10A NCAC 09 .0604 · Violation

Name of Operation: PRECIOUS MINDS LEARN N PLAY ACADEMY Facility ID: 24000163 Consultant: APRIL LESTER Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 7/28/2025 Number Present: 26 Completed Date: 7/28/2025 Age: From 1 To 11 Total Minutes: 120 Time In: 09:00 AM Time Out: 11:00 AM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of my visit was to monitor compliance with applicable child care requirements pertinent to this visit type. This facility currently operates with a Four-Star License issued March 19, 2024. Restrictions on the permit include: a first shift capacity of 50 children 0-12 years of age and meets enhanced ratios. Restrictions were in compliance today. The facility was also monitored for implementing an approved curriculum with children four years of age as required by the star rating; this program uses Creative Curriculum. The status of the corporation which owns the facility, Precious Minds Learn N Play Academy, LLC, was verified as current and active with the NC Secretary of State’s today. A Superior sanitation rating was earned December 4, 2024, and a fire inspection was conducted June 2, 2025; the facility was approved for day time care only. Prior to the visit, the facility had an eighteen-month compliance history score of 92%. Owner/Administrator, C. Faison, was present and available for consultation today. Four (4) indoor and three (3) outdoor spaces are approved for use by children and all spaces are in use. Children one year of age in Space were observed in individual feeding and play activities. Children two years of age enrolled in Space 2 were observed in free play with age-appropriate materials and activities. Children one year of age three/four years of age in space 3 were observed in art play working on cutting paper. In space 4 school aged children were observed in free play on their designated playground. They also have chickens in an incubator and are waiting for them to hatch. Activities plans were posted and aligned with NC Early Childhood Foundations. Lunch scheduled for today consisted of chicken nuggets, mixed vegetables, mandarin oranges, and milk. Health and Safety training requirements as outlined in Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .1102 were monitored and in compliance today. The ABCMS Portal was monitored today. Child Care programs are expected to always achieve and maintain compliance with child care rules, 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 following violations were observed today and corrected immediately. Violation Number Comment Rule 617 All openings to the outer air were not protected against the entrance of flying pest. The exterior door in space 4 was propped open. 15A NCAC 18A .2831(c) 812 Electrical outlets and power strips, not in use, which were located in space used by children did not have safety outlets or were not covered with safety plugs unless located behind furniture or equipment that cannot be moved by a child. Open electrical outlets in spaces 2 and 3 were observed. 10A NCAC 09 .0604(c) A compliance letter is not due at this time since all violations were corrected during the visit. Technical assistance: 15A NCAC 18A .2831 (c) states all openings to the area outside of the child care center shall be protected against the entrance of flying pests. In food preparation areas, only fly traps, pyrethrin-based insecticides, or a fly swatter shall be used for extermination of flying pests. **Today we discussed ways to unlock exterior doors for staff/children to re-enter the building without propping the door open or purchasing a screen door. Rated License Information: The “hold harmless” state of rated license reassessments is ending and the new Quality Rating Improvement System standards are forthcoming. You can find the most current information on our website under the QRIS modernization section QRIS Modernization. You stated you recently have had the outreach assessments done through NCRLAP. You found the outreach assessment was helpful. Today we discussed Pathway 2 as well. As I mentioned I encourage you to go to the QRIS Modernization tab and review all links to help you decide which Pathway will work best for you. Reminders: As stated in G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(r) child care operators are to notify the Division of any new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. The process of notifying the Division has changed and is now captured in ABCMS. This change has been in effect since February 2024. Effective immediately, you will need to obtain a Business NCID and complete Provider Portal training in Moodle at https://www.dcdee.moodle.nc.gov/course/view.php?id=119. Once the training has been completed and access has been given, you must verify your facility roster to ensure current staff are noted on the roster. This information should be updated in ABCMS in an ongoing basis as staff members are hired and when their employment is terminated. This satisfies the requirement to notify the Division of new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. The compliance of this rule will be monitored during your next visit. Please note, the hard copy of the Change of Information form will no longer be needed or accepted. Should you need assistance please contact the Criminal Background Check Unit at (919) 814-8401 and someone will assist you. The Military Child Care in Your Neighborhood-PLUS (MCCYN-PLUS) initiative launched in North Carolina to make it easier for military families to access and afford quality child care from community providers. Licensed child care facilities are now able to participate in MCCYN-PLUS based on their star rating. If you are interested in participating in the military fee assistance program, please visit: https://www.childcareaware.org/feeassistancerespite/feeassistancerespiteproviders/feeassistance/ to review the application process. The mulched area under the climbing structure needs to be weeded to keep the integrity of the mulched surfacing. Stay up to date with the Division of Child Development and Early Education by visiting www.ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov. This website enables you to view the entire Law and Child Care Requirements for North Carolina as well as download required forms. Click on the “What’s New” tab for important updates impacting child care in North Carolina. Documentation was completed and reviewed on site, printed and signed. Remember it is your responsibility to comply with all child care rules and requirements at all times. Contact me at april.lester@dhhs.nc.gov at (910)824-0954 with any questions or concerns regarding this 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

Open Not marked corrected in the state record

Category: ratio. Open / not marked corrected.

10A NCAC 09 .1102 · Violation

Name of Operation: PRECIOUS MINDS LEARN N PLAY ACADEMY Facility ID: 24000163 Consultant: APRIL LESTER Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 7/28/2025 Number Present: 26 Completed Date: 7/28/2025 Age: From 1 To 11 Total Minutes: 120 Time In: 09:00 AM Time Out: 11:00 AM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of my visit was to monitor compliance with applicable child care requirements pertinent to this visit type. This facility currently operates with a Four-Star License issued March 19, 2024. Restrictions on the permit include: a first shift capacity of 50 children 0-12 years of age and meets enhanced ratios. Restrictions were in compliance today. The facility was also monitored for implementing an approved curriculum with children four years of age as required by the star rating; this program uses Creative Curriculum. The status of the corporation which owns the facility, Precious Minds Learn N Play Academy, LLC, was verified as current and active with the NC Secretary of State’s today. A Superior sanitation rating was earned December 4, 2024, and a fire inspection was conducted June 2, 2025; the facility was approved for day time care only. Prior to the visit, the facility had an eighteen-month compliance history score of 92%. Owner/Administrator, C. Faison, was present and available for consultation today. Four (4) indoor and three (3) outdoor spaces are approved for use by children and all spaces are in use. Children one year of age in Space were observed in individual feeding and play activities. Children two years of age enrolled in Space 2 were observed in free play with age-appropriate materials and activities. Children one year of age three/four years of age in space 3 were observed in art play working on cutting paper. In space 4 school aged children were observed in free play on their designated playground. They also have chickens in an incubator and are waiting for them to hatch. Activities plans were posted and aligned with NC Early Childhood Foundations. Lunch scheduled for today consisted of chicken nuggets, mixed vegetables, mandarin oranges, and milk. Health and Safety training requirements as outlined in Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .1102 were monitored and in compliance today. The ABCMS Portal was monitored today. Child Care programs are expected to always achieve and maintain compliance with child care rules, 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 following violations were observed today and corrected immediately. Violation Number Comment Rule 617 All openings to the outer air were not protected against the entrance of flying pest. The exterior door in space 4 was propped open. 15A NCAC 18A .2831(c) 812 Electrical outlets and power strips, not in use, which were located in space used by children did not have safety outlets or were not covered with safety plugs unless located behind furniture or equipment that cannot be moved by a child. Open electrical outlets in spaces 2 and 3 were observed. 10A NCAC 09 .0604(c) A compliance letter is not due at this time since all violations were corrected during the visit. Technical assistance: 15A NCAC 18A .2831 (c) states all openings to the area outside of the child care center shall be protected against the entrance of flying pests. In food preparation areas, only fly traps, pyrethrin-based insecticides, or a fly swatter shall be used for extermination of flying pests. **Today we discussed ways to unlock exterior doors for staff/children to re-enter the building without propping the door open or purchasing a screen door. Rated License Information: The “hold harmless” state of rated license reassessments is ending and the new Quality Rating Improvement System standards are forthcoming. You can find the most current information on our website under the QRIS modernization section QRIS Modernization. You stated you recently have had the outreach assessments done through NCRLAP. You found the outreach assessment was helpful. Today we discussed Pathway 2 as well. As I mentioned I encourage you to go to the QRIS Modernization tab and review all links to help you decide which Pathway will work best for you. Reminders: As stated in G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(r) child care operators are to notify the Division of any new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. The process of notifying the Division has changed and is now captured in ABCMS. This change has been in effect since February 2024. Effective immediately, you will need to obtain a Business NCID and complete Provider Portal training in Moodle at https://www.dcdee.moodle.nc.gov/course/view.php?id=119. Once the training has been completed and access has been given, you must verify your facility roster to ensure current staff are noted on the roster. This information should be updated in ABCMS in an ongoing basis as staff members are hired and when their employment is terminated. This satisfies the requirement to notify the Division of new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. The compliance of this rule will be monitored during your next visit. Please note, the hard copy of the Change of Information form will no longer be needed or accepted. Should you need assistance please contact the Criminal Background Check Unit at (919) 814-8401 and someone will assist you. The Military Child Care in Your Neighborhood-PLUS (MCCYN-PLUS) initiative launched in North Carolina to make it easier for military families to access and afford quality child care from community providers. Licensed child care facilities are now able to participate in MCCYN-PLUS based on their star rating. If you are interested in participating in the military fee assistance program, please visit: https://www.childcareaware.org/feeassistancerespite/feeassistancerespiteproviders/feeassistance/ to review the application process. The mulched area under the climbing structure needs to be weeded to keep the integrity of the mulched surfacing. Stay up to date with the Division of Child Development and Early Education by visiting www.ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov. This website enables you to view the entire Law and Child Care Requirements for North Carolina as well as download required forms. Click on the “What’s New” tab for important updates impacting child care in North Carolina. Documentation was completed and reviewed on site, printed and signed. Remember it is your responsibility to comply with all child care rules and requirements at all times. Contact me at april.lester@dhhs.nc.gov at (910)824-0954 with any questions or concerns regarding this 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

G.S. 110-90 · Violation

Name of Operation: PRECIOUS MINDS LEARN N PLAY ACADEMY Facility ID: 24000163 Consultant: APRIL LESTER Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 7/28/2025 Number Present: 26 Completed Date: 7/28/2025 Age: From 1 To 11 Total Minutes: 120 Time In: 09:00 AM Time Out: 11:00 AM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of my visit was to monitor compliance with applicable child care requirements pertinent to this visit type. This facility currently operates with a Four-Star License issued March 19, 2024. Restrictions on the permit include: a first shift capacity of 50 children 0-12 years of age and meets enhanced ratios. Restrictions were in compliance today. The facility was also monitored for implementing an approved curriculum with children four years of age as required by the star rating; this program uses Creative Curriculum. The status of the corporation which owns the facility, Precious Minds Learn N Play Academy, LLC, was verified as current and active with the NC Secretary of State’s today. A Superior sanitation rating was earned December 4, 2024, and a fire inspection was conducted June 2, 2025; the facility was approved for day time care only. Prior to the visit, the facility had an eighteen-month compliance history score of 92%. Owner/Administrator, C. Faison, was present and available for consultation today. Four (4) indoor and three (3) outdoor spaces are approved for use by children and all spaces are in use. Children one year of age in Space were observed in individual feeding and play activities. Children two years of age enrolled in Space 2 were observed in free play with age-appropriate materials and activities. Children one year of age three/four years of age in space 3 were observed in art play working on cutting paper. In space 4 school aged children were observed in free play on their designated playground. They also have chickens in an incubator and are waiting for them to hatch. Activities plans were posted and aligned with NC Early Childhood Foundations. Lunch scheduled for today consisted of chicken nuggets, mixed vegetables, mandarin oranges, and milk. Health and Safety training requirements as outlined in Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .1102 were monitored and in compliance today. The ABCMS Portal was monitored today. Child Care programs are expected to always achieve and maintain compliance with child care rules, 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 following violations were observed today and corrected immediately. Violation Number Comment Rule 617 All openings to the outer air were not protected against the entrance of flying pest. The exterior door in space 4 was propped open. 15A NCAC 18A .2831(c) 812 Electrical outlets and power strips, not in use, which were located in space used by children did not have safety outlets or were not covered with safety plugs unless located behind furniture or equipment that cannot be moved by a child. Open electrical outlets in spaces 2 and 3 were observed. 10A NCAC 09 .0604(c) A compliance letter is not due at this time since all violations were corrected during the visit. Technical assistance: 15A NCAC 18A .2831 (c) states all openings to the area outside of the child care center shall be protected against the entrance of flying pests. In food preparation areas, only fly traps, pyrethrin-based insecticides, or a fly swatter shall be used for extermination of flying pests. **Today we discussed ways to unlock exterior doors for staff/children to re-enter the building without propping the door open or purchasing a screen door. Rated License Information: The “hold harmless” state of rated license reassessments is ending and the new Quality Rating Improvement System standards are forthcoming. You can find the most current information on our website under the QRIS modernization section QRIS Modernization. You stated you recently have had the outreach assessments done through NCRLAP. You found the outreach assessment was helpful. Today we discussed Pathway 2 as well. As I mentioned I encourage you to go to the QRIS Modernization tab and review all links to help you decide which Pathway will work best for you. Reminders: As stated in G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(r) child care operators are to notify the Division of any new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. The process of notifying the Division has changed and is now captured in ABCMS. This change has been in effect since February 2024. Effective immediately, you will need to obtain a Business NCID and complete Provider Portal training in Moodle at https://www.dcdee.moodle.nc.gov/course/view.php?id=119. Once the training has been completed and access has been given, you must verify your facility roster to ensure current staff are noted on the roster. This information should be updated in ABCMS in an ongoing basis as staff members are hired and when their employment is terminated. This satisfies the requirement to notify the Division of new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. The compliance of this rule will be monitored during your next visit. Please note, the hard copy of the Change of Information form will no longer be needed or accepted. Should you need assistance please contact the Criminal Background Check Unit at (919) 814-8401 and someone will assist you. The Military Child Care in Your Neighborhood-PLUS (MCCYN-PLUS) initiative launched in North Carolina to make it easier for military families to access and afford quality child care from community providers. Licensed child care facilities are now able to participate in MCCYN-PLUS based on their star rating. If you are interested in participating in the military fee assistance program, please visit: https://www.childcareaware.org/feeassistancerespite/feeassistancerespiteproviders/feeassistance/ to review the application process. The mulched area under the climbing structure needs to be weeded to keep the integrity of the mulched surfacing. Stay up to date with the Division of Child Development and Early Education by visiting www.ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov. This website enables you to view the entire Law and Child Care Requirements for North Carolina as well as download required forms. Click on the “What’s New” tab for important updates impacting child care in North Carolina. Documentation was completed and reviewed on site, printed and signed. Remember it is your responsibility to comply with all child care rules and requirements at all times. Contact me at april.lester@dhhs.nc.gov at (910)824-0954 with any questions or concerns regarding this 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: PRECIOUS MINDS LEARN N PLAY ACADEMY Facility ID: 24000163 Consultant: APRIL LESTER Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 7/28/2025 Number Present: 26 Completed Date: 7/28/2025 Age: From 1 To 11 Total Minutes: 120 Time In: 09:00 AM Time Out: 11:00 AM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of my visit was to monitor compliance with applicable child care requirements pertinent to this visit type. This facility currently operates with a Four-Star License issued March 19, 2024. Restrictions on the permit include: a first shift capacity of 50 children 0-12 years of age and meets enhanced ratios. Restrictions were in compliance today. The facility was also monitored for implementing an approved curriculum with children four years of age as required by the star rating; this program uses Creative Curriculum. The status of the corporation which owns the facility, Precious Minds Learn N Play Academy, LLC, was verified as current and active with the NC Secretary of State’s today. A Superior sanitation rating was earned December 4, 2024, and a fire inspection was conducted June 2, 2025; the facility was approved for day time care only. Prior to the visit, the facility had an eighteen-month compliance history score of 92%. Owner/Administrator, C. Faison, was present and available for consultation today. Four (4) indoor and three (3) outdoor spaces are approved for use by children and all spaces are in use. Children one year of age in Space were observed in individual feeding and play activities. Children two years of age enrolled in Space 2 were observed in free play with age-appropriate materials and activities. Children one year of age three/four years of age in space 3 were observed in art play working on cutting paper. In space 4 school aged children were observed in free play on their designated playground. They also have chickens in an incubator and are waiting for them to hatch. Activities plans were posted and aligned with NC Early Childhood Foundations. Lunch scheduled for today consisted of chicken nuggets, mixed vegetables, mandarin oranges, and milk. Health and Safety training requirements as outlined in Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .1102 were monitored and in compliance today. The ABCMS Portal was monitored today. Child Care programs are expected to always achieve and maintain compliance with child care rules, 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 following violations were observed today and corrected immediately. Violation Number Comment Rule 617 All openings to the outer air were not protected against the entrance of flying pest. The exterior door in space 4 was propped open. 15A NCAC 18A .2831(c) 812 Electrical outlets and power strips, not in use, which were located in space used by children did not have safety outlets or were not covered with safety plugs unless located behind furniture or equipment that cannot be moved by a child. Open electrical outlets in spaces 2 and 3 were observed. 10A NCAC 09 .0604(c) A compliance letter is not due at this time since all violations were corrected during the visit. Technical assistance: 15A NCAC 18A .2831 (c) states all openings to the area outside of the child care center shall be protected against the entrance of flying pests. In food preparation areas, only fly traps, pyrethrin-based insecticides, or a fly swatter shall be used for extermination of flying pests. **Today we discussed ways to unlock exterior doors for staff/children to re-enter the building without propping the door open or purchasing a screen door. Rated License Information: The “hold harmless” state of rated license reassessments is ending and the new Quality Rating Improvement System standards are forthcoming. You can find the most current information on our website under the QRIS modernization section QRIS Modernization. You stated you recently have had the outreach assessments done through NCRLAP. You found the outreach assessment was helpful. Today we discussed Pathway 2 as well. As I mentioned I encourage you to go to the QRIS Modernization tab and review all links to help you decide which Pathway will work best for you. Reminders: As stated in G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(r) child care operators are to notify the Division of any new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. The process of notifying the Division has changed and is now captured in ABCMS. This change has been in effect since February 2024. Effective immediately, you will need to obtain a Business NCID and complete Provider Portal training in Moodle at https://www.dcdee.moodle.nc.gov/course/view.php?id=119. Once the training has been completed and access has been given, you must verify your facility roster to ensure current staff are noted on the roster. This information should be updated in ABCMS in an ongoing basis as staff members are hired and when their employment is terminated. This satisfies the requirement to notify the Division of new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. The compliance of this rule will be monitored during your next visit. Please note, the hard copy of the Change of Information form will no longer be needed or accepted. Should you need assistance please contact the Criminal Background Check Unit at (919) 814-8401 and someone will assist you. The Military Child Care in Your Neighborhood-PLUS (MCCYN-PLUS) initiative launched in North Carolina to make it easier for military families to access and afford quality child care from community providers. Licensed child care facilities are now able to participate in MCCYN-PLUS based on their star rating. If you are interested in participating in the military fee assistance program, please visit: https://www.childcareaware.org/feeassistancerespite/feeassistancerespiteproviders/feeassistance/ to review the application process. The mulched area under the climbing structure needs to be weeded to keep the integrity of the mulched surfacing. Stay up to date with the Division of Child Development and Early Education by visiting www.ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov. This website enables you to view the entire Law and Child Care Requirements for North Carolina as well as download required forms. Click on the “What’s New” tab for important updates impacting child care in North Carolina. Documentation was completed and reviewed on site, printed and signed. Remember it is your responsibility to comply with all child care rules and requirements at all times. Contact me at april.lester@dhhs.nc.gov at (910)824-0954 with any questions or concerns regarding this 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 .0605 · Violation

Name of Operation: PRECIOUS MINDS LEARN N PLAY ACADEMY Facility ID: 24000163 Consultant: AMY WANGLER Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 8/14/2024 Number Present: 25 Completed Date: 8/14/2024 Age: From 0 To 12 Total Minutes: 180 Time In: 08:45 AM Time Out: 11:45 AM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of my visit was to monitor compliance with applicable child care requirements pertinent to this visit type. This facility currently operates with a Four Star License issued March 19, 2024. Restrictions on the permit include: a first shift capacity of 50 children 0-12 years of age, and meets enhanced ratios. Restrictions were in compliance today. The facility was also monitored for implementing an approved curriculum with children four years of age as required by the star rating; this program uses Creative Curriculum. The status of the corporation which owns the facility, Precious Minds Learn N Play Academy, LLC, was verified as current and active with the NC Secretary of State’s office on August 8, 2024. The last annual compliance visit was conducted September 27, 2023. A Superior sanitation rating was earned February 14, 2024, and a fire inspection was conducted June 18, 2024; the facility was approved for day time care only. Prior to the visit, the facility had an eighteen-month compliance history score of 84%. Owner/Administrator, C. Faison, was present and available for consultation today. Four indoor spaces and three outdoor spaces are approved for use by children. In Space #1, infants and children one year of age were observed in individual feeding and sleeping routines as well as play activities. Safe sleep practices including documentation were monitored and in compliance today. In Space #2, children two years of age and preschool children were observed eating a breakfast of biscuits, peaches and milk. In Space #4, school age children participated in games such as Monopoly and Uno. Next, Ms. Faison and a volunteer took three preschool children outside onto Outdoor Space #1, and the lead teacher assigned to Space #2 took children two years of age onto a separate playground. Outside, children were observed using riding and push toys as well as playing in the sand. Lunch served today consisted of baked fish, bread, mixed vegetables, pears and milk. Health and Safety training requirements as outlined in Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .1102 were monitored and in compliance today. Child Care programs are expected to always achieve and maintain compliance with child care rules, 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 following violations were observed today and must be corrected immediately: Violation Number Comment Rule 115 A summary of the NC Child Care Law was not posted in a prominent place in the center. This document was not observed posted in the center. G.S. 110-102 468 When three year old children and older were in care, the materials and equipment in the activity area was not in sufficient quantity to allow at least three children to use the area regardless of whether the children choose the same or different activities. The dramatic play area in Space #2 contained only two pieces of pretend food and one dish. .0510(d)(1) 508 Special diet or food allergy information was not posted where they can be seen in food preparation and eating areas. Milk substitutions were observed in the kitchen, however a list of special diets and food substitutions was not posted. .0901(g) 542 The written feeding plan was not modified as the child's needs changed. An infant's feeding plan had not been updated to include the baby food and cereal which he is now being served per staff report. 10 NCAC 09 .0902(a) 616 Toys and other mouth-contact surfaces were not cleaned and sanitized daily when used or cleaned more frequently if visibly dirty. Several visibly dirty toys and furnishings were observed throughout the center. .2822(a)(1-4) 721 All equipment and furnishings were not in good repair. A set of plastic drawers with one broken drawer was observed in Space #4, the bottom of the manipulative shelf in Space #2 was broken, and a broken riding toy was observed in Outdoor Space #2. G.S. 110-91(6); .0601(b) A compliance letter including detailed information about how all violations have been corrected must be received by August 28, 2024. Include any supporting documentation with your response (if applicable). Your letter will be used as verification that violations have been corrected and compliance is maintained; your written response is considered a legal document so must be accurate and truthful. If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent using the email address registered with DCDEE and include your facility name and ID number. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. Technical Assistance Regarding Violations Cited Technical assistance was provided during the March 19, 2024 Routine Unannounced visit and again today regarding safety and broken equipment. For the safety of the children, you must ensure broken items are removed immediately and broken equipment is removed, repaired or made inaccessible. Today you removed the broken Cozy Coupe from Outdoor Space #2 and the broken drawers in Space #4, and stated you would try to repair or remove the broken manipulative shelf in Space #2. I urged you to remind staff to be observant and watchful when it comes to the condition of equipment and furnishings, and to let you know immediately if something needs to be repaired or removed. Technical assistance was also provided during the Routine Unannounced visit and again today regarding accessibility, amount and variety of materials in the classrooms. It was observed today that more materials were accessible in some of the activity areas in Spaces #1 and 2, however the dramatic play area in Space #2 had even less materials than before. As discussed during the Routine Unannounced visit, the dramatic play area should be equipped with pretend food and cooking materials for at least 3 children, as well as dolls, doll accessories, telephones and dress up clothes. When materials are removed from play areas for cleaning or thrown away, they should be replaced as quickly as possible to maintain compliance. Today I suggested that you utilize the Lending Library at the Columbus County Partnership for Children if needed until you can obtain some permanent materials for the areas which were lacking. I also suggested that you ask staff members to take ownership and inventory their classrooms using the Thinking More About Learning Materials worksheets from www.ncrlap.org. This may help them understand the importance of having a variety of materials in sufficient quantity accessible daily as required. Regarding nutrition rules, I reminded you today that children under 15 months of age should have written and posted feeding plans which are updated as needed when they start eating different types of foods. Today you were able to get the feeding plan for L. Wilder updated during the visit, however I urged you to check these frequently and remind parents that written instructions must be updated when feeding routines change to ensure all staff who may work in Space #1 are aware of what to feed each child. Regarding food substitutions, we discussed that Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0901 states that children's special diets or food allergies shall be posted where they can be seen in the food preparation area and in the child's eating area. This rule applies to any type of special diet, whether it is an allergy or a parent preference, where a child is supposed to be given a substitution for something on the posted menu. As many of the toys observed today were visibly dirty, I suggested you schedule a “cleaning day,” or ask staff members to pick one center per day for a week to clean the materials and furnishings during nap time, before children arrive or after children leave. Toys that cannot be cleaned and sanitized should not be used. Toys that are visibly dirty should be set aside until they are cleaned by hand with water and detergent, rinsed, sanitized, and air-dried or in a mechanical dishwasher. Today I shared with you the Program Records Checklist from the DCDEE website to assist you with knowing which items need to be posted and where. This may help after you have changed out bulletin boards or are redecorating classrooms to ensure all required postings are replaced. Today you printed and posted the Summary of NC Child Care Laws on your parent bulletin board, and stated you would refer to this checklist moving forward to maintain compliance. Technical Assistance Technical assistance was also provided today regarding installation of the recently purchased crawling tunnel. As discussed, you must ensure it is installed according to manufacturer’s instructions and that instructions are kept on file for review. You must also ensure that all requirements in Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0605 are in compliance, including a fall zone with resilient surfacing if the fall height is over 18 inches. Once you find the instructions and/or begin installation, please let me know if you have questions about any of the requirements. Today we also discussed how to handle staff records and requirements when a previous staff member returns to employment. As discussed, to ensure compliance you must treat the situation the same as if he or she were a completely new staff member, for example, making sure TB test results and physicals are less than 12 months old at the time of re-hire and renewing health and safety trainings if they are over 12 months old. Even if your policies and procedures have not changed, you should still review orientation topics as some of the Child Care Rules may have changed since the staff member worked there previously. Rated License Information The “hold harmless” state of rated license reassessments has been extended until the new Quality Rating Improvement System standards are put in place. This means that you will not be required to have a reassessment according to timelines discussed previously, however you may request one voluntarily. Today I encouraged you to review information about the new standards as it becomes available and to plan on training your staff on new assessment tools if you are interested in having the Environment Rating Scales assessments conducted in the future. The Infant Toddler Environment Rating Scale- Revised (ITERS-R) and the Early Childhood Environment Rating Scale- Revised (ECERS-R) will continue to be used until February 1, 2025. After that, the third editions of each of these scales will be used in official assessments. The School Age Care Environment Rating Scale- Updated (SACERS-U) will continue to be used for school age children. You may visit www.ncrlap.org for the latest information as well as free training and resources related to the rating scales. Regarding Education standards, I shared with you today that M. Evans still does not appear to have an account in DCDEE WORKS, and new staff member K. Thompson needs to register for an account as well. Please use the instructions emailed to you to assist staff with creating accounts and applying for evaluation. Reminders It’s time to enroll your facility in the Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids program to identify and eliminate exposure to lead and asbestos hazards in building infrastructure. This program is an expansion of Clean Water for Carolina Kids, which previously tested all child care centers in the state for lead in water at drinking and food preparation taps. As this is a legislatively mandated effort, facilities are required to meet rule requirements to have tap water tested every three years and to have inspections for lead paint and asbestos if applicable. Please see steps below: 1. Sign Up – Pre-enrollment webinars are available at cleanwaterforUSkids.org/carolina or paste https://bit.ly/3CK-webinar into your web browser to see available dates and times for the next month. 2. Enroll – At www.cleanwaterforUSkids.org/carolina using the PIN and complete the enrollment surveys for three program sections: 1) lead in water, 2) lead-based paint, and 3) asbestos. 3. Evaluate Hazards - The program will ship your facility a water sample kit and may coordinate an on-site visit by a professional to assess for lead-based paint and asbestos hazards, if needed. 4. Receive Results – Receive your results, recommendations, and water mitigation support, if needed. 5. Request Reimbursement - If you choose to conduct lead-based paint or asbestos mitigation, you can request reimbursement from NC DHHS. Visit the web site at: https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/public-health/asbestos-and-lead-based-paint-reimbursement-program-arpa You may also refer to the June 6, 2024 email blast for more information. At the end of this visit, documentation could not be completed electronically, however it was reviewed thoroughly with you. The electronic visit summary was emailed to you on August 15, 2024. Please remember it is your responsibility to comply with all child care rules and requirements at all times. If you have questions or need assistance please feel free to contact me at 910-338-7038 or amy.wangler@dhhs.nc.gov. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

Open Not marked corrected in the state record

Category: ratio. Open / not marked corrected.

10A NCAC 09 .0901 · Violation

Name of Operation: PRECIOUS MINDS LEARN N PLAY ACADEMY Facility ID: 24000163 Consultant: AMY WANGLER Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 8/14/2024 Number Present: 25 Completed Date: 8/14/2024 Age: From 0 To 12 Total Minutes: 180 Time In: 08:45 AM Time Out: 11:45 AM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of my visit was to monitor compliance with applicable child care requirements pertinent to this visit type. This facility currently operates with a Four Star License issued March 19, 2024. Restrictions on the permit include: a first shift capacity of 50 children 0-12 years of age, and meets enhanced ratios. Restrictions were in compliance today. The facility was also monitored for implementing an approved curriculum with children four years of age as required by the star rating; this program uses Creative Curriculum. The status of the corporation which owns the facility, Precious Minds Learn N Play Academy, LLC, was verified as current and active with the NC Secretary of State’s office on August 8, 2024. The last annual compliance visit was conducted September 27, 2023. A Superior sanitation rating was earned February 14, 2024, and a fire inspection was conducted June 18, 2024; the facility was approved for day time care only. Prior to the visit, the facility had an eighteen-month compliance history score of 84%. Owner/Administrator, C. Faison, was present and available for consultation today. Four indoor spaces and three outdoor spaces are approved for use by children. In Space #1, infants and children one year of age were observed in individual feeding and sleeping routines as well as play activities. Safe sleep practices including documentation were monitored and in compliance today. In Space #2, children two years of age and preschool children were observed eating a breakfast of biscuits, peaches and milk. In Space #4, school age children participated in games such as Monopoly and Uno. Next, Ms. Faison and a volunteer took three preschool children outside onto Outdoor Space #1, and the lead teacher assigned to Space #2 took children two years of age onto a separate playground. Outside, children were observed using riding and push toys as well as playing in the sand. Lunch served today consisted of baked fish, bread, mixed vegetables, pears and milk. Health and Safety training requirements as outlined in Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .1102 were monitored and in compliance today. Child Care programs are expected to always achieve and maintain compliance with child care rules, 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 following violations were observed today and must be corrected immediately: Violation Number Comment Rule 115 A summary of the NC Child Care Law was not posted in a prominent place in the center. This document was not observed posted in the center. G.S. 110-102 468 When three year old children and older were in care, the materials and equipment in the activity area was not in sufficient quantity to allow at least three children to use the area regardless of whether the children choose the same or different activities. The dramatic play area in Space #2 contained only two pieces of pretend food and one dish. .0510(d)(1) 508 Special diet or food allergy information was not posted where they can be seen in food preparation and eating areas. Milk substitutions were observed in the kitchen, however a list of special diets and food substitutions was not posted. .0901(g) 542 The written feeding plan was not modified as the child's needs changed. An infant's feeding plan had not been updated to include the baby food and cereal which he is now being served per staff report. 10 NCAC 09 .0902(a) 616 Toys and other mouth-contact surfaces were not cleaned and sanitized daily when used or cleaned more frequently if visibly dirty. Several visibly dirty toys and furnishings were observed throughout the center. .2822(a)(1-4) 721 All equipment and furnishings were not in good repair. A set of plastic drawers with one broken drawer was observed in Space #4, the bottom of the manipulative shelf in Space #2 was broken, and a broken riding toy was observed in Outdoor Space #2. G.S. 110-91(6); .0601(b) A compliance letter including detailed information about how all violations have been corrected must be received by August 28, 2024. Include any supporting documentation with your response (if applicable). Your letter will be used as verification that violations have been corrected and compliance is maintained; your written response is considered a legal document so must be accurate and truthful. If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent using the email address registered with DCDEE and include your facility name and ID number. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. Technical Assistance Regarding Violations Cited Technical assistance was provided during the March 19, 2024 Routine Unannounced visit and again today regarding safety and broken equipment. For the safety of the children, you must ensure broken items are removed immediately and broken equipment is removed, repaired or made inaccessible. Today you removed the broken Cozy Coupe from Outdoor Space #2 and the broken drawers in Space #4, and stated you would try to repair or remove the broken manipulative shelf in Space #2. I urged you to remind staff to be observant and watchful when it comes to the condition of equipment and furnishings, and to let you know immediately if something needs to be repaired or removed. Technical assistance was also provided during the Routine Unannounced visit and again today regarding accessibility, amount and variety of materials in the classrooms. It was observed today that more materials were accessible in some of the activity areas in Spaces #1 and 2, however the dramatic play area in Space #2 had even less materials than before. As discussed during the Routine Unannounced visit, the dramatic play area should be equipped with pretend food and cooking materials for at least 3 children, as well as dolls, doll accessories, telephones and dress up clothes. When materials are removed from play areas for cleaning or thrown away, they should be replaced as quickly as possible to maintain compliance. Today I suggested that you utilize the Lending Library at the Columbus County Partnership for Children if needed until you can obtain some permanent materials for the areas which were lacking. I also suggested that you ask staff members to take ownership and inventory their classrooms using the Thinking More About Learning Materials worksheets from www.ncrlap.org. This may help them understand the importance of having a variety of materials in sufficient quantity accessible daily as required. Regarding nutrition rules, I reminded you today that children under 15 months of age should have written and posted feeding plans which are updated as needed when they start eating different types of foods. Today you were able to get the feeding plan for L. Wilder updated during the visit, however I urged you to check these frequently and remind parents that written instructions must be updated when feeding routines change to ensure all staff who may work in Space #1 are aware of what to feed each child. Regarding food substitutions, we discussed that Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0901 states that children's special diets or food allergies shall be posted where they can be seen in the food preparation area and in the child's eating area. This rule applies to any type of special diet, whether it is an allergy or a parent preference, where a child is supposed to be given a substitution for something on the posted menu. As many of the toys observed today were visibly dirty, I suggested you schedule a “cleaning day,” or ask staff members to pick one center per day for a week to clean the materials and furnishings during nap time, before children arrive or after children leave. Toys that cannot be cleaned and sanitized should not be used. Toys that are visibly dirty should be set aside until they are cleaned by hand with water and detergent, rinsed, sanitized, and air-dried or in a mechanical dishwasher. Today I shared with you the Program Records Checklist from the DCDEE website to assist you with knowing which items need to be posted and where. This may help after you have changed out bulletin boards or are redecorating classrooms to ensure all required postings are replaced. Today you printed and posted the Summary of NC Child Care Laws on your parent bulletin board, and stated you would refer to this checklist moving forward to maintain compliance. Technical Assistance Technical assistance was also provided today regarding installation of the recently purchased crawling tunnel. As discussed, you must ensure it is installed according to manufacturer’s instructions and that instructions are kept on file for review. You must also ensure that all requirements in Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0605 are in compliance, including a fall zone with resilient surfacing if the fall height is over 18 inches. Once you find the instructions and/or begin installation, please let me know if you have questions about any of the requirements. Today we also discussed how to handle staff records and requirements when a previous staff member returns to employment. As discussed, to ensure compliance you must treat the situation the same as if he or she were a completely new staff member, for example, making sure TB test results and physicals are less than 12 months old at the time of re-hire and renewing health and safety trainings if they are over 12 months old. Even if your policies and procedures have not changed, you should still review orientation topics as some of the Child Care Rules may have changed since the staff member worked there previously. Rated License Information The “hold harmless” state of rated license reassessments has been extended until the new Quality Rating Improvement System standards are put in place. This means that you will not be required to have a reassessment according to timelines discussed previously, however you may request one voluntarily. Today I encouraged you to review information about the new standards as it becomes available and to plan on training your staff on new assessment tools if you are interested in having the Environment Rating Scales assessments conducted in the future. The Infant Toddler Environment Rating Scale- Revised (ITERS-R) and the Early Childhood Environment Rating Scale- Revised (ECERS-R) will continue to be used until February 1, 2025. After that, the third editions of each of these scales will be used in official assessments. The School Age Care Environment Rating Scale- Updated (SACERS-U) will continue to be used for school age children. You may visit www.ncrlap.org for the latest information as well as free training and resources related to the rating scales. Regarding Education standards, I shared with you today that M. Evans still does not appear to have an account in DCDEE WORKS, and new staff member K. Thompson needs to register for an account as well. Please use the instructions emailed to you to assist staff with creating accounts and applying for evaluation. Reminders It’s time to enroll your facility in the Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids program to identify and eliminate exposure to lead and asbestos hazards in building infrastructure. This program is an expansion of Clean Water for Carolina Kids, which previously tested all child care centers in the state for lead in water at drinking and food preparation taps. As this is a legislatively mandated effort, facilities are required to meet rule requirements to have tap water tested every three years and to have inspections for lead paint and asbestos if applicable. Please see steps below: 1. Sign Up – Pre-enrollment webinars are available at cleanwaterforUSkids.org/carolina or paste https://bit.ly/3CK-webinar into your web browser to see available dates and times for the next month. 2. Enroll – At www.cleanwaterforUSkids.org/carolina using the PIN and complete the enrollment surveys for three program sections: 1) lead in water, 2) lead-based paint, and 3) asbestos. 3. Evaluate Hazards - The program will ship your facility a water sample kit and may coordinate an on-site visit by a professional to assess for lead-based paint and asbestos hazards, if needed. 4. Receive Results – Receive your results, recommendations, and water mitigation support, if needed. 5. Request Reimbursement - If you choose to conduct lead-based paint or asbestos mitigation, you can request reimbursement from NC DHHS. Visit the web site at: https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/public-health/asbestos-and-lead-based-paint-reimbursement-program-arpa You may also refer to the June 6, 2024 email blast for more information. At the end of this visit, documentation could not be completed electronically, however it was reviewed thoroughly with you. The electronic visit summary was emailed to you on August 15, 2024. Please remember it is your responsibility to comply with all child care rules and requirements at all times. If you have questions or need assistance please feel free to contact me at 910-338-7038 or amy.wangler@dhhs.nc.gov. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

10A NCAC 09 .1102 · Violation

Name of Operation: PRECIOUS MINDS LEARN N PLAY ACADEMY Facility ID: 24000163 Consultant: AMY WANGLER Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 8/14/2024 Number Present: 25 Completed Date: 8/14/2024 Age: From 0 To 12 Total Minutes: 180 Time In: 08:45 AM Time Out: 11:45 AM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of my visit was to monitor compliance with applicable child care requirements pertinent to this visit type. This facility currently operates with a Four Star License issued March 19, 2024. Restrictions on the permit include: a first shift capacity of 50 children 0-12 years of age, and meets enhanced ratios. Restrictions were in compliance today. The facility was also monitored for implementing an approved curriculum with children four years of age as required by the star rating; this program uses Creative Curriculum. The status of the corporation which owns the facility, Precious Minds Learn N Play Academy, LLC, was verified as current and active with the NC Secretary of State’s office on August 8, 2024. The last annual compliance visit was conducted September 27, 2023. A Superior sanitation rating was earned February 14, 2024, and a fire inspection was conducted June 18, 2024; the facility was approved for day time care only. Prior to the visit, the facility had an eighteen-month compliance history score of 84%. Owner/Administrator, C. Faison, was present and available for consultation today. Four indoor spaces and three outdoor spaces are approved for use by children. In Space #1, infants and children one year of age were observed in individual feeding and sleeping routines as well as play activities. Safe sleep practices including documentation were monitored and in compliance today. In Space #2, children two years of age and preschool children were observed eating a breakfast of biscuits, peaches and milk. In Space #4, school age children participated in games such as Monopoly and Uno. Next, Ms. Faison and a volunteer took three preschool children outside onto Outdoor Space #1, and the lead teacher assigned to Space #2 took children two years of age onto a separate playground. Outside, children were observed using riding and push toys as well as playing in the sand. Lunch served today consisted of baked fish, bread, mixed vegetables, pears and milk. Health and Safety training requirements as outlined in Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .1102 were monitored and in compliance today. Child Care programs are expected to always achieve and maintain compliance with child care rules, 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 following violations were observed today and must be corrected immediately: Violation Number Comment Rule 115 A summary of the NC Child Care Law was not posted in a prominent place in the center. This document was not observed posted in the center. G.S. 110-102 468 When three year old children and older were in care, the materials and equipment in the activity area was not in sufficient quantity to allow at least three children to use the area regardless of whether the children choose the same or different activities. The dramatic play area in Space #2 contained only two pieces of pretend food and one dish. .0510(d)(1) 508 Special diet or food allergy information was not posted where they can be seen in food preparation and eating areas. Milk substitutions were observed in the kitchen, however a list of special diets and food substitutions was not posted. .0901(g) 542 The written feeding plan was not modified as the child's needs changed. An infant's feeding plan had not been updated to include the baby food and cereal which he is now being served per staff report. 10 NCAC 09 .0902(a) 616 Toys and other mouth-contact surfaces were not cleaned and sanitized daily when used or cleaned more frequently if visibly dirty. Several visibly dirty toys and furnishings were observed throughout the center. .2822(a)(1-4) 721 All equipment and furnishings were not in good repair. A set of plastic drawers with one broken drawer was observed in Space #4, the bottom of the manipulative shelf in Space #2 was broken, and a broken riding toy was observed in Outdoor Space #2. G.S. 110-91(6); .0601(b) A compliance letter including detailed information about how all violations have been corrected must be received by August 28, 2024. Include any supporting documentation with your response (if applicable). Your letter will be used as verification that violations have been corrected and compliance is maintained; your written response is considered a legal document so must be accurate and truthful. If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent using the email address registered with DCDEE and include your facility name and ID number. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. Technical Assistance Regarding Violations Cited Technical assistance was provided during the March 19, 2024 Routine Unannounced visit and again today regarding safety and broken equipment. For the safety of the children, you must ensure broken items are removed immediately and broken equipment is removed, repaired or made inaccessible. Today you removed the broken Cozy Coupe from Outdoor Space #2 and the broken drawers in Space #4, and stated you would try to repair or remove the broken manipulative shelf in Space #2. I urged you to remind staff to be observant and watchful when it comes to the condition of equipment and furnishings, and to let you know immediately if something needs to be repaired or removed. Technical assistance was also provided during the Routine Unannounced visit and again today regarding accessibility, amount and variety of materials in the classrooms. It was observed today that more materials were accessible in some of the activity areas in Spaces #1 and 2, however the dramatic play area in Space #2 had even less materials than before. As discussed during the Routine Unannounced visit, the dramatic play area should be equipped with pretend food and cooking materials for at least 3 children, as well as dolls, doll accessories, telephones and dress up clothes. When materials are removed from play areas for cleaning or thrown away, they should be replaced as quickly as possible to maintain compliance. Today I suggested that you utilize the Lending Library at the Columbus County Partnership for Children if needed until you can obtain some permanent materials for the areas which were lacking. I also suggested that you ask staff members to take ownership and inventory their classrooms using the Thinking More About Learning Materials worksheets from www.ncrlap.org. This may help them understand the importance of having a variety of materials in sufficient quantity accessible daily as required. Regarding nutrition rules, I reminded you today that children under 15 months of age should have written and posted feeding plans which are updated as needed when they start eating different types of foods. Today you were able to get the feeding plan for L. Wilder updated during the visit, however I urged you to check these frequently and remind parents that written instructions must be updated when feeding routines change to ensure all staff who may work in Space #1 are aware of what to feed each child. Regarding food substitutions, we discussed that Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0901 states that children's special diets or food allergies shall be posted where they can be seen in the food preparation area and in the child's eating area. This rule applies to any type of special diet, whether it is an allergy or a parent preference, where a child is supposed to be given a substitution for something on the posted menu. As many of the toys observed today were visibly dirty, I suggested you schedule a “cleaning day,” or ask staff members to pick one center per day for a week to clean the materials and furnishings during nap time, before children arrive or after children leave. Toys that cannot be cleaned and sanitized should not be used. Toys that are visibly dirty should be set aside until they are cleaned by hand with water and detergent, rinsed, sanitized, and air-dried or in a mechanical dishwasher. Today I shared with you the Program Records Checklist from the DCDEE website to assist you with knowing which items need to be posted and where. This may help after you have changed out bulletin boards or are redecorating classrooms to ensure all required postings are replaced. Today you printed and posted the Summary of NC Child Care Laws on your parent bulletin board, and stated you would refer to this checklist moving forward to maintain compliance. Technical Assistance Technical assistance was also provided today regarding installation of the recently purchased crawling tunnel. As discussed, you must ensure it is installed according to manufacturer’s instructions and that instructions are kept on file for review. You must also ensure that all requirements in Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0605 are in compliance, including a fall zone with resilient surfacing if the fall height is over 18 inches. Once you find the instructions and/or begin installation, please let me know if you have questions about any of the requirements. Today we also discussed how to handle staff records and requirements when a previous staff member returns to employment. As discussed, to ensure compliance you must treat the situation the same as if he or she were a completely new staff member, for example, making sure TB test results and physicals are less than 12 months old at the time of re-hire and renewing health and safety trainings if they are over 12 months old. Even if your policies and procedures have not changed, you should still review orientation topics as some of the Child Care Rules may have changed since the staff member worked there previously. Rated License Information The “hold harmless” state of rated license reassessments has been extended until the new Quality Rating Improvement System standards are put in place. This means that you will not be required to have a reassessment according to timelines discussed previously, however you may request one voluntarily. Today I encouraged you to review information about the new standards as it becomes available and to plan on training your staff on new assessment tools if you are interested in having the Environment Rating Scales assessments conducted in the future. The Infant Toddler Environment Rating Scale- Revised (ITERS-R) and the Early Childhood Environment Rating Scale- Revised (ECERS-R) will continue to be used until February 1, 2025. After that, the third editions of each of these scales will be used in official assessments. The School Age Care Environment Rating Scale- Updated (SACERS-U) will continue to be used for school age children. You may visit www.ncrlap.org for the latest information as well as free training and resources related to the rating scales. Regarding Education standards, I shared with you today that M. Evans still does not appear to have an account in DCDEE WORKS, and new staff member K. Thompson needs to register for an account as well. Please use the instructions emailed to you to assist staff with creating accounts and applying for evaluation. Reminders It’s time to enroll your facility in the Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids program to identify and eliminate exposure to lead and asbestos hazards in building infrastructure. This program is an expansion of Clean Water for Carolina Kids, which previously tested all child care centers in the state for lead in water at drinking and food preparation taps. As this is a legislatively mandated effort, facilities are required to meet rule requirements to have tap water tested every three years and to have inspections for lead paint and asbestos if applicable. Please see steps below: 1. Sign Up – Pre-enrollment webinars are available at cleanwaterforUSkids.org/carolina or paste https://bit.ly/3CK-webinar into your web browser to see available dates and times for the next month. 2. Enroll – At www.cleanwaterforUSkids.org/carolina using the PIN and complete the enrollment surveys for three program sections: 1) lead in water, 2) lead-based paint, and 3) asbestos. 3. Evaluate Hazards - The program will ship your facility a water sample kit and may coordinate an on-site visit by a professional to assess for lead-based paint and asbestos hazards, if needed. 4. Receive Results – Receive your results, recommendations, and water mitigation support, if needed. 5. Request Reimbursement - If you choose to conduct lead-based paint or asbestos mitigation, you can request reimbursement from NC DHHS. Visit the web site at: https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/public-health/asbestos-and-lead-based-paint-reimbursement-program-arpa You may also refer to the June 6, 2024 email blast for more information. At the end of this visit, documentation could not be completed electronically, however it was reviewed thoroughly with you. The electronic visit summary was emailed to you on August 15, 2024. Please remember it is your responsibility to comply with all child care rules and requirements at all times. If you have questions or need assistance please feel free to contact me at 910-338-7038 or amy.wangler@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. 110-102 · Violation

Name of Operation: PRECIOUS MINDS LEARN N PLAY ACADEMY Facility ID: 24000163 Consultant: AMY WANGLER Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 8/14/2024 Number Present: 25 Completed Date: 8/14/2024 Age: From 0 To 12 Total Minutes: 180 Time In: 08:45 AM Time Out: 11:45 AM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of my visit was to monitor compliance with applicable child care requirements pertinent to this visit type. This facility currently operates with a Four Star License issued March 19, 2024. Restrictions on the permit include: a first shift capacity of 50 children 0-12 years of age, and meets enhanced ratios. Restrictions were in compliance today. The facility was also monitored for implementing an approved curriculum with children four years of age as required by the star rating; this program uses Creative Curriculum. The status of the corporation which owns the facility, Precious Minds Learn N Play Academy, LLC, was verified as current and active with the NC Secretary of State’s office on August 8, 2024. The last annual compliance visit was conducted September 27, 2023. A Superior sanitation rating was earned February 14, 2024, and a fire inspection was conducted June 18, 2024; the facility was approved for day time care only. Prior to the visit, the facility had an eighteen-month compliance history score of 84%. Owner/Administrator, C. Faison, was present and available for consultation today. Four indoor spaces and three outdoor spaces are approved for use by children. In Space #1, infants and children one year of age were observed in individual feeding and sleeping routines as well as play activities. Safe sleep practices including documentation were monitored and in compliance today. In Space #2, children two years of age and preschool children were observed eating a breakfast of biscuits, peaches and milk. In Space #4, school age children participated in games such as Monopoly and Uno. Next, Ms. Faison and a volunteer took three preschool children outside onto Outdoor Space #1, and the lead teacher assigned to Space #2 took children two years of age onto a separate playground. Outside, children were observed using riding and push toys as well as playing in the sand. Lunch served today consisted of baked fish, bread, mixed vegetables, pears and milk. Health and Safety training requirements as outlined in Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .1102 were monitored and in compliance today. Child Care programs are expected to always achieve and maintain compliance with child care rules, 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 following violations were observed today and must be corrected immediately: Violation Number Comment Rule 115 A summary of the NC Child Care Law was not posted in a prominent place in the center. This document was not observed posted in the center. G.S. 110-102 468 When three year old children and older were in care, the materials and equipment in the activity area was not in sufficient quantity to allow at least three children to use the area regardless of whether the children choose the same or different activities. The dramatic play area in Space #2 contained only two pieces of pretend food and one dish. .0510(d)(1) 508 Special diet or food allergy information was not posted where they can be seen in food preparation and eating areas. Milk substitutions were observed in the kitchen, however a list of special diets and food substitutions was not posted. .0901(g) 542 The written feeding plan was not modified as the child's needs changed. An infant's feeding plan had not been updated to include the baby food and cereal which he is now being served per staff report. 10 NCAC 09 .0902(a) 616 Toys and other mouth-contact surfaces were not cleaned and sanitized daily when used or cleaned more frequently if visibly dirty. Several visibly dirty toys and furnishings were observed throughout the center. .2822(a)(1-4) 721 All equipment and furnishings were not in good repair. A set of plastic drawers with one broken drawer was observed in Space #4, the bottom of the manipulative shelf in Space #2 was broken, and a broken riding toy was observed in Outdoor Space #2. G.S. 110-91(6); .0601(b) A compliance letter including detailed information about how all violations have been corrected must be received by August 28, 2024. Include any supporting documentation with your response (if applicable). Your letter will be used as verification that violations have been corrected and compliance is maintained; your written response is considered a legal document so must be accurate and truthful. If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent using the email address registered with DCDEE and include your facility name and ID number. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. Technical Assistance Regarding Violations Cited Technical assistance was provided during the March 19, 2024 Routine Unannounced visit and again today regarding safety and broken equipment. For the safety of the children, you must ensure broken items are removed immediately and broken equipment is removed, repaired or made inaccessible. Today you removed the broken Cozy Coupe from Outdoor Space #2 and the broken drawers in Space #4, and stated you would try to repair or remove the broken manipulative shelf in Space #2. I urged you to remind staff to be observant and watchful when it comes to the condition of equipment and furnishings, and to let you know immediately if something needs to be repaired or removed. Technical assistance was also provided during the Routine Unannounced visit and again today regarding accessibility, amount and variety of materials in the classrooms. It was observed today that more materials were accessible in some of the activity areas in Spaces #1 and 2, however the dramatic play area in Space #2 had even less materials than before. As discussed during the Routine Unannounced visit, the dramatic play area should be equipped with pretend food and cooking materials for at least 3 children, as well as dolls, doll accessories, telephones and dress up clothes. When materials are removed from play areas for cleaning or thrown away, they should be replaced as quickly as possible to maintain compliance. Today I suggested that you utilize the Lending Library at the Columbus County Partnership for Children if needed until you can obtain some permanent materials for the areas which were lacking. I also suggested that you ask staff members to take ownership and inventory their classrooms using the Thinking More About Learning Materials worksheets from www.ncrlap.org. This may help them understand the importance of having a variety of materials in sufficient quantity accessible daily as required. Regarding nutrition rules, I reminded you today that children under 15 months of age should have written and posted feeding plans which are updated as needed when they start eating different types of foods. Today you were able to get the feeding plan for L. Wilder updated during the visit, however I urged you to check these frequently and remind parents that written instructions must be updated when feeding routines change to ensure all staff who may work in Space #1 are aware of what to feed each child. Regarding food substitutions, we discussed that Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0901 states that children's special diets or food allergies shall be posted where they can be seen in the food preparation area and in the child's eating area. This rule applies to any type of special diet, whether it is an allergy or a parent preference, where a child is supposed to be given a substitution for something on the posted menu. As many of the toys observed today were visibly dirty, I suggested you schedule a “cleaning day,” or ask staff members to pick one center per day for a week to clean the materials and furnishings during nap time, before children arrive or after children leave. Toys that cannot be cleaned and sanitized should not be used. Toys that are visibly dirty should be set aside until they are cleaned by hand with water and detergent, rinsed, sanitized, and air-dried or in a mechanical dishwasher. Today I shared with you the Program Records Checklist from the DCDEE website to assist you with knowing which items need to be posted and where. This may help after you have changed out bulletin boards or are redecorating classrooms to ensure all required postings are replaced. Today you printed and posted the Summary of NC Child Care Laws on your parent bulletin board, and stated you would refer to this checklist moving forward to maintain compliance. Technical Assistance Technical assistance was also provided today regarding installation of the recently purchased crawling tunnel. As discussed, you must ensure it is installed according to manufacturer’s instructions and that instructions are kept on file for review. You must also ensure that all requirements in Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0605 are in compliance, including a fall zone with resilient surfacing if the fall height is over 18 inches. Once you find the instructions and/or begin installation, please let me know if you have questions about any of the requirements. Today we also discussed how to handle staff records and requirements when a previous staff member returns to employment. As discussed, to ensure compliance you must treat the situation the same as if he or she were a completely new staff member, for example, making sure TB test results and physicals are less than 12 months old at the time of re-hire and renewing health and safety trainings if they are over 12 months old. Even if your policies and procedures have not changed, you should still review orientation topics as some of the Child Care Rules may have changed since the staff member worked there previously. Rated License Information The “hold harmless” state of rated license reassessments has been extended until the new Quality Rating Improvement System standards are put in place. This means that you will not be required to have a reassessment according to timelines discussed previously, however you may request one voluntarily. Today I encouraged you to review information about the new standards as it becomes available and to plan on training your staff on new assessment tools if you are interested in having the Environment Rating Scales assessments conducted in the future. The Infant Toddler Environment Rating Scale- Revised (ITERS-R) and the Early Childhood Environment Rating Scale- Revised (ECERS-R) will continue to be used until February 1, 2025. After that, the third editions of each of these scales will be used in official assessments. The School Age Care Environment Rating Scale- Updated (SACERS-U) will continue to be used for school age children. You may visit www.ncrlap.org for the latest information as well as free training and resources related to the rating scales. Regarding Education standards, I shared with you today that M. Evans still does not appear to have an account in DCDEE WORKS, and new staff member K. Thompson needs to register for an account as well. Please use the instructions emailed to you to assist staff with creating accounts and applying for evaluation. Reminders It’s time to enroll your facility in the Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids program to identify and eliminate exposure to lead and asbestos hazards in building infrastructure. This program is an expansion of Clean Water for Carolina Kids, which previously tested all child care centers in the state for lead in water at drinking and food preparation taps. As this is a legislatively mandated effort, facilities are required to meet rule requirements to have tap water tested every three years and to have inspections for lead paint and asbestos if applicable. Please see steps below: 1. Sign Up – Pre-enrollment webinars are available at cleanwaterforUSkids.org/carolina or paste https://bit.ly/3CK-webinar into your web browser to see available dates and times for the next month. 2. Enroll – At www.cleanwaterforUSkids.org/carolina using the PIN and complete the enrollment surveys for three program sections: 1) lead in water, 2) lead-based paint, and 3) asbestos. 3. Evaluate Hazards - The program will ship your facility a water sample kit and may coordinate an on-site visit by a professional to assess for lead-based paint and asbestos hazards, if needed. 4. Receive Results – Receive your results, recommendations, and water mitigation support, if needed. 5. Request Reimbursement - If you choose to conduct lead-based paint or asbestos mitigation, you can request reimbursement from NC DHHS. Visit the web site at: https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/public-health/asbestos-and-lead-based-paint-reimbursement-program-arpa You may also refer to the June 6, 2024 email blast for more information. At the end of this visit, documentation could not be completed electronically, however it was reviewed thoroughly with you. The electronic visit summary was emailed to you on August 15, 2024. Please remember it is your responsibility to comply with all child care rules and requirements at all times. If you have questions or need assistance please feel free to contact me at 910-338-7038 or amy.wangler@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: PRECIOUS MINDS LEARN N PLAY ACADEMY Facility ID: 24000163 Consultant: AMY WANGLER Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 8/14/2024 Number Present: 25 Completed Date: 8/14/2024 Age: From 0 To 12 Total Minutes: 180 Time In: 08:45 AM Time Out: 11:45 AM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of my visit was to monitor compliance with applicable child care requirements pertinent to this visit type. This facility currently operates with a Four Star License issued March 19, 2024. Restrictions on the permit include: a first shift capacity of 50 children 0-12 years of age, and meets enhanced ratios. Restrictions were in compliance today. The facility was also monitored for implementing an approved curriculum with children four years of age as required by the star rating; this program uses Creative Curriculum. The status of the corporation which owns the facility, Precious Minds Learn N Play Academy, LLC, was verified as current and active with the NC Secretary of State’s office on August 8, 2024. The last annual compliance visit was conducted September 27, 2023. A Superior sanitation rating was earned February 14, 2024, and a fire inspection was conducted June 18, 2024; the facility was approved for day time care only. Prior to the visit, the facility had an eighteen-month compliance history score of 84%. Owner/Administrator, C. Faison, was present and available for consultation today. Four indoor spaces and three outdoor spaces are approved for use by children. In Space #1, infants and children one year of age were observed in individual feeding and sleeping routines as well as play activities. Safe sleep practices including documentation were monitored and in compliance today. In Space #2, children two years of age and preschool children were observed eating a breakfast of biscuits, peaches and milk. In Space #4, school age children participated in games such as Monopoly and Uno. Next, Ms. Faison and a volunteer took three preschool children outside onto Outdoor Space #1, and the lead teacher assigned to Space #2 took children two years of age onto a separate playground. Outside, children were observed using riding and push toys as well as playing in the sand. Lunch served today consisted of baked fish, bread, mixed vegetables, pears and milk. Health and Safety training requirements as outlined in Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .1102 were monitored and in compliance today. Child Care programs are expected to always achieve and maintain compliance with child care rules, 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 following violations were observed today and must be corrected immediately: Violation Number Comment Rule 115 A summary of the NC Child Care Law was not posted in a prominent place in the center. This document was not observed posted in the center. G.S. 110-102 468 When three year old children and older were in care, the materials and equipment in the activity area was not in sufficient quantity to allow at least three children to use the area regardless of whether the children choose the same or different activities. The dramatic play area in Space #2 contained only two pieces of pretend food and one dish. .0510(d)(1) 508 Special diet or food allergy information was not posted where they can be seen in food preparation and eating areas. Milk substitutions were observed in the kitchen, however a list of special diets and food substitutions was not posted. .0901(g) 542 The written feeding plan was not modified as the child's needs changed. An infant's feeding plan had not been updated to include the baby food and cereal which he is now being served per staff report. 10 NCAC 09 .0902(a) 616 Toys and other mouth-contact surfaces were not cleaned and sanitized daily when used or cleaned more frequently if visibly dirty. Several visibly dirty toys and furnishings were observed throughout the center. .2822(a)(1-4) 721 All equipment and furnishings were not in good repair. A set of plastic drawers with one broken drawer was observed in Space #4, the bottom of the manipulative shelf in Space #2 was broken, and a broken riding toy was observed in Outdoor Space #2. G.S. 110-91(6); .0601(b) A compliance letter including detailed information about how all violations have been corrected must be received by August 28, 2024. Include any supporting documentation with your response (if applicable). Your letter will be used as verification that violations have been corrected and compliance is maintained; your written response is considered a legal document so must be accurate and truthful. If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent using the email address registered with DCDEE and include your facility name and ID number. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. Technical Assistance Regarding Violations Cited Technical assistance was provided during the March 19, 2024 Routine Unannounced visit and again today regarding safety and broken equipment. For the safety of the children, you must ensure broken items are removed immediately and broken equipment is removed, repaired or made inaccessible. Today you removed the broken Cozy Coupe from Outdoor Space #2 and the broken drawers in Space #4, and stated you would try to repair or remove the broken manipulative shelf in Space #2. I urged you to remind staff to be observant and watchful when it comes to the condition of equipment and furnishings, and to let you know immediately if something needs to be repaired or removed. Technical assistance was also provided during the Routine Unannounced visit and again today regarding accessibility, amount and variety of materials in the classrooms. It was observed today that more materials were accessible in some of the activity areas in Spaces #1 and 2, however the dramatic play area in Space #2 had even less materials than before. As discussed during the Routine Unannounced visit, the dramatic play area should be equipped with pretend food and cooking materials for at least 3 children, as well as dolls, doll accessories, telephones and dress up clothes. When materials are removed from play areas for cleaning or thrown away, they should be replaced as quickly as possible to maintain compliance. Today I suggested that you utilize the Lending Library at the Columbus County Partnership for Children if needed until you can obtain some permanent materials for the areas which were lacking. I also suggested that you ask staff members to take ownership and inventory their classrooms using the Thinking More About Learning Materials worksheets from www.ncrlap.org. This may help them understand the importance of having a variety of materials in sufficient quantity accessible daily as required. Regarding nutrition rules, I reminded you today that children under 15 months of age should have written and posted feeding plans which are updated as needed when they start eating different types of foods. Today you were able to get the feeding plan for L. Wilder updated during the visit, however I urged you to check these frequently and remind parents that written instructions must be updated when feeding routines change to ensure all staff who may work in Space #1 are aware of what to feed each child. Regarding food substitutions, we discussed that Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0901 states that children's special diets or food allergies shall be posted where they can be seen in the food preparation area and in the child's eating area. This rule applies to any type of special diet, whether it is an allergy or a parent preference, where a child is supposed to be given a substitution for something on the posted menu. As many of the toys observed today were visibly dirty, I suggested you schedule a “cleaning day,” or ask staff members to pick one center per day for a week to clean the materials and furnishings during nap time, before children arrive or after children leave. Toys that cannot be cleaned and sanitized should not be used. Toys that are visibly dirty should be set aside until they are cleaned by hand with water and detergent, rinsed, sanitized, and air-dried or in a mechanical dishwasher. Today I shared with you the Program Records Checklist from the DCDEE website to assist you with knowing which items need to be posted and where. This may help after you have changed out bulletin boards or are redecorating classrooms to ensure all required postings are replaced. Today you printed and posted the Summary of NC Child Care Laws on your parent bulletin board, and stated you would refer to this checklist moving forward to maintain compliance. Technical Assistance Technical assistance was also provided today regarding installation of the recently purchased crawling tunnel. As discussed, you must ensure it is installed according to manufacturer’s instructions and that instructions are kept on file for review. You must also ensure that all requirements in Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0605 are in compliance, including a fall zone with resilient surfacing if the fall height is over 18 inches. Once you find the instructions and/or begin installation, please let me know if you have questions about any of the requirements. Today we also discussed how to handle staff records and requirements when a previous staff member returns to employment. As discussed, to ensure compliance you must treat the situation the same as if he or she were a completely new staff member, for example, making sure TB test results and physicals are less than 12 months old at the time of re-hire and renewing health and safety trainings if they are over 12 months old. Even if your policies and procedures have not changed, you should still review orientation topics as some of the Child Care Rules may have changed since the staff member worked there previously. Rated License Information The “hold harmless” state of rated license reassessments has been extended until the new Quality Rating Improvement System standards are put in place. This means that you will not be required to have a reassessment according to timelines discussed previously, however you may request one voluntarily. Today I encouraged you to review information about the new standards as it becomes available and to plan on training your staff on new assessment tools if you are interested in having the Environment Rating Scales assessments conducted in the future. The Infant Toddler Environment Rating Scale- Revised (ITERS-R) and the Early Childhood Environment Rating Scale- Revised (ECERS-R) will continue to be used until February 1, 2025. After that, the third editions of each of these scales will be used in official assessments. The School Age Care Environment Rating Scale- Updated (SACERS-U) will continue to be used for school age children. You may visit www.ncrlap.org for the latest information as well as free training and resources related to the rating scales. Regarding Education standards, I shared with you today that M. Evans still does not appear to have an account in DCDEE WORKS, and new staff member K. Thompson needs to register for an account as well. Please use the instructions emailed to you to assist staff with creating accounts and applying for evaluation. Reminders It’s time to enroll your facility in the Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids program to identify and eliminate exposure to lead and asbestos hazards in building infrastructure. This program is an expansion of Clean Water for Carolina Kids, which previously tested all child care centers in the state for lead in water at drinking and food preparation taps. As this is a legislatively mandated effort, facilities are required to meet rule requirements to have tap water tested every three years and to have inspections for lead paint and asbestos if applicable. Please see steps below: 1. Sign Up – Pre-enrollment webinars are available at cleanwaterforUSkids.org/carolina or paste https://bit.ly/3CK-webinar into your web browser to see available dates and times for the next month. 2. Enroll – At www.cleanwaterforUSkids.org/carolina using the PIN and complete the enrollment surveys for three program sections: 1) lead in water, 2) lead-based paint, and 3) asbestos. 3. Evaluate Hazards - The program will ship your facility a water sample kit and may coordinate an on-site visit by a professional to assess for lead-based paint and asbestos hazards, if needed. 4. Receive Results – Receive your results, recommendations, and water mitigation support, if needed. 5. Request Reimbursement - If you choose to conduct lead-based paint or asbestos mitigation, you can request reimbursement from NC DHHS. Visit the web site at: https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/public-health/asbestos-and-lead-based-paint-reimbursement-program-arpa You may also refer to the June 6, 2024 email blast for more information. At the end of this visit, documentation could not be completed electronically, however it was reviewed thoroughly with you. The electronic visit summary was emailed to you on August 15, 2024. Please remember it is your responsibility to comply with all child care rules and requirements at all times. If you have questions or need assistance please feel free to contact me at 910-338-7038 or amy.wangler@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: PRECIOUS MINDS LEARN N PLAY ACADEMY Facility ID: 24000163 Consultant: AMY WANGLER Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 8/14/2024 Number Present: 25 Completed Date: 8/14/2024 Age: From 0 To 12 Total Minutes: 180 Time In: 08:45 AM Time Out: 11:45 AM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of my visit was to monitor compliance with applicable child care requirements pertinent to this visit type. This facility currently operates with a Four Star License issued March 19, 2024. Restrictions on the permit include: a first shift capacity of 50 children 0-12 years of age, and meets enhanced ratios. Restrictions were in compliance today. The facility was also monitored for implementing an approved curriculum with children four years of age as required by the star rating; this program uses Creative Curriculum. The status of the corporation which owns the facility, Precious Minds Learn N Play Academy, LLC, was verified as current and active with the NC Secretary of State’s office on August 8, 2024. The last annual compliance visit was conducted September 27, 2023. A Superior sanitation rating was earned February 14, 2024, and a fire inspection was conducted June 18, 2024; the facility was approved for day time care only. Prior to the visit, the facility had an eighteen-month compliance history score of 84%. Owner/Administrator, C. Faison, was present and available for consultation today. Four indoor spaces and three outdoor spaces are approved for use by children. In Space #1, infants and children one year of age were observed in individual feeding and sleeping routines as well as play activities. Safe sleep practices including documentation were monitored and in compliance today. In Space #2, children two years of age and preschool children were observed eating a breakfast of biscuits, peaches and milk. In Space #4, school age children participated in games such as Monopoly and Uno. Next, Ms. Faison and a volunteer took three preschool children outside onto Outdoor Space #1, and the lead teacher assigned to Space #2 took children two years of age onto a separate playground. Outside, children were observed using riding and push toys as well as playing in the sand. Lunch served today consisted of baked fish, bread, mixed vegetables, pears and milk. Health and Safety training requirements as outlined in Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .1102 were monitored and in compliance today. Child Care programs are expected to always achieve and maintain compliance with child care rules, 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 following violations were observed today and must be corrected immediately: Violation Number Comment Rule 115 A summary of the NC Child Care Law was not posted in a prominent place in the center. This document was not observed posted in the center. G.S. 110-102 468 When three year old children and older were in care, the materials and equipment in the activity area was not in sufficient quantity to allow at least three children to use the area regardless of whether the children choose the same or different activities. The dramatic play area in Space #2 contained only two pieces of pretend food and one dish. .0510(d)(1) 508 Special diet or food allergy information was not posted where they can be seen in food preparation and eating areas. Milk substitutions were observed in the kitchen, however a list of special diets and food substitutions was not posted. .0901(g) 542 The written feeding plan was not modified as the child's needs changed. An infant's feeding plan had not been updated to include the baby food and cereal which he is now being served per staff report. 10 NCAC 09 .0902(a) 616 Toys and other mouth-contact surfaces were not cleaned and sanitized daily when used or cleaned more frequently if visibly dirty. Several visibly dirty toys and furnishings were observed throughout the center. .2822(a)(1-4) 721 All equipment and furnishings were not in good repair. A set of plastic drawers with one broken drawer was observed in Space #4, the bottom of the manipulative shelf in Space #2 was broken, and a broken riding toy was observed in Outdoor Space #2. G.S. 110-91(6); .0601(b) A compliance letter including detailed information about how all violations have been corrected must be received by August 28, 2024. Include any supporting documentation with your response (if applicable). Your letter will be used as verification that violations have been corrected and compliance is maintained; your written response is considered a legal document so must be accurate and truthful. If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent using the email address registered with DCDEE and include your facility name and ID number. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. Technical Assistance Regarding Violations Cited Technical assistance was provided during the March 19, 2024 Routine Unannounced visit and again today regarding safety and broken equipment. For the safety of the children, you must ensure broken items are removed immediately and broken equipment is removed, repaired or made inaccessible. Today you removed the broken Cozy Coupe from Outdoor Space #2 and the broken drawers in Space #4, and stated you would try to repair or remove the broken manipulative shelf in Space #2. I urged you to remind staff to be observant and watchful when it comes to the condition of equipment and furnishings, and to let you know immediately if something needs to be repaired or removed. Technical assistance was also provided during the Routine Unannounced visit and again today regarding accessibility, amount and variety of materials in the classrooms. It was observed today that more materials were accessible in some of the activity areas in Spaces #1 and 2, however the dramatic play area in Space #2 had even less materials than before. As discussed during the Routine Unannounced visit, the dramatic play area should be equipped with pretend food and cooking materials for at least 3 children, as well as dolls, doll accessories, telephones and dress up clothes. When materials are removed from play areas for cleaning or thrown away, they should be replaced as quickly as possible to maintain compliance. Today I suggested that you utilize the Lending Library at the Columbus County Partnership for Children if needed until you can obtain some permanent materials for the areas which were lacking. I also suggested that you ask staff members to take ownership and inventory their classrooms using the Thinking More About Learning Materials worksheets from www.ncrlap.org. This may help them understand the importance of having a variety of materials in sufficient quantity accessible daily as required. Regarding nutrition rules, I reminded you today that children under 15 months of age should have written and posted feeding plans which are updated as needed when they start eating different types of foods. Today you were able to get the feeding plan for L. Wilder updated during the visit, however I urged you to check these frequently and remind parents that written instructions must be updated when feeding routines change to ensure all staff who may work in Space #1 are aware of what to feed each child. Regarding food substitutions, we discussed that Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0901 states that children's special diets or food allergies shall be posted where they can be seen in the food preparation area and in the child's eating area. This rule applies to any type of special diet, whether it is an allergy or a parent preference, where a child is supposed to be given a substitution for something on the posted menu. As many of the toys observed today were visibly dirty, I suggested you schedule a “cleaning day,” or ask staff members to pick one center per day for a week to clean the materials and furnishings during nap time, before children arrive or after children leave. Toys that cannot be cleaned and sanitized should not be used. Toys that are visibly dirty should be set aside until they are cleaned by hand with water and detergent, rinsed, sanitized, and air-dried or in a mechanical dishwasher. Today I shared with you the Program Records Checklist from the DCDEE website to assist you with knowing which items need to be posted and where. This may help after you have changed out bulletin boards or are redecorating classrooms to ensure all required postings are replaced. Today you printed and posted the Summary of NC Child Care Laws on your parent bulletin board, and stated you would refer to this checklist moving forward to maintain compliance. Technical Assistance Technical assistance was also provided today regarding installation of the recently purchased crawling tunnel. As discussed, you must ensure it is installed according to manufacturer’s instructions and that instructions are kept on file for review. You must also ensure that all requirements in Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0605 are in compliance, including a fall zone with resilient surfacing if the fall height is over 18 inches. Once you find the instructions and/or begin installation, please let me know if you have questions about any of the requirements. Today we also discussed how to handle staff records and requirements when a previous staff member returns to employment. As discussed, to ensure compliance you must treat the situation the same as if he or she were a completely new staff member, for example, making sure TB test results and physicals are less than 12 months old at the time of re-hire and renewing health and safety trainings if they are over 12 months old. Even if your policies and procedures have not changed, you should still review orientation topics as some of the Child Care Rules may have changed since the staff member worked there previously. Rated License Information The “hold harmless” state of rated license reassessments has been extended until the new Quality Rating Improvement System standards are put in place. This means that you will not be required to have a reassessment according to timelines discussed previously, however you may request one voluntarily. Today I encouraged you to review information about the new standards as it becomes available and to plan on training your staff on new assessment tools if you are interested in having the Environment Rating Scales assessments conducted in the future. The Infant Toddler Environment Rating Scale- Revised (ITERS-R) and the Early Childhood Environment Rating Scale- Revised (ECERS-R) will continue to be used until February 1, 2025. After that, the third editions of each of these scales will be used in official assessments. The School Age Care Environment Rating Scale- Updated (SACERS-U) will continue to be used for school age children. You may visit www.ncrlap.org for the latest information as well as free training and resources related to the rating scales. Regarding Education standards, I shared with you today that M. Evans still does not appear to have an account in DCDEE WORKS, and new staff member K. Thompson needs to register for an account as well. Please use the instructions emailed to you to assist staff with creating accounts and applying for evaluation. Reminders It’s time to enroll your facility in the Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids program to identify and eliminate exposure to lead and asbestos hazards in building infrastructure. This program is an expansion of Clean Water for Carolina Kids, which previously tested all child care centers in the state for lead in water at drinking and food preparation taps. As this is a legislatively mandated effort, facilities are required to meet rule requirements to have tap water tested every three years and to have inspections for lead paint and asbestos if applicable. Please see steps below: 1. Sign Up – Pre-enrollment webinars are available at cleanwaterforUSkids.org/carolina or paste https://bit.ly/3CK-webinar into your web browser to see available dates and times for the next month. 2. Enroll – At www.cleanwaterforUSkids.org/carolina using the PIN and complete the enrollment surveys for three program sections: 1) lead in water, 2) lead-based paint, and 3) asbestos. 3. Evaluate Hazards - The program will ship your facility a water sample kit and may coordinate an on-site visit by a professional to assess for lead-based paint and asbestos hazards, if needed. 4. Receive Results – Receive your results, recommendations, and water mitigation support, if needed. 5. Request Reimbursement - If you choose to conduct lead-based paint or asbestos mitigation, you can request reimbursement from NC DHHS. Visit the web site at: https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/public-health/asbestos-and-lead-based-paint-reimbursement-program-arpa You may also refer to the June 6, 2024 email blast for more information. At the end of this visit, documentation could not be completed electronically, however it was reviewed thoroughly with you. The electronic visit summary was emailed to you on August 15, 2024. Please remember it is your responsibility to comply with all child care rules and requirements at all times. If you have questions or need assistance please feel free to contact me at 910-338-7038 or amy.wangler@dhhs.nc.gov. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

10A NCAC 09 .0605 · Violation

Name of Operation: PRECIOUS MINDS LEARN N PLAY ACADEMY Facility ID: 24000163 Consultant: AMY WANGLER Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 3/19/2024 Number Present: 16 Completed Date: 3/19/2024 Age: From 0 To 4 Total Minutes: 205 Time In: 10:05 AM Time Out: 01:30 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Routine Unannounced Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of my visit was to monitor compliance with applicable child care requirements pertinent to this visit type. This facility currently operates with a Four Star License issued October 11, 2022. Restrictions on the permit include: a first shift capacity of 50 children 0-12 years of age, and meets enhanced ratios. Restrictions were in compliance today. The status of the corporation which owns the facility, Precious Minds Learn N Play Academy, LLC, was verified as current and active with the NC Secretary of State’s office on March 18, 2024. The last annual compliance visit was conducted September 27, 2023. A Superior sanitation rating was earned February 14, 2024, and a fire inspection was conducted June 22, 2023; the facility was approved for day time care only. Prior to the visit, the facility had an eighteen-month compliance history score of 85%. Owner/Administrator, C. Faison, was present and available for consultation today. Four indoor spaces and three outdoor spaces are approved for use by children. In Space #1, one infant was observed sleeping in a bassinet with a blanket. The staff member assigned to this space stated she had not yet created a safe sleep chart to document visual sleep checks for the current week, however she was observed using a digital timer to remind her to conduct sleep checks. Children one year of age in this space were observed in individual feeding routines and play activities. At 10:45 A.M., a second staff member came into the room to take the children who were awake to the fenced in playground right outside the door. Preschool children enrolled in Space #3 were observed on the same playground, going for wagon rides, using riding toys and using the climber. A new balance beam has been installed since the last visit, and the height was measured at 23 inches today. In Space #2, children two years of age were observed in diaper changing routines as well as waiting at the table for lunch to be served. Staff members were observed assisting children with hand washing routines prior to lunch, which consisted of beef and vegetable soup, whole grain crackers, pears and milk. After lunch, children one through four years of age transitioned to rest time routines. They rested on appropriately spaced cots with individual linens, and lights were dimmed. No new staff members have been hired since the Annual Compliance visit, however a new volunteer started in February 2024. Her file was monitored and in compliance today. It was also discussed that the facility’s address had been entered into the Regulatory database incorrectly, therefore a new permit will be issued with the correct spelling of the street name. Ms. Faison also submitted a new Legal Designee form today. Child Care programs are expected to always achieve and maintain compliance with child care rules, 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 following violations were observed today and must be corrected immediately: Violation Number Comment Rule 705 Equipment and furnishings were not sturdy, stable and free of hazards. A broken see saw was observed on the playground used by school age children. .0601(c) 716 All stationary equipment, more than 18 inches high, was not installed over protective surfacing. A balance beam with a fall height of 23 inches was installed over grass rather than protective surfacing on the playground used by infants, toddlers and preschool children. .0605(j) 842 A drug or medication was administered without written authorization and/or instructions from a child's parent or authorized health professional. A caregiver in Space #2 was observed using Endit diaper cream on a child for which it's use had not been authorized in writing. 10A NCAC 09 .0803(1)(a & b) 844 Prescribed medicine was not in original labeled container or accompanied by signed and dated written instructions from prescribing physician or health care professional. A tube of prescription diaper cream was observed without the original container or pharmacy label in Space #2. REPEATED .0803(2)(a) 847 Parent's medication authorization did not include required information. Three medications were observed in Space #1 without written instructions or authorization. In addition, a prescription diaper cream was observed in Space #2 without correct instructions. REPEATED 10A NCAC 09 .0803(4)(6-9) 871 Center staff did not comply with the safe sleep policy. A blanket was observed in the sleep space with a sleeping infant in Space #1. The facility's safe sleep policy prohibits blankets. 10A NCAC 09 .0606(a) 887 Caregivers did not document compliance with visually checking on sleeping infants aged 12 months or younger and/or the documents were not maintained for a minimum of one month. Safe sleep checks were not documented for an infant observed asleep for at least 45 minutes today.REPEATED .0606(g) A compliance letter including detailed information about how all violations have been corrected must be received by April 2, 2024. Include any supporting documentation with your response (if applicable). Your letter will be used as verification that violations have been corrected and compliance is maintained; your written response is considered a legal document so must be accurate and truthful. If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent using the email address registered with DCDEE and include your facility name and ID number. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. Technical Assistance Regarding Violations Cited Technical assistance was provided during the Annual Compliance visit regarding medication requirements. As discussed then and again today, all medications including topical ointments, over the counter medications and prescriptions must be accompanied by written authorizations from parents with complete instructions for administration. Prescription medications must also be in the original container with the pharmacy label attached. I provided technical assistance again today on the different types of medication permission forms and how to ensure they are filled out completely. As discussed, there is one form for topical ointments and one form for all other types of medication. Topical ointments do not require a record of administration, however all other types of medication do. I strongly urged you today to review medication requirements with your staff, and suggested you develop a plan to check the classroom medicine boxes on a regular basis to ensure all requirements are being met. Please include not only how you corrected violations cited today, but your plan for ensuring compliance moving forward in your compliance letter. Technical assistance was also provided during the Routine Unannounced visit April 20, 2023 and again today regarding safe sleep practices. As discussed, following your facility’s safe sleep policy and ensuring safe sleep checks are conducted at least every fifteen minutes is critical to the health and safety of infants in your care and should be of the highest priority. While staff did make some adjustments following the April visit, it appeared today that they were not following through. As I did in April, I strongly urged you again today to conduct frequent observations and random “checks” for compliance with all safe sleep practices, including visually checking infants and documenting the checks as required. When staff are not following the policy, holding them accountable by having consequences which may assist with further compliance. Today we also discussed outdoor safety requirements. For the safety of the children, you must ensure broken items are removed daily and broken equipment is removed, repaired or made inaccessible. When installing new equipment, you are responsible for ensuring all requirements in Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0605 are in compliance. Today you removed the broken see saw from the playground, and made the new balance beam inaccessible using caution tape. You stated you will either add a fall zone with resilient surfacing to the balance beam or bury it further into the ground so the fall height will be less than 18 inches. Please let me know your plan for permanent compliance in your compliance letter. Technical Assistance Please be aware violations were not cited today due to the visit type, however items mentioned below may warrant violations at a different type of visit: Technical assistance was also provided today regarding accessibility, amount and variety of materials in Spaces #1, 2 and 4. As discussed, when materials are removed from play areas for cleaning or sanitizing, they should be returned to play areas as soon as possible to allow children to use them during play. Each child care center shall make four of the following activity areas available daily: art and other creative play, children's books, blocks and block building, manipulatives, and family living and dramatic play. In Space #2, an art center should be available with items such as paper, crayons, paint brushes and paint, playdoh, markers, stencils, etc. The dramatic play area should be equipped with pretend food and cooking materials for at least 3 children, as well as dolls, doll accessories and dress up clothes. Manipulatives such as linking toys and connecting blocks should be stored separately from the block area. The block area should contain only blocks and block accessories such as small people, vehicles and animals. Regarding Space #4, Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .2508 states that facilities that operate a school-age component for more than three hours per day shall make four of the following activities available daily: (1) career development activities; (2) community awareness activities; (3) creative arts activities; (4) cultural activities; (5) games or manipulatives; (6) hands-on academic enrichment activities including language, math, science, social studies, or foreign language activities; (7) health education or wellness activities; (8) homework with assistance available as needed from center personnel; (9) reading activities; (10) sand or water play; (11) social skills, life skills or problem-solving activities; (12) structured or unstructured physical activities; or (13) technology skill-building activities. Materials available should support the chosen activity types, and lesson plans should reflect the variety of activities offered. Materials and equipment in an activity area shall be in sufficient quantity to allow at least three children to use the area regardless of whether the children choose the same or different activities. Today I suggested using the Thinking More About Learning Materials worksheets from www.ncrlap.org to assist with classroom inventory and ideas of additional materials you could provide. Today we also discussed nutrition and sanitation requirements in Space #1. As discussed, children must be held for bottle feeding or placed in a feeding apparatus such as a high chair. Bottles may not be served in cribs. You must also ensure juice is not served to any child regardless of age in excess of 6 ounces per day. Regarding milk alternatives provided by parents, we reviewed a new sanitation rule which states, “Specialty bulk milk that is sent from home for consumption by a child while at the child care center may be stored when the child's parent or guardian provides written permission and the specialty bulk milk is sent to the child care center at the beginning of each week unopened, labeled with the date received by the child care center, and labeled with the name of the child to whom the bulk specialty milk belongs. Any remaining bulk specialty milk shall be sent home at the end of the week with the child to whom the bulk specialty milk belongs.” You may review sanitation rule 15A NCAC 18A .2806 for more information. Technical assistance was also provided today regarding screen time requirements. As discussed in Space #3, if you choose to provide screen time, you must ensure that it is used to meet a developmental goal, that it is limited to 30 minutes per day, the time is documented on a log or activity plan, and that free choice activities are offered for children not participating. Alternative transition activities such as dancing to recorded music or reading books quietly on the carpet were also suggested today. Rated License Information As discussed during the Annual Compliance visit, your program was assigned to “Cohort 3” in the “cohort model” of resuming rated license reassessments. 7/1/25-6/30/26 will be your “planning/preparation” year, and your next reassessment will be required between 7/1/26-6/30/27. Today we discussed the options of having your reassessment without the Environment Rating Scales (ERS), which would require you to maintain seven points in Education to keep your Four Star rating, or requesting the ERS to try to increase your Program Standards points. While you think about which option may be best for you, you may review all of the ERS resources available at www.ncrlap.org/resources. NCRLAP outreach assessments are also being offered free of charge if you wish to “practice.” You may also wish to contact technical assistance specialists with the Columbus County Partnership for Children and Region 4 CCR&R to help you with mock assessments. In addition, you will have the option to request ERS assessments free of charge during your planning year, or you may wait until your reassessment year. There is also a possibility that the way points are earned will be different by the time your assessment is due. I will be in touch with more information as it becomes available, and as your planning year approaches. Regarding Education standards, I shared with you today that M. Evans still does not appear to have an account in DCDEE WORKS. Keep in mind, Education points will be evaluated during the rated license reassessment process, so you must ensure all staff members have current information in WORKS. Today we reviewed requirements for seven points, including that all lead teachers must have the North Carolina Early Childhood Credential (NCECC) or Equivalency and that 50% of them must have an Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education (ECE) with two years of experience. Regarding assistant teachers, 50% of them must have the NCECC plus 6 semester hours of ECE coursework and two years of experience. Please let me know if you need assistance with the WORKS portal. Reminders Due to the nature of violations cited, a follow up visit may be conducted in the near future to verify compliance. Please be aware repeated violations or a compliance history score below 75% may result in Administrative Action against your facility's license. You must schedule and obtain an approved fire inspection by June 22, 2024. Remember to send a copy within one week as required. Child Care Rules were revised January 1, 2024, and a new rule book was posted to the DCDEE website. As discussed, you should discard any old versions of the rules and ensure you are referring to the most current rule book when reviewing or researching requirements. Training modules on the new rules are now available in Moodle under the Child Care Rule Rollout section. For more information regarding the “cohort model” of resuming rated license reassessments, and opportunities for training and technical assistance as you prepare for a reassessment, you may visit https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Licensing/Star-Rated-License/Resuming-Star-Rated-License. It’s time to enroll your facility in the Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids program to identify and eliminate exposure to lead and asbestos hazards in building infrastructure. This program is an expansion of Clean Water for Carolina Kids, which previously tested all child care centers in the state for lead in water at drinking and food preparation taps. As this is a legislatively mandated effort, facilities are required to meet rule requirements to have tap water tested every three years and to have inspections for lead paint and asbestos if applicable. Please see steps below: 1. Sign Up – Pre-enrollment webinars are available at cleanwaterforUSkids.org/carolina or paste https://bit.ly/3CK-webinar into your web browser to see available dates and times for the next month. 2. Enroll – At www.cleanwaterforUSkids.org/carolina using the PIN and complete the enrollment surveys for three program sections: 1) lead in water, 2) lead-based paint, and 3) asbestos. 3. Evaluate Hazards - The program will ship your facility a water sample kit and may coordinate an on-site visit by a professional to assess for lead-based paint and asbestos hazards, if needed. 4. Receive Results – Receive your results, recommendations, and water mitigation support, if needed. 5. Request Reimbursement - If you choose to conduct lead-based paint or asbestos mitigation, you can request reimbursement from NC DHHS. Visit the web site at: https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/public-health/asbestos-and-lead-based-paint-reimbursement-program-arpa At the end of this visit, documentation was completed electronically, printed and reviewed with you. Please remember it is your responsibility to comply with all child care rules and requirements at all times. If you have questions or need assistance please feel free to contact me at 910-338-7038 or amy.wangler@dhhs.nc.gov. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

Open Not marked corrected in the state record

Category: ratio. Open / not marked corrected.

10A NCAC 09 .0606 · Violation

Name of Operation: PRECIOUS MINDS LEARN N PLAY ACADEMY Facility ID: 24000163 Consultant: AMY WANGLER Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 3/19/2024 Number Present: 16 Completed Date: 3/19/2024 Age: From 0 To 4 Total Minutes: 205 Time In: 10:05 AM Time Out: 01:30 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Routine Unannounced Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of my visit was to monitor compliance with applicable child care requirements pertinent to this visit type. This facility currently operates with a Four Star License issued October 11, 2022. Restrictions on the permit include: a first shift capacity of 50 children 0-12 years of age, and meets enhanced ratios. Restrictions were in compliance today. The status of the corporation which owns the facility, Precious Minds Learn N Play Academy, LLC, was verified as current and active with the NC Secretary of State’s office on March 18, 2024. The last annual compliance visit was conducted September 27, 2023. A Superior sanitation rating was earned February 14, 2024, and a fire inspection was conducted June 22, 2023; the facility was approved for day time care only. Prior to the visit, the facility had an eighteen-month compliance history score of 85%. Owner/Administrator, C. Faison, was present and available for consultation today. Four indoor spaces and three outdoor spaces are approved for use by children. In Space #1, one infant was observed sleeping in a bassinet with a blanket. The staff member assigned to this space stated she had not yet created a safe sleep chart to document visual sleep checks for the current week, however she was observed using a digital timer to remind her to conduct sleep checks. Children one year of age in this space were observed in individual feeding routines and play activities. At 10:45 A.M., a second staff member came into the room to take the children who were awake to the fenced in playground right outside the door. Preschool children enrolled in Space #3 were observed on the same playground, going for wagon rides, using riding toys and using the climber. A new balance beam has been installed since the last visit, and the height was measured at 23 inches today. In Space #2, children two years of age were observed in diaper changing routines as well as waiting at the table for lunch to be served. Staff members were observed assisting children with hand washing routines prior to lunch, which consisted of beef and vegetable soup, whole grain crackers, pears and milk. After lunch, children one through four years of age transitioned to rest time routines. They rested on appropriately spaced cots with individual linens, and lights were dimmed. No new staff members have been hired since the Annual Compliance visit, however a new volunteer started in February 2024. Her file was monitored and in compliance today. It was also discussed that the facility’s address had been entered into the Regulatory database incorrectly, therefore a new permit will be issued with the correct spelling of the street name. Ms. Faison also submitted a new Legal Designee form today. Child Care programs are expected to always achieve and maintain compliance with child care rules, 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 following violations were observed today and must be corrected immediately: Violation Number Comment Rule 705 Equipment and furnishings were not sturdy, stable and free of hazards. A broken see saw was observed on the playground used by school age children. .0601(c) 716 All stationary equipment, more than 18 inches high, was not installed over protective surfacing. A balance beam with a fall height of 23 inches was installed over grass rather than protective surfacing on the playground used by infants, toddlers and preschool children. .0605(j) 842 A drug or medication was administered without written authorization and/or instructions from a child's parent or authorized health professional. A caregiver in Space #2 was observed using Endit diaper cream on a child for which it's use had not been authorized in writing. 10A NCAC 09 .0803(1)(a & b) 844 Prescribed medicine was not in original labeled container or accompanied by signed and dated written instructions from prescribing physician or health care professional. A tube of prescription diaper cream was observed without the original container or pharmacy label in Space #2. REPEATED .0803(2)(a) 847 Parent's medication authorization did not include required information. Three medications were observed in Space #1 without written instructions or authorization. In addition, a prescription diaper cream was observed in Space #2 without correct instructions. REPEATED 10A NCAC 09 .0803(4)(6-9) 871 Center staff did not comply with the safe sleep policy. A blanket was observed in the sleep space with a sleeping infant in Space #1. The facility's safe sleep policy prohibits blankets. 10A NCAC 09 .0606(a) 887 Caregivers did not document compliance with visually checking on sleeping infants aged 12 months or younger and/or the documents were not maintained for a minimum of one month. Safe sleep checks were not documented for an infant observed asleep for at least 45 minutes today.REPEATED .0606(g) A compliance letter including detailed information about how all violations have been corrected must be received by April 2, 2024. Include any supporting documentation with your response (if applicable). Your letter will be used as verification that violations have been corrected and compliance is maintained; your written response is considered a legal document so must be accurate and truthful. If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent using the email address registered with DCDEE and include your facility name and ID number. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. Technical Assistance Regarding Violations Cited Technical assistance was provided during the Annual Compliance visit regarding medication requirements. As discussed then and again today, all medications including topical ointments, over the counter medications and prescriptions must be accompanied by written authorizations from parents with complete instructions for administration. Prescription medications must also be in the original container with the pharmacy label attached. I provided technical assistance again today on the different types of medication permission forms and how to ensure they are filled out completely. As discussed, there is one form for topical ointments and one form for all other types of medication. Topical ointments do not require a record of administration, however all other types of medication do. I strongly urged you today to review medication requirements with your staff, and suggested you develop a plan to check the classroom medicine boxes on a regular basis to ensure all requirements are being met. Please include not only how you corrected violations cited today, but your plan for ensuring compliance moving forward in your compliance letter. Technical assistance was also provided during the Routine Unannounced visit April 20, 2023 and again today regarding safe sleep practices. As discussed, following your facility’s safe sleep policy and ensuring safe sleep checks are conducted at least every fifteen minutes is critical to the health and safety of infants in your care and should be of the highest priority. While staff did make some adjustments following the April visit, it appeared today that they were not following through. As I did in April, I strongly urged you again today to conduct frequent observations and random “checks” for compliance with all safe sleep practices, including visually checking infants and documenting the checks as required. When staff are not following the policy, holding them accountable by having consequences which may assist with further compliance. Today we also discussed outdoor safety requirements. For the safety of the children, you must ensure broken items are removed daily and broken equipment is removed, repaired or made inaccessible. When installing new equipment, you are responsible for ensuring all requirements in Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0605 are in compliance. Today you removed the broken see saw from the playground, and made the new balance beam inaccessible using caution tape. You stated you will either add a fall zone with resilient surfacing to the balance beam or bury it further into the ground so the fall height will be less than 18 inches. Please let me know your plan for permanent compliance in your compliance letter. Technical Assistance Please be aware violations were not cited today due to the visit type, however items mentioned below may warrant violations at a different type of visit: Technical assistance was also provided today regarding accessibility, amount and variety of materials in Spaces #1, 2 and 4. As discussed, when materials are removed from play areas for cleaning or sanitizing, they should be returned to play areas as soon as possible to allow children to use them during play. Each child care center shall make four of the following activity areas available daily: art and other creative play, children's books, blocks and block building, manipulatives, and family living and dramatic play. In Space #2, an art center should be available with items such as paper, crayons, paint brushes and paint, playdoh, markers, stencils, etc. The dramatic play area should be equipped with pretend food and cooking materials for at least 3 children, as well as dolls, doll accessories and dress up clothes. Manipulatives such as linking toys and connecting blocks should be stored separately from the block area. The block area should contain only blocks and block accessories such as small people, vehicles and animals. Regarding Space #4, Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .2508 states that facilities that operate a school-age component for more than three hours per day shall make four of the following activities available daily: (1) career development activities; (2) community awareness activities; (3) creative arts activities; (4) cultural activities; (5) games or manipulatives; (6) hands-on academic enrichment activities including language, math, science, social studies, or foreign language activities; (7) health education or wellness activities; (8) homework with assistance available as needed from center personnel; (9) reading activities; (10) sand or water play; (11) social skills, life skills or problem-solving activities; (12) structured or unstructured physical activities; or (13) technology skill-building activities. Materials available should support the chosen activity types, and lesson plans should reflect the variety of activities offered. Materials and equipment in an activity area shall be in sufficient quantity to allow at least three children to use the area regardless of whether the children choose the same or different activities. Today I suggested using the Thinking More About Learning Materials worksheets from www.ncrlap.org to assist with classroom inventory and ideas of additional materials you could provide. Today we also discussed nutrition and sanitation requirements in Space #1. As discussed, children must be held for bottle feeding or placed in a feeding apparatus such as a high chair. Bottles may not be served in cribs. You must also ensure juice is not served to any child regardless of age in excess of 6 ounces per day. Regarding milk alternatives provided by parents, we reviewed a new sanitation rule which states, “Specialty bulk milk that is sent from home for consumption by a child while at the child care center may be stored when the child's parent or guardian provides written permission and the specialty bulk milk is sent to the child care center at the beginning of each week unopened, labeled with the date received by the child care center, and labeled with the name of the child to whom the bulk specialty milk belongs. Any remaining bulk specialty milk shall be sent home at the end of the week with the child to whom the bulk specialty milk belongs.” You may review sanitation rule 15A NCAC 18A .2806 for more information. Technical assistance was also provided today regarding screen time requirements. As discussed in Space #3, if you choose to provide screen time, you must ensure that it is used to meet a developmental goal, that it is limited to 30 minutes per day, the time is documented on a log or activity plan, and that free choice activities are offered for children not participating. Alternative transition activities such as dancing to recorded music or reading books quietly on the carpet were also suggested today. Rated License Information As discussed during the Annual Compliance visit, your program was assigned to “Cohort 3” in the “cohort model” of resuming rated license reassessments. 7/1/25-6/30/26 will be your “planning/preparation” year, and your next reassessment will be required between 7/1/26-6/30/27. Today we discussed the options of having your reassessment without the Environment Rating Scales (ERS), which would require you to maintain seven points in Education to keep your Four Star rating, or requesting the ERS to try to increase your Program Standards points. While you think about which option may be best for you, you may review all of the ERS resources available at www.ncrlap.org/resources. NCRLAP outreach assessments are also being offered free of charge if you wish to “practice.” You may also wish to contact technical assistance specialists with the Columbus County Partnership for Children and Region 4 CCR&R to help you with mock assessments. In addition, you will have the option to request ERS assessments free of charge during your planning year, or you may wait until your reassessment year. There is also a possibility that the way points are earned will be different by the time your assessment is due. I will be in touch with more information as it becomes available, and as your planning year approaches. Regarding Education standards, I shared with you today that M. Evans still does not appear to have an account in DCDEE WORKS. Keep in mind, Education points will be evaluated during the rated license reassessment process, so you must ensure all staff members have current information in WORKS. Today we reviewed requirements for seven points, including that all lead teachers must have the North Carolina Early Childhood Credential (NCECC) or Equivalency and that 50% of them must have an Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education (ECE) with two years of experience. Regarding assistant teachers, 50% of them must have the NCECC plus 6 semester hours of ECE coursework and two years of experience. Please let me know if you need assistance with the WORKS portal. Reminders Due to the nature of violations cited, a follow up visit may be conducted in the near future to verify compliance. Please be aware repeated violations or a compliance history score below 75% may result in Administrative Action against your facility's license. You must schedule and obtain an approved fire inspection by June 22, 2024. Remember to send a copy within one week as required. Child Care Rules were revised January 1, 2024, and a new rule book was posted to the DCDEE website. As discussed, you should discard any old versions of the rules and ensure you are referring to the most current rule book when reviewing or researching requirements. Training modules on the new rules are now available in Moodle under the Child Care Rule Rollout section. For more information regarding the “cohort model” of resuming rated license reassessments, and opportunities for training and technical assistance as you prepare for a reassessment, you may visit https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Licensing/Star-Rated-License/Resuming-Star-Rated-License. It’s time to enroll your facility in the Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids program to identify and eliminate exposure to lead and asbestos hazards in building infrastructure. This program is an expansion of Clean Water for Carolina Kids, which previously tested all child care centers in the state for lead in water at drinking and food preparation taps. As this is a legislatively mandated effort, facilities are required to meet rule requirements to have tap water tested every three years and to have inspections for lead paint and asbestos if applicable. Please see steps below: 1. Sign Up – Pre-enrollment webinars are available at cleanwaterforUSkids.org/carolina or paste https://bit.ly/3CK-webinar into your web browser to see available dates and times for the next month. 2. Enroll – At www.cleanwaterforUSkids.org/carolina using the PIN and complete the enrollment surveys for three program sections: 1) lead in water, 2) lead-based paint, and 3) asbestos. 3. Evaluate Hazards - The program will ship your facility a water sample kit and may coordinate an on-site visit by a professional to assess for lead-based paint and asbestos hazards, if needed. 4. Receive Results – Receive your results, recommendations, and water mitigation support, if needed. 5. Request Reimbursement - If you choose to conduct lead-based paint or asbestos mitigation, you can request reimbursement from NC DHHS. Visit the web site at: https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/public-health/asbestos-and-lead-based-paint-reimbursement-program-arpa At the end of this visit, documentation was completed electronically, printed and reviewed with you. Please remember it is your responsibility to comply with all child care rules and requirements at all times. If you have questions or need assistance please feel free to contact me at 910-338-7038 or amy.wangler@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 .0803 · Violation

Name of Operation: PRECIOUS MINDS LEARN N PLAY ACADEMY Facility ID: 24000163 Consultant: AMY WANGLER Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 3/19/2024 Number Present: 16 Completed Date: 3/19/2024 Age: From 0 To 4 Total Minutes: 205 Time In: 10:05 AM Time Out: 01:30 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Routine Unannounced Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of my visit was to monitor compliance with applicable child care requirements pertinent to this visit type. This facility currently operates with a Four Star License issued October 11, 2022. Restrictions on the permit include: a first shift capacity of 50 children 0-12 years of age, and meets enhanced ratios. Restrictions were in compliance today. The status of the corporation which owns the facility, Precious Minds Learn N Play Academy, LLC, was verified as current and active with the NC Secretary of State’s office on March 18, 2024. The last annual compliance visit was conducted September 27, 2023. A Superior sanitation rating was earned February 14, 2024, and a fire inspection was conducted June 22, 2023; the facility was approved for day time care only. Prior to the visit, the facility had an eighteen-month compliance history score of 85%. Owner/Administrator, C. Faison, was present and available for consultation today. Four indoor spaces and three outdoor spaces are approved for use by children. In Space #1, one infant was observed sleeping in a bassinet with a blanket. The staff member assigned to this space stated she had not yet created a safe sleep chart to document visual sleep checks for the current week, however she was observed using a digital timer to remind her to conduct sleep checks. Children one year of age in this space were observed in individual feeding routines and play activities. At 10:45 A.M., a second staff member came into the room to take the children who were awake to the fenced in playground right outside the door. Preschool children enrolled in Space #3 were observed on the same playground, going for wagon rides, using riding toys and using the climber. A new balance beam has been installed since the last visit, and the height was measured at 23 inches today. In Space #2, children two years of age were observed in diaper changing routines as well as waiting at the table for lunch to be served. Staff members were observed assisting children with hand washing routines prior to lunch, which consisted of beef and vegetable soup, whole grain crackers, pears and milk. After lunch, children one through four years of age transitioned to rest time routines. They rested on appropriately spaced cots with individual linens, and lights were dimmed. No new staff members have been hired since the Annual Compliance visit, however a new volunteer started in February 2024. Her file was monitored and in compliance today. It was also discussed that the facility’s address had been entered into the Regulatory database incorrectly, therefore a new permit will be issued with the correct spelling of the street name. Ms. Faison also submitted a new Legal Designee form today. Child Care programs are expected to always achieve and maintain compliance with child care rules, 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 following violations were observed today and must be corrected immediately: Violation Number Comment Rule 705 Equipment and furnishings were not sturdy, stable and free of hazards. A broken see saw was observed on the playground used by school age children. .0601(c) 716 All stationary equipment, more than 18 inches high, was not installed over protective surfacing. A balance beam with a fall height of 23 inches was installed over grass rather than protective surfacing on the playground used by infants, toddlers and preschool children. .0605(j) 842 A drug or medication was administered without written authorization and/or instructions from a child's parent or authorized health professional. A caregiver in Space #2 was observed using Endit diaper cream on a child for which it's use had not been authorized in writing. 10A NCAC 09 .0803(1)(a & b) 844 Prescribed medicine was not in original labeled container or accompanied by signed and dated written instructions from prescribing physician or health care professional. A tube of prescription diaper cream was observed without the original container or pharmacy label in Space #2. REPEATED .0803(2)(a) 847 Parent's medication authorization did not include required information. Three medications were observed in Space #1 without written instructions or authorization. In addition, a prescription diaper cream was observed in Space #2 without correct instructions. REPEATED 10A NCAC 09 .0803(4)(6-9) 871 Center staff did not comply with the safe sleep policy. A blanket was observed in the sleep space with a sleeping infant in Space #1. The facility's safe sleep policy prohibits blankets. 10A NCAC 09 .0606(a) 887 Caregivers did not document compliance with visually checking on sleeping infants aged 12 months or younger and/or the documents were not maintained for a minimum of one month. Safe sleep checks were not documented for an infant observed asleep for at least 45 minutes today.REPEATED .0606(g) A compliance letter including detailed information about how all violations have been corrected must be received by April 2, 2024. Include any supporting documentation with your response (if applicable). Your letter will be used as verification that violations have been corrected and compliance is maintained; your written response is considered a legal document so must be accurate and truthful. If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent using the email address registered with DCDEE and include your facility name and ID number. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. Technical Assistance Regarding Violations Cited Technical assistance was provided during the Annual Compliance visit regarding medication requirements. As discussed then and again today, all medications including topical ointments, over the counter medications and prescriptions must be accompanied by written authorizations from parents with complete instructions for administration. Prescription medications must also be in the original container with the pharmacy label attached. I provided technical assistance again today on the different types of medication permission forms and how to ensure they are filled out completely. As discussed, there is one form for topical ointments and one form for all other types of medication. Topical ointments do not require a record of administration, however all other types of medication do. I strongly urged you today to review medication requirements with your staff, and suggested you develop a plan to check the classroom medicine boxes on a regular basis to ensure all requirements are being met. Please include not only how you corrected violations cited today, but your plan for ensuring compliance moving forward in your compliance letter. Technical assistance was also provided during the Routine Unannounced visit April 20, 2023 and again today regarding safe sleep practices. As discussed, following your facility’s safe sleep policy and ensuring safe sleep checks are conducted at least every fifteen minutes is critical to the health and safety of infants in your care and should be of the highest priority. While staff did make some adjustments following the April visit, it appeared today that they were not following through. As I did in April, I strongly urged you again today to conduct frequent observations and random “checks” for compliance with all safe sleep practices, including visually checking infants and documenting the checks as required. When staff are not following the policy, holding them accountable by having consequences which may assist with further compliance. Today we also discussed outdoor safety requirements. For the safety of the children, you must ensure broken items are removed daily and broken equipment is removed, repaired or made inaccessible. When installing new equipment, you are responsible for ensuring all requirements in Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0605 are in compliance. Today you removed the broken see saw from the playground, and made the new balance beam inaccessible using caution tape. You stated you will either add a fall zone with resilient surfacing to the balance beam or bury it further into the ground so the fall height will be less than 18 inches. Please let me know your plan for permanent compliance in your compliance letter. Technical Assistance Please be aware violations were not cited today due to the visit type, however items mentioned below may warrant violations at a different type of visit: Technical assistance was also provided today regarding accessibility, amount and variety of materials in Spaces #1, 2 and 4. As discussed, when materials are removed from play areas for cleaning or sanitizing, they should be returned to play areas as soon as possible to allow children to use them during play. Each child care center shall make four of the following activity areas available daily: art and other creative play, children's books, blocks and block building, manipulatives, and family living and dramatic play. In Space #2, an art center should be available with items such as paper, crayons, paint brushes and paint, playdoh, markers, stencils, etc. The dramatic play area should be equipped with pretend food and cooking materials for at least 3 children, as well as dolls, doll accessories and dress up clothes. Manipulatives such as linking toys and connecting blocks should be stored separately from the block area. The block area should contain only blocks and block accessories such as small people, vehicles and animals. Regarding Space #4, Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .2508 states that facilities that operate a school-age component for more than three hours per day shall make four of the following activities available daily: (1) career development activities; (2) community awareness activities; (3) creative arts activities; (4) cultural activities; (5) games or manipulatives; (6) hands-on academic enrichment activities including language, math, science, social studies, or foreign language activities; (7) health education or wellness activities; (8) homework with assistance available as needed from center personnel; (9) reading activities; (10) sand or water play; (11) social skills, life skills or problem-solving activities; (12) structured or unstructured physical activities; or (13) technology skill-building activities. Materials available should support the chosen activity types, and lesson plans should reflect the variety of activities offered. Materials and equipment in an activity area shall be in sufficient quantity to allow at least three children to use the area regardless of whether the children choose the same or different activities. Today I suggested using the Thinking More About Learning Materials worksheets from www.ncrlap.org to assist with classroom inventory and ideas of additional materials you could provide. Today we also discussed nutrition and sanitation requirements in Space #1. As discussed, children must be held for bottle feeding or placed in a feeding apparatus such as a high chair. Bottles may not be served in cribs. You must also ensure juice is not served to any child regardless of age in excess of 6 ounces per day. Regarding milk alternatives provided by parents, we reviewed a new sanitation rule which states, “Specialty bulk milk that is sent from home for consumption by a child while at the child care center may be stored when the child's parent or guardian provides written permission and the specialty bulk milk is sent to the child care center at the beginning of each week unopened, labeled with the date received by the child care center, and labeled with the name of the child to whom the bulk specialty milk belongs. Any remaining bulk specialty milk shall be sent home at the end of the week with the child to whom the bulk specialty milk belongs.” You may review sanitation rule 15A NCAC 18A .2806 for more information. Technical assistance was also provided today regarding screen time requirements. As discussed in Space #3, if you choose to provide screen time, you must ensure that it is used to meet a developmental goal, that it is limited to 30 minutes per day, the time is documented on a log or activity plan, and that free choice activities are offered for children not participating. Alternative transition activities such as dancing to recorded music or reading books quietly on the carpet were also suggested today. Rated License Information As discussed during the Annual Compliance visit, your program was assigned to “Cohort 3” in the “cohort model” of resuming rated license reassessments. 7/1/25-6/30/26 will be your “planning/preparation” year, and your next reassessment will be required between 7/1/26-6/30/27. Today we discussed the options of having your reassessment without the Environment Rating Scales (ERS), which would require you to maintain seven points in Education to keep your Four Star rating, or requesting the ERS to try to increase your Program Standards points. While you think about which option may be best for you, you may review all of the ERS resources available at www.ncrlap.org/resources. NCRLAP outreach assessments are also being offered free of charge if you wish to “practice.” You may also wish to contact technical assistance specialists with the Columbus County Partnership for Children and Region 4 CCR&R to help you with mock assessments. In addition, you will have the option to request ERS assessments free of charge during your planning year, or you may wait until your reassessment year. There is also a possibility that the way points are earned will be different by the time your assessment is due. I will be in touch with more information as it becomes available, and as your planning year approaches. Regarding Education standards, I shared with you today that M. Evans still does not appear to have an account in DCDEE WORKS. Keep in mind, Education points will be evaluated during the rated license reassessment process, so you must ensure all staff members have current information in WORKS. Today we reviewed requirements for seven points, including that all lead teachers must have the North Carolina Early Childhood Credential (NCECC) or Equivalency and that 50% of them must have an Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education (ECE) with two years of experience. Regarding assistant teachers, 50% of them must have the NCECC plus 6 semester hours of ECE coursework and two years of experience. Please let me know if you need assistance with the WORKS portal. Reminders Due to the nature of violations cited, a follow up visit may be conducted in the near future to verify compliance. Please be aware repeated violations or a compliance history score below 75% may result in Administrative Action against your facility's license. You must schedule and obtain an approved fire inspection by June 22, 2024. Remember to send a copy within one week as required. Child Care Rules were revised January 1, 2024, and a new rule book was posted to the DCDEE website. As discussed, you should discard any old versions of the rules and ensure you are referring to the most current rule book when reviewing or researching requirements. Training modules on the new rules are now available in Moodle under the Child Care Rule Rollout section. For more information regarding the “cohort model” of resuming rated license reassessments, and opportunities for training and technical assistance as you prepare for a reassessment, you may visit https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Licensing/Star-Rated-License/Resuming-Star-Rated-License. It’s time to enroll your facility in the Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids program to identify and eliminate exposure to lead and asbestos hazards in building infrastructure. This program is an expansion of Clean Water for Carolina Kids, which previously tested all child care centers in the state for lead in water at drinking and food preparation taps. As this is a legislatively mandated effort, facilities are required to meet rule requirements to have tap water tested every three years and to have inspections for lead paint and asbestos if applicable. Please see steps below: 1. Sign Up – Pre-enrollment webinars are available at cleanwaterforUSkids.org/carolina or paste https://bit.ly/3CK-webinar into your web browser to see available dates and times for the next month. 2. Enroll – At www.cleanwaterforUSkids.org/carolina using the PIN and complete the enrollment surveys for three program sections: 1) lead in water, 2) lead-based paint, and 3) asbestos. 3. Evaluate Hazards - The program will ship your facility a water sample kit and may coordinate an on-site visit by a professional to assess for lead-based paint and asbestos hazards, if needed. 4. Receive Results – Receive your results, recommendations, and water mitigation support, if needed. 5. Request Reimbursement - If you choose to conduct lead-based paint or asbestos mitigation, you can request reimbursement from NC DHHS. Visit the web site at: https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/public-health/asbestos-and-lead-based-paint-reimbursement-program-arpa At the end of this visit, documentation was completed electronically, printed and reviewed with you. Please remember it is your responsibility to comply with all child care rules and requirements at all times. If you have questions or need assistance please feel free to contact me at 910-338-7038 or amy.wangler@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 .2508 · Violation

Name of Operation: PRECIOUS MINDS LEARN N PLAY ACADEMY Facility ID: 24000163 Consultant: AMY WANGLER Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 3/19/2024 Number Present: 16 Completed Date: 3/19/2024 Age: From 0 To 4 Total Minutes: 205 Time In: 10:05 AM Time Out: 01:30 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Routine Unannounced Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of my visit was to monitor compliance with applicable child care requirements pertinent to this visit type. This facility currently operates with a Four Star License issued October 11, 2022. Restrictions on the permit include: a first shift capacity of 50 children 0-12 years of age, and meets enhanced ratios. Restrictions were in compliance today. The status of the corporation which owns the facility, Precious Minds Learn N Play Academy, LLC, was verified as current and active with the NC Secretary of State’s office on March 18, 2024. The last annual compliance visit was conducted September 27, 2023. A Superior sanitation rating was earned February 14, 2024, and a fire inspection was conducted June 22, 2023; the facility was approved for day time care only. Prior to the visit, the facility had an eighteen-month compliance history score of 85%. Owner/Administrator, C. Faison, was present and available for consultation today. Four indoor spaces and three outdoor spaces are approved for use by children. In Space #1, one infant was observed sleeping in a bassinet with a blanket. The staff member assigned to this space stated she had not yet created a safe sleep chart to document visual sleep checks for the current week, however she was observed using a digital timer to remind her to conduct sleep checks. Children one year of age in this space were observed in individual feeding routines and play activities. At 10:45 A.M., a second staff member came into the room to take the children who were awake to the fenced in playground right outside the door. Preschool children enrolled in Space #3 were observed on the same playground, going for wagon rides, using riding toys and using the climber. A new balance beam has been installed since the last visit, and the height was measured at 23 inches today. In Space #2, children two years of age were observed in diaper changing routines as well as waiting at the table for lunch to be served. Staff members were observed assisting children with hand washing routines prior to lunch, which consisted of beef and vegetable soup, whole grain crackers, pears and milk. After lunch, children one through four years of age transitioned to rest time routines. They rested on appropriately spaced cots with individual linens, and lights were dimmed. No new staff members have been hired since the Annual Compliance visit, however a new volunteer started in February 2024. Her file was monitored and in compliance today. It was also discussed that the facility’s address had been entered into the Regulatory database incorrectly, therefore a new permit will be issued with the correct spelling of the street name. Ms. Faison also submitted a new Legal Designee form today. Child Care programs are expected to always achieve and maintain compliance with child care rules, 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 following violations were observed today and must be corrected immediately: Violation Number Comment Rule 705 Equipment and furnishings were not sturdy, stable and free of hazards. A broken see saw was observed on the playground used by school age children. .0601(c) 716 All stationary equipment, more than 18 inches high, was not installed over protective surfacing. A balance beam with a fall height of 23 inches was installed over grass rather than protective surfacing on the playground used by infants, toddlers and preschool children. .0605(j) 842 A drug or medication was administered without written authorization and/or instructions from a child's parent or authorized health professional. A caregiver in Space #2 was observed using Endit diaper cream on a child for which it's use had not been authorized in writing. 10A NCAC 09 .0803(1)(a & b) 844 Prescribed medicine was not in original labeled container or accompanied by signed and dated written instructions from prescribing physician or health care professional. A tube of prescription diaper cream was observed without the original container or pharmacy label in Space #2. REPEATED .0803(2)(a) 847 Parent's medication authorization did not include required information. Three medications were observed in Space #1 without written instructions or authorization. In addition, a prescription diaper cream was observed in Space #2 without correct instructions. REPEATED 10A NCAC 09 .0803(4)(6-9) 871 Center staff did not comply with the safe sleep policy. A blanket was observed in the sleep space with a sleeping infant in Space #1. The facility's safe sleep policy prohibits blankets. 10A NCAC 09 .0606(a) 887 Caregivers did not document compliance with visually checking on sleeping infants aged 12 months or younger and/or the documents were not maintained for a minimum of one month. Safe sleep checks were not documented for an infant observed asleep for at least 45 minutes today.REPEATED .0606(g) A compliance letter including detailed information about how all violations have been corrected must be received by April 2, 2024. Include any supporting documentation with your response (if applicable). Your letter will be used as verification that violations have been corrected and compliance is maintained; your written response is considered a legal document so must be accurate and truthful. If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent using the email address registered with DCDEE and include your facility name and ID number. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. Technical Assistance Regarding Violations Cited Technical assistance was provided during the Annual Compliance visit regarding medication requirements. As discussed then and again today, all medications including topical ointments, over the counter medications and prescriptions must be accompanied by written authorizations from parents with complete instructions for administration. Prescription medications must also be in the original container with the pharmacy label attached. I provided technical assistance again today on the different types of medication permission forms and how to ensure they are filled out completely. As discussed, there is one form for topical ointments and one form for all other types of medication. Topical ointments do not require a record of administration, however all other types of medication do. I strongly urged you today to review medication requirements with your staff, and suggested you develop a plan to check the classroom medicine boxes on a regular basis to ensure all requirements are being met. Please include not only how you corrected violations cited today, but your plan for ensuring compliance moving forward in your compliance letter. Technical assistance was also provided during the Routine Unannounced visit April 20, 2023 and again today regarding safe sleep practices. As discussed, following your facility’s safe sleep policy and ensuring safe sleep checks are conducted at least every fifteen minutes is critical to the health and safety of infants in your care and should be of the highest priority. While staff did make some adjustments following the April visit, it appeared today that they were not following through. As I did in April, I strongly urged you again today to conduct frequent observations and random “checks” for compliance with all safe sleep practices, including visually checking infants and documenting the checks as required. When staff are not following the policy, holding them accountable by having consequences which may assist with further compliance. Today we also discussed outdoor safety requirements. For the safety of the children, you must ensure broken items are removed daily and broken equipment is removed, repaired or made inaccessible. When installing new equipment, you are responsible for ensuring all requirements in Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0605 are in compliance. Today you removed the broken see saw from the playground, and made the new balance beam inaccessible using caution tape. You stated you will either add a fall zone with resilient surfacing to the balance beam or bury it further into the ground so the fall height will be less than 18 inches. Please let me know your plan for permanent compliance in your compliance letter. Technical Assistance Please be aware violations were not cited today due to the visit type, however items mentioned below may warrant violations at a different type of visit: Technical assistance was also provided today regarding accessibility, amount and variety of materials in Spaces #1, 2 and 4. As discussed, when materials are removed from play areas for cleaning or sanitizing, they should be returned to play areas as soon as possible to allow children to use them during play. Each child care center shall make four of the following activity areas available daily: art and other creative play, children's books, blocks and block building, manipulatives, and family living and dramatic play. In Space #2, an art center should be available with items such as paper, crayons, paint brushes and paint, playdoh, markers, stencils, etc. The dramatic play area should be equipped with pretend food and cooking materials for at least 3 children, as well as dolls, doll accessories and dress up clothes. Manipulatives such as linking toys and connecting blocks should be stored separately from the block area. The block area should contain only blocks and block accessories such as small people, vehicles and animals. Regarding Space #4, Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .2508 states that facilities that operate a school-age component for more than three hours per day shall make four of the following activities available daily: (1) career development activities; (2) community awareness activities; (3) creative arts activities; (4) cultural activities; (5) games or manipulatives; (6) hands-on academic enrichment activities including language, math, science, social studies, or foreign language activities; (7) health education or wellness activities; (8) homework with assistance available as needed from center personnel; (9) reading activities; (10) sand or water play; (11) social skills, life skills or problem-solving activities; (12) structured or unstructured physical activities; or (13) technology skill-building activities. Materials available should support the chosen activity types, and lesson plans should reflect the variety of activities offered. Materials and equipment in an activity area shall be in sufficient quantity to allow at least three children to use the area regardless of whether the children choose the same or different activities. Today I suggested using the Thinking More About Learning Materials worksheets from www.ncrlap.org to assist with classroom inventory and ideas of additional materials you could provide. Today we also discussed nutrition and sanitation requirements in Space #1. As discussed, children must be held for bottle feeding or placed in a feeding apparatus such as a high chair. Bottles may not be served in cribs. You must also ensure juice is not served to any child regardless of age in excess of 6 ounces per day. Regarding milk alternatives provided by parents, we reviewed a new sanitation rule which states, “Specialty bulk milk that is sent from home for consumption by a child while at the child care center may be stored when the child's parent or guardian provides written permission and the specialty bulk milk is sent to the child care center at the beginning of each week unopened, labeled with the date received by the child care center, and labeled with the name of the child to whom the bulk specialty milk belongs. Any remaining bulk specialty milk shall be sent home at the end of the week with the child to whom the bulk specialty milk belongs.” You may review sanitation rule 15A NCAC 18A .2806 for more information. Technical assistance was also provided today regarding screen time requirements. As discussed in Space #3, if you choose to provide screen time, you must ensure that it is used to meet a developmental goal, that it is limited to 30 minutes per day, the time is documented on a log or activity plan, and that free choice activities are offered for children not participating. Alternative transition activities such as dancing to recorded music or reading books quietly on the carpet were also suggested today. Rated License Information As discussed during the Annual Compliance visit, your program was assigned to “Cohort 3” in the “cohort model” of resuming rated license reassessments. 7/1/25-6/30/26 will be your “planning/preparation” year, and your next reassessment will be required between 7/1/26-6/30/27. Today we discussed the options of having your reassessment without the Environment Rating Scales (ERS), which would require you to maintain seven points in Education to keep your Four Star rating, or requesting the ERS to try to increase your Program Standards points. While you think about which option may be best for you, you may review all of the ERS resources available at www.ncrlap.org/resources. NCRLAP outreach assessments are also being offered free of charge if you wish to “practice.” You may also wish to contact technical assistance specialists with the Columbus County Partnership for Children and Region 4 CCR&R to help you with mock assessments. In addition, you will have the option to request ERS assessments free of charge during your planning year, or you may wait until your reassessment year. There is also a possibility that the way points are earned will be different by the time your assessment is due. I will be in touch with more information as it becomes available, and as your planning year approaches. Regarding Education standards, I shared with you today that M. Evans still does not appear to have an account in DCDEE WORKS. Keep in mind, Education points will be evaluated during the rated license reassessment process, so you must ensure all staff members have current information in WORKS. Today we reviewed requirements for seven points, including that all lead teachers must have the North Carolina Early Childhood Credential (NCECC) or Equivalency and that 50% of them must have an Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education (ECE) with two years of experience. Regarding assistant teachers, 50% of them must have the NCECC plus 6 semester hours of ECE coursework and two years of experience. Please let me know if you need assistance with the WORKS portal. Reminders Due to the nature of violations cited, a follow up visit may be conducted in the near future to verify compliance. Please be aware repeated violations or a compliance history score below 75% may result in Administrative Action against your facility's license. You must schedule and obtain an approved fire inspection by June 22, 2024. Remember to send a copy within one week as required. Child Care Rules were revised January 1, 2024, and a new rule book was posted to the DCDEE website. As discussed, you should discard any old versions of the rules and ensure you are referring to the most current rule book when reviewing or researching requirements. Training modules on the new rules are now available in Moodle under the Child Care Rule Rollout section. For more information regarding the “cohort model” of resuming rated license reassessments, and opportunities for training and technical assistance as you prepare for a reassessment, you may visit https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Licensing/Star-Rated-License/Resuming-Star-Rated-License. It’s time to enroll your facility in the Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids program to identify and eliminate exposure to lead and asbestos hazards in building infrastructure. This program is an expansion of Clean Water for Carolina Kids, which previously tested all child care centers in the state for lead in water at drinking and food preparation taps. As this is a legislatively mandated effort, facilities are required to meet rule requirements to have tap water tested every three years and to have inspections for lead paint and asbestos if applicable. Please see steps below: 1. Sign Up – Pre-enrollment webinars are available at cleanwaterforUSkids.org/carolina or paste https://bit.ly/3CK-webinar into your web browser to see available dates and times for the next month. 2. Enroll – At www.cleanwaterforUSkids.org/carolina using the PIN and complete the enrollment surveys for three program sections: 1) lead in water, 2) lead-based paint, and 3) asbestos. 3. Evaluate Hazards - The program will ship your facility a water sample kit and may coordinate an on-site visit by a professional to assess for lead-based paint and asbestos hazards, if needed. 4. Receive Results – Receive your results, recommendations, and water mitigation support, if needed. 5. Request Reimbursement - If you choose to conduct lead-based paint or asbestos mitigation, you can request reimbursement from NC DHHS. Visit the web site at: https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/public-health/asbestos-and-lead-based-paint-reimbursement-program-arpa At the end of this visit, documentation was completed electronically, printed and reviewed with you. Please remember it is your responsibility to comply with all child care rules and requirements at all times. If you have questions or need assistance please feel free to contact me at 910-338-7038 or amy.wangler@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: PRECIOUS MINDS LEARN N PLAY ACADEMY Facility ID: 24000163 Consultant: AMY WANGLER Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 3/19/2024 Number Present: 16 Completed Date: 3/19/2024 Age: From 0 To 4 Total Minutes: 205 Time In: 10:05 AM Time Out: 01:30 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Routine Unannounced Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of my visit was to monitor compliance with applicable child care requirements pertinent to this visit type. This facility currently operates with a Four Star License issued October 11, 2022. Restrictions on the permit include: a first shift capacity of 50 children 0-12 years of age, and meets enhanced ratios. Restrictions were in compliance today. The status of the corporation which owns the facility, Precious Minds Learn N Play Academy, LLC, was verified as current and active with the NC Secretary of State’s office on March 18, 2024. The last annual compliance visit was conducted September 27, 2023. A Superior sanitation rating was earned February 14, 2024, and a fire inspection was conducted June 22, 2023; the facility was approved for day time care only. Prior to the visit, the facility had an eighteen-month compliance history score of 85%. Owner/Administrator, C. Faison, was present and available for consultation today. Four indoor spaces and three outdoor spaces are approved for use by children. In Space #1, one infant was observed sleeping in a bassinet with a blanket. The staff member assigned to this space stated she had not yet created a safe sleep chart to document visual sleep checks for the current week, however she was observed using a digital timer to remind her to conduct sleep checks. Children one year of age in this space were observed in individual feeding routines and play activities. At 10:45 A.M., a second staff member came into the room to take the children who were awake to the fenced in playground right outside the door. Preschool children enrolled in Space #3 were observed on the same playground, going for wagon rides, using riding toys and using the climber. A new balance beam has been installed since the last visit, and the height was measured at 23 inches today. In Space #2, children two years of age were observed in diaper changing routines as well as waiting at the table for lunch to be served. Staff members were observed assisting children with hand washing routines prior to lunch, which consisted of beef and vegetable soup, whole grain crackers, pears and milk. After lunch, children one through four years of age transitioned to rest time routines. They rested on appropriately spaced cots with individual linens, and lights were dimmed. No new staff members have been hired since the Annual Compliance visit, however a new volunteer started in February 2024. Her file was monitored and in compliance today. It was also discussed that the facility’s address had been entered into the Regulatory database incorrectly, therefore a new permit will be issued with the correct spelling of the street name. Ms. Faison also submitted a new Legal Designee form today. Child Care programs are expected to always achieve and maintain compliance with child care rules, 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 following violations were observed today and must be corrected immediately: Violation Number Comment Rule 705 Equipment and furnishings were not sturdy, stable and free of hazards. A broken see saw was observed on the playground used by school age children. .0601(c) 716 All stationary equipment, more than 18 inches high, was not installed over protective surfacing. A balance beam with a fall height of 23 inches was installed over grass rather than protective surfacing on the playground used by infants, toddlers and preschool children. .0605(j) 842 A drug or medication was administered without written authorization and/or instructions from a child's parent or authorized health professional. A caregiver in Space #2 was observed using Endit diaper cream on a child for which it's use had not been authorized in writing. 10A NCAC 09 .0803(1)(a & b) 844 Prescribed medicine was not in original labeled container or accompanied by signed and dated written instructions from prescribing physician or health care professional. A tube of prescription diaper cream was observed without the original container or pharmacy label in Space #2. REPEATED .0803(2)(a) 847 Parent's medication authorization did not include required information. Three medications were observed in Space #1 without written instructions or authorization. In addition, a prescription diaper cream was observed in Space #2 without correct instructions. REPEATED 10A NCAC 09 .0803(4)(6-9) 871 Center staff did not comply with the safe sleep policy. A blanket was observed in the sleep space with a sleeping infant in Space #1. The facility's safe sleep policy prohibits blankets. 10A NCAC 09 .0606(a) 887 Caregivers did not document compliance with visually checking on sleeping infants aged 12 months or younger and/or the documents were not maintained for a minimum of one month. Safe sleep checks were not documented for an infant observed asleep for at least 45 minutes today.REPEATED .0606(g) A compliance letter including detailed information about how all violations have been corrected must be received by April 2, 2024. Include any supporting documentation with your response (if applicable). Your letter will be used as verification that violations have been corrected and compliance is maintained; your written response is considered a legal document so must be accurate and truthful. If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent using the email address registered with DCDEE and include your facility name and ID number. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. Technical Assistance Regarding Violations Cited Technical assistance was provided during the Annual Compliance visit regarding medication requirements. As discussed then and again today, all medications including topical ointments, over the counter medications and prescriptions must be accompanied by written authorizations from parents with complete instructions for administration. Prescription medications must also be in the original container with the pharmacy label attached. I provided technical assistance again today on the different types of medication permission forms and how to ensure they are filled out completely. As discussed, there is one form for topical ointments and one form for all other types of medication. Topical ointments do not require a record of administration, however all other types of medication do. I strongly urged you today to review medication requirements with your staff, and suggested you develop a plan to check the classroom medicine boxes on a regular basis to ensure all requirements are being met. Please include not only how you corrected violations cited today, but your plan for ensuring compliance moving forward in your compliance letter. Technical assistance was also provided during the Routine Unannounced visit April 20, 2023 and again today regarding safe sleep practices. As discussed, following your facility’s safe sleep policy and ensuring safe sleep checks are conducted at least every fifteen minutes is critical to the health and safety of infants in your care and should be of the highest priority. While staff did make some adjustments following the April visit, it appeared today that they were not following through. As I did in April, I strongly urged you again today to conduct frequent observations and random “checks” for compliance with all safe sleep practices, including visually checking infants and documenting the checks as required. When staff are not following the policy, holding them accountable by having consequences which may assist with further compliance. Today we also discussed outdoor safety requirements. For the safety of the children, you must ensure broken items are removed daily and broken equipment is removed, repaired or made inaccessible. When installing new equipment, you are responsible for ensuring all requirements in Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0605 are in compliance. Today you removed the broken see saw from the playground, and made the new balance beam inaccessible using caution tape. You stated you will either add a fall zone with resilient surfacing to the balance beam or bury it further into the ground so the fall height will be less than 18 inches. Please let me know your plan for permanent compliance in your compliance letter. Technical Assistance Please be aware violations were not cited today due to the visit type, however items mentioned below may warrant violations at a different type of visit: Technical assistance was also provided today regarding accessibility, amount and variety of materials in Spaces #1, 2 and 4. As discussed, when materials are removed from play areas for cleaning or sanitizing, they should be returned to play areas as soon as possible to allow children to use them during play. Each child care center shall make four of the following activity areas available daily: art and other creative play, children's books, blocks and block building, manipulatives, and family living and dramatic play. In Space #2, an art center should be available with items such as paper, crayons, paint brushes and paint, playdoh, markers, stencils, etc. The dramatic play area should be equipped with pretend food and cooking materials for at least 3 children, as well as dolls, doll accessories and dress up clothes. Manipulatives such as linking toys and connecting blocks should be stored separately from the block area. The block area should contain only blocks and block accessories such as small people, vehicles and animals. Regarding Space #4, Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .2508 states that facilities that operate a school-age component for more than three hours per day shall make four of the following activities available daily: (1) career development activities; (2) community awareness activities; (3) creative arts activities; (4) cultural activities; (5) games or manipulatives; (6) hands-on academic enrichment activities including language, math, science, social studies, or foreign language activities; (7) health education or wellness activities; (8) homework with assistance available as needed from center personnel; (9) reading activities; (10) sand or water play; (11) social skills, life skills or problem-solving activities; (12) structured or unstructured physical activities; or (13) technology skill-building activities. Materials available should support the chosen activity types, and lesson plans should reflect the variety of activities offered. Materials and equipment in an activity area shall be in sufficient quantity to allow at least three children to use the area regardless of whether the children choose the same or different activities. Today I suggested using the Thinking More About Learning Materials worksheets from www.ncrlap.org to assist with classroom inventory and ideas of additional materials you could provide. Today we also discussed nutrition and sanitation requirements in Space #1. As discussed, children must be held for bottle feeding or placed in a feeding apparatus such as a high chair. Bottles may not be served in cribs. You must also ensure juice is not served to any child regardless of age in excess of 6 ounces per day. Regarding milk alternatives provided by parents, we reviewed a new sanitation rule which states, “Specialty bulk milk that is sent from home for consumption by a child while at the child care center may be stored when the child's parent or guardian provides written permission and the specialty bulk milk is sent to the child care center at the beginning of each week unopened, labeled with the date received by the child care center, and labeled with the name of the child to whom the bulk specialty milk belongs. Any remaining bulk specialty milk shall be sent home at the end of the week with the child to whom the bulk specialty milk belongs.” You may review sanitation rule 15A NCAC 18A .2806 for more information. Technical assistance was also provided today regarding screen time requirements. As discussed in Space #3, if you choose to provide screen time, you must ensure that it is used to meet a developmental goal, that it is limited to 30 minutes per day, the time is documented on a log or activity plan, and that free choice activities are offered for children not participating. Alternative transition activities such as dancing to recorded music or reading books quietly on the carpet were also suggested today. Rated License Information As discussed during the Annual Compliance visit, your program was assigned to “Cohort 3” in the “cohort model” of resuming rated license reassessments. 7/1/25-6/30/26 will be your “planning/preparation” year, and your next reassessment will be required between 7/1/26-6/30/27. Today we discussed the options of having your reassessment without the Environment Rating Scales (ERS), which would require you to maintain seven points in Education to keep your Four Star rating, or requesting the ERS to try to increase your Program Standards points. While you think about which option may be best for you, you may review all of the ERS resources available at www.ncrlap.org/resources. NCRLAP outreach assessments are also being offered free of charge if you wish to “practice.” You may also wish to contact technical assistance specialists with the Columbus County Partnership for Children and Region 4 CCR&R to help you with mock assessments. In addition, you will have the option to request ERS assessments free of charge during your planning year, or you may wait until your reassessment year. There is also a possibility that the way points are earned will be different by the time your assessment is due. I will be in touch with more information as it becomes available, and as your planning year approaches. Regarding Education standards, I shared with you today that M. Evans still does not appear to have an account in DCDEE WORKS. Keep in mind, Education points will be evaluated during the rated license reassessment process, so you must ensure all staff members have current information in WORKS. Today we reviewed requirements for seven points, including that all lead teachers must have the North Carolina Early Childhood Credential (NCECC) or Equivalency and that 50% of them must have an Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education (ECE) with two years of experience. Regarding assistant teachers, 50% of them must have the NCECC plus 6 semester hours of ECE coursework and two years of experience. Please let me know if you need assistance with the WORKS portal. Reminders Due to the nature of violations cited, a follow up visit may be conducted in the near future to verify compliance. Please be aware repeated violations or a compliance history score below 75% may result in Administrative Action against your facility's license. You must schedule and obtain an approved fire inspection by June 22, 2024. Remember to send a copy within one week as required. Child Care Rules were revised January 1, 2024, and a new rule book was posted to the DCDEE website. As discussed, you should discard any old versions of the rules and ensure you are referring to the most current rule book when reviewing or researching requirements. Training modules on the new rules are now available in Moodle under the Child Care Rule Rollout section. For more information regarding the “cohort model” of resuming rated license reassessments, and opportunities for training and technical assistance as you prepare for a reassessment, you may visit https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Licensing/Star-Rated-License/Resuming-Star-Rated-License. It’s time to enroll your facility in the Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids program to identify and eliminate exposure to lead and asbestos hazards in building infrastructure. This program is an expansion of Clean Water for Carolina Kids, which previously tested all child care centers in the state for lead in water at drinking and food preparation taps. As this is a legislatively mandated effort, facilities are required to meet rule requirements to have tap water tested every three years and to have inspections for lead paint and asbestos if applicable. Please see steps below: 1. Sign Up – Pre-enrollment webinars are available at cleanwaterforUSkids.org/carolina or paste https://bit.ly/3CK-webinar into your web browser to see available dates and times for the next month. 2. Enroll – At www.cleanwaterforUSkids.org/carolina using the PIN and complete the enrollment surveys for three program sections: 1) lead in water, 2) lead-based paint, and 3) asbestos. 3. Evaluate Hazards - The program will ship your facility a water sample kit and may coordinate an on-site visit by a professional to assess for lead-based paint and asbestos hazards, if needed. 4. Receive Results – Receive your results, recommendations, and water mitigation support, if needed. 5. Request Reimbursement - If you choose to conduct lead-based paint or asbestos mitigation, you can request reimbursement from NC DHHS. Visit the web site at: https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/public-health/asbestos-and-lead-based-paint-reimbursement-program-arpa At the end of this visit, documentation was completed electronically, printed and reviewed with you. Please remember it is your responsibility to comply with all child care rules and requirements at all times. If you have questions or need assistance please feel free to contact me at 910-338-7038 or amy.wangler@dhhs.nc.gov. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

10A NCAC 09 .0304 · Violation

Name of Operation: PRECIOUS MINDS LEARN N PLAY ACADEMY Facility ID: 24000163 Consultant: AMY WANGLER Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 9/27/2023 Number Present: 18 Completed Date: 9/27/2023 Age: From 0 To 3 Total Minutes: 215 Time In: 08:45 AM Time Out: 12:20 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of my visit was to monitor compliance with applicable child care requirements pertinent to this visit type. This facility currently operates with a Four Star License issued October 11, 2022. Restrictions on the permit include: a first shift capacity of 50 children 0-12 years of age, and meets enhanced ratios. Restrictions were in compliance today. The facility was also monitored for implementing an approved curriculum with children four years of age as required by the star rating; this program uses Creative Curriculum. The corporation which owns the facility, Precious Minds Learn N Play Academy, LLC, was verified as current and active with the NC Secretary of State’s office on September 25, 2023. The last annual compliance visit was conducted October 11, 2022. A Superior sanitation rating was earned February 21, 2023, and a fire inspection was conducted June 22, 2023; the facility was approved for day time care only. Prior to the visit, the facility had an eighteen-month compliance history score of 86%. Owner/Administrator, C. Faison, was present and available for consultation today. Four indoor spaces and three outdoor spaces are approved for use by children. Upon arrival, infants and children one year of age were observed eating breakfast. Some children sat in high chairs, some sat at a child-sized table, and one was held for bottle feeding. As children finished eating, staff members washed their hands and brought them to play areas. Safe sleep practices including documentation were monitored and in compliance today. Children two years of age were observed in individual diaper changing routines and listening to a staff member read books on the carpet. Later, this group was observed in Outdoor Space #2, using a toddler slide, balls and riding toys. Children three years of age participated in a Halloween themed craft in Space #3, taping collage materials onto black paper plates. Lunch served consisted of turkey and cheese sandwiches on whole grain bread, mixed vegetables, mandarin oranges, and milk. After lunch, children transitioned to rest time routines. They rested on appropriately spaced cots with individual linens, and lights were dimmed. Today it was observed that staff members assigned to Space #1 are actively using digital timers to assist with maintaining safe sleep checks and documentation. It was also observed that new gross motor materials including stepping stones, jump ropes and hula hoops have been added to the playground used by school age children. Health and Safety training requirements as outlined in Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .1102 were monitored today. It was determined that two staff members who have been employed for more than one year still need to complete additional topics. Staff members employed more than five years have repeated all topics as required. Child Care programs are expected to always achieve and maintain compliance with child care rules, 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 following violations were observed today and must be corrected immediately: 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 2022 fire inspection was conducted June 2, 2022, and the next fire inspection was not conducted until June 22, 2023, over 12 months later. 10A NCAC 09 .0304(a) 542 The written feeding plan was not modified as the child's needs changed. Per observation and staff member report, two infants now eating solid foods did not have their feeding plans updated. 10 NCAC 09 .0902(a) 847 Parent's medication authorization did not include required information. Three medications were observed in Space #1 with incomplete instructions. 10A NCAC 09 .0803(4)(6-9) 1033 On or before the first day of work, all staff, including the director and individuals who volunteer more than once per week did not provide results indicating that they were free of active TB and/or TB test or screening was older than 12 months. A regular volunteer observed in the classrooms today has not yet provided a negative TB test or screening. .0701(a) 1898 Staff did not complete the health and safety training within one year of employment. Two staff members employed more than one year have not yet completed all health and safety training topics. .1102(a) A compliance letter including detailed information about how all violations have been corrected must be received by October 11, 2023. Include any supporting documentation with your response (if applicable). Your letter will be used as verification that violations have been corrected and compliance is maintained; your written response is considered a legal document so must be accurate and truthful. If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent using the email address registered with DCDEE and include your facility name and ID number. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. Technical Assistance Regarding Violations Cited As discussed, volunteers who are scheduled more than once per week are required to submit proof of a negative TB test or screening prior to the first day of work. Today you stated the new volunteer has an appointment scheduled for Monday and she will not return until she has proof of negative results. Remember to send a copy to verify compliance and file her results as required. Today I provided technical assistance on the different types of medication permission forms and how to ensure they are filled out completely. I suggested you develop a plan to check the classroom medicine boxes on a regular basis to ensure all requirements are being met. Please also remind staff that medication boxes must remain locked if prescription or over-the-counter medicines are in use, and the keys must be stored at a height of five feet. As infants’ feeding needs change frequently, all changes must be documented on the posted infant feeding plans for children under fifteen months of age. This will ensure all staff members can easily reference individual feeding plans and know what each child should be served. Remember, you may only serve foods listed on the feeding plans, so you must ensure all types of foods parents wish their children to eat at the facility are listed. Please send updated plans to verify compliance. For the safety of children and staff, an approved fire inspection must be obtained each year within twelve months of the previous inspection. Moving forward, I suggest noting the date of your most recent inspection on a calendar and setting a reminder for yourself to call and request your inspection at least two months in advance of the deadline to avoid any potential delays. Completing and repeating the required Health and Safety Training topics increases and refreshes your awareness and knowledge regarding child development and safety. As discussed, M. Evans must complete one more topic and J. McKeithan must complete three more topics; certificates must be submitted with your compliance letter. Technical Assistance Technical assistance was also provided today regarding staffing requirements. As discussed, per NC General Statutes, a lead teacher must be enrolled in the NC Early Childhood Credential (NCECC) coursework or equivalency option within six months of hire in that position, and complete the course or equivalency option within eighteen months of enrollment. Both lead teachers and teachers must be eighteen years of age with a high school diploma or equivalent and one year of child care experience. If an individual does not have one year of experience, twenty hours of on-going training are required in the first six months, which must include NCECC or equivalency coursework. A staff member who has not yet earned a high school diploma or equivalent may only be a substitute position and may not be responsible for a group of children. When a substitute is employed, a qualified staff person must be in place within two months. As a reminder, a qualified lead teacher must be in each preschool classroom for at least two thirds of the day. As discussed today, these are minimum requirements, however additional requirements must be achieved to continue to be eligible for seven points in Education. Please review the Routine Unannounced visit summary dated April 20, 2023 for these requirements. Rated License Information Your facility’s three-year rated license reassessment is due in June 2024, which means that your program has been assigned to “Cohort 3” in the recently announced “cohort model” of resuming reassessments. As discussed today, 7/1/25-6/30/26 will be your “planning/preparation” year, and your next reassessment will be required between 7/1/26-6/30/27. Today we discussed the options of having your reassessment without the Environment Rating Scales (ERS), which would require you to maintain seven points in Education to keep your Four Star rating, or requesting the ERS to try to increase your Program Standards points. While you think about which option may be best for you, you may review all of the ERS resources available at www.ncrlap.org/resources. NCRLAP outreach assessments are also being offered free of charge if you wish to “practice.” You may also to contact technical assistance specialists with the Columbus County Partnership for Children and Region 4 CCR&R to help you with mock assessments. In addition, you will have the option to request ERS assessments free of charge during your planning year, or you may wait until your reassessment year. I will be in touch regarding timelines for reassessment as your planning year approaches. Regarding Education standards, information from DCDEE WORKS was shared with you today, and I advised you which staff members’ accounts needed to be updated. Keep in mind, Education points will be evaluated during the rated license reassessment process, so you must ensure you take requirements into consideration when hiring and placing staff, as well as ensure all staff members have current information in WORKS. Reminders Child Care Rules were revised July 1, 2023, and a new rule book was posted to the DCDEE website. As discussed, you should discard any old versions of the rules and ensure you are referring to the most current rule book when reviewing or researching requirements. For more information regarding the “cohort model” of resuming rated license reassessments, and opportunities for training and technical assistance as you prepare for a reassessment, you may visit https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Licensing/Star-Rated-License/Resuming-Star-Rated-License. At the end of this visit, documentation was completed electronically, printed, and reviewed with you. Please remember it is your responsibility to comply with all child care rules and requirements at all times. If you have questions or need assistance please feel free to contact me at 910-338-7038 or amy.wangler@dhhs.nc.gov. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

Open Not marked corrected in the state record

Category: ratio. Open / not marked corrected.

10A NCAC 09 .0803 · Violation

Name of Operation: PRECIOUS MINDS LEARN N PLAY ACADEMY Facility ID: 24000163 Consultant: AMY WANGLER Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 9/27/2023 Number Present: 18 Completed Date: 9/27/2023 Age: From 0 To 3 Total Minutes: 215 Time In: 08:45 AM Time Out: 12:20 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of my visit was to monitor compliance with applicable child care requirements pertinent to this visit type. This facility currently operates with a Four Star License issued October 11, 2022. Restrictions on the permit include: a first shift capacity of 50 children 0-12 years of age, and meets enhanced ratios. Restrictions were in compliance today. The facility was also monitored for implementing an approved curriculum with children four years of age as required by the star rating; this program uses Creative Curriculum. The corporation which owns the facility, Precious Minds Learn N Play Academy, LLC, was verified as current and active with the NC Secretary of State’s office on September 25, 2023. The last annual compliance visit was conducted October 11, 2022. A Superior sanitation rating was earned February 21, 2023, and a fire inspection was conducted June 22, 2023; the facility was approved for day time care only. Prior to the visit, the facility had an eighteen-month compliance history score of 86%. Owner/Administrator, C. Faison, was present and available for consultation today. Four indoor spaces and three outdoor spaces are approved for use by children. Upon arrival, infants and children one year of age were observed eating breakfast. Some children sat in high chairs, some sat at a child-sized table, and one was held for bottle feeding. As children finished eating, staff members washed their hands and brought them to play areas. Safe sleep practices including documentation were monitored and in compliance today. Children two years of age were observed in individual diaper changing routines and listening to a staff member read books on the carpet. Later, this group was observed in Outdoor Space #2, using a toddler slide, balls and riding toys. Children three years of age participated in a Halloween themed craft in Space #3, taping collage materials onto black paper plates. Lunch served consisted of turkey and cheese sandwiches on whole grain bread, mixed vegetables, mandarin oranges, and milk. After lunch, children transitioned to rest time routines. They rested on appropriately spaced cots with individual linens, and lights were dimmed. Today it was observed that staff members assigned to Space #1 are actively using digital timers to assist with maintaining safe sleep checks and documentation. It was also observed that new gross motor materials including stepping stones, jump ropes and hula hoops have been added to the playground used by school age children. Health and Safety training requirements as outlined in Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .1102 were monitored today. It was determined that two staff members who have been employed for more than one year still need to complete additional topics. Staff members employed more than five years have repeated all topics as required. Child Care programs are expected to always achieve and maintain compliance with child care rules, 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 following violations were observed today and must be corrected immediately: 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 2022 fire inspection was conducted June 2, 2022, and the next fire inspection was not conducted until June 22, 2023, over 12 months later. 10A NCAC 09 .0304(a) 542 The written feeding plan was not modified as the child's needs changed. Per observation and staff member report, two infants now eating solid foods did not have their feeding plans updated. 10 NCAC 09 .0902(a) 847 Parent's medication authorization did not include required information. Three medications were observed in Space #1 with incomplete instructions. 10A NCAC 09 .0803(4)(6-9) 1033 On or before the first day of work, all staff, including the director and individuals who volunteer more than once per week did not provide results indicating that they were free of active TB and/or TB test or screening was older than 12 months. A regular volunteer observed in the classrooms today has not yet provided a negative TB test or screening. .0701(a) 1898 Staff did not complete the health and safety training within one year of employment. Two staff members employed more than one year have not yet completed all health and safety training topics. .1102(a) A compliance letter including detailed information about how all violations have been corrected must be received by October 11, 2023. Include any supporting documentation with your response (if applicable). Your letter will be used as verification that violations have been corrected and compliance is maintained; your written response is considered a legal document so must be accurate and truthful. If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent using the email address registered with DCDEE and include your facility name and ID number. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. Technical Assistance Regarding Violations Cited As discussed, volunteers who are scheduled more than once per week are required to submit proof of a negative TB test or screening prior to the first day of work. Today you stated the new volunteer has an appointment scheduled for Monday and she will not return until she has proof of negative results. Remember to send a copy to verify compliance and file her results as required. Today I provided technical assistance on the different types of medication permission forms and how to ensure they are filled out completely. I suggested you develop a plan to check the classroom medicine boxes on a regular basis to ensure all requirements are being met. Please also remind staff that medication boxes must remain locked if prescription or over-the-counter medicines are in use, and the keys must be stored at a height of five feet. As infants’ feeding needs change frequently, all changes must be documented on the posted infant feeding plans for children under fifteen months of age. This will ensure all staff members can easily reference individual feeding plans and know what each child should be served. Remember, you may only serve foods listed on the feeding plans, so you must ensure all types of foods parents wish their children to eat at the facility are listed. Please send updated plans to verify compliance. For the safety of children and staff, an approved fire inspection must be obtained each year within twelve months of the previous inspection. Moving forward, I suggest noting the date of your most recent inspection on a calendar and setting a reminder for yourself to call and request your inspection at least two months in advance of the deadline to avoid any potential delays. Completing and repeating the required Health and Safety Training topics increases and refreshes your awareness and knowledge regarding child development and safety. As discussed, M. Evans must complete one more topic and J. McKeithan must complete three more topics; certificates must be submitted with your compliance letter. Technical Assistance Technical assistance was also provided today regarding staffing requirements. As discussed, per NC General Statutes, a lead teacher must be enrolled in the NC Early Childhood Credential (NCECC) coursework or equivalency option within six months of hire in that position, and complete the course or equivalency option within eighteen months of enrollment. Both lead teachers and teachers must be eighteen years of age with a high school diploma or equivalent and one year of child care experience. If an individual does not have one year of experience, twenty hours of on-going training are required in the first six months, which must include NCECC or equivalency coursework. A staff member who has not yet earned a high school diploma or equivalent may only be a substitute position and may not be responsible for a group of children. When a substitute is employed, a qualified staff person must be in place within two months. As a reminder, a qualified lead teacher must be in each preschool classroom for at least two thirds of the day. As discussed today, these are minimum requirements, however additional requirements must be achieved to continue to be eligible for seven points in Education. Please review the Routine Unannounced visit summary dated April 20, 2023 for these requirements. Rated License Information Your facility’s three-year rated license reassessment is due in June 2024, which means that your program has been assigned to “Cohort 3” in the recently announced “cohort model” of resuming reassessments. As discussed today, 7/1/25-6/30/26 will be your “planning/preparation” year, and your next reassessment will be required between 7/1/26-6/30/27. Today we discussed the options of having your reassessment without the Environment Rating Scales (ERS), which would require you to maintain seven points in Education to keep your Four Star rating, or requesting the ERS to try to increase your Program Standards points. While you think about which option may be best for you, you may review all of the ERS resources available at www.ncrlap.org/resources. NCRLAP outreach assessments are also being offered free of charge if you wish to “practice.” You may also to contact technical assistance specialists with the Columbus County Partnership for Children and Region 4 CCR&R to help you with mock assessments. In addition, you will have the option to request ERS assessments free of charge during your planning year, or you may wait until your reassessment year. I will be in touch regarding timelines for reassessment as your planning year approaches. Regarding Education standards, information from DCDEE WORKS was shared with you today, and I advised you which staff members’ accounts needed to be updated. Keep in mind, Education points will be evaluated during the rated license reassessment process, so you must ensure you take requirements into consideration when hiring and placing staff, as well as ensure all staff members have current information in WORKS. Reminders Child Care Rules were revised July 1, 2023, and a new rule book was posted to the DCDEE website. As discussed, you should discard any old versions of the rules and ensure you are referring to the most current rule book when reviewing or researching requirements. For more information regarding the “cohort model” of resuming rated license reassessments, and opportunities for training and technical assistance as you prepare for a reassessment, you may visit https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Licensing/Star-Rated-License/Resuming-Star-Rated-License. At the end of this visit, documentation was completed electronically, printed, and reviewed with you. Please remember it is your responsibility to comply with all child care rules and requirements at all times. If you have questions or need assistance please feel free to contact me at 910-338-7038 or amy.wangler@dhhs.nc.gov. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

10A NCAC 09 .1102 · Violation

Name of Operation: PRECIOUS MINDS LEARN N PLAY ACADEMY Facility ID: 24000163 Consultant: AMY WANGLER Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 9/27/2023 Number Present: 18 Completed Date: 9/27/2023 Age: From 0 To 3 Total Minutes: 215 Time In: 08:45 AM Time Out: 12:20 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of my visit was to monitor compliance with applicable child care requirements pertinent to this visit type. This facility currently operates with a Four Star License issued October 11, 2022. Restrictions on the permit include: a first shift capacity of 50 children 0-12 years of age, and meets enhanced ratios. Restrictions were in compliance today. The facility was also monitored for implementing an approved curriculum with children four years of age as required by the star rating; this program uses Creative Curriculum. The corporation which owns the facility, Precious Minds Learn N Play Academy, LLC, was verified as current and active with the NC Secretary of State’s office on September 25, 2023. The last annual compliance visit was conducted October 11, 2022. A Superior sanitation rating was earned February 21, 2023, and a fire inspection was conducted June 22, 2023; the facility was approved for day time care only. Prior to the visit, the facility had an eighteen-month compliance history score of 86%. Owner/Administrator, C. Faison, was present and available for consultation today. Four indoor spaces and three outdoor spaces are approved for use by children. Upon arrival, infants and children one year of age were observed eating breakfast. Some children sat in high chairs, some sat at a child-sized table, and one was held for bottle feeding. As children finished eating, staff members washed their hands and brought them to play areas. Safe sleep practices including documentation were monitored and in compliance today. Children two years of age were observed in individual diaper changing routines and listening to a staff member read books on the carpet. Later, this group was observed in Outdoor Space #2, using a toddler slide, balls and riding toys. Children three years of age participated in a Halloween themed craft in Space #3, taping collage materials onto black paper plates. Lunch served consisted of turkey and cheese sandwiches on whole grain bread, mixed vegetables, mandarin oranges, and milk. After lunch, children transitioned to rest time routines. They rested on appropriately spaced cots with individual linens, and lights were dimmed. Today it was observed that staff members assigned to Space #1 are actively using digital timers to assist with maintaining safe sleep checks and documentation. It was also observed that new gross motor materials including stepping stones, jump ropes and hula hoops have been added to the playground used by school age children. Health and Safety training requirements as outlined in Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .1102 were monitored today. It was determined that two staff members who have been employed for more than one year still need to complete additional topics. Staff members employed more than five years have repeated all topics as required. Child Care programs are expected to always achieve and maintain compliance with child care rules, 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 following violations were observed today and must be corrected immediately: 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 2022 fire inspection was conducted June 2, 2022, and the next fire inspection was not conducted until June 22, 2023, over 12 months later. 10A NCAC 09 .0304(a) 542 The written feeding plan was not modified as the child's needs changed. Per observation and staff member report, two infants now eating solid foods did not have their feeding plans updated. 10 NCAC 09 .0902(a) 847 Parent's medication authorization did not include required information. Three medications were observed in Space #1 with incomplete instructions. 10A NCAC 09 .0803(4)(6-9) 1033 On or before the first day of work, all staff, including the director and individuals who volunteer more than once per week did not provide results indicating that they were free of active TB and/or TB test or screening was older than 12 months. A regular volunteer observed in the classrooms today has not yet provided a negative TB test or screening. .0701(a) 1898 Staff did not complete the health and safety training within one year of employment. Two staff members employed more than one year have not yet completed all health and safety training topics. .1102(a) A compliance letter including detailed information about how all violations have been corrected must be received by October 11, 2023. Include any supporting documentation with your response (if applicable). Your letter will be used as verification that violations have been corrected and compliance is maintained; your written response is considered a legal document so must be accurate and truthful. If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent using the email address registered with DCDEE and include your facility name and ID number. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. Technical Assistance Regarding Violations Cited As discussed, volunteers who are scheduled more than once per week are required to submit proof of a negative TB test or screening prior to the first day of work. Today you stated the new volunteer has an appointment scheduled for Monday and she will not return until she has proof of negative results. Remember to send a copy to verify compliance and file her results as required. Today I provided technical assistance on the different types of medication permission forms and how to ensure they are filled out completely. I suggested you develop a plan to check the classroom medicine boxes on a regular basis to ensure all requirements are being met. Please also remind staff that medication boxes must remain locked if prescription or over-the-counter medicines are in use, and the keys must be stored at a height of five feet. As infants’ feeding needs change frequently, all changes must be documented on the posted infant feeding plans for children under fifteen months of age. This will ensure all staff members can easily reference individual feeding plans and know what each child should be served. Remember, you may only serve foods listed on the feeding plans, so you must ensure all types of foods parents wish their children to eat at the facility are listed. Please send updated plans to verify compliance. For the safety of children and staff, an approved fire inspection must be obtained each year within twelve months of the previous inspection. Moving forward, I suggest noting the date of your most recent inspection on a calendar and setting a reminder for yourself to call and request your inspection at least two months in advance of the deadline to avoid any potential delays. Completing and repeating the required Health and Safety Training topics increases and refreshes your awareness and knowledge regarding child development and safety. As discussed, M. Evans must complete one more topic and J. McKeithan must complete three more topics; certificates must be submitted with your compliance letter. Technical Assistance Technical assistance was also provided today regarding staffing requirements. As discussed, per NC General Statutes, a lead teacher must be enrolled in the NC Early Childhood Credential (NCECC) coursework or equivalency option within six months of hire in that position, and complete the course or equivalency option within eighteen months of enrollment. Both lead teachers and teachers must be eighteen years of age with a high school diploma or equivalent and one year of child care experience. If an individual does not have one year of experience, twenty hours of on-going training are required in the first six months, which must include NCECC or equivalency coursework. A staff member who has not yet earned a high school diploma or equivalent may only be a substitute position and may not be responsible for a group of children. When a substitute is employed, a qualified staff person must be in place within two months. As a reminder, a qualified lead teacher must be in each preschool classroom for at least two thirds of the day. As discussed today, these are minimum requirements, however additional requirements must be achieved to continue to be eligible for seven points in Education. Please review the Routine Unannounced visit summary dated April 20, 2023 for these requirements. Rated License Information Your facility’s three-year rated license reassessment is due in June 2024, which means that your program has been assigned to “Cohort 3” in the recently announced “cohort model” of resuming reassessments. As discussed today, 7/1/25-6/30/26 will be your “planning/preparation” year, and your next reassessment will be required between 7/1/26-6/30/27. Today we discussed the options of having your reassessment without the Environment Rating Scales (ERS), which would require you to maintain seven points in Education to keep your Four Star rating, or requesting the ERS to try to increase your Program Standards points. While you think about which option may be best for you, you may review all of the ERS resources available at www.ncrlap.org/resources. NCRLAP outreach assessments are also being offered free of charge if you wish to “practice.” You may also to contact technical assistance specialists with the Columbus County Partnership for Children and Region 4 CCR&R to help you with mock assessments. In addition, you will have the option to request ERS assessments free of charge during your planning year, or you may wait until your reassessment year. I will be in touch regarding timelines for reassessment as your planning year approaches. Regarding Education standards, information from DCDEE WORKS was shared with you today, and I advised you which staff members’ accounts needed to be updated. Keep in mind, Education points will be evaluated during the rated license reassessment process, so you must ensure you take requirements into consideration when hiring and placing staff, as well as ensure all staff members have current information in WORKS. Reminders Child Care Rules were revised July 1, 2023, and a new rule book was posted to the DCDEE website. As discussed, you should discard any old versions of the rules and ensure you are referring to the most current rule book when reviewing or researching requirements. For more information regarding the “cohort model” of resuming rated license reassessments, and opportunities for training and technical assistance as you prepare for a reassessment, you may visit https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Licensing/Star-Rated-License/Resuming-Star-Rated-License. At the end of this visit, documentation was completed electronically, printed, and reviewed with you. Please remember it is your responsibility to comply with all child care rules and requirements at all times. If you have questions or need assistance please feel free to contact me at 910-338-7038 or amy.wangler@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: PRECIOUS MINDS LEARN N PLAY ACADEMY Facility ID: 24000163 Consultant: AMY WANGLER Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 9/27/2023 Number Present: 18 Completed Date: 9/27/2023 Age: From 0 To 3 Total Minutes: 215 Time In: 08:45 AM Time Out: 12:20 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of my visit was to monitor compliance with applicable child care requirements pertinent to this visit type. This facility currently operates with a Four Star License issued October 11, 2022. Restrictions on the permit include: a first shift capacity of 50 children 0-12 years of age, and meets enhanced ratios. Restrictions were in compliance today. The facility was also monitored for implementing an approved curriculum with children four years of age as required by the star rating; this program uses Creative Curriculum. The corporation which owns the facility, Precious Minds Learn N Play Academy, LLC, was verified as current and active with the NC Secretary of State’s office on September 25, 2023. The last annual compliance visit was conducted October 11, 2022. A Superior sanitation rating was earned February 21, 2023, and a fire inspection was conducted June 22, 2023; the facility was approved for day time care only. Prior to the visit, the facility had an eighteen-month compliance history score of 86%. Owner/Administrator, C. Faison, was present and available for consultation today. Four indoor spaces and three outdoor spaces are approved for use by children. Upon arrival, infants and children one year of age were observed eating breakfast. Some children sat in high chairs, some sat at a child-sized table, and one was held for bottle feeding. As children finished eating, staff members washed their hands and brought them to play areas. Safe sleep practices including documentation were monitored and in compliance today. Children two years of age were observed in individual diaper changing routines and listening to a staff member read books on the carpet. Later, this group was observed in Outdoor Space #2, using a toddler slide, balls and riding toys. Children three years of age participated in a Halloween themed craft in Space #3, taping collage materials onto black paper plates. Lunch served consisted of turkey and cheese sandwiches on whole grain bread, mixed vegetables, mandarin oranges, and milk. After lunch, children transitioned to rest time routines. They rested on appropriately spaced cots with individual linens, and lights were dimmed. Today it was observed that staff members assigned to Space #1 are actively using digital timers to assist with maintaining safe sleep checks and documentation. It was also observed that new gross motor materials including stepping stones, jump ropes and hula hoops have been added to the playground used by school age children. Health and Safety training requirements as outlined in Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .1102 were monitored today. It was determined that two staff members who have been employed for more than one year still need to complete additional topics. Staff members employed more than five years have repeated all topics as required. Child Care programs are expected to always achieve and maintain compliance with child care rules, 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 following violations were observed today and must be corrected immediately: 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 2022 fire inspection was conducted June 2, 2022, and the next fire inspection was not conducted until June 22, 2023, over 12 months later. 10A NCAC 09 .0304(a) 542 The written feeding plan was not modified as the child's needs changed. Per observation and staff member report, two infants now eating solid foods did not have their feeding plans updated. 10 NCAC 09 .0902(a) 847 Parent's medication authorization did not include required information. Three medications were observed in Space #1 with incomplete instructions. 10A NCAC 09 .0803(4)(6-9) 1033 On or before the first day of work, all staff, including the director and individuals who volunteer more than once per week did not provide results indicating that they were free of active TB and/or TB test or screening was older than 12 months. A regular volunteer observed in the classrooms today has not yet provided a negative TB test or screening. .0701(a) 1898 Staff did not complete the health and safety training within one year of employment. Two staff members employed more than one year have not yet completed all health and safety training topics. .1102(a) A compliance letter including detailed information about how all violations have been corrected must be received by October 11, 2023. Include any supporting documentation with your response (if applicable). Your letter will be used as verification that violations have been corrected and compliance is maintained; your written response is considered a legal document so must be accurate and truthful. If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent using the email address registered with DCDEE and include your facility name and ID number. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. Technical Assistance Regarding Violations Cited As discussed, volunteers who are scheduled more than once per week are required to submit proof of a negative TB test or screening prior to the first day of work. Today you stated the new volunteer has an appointment scheduled for Monday and she will not return until she has proof of negative results. Remember to send a copy to verify compliance and file her results as required. Today I provided technical assistance on the different types of medication permission forms and how to ensure they are filled out completely. I suggested you develop a plan to check the classroom medicine boxes on a regular basis to ensure all requirements are being met. Please also remind staff that medication boxes must remain locked if prescription or over-the-counter medicines are in use, and the keys must be stored at a height of five feet. As infants’ feeding needs change frequently, all changes must be documented on the posted infant feeding plans for children under fifteen months of age. This will ensure all staff members can easily reference individual feeding plans and know what each child should be served. Remember, you may only serve foods listed on the feeding plans, so you must ensure all types of foods parents wish their children to eat at the facility are listed. Please send updated plans to verify compliance. For the safety of children and staff, an approved fire inspection must be obtained each year within twelve months of the previous inspection. Moving forward, I suggest noting the date of your most recent inspection on a calendar and setting a reminder for yourself to call and request your inspection at least two months in advance of the deadline to avoid any potential delays. Completing and repeating the required Health and Safety Training topics increases and refreshes your awareness and knowledge regarding child development and safety. As discussed, M. Evans must complete one more topic and J. McKeithan must complete three more topics; certificates must be submitted with your compliance letter. Technical Assistance Technical assistance was also provided today regarding staffing requirements. As discussed, per NC General Statutes, a lead teacher must be enrolled in the NC Early Childhood Credential (NCECC) coursework or equivalency option within six months of hire in that position, and complete the course or equivalency option within eighteen months of enrollment. Both lead teachers and teachers must be eighteen years of age with a high school diploma or equivalent and one year of child care experience. If an individual does not have one year of experience, twenty hours of on-going training are required in the first six months, which must include NCECC or equivalency coursework. A staff member who has not yet earned a high school diploma or equivalent may only be a substitute position and may not be responsible for a group of children. When a substitute is employed, a qualified staff person must be in place within two months. As a reminder, a qualified lead teacher must be in each preschool classroom for at least two thirds of the day. As discussed today, these are minimum requirements, however additional requirements must be achieved to continue to be eligible for seven points in Education. Please review the Routine Unannounced visit summary dated April 20, 2023 for these requirements. Rated License Information Your facility’s three-year rated license reassessment is due in June 2024, which means that your program has been assigned to “Cohort 3” in the recently announced “cohort model” of resuming reassessments. As discussed today, 7/1/25-6/30/26 will be your “planning/preparation” year, and your next reassessment will be required between 7/1/26-6/30/27. Today we discussed the options of having your reassessment without the Environment Rating Scales (ERS), which would require you to maintain seven points in Education to keep your Four Star rating, or requesting the ERS to try to increase your Program Standards points. While you think about which option may be best for you, you may review all of the ERS resources available at www.ncrlap.org/resources. NCRLAP outreach assessments are also being offered free of charge if you wish to “practice.” You may also to contact technical assistance specialists with the Columbus County Partnership for Children and Region 4 CCR&R to help you with mock assessments. In addition, you will have the option to request ERS assessments free of charge during your planning year, or you may wait until your reassessment year. I will be in touch regarding timelines for reassessment as your planning year approaches. Regarding Education standards, information from DCDEE WORKS was shared with you today, and I advised you which staff members’ accounts needed to be updated. Keep in mind, Education points will be evaluated during the rated license reassessment process, so you must ensure you take requirements into consideration when hiring and placing staff, as well as ensure all staff members have current information in WORKS. Reminders Child Care Rules were revised July 1, 2023, and a new rule book was posted to the DCDEE website. As discussed, you should discard any old versions of the rules and ensure you are referring to the most current rule book when reviewing or researching requirements. For more information regarding the “cohort model” of resuming rated license reassessments, and opportunities for training and technical assistance as you prepare for a reassessment, you may visit https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Licensing/Star-Rated-License/Resuming-Star-Rated-License. At the end of this visit, documentation was completed electronically, printed, and reviewed with you. Please remember it is your responsibility to comply with all child care rules and requirements at all times. If you have questions or need assistance please feel free to contact me at 910-338-7038 or amy.wangler@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