Kindercare Learning Center

10A NCAC 09 .0803 · Violation

Name of Operation: KINDERCARE LEARNING CENTER Facility ID: 92003912 Consultant: KIMBERLY GIROUARD Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 11/7/2025 Number Present: 23 Completed Date: 11/7/2025 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 345 Time In: 11:00 AM Time Out: 04:45 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor KinderCare Learning Center for compliance with applicable childcare requirements for an annual compliance visit. A full assessment of childcare requirements was conducted today. Your program currently operates with a Five-star license. Your most recent license was issued on September 9. 2024, for 171 children on first shift and you are approved to care for children 0-12 years of age. Your facility meets enhanced ratios. Today’s visit was conducted with you, Ms. Marsha Cook, Center Director and facility Assistant Director, Ms. Linda Ali. Ms. Cook accompanied me throughout my walkthrough of the facility today. I, Kimberly Girouard, Child Care Licensing Consultant, monitored five (5) classrooms, the gym, the kitchen, three (3) playgrounds and a soccer field, staff/child ratios, supervision, capacity, group size and staff interaction and discipline. I also monitored the facility for health and safety requirements. At the time of my visit there were a total of 23 children present between the ages of 0yrs. – 5yrs. years of age. The children were observed engaged in indoor and outdoor play, participating in circle time, eating lunch, and going down for nap. One infant room was monitored today. The infants were observed engaged in floor activities and going down for nap. During my walkthrough of the facility today, I observed the staff engaged in the children’s activities while providing appropriate supervision. I monitored three playgrounds today. Each offered age-appropriate equipment that was observed to be in good repair and offered a pleasant and age-appropriate outdoor environment. This facility does not provide transportation. VERIFICATION OF RECORDS: *Last fire inspection= 1/29/2025 *Sanitation inspection=5/5/2025- 18 demerits and an approved rating. *Today, November 7, 2025, I reviewed the NC Secretary of State’s website and observed KinderCare Education, LLC listed as current and active. * Compliance history as of today’s visit 90% * EPR plan revised August 11, 2025 * Fire drill- 10/31/2025 @ 11:15 am and took 1 minutes and 20 seconds * Lockdown drill- 9/8/2025 @ 10:09 am and took 47 seconds * Playground inspection- 10/14/2025 Four violations were cited during today’s visit. Violation Number Comment Rule 842 A drug or medication was administered without written authorization and/or instructions from a child's parent or authorized health professional. A diaper cream in the infant room was not accompanied by the required parent authorization form. 10A NCAC 09 .0803(1)(a & b) 1045 New staff, who had contact with children, did not receive at least 16 hrs. orientation within first 6 weeks. Two staff members (T.A. & K.M.) did not have proof of completing the required Orientation within the first six week of employment. .1101(a) 1534 Personnel records were not maintained on file in the timeframes given by Rule .2318(7). Three staff files (L.A, C.T., E.W.) were not maintained as required for review today. .2318 (7) 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. One staff member did not review the EPR plan during orientation (C.C.). .0607(f) Technical assistance *Today I found Infant Safe Sleep Checks to be done correctly but I also took the time to discuss the importance of always placing infants on their back when first being placed in the crib and documenting that infants are placed on their back when being placed in their crib for nap time, unless there is a Written Waiver on file, signed by the child’s parent/legal guardian. This includes if the infant rolls onto their tummy or side when being placed down for nap. By documenting tummy or back on the infant’s safe sleep check, the care giver is stating they purposefully placed the infant on their tummy or side when placing them in the crib for nap time. Sleep checks should tell a clear story of how the infant was initially placed in the crib when going down for nap and the time the infant went down for nap, each position the infant was observed in during each sleep check conducted by the infant room staff, and when the infant woke up. I recommend that if an infant does not nap on any given day, that the infant room staff document on their safe sleep chart, NO NAP, on that specific day. *DCDEE has transitioned to a new Rated License process referred to as Pathways to the Stars. Wake County childcare consultants offered informational sessions on September 30, 2025, for all Wake County center and FCCH providers. I suggested Ms. Cook begin to become familiar with the new QRIS system. This facility is not due to have their rated license reassessed until November 2027. I also suggested Ms. Cook complete the rule rollout training in Moodle to acquire a good understanding of the new rules and rated license information process. *Linking Criminal Background Checks – Ms. Cook and I discussed the importance of staff logging into the Criminal Background Check Portal on the DCDEE website and linking themselves to the facility license number. It is important to do this so staff at DCDEE can contact the center if a random criminal history check uncovers a staff member with a criminal charge or conviction working in a childcare facility. It is also a way to for staff at the CBC Unit to keep you updated of the status of out-of-state checks if a new employee has a Provisional Qualification. Instructions on how to link to the facility was provided today. In the future, new staff need to link within five days of hire or transfer to your center. Review Criminal History Record Check Requirements for Child Care Centers in the NC Child Care Requirements 10A NCAC 09 .2703. * Staff Orientation - Due within 1st Six Weeks – 1.Documentation of Staff Orientation (form available on DCDEE website; Child Care Center form and School-age Center Form) --16 hours of orientation required a. Top five topics completed in first two weeks b. Remaining twelve topics completed by the end of the first six weeks c. You are reviewing basic information on your center’s policies, procedures and handbooks in these topic areas d. Record date topics covered, amount of time spent covering topics, name of person who reviewed information with new employee. Administrator and employee sign and date when all topics are completed. *Children’s Files- I recommend placing the child file check list at the front of each child’s file to confirm all forms have been completed BEFORE the child’s first day in care. *I reminded Ms. Cooks that she and the parents need to sign off and date annually the Emergency Medical Care Information at the bottom of the Child Application form providing the facility with permission to obtain medical attention in the event of an emergency. I suggest creating an annual check-off list for your staff and children’s files to confirm all required information is maintained and updated accordingly. *LEAD WATER TESTING -Centers are required to have their water tested every 3 years by the Clean Water for Carolina Kids™ program. Based on the documentation you shared with me today, your last water testing was completed on April 14, 2024, and the results came back in normal range. You are due to have your water tested before April 2027. RESOURCES / INFORMATION *The NC Child Care Health and Safety Resource Center is a valuable resource where you can find skills-based training and technical assistance from your Child Care Health Consultant on specific medications or health conditions, as well as the new poster on Stand-Up Changing Procedures. Sign up for their quarterly newsletter and find updated resources at www.healthychildcare.unc.edu or 800-367-2229, choose option 1, then 2. *The Healthy Social Behaviors (HSB) Project supports teachers to promote healthy social-emotional development and reduce the expulsion rate among young children in licensed childcare centers across North Carolina. Specialists are available with early childhood education backgrounds who are passionate about empowering teachers to develop learning environments and teaching practices that promote prosocial skills in young children. A flier with the challenging behaviors hotline information was provided today. *Please continue to visit DCDEE’s website for childcare updates at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/. Child Care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. The violation(s) documented must be corrected immediately. On or before November 21, 2025, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail how and when the violations were corrected. Please be aware any information submitted by you is legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. Mail or email the information to: Kimberly Girouard PO Box 1184 Wake Forest, NC 27588 Kimberly.Girouard@dhhs.nc.gov If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent from the email address registered with the DCDEE (this serves as your signature) and the following information must be included: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. An example is: Jane Doe, Administrator AAA Child Care ID # 12345678 Again, your Corrective Action Letter is due to me no later than November 21, 2025. If you have any questions or concerns, you can contact me at 919-602-2582 or Kimberly.Girouard@dhhs.nc.gov. Thank you for your time throughout today’s visit. 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 .2703 · Violation

Name of Operation: KINDERCARE LEARNING CENTER Facility ID: 92003912 Consultant: KIMBERLY GIROUARD Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 11/7/2025 Number Present: 23 Completed Date: 11/7/2025 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 345 Time In: 11:00 AM Time Out: 04:45 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor KinderCare Learning Center for compliance with applicable childcare requirements for an annual compliance visit. A full assessment of childcare requirements was conducted today. Your program currently operates with a Five-star license. Your most recent license was issued on September 9. 2024, for 171 children on first shift and you are approved to care for children 0-12 years of age. Your facility meets enhanced ratios. Today’s visit was conducted with you, Ms. Marsha Cook, Center Director and facility Assistant Director, Ms. Linda Ali. Ms. Cook accompanied me throughout my walkthrough of the facility today. I, Kimberly Girouard, Child Care Licensing Consultant, monitored five (5) classrooms, the gym, the kitchen, three (3) playgrounds and a soccer field, staff/child ratios, supervision, capacity, group size and staff interaction and discipline. I also monitored the facility for health and safety requirements. At the time of my visit there were a total of 23 children present between the ages of 0yrs. – 5yrs. years of age. The children were observed engaged in indoor and outdoor play, participating in circle time, eating lunch, and going down for nap. One infant room was monitored today. The infants were observed engaged in floor activities and going down for nap. During my walkthrough of the facility today, I observed the staff engaged in the children’s activities while providing appropriate supervision. I monitored three playgrounds today. Each offered age-appropriate equipment that was observed to be in good repair and offered a pleasant and age-appropriate outdoor environment. This facility does not provide transportation. VERIFICATION OF RECORDS: *Last fire inspection= 1/29/2025 *Sanitation inspection=5/5/2025- 18 demerits and an approved rating. *Today, November 7, 2025, I reviewed the NC Secretary of State’s website and observed KinderCare Education, LLC listed as current and active. * Compliance history as of today’s visit 90% * EPR plan revised August 11, 2025 * Fire drill- 10/31/2025 @ 11:15 am and took 1 minutes and 20 seconds * Lockdown drill- 9/8/2025 @ 10:09 am and took 47 seconds * Playground inspection- 10/14/2025 Four violations were cited during today’s visit. Violation Number Comment Rule 842 A drug or medication was administered without written authorization and/or instructions from a child's parent or authorized health professional. A diaper cream in the infant room was not accompanied by the required parent authorization form. 10A NCAC 09 .0803(1)(a & b) 1045 New staff, who had contact with children, did not receive at least 16 hrs. orientation within first 6 weeks. Two staff members (T.A. & K.M.) did not have proof of completing the required Orientation within the first six week of employment. .1101(a) 1534 Personnel records were not maintained on file in the timeframes given by Rule .2318(7). Three staff files (L.A, C.T., E.W.) were not maintained as required for review today. .2318 (7) 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. One staff member did not review the EPR plan during orientation (C.C.). .0607(f) Technical assistance *Today I found Infant Safe Sleep Checks to be done correctly but I also took the time to discuss the importance of always placing infants on their back when first being placed in the crib and documenting that infants are placed on their back when being placed in their crib for nap time, unless there is a Written Waiver on file, signed by the child’s parent/legal guardian. This includes if the infant rolls onto their tummy or side when being placed down for nap. By documenting tummy or back on the infant’s safe sleep check, the care giver is stating they purposefully placed the infant on their tummy or side when placing them in the crib for nap time. Sleep checks should tell a clear story of how the infant was initially placed in the crib when going down for nap and the time the infant went down for nap, each position the infant was observed in during each sleep check conducted by the infant room staff, and when the infant woke up. I recommend that if an infant does not nap on any given day, that the infant room staff document on their safe sleep chart, NO NAP, on that specific day. *DCDEE has transitioned to a new Rated License process referred to as Pathways to the Stars. Wake County childcare consultants offered informational sessions on September 30, 2025, for all Wake County center and FCCH providers. I suggested Ms. Cook begin to become familiar with the new QRIS system. This facility is not due to have their rated license reassessed until November 2027. I also suggested Ms. Cook complete the rule rollout training in Moodle to acquire a good understanding of the new rules and rated license information process. *Linking Criminal Background Checks – Ms. Cook and I discussed the importance of staff logging into the Criminal Background Check Portal on the DCDEE website and linking themselves to the facility license number. It is important to do this so staff at DCDEE can contact the center if a random criminal history check uncovers a staff member with a criminal charge or conviction working in a childcare facility. It is also a way to for staff at the CBC Unit to keep you updated of the status of out-of-state checks if a new employee has a Provisional Qualification. Instructions on how to link to the facility was provided today. In the future, new staff need to link within five days of hire or transfer to your center. Review Criminal History Record Check Requirements for Child Care Centers in the NC Child Care Requirements 10A NCAC 09 .2703. * Staff Orientation - Due within 1st Six Weeks – 1.Documentation of Staff Orientation (form available on DCDEE website; Child Care Center form and School-age Center Form) --16 hours of orientation required a. Top five topics completed in first two weeks b. Remaining twelve topics completed by the end of the first six weeks c. You are reviewing basic information on your center’s policies, procedures and handbooks in these topic areas d. Record date topics covered, amount of time spent covering topics, name of person who reviewed information with new employee. Administrator and employee sign and date when all topics are completed. *Children’s Files- I recommend placing the child file check list at the front of each child’s file to confirm all forms have been completed BEFORE the child’s first day in care. *I reminded Ms. Cooks that she and the parents need to sign off and date annually the Emergency Medical Care Information at the bottom of the Child Application form providing the facility with permission to obtain medical attention in the event of an emergency. I suggest creating an annual check-off list for your staff and children’s files to confirm all required information is maintained and updated accordingly. *LEAD WATER TESTING -Centers are required to have their water tested every 3 years by the Clean Water for Carolina Kids™ program. Based on the documentation you shared with me today, your last water testing was completed on April 14, 2024, and the results came back in normal range. You are due to have your water tested before April 2027. RESOURCES / INFORMATION *The NC Child Care Health and Safety Resource Center is a valuable resource where you can find skills-based training and technical assistance from your Child Care Health Consultant on specific medications or health conditions, as well as the new poster on Stand-Up Changing Procedures. Sign up for their quarterly newsletter and find updated resources at www.healthychildcare.unc.edu or 800-367-2229, choose option 1, then 2. *The Healthy Social Behaviors (HSB) Project supports teachers to promote healthy social-emotional development and reduce the expulsion rate among young children in licensed childcare centers across North Carolina. Specialists are available with early childhood education backgrounds who are passionate about empowering teachers to develop learning environments and teaching practices that promote prosocial skills in young children. A flier with the challenging behaviors hotline information was provided today. *Please continue to visit DCDEE’s website for childcare updates at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/. Child Care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. The violation(s) documented must be corrected immediately. On or before November 21, 2025, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail how and when the violations were corrected. Please be aware any information submitted by you is legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. Mail or email the information to: Kimberly Girouard PO Box 1184 Wake Forest, NC 27588 Kimberly.Girouard@dhhs.nc.gov If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent from the email address registered with the DCDEE (this serves as your signature) and the following information must be included: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. An example is: Jane Doe, Administrator AAA Child Care ID # 12345678 Again, your Corrective Action Letter is due to me no later than November 21, 2025. If you have any questions or concerns, you can contact me at 919-602-2582 or Kimberly.Girouard@dhhs.nc.gov. Thank you for your time throughout today’s visit. 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: KINDERCARE LEARNING CENTER Facility ID: 92003912 Consultant: KIMBERLY GIROUARD Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 11/7/2025 Number Present: 23 Completed Date: 11/7/2025 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 345 Time In: 11:00 AM Time Out: 04:45 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor KinderCare Learning Center for compliance with applicable childcare requirements for an annual compliance visit. A full assessment of childcare requirements was conducted today. Your program currently operates with a Five-star license. Your most recent license was issued on September 9. 2024, for 171 children on first shift and you are approved to care for children 0-12 years of age. Your facility meets enhanced ratios. Today’s visit was conducted with you, Ms. Marsha Cook, Center Director and facility Assistant Director, Ms. Linda Ali. Ms. Cook accompanied me throughout my walkthrough of the facility today. I, Kimberly Girouard, Child Care Licensing Consultant, monitored five (5) classrooms, the gym, the kitchen, three (3) playgrounds and a soccer field, staff/child ratios, supervision, capacity, group size and staff interaction and discipline. I also monitored the facility for health and safety requirements. At the time of my visit there were a total of 23 children present between the ages of 0yrs. – 5yrs. years of age. The children were observed engaged in indoor and outdoor play, participating in circle time, eating lunch, and going down for nap. One infant room was monitored today. The infants were observed engaged in floor activities and going down for nap. During my walkthrough of the facility today, I observed the staff engaged in the children’s activities while providing appropriate supervision. I monitored three playgrounds today. Each offered age-appropriate equipment that was observed to be in good repair and offered a pleasant and age-appropriate outdoor environment. This facility does not provide transportation. VERIFICATION OF RECORDS: *Last fire inspection= 1/29/2025 *Sanitation inspection=5/5/2025- 18 demerits and an approved rating. *Today, November 7, 2025, I reviewed the NC Secretary of State’s website and observed KinderCare Education, LLC listed as current and active. * Compliance history as of today’s visit 90% * EPR plan revised August 11, 2025 * Fire drill- 10/31/2025 @ 11:15 am and took 1 minutes and 20 seconds * Lockdown drill- 9/8/2025 @ 10:09 am and took 47 seconds * Playground inspection- 10/14/2025 Four violations were cited during today’s visit. Violation Number Comment Rule 842 A drug or medication was administered without written authorization and/or instructions from a child's parent or authorized health professional. A diaper cream in the infant room was not accompanied by the required parent authorization form. 10A NCAC 09 .0803(1)(a & b) 1045 New staff, who had contact with children, did not receive at least 16 hrs. orientation within first 6 weeks. Two staff members (T.A. & K.M.) did not have proof of completing the required Orientation within the first six week of employment. .1101(a) 1534 Personnel records were not maintained on file in the timeframes given by Rule .2318(7). Three staff files (L.A, C.T., E.W.) were not maintained as required for review today. .2318 (7) 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. One staff member did not review the EPR plan during orientation (C.C.). .0607(f) Technical assistance *Today I found Infant Safe Sleep Checks to be done correctly but I also took the time to discuss the importance of always placing infants on their back when first being placed in the crib and documenting that infants are placed on their back when being placed in their crib for nap time, unless there is a Written Waiver on file, signed by the child’s parent/legal guardian. This includes if the infant rolls onto their tummy or side when being placed down for nap. By documenting tummy or back on the infant’s safe sleep check, the care giver is stating they purposefully placed the infant on their tummy or side when placing them in the crib for nap time. Sleep checks should tell a clear story of how the infant was initially placed in the crib when going down for nap and the time the infant went down for nap, each position the infant was observed in during each sleep check conducted by the infant room staff, and when the infant woke up. I recommend that if an infant does not nap on any given day, that the infant room staff document on their safe sleep chart, NO NAP, on that specific day. *DCDEE has transitioned to a new Rated License process referred to as Pathways to the Stars. Wake County childcare consultants offered informational sessions on September 30, 2025, for all Wake County center and FCCH providers. I suggested Ms. Cook begin to become familiar with the new QRIS system. This facility is not due to have their rated license reassessed until November 2027. I also suggested Ms. Cook complete the rule rollout training in Moodle to acquire a good understanding of the new rules and rated license information process. *Linking Criminal Background Checks – Ms. Cook and I discussed the importance of staff logging into the Criminal Background Check Portal on the DCDEE website and linking themselves to the facility license number. It is important to do this so staff at DCDEE can contact the center if a random criminal history check uncovers a staff member with a criminal charge or conviction working in a childcare facility. It is also a way to for staff at the CBC Unit to keep you updated of the status of out-of-state checks if a new employee has a Provisional Qualification. Instructions on how to link to the facility was provided today. In the future, new staff need to link within five days of hire or transfer to your center. Review Criminal History Record Check Requirements for Child Care Centers in the NC Child Care Requirements 10A NCAC 09 .2703. * Staff Orientation - Due within 1st Six Weeks – 1.Documentation of Staff Orientation (form available on DCDEE website; Child Care Center form and School-age Center Form) --16 hours of orientation required a. Top five topics completed in first two weeks b. Remaining twelve topics completed by the end of the first six weeks c. You are reviewing basic information on your center’s policies, procedures and handbooks in these topic areas d. Record date topics covered, amount of time spent covering topics, name of person who reviewed information with new employee. Administrator and employee sign and date when all topics are completed. *Children’s Files- I recommend placing the child file check list at the front of each child’s file to confirm all forms have been completed BEFORE the child’s first day in care. *I reminded Ms. Cooks that she and the parents need to sign off and date annually the Emergency Medical Care Information at the bottom of the Child Application form providing the facility with permission to obtain medical attention in the event of an emergency. I suggest creating an annual check-off list for your staff and children’s files to confirm all required information is maintained and updated accordingly. *LEAD WATER TESTING -Centers are required to have their water tested every 3 years by the Clean Water for Carolina Kids™ program. Based on the documentation you shared with me today, your last water testing was completed on April 14, 2024, and the results came back in normal range. You are due to have your water tested before April 2027. RESOURCES / INFORMATION *The NC Child Care Health and Safety Resource Center is a valuable resource where you can find skills-based training and technical assistance from your Child Care Health Consultant on specific medications or health conditions, as well as the new poster on Stand-Up Changing Procedures. Sign up for their quarterly newsletter and find updated resources at www.healthychildcare.unc.edu or 800-367-2229, choose option 1, then 2. *The Healthy Social Behaviors (HSB) Project supports teachers to promote healthy social-emotional development and reduce the expulsion rate among young children in licensed childcare centers across North Carolina. Specialists are available with early childhood education backgrounds who are passionate about empowering teachers to develop learning environments and teaching practices that promote prosocial skills in young children. A flier with the challenging behaviors hotline information was provided today. *Please continue to visit DCDEE’s website for childcare updates at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/. Child Care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. The violation(s) documented must be corrected immediately. On or before November 21, 2025, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail how and when the violations were corrected. Please be aware any information submitted by you is legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. Mail or email the information to: Kimberly Girouard PO Box 1184 Wake Forest, NC 27588 Kimberly.Girouard@dhhs.nc.gov If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent from the email address registered with the DCDEE (this serves as your signature) and the following information must be included: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. An example is: Jane Doe, Administrator AAA Child Care ID # 12345678 Again, your Corrective Action Letter is due to me no later than November 21, 2025. If you have any questions or concerns, you can contact me at 919-602-2582 or Kimberly.Girouard@dhhs.nc.gov. Thank you for your time throughout today’s visit. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

10A NCAC 09 .0304 · Violation

Name of Operation: KINDERCARE LEARNING CENTER Facility ID: 92003912 Consultant: KIMBERLY GIROUARD Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 1/21/2025 Number Present: 41 Completed Date: 1/21/2025 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 315 Time In: 11:15 AM Time Out: 04:30 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to monitor compliance with childcare requirements for an annual compliance assessment. This facility currently operates with a Five Star License that was issued on August 8, 2023. The NC Secretary of State website was reviewed today and this facility’s corporation’s name, KinderCare Education LLC, was listed as “Current-Active.” The sanitation inspection was found to be in compliance. The Fire Inspector did not activate the fire alarm during his visit on January 5, 2025, due to the children napping during his inspection. The facility administrative team have requested he return to complete his inspection. Childcare Consultant, Kimberly Girouard, observed the facility Assistant Director call the fire inspector during today’s visit to again request their annual inspection be completed and signed off by Friday, January 24, 2025. Today’s visit was conducted with facility director, Ashley Bobb. Childcare Consultant, Kimberly Girouard monitored four (4) classrooms in use for compliance with staff/child ratios, supervision, and staff interaction/discipline. The program was also monitored for health and safety requirements both indoors and outdoors using the annual compliance monitoring checklist. Children completed daily activities with adequate supervision and engagement from the caregivers. The children were observed participating in indoor activities in their classrooms and engaged in indoor activities in the gym, eating lunch and going down for nap. The program requirements, along with equipment and furnishings were observed. Compliance with staff records was documented by the facility Assistant Director. New staff records, along with children’s records were reviewed today. Medications observed on the premises were monitored. This facility does not provide transportation. During today’s visit, an assessment of applicable childcare requirements was conducted and the following violations of childcare requirements associated with required center inspections, center staff files and medications were cited. Violation Number Comment Rule 106 Operator has not scheduled and obtained a fire inspection within 12 months of the previous inspection. Operator did not submit the original approved report to DCDEE within one week of the inspection visit on a form provided by the Division. The last fire inspection was conducted on January 5, 2024. 10A NCAC 09 .0304(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. One staff member did not have the required medical report on file for review. 10A NCAC 09 .0701(a) 1045 New staff, who had contact with children, did not receive at least 16 hrs. orientation within first 6 weeks. One staff member did not have documentation on file to confirm the required 16 hours of orientation was completed during their first six weeks of employment at the child care facility. .1101(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. Three staff members were found to have no First Aid certification on file to confirm the required training had been completed and was current. .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. Three staff members were found to have no CPR certification on file to confirm the required training had been completed and was current. .1102(d) 1052 Staff required to receive on-going training had not completed the required number of hours according to their education and experience. One staff member did not complete the required on-going annual training based on their education and experience. .1103(a) 1232 Each employee's personnel file did not contain an annual staff evaluation and a staff development plan. Two staff members did not have the required Staff Development Plan and Annual Staff Evaluation on file for review. 10A NCAC 09 .0514(f) 1874 The Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy was not reviewed with new staff prior to providing care with children and/or a signed acknowledgement with all the required information was not maintained in the staff person's file. One staff member did not have the required document on file confirming the Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy was reviewed prior to providing care with children and/or a signed acknowledgement confirming all the required information was reviewed prior to providing care with children. .0608(d)(1-4) 1879 Prescribed medicines, that are pharmaceutical samples, was not stored in the manufacturers original packaging, was not labeled with the child's name, and/or written instructions did not include the required information. One bottle of Benadryl was observed in the Preschool classroom without the required written instructions. The facility director stated the child was no longer enrolled and discarded the medication. 10A NCAC 09 .0803(2)(b)(i-v) 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. Two staff members did not complete the required Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training with the first 90 days of employment. .1102(g) The above violations must be corrected immediately, and a corrective action letter must be sent to me no later than February 4, 2025. Your letter must state how the violations have been corrected and a plan to maintain compliance with the requirements. Childcare Consultant, Kimberly Girouard’s mailing address is: PO Box 1184, Wake Forest, NC 27588 or a corrective action letter can be emailed to: Kimberly.Girouardl@dhhs.nc.gov. During today’s visit, Childcare Consultant, Kimberly Girouard, discussed the following with facility Director, Ashley Bobb, and facility Assistant Director, Maggie Yousef: Staff files: Record keeping is one of the most time-consuming tasks associated with administering a child care program. It is an important part of licensure. Review staff files often to ensure the program is maintaining accurate licensing records. Organization and completeness of records is important to ensure easy access to information in emergency situations. We discussed making sure that you develop a record keeping system for staff and children’s records that promotes organization and efficiency. Administrative staff must allow time to review all necessary documentation prior to employment of staff to ensure accuracy. As an administrator, it is your responsibility to review all employment documentation and verify that required documents are received within the specified time frame. Using a checklist to check and date receipt of documents will help you track employment documents. A staff file checklist is available on the DCDEE website under the Provider tab and provider documents links. Please refer to the Staff and Training Worksheets to continue to keep all staff members current with their upcoming due dates for CPR/First Aid training, child maltreatment training, and health and safety training requirements. Staff Orientation - Due within 1st Six Weeks – 1.Documentation of Staff Orientation (form available on DCDEE website; Child Care Center form and School-age Center Form) --16 hours of orientation required a. Top five topics completed in first two weeks b. Remaining twelve topics completed by the end of the first six weeks c. You are reviewing basic information on your center’s policies, procedures and handbooks in these topic areas d. Record date topics covered, amount of time spent covering topics, name of person who reviewed information with new employee. Administrator and employee sign and date when all topics are completed. Professional Development Plan: You are required to complete a professional development plan within one year of employment and at least thereafter. The plan shall: (1) document the individual's professional development goals; (2) be appropriate for the ages of children in their care; (3) include the continuing education, coursework or training needed to meet the individual's planned goals; (4) be completed by the operator and staff member in a collaborative manner; and (5) be maintained in their personnel file. Sample professional development plan templates may be found on the Division's website at www.ncchildren.ncdhhs.gov under provider and provider documents. Health & Safety Training: a. Complete training in 11 topic areas (not all may apply to your center) b. Document on Health & Safety Training Record (available on DCDEE website) c. After 1st year, complete training in each topic area at least every five years, except for CPR/First Aid (every 2 years) and Safe Sleep Training (every 3 years) If you have any questions maneuvering through Moodle to access the Health & Safety Training please reach out to Amia Eaton, Training and Program Development Consultant. Amia can also be reached by phone at 984-272-7017. Due within 3 Months - CPR/First Aid: a. Must be conducted by an approved agency b. Face-to-face only; no on-line or blended courses c. Counts towards Health & Safety Training d. Renew every two years before the expiration date on the certification card (does not count towards on-going training hours) e. At least one person with current CPR/First Aid must be on-site at all times. If transporting children a staff member with current CPR/First must be in the vehicle. *Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment Child care staff are expected to be well informed about child abuse and neglect issues and adequately trained to prevent and recognize potential maltreatment. All staff are required to complete the training within 90 days of hire. The training may be accessed via the DCDEE website at www.ncchildcare.nc.gov. Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment is also available on Prevent Child Abuse NC website, www.preventchildabusenc.org, free of charge, and counts toward Health and Safety Training. This training is part of the Health & Safety Training and should be completed again within 5 yrs. Additional Resources for Orientation trainings: https://www.swcdcinc.org/ *Annual Fire Inspections are imperative to confirm the system in place is working properly. To avoid future violations, a tickler system would be very helpful to provide reminders to schedule inspections at least one month prior to the inspection expiring. ADDITIONAL RESOURCES *Criminal background checks (CBC) are completed to protect the children from abuse and reduce liability risks. The CBC process must be completed before a person can begin work; therefore, a Qualification Letter must be on file prior to employment. Any employee in a licensed childcare facility who is ever left alone with a child or group of children for any length of time must have a background check completed through the Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE). A CBC must be completed every five years. An expiration date is listed on each Qualification Letter. Submissions can be made six months before the expiration date. Operators will need to be proactive and make staffing decisions and arrangements in advance to avoid non-compliance with this and other DCDEE staffing requirements. Having applicants submit a copy of their Qualification Letter along with their resume and application can facilitate a shorter selection and hiring process. Criminal background checks must be completed online. To complete online criminal background check applications, go to www.ncchildcare.nc.gov/general/dhhscrc.asp. The $26.50 payment is a part of the online criminal background check application process. Fingerprints must be completed through LIVESCAN at your local county sheriff’s office. If you have any questions regarding the criminal background check process, dial 1-800-859-0829 and ask for the criminal background unit. *Linking Criminal Background Checks – Staff need to log into the Criminal Background Check Portal on the DCDEE website and link to the facility license number. It is important to do this so staff at DCDEE can contact the center if a random criminal history check uncovers a staff member with a criminal charge or conviction working in a childcare facility. It is also a way for staff at the CBC Unit to keep you updated of the status of out-of-state checks if a new employee has a Provisional Qualification. Instructions on how to link to the facility was provided today. In the future, new staff need to link within five days of hire or transfer to your center. Review Criminal History Record Check Requirements for Child Care Centers in the NC Child Care Requirements 10A NCAC 09 .2703. Please link your staff asap in the Automated Background Check Management System (ABCMS), the DCDEE’s criminal background check system. *Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan Template In collaboration with NC Childcare Health and Safety Resource Center, and DCDEE, the NC Emergency Management developed a standard EPR template for use (statewide) by licensed childcare programs. The content for this template aligns with the EPR in Childcare training and the EPR rules. The Childcare Rules state that programs must use the EPR template provided by the Division which is available from the NC Risk Management Portal. which houses emergency planning tools for a variety of hazards. The director is new to this facility and is currently working with upper management to review and update areas where necessary. The EPR Plan is to be completed in the portal by 1/30/2025. EPR Plan - Technical Assistance & On-going Support For technical assistance and on-going support regarding emergency preparedness and response in childcare, contact the North Carolina Child Care Health and Safety Resource Center or 1-800-367-2229. ACTIVITY PLANS – It is encouraged that the administrative team complete weekly checks to confirm each class has up to date weekly activity plans (dated) that include developmentally appropriate activities for enrolled children. Activity plans for all children must meet the following minimum licensing requirements: *Include activities daily to stimulate the following 5 developmental domains, as listed in your NC Foundations for Early Learning and Development book: (social &emotional development, health & physical development, approaches to play and learning, language development/communication, and cognitive development). *Include a daily gross motor activity which may occur indoors or outdoors. *Reflect at least 4 activities daily (one of which is gross motor), one of which is offered outdoors, weather permitting. The remaining 3 activities should occur in the following areas (art/creative play, children’s books, blocks and block building, manipulatives and family living/dramatic play). *Include both free choice and adult-directed activities, that allow children to choose to participate with the whole group, in a small group or independently. *In addition, activity plans must include each of these 3 enrichment activities on at least a weekly basis: sand or water play; science and nature; and music and rhythm. A sample lesson plan form containing all required components was provided. *Materials and equipment must be available both inside and outside to support the activities on the activity plan and the daily schedule. A designated staff member should conduct a walkthrough of the facility to verify activity plans are posted and current. Creating consistent procedures helps maintain compliance with activity plans. *Please continue to visit DCDEE’s website for childcare updates at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov. Thank you for your time and cooperation. Remember your corrective action letter is due to your Childcare Consultant, Kimberly Girouard, no later than February 4, 2025. Do not hesitate to contact Ms. Girouard at Kimberly.Giroaurd@dhhs.nc.gov or 919-602-2582 if you have any questions. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

10A NCAC 09 .0514 · Violation

Name of Operation: KINDERCARE LEARNING CENTER Facility ID: 92003912 Consultant: KIMBERLY GIROUARD Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 1/21/2025 Number Present: 41 Completed Date: 1/21/2025 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 315 Time In: 11:15 AM Time Out: 04:30 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to monitor compliance with childcare requirements for an annual compliance assessment. This facility currently operates with a Five Star License that was issued on August 8, 2023. The NC Secretary of State website was reviewed today and this facility’s corporation’s name, KinderCare Education LLC, was listed as “Current-Active.” The sanitation inspection was found to be in compliance. The Fire Inspector did not activate the fire alarm during his visit on January 5, 2025, due to the children napping during his inspection. The facility administrative team have requested he return to complete his inspection. Childcare Consultant, Kimberly Girouard, observed the facility Assistant Director call the fire inspector during today’s visit to again request their annual inspection be completed and signed off by Friday, January 24, 2025. Today’s visit was conducted with facility director, Ashley Bobb. Childcare Consultant, Kimberly Girouard monitored four (4) classrooms in use for compliance with staff/child ratios, supervision, and staff interaction/discipline. The program was also monitored for health and safety requirements both indoors and outdoors using the annual compliance monitoring checklist. Children completed daily activities with adequate supervision and engagement from the caregivers. The children were observed participating in indoor activities in their classrooms and engaged in indoor activities in the gym, eating lunch and going down for nap. The program requirements, along with equipment and furnishings were observed. Compliance with staff records was documented by the facility Assistant Director. New staff records, along with children’s records were reviewed today. Medications observed on the premises were monitored. This facility does not provide transportation. During today’s visit, an assessment of applicable childcare requirements was conducted and the following violations of childcare requirements associated with required center inspections, center staff files and medications were cited. Violation Number Comment Rule 106 Operator has not scheduled and obtained a fire inspection within 12 months of the previous inspection. Operator did not submit the original approved report to DCDEE within one week of the inspection visit on a form provided by the Division. The last fire inspection was conducted on January 5, 2024. 10A NCAC 09 .0304(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. One staff member did not have the required medical report on file for review. 10A NCAC 09 .0701(a) 1045 New staff, who had contact with children, did not receive at least 16 hrs. orientation within first 6 weeks. One staff member did not have documentation on file to confirm the required 16 hours of orientation was completed during their first six weeks of employment at the child care facility. .1101(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. Three staff members were found to have no First Aid certification on file to confirm the required training had been completed and was current. .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. Three staff members were found to have no CPR certification on file to confirm the required training had been completed and was current. .1102(d) 1052 Staff required to receive on-going training had not completed the required number of hours according to their education and experience. One staff member did not complete the required on-going annual training based on their education and experience. .1103(a) 1232 Each employee's personnel file did not contain an annual staff evaluation and a staff development plan. Two staff members did not have the required Staff Development Plan and Annual Staff Evaluation on file for review. 10A NCAC 09 .0514(f) 1874 The Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy was not reviewed with new staff prior to providing care with children and/or a signed acknowledgement with all the required information was not maintained in the staff person's file. One staff member did not have the required document on file confirming the Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy was reviewed prior to providing care with children and/or a signed acknowledgement confirming all the required information was reviewed prior to providing care with children. .0608(d)(1-4) 1879 Prescribed medicines, that are pharmaceutical samples, was not stored in the manufacturers original packaging, was not labeled with the child's name, and/or written instructions did not include the required information. One bottle of Benadryl was observed in the Preschool classroom without the required written instructions. The facility director stated the child was no longer enrolled and discarded the medication. 10A NCAC 09 .0803(2)(b)(i-v) 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. Two staff members did not complete the required Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training with the first 90 days of employment. .1102(g) The above violations must be corrected immediately, and a corrective action letter must be sent to me no later than February 4, 2025. Your letter must state how the violations have been corrected and a plan to maintain compliance with the requirements. Childcare Consultant, Kimberly Girouard’s mailing address is: PO Box 1184, Wake Forest, NC 27588 or a corrective action letter can be emailed to: Kimberly.Girouardl@dhhs.nc.gov. During today’s visit, Childcare Consultant, Kimberly Girouard, discussed the following with facility Director, Ashley Bobb, and facility Assistant Director, Maggie Yousef: Staff files: Record keeping is one of the most time-consuming tasks associated with administering a child care program. It is an important part of licensure. Review staff files often to ensure the program is maintaining accurate licensing records. Organization and completeness of records is important to ensure easy access to information in emergency situations. We discussed making sure that you develop a record keeping system for staff and children’s records that promotes organization and efficiency. Administrative staff must allow time to review all necessary documentation prior to employment of staff to ensure accuracy. As an administrator, it is your responsibility to review all employment documentation and verify that required documents are received within the specified time frame. Using a checklist to check and date receipt of documents will help you track employment documents. A staff file checklist is available on the DCDEE website under the Provider tab and provider documents links. Please refer to the Staff and Training Worksheets to continue to keep all staff members current with their upcoming due dates for CPR/First Aid training, child maltreatment training, and health and safety training requirements. Staff Orientation - Due within 1st Six Weeks – 1.Documentation of Staff Orientation (form available on DCDEE website; Child Care Center form and School-age Center Form) --16 hours of orientation required a. Top five topics completed in first two weeks b. Remaining twelve topics completed by the end of the first six weeks c. You are reviewing basic information on your center’s policies, procedures and handbooks in these topic areas d. Record date topics covered, amount of time spent covering topics, name of person who reviewed information with new employee. Administrator and employee sign and date when all topics are completed. Professional Development Plan: You are required to complete a professional development plan within one year of employment and at least thereafter. The plan shall: (1) document the individual's professional development goals; (2) be appropriate for the ages of children in their care; (3) include the continuing education, coursework or training needed to meet the individual's planned goals; (4) be completed by the operator and staff member in a collaborative manner; and (5) be maintained in their personnel file. Sample professional development plan templates may be found on the Division's website at www.ncchildren.ncdhhs.gov under provider and provider documents. Health & Safety Training: a. Complete training in 11 topic areas (not all may apply to your center) b. Document on Health & Safety Training Record (available on DCDEE website) c. After 1st year, complete training in each topic area at least every five years, except for CPR/First Aid (every 2 years) and Safe Sleep Training (every 3 years) If you have any questions maneuvering through Moodle to access the Health & Safety Training please reach out to Amia Eaton, Training and Program Development Consultant. Amia can also be reached by phone at 984-272-7017. Due within 3 Months - CPR/First Aid: a. Must be conducted by an approved agency b. Face-to-face only; no on-line or blended courses c. Counts towards Health & Safety Training d. Renew every two years before the expiration date on the certification card (does not count towards on-going training hours) e. At least one person with current CPR/First Aid must be on-site at all times. If transporting children a staff member with current CPR/First must be in the vehicle. *Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment Child care staff are expected to be well informed about child abuse and neglect issues and adequately trained to prevent and recognize potential maltreatment. All staff are required to complete the training within 90 days of hire. The training may be accessed via the DCDEE website at www.ncchildcare.nc.gov. Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment is also available on Prevent Child Abuse NC website, www.preventchildabusenc.org, free of charge, and counts toward Health and Safety Training. This training is part of the Health & Safety Training and should be completed again within 5 yrs. Additional Resources for Orientation trainings: https://www.swcdcinc.org/ *Annual Fire Inspections are imperative to confirm the system in place is working properly. To avoid future violations, a tickler system would be very helpful to provide reminders to schedule inspections at least one month prior to the inspection expiring. ADDITIONAL RESOURCES *Criminal background checks (CBC) are completed to protect the children from abuse and reduce liability risks. The CBC process must be completed before a person can begin work; therefore, a Qualification Letter must be on file prior to employment. Any employee in a licensed childcare facility who is ever left alone with a child or group of children for any length of time must have a background check completed through the Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE). A CBC must be completed every five years. An expiration date is listed on each Qualification Letter. Submissions can be made six months before the expiration date. Operators will need to be proactive and make staffing decisions and arrangements in advance to avoid non-compliance with this and other DCDEE staffing requirements. Having applicants submit a copy of their Qualification Letter along with their resume and application can facilitate a shorter selection and hiring process. Criminal background checks must be completed online. To complete online criminal background check applications, go to www.ncchildcare.nc.gov/general/dhhscrc.asp. The $26.50 payment is a part of the online criminal background check application process. Fingerprints must be completed through LIVESCAN at your local county sheriff’s office. If you have any questions regarding the criminal background check process, dial 1-800-859-0829 and ask for the criminal background unit. *Linking Criminal Background Checks – Staff need to log into the Criminal Background Check Portal on the DCDEE website and link to the facility license number. It is important to do this so staff at DCDEE can contact the center if a random criminal history check uncovers a staff member with a criminal charge or conviction working in a childcare facility. It is also a way for staff at the CBC Unit to keep you updated of the status of out-of-state checks if a new employee has a Provisional Qualification. Instructions on how to link to the facility was provided today. In the future, new staff need to link within five days of hire or transfer to your center. Review Criminal History Record Check Requirements for Child Care Centers in the NC Child Care Requirements 10A NCAC 09 .2703. Please link your staff asap in the Automated Background Check Management System (ABCMS), the DCDEE’s criminal background check system. *Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan Template In collaboration with NC Childcare Health and Safety Resource Center, and DCDEE, the NC Emergency Management developed a standard EPR template for use (statewide) by licensed childcare programs. The content for this template aligns with the EPR in Childcare training and the EPR rules. The Childcare Rules state that programs must use the EPR template provided by the Division which is available from the NC Risk Management Portal. which houses emergency planning tools for a variety of hazards. The director is new to this facility and is currently working with upper management to review and update areas where necessary. The EPR Plan is to be completed in the portal by 1/30/2025. EPR Plan - Technical Assistance & On-going Support For technical assistance and on-going support regarding emergency preparedness and response in childcare, contact the North Carolina Child Care Health and Safety Resource Center or 1-800-367-2229. ACTIVITY PLANS – It is encouraged that the administrative team complete weekly checks to confirm each class has up to date weekly activity plans (dated) that include developmentally appropriate activities for enrolled children. Activity plans for all children must meet the following minimum licensing requirements: *Include activities daily to stimulate the following 5 developmental domains, as listed in your NC Foundations for Early Learning and Development book: (social &emotional development, health & physical development, approaches to play and learning, language development/communication, and cognitive development). *Include a daily gross motor activity which may occur indoors or outdoors. *Reflect at least 4 activities daily (one of which is gross motor), one of which is offered outdoors, weather permitting. The remaining 3 activities should occur in the following areas (art/creative play, children’s books, blocks and block building, manipulatives and family living/dramatic play). *Include both free choice and adult-directed activities, that allow children to choose to participate with the whole group, in a small group or independently. *In addition, activity plans must include each of these 3 enrichment activities on at least a weekly basis: sand or water play; science and nature; and music and rhythm. A sample lesson plan form containing all required components was provided. *Materials and equipment must be available both inside and outside to support the activities on the activity plan and the daily schedule. A designated staff member should conduct a walkthrough of the facility to verify activity plans are posted and current. Creating consistent procedures helps maintain compliance with activity plans. *Please continue to visit DCDEE’s website for childcare updates at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov. Thank you for your time and cooperation. Remember your corrective action letter is due to your Childcare Consultant, Kimberly Girouard, no later than February 4, 2025. Do not hesitate to contact Ms. Girouard at Kimberly.Giroaurd@dhhs.nc.gov or 919-602-2582 if you have any questions. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

10A NCAC 09 .0701 · Violation

Name of Operation: KINDERCARE LEARNING CENTER Facility ID: 92003912 Consultant: KIMBERLY GIROUARD Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 1/21/2025 Number Present: 41 Completed Date: 1/21/2025 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 315 Time In: 11:15 AM Time Out: 04:30 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to monitor compliance with childcare requirements for an annual compliance assessment. This facility currently operates with a Five Star License that was issued on August 8, 2023. The NC Secretary of State website was reviewed today and this facility’s corporation’s name, KinderCare Education LLC, was listed as “Current-Active.” The sanitation inspection was found to be in compliance. The Fire Inspector did not activate the fire alarm during his visit on January 5, 2025, due to the children napping during his inspection. The facility administrative team have requested he return to complete his inspection. Childcare Consultant, Kimberly Girouard, observed the facility Assistant Director call the fire inspector during today’s visit to again request their annual inspection be completed and signed off by Friday, January 24, 2025. Today’s visit was conducted with facility director, Ashley Bobb. Childcare Consultant, Kimberly Girouard monitored four (4) classrooms in use for compliance with staff/child ratios, supervision, and staff interaction/discipline. The program was also monitored for health and safety requirements both indoors and outdoors using the annual compliance monitoring checklist. Children completed daily activities with adequate supervision and engagement from the caregivers. The children were observed participating in indoor activities in their classrooms and engaged in indoor activities in the gym, eating lunch and going down for nap. The program requirements, along with equipment and furnishings were observed. Compliance with staff records was documented by the facility Assistant Director. New staff records, along with children’s records were reviewed today. Medications observed on the premises were monitored. This facility does not provide transportation. During today’s visit, an assessment of applicable childcare requirements was conducted and the following violations of childcare requirements associated with required center inspections, center staff files and medications were cited. Violation Number Comment Rule 106 Operator has not scheduled and obtained a fire inspection within 12 months of the previous inspection. Operator did not submit the original approved report to DCDEE within one week of the inspection visit on a form provided by the Division. The last fire inspection was conducted on January 5, 2024. 10A NCAC 09 .0304(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. One staff member did not have the required medical report on file for review. 10A NCAC 09 .0701(a) 1045 New staff, who had contact with children, did not receive at least 16 hrs. orientation within first 6 weeks. One staff member did not have documentation on file to confirm the required 16 hours of orientation was completed during their first six weeks of employment at the child care facility. .1101(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. Three staff members were found to have no First Aid certification on file to confirm the required training had been completed and was current. .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. Three staff members were found to have no CPR certification on file to confirm the required training had been completed and was current. .1102(d) 1052 Staff required to receive on-going training had not completed the required number of hours according to their education and experience. One staff member did not complete the required on-going annual training based on their education and experience. .1103(a) 1232 Each employee's personnel file did not contain an annual staff evaluation and a staff development plan. Two staff members did not have the required Staff Development Plan and Annual Staff Evaluation on file for review. 10A NCAC 09 .0514(f) 1874 The Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy was not reviewed with new staff prior to providing care with children and/or a signed acknowledgement with all the required information was not maintained in the staff person's file. One staff member did not have the required document on file confirming the Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy was reviewed prior to providing care with children and/or a signed acknowledgement confirming all the required information was reviewed prior to providing care with children. .0608(d)(1-4) 1879 Prescribed medicines, that are pharmaceutical samples, was not stored in the manufacturers original packaging, was not labeled with the child's name, and/or written instructions did not include the required information. One bottle of Benadryl was observed in the Preschool classroom without the required written instructions. The facility director stated the child was no longer enrolled and discarded the medication. 10A NCAC 09 .0803(2)(b)(i-v) 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. Two staff members did not complete the required Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training with the first 90 days of employment. .1102(g) The above violations must be corrected immediately, and a corrective action letter must be sent to me no later than February 4, 2025. Your letter must state how the violations have been corrected and a plan to maintain compliance with the requirements. Childcare Consultant, Kimberly Girouard’s mailing address is: PO Box 1184, Wake Forest, NC 27588 or a corrective action letter can be emailed to: Kimberly.Girouardl@dhhs.nc.gov. During today’s visit, Childcare Consultant, Kimberly Girouard, discussed the following with facility Director, Ashley Bobb, and facility Assistant Director, Maggie Yousef: Staff files: Record keeping is one of the most time-consuming tasks associated with administering a child care program. It is an important part of licensure. Review staff files often to ensure the program is maintaining accurate licensing records. Organization and completeness of records is important to ensure easy access to information in emergency situations. We discussed making sure that you develop a record keeping system for staff and children’s records that promotes organization and efficiency. Administrative staff must allow time to review all necessary documentation prior to employment of staff to ensure accuracy. As an administrator, it is your responsibility to review all employment documentation and verify that required documents are received within the specified time frame. Using a checklist to check and date receipt of documents will help you track employment documents. A staff file checklist is available on the DCDEE website under the Provider tab and provider documents links. Please refer to the Staff and Training Worksheets to continue to keep all staff members current with their upcoming due dates for CPR/First Aid training, child maltreatment training, and health and safety training requirements. Staff Orientation - Due within 1st Six Weeks – 1.Documentation of Staff Orientation (form available on DCDEE website; Child Care Center form and School-age Center Form) --16 hours of orientation required a. Top five topics completed in first two weeks b. Remaining twelve topics completed by the end of the first six weeks c. You are reviewing basic information on your center’s policies, procedures and handbooks in these topic areas d. Record date topics covered, amount of time spent covering topics, name of person who reviewed information with new employee. Administrator and employee sign and date when all topics are completed. Professional Development Plan: You are required to complete a professional development plan within one year of employment and at least thereafter. The plan shall: (1) document the individual's professional development goals; (2) be appropriate for the ages of children in their care; (3) include the continuing education, coursework or training needed to meet the individual's planned goals; (4) be completed by the operator and staff member in a collaborative manner; and (5) be maintained in their personnel file. Sample professional development plan templates may be found on the Division's website at www.ncchildren.ncdhhs.gov under provider and provider documents. Health & Safety Training: a. Complete training in 11 topic areas (not all may apply to your center) b. Document on Health & Safety Training Record (available on DCDEE website) c. After 1st year, complete training in each topic area at least every five years, except for CPR/First Aid (every 2 years) and Safe Sleep Training (every 3 years) If you have any questions maneuvering through Moodle to access the Health & Safety Training please reach out to Amia Eaton, Training and Program Development Consultant. Amia can also be reached by phone at 984-272-7017. Due within 3 Months - CPR/First Aid: a. Must be conducted by an approved agency b. Face-to-face only; no on-line or blended courses c. Counts towards Health & Safety Training d. Renew every two years before the expiration date on the certification card (does not count towards on-going training hours) e. At least one person with current CPR/First Aid must be on-site at all times. If transporting children a staff member with current CPR/First must be in the vehicle. *Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment Child care staff are expected to be well informed about child abuse and neglect issues and adequately trained to prevent and recognize potential maltreatment. All staff are required to complete the training within 90 days of hire. The training may be accessed via the DCDEE website at www.ncchildcare.nc.gov. Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment is also available on Prevent Child Abuse NC website, www.preventchildabusenc.org, free of charge, and counts toward Health and Safety Training. This training is part of the Health & Safety Training and should be completed again within 5 yrs. Additional Resources for Orientation trainings: https://www.swcdcinc.org/ *Annual Fire Inspections are imperative to confirm the system in place is working properly. To avoid future violations, a tickler system would be very helpful to provide reminders to schedule inspections at least one month prior to the inspection expiring. ADDITIONAL RESOURCES *Criminal background checks (CBC) are completed to protect the children from abuse and reduce liability risks. The CBC process must be completed before a person can begin work; therefore, a Qualification Letter must be on file prior to employment. Any employee in a licensed childcare facility who is ever left alone with a child or group of children for any length of time must have a background check completed through the Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE). A CBC must be completed every five years. An expiration date is listed on each Qualification Letter. Submissions can be made six months before the expiration date. Operators will need to be proactive and make staffing decisions and arrangements in advance to avoid non-compliance with this and other DCDEE staffing requirements. Having applicants submit a copy of their Qualification Letter along with their resume and application can facilitate a shorter selection and hiring process. Criminal background checks must be completed online. To complete online criminal background check applications, go to www.ncchildcare.nc.gov/general/dhhscrc.asp. The $26.50 payment is a part of the online criminal background check application process. Fingerprints must be completed through LIVESCAN at your local county sheriff’s office. If you have any questions regarding the criminal background check process, dial 1-800-859-0829 and ask for the criminal background unit. *Linking Criminal Background Checks – Staff need to log into the Criminal Background Check Portal on the DCDEE website and link to the facility license number. It is important to do this so staff at DCDEE can contact the center if a random criminal history check uncovers a staff member with a criminal charge or conviction working in a childcare facility. It is also a way for staff at the CBC Unit to keep you updated of the status of out-of-state checks if a new employee has a Provisional Qualification. Instructions on how to link to the facility was provided today. In the future, new staff need to link within five days of hire or transfer to your center. Review Criminal History Record Check Requirements for Child Care Centers in the NC Child Care Requirements 10A NCAC 09 .2703. Please link your staff asap in the Automated Background Check Management System (ABCMS), the DCDEE’s criminal background check system. *Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan Template In collaboration with NC Childcare Health and Safety Resource Center, and DCDEE, the NC Emergency Management developed a standard EPR template for use (statewide) by licensed childcare programs. The content for this template aligns with the EPR in Childcare training and the EPR rules. The Childcare Rules state that programs must use the EPR template provided by the Division which is available from the NC Risk Management Portal. which houses emergency planning tools for a variety of hazards. The director is new to this facility and is currently working with upper management to review and update areas where necessary. The EPR Plan is to be completed in the portal by 1/30/2025. EPR Plan - Technical Assistance & On-going Support For technical assistance and on-going support regarding emergency preparedness and response in childcare, contact the North Carolina Child Care Health and Safety Resource Center or 1-800-367-2229. ACTIVITY PLANS – It is encouraged that the administrative team complete weekly checks to confirm each class has up to date weekly activity plans (dated) that include developmentally appropriate activities for enrolled children. Activity plans for all children must meet the following minimum licensing requirements: *Include activities daily to stimulate the following 5 developmental domains, as listed in your NC Foundations for Early Learning and Development book: (social &emotional development, health & physical development, approaches to play and learning, language development/communication, and cognitive development). *Include a daily gross motor activity which may occur indoors or outdoors. *Reflect at least 4 activities daily (one of which is gross motor), one of which is offered outdoors, weather permitting. The remaining 3 activities should occur in the following areas (art/creative play, children’s books, blocks and block building, manipulatives and family living/dramatic play). *Include both free choice and adult-directed activities, that allow children to choose to participate with the whole group, in a small group or independently. *In addition, activity plans must include each of these 3 enrichment activities on at least a weekly basis: sand or water play; science and nature; and music and rhythm. A sample lesson plan form containing all required components was provided. *Materials and equipment must be available both inside and outside to support the activities on the activity plan and the daily schedule. A designated staff member should conduct a walkthrough of the facility to verify activity plans are posted and current. Creating consistent procedures helps maintain compliance with activity plans. *Please continue to visit DCDEE’s website for childcare updates at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov. Thank you for your time and cooperation. Remember your corrective action letter is due to your Childcare Consultant, Kimberly Girouard, no later than February 4, 2025. Do not hesitate to contact Ms. Girouard at Kimberly.Giroaurd@dhhs.nc.gov or 919-602-2582 if you have any questions. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

10A NCAC 09 .0803 · Violation

Name of Operation: KINDERCARE LEARNING CENTER Facility ID: 92003912 Consultant: KIMBERLY GIROUARD Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 1/21/2025 Number Present: 41 Completed Date: 1/21/2025 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 315 Time In: 11:15 AM Time Out: 04:30 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to monitor compliance with childcare requirements for an annual compliance assessment. This facility currently operates with a Five Star License that was issued on August 8, 2023. The NC Secretary of State website was reviewed today and this facility’s corporation’s name, KinderCare Education LLC, was listed as “Current-Active.” The sanitation inspection was found to be in compliance. The Fire Inspector did not activate the fire alarm during his visit on January 5, 2025, due to the children napping during his inspection. The facility administrative team have requested he return to complete his inspection. Childcare Consultant, Kimberly Girouard, observed the facility Assistant Director call the fire inspector during today’s visit to again request their annual inspection be completed and signed off by Friday, January 24, 2025. Today’s visit was conducted with facility director, Ashley Bobb. Childcare Consultant, Kimberly Girouard monitored four (4) classrooms in use for compliance with staff/child ratios, supervision, and staff interaction/discipline. The program was also monitored for health and safety requirements both indoors and outdoors using the annual compliance monitoring checklist. Children completed daily activities with adequate supervision and engagement from the caregivers. The children were observed participating in indoor activities in their classrooms and engaged in indoor activities in the gym, eating lunch and going down for nap. The program requirements, along with equipment and furnishings were observed. Compliance with staff records was documented by the facility Assistant Director. New staff records, along with children’s records were reviewed today. Medications observed on the premises were monitored. This facility does not provide transportation. During today’s visit, an assessment of applicable childcare requirements was conducted and the following violations of childcare requirements associated with required center inspections, center staff files and medications were cited. Violation Number Comment Rule 106 Operator has not scheduled and obtained a fire inspection within 12 months of the previous inspection. Operator did not submit the original approved report to DCDEE within one week of the inspection visit on a form provided by the Division. The last fire inspection was conducted on January 5, 2024. 10A NCAC 09 .0304(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. One staff member did not have the required medical report on file for review. 10A NCAC 09 .0701(a) 1045 New staff, who had contact with children, did not receive at least 16 hrs. orientation within first 6 weeks. One staff member did not have documentation on file to confirm the required 16 hours of orientation was completed during their first six weeks of employment at the child care facility. .1101(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. Three staff members were found to have no First Aid certification on file to confirm the required training had been completed and was current. .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. Three staff members were found to have no CPR certification on file to confirm the required training had been completed and was current. .1102(d) 1052 Staff required to receive on-going training had not completed the required number of hours according to their education and experience. One staff member did not complete the required on-going annual training based on their education and experience. .1103(a) 1232 Each employee's personnel file did not contain an annual staff evaluation and a staff development plan. Two staff members did not have the required Staff Development Plan and Annual Staff Evaluation on file for review. 10A NCAC 09 .0514(f) 1874 The Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy was not reviewed with new staff prior to providing care with children and/or a signed acknowledgement with all the required information was not maintained in the staff person's file. One staff member did not have the required document on file confirming the Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy was reviewed prior to providing care with children and/or a signed acknowledgement confirming all the required information was reviewed prior to providing care with children. .0608(d)(1-4) 1879 Prescribed medicines, that are pharmaceutical samples, was not stored in the manufacturers original packaging, was not labeled with the child's name, and/or written instructions did not include the required information. One bottle of Benadryl was observed in the Preschool classroom without the required written instructions. The facility director stated the child was no longer enrolled and discarded the medication. 10A NCAC 09 .0803(2)(b)(i-v) 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. Two staff members did not complete the required Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training with the first 90 days of employment. .1102(g) The above violations must be corrected immediately, and a corrective action letter must be sent to me no later than February 4, 2025. Your letter must state how the violations have been corrected and a plan to maintain compliance with the requirements. Childcare Consultant, Kimberly Girouard’s mailing address is: PO Box 1184, Wake Forest, NC 27588 or a corrective action letter can be emailed to: Kimberly.Girouardl@dhhs.nc.gov. During today’s visit, Childcare Consultant, Kimberly Girouard, discussed the following with facility Director, Ashley Bobb, and facility Assistant Director, Maggie Yousef: Staff files: Record keeping is one of the most time-consuming tasks associated with administering a child care program. It is an important part of licensure. Review staff files often to ensure the program is maintaining accurate licensing records. Organization and completeness of records is important to ensure easy access to information in emergency situations. We discussed making sure that you develop a record keeping system for staff and children’s records that promotes organization and efficiency. Administrative staff must allow time to review all necessary documentation prior to employment of staff to ensure accuracy. As an administrator, it is your responsibility to review all employment documentation and verify that required documents are received within the specified time frame. Using a checklist to check and date receipt of documents will help you track employment documents. A staff file checklist is available on the DCDEE website under the Provider tab and provider documents links. Please refer to the Staff and Training Worksheets to continue to keep all staff members current with their upcoming due dates for CPR/First Aid training, child maltreatment training, and health and safety training requirements. Staff Orientation - Due within 1st Six Weeks – 1.Documentation of Staff Orientation (form available on DCDEE website; Child Care Center form and School-age Center Form) --16 hours of orientation required a. Top five topics completed in first two weeks b. Remaining twelve topics completed by the end of the first six weeks c. You are reviewing basic information on your center’s policies, procedures and handbooks in these topic areas d. Record date topics covered, amount of time spent covering topics, name of person who reviewed information with new employee. Administrator and employee sign and date when all topics are completed. Professional Development Plan: You are required to complete a professional development plan within one year of employment and at least thereafter. The plan shall: (1) document the individual's professional development goals; (2) be appropriate for the ages of children in their care; (3) include the continuing education, coursework or training needed to meet the individual's planned goals; (4) be completed by the operator and staff member in a collaborative manner; and (5) be maintained in their personnel file. Sample professional development plan templates may be found on the Division's website at www.ncchildren.ncdhhs.gov under provider and provider documents. Health & Safety Training: a. Complete training in 11 topic areas (not all may apply to your center) b. Document on Health & Safety Training Record (available on DCDEE website) c. After 1st year, complete training in each topic area at least every five years, except for CPR/First Aid (every 2 years) and Safe Sleep Training (every 3 years) If you have any questions maneuvering through Moodle to access the Health & Safety Training please reach out to Amia Eaton, Training and Program Development Consultant. Amia can also be reached by phone at 984-272-7017. Due within 3 Months - CPR/First Aid: a. Must be conducted by an approved agency b. Face-to-face only; no on-line or blended courses c. Counts towards Health & Safety Training d. Renew every two years before the expiration date on the certification card (does not count towards on-going training hours) e. At least one person with current CPR/First Aid must be on-site at all times. If transporting children a staff member with current CPR/First must be in the vehicle. *Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment Child care staff are expected to be well informed about child abuse and neglect issues and adequately trained to prevent and recognize potential maltreatment. All staff are required to complete the training within 90 days of hire. The training may be accessed via the DCDEE website at www.ncchildcare.nc.gov. Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment is also available on Prevent Child Abuse NC website, www.preventchildabusenc.org, free of charge, and counts toward Health and Safety Training. This training is part of the Health & Safety Training and should be completed again within 5 yrs. Additional Resources for Orientation trainings: https://www.swcdcinc.org/ *Annual Fire Inspections are imperative to confirm the system in place is working properly. To avoid future violations, a tickler system would be very helpful to provide reminders to schedule inspections at least one month prior to the inspection expiring. ADDITIONAL RESOURCES *Criminal background checks (CBC) are completed to protect the children from abuse and reduce liability risks. The CBC process must be completed before a person can begin work; therefore, a Qualification Letter must be on file prior to employment. Any employee in a licensed childcare facility who is ever left alone with a child or group of children for any length of time must have a background check completed through the Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE). A CBC must be completed every five years. An expiration date is listed on each Qualification Letter. Submissions can be made six months before the expiration date. Operators will need to be proactive and make staffing decisions and arrangements in advance to avoid non-compliance with this and other DCDEE staffing requirements. Having applicants submit a copy of their Qualification Letter along with their resume and application can facilitate a shorter selection and hiring process. Criminal background checks must be completed online. To complete online criminal background check applications, go to www.ncchildcare.nc.gov/general/dhhscrc.asp. The $26.50 payment is a part of the online criminal background check application process. Fingerprints must be completed through LIVESCAN at your local county sheriff’s office. If you have any questions regarding the criminal background check process, dial 1-800-859-0829 and ask for the criminal background unit. *Linking Criminal Background Checks – Staff need to log into the Criminal Background Check Portal on the DCDEE website and link to the facility license number. It is important to do this so staff at DCDEE can contact the center if a random criminal history check uncovers a staff member with a criminal charge or conviction working in a childcare facility. It is also a way for staff at the CBC Unit to keep you updated of the status of out-of-state checks if a new employee has a Provisional Qualification. Instructions on how to link to the facility was provided today. In the future, new staff need to link within five days of hire or transfer to your center. Review Criminal History Record Check Requirements for Child Care Centers in the NC Child Care Requirements 10A NCAC 09 .2703. Please link your staff asap in the Automated Background Check Management System (ABCMS), the DCDEE’s criminal background check system. *Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan Template In collaboration with NC Childcare Health and Safety Resource Center, and DCDEE, the NC Emergency Management developed a standard EPR template for use (statewide) by licensed childcare programs. The content for this template aligns with the EPR in Childcare training and the EPR rules. The Childcare Rules state that programs must use the EPR template provided by the Division which is available from the NC Risk Management Portal. which houses emergency planning tools for a variety of hazards. The director is new to this facility and is currently working with upper management to review and update areas where necessary. The EPR Plan is to be completed in the portal by 1/30/2025. EPR Plan - Technical Assistance & On-going Support For technical assistance and on-going support regarding emergency preparedness and response in childcare, contact the North Carolina Child Care Health and Safety Resource Center or 1-800-367-2229. ACTIVITY PLANS – It is encouraged that the administrative team complete weekly checks to confirm each class has up to date weekly activity plans (dated) that include developmentally appropriate activities for enrolled children. Activity plans for all children must meet the following minimum licensing requirements: *Include activities daily to stimulate the following 5 developmental domains, as listed in your NC Foundations for Early Learning and Development book: (social &emotional development, health & physical development, approaches to play and learning, language development/communication, and cognitive development). *Include a daily gross motor activity which may occur indoors or outdoors. *Reflect at least 4 activities daily (one of which is gross motor), one of which is offered outdoors, weather permitting. The remaining 3 activities should occur in the following areas (art/creative play, children’s books, blocks and block building, manipulatives and family living/dramatic play). *Include both free choice and adult-directed activities, that allow children to choose to participate with the whole group, in a small group or independently. *In addition, activity plans must include each of these 3 enrichment activities on at least a weekly basis: sand or water play; science and nature; and music and rhythm. A sample lesson plan form containing all required components was provided. *Materials and equipment must be available both inside and outside to support the activities on the activity plan and the daily schedule. A designated staff member should conduct a walkthrough of the facility to verify activity plans are posted and current. Creating consistent procedures helps maintain compliance with activity plans. *Please continue to visit DCDEE’s website for childcare updates at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov. Thank you for your time and cooperation. Remember your corrective action letter is due to your Childcare Consultant, Kimberly Girouard, no later than February 4, 2025. Do not hesitate to contact Ms. Girouard at Kimberly.Giroaurd@dhhs.nc.gov or 919-602-2582 if you have any questions. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

10A NCAC 09 .2703 · Violation

Name of Operation: KINDERCARE LEARNING CENTER Facility ID: 92003912 Consultant: KIMBERLY GIROUARD Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 1/21/2025 Number Present: 41 Completed Date: 1/21/2025 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 315 Time In: 11:15 AM Time Out: 04:30 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to monitor compliance with childcare requirements for an annual compliance assessment. This facility currently operates with a Five Star License that was issued on August 8, 2023. The NC Secretary of State website was reviewed today and this facility’s corporation’s name, KinderCare Education LLC, was listed as “Current-Active.” The sanitation inspection was found to be in compliance. The Fire Inspector did not activate the fire alarm during his visit on January 5, 2025, due to the children napping during his inspection. The facility administrative team have requested he return to complete his inspection. Childcare Consultant, Kimberly Girouard, observed the facility Assistant Director call the fire inspector during today’s visit to again request their annual inspection be completed and signed off by Friday, January 24, 2025. Today’s visit was conducted with facility director, Ashley Bobb. Childcare Consultant, Kimberly Girouard monitored four (4) classrooms in use for compliance with staff/child ratios, supervision, and staff interaction/discipline. The program was also monitored for health and safety requirements both indoors and outdoors using the annual compliance monitoring checklist. Children completed daily activities with adequate supervision and engagement from the caregivers. The children were observed participating in indoor activities in their classrooms and engaged in indoor activities in the gym, eating lunch and going down for nap. The program requirements, along with equipment and furnishings were observed. Compliance with staff records was documented by the facility Assistant Director. New staff records, along with children’s records were reviewed today. Medications observed on the premises were monitored. This facility does not provide transportation. During today’s visit, an assessment of applicable childcare requirements was conducted and the following violations of childcare requirements associated with required center inspections, center staff files and medications were cited. Violation Number Comment Rule 106 Operator has not scheduled and obtained a fire inspection within 12 months of the previous inspection. Operator did not submit the original approved report to DCDEE within one week of the inspection visit on a form provided by the Division. The last fire inspection was conducted on January 5, 2024. 10A NCAC 09 .0304(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. One staff member did not have the required medical report on file for review. 10A NCAC 09 .0701(a) 1045 New staff, who had contact with children, did not receive at least 16 hrs. orientation within first 6 weeks. One staff member did not have documentation on file to confirm the required 16 hours of orientation was completed during their first six weeks of employment at the child care facility. .1101(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. Three staff members were found to have no First Aid certification on file to confirm the required training had been completed and was current. .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. Three staff members were found to have no CPR certification on file to confirm the required training had been completed and was current. .1102(d) 1052 Staff required to receive on-going training had not completed the required number of hours according to their education and experience. One staff member did not complete the required on-going annual training based on their education and experience. .1103(a) 1232 Each employee's personnel file did not contain an annual staff evaluation and a staff development plan. Two staff members did not have the required Staff Development Plan and Annual Staff Evaluation on file for review. 10A NCAC 09 .0514(f) 1874 The Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy was not reviewed with new staff prior to providing care with children and/or a signed acknowledgement with all the required information was not maintained in the staff person's file. One staff member did not have the required document on file confirming the Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy was reviewed prior to providing care with children and/or a signed acknowledgement confirming all the required information was reviewed prior to providing care with children. .0608(d)(1-4) 1879 Prescribed medicines, that are pharmaceutical samples, was not stored in the manufacturers original packaging, was not labeled with the child's name, and/or written instructions did not include the required information. One bottle of Benadryl was observed in the Preschool classroom without the required written instructions. The facility director stated the child was no longer enrolled and discarded the medication. 10A NCAC 09 .0803(2)(b)(i-v) 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. Two staff members did not complete the required Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training with the first 90 days of employment. .1102(g) The above violations must be corrected immediately, and a corrective action letter must be sent to me no later than February 4, 2025. Your letter must state how the violations have been corrected and a plan to maintain compliance with the requirements. Childcare Consultant, Kimberly Girouard’s mailing address is: PO Box 1184, Wake Forest, NC 27588 or a corrective action letter can be emailed to: Kimberly.Girouardl@dhhs.nc.gov. During today’s visit, Childcare Consultant, Kimberly Girouard, discussed the following with facility Director, Ashley Bobb, and facility Assistant Director, Maggie Yousef: Staff files: Record keeping is one of the most time-consuming tasks associated with administering a child care program. It is an important part of licensure. Review staff files often to ensure the program is maintaining accurate licensing records. Organization and completeness of records is important to ensure easy access to information in emergency situations. We discussed making sure that you develop a record keeping system for staff and children’s records that promotes organization and efficiency. Administrative staff must allow time to review all necessary documentation prior to employment of staff to ensure accuracy. As an administrator, it is your responsibility to review all employment documentation and verify that required documents are received within the specified time frame. Using a checklist to check and date receipt of documents will help you track employment documents. A staff file checklist is available on the DCDEE website under the Provider tab and provider documents links. Please refer to the Staff and Training Worksheets to continue to keep all staff members current with their upcoming due dates for CPR/First Aid training, child maltreatment training, and health and safety training requirements. Staff Orientation - Due within 1st Six Weeks – 1.Documentation of Staff Orientation (form available on DCDEE website; Child Care Center form and School-age Center Form) --16 hours of orientation required a. Top five topics completed in first two weeks b. Remaining twelve topics completed by the end of the first six weeks c. You are reviewing basic information on your center’s policies, procedures and handbooks in these topic areas d. Record date topics covered, amount of time spent covering topics, name of person who reviewed information with new employee. Administrator and employee sign and date when all topics are completed. Professional Development Plan: You are required to complete a professional development plan within one year of employment and at least thereafter. The plan shall: (1) document the individual's professional development goals; (2) be appropriate for the ages of children in their care; (3) include the continuing education, coursework or training needed to meet the individual's planned goals; (4) be completed by the operator and staff member in a collaborative manner; and (5) be maintained in their personnel file. Sample professional development plan templates may be found on the Division's website at www.ncchildren.ncdhhs.gov under provider and provider documents. Health & Safety Training: a. Complete training in 11 topic areas (not all may apply to your center) b. Document on Health & Safety Training Record (available on DCDEE website) c. After 1st year, complete training in each topic area at least every five years, except for CPR/First Aid (every 2 years) and Safe Sleep Training (every 3 years) If you have any questions maneuvering through Moodle to access the Health & Safety Training please reach out to Amia Eaton, Training and Program Development Consultant. Amia can also be reached by phone at 984-272-7017. Due within 3 Months - CPR/First Aid: a. Must be conducted by an approved agency b. Face-to-face only; no on-line or blended courses c. Counts towards Health & Safety Training d. Renew every two years before the expiration date on the certification card (does not count towards on-going training hours) e. At least one person with current CPR/First Aid must be on-site at all times. If transporting children a staff member with current CPR/First must be in the vehicle. *Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment Child care staff are expected to be well informed about child abuse and neglect issues and adequately trained to prevent and recognize potential maltreatment. All staff are required to complete the training within 90 days of hire. The training may be accessed via the DCDEE website at www.ncchildcare.nc.gov. Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment is also available on Prevent Child Abuse NC website, www.preventchildabusenc.org, free of charge, and counts toward Health and Safety Training. This training is part of the Health & Safety Training and should be completed again within 5 yrs. Additional Resources for Orientation trainings: https://www.swcdcinc.org/ *Annual Fire Inspections are imperative to confirm the system in place is working properly. To avoid future violations, a tickler system would be very helpful to provide reminders to schedule inspections at least one month prior to the inspection expiring. ADDITIONAL RESOURCES *Criminal background checks (CBC) are completed to protect the children from abuse and reduce liability risks. The CBC process must be completed before a person can begin work; therefore, a Qualification Letter must be on file prior to employment. Any employee in a licensed childcare facility who is ever left alone with a child or group of children for any length of time must have a background check completed through the Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE). A CBC must be completed every five years. An expiration date is listed on each Qualification Letter. Submissions can be made six months before the expiration date. Operators will need to be proactive and make staffing decisions and arrangements in advance to avoid non-compliance with this and other DCDEE staffing requirements. Having applicants submit a copy of their Qualification Letter along with their resume and application can facilitate a shorter selection and hiring process. Criminal background checks must be completed online. To complete online criminal background check applications, go to www.ncchildcare.nc.gov/general/dhhscrc.asp. The $26.50 payment is a part of the online criminal background check application process. Fingerprints must be completed through LIVESCAN at your local county sheriff’s office. If you have any questions regarding the criminal background check process, dial 1-800-859-0829 and ask for the criminal background unit. *Linking Criminal Background Checks – Staff need to log into the Criminal Background Check Portal on the DCDEE website and link to the facility license number. It is important to do this so staff at DCDEE can contact the center if a random criminal history check uncovers a staff member with a criminal charge or conviction working in a childcare facility. It is also a way for staff at the CBC Unit to keep you updated of the status of out-of-state checks if a new employee has a Provisional Qualification. Instructions on how to link to the facility was provided today. In the future, new staff need to link within five days of hire or transfer to your center. Review Criminal History Record Check Requirements for Child Care Centers in the NC Child Care Requirements 10A NCAC 09 .2703. Please link your staff asap in the Automated Background Check Management System (ABCMS), the DCDEE’s criminal background check system. *Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan Template In collaboration with NC Childcare Health and Safety Resource Center, and DCDEE, the NC Emergency Management developed a standard EPR template for use (statewide) by licensed childcare programs. The content for this template aligns with the EPR in Childcare training and the EPR rules. The Childcare Rules state that programs must use the EPR template provided by the Division which is available from the NC Risk Management Portal. which houses emergency planning tools for a variety of hazards. The director is new to this facility and is currently working with upper management to review and update areas where necessary. The EPR Plan is to be completed in the portal by 1/30/2025. EPR Plan - Technical Assistance & On-going Support For technical assistance and on-going support regarding emergency preparedness and response in childcare, contact the North Carolina Child Care Health and Safety Resource Center or 1-800-367-2229. ACTIVITY PLANS – It is encouraged that the administrative team complete weekly checks to confirm each class has up to date weekly activity plans (dated) that include developmentally appropriate activities for enrolled children. Activity plans for all children must meet the following minimum licensing requirements: *Include activities daily to stimulate the following 5 developmental domains, as listed in your NC Foundations for Early Learning and Development book: (social &emotional development, health & physical development, approaches to play and learning, language development/communication, and cognitive development). *Include a daily gross motor activity which may occur indoors or outdoors. *Reflect at least 4 activities daily (one of which is gross motor), one of which is offered outdoors, weather permitting. The remaining 3 activities should occur in the following areas (art/creative play, children’s books, blocks and block building, manipulatives and family living/dramatic play). *Include both free choice and adult-directed activities, that allow children to choose to participate with the whole group, in a small group or independently. *In addition, activity plans must include each of these 3 enrichment activities on at least a weekly basis: sand or water play; science and nature; and music and rhythm. A sample lesson plan form containing all required components was provided. *Materials and equipment must be available both inside and outside to support the activities on the activity plan and the daily schedule. A designated staff member should conduct a walkthrough of the facility to verify activity plans are posted and current. Creating consistent procedures helps maintain compliance with activity plans. *Please continue to visit DCDEE’s website for childcare updates at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov. Thank you for your time and cooperation. Remember your corrective action letter is due to your Childcare Consultant, Kimberly Girouard, no later than February 4, 2025. Do not hesitate to contact Ms. Girouard at Kimberly.Giroaurd@dhhs.nc.gov or 919-602-2582 if you have any questions. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

10A NCAC 09 .0601 · Violation

Name of Operation: KINDERCARE LEARNING CENTER Facility ID: 92003912 Consultant: KIMBERLY GIROUARD Operation Type: Center Case Number: 1224-300L Visit Date: 1/9/2025 Number Present: 49 Completed Date: 1/9/2025 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 320 Time In: 10:40 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 this visit was to investigate allegations of non-compliance with the NC Child Care Requirements. A report was received by the Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) on December 30, 2024, regarding concerns related to an unsafe environment. I, Kimberly Girouard, received the report on December 31, 2024. I arrived at the facility today at 10:40am and was greeted by the facility director, Ms. Ashley Bobb. I informed Ms. Bobb of the reason for my visit and began my walkthrough of the facility. Allegation A concern related to unsafe environment was emailed in the complaint report received by the Division of Child Development and Early Education on December 30, 2024. There is a concern regarding an unsafe environment in the 2-year-old classroom. Per reporter, on October 31, 2024, the reporter’s sister picked up the reporters’ child from KinderCare Learning Center at approximately 4:00 pm. The reporter stated as her sister was putting the child in the car, she smelled a strong scent, and the child was rubbing his eyes and had a greasy substance on his chest. The reporter stated her sister called her as she was exiting the parking lot of the childcare center, informed her she could smell a strong scent, and the child’s eyes looked irritated. The reporter also stated that her sister said she was not informed of anything out of the ordinary occurring with her child when she picked the child up on October 31, 2024. The reporter stated she then placed a call to the childcare center. The reporter stated when she called the school around 5:00 pm on October 31, 2024, she was able to talk to the classroom teacher, Ms. Olivia Thomas, and Ms. Thomas stated she sprayed a room deodorizer in the classroom and the reporter’s child ran through the mist. The reporter stated she spoke to the facility director, Ms. Bobbs, on the morning of November 1, 2024, and that Ms. Bobbs shared she would look into the incident and that KinderCare does not allow scented spray in the classrooms. The reporter stated from October 31 – December 20, 2024, no one from the KinderCare Learning Center administrative team, nor the classroom teachers, addressed the incident with her. The reporter also stated she did not inquire any more about the incident. The reporter stated she did not receive an incident report from the facility. The reporter also stated due to her concerns regarding safety at the childcare center, she started to look for another childcare facility and on December 20, 2024, she moved her child to another childcare program. When I arrived at the facility today, I was greeted by the facility director and informed her I was there to follow up on a complaint report received by DCDEE. I immediately went into the 2-year-old classroom. I observed the teacher, Ms. Olivia Thomas, in the classroom caring for 9 two-year-old children. I did not observe any hazardous items accessible to the children during my observation of the classroom. The children were engaged in indoor activities and Ms. Thomas was moving about the classroom supervising the children and assisting a child with the bathroom. I was able to speak with and interview Ms. Thomas today. I shared the concerns addressed in the complaint report with Ms. Thomas and she shared that there was a day when she walked into the 2-year-old classroom, which was her classroom, while she was still on her lunch break and her co-teacher mentioned the classroom was smelly from dirty diapers and Ms. Thomas stated she then went back to her car and grabbed her personal perfume bottle and brought it back into the 2-year-old classroom and sprayed it. Ms. Thomas stated when she sprayed the bottle the child in question ran through the mist. Ms. Thomas shared she used one of the child’s wipes to wipe his face and the child at no point showed any discomfort. Ms. Thomas shared she did not complete, and was not told to complete, an incident report and that when the child was picked up by his aunt there was no discussion of the incident. Ms. Thomas shared she was told by her co-teacher, at the time, that the co-teacher did speak to the parent on the morning of November 1, 2024, about the incident and everything was ok. The director of the facility, Ms. Bobbs, informed me today that she did see the parent of the child in question speaking to one of the two-year-old teachers, who is no longer working at the facility, the morning after the incident occurred and she, Ms. Bobbs, walked over because she thought she was needed but when she joined the conversation everything was ok and she was not needed and returned to her office. Ms. Bobbs stated the parent of the child in question shared she did not need to talk to her. During my walkthrough of the 2-year-old classroom, I observed disinfectant spray bottles stored five feet off the floor and out of the reach of the children. I asked the teacher, Ms. Thomas, if there was any room deodorizer in the classroom and she said there was not. I also confirmed Ms. Thomas understands under no circumstances is she to use her own personal perfume or fragrant mist in the classroom. I did review the Hazardous Items Storage for Child Care handout with the two-year-old classroom teacher, Ms. Thomas, to confirm she understands the proper procedures to follow when storing hazardous items. Based on my discussions with the facility staff, and my observations during today’s visit, the allegation regarding an unsafe environment was found to SUBSTANTIATED. Throughout my visit today, I observed the staff engaged in the children's activities while providing appropriate supervision and a safe indoor environment. I observed the children engaged in center time, playing in the gym, eating lunch and going down for nap. Violation Number Comment Rule 807 A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children. A teacher sprayed her personal perfume bottle in the two year old classroom to cover the scent of messy diapers and a child walked through the mist of the perfume causing irritation to eyes. 10A NCAC 09 .0601(a) Technical assistance was provided to the director, Ms. Bobbs and the 2-year-old classroom teacher, Ms. Thomas, regarding the importance of maintaining a safe environment for children at all times. I suggested the director of KinderCare Learning Center, Ms. Bobbs, contact her Health Care Consultant, Daisey Clemmons, and request a safety training on the importance of properly using and storing classroom materials that pose a risk to the health and safety of the children if proper safety measures are not taken when specific materials/products (i.e. classroom deodorizer) are not stored correctly and/or appropriate safety protocols are not followed when such products are being used in the classroom when children are present. Ms. Clemmons contact information is (919) 830-7412 or Anne.clemmons@wake.gov. I recommend the facility director, Ms. Bobbs, conduct a review of classroom safety as it pertains to the storage of hazardous materials and use this training opportunity to point out that mist from the sanitizer, disinfectant (bleach mixture) along with scented air fresheners create a risk for breathing difficulties, asthma and upper respiratory issues. The following web sites contain information that will be helpful to you, the operator/administrator, and facility staff. State and National Web Addresses: • http://www.ncdhhs.gov/ Home page for the NC Department of Health and Human Services • http://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov - Division of Child Development and Early Education • https://ehs.ncpublichealth.com/hhccehb/cehu/ NC Department of Environment, Health and Natural Resources, Children’s Environmental Health Network – A network focused on environmental protection and public health issues including childhood lead-poisoning prevention and child care sanitation. • http://ehs.ncpublichealth.com/hhccehb/cehu/index.htm NC Children’s Environmental Health – the Childcare Sanitation Program and Rules, Policy Memos, etc. Please submit a corrective action letter for the above violation. While the Division allows you time to explain how you have corrected violations when they are documented, it is expected that you correct all violations immediately. Your corrective action letter must include the following: Name of your program, Id number of your program, Date of Letter, Violation(s) number(s), and How and When each violation was corrected. Your letter is due no later than January 23, 2025, and should be emailed to Kimberly Girouard at Kimberly.Girouard@dhhs.nc.gov. CONTACT INFORMATION Should you have any questions, please contact me by phone at 919-602-2582 or email at Kimberly.Girouard@dhhs.nc.gov. You can also contact my supervisor Michele Remington at by email at Michele.Remington@dhhs.nc.gov If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

10A NCAC 09 .2818 · Violation

Name of Operation: KINDERCARE LEARNING CENTER Facility ID: 92003912 Consultant: KIMBERLY GIROUARD Operation Type: Center Case Number: 1024-337L Visit Date: 11/4/2024 Number Present: 65 Completed Date: 11/4/2024 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 250 Time In: 09:50 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 this visit was to investigate allegations of non-compliance with the NC Child Care Requirements. A report was received by the Division of Child Development and Early Education on October 25, 2024, regarding concerns of inadequate supervision. I arrived at the facility at 9:50 am on the morning of November 4, 2024, and was greeted by the facility director, Ms. Ashley Bobb. I informed Ms. Bobb of the reason for my visit and immediately started my walkthrough of the facility. Ms. Bobb was onboarding a new hire, so she did not accompany me during my walkthrough of the facility today. A concern regarding inadequate supervision was identified in the report received by the agency on October 25, 2024. DISCUSSIONS AND OBSERVATIONS *A concern regarding supervision in one of the pre-k classrooms was shared through statements received in a complaint report received on October 25, 2024, and additional information shared during a phone interview on October 29, 2024. In the complaint report, the classroom the incident occurred in was in was documented as the toddler room but during a phone interview the reporter stated the incident occurred in the pre-k classroom. The reporter stated on the morning of October 18, 2024, at 10:56 am she received a voice mail from Maggie, one of the office staff at KinderCare Learning Center, informing her that her child had received a minor scratch on the face. The parent stated she called the facility back and spoke to Maggie and Maggie stated she wanted her to know her child had received a scratch on the face. The parent stated she arrived at the facility between 5:20 pm – 5:30 pm to pick up her child and Maggie informed her that the injury to her child’s eye was more extensive than previously thought. The parent stated she immediately went to retrieve her child and when she saw her child she observed her child’s left eye to be swollen with a scratch on the side of the eye. The parent stated that Maggie informed her that her child had fallen into a chair. The parent stated by the time she picked up her child, the left eye was swollen, and she observed dried blood on the scratch. The parent stated she was upset because no one from the facility called her to let her know her child’s eye was swollen or the size of the scratch. The parent stated she did receive an Incident Report from the facility when she picked up her child on the evening of October 18, 2024, but the parent stated the incident report stated a wet paper towel was placed on the child’s eye opposed to ice to help with the swelling and bruising. The parent stated before leaving the facility she did talk to Ms. Erica White, who is the District 7 Area Leader for KinderCare Learning Center, and that Ms. White informed her that she was not made aware of the incident. The parent stated she left the building with her son and went to her car where she spoke to her mom who suggested she call the police to get a report on file regarding her concerns involving the injury to the child’s left eye. The parent stated a report was made to the police, and she was given the report number that was generated. On Monday, October 21, 2024, I did receive a phone call from Ms. Erica White, KinderCare Learning Center District 7 Area Leader. Ms. White stated she was calling to inform me of a situation that had occurred at the facility on October 18, 2024. During that conversation, Ms. White did share on the morning of October 18, 2024, a three-year-old child did receive a bruise and scratch to the left eye, the parent was called by Maggie Youseff, facility Assistant Director, and an incident report was completed but the administrative team was not made aware of the situation. Ms. White stated the parent was upset when she saw her child at pick-up and saw her child’s eye was swollen and the scratch was larger than she was made aware of. Ms. White stated the parent exited the building after signing her child out but did return to the building with her child at which time Ms. White asked the parent if she, the parent and the child could walk back to the classroom to talk to the child about what happened and how the child received the injury to the left eye. Ms. White stated the mom agreed and they all went down to the classroom where Ms. White stated she asked the child what happened and the child stated that he was running and hit and pointed to a chair in the classroom. Ms. White stated she saw on the incident report that ice had not been initially applied to the child’s face, so she applied an ice pack to the child’s face. Ms. White stated during this time, the fire department arrived and shortly after that the police arrived. Ms. White stated the fire department checked the child and confirmed the child was ok and the police questioned the facility director, Ms. Bobb, the teacher Ms. Rameshkumar, and the child, and proceeded to inform the director, Ms. Bobb, that the child verified the story, and they were closing the report. A report number was given to the facility director, Ms. Bobb. Prior to my visit today, I was able to confirm with the Cary Police Department that the report made by the police officer at the facility on October 18, 2024, has been closed as “unfounded”. During today’s visit I interviewed the classroom teacher, Ms. Rameshkumar, who witnessed the incident. Ms. Rameshkumar shared the same information with me today that was initially shared with me in the documentation that was emailed to me by Ms. Erica White, District 7 Area Leader for KinderCare Learning Center, who was also present at the facility on October 18, 2024, the day the incident occurred. Today, I also interviewed the facility Director, Ms. Ashley Bobb and the facility Assistant Director, Ms. Maggie Youseff, and all information shared today aligned with what was already documented. RESOLUTION Based on the information received during this investigation, the complaint regarding inadequate supervision in the Pre-K classroom has been UNSUBSTANTIATED. ADDITIONAL OBSERVATIONS During today’s visit I observed the staff meeting the needs of the children and providing appropriate supervision. I observed teachers conducting story time, engaged in the children’s activities, assisting the children with lunch, and putting the children down for nap. While conducting my walkthrough of the facility today, I did observe one teacher caring for ten (10) 2- and 3-year-old children while out on the playground. The ratio for this age group is one (1) teacher to nine (9) children. This violation was immediately corrected during today’s visit. Violation Number Comment Rule 1756 Enhanced staff/child ratios and group sizes were not met. Ten 2-3 year old children were observed on the playground with one staff member. This violation was corrected immediately. 10A NCAC 09 .2818 The following were discussed with you during today’s visit: • Child care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4)(d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. • As stated, ratios were found to be out of compliance today in the 2/3 year old classroom and were corrected immediately when brought to the attention of the administrative team. Technical Assistance was provided with the following suggestions that may be beneficial: • Staff Child Ratio: A staff-to-child ratio is a measure of the number of children for whom each childcare provider is responsible. Because younger children need more direct one-on-one interaction, response, and supervision, staff-to-child ratios are lower for younger children than for older children. Ratio and group size are two factors that are critical to a child’s health, safety, and development. Ratios and group sizes help ensure that a child gets enough one-on-one attention from a caregiver who is available to take care of each child’s unique needs. This responsive caregiving is extremely important to a child’s social and emotional development, physical well-being, and overall learning. Suggestions were made to update your staff/child ratio policy, hire additional staff for coverage when staff call out of work and/or are late to work. It was also suggested for caregivers to communicate with management PRIOR to being out of ratio. Caregivers should notify management when they are one child from being out of ratio, to allow time to get another caregiver in the room or for a plan to be put in place to prevent a caregiver from having more children in care than allowed. It may also be helpful to notify parents that the classroom has met its capacity, and they should see management without allowing them to drop their child off in the classroom that has met its staff child ratio/capacity. • Ms. Bobb is new to the Director role, and she has a couple new staff at this facility. I suggested to Ms. Bobb, that this would be a good time for a mandatory full staff meeting to review rules regarding general program protocols to be followed and highlight those that involve when children are injured while in care at the facility. As well as protocols that are required to be followed when incident reports are necessary. I suggested reiterating to the staff the importance of maintaining compliance with all child care requirements for the safety of the children. I recommended that protocols include that when incident reports are generated, the director is notified of what occurred. • I suggested to the Director, Ms. Bobb, that she set aside time during the next staff meeting to review Incident Reports with all the staff which should include clear protocols to be followed such as thoroughly complete each line item especially when recording the description of the incident/injury, how it occurred, and the part of the body that was injured. • I also suggest all staff complete the Essentials of Indoor Safety - 2-hour training and Classroom Management 101 – 1 hour training offered through Pro Solutions. • Pro Solutions also offers administrator training that Ms. Bobb might find helpful; Quality Initiatives: Pathways to Best Practices in Early Childhood & Education and the Director Training: Leading Your Program. • Please continue to visit DCDEE’s website for child care updates at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/. CONTACT INFORMATION Should you have any questions, please contact me by phone at 919-602-2582 or email at Kimberly.Girouard@dhhs.nc.gov. You can also contact my supervisor Michele Remington at by email at Michele.Remington@dhhs.nc.gov If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

NC GS 110-90 · Violation

Name of Operation: KINDERCARE LEARNING CENTER Facility ID: 92003912 Consultant: KIMBERLY GIROUARD Operation Type: Center Case Number: 1024-337L Visit Date: 11/4/2024 Number Present: 65 Completed Date: 11/4/2024 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 250 Time In: 09:50 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 this visit was to investigate allegations of non-compliance with the NC Child Care Requirements. A report was received by the Division of Child Development and Early Education on October 25, 2024, regarding concerns of inadequate supervision. I arrived at the facility at 9:50 am on the morning of November 4, 2024, and was greeted by the facility director, Ms. Ashley Bobb. I informed Ms. Bobb of the reason for my visit and immediately started my walkthrough of the facility. Ms. Bobb was onboarding a new hire, so she did not accompany me during my walkthrough of the facility today. A concern regarding inadequate supervision was identified in the report received by the agency on October 25, 2024. DISCUSSIONS AND OBSERVATIONS *A concern regarding supervision in one of the pre-k classrooms was shared through statements received in a complaint report received on October 25, 2024, and additional information shared during a phone interview on October 29, 2024. In the complaint report, the classroom the incident occurred in was in was documented as the toddler room but during a phone interview the reporter stated the incident occurred in the pre-k classroom. The reporter stated on the morning of October 18, 2024, at 10:56 am she received a voice mail from Maggie, one of the office staff at KinderCare Learning Center, informing her that her child had received a minor scratch on the face. The parent stated she called the facility back and spoke to Maggie and Maggie stated she wanted her to know her child had received a scratch on the face. The parent stated she arrived at the facility between 5:20 pm – 5:30 pm to pick up her child and Maggie informed her that the injury to her child’s eye was more extensive than previously thought. The parent stated she immediately went to retrieve her child and when she saw her child she observed her child’s left eye to be swollen with a scratch on the side of the eye. The parent stated that Maggie informed her that her child had fallen into a chair. The parent stated by the time she picked up her child, the left eye was swollen, and she observed dried blood on the scratch. The parent stated she was upset because no one from the facility called her to let her know her child’s eye was swollen or the size of the scratch. The parent stated she did receive an Incident Report from the facility when she picked up her child on the evening of October 18, 2024, but the parent stated the incident report stated a wet paper towel was placed on the child’s eye opposed to ice to help with the swelling and bruising. The parent stated before leaving the facility she did talk to Ms. Erica White, who is the District 7 Area Leader for KinderCare Learning Center, and that Ms. White informed her that she was not made aware of the incident. The parent stated she left the building with her son and went to her car where she spoke to her mom who suggested she call the police to get a report on file regarding her concerns involving the injury to the child’s left eye. The parent stated a report was made to the police, and she was given the report number that was generated. On Monday, October 21, 2024, I did receive a phone call from Ms. Erica White, KinderCare Learning Center District 7 Area Leader. Ms. White stated she was calling to inform me of a situation that had occurred at the facility on October 18, 2024. During that conversation, Ms. White did share on the morning of October 18, 2024, a three-year-old child did receive a bruise and scratch to the left eye, the parent was called by Maggie Youseff, facility Assistant Director, and an incident report was completed but the administrative team was not made aware of the situation. Ms. White stated the parent was upset when she saw her child at pick-up and saw her child’s eye was swollen and the scratch was larger than she was made aware of. Ms. White stated the parent exited the building after signing her child out but did return to the building with her child at which time Ms. White asked the parent if she, the parent and the child could walk back to the classroom to talk to the child about what happened and how the child received the injury to the left eye. Ms. White stated the mom agreed and they all went down to the classroom where Ms. White stated she asked the child what happened and the child stated that he was running and hit and pointed to a chair in the classroom. Ms. White stated she saw on the incident report that ice had not been initially applied to the child’s face, so she applied an ice pack to the child’s face. Ms. White stated during this time, the fire department arrived and shortly after that the police arrived. Ms. White stated the fire department checked the child and confirmed the child was ok and the police questioned the facility director, Ms. Bobb, the teacher Ms. Rameshkumar, and the child, and proceeded to inform the director, Ms. Bobb, that the child verified the story, and they were closing the report. A report number was given to the facility director, Ms. Bobb. Prior to my visit today, I was able to confirm with the Cary Police Department that the report made by the police officer at the facility on October 18, 2024, has been closed as “unfounded”. During today’s visit I interviewed the classroom teacher, Ms. Rameshkumar, who witnessed the incident. Ms. Rameshkumar shared the same information with me today that was initially shared with me in the documentation that was emailed to me by Ms. Erica White, District 7 Area Leader for KinderCare Learning Center, who was also present at the facility on October 18, 2024, the day the incident occurred. Today, I also interviewed the facility Director, Ms. Ashley Bobb and the facility Assistant Director, Ms. Maggie Youseff, and all information shared today aligned with what was already documented. RESOLUTION Based on the information received during this investigation, the complaint regarding inadequate supervision in the Pre-K classroom has been UNSUBSTANTIATED. ADDITIONAL OBSERVATIONS During today’s visit I observed the staff meeting the needs of the children and providing appropriate supervision. I observed teachers conducting story time, engaged in the children’s activities, assisting the children with lunch, and putting the children down for nap. While conducting my walkthrough of the facility today, I did observe one teacher caring for ten (10) 2- and 3-year-old children while out on the playground. The ratio for this age group is one (1) teacher to nine (9) children. This violation was immediately corrected during today’s visit. Violation Number Comment Rule 1756 Enhanced staff/child ratios and group sizes were not met. Ten 2-3 year old children were observed on the playground with one staff member. This violation was corrected immediately. 10A NCAC 09 .2818 The following were discussed with you during today’s visit: • Child care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4)(d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. • As stated, ratios were found to be out of compliance today in the 2/3 year old classroom and were corrected immediately when brought to the attention of the administrative team. Technical Assistance was provided with the following suggestions that may be beneficial: • Staff Child Ratio: A staff-to-child ratio is a measure of the number of children for whom each childcare provider is responsible. Because younger children need more direct one-on-one interaction, response, and supervision, staff-to-child ratios are lower for younger children than for older children. Ratio and group size are two factors that are critical to a child’s health, safety, and development. Ratios and group sizes help ensure that a child gets enough one-on-one attention from a caregiver who is available to take care of each child’s unique needs. This responsive caregiving is extremely important to a child’s social and emotional development, physical well-being, and overall learning. Suggestions were made to update your staff/child ratio policy, hire additional staff for coverage when staff call out of work and/or are late to work. It was also suggested for caregivers to communicate with management PRIOR to being out of ratio. Caregivers should notify management when they are one child from being out of ratio, to allow time to get another caregiver in the room or for a plan to be put in place to prevent a caregiver from having more children in care than allowed. It may also be helpful to notify parents that the classroom has met its capacity, and they should see management without allowing them to drop their child off in the classroom that has met its staff child ratio/capacity. • Ms. Bobb is new to the Director role, and she has a couple new staff at this facility. I suggested to Ms. Bobb, that this would be a good time for a mandatory full staff meeting to review rules regarding general program protocols to be followed and highlight those that involve when children are injured while in care at the facility. As well as protocols that are required to be followed when incident reports are necessary. I suggested reiterating to the staff the importance of maintaining compliance with all child care requirements for the safety of the children. I recommended that protocols include that when incident reports are generated, the director is notified of what occurred. • I suggested to the Director, Ms. Bobb, that she set aside time during the next staff meeting to review Incident Reports with all the staff which should include clear protocols to be followed such as thoroughly complete each line item especially when recording the description of the incident/injury, how it occurred, and the part of the body that was injured. • I also suggest all staff complete the Essentials of Indoor Safety - 2-hour training and Classroom Management 101 – 1 hour training offered through Pro Solutions. • Pro Solutions also offers administrator training that Ms. Bobb might find helpful; Quality Initiatives: Pathways to Best Practices in Early Childhood & Education and the Director Training: Leading Your Program. • Please continue to visit DCDEE’s website for child care updates at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/. CONTACT INFORMATION Should you have any questions, please contact me by phone at 919-602-2582 or email at Kimberly.Girouard@dhhs.nc.gov. You can also contact my supervisor Michele Remington at by email at Michele.Remington@dhhs.nc.gov If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

G.S. 110-91 · Violation

Name of Operation: KINDERCARE LEARNING CENTER Facility ID: 92003912 Consultant: AMBER TELFAIR Operation Type: Center Case Number: 0724-068A Visit Date: 7/9/2024 Number Present: 79 Completed Date: 7/9/2024 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 130 Time In: 10:05 AM Time Out: 12:15 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Complaint Visit Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of this unannounced visit was to investigate allegations of violations of child care requirements at this child care facility. Nicole Leak-McLeod, Director, accompanied me during a walk-through of the facility. During the visit, I discussed the allegations with Ms. Leak-McLeod and additional staff members. Limited monitoring of child care requirements occurred during today’s visit. Violation Number Comment Rule 902 Each child was not attended to in a nurturing and appropriate manner, or in keeping with the child's developmental needs. On July 3, 2024, a staff member handled a four-year-old child in a manner that resulted in bruising on the back of the child's ear. G.S. 110-91(10) You may contact me Amber Telfair, Investigations Consultant, (919) 830-7551, amber.telfair@dhhs.nc.gov or Sheronda Harris, Central Investigations Supervisor, Sheronda.harris@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