Estes Hills Prek

GS 110-102 · Violation

Name of Operation: ESTES HILLS PREK Facility ID: 68000492 Consultant: CAROLINE SYKES Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 4/9/2025 Number Present: 13 Completed Date: 4/9/2025 Age: From 3 To 5 Total Minutes: 120 Time In: 09:30 AM Time Out: 11:30 AM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor for applicable Child Care Requirements. The facility currently operates with a Five Star Child Care License that was issued on June 7, 2019. The last annual compliance visit was conducted on April 11, 2024. Upon arrival, I signed in at the school’s main office and then proceeded to the preschool classroom where I was greeted by the staff. Children were observed eating breakfast, participating in routines, teacher directed and free play activities . The last sanitation inspection was March 27, 2025 with a “Superior” classification. The annual fire inspection was completed on April 16, 2024 and the classroom received no violations and approval for daytime care. During today’s visit, a full assessment of applicable Child Care Requirements was conducted. The following violations were observed. Violation Number Comment Rule 114 A summary of the NC Child Care Law was not given to a parent of every child enrolled in the center. One of the children's file that was reviewed did not contain a statement acknowledging that they had a summary of the NC Child Care Law. GS 110-102 853 Incident logs were not completed and maintained as required. The incident log was not current and up to date including all incidents that had occurred. .0802(g)(1-6) 1324 Signed and dated statement by parent that discipline policy received and explained at enrollment was not in child's file. One of the children's files reviewed did not contain a signed and dated statement by the parent that the discipline policy was provided and reviewed with them. .1804(c) 1908 A child's file did not have a statement with parent signature acknowledging receipt and explanation of the Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy and/or the acknowledgement did not have all the required information. One of the children's files reviewed did not contain a statement or parent signature acknowledging receipt and explanation of the Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy. .0608(b)(1-6) The above violations must be corrected immediately. A Corrective Action Letter must be drafted and sent to me by April 23, 2025. You can email the letter to me at caroline.sykes@dhhs.nc.gov The letter should include: -Facility name -Facility ID number -Each item number If a compliance letter is not received to my office by 5:00 PM April 23, 2025, a return visit may be conducted to ensure the violations cited have been corrected or addressed. Additional violation may be documented if each violation has not been properly corrected or otherwise addressed. Please be aware that any information received during this monitoring visit and any violations cited may be included in any future administrative actions. Violations of child care requirements, particularly repeated violations, could result in a civil penalty and/or administrative action that could jeopardize the status of the license for the child care facility. You were provided an opportunity to ask questions regarding interpretation and implementation of all child care requirements. Child care licensing rules and regulations are established to ensure a safe and healthy environment for children in care. Therefore, it is important for you to be knowledgeable of all of the licensing requirements that apply to your program. It is your responsibility to maintain compliance with all of the applicable laws and rules at all times. The best way for you to make sure that you are meeting all requirements is to periodically review the child care law and rules. Both are available on the DCDEE website https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/, on the home page under the ‘Services’ tab. REMINDERS: -Your annual fire inspection is due before April 16, 2025. Please send me a copy of the inspection once completed. -K. Stewart’s criminal background check expires 10/4/25. Be sure to complete a new background check prior to that date. The process should start two-three months prior to the expiration date. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE: Violations were cited regarding children's records not containing all required acknowledgements of parents receiving policies such as Discipline, Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma and NC Child Care Laws. We discussed the important of ensuring all parents receive and review with staff these policies, and a signed acknowledgement of the receipt and review is kept in their file. A violation was cited regarding incidents not being logged on a regular basis. We discussed the importance of logging all incidents on the incident log when they happen and are documented. RESOURCES: -The Health and Safety Trainings are offered on the DCDEE Moodle format as well. These trainings are free, and participants will receive training certificates when completed. -For other upcoming training opportunities please visit the Early Years website at: earlyyearsnc.org -Child care programs can order free posters from the NC Child Care Health and Safety Resource Center at https://healthychildcare.unc.edu/. -For information on recalls regarding children’s products, food, medicine, and other products please visit www.recalls.gov . You can also sign up for e-mail alerts for recalled products at this site. If you have questions or concerns, please contact me at caroline.sykes@dhhs.nc.gov or by phone at 336-266-4938. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

10A NCAC 09 .1801 · Violation

Name of Operation: ESTES HILLS PREK Facility ID: 68000492 Consultant: GILETTE PARKER Operation Type: Center Case Number: 1224-306L Visit Date: 1/8/2025 Number Present: 12 Completed Date: 1/8/2025 Age: From 3 To 5 Total Minutes: 95 Time In: 09:40 AM Time Out: 11:15 AM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Complaint Visit Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to investigate and obtain information regarding allegations of non-compliance with the NC Child Care Licensing Requirements received by the agency on 12-19-24. When I arrived at the facility, I signed in at the main office and proceeded to the NC Pre-K classroom. Ms. Smith, Ms. Stewart, and Ms. Gilmore were present, and assisted me during today’s visit. Limited monitoring of childcare requirements occurred during today’s visit. I monitored supervision, staff/child ratio, adequate /approved space, license posted and restrictions and safe environment. During today’s visit I discussed the allegation with the staff members. Allegation 1 There are concerns regarding supervision and a safe environment. Based on the information provided regarding concerns of inadequate supervision, I observed in the classroom and reviewed statements provided by the principal and one staff member that was sent via email regarding the allegation prior to today’s visit. Observation: During today’s visit I observed in the NC Pre-K classroom, and I observed the children transitioning to Art classroom. I observed the teachers doing head counts before lining up to leave the classroom, once the children lined up and while the children were walking to the Art room, then again when the children arrived in the Art classroom. I did not observe any supervision issues. Interview Based off the documentation provided a student remained in the classroom for approximately two minutes before leaving and after being outside for approximately another 2 minutes, she was subsequently found outside on the sidewalk by a staff member. Administration discovered the rest of the Pre-K class in the Art Room. At this point, approximately 8 minutes had passed and no one from the Pre-K class realized that the student was missing until the administration shared the information. All staff members have read and signed documentation regarding guidelines that have been implemented on January 3rd, 2025. Also, according to the documentation received the child’s parents were notified of the incident. According to all the staff members present during today’s visit there have not been any incidents of inadequate supervision in the classroom since the date of the incident on 12-19-24. CONCLUSION: Based on information received from the Director, and staff, the finding regarding this allegation is Substantiated. One (1) violation was cited during today’s visit; the providers had a chance to ask questions to ensure staying in compliance. Violation Number Comment Rule 303 Children were not adequately supervised at all times. One child was not adequately supervised at all times. .1801(a)(1-5) The violation(s) documented must be corrected immediately. On or before 1-22-25, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail how and when the violations were corrected. Please be aware that any information submitted by you is considered legal documentation. Child Care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. Email the information to: Caroline Sykes, Child Care Consultant Caroline.sykes@dhhs.nc.gov If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent from the email address registered with the DCDEE (this serves as your signature) and the following information must be included: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. An example is: Jane Doe, Administrator AAA Child Care ID # 12345678 Technical Assistance given regarding the substantiated allegation. Active supervision requires staff to pay close attention to children at all times, including transitions between activities and locations. Staff should be able to hear, see, and find children during all activities. During transitions, staff should account for all children by matching name-to-face to visually identify each child. Child Care Rule Reference 10A NCAC 09 .1801 SUPERVISION IN CHILD CARE CENTERS A follow-up visit will be conducted within 2 weeks. Before today’s visit the facilities compliance, history is at 99%. Child Care programs are expected to always achieve and maintain compliance and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. Agency Information The North Carolina Child Care Rules and Laws are on the Division’s website. Please visit the Division’s website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ for more information. It is your responsibility to be familiar with and in compliance with these rules and laws. RESOURCES The Health and Safety Trainings are offered on the DCDEE Moodle format. On the Division’s website look under the “SERVICES” tab for “DCDEE Moodle”. These trainings are free, and participants will receive training certificates when completed. Child care programs can order free posters from the NC Child Care Health and Safety Resource Center at https://healthychildcare.unc.edu/. Additional resource links https://www.fns.usda.gov/cacfp https://www.childcareaware.org/ https://www.naeyc.org/ https://nrckids.org/CFOC https://www.preventchildabusenc.org/new-recognizing-responding-online-course/. Thank you for your cooperation during today’s visit. If you need assistance, you can contact your consultant, or I can be reached at gilette.parker@dhhs.nc.gov or by phone at 919-939-7519. My supervisor Kaye Adkins can be reached at kaye.adkins@dhhs.nc.gov if you have questions. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

NC GS 110-90 · Violation

Name of Operation: ESTES HILLS PREK Facility ID: 68000492 Consultant: GILETTE PARKER Operation Type: Center Case Number: 1224-306L Visit Date: 1/8/2025 Number Present: 12 Completed Date: 1/8/2025 Age: From 3 To 5 Total Minutes: 95 Time In: 09:40 AM Time Out: 11:15 AM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Complaint Visit Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to investigate and obtain information regarding allegations of non-compliance with the NC Child Care Licensing Requirements received by the agency on 12-19-24. When I arrived at the facility, I signed in at the main office and proceeded to the NC Pre-K classroom. Ms. Smith, Ms. Stewart, and Ms. Gilmore were present, and assisted me during today’s visit. Limited monitoring of childcare requirements occurred during today’s visit. I monitored supervision, staff/child ratio, adequate /approved space, license posted and restrictions and safe environment. During today’s visit I discussed the allegation with the staff members. Allegation 1 There are concerns regarding supervision and a safe environment. Based on the information provided regarding concerns of inadequate supervision, I observed in the classroom and reviewed statements provided by the principal and one staff member that was sent via email regarding the allegation prior to today’s visit. Observation: During today’s visit I observed in the NC Pre-K classroom, and I observed the children transitioning to Art classroom. I observed the teachers doing head counts before lining up to leave the classroom, once the children lined up and while the children were walking to the Art room, then again when the children arrived in the Art classroom. I did not observe any supervision issues. Interview Based off the documentation provided a student remained in the classroom for approximately two minutes before leaving and after being outside for approximately another 2 minutes, she was subsequently found outside on the sidewalk by a staff member. Administration discovered the rest of the Pre-K class in the Art Room. At this point, approximately 8 minutes had passed and no one from the Pre-K class realized that the student was missing until the administration shared the information. All staff members have read and signed documentation regarding guidelines that have been implemented on January 3rd, 2025. Also, according to the documentation received the child’s parents were notified of the incident. According to all the staff members present during today’s visit there have not been any incidents of inadequate supervision in the classroom since the date of the incident on 12-19-24. CONCLUSION: Based on information received from the Director, and staff, the finding regarding this allegation is Substantiated. One (1) violation was cited during today’s visit; the providers had a chance to ask questions to ensure staying in compliance. Violation Number Comment Rule 303 Children were not adequately supervised at all times. One child was not adequately supervised at all times. .1801(a)(1-5) The violation(s) documented must be corrected immediately. On or before 1-22-25, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail how and when the violations were corrected. Please be aware that any information submitted by you is considered legal documentation. Child Care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. Email the information to: Caroline Sykes, Child Care Consultant Caroline.sykes@dhhs.nc.gov If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent from the email address registered with the DCDEE (this serves as your signature) and the following information must be included: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. An example is: Jane Doe, Administrator AAA Child Care ID # 12345678 Technical Assistance given regarding the substantiated allegation. Active supervision requires staff to pay close attention to children at all times, including transitions between activities and locations. Staff should be able to hear, see, and find children during all activities. During transitions, staff should account for all children by matching name-to-face to visually identify each child. Child Care Rule Reference 10A NCAC 09 .1801 SUPERVISION IN CHILD CARE CENTERS A follow-up visit will be conducted within 2 weeks. Before today’s visit the facilities compliance, history is at 99%. Child Care programs are expected to always achieve and maintain compliance and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. Agency Information The North Carolina Child Care Rules and Laws are on the Division’s website. Please visit the Division’s website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ for more information. It is your responsibility to be familiar with and in compliance with these rules and laws. RESOURCES The Health and Safety Trainings are offered on the DCDEE Moodle format. On the Division’s website look under the “SERVICES” tab for “DCDEE Moodle”. These trainings are free, and participants will receive training certificates when completed. Child care programs can order free posters from the NC Child Care Health and Safety Resource Center at https://healthychildcare.unc.edu/. Additional resource links https://www.fns.usda.gov/cacfp https://www.childcareaware.org/ https://www.naeyc.org/ https://nrckids.org/CFOC https://www.preventchildabusenc.org/new-recognizing-responding-online-course/. Thank you for your cooperation during today’s visit. If you need assistance, you can contact your consultant, or I can be reached at gilette.parker@dhhs.nc.gov or by phone at 919-939-7519. My supervisor Kaye Adkins can be reached at kaye.adkins@dhhs.nc.gov if you have questions. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

G.S. 110-91 · Violation

Name of Operation: ESTES HILLS PREK Facility ID: 68000492 Consultant: MONA NDIAYE Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 4/11/2024 Number Present: 14 Completed Date: 4/11/2024 Age: From 3 To 5 Total Minutes: 85 Time In: 01:25 PM Time Out: 02:50 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced annual compliance visit was to monitor for child care requirements applicable to a child care center. Upon my arrival I signed in at the office and proceeded to the classroom. The classroom teachers, were present and assisted me during today’s visit. I completed a walk-through of the classroom, attendance was documented, and observations were made. The children were observed resting, participating in music and movement, listening to a story and preparing to go home. The last annual compliance visit was conducted May 25, 2023. The center is operating under a Five Star License that was issued May 26, 2016. The last sanitation inspection was conducted April 9, 2024 the center received a Superior rating. Fire drills were monitored. All staff and two children’s files were monitored. During today’s visit, a full assessment of applicable Child Care Requirements was conducted. The following violation was observed during today’s visit. Violation Number Comment Rule 1327 Accurate records were not maintained for all children. One child did not have a complete file on site. G.S. 110-91(9) The above violation must be corrected immediately, and a letter must be sent to me no later than April 22, 2024 stating how each item was corrected and a plan to maintain compliance with the requirement. My email address is mona.ndiaye@dhhs.nc.gov. If I do not receive your letter by April 22, 2024 and/or if you do not address all violations, a return visit to your program will be made to monitor for compliance of violations and to obtain your compliance letter. Additional violations may be documented if the situation has not been corrected or addressed. You were provided an opportunity to ask questions regarding interpretation and implementation of all child care requirements. Child care licensing rules and regulations are established to ensure a safe and healthy environment for children in care. Therefore, it is important for you to be knowledgeable of all of the licensing requirements that apply to your program. It is your responsibility to maintain compliance with all of the applicable laws and rules at all times. The best way for you to make sure that you are meeting all requirements is to periodically review the child care law and rules. Both are available on the DCDEE website https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ , on the home page under the ‘Services’ tab. Consultation/Technical Assistance Ensure each child has the Acknowledgement form on file. I received completed offsite records verification forms for staff and children. Please submit the staff and training worksheets by April 18, 2024. Ensure past playground inspections are kept onsite. The sandbox on the playground should continue to not be used the children. Use the staff and training worksheets to kept your files in order. RESOURCES The Health and Safety Trainings are offered on the DCDEE Moodle format. On the Division’s website look under the “SERVICES” tab for “DCDEE Moodle”. These trainings are free, and participants will receive training certificates when completed. Child care programs can order free posters from the NC Child Care Health and Safety Resource Center at https://healthychildcare.unc.edu/ . Thank you for your cooperation during today’s visit. If you need assistance, I can be reached at mona.ndiaye@dhhs.nc.gov or by phone at 336-580-5417. You can also reach my supervisor Kaye Adkins at kaye.adkins@dhhs.nc.gov or336-580-2527 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