letter of compliance must be submitted to me within one week, by July 25, 2023, describing how and when the violations were corrected and how compliance will be maintained in the future. The letter of compliance should be emailed or mailed to Holly Lassiter, Investigations Consultant, (252)820-2367, holly.lassiter@dhhs.nc.gov, fax (919)715-1013. The violations were corrected during the visit. I monitored for compliance with the CAP as follows 1. The child care operator shall always maintain compliance with all applicable child care requirements, including but not limited to: • North Carolina General Statute 110-91(7) and Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0713 regarding staff/child ratios • North Carolina General Statute 110-91(10) regarding nurture, care, and treatment • Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .1803(a)(10) regarding discipline Item #1 – Violations were observed today related to the requirements included in this stipulation. A violation was cited. This item is in not in compliance. 2. Within two (2) weeks after this notice is received, Chudney Hill-Gregory, administrator, shall develop a written plan for routine observations and evaluations of each staff member to ensure compliance with child care requirements and facility policies and procedures regarding the care, treatment, and discipline of children and maintaining staff/child ratios in the classroom. Documentation of the observations shall include the date, time, and location of each observation, the name and signature of the person(s) observed, the signature of the observer, a summary of each observation, the observer’s feedback/guidance to the staff members, and the staff member’s response The plan shall be submitted to Holly Lassiter, Investigations Consultant, at 2201 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-2200, telephone number (252) 820-2367, fax number (919) 715-1013, email holly.lassiter@dhhs.nc.gov, for approval. Ms. Lassiter shall notify Ms. Hill-Gregory, orally and in writing, whether the revised plan is approved or if modifications are needed. Item #2 – Ms. Hill-Gregory submitted a copy of the written plan for routine observations and evaluations of each staff member to ensure compliance with child care requirements and facility policies and procedures regarding the care, treatment, and discipline of children and maintaining staff/child ratios in the classroom on May 19, 2023. The plan was approved on June 28, 2023. This stipulation was completed as required and is in compliance. 3. Within two (2) weeks) after the approval of the written plan, Ms. Hill-Gregory shall conduct a staff meeting with all staff members to discuss the approved written plan. Documentation of the staff meeting shall include an attendance roster with the printed name and signature of each staff member in attendance, the date, time, and length of the meeting, and minutes documenting the information discussed during the meeting. All documentation shall be maintained in facility files for review by representatives of the Division of Child Development and Early Education upon request. Item #3 – Ms. Hill-Gregory conducted a staff meeting on July 6, 2023. Today I observed the required documentation from that meeting. This stipulation was completed as required and was in compliance. The following technical assistance was provided: Maintaining staff/child ratios is important for the safety of children in care and is important for the overall quality of the child care program. It is important to create schedules and hire the amount of staff needed to successfully maintain ratios. I will be contacting Angela Charlton, Executive Director, to discuss this. Violations of child care requirements, particularly repeated violations, could result in a civil penalty and/or administrative action that could jeopardize the status of the license for the child care facility. You may contact me at Holly Lassiter, Investigations Consultant, (252)820-2367, holly.lassiter@dhhs.nc,gov or Corrie Davenport, Northeastern Investigations Supervisor, Corrie.Davenport@dhhs.nc.gov. Thank you for your time. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times