Alliance Center FOR Education Stephanie Jennings

NC GS 110-90 · Violation

Name of Operation: ALLIANCE CENTER FOR EDUCATION STEPHANIE JENNINGS Facility ID: 60003106 Consultant: MARA BRINTON Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 5/28/2026 Number Present: 59 Completed Date: 5/28/2026 Age: From 1 To 5 Total Minutes: 270 Time In: 10:00 AM Time Out: 02:30 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Admin Action Follow-Up Lic Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to monitor for compliance with applicable child care requirements during an Administrative Action Visit Follow Up. Upon arrival at the five-star rated center, the on-site administrator, Ms. Crystal Gray, greeted me at the front door. The Child Care Center Item Number Listing dated May 2026 was used to verify non-compliance during the visit. The following compliance sections were monitored for compliance: A1-supervision, B1-ratio, C4-CPR, C5-FA, C6-special training, E1-storage of hazardous products, E2-storage of medicine, F3-space, G1-staff records, G3-program records, G4-license posted and G5-restrictions. A walk through of spaces 1-8 was conducted with Ms. Gray after the administrative action updates were reviewed. Adequate supervision of children was monitored in compliance. Staff to child ratios were monitored in compliance with meeting the highest voluntary enhanced ratios. Staff were monitored with current safety training and health requirements. Storage of medications with required documentation were monitored current. Medications were monitored in plastic bags with the appropriate medical action plan and permission to administer the medication to a child in space #6. We discussed outside service staff and what is required to be on file. A non-staff member was monitored in space #2 working one on one with a child. Inquiries were made regarding frequency and hours of the non-staff members’ work. It was determined; other than the DCDEE CBC qualification letter there was no other paperwork on file. The non staff was not left alone with the child but is present for the majority of the program day. It was recommended to obtain/maintain at least emergency contact information for the adult. The received Written Warning was monitored posted in a binder by the front door. We discussed posting the cover letter, action and corrective action in protective sleeves and posting them on the yellow door next to the entrance. A second administrative action was also monitored maintained in a binder at the front desk. The administrative action was issued on March 11, 2026. -Center staff completed A+ Supervision with CCRI staff on March 20, 2026. A training roster was provided and reviewed. -The center’s supervision policy was approved in writing/email and verbally on May 6, 2026. -Ms. Gray confirmed the center staff meeting was completed March 20, 2026. Required documentation was monitored for compliance. -Today, staff were asked about the items reviewed during the March 20, 2026, staff meeting. The attendance roster and meeting agenda were reviewed during today’s visit. Staff articulated the varying approved supervision/transition requirements listed in the policy. -Based on monitoring the corrective action plan requirements the center has met all required stipulations. A closure letter will be submitted for final approval. Children were observed participating in daily routine activities of eating, toileting and napping on cots with linen. The most current staff and training worksheets were monitored for compliance. No new staff were hired since the last monitoring visit completed on April 24, 2026. An ABCMS staff report was run prior to the visit and verified as current. A former HS employee (A. Butler) was still linked to the facility. Ms. Gray was asked to unlink the former employee. The last sanitation inspection was conducted March 24, 2026, with eleven (11) demerits cited and a Superior classification issued. The last fire inspection conducted was November 17, 2025. Ms. Gray was reminded to begin the annual inspection process 6-8 weeks prior to expiration. The last annual compliance visit was completed March 30, 2026. Violation Number Comment Rule 1811 Shelter-in-place or lockdown drills were not practiced every three months and/or drill record was incomplete. The last SIP drill was documented February 25, 2026. Either drill was not completed at least once every three months. .0604(u);.0302(d)(8) Technical Assistance Provided and General Discussion: -It was noted and monitored that Ms. Gray obtained EPR training on April 21, 2026, after not being able to locate her previous training certificate. The center will have until July 21, 2026, to update and revise the EPR plan in the portal system. The revised plan must be printed and maintained on site. -It was noted and monitored that Ms. Gray obtained playground safety training on April 16, 2026, after not being able to locate her previous training certificate. It was recommended to copy the training certificate and maintain it along with any other staff who have obtained the training in the monthly playground inspection book. -It was recommended to plan the SIP drills (shelter in place or lock down drills) for the entire operating year in advance. It was recommended to re-do the tracking tool for monthly fire drills and SIP drills, beginning with the data listed for January. Child Care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. The violation(s) documented must be corrected immediately. On or before June 11,2026. 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. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. Mail or email the information to: Mara Brinton, Child Care Consultant 3687 Stallings Road Harrisburg, NC 28075 mara.brinton@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 If you have any questions or concerns, you may contact Mara Brinton at 704-594-0140 or by email at mara.brinton@dhhs.nc.gov. You may also contact my supervisor, Amy Italiano at 704-936-6065 or by email at amy.italiano@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 .0514 · Violation

Name of Operation: ALLIANCE CENTER FOR EDUCATION STEPHANIE JENNINGS Facility ID: 60003106 Consultant: MARA BRINTON Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 3/30/2026 Number Present: 50 Completed Date: 3/30/2026 Age: From 1 To 5 Total Minutes: 360 Time In: 09:30 AM Time Out: 03:30 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor for compliance with applicable child care requirements during the annual compliance visit. The five-star licensed center continued to operate meeting enhanced space and highest voluntary enhanced ratios. Upon arrival, I was greeted by a family support staff and the new administrator, Ms. Crystal Gray. The center was issued a Written Warning on March 11, 2026. Today, the administrative action was monitored maintained in a binder, that was open on a table next to the entrance of the center. I explained to Ms. Gray that the action must be posted and not maintained in an open binder. It was recommended to utilize clear plastic sleeves and post one page in each sleeve, then post on the wall next to the fire box at the entrance. Ms. Elisha Wilson submitted a revised supervision plan on March 24, 2026. Ms. Gray was asked if she had read the action and the submitted plan. Ms. Gray stated she read the action and the submitted plan. We discussed whether she felt the plan would be obtainable for staff to execute. I expressed concerns there were a lot of action steps involved and asked if staff would be able to be successful. A walk through of spaces 1-8, kitchen, one bus (RDE-3492), and outdoor learning environments were monitored for compliance. Ms. Gray accompanied me during the walk through of the center. The child care item listed dated April 2025 was used to determine non-compliance items. During the walk through, an infant in an infant seat was monitored at the front desk with one of the family service coordinators. Ms. Evans was asked why the child was up at the front desk with her. She stated a parent was volunteering. It was explained to Ms. Evans and Ms. Gray that the front desk area is not approved space for taking care of children. It was also explained that if any child is present during operating hours, the child would be expected to be an enrolled child. We reviewed volunteer requirements. Volunteers may not be left alone or used to maintain required staff to child ratios. A checklist was emailed to Ms. Gray. The parent and infant left the center due to the child care rule clarification. A current less on plan was not posted in space #1. It was recommended to have staff post the lesson plan for the next week on Friday’s. In space #2, soiled clothing was observed stored in a plastic bag inside of a child’s cubby instead of being stored out of reach (5 feet vertical sanitation rule). It was recommended to use command hooks in the bathroom and store the soiled clothing in the bathrooms. Medications were monitored for compliance. Three children with prescribed medications were monitored without a current six-month permission slip in spaces #2 and #6. Staff and Training worksheets were presented, and five new staff were hired since the last AC visit completed in May of 2025. The following new staff files were monitored for compliance: N. Davis, B. McCombs, S. Ashford, T. Davis and C. Gray. One existing staff file was monitored for compliance: T. Smallwood. Ms. Gray did not have the EPR plan reviewed with her within the first two weeks after being hired. Two additional new hires did not have documentation on file showing completion of required orientation topics within the first two weeks or within the first 6 weeks after hiring. One staff member was hired March 23, 2026, and was not linked in the ABCMS within five days of hiring. Two staff members did not have CPR or FA training completed within the first 90 days after hiring. One staff member hired August 18, 2025, did not complete or maintain documentation on file showing completion of CMT training within 90 days of hiring, did not have a signed shaken baby and head trauma policy on file or a signed job description. We discussed and reviewed the child care requirement regarding storage of staff medical records. The staff’s medical records must be stored separately from the staff files. Separate health files were monitored and maintained inside of the staff files. It was explained the medical records must be maintained separately. Seventy-seven children were monitored enrolled. Seven children’s files were monitored for compliance. Two NC Pre-K children’s records were monitored for compliance. One child's medical action plan was not legible and extremely faded. The center operated one NC Pre-K classroom this school calendar year. Staff were unable to present parent involvement tracking, or children’s formative quarterly assessments for the program operating year. The Lead and Teacher for the NC Pre-K classroom have changed twice this year. It was discussed with Ms. Gray the need to ensure full implementation of the curriculum in this classroom occurs. The site consultant visit report was printed and reviewed. The discrepancies listed will be reported to the NC Pre-K Consultant for the area. We discussed incident reports and log child care requirements. Completed incident reports should be filed in the applicable child’s folder. It is considered best practice to maintain a copy of the completed incident report in a binder with the cumulative center incident log. One bus (RDE-3492) was monitored for compliance. A bus roster was not maintained on site. The first aid kit and fire extinguisher were monitored secured. The tire threads were monitored in compliance with child care rule. Ms. Gray had to contact someone at the main office to obtain the most current copy of the bus registration and insurance. The organization must ensure site administrators have the most current bus information on site and are available for review. The center’s EPR plan and the RTGF were monitored for compliance. Ms. Gray stated she took the EPR training. It was explained, she must locate her training certificate, if not, she would be required to take the training over again and update the EPR plan within four months from her date of hire. If she locates her training certificate, it would be expected to update the plan in the portal system within 30 days after hiring. A child’s medical action plan must also be maintained current and in the EPR/RTGF and child’s on-site file. The outdoor learning environments were monitored for compliance. We discussed the need for borders around the trike path. Loose mulch was observed throughout the trike path. This potentially could cause tripping hazards and limits children’s ability to use the trike path for other items like side walk chalk. Borders should be installed on both sides of the trike path to help maintain the mulch in the required areas. Loose garbage was monitored on the other side of the fence. Outdoor children’s items were monitored in poor condition: basketball hoop, children’s plastic chairs, water table and other portable toys). There were several fallen leaves bunched up in the fence corners and perimeters that were not removed in the fall. Not removing the fallen leaves could maintain a home for snakes or other vermin. This topic was reviewed and discussed more than once before. The lawn care company used has not ensured once the fall leaves were on the ground to remove them and not just blow them into the corners and against the fence. The last sanitation inspection was completed March 24, 2026, with eleven (11) demerits cited and a superior classification issued. The last fire inspection was completed November 17, 2025. It was highly recommended to begin your annual inspection process four to six weeks prior to expiration. Violation Number Comment Rule 209 Children used space that was not approved. An infant not enrolled at the center remained in an infant car seat at the front desk with a family service staff member while their parent volunteered in a classroom. GS 110-91(1)&(4-5) 428 A current activity plan was not posted for each group of children for reference. A current activity plan was not posted in space #1. GS 110-91(12); .0508(a) 707 Equipment and furnishings not meeting the requirements outlined in child care .0601(b) and (c) were not removed or made inaccessible. There were multiple items observed on the playground in poor repair (chairs, toys, water table, basketball hoop). .0601(d) 808 The child care center premises, including the outdoor learning environment, was not clean, drained to minimize standing water, free of litter and hazards, and/or maintained in a manner which does not create conditions that attract or harbor pests. Large amounts of fallen leaves were monitored in the corners and perimeter of the fence lines. There was garbage observed on the other side of the fences but part of the premises of the center. 15A NCAC 18A .2832(a) 853 Incident logs were not completed and maintained as required. Completed incident reports were filed with log and were not logged onto the incident log. .0802(g)(1-6) 1045 New staff, who had contact with children, did not receive at least 16 hrs. orientation within first 6 weeks. Two staff hired in August 2025 did not have documentation showing completion of orientation within the first six weeks. .1101(a) 1048 All staff did not successfully complete certification in First Aid appropriate to the age of children in care. Verification of staff completion of First Aid training from an approved training organization was not in the staff file. Two staff hired in August 2025 did not have documentation on file showing completion of FA training within 90 days of hiring. .1102(c) 1049 All staff did not successfully complete certification in CPR training appropriate to the age of the children in care. Verification of staff completion of the CPR course from an approved training organization was not in the staff file. Two staff hired in August 2025 did not obtain CPR training within 90 days from their date of hire. .1102(d) 1067 Each new employee did not complete, within the first two weeks of employment, six clock hours of training in required topic areas. Three newly hired staff did not have documentation showing completion of the required topic area of orientation within the first two weeks of employment. .1101(a)(b) 1129 For routine transport of children to and from the center, a list of all children being transported was not available at the center. The center did not have a transportation roster list of the children who were routinely transported maintained at the center. 10A NCAC 09 .1003(I) 1233 Each employee's personnel file did not contain a signed and dated statement that they received a job description and that they have received personnel and operational policies. One staff member hired in August 2025 did not have a signed and dated statement on file regarding a received job description. 10A NCAC 09 .0514(g) 1805 A child care operator did not notify the Division of any new child care providers, as defined in G.S. 110-90.2(a)(2), who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. One new staff member was not linked to the facility in the ABCMS within five business days. G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(r) 1825 All staff did not review the center's EPR Plan during orientation and/or on an annual basis with the trained staff. Documentation of the review was not maintained on file. The new administrator was not trained on the center EPR plan during orientation. .0607(f) 1835 The medical action plan was not updated on an annual basis or when changes to the plan were made by the child's parent or health care professional. One child's MAP was not legible, and the copy was extremely faded. .0801(b) 1874 The Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy was not reviewed with new staff prior to providing care with children and/or a signed acknowledgement with all the required information was not maintained in the staff person's file. One staff member hired in August 2025 did not have a signed statement related to the prevention of shaken baby syndrome and abusive head trauma policy. .0608(d)(1-4) 1882 Medication authorization, giving the caregiver standing authorization did not meet the specifications in rule. Three children with prescribed medication maintained on-site did not have a current permission slip on file. (spaces: #2 and #6) .0803(6)(a-i); .0803(7)(a-g); .0803(8)(a-d) 1890 Each staff member did not have the required medical report, proof of tuberculosis test or screening and/or completed health questionnaire in a medical file, maintained separately from the staff member's individual personnel file. Staff's health documents were not maintained separately from the staff member's individual personnel file. The contents were monitored in a file, but stored/maintained inside of each staff member's individual personnel file. .0701(d) 1897 The child care administrator and all staff did not complete the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training within 90 days of employment. One staff member hired in August 2025 did not have documentation on file showing completion of the required CMT. .1102(g) 1933 The NC Pre-K Classroom did not conduct an approved formative assessment with each child and/or did not use the assessment to plan and deliver instruction. No quarterly formative assessments were provided for review for the NC Pre-K children enrolled. .3008 9995 A violation was found for which there is no item number. 15A NCAC 18A .2819 DIAPERING AND DIAPER CHANGING FACILITIES (f) Child care center employees may dispose of feces from diapers in the toilet, but shall not rinse soiled cloth diapers, training pants, or clothes. Soiled cloth diapers, training pants, or clothes shall be sent to a diaper service or placed in a sealed plastic bag or other sealed container, stored out of reach of children, and sent home with the child on the same day to be laundered. A child's soiled clothing was not stored at least five feet vertical form the ground in space #2. Technical Assistance Provided and General Discussion: 1. We reviewed incident reporting and incident report log requirements. Completed incident reports must be logged onto the center’s cumulative log and then filed into the applicable child’s file. It was recommended as best practice to maintain a copy of the incident report in a binder with the center’s log. 2. 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. No action is needed on your part if you have completed the reference training and are currently using the ABCMS Provider Portal to update information regarding new hires or residents. Once the training has been completed and access has been given, you must verify your facility roster to ensure current staff are noted/linked on the roster. This information should be updated in ABCMS on 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. 3. The center roster report was run before the visit. One new staff member was not linked. There was a former employee who had not been unlinked. 4. It was recommended to contact Ms. LaWanda Heggins, site assigned Community Health Consultant, to review all the medications and required forms. Ms. Heggins could also conduct any health-related training for the entire staff. We reviewed child care requirements related to required forms and time frames for permission slips. Medical action plans are valid for one year only. Staff were reminded that children’s medical action plans must be maintained with the child’s application in the child’s file and in the EPR/Ready to Go File. LaWanda Heggins, RN, CCHC-C/E, CPHN Child Care Health Consultant Sr Nurse Case Manager Public Health | Office of the Medical Director Mecklenburg County Government Office: 980.314.9342 cellular: 704.621.8451 New: Lawanda.Heggins@mecklenburgcountync.gov 5. Ms. Gray will have 2 months from her date of hire to obtain ITS-SIDS training from an approved trainer. 6. QRIS was discussed with Ms. Gray. The center is listed on the TEAMS list approval for Pathway #3. Due to the center being in the middle of an issued administrative action, the reassessment of the license can not occur until the facility is in full compliance with child care rule and law. The required forms will be shared with Ms. Gray at a later date. 7. We discussed semi-poisonous plants. A guide will be emailed to Ms. Gray. 8. The final summary could not be completed due to the end of the program day and continued to be delayed due to computer issues the following day. Child Care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. The violation(s) documented must be corrected immediately. On or before April 13, 2026. 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. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. Mail or email the information to: Mara Brinton, Child Care Consultant 3687 Stallings Road Harrisburg, NC 28075 mara.brinton@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 If you have any questions or concerns, you may contact Mara Brinton at 704-594-0140 or by email at mara.brinton@dhhs.nc.gov. You may also contact my supervisor, Amy Italiano at 704-936-6065 or by email at amy.italiano@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 .1003 · Violation

Name of Operation: ALLIANCE CENTER FOR EDUCATION STEPHANIE JENNINGS Facility ID: 60003106 Consultant: MARA BRINTON Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 3/30/2026 Number Present: 50 Completed Date: 3/30/2026 Age: From 1 To 5 Total Minutes: 360 Time In: 09:30 AM Time Out: 03:30 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor for compliance with applicable child care requirements during the annual compliance visit. The five-star licensed center continued to operate meeting enhanced space and highest voluntary enhanced ratios. Upon arrival, I was greeted by a family support staff and the new administrator, Ms. Crystal Gray. The center was issued a Written Warning on March 11, 2026. Today, the administrative action was monitored maintained in a binder, that was open on a table next to the entrance of the center. I explained to Ms. Gray that the action must be posted and not maintained in an open binder. It was recommended to utilize clear plastic sleeves and post one page in each sleeve, then post on the wall next to the fire box at the entrance. Ms. Elisha Wilson submitted a revised supervision plan on March 24, 2026. Ms. Gray was asked if she had read the action and the submitted plan. Ms. Gray stated she read the action and the submitted plan. We discussed whether she felt the plan would be obtainable for staff to execute. I expressed concerns there were a lot of action steps involved and asked if staff would be able to be successful. A walk through of spaces 1-8, kitchen, one bus (RDE-3492), and outdoor learning environments were monitored for compliance. Ms. Gray accompanied me during the walk through of the center. The child care item listed dated April 2025 was used to determine non-compliance items. During the walk through, an infant in an infant seat was monitored at the front desk with one of the family service coordinators. Ms. Evans was asked why the child was up at the front desk with her. She stated a parent was volunteering. It was explained to Ms. Evans and Ms. Gray that the front desk area is not approved space for taking care of children. It was also explained that if any child is present during operating hours, the child would be expected to be an enrolled child. We reviewed volunteer requirements. Volunteers may not be left alone or used to maintain required staff to child ratios. A checklist was emailed to Ms. Gray. The parent and infant left the center due to the child care rule clarification. A current less on plan was not posted in space #1. It was recommended to have staff post the lesson plan for the next week on Friday’s. In space #2, soiled clothing was observed stored in a plastic bag inside of a child’s cubby instead of being stored out of reach (5 feet vertical sanitation rule). It was recommended to use command hooks in the bathroom and store the soiled clothing in the bathrooms. Medications were monitored for compliance. Three children with prescribed medications were monitored without a current six-month permission slip in spaces #2 and #6. Staff and Training worksheets were presented, and five new staff were hired since the last AC visit completed in May of 2025. The following new staff files were monitored for compliance: N. Davis, B. McCombs, S. Ashford, T. Davis and C. Gray. One existing staff file was monitored for compliance: T. Smallwood. Ms. Gray did not have the EPR plan reviewed with her within the first two weeks after being hired. Two additional new hires did not have documentation on file showing completion of required orientation topics within the first two weeks or within the first 6 weeks after hiring. One staff member was hired March 23, 2026, and was not linked in the ABCMS within five days of hiring. Two staff members did not have CPR or FA training completed within the first 90 days after hiring. One staff member hired August 18, 2025, did not complete or maintain documentation on file showing completion of CMT training within 90 days of hiring, did not have a signed shaken baby and head trauma policy on file or a signed job description. We discussed and reviewed the child care requirement regarding storage of staff medical records. The staff’s medical records must be stored separately from the staff files. Separate health files were monitored and maintained inside of the staff files. It was explained the medical records must be maintained separately. Seventy-seven children were monitored enrolled. Seven children’s files were monitored for compliance. Two NC Pre-K children’s records were monitored for compliance. One child's medical action plan was not legible and extremely faded. The center operated one NC Pre-K classroom this school calendar year. Staff were unable to present parent involvement tracking, or children’s formative quarterly assessments for the program operating year. The Lead and Teacher for the NC Pre-K classroom have changed twice this year. It was discussed with Ms. Gray the need to ensure full implementation of the curriculum in this classroom occurs. The site consultant visit report was printed and reviewed. The discrepancies listed will be reported to the NC Pre-K Consultant for the area. We discussed incident reports and log child care requirements. Completed incident reports should be filed in the applicable child’s folder. It is considered best practice to maintain a copy of the completed incident report in a binder with the cumulative center incident log. One bus (RDE-3492) was monitored for compliance. A bus roster was not maintained on site. The first aid kit and fire extinguisher were monitored secured. The tire threads were monitored in compliance with child care rule. Ms. Gray had to contact someone at the main office to obtain the most current copy of the bus registration and insurance. The organization must ensure site administrators have the most current bus information on site and are available for review. The center’s EPR plan and the RTGF were monitored for compliance. Ms. Gray stated she took the EPR training. It was explained, she must locate her training certificate, if not, she would be required to take the training over again and update the EPR plan within four months from her date of hire. If she locates her training certificate, it would be expected to update the plan in the portal system within 30 days after hiring. A child’s medical action plan must also be maintained current and in the EPR/RTGF and child’s on-site file. The outdoor learning environments were monitored for compliance. We discussed the need for borders around the trike path. Loose mulch was observed throughout the trike path. This potentially could cause tripping hazards and limits children’s ability to use the trike path for other items like side walk chalk. Borders should be installed on both sides of the trike path to help maintain the mulch in the required areas. Loose garbage was monitored on the other side of the fence. Outdoor children’s items were monitored in poor condition: basketball hoop, children’s plastic chairs, water table and other portable toys). There were several fallen leaves bunched up in the fence corners and perimeters that were not removed in the fall. Not removing the fallen leaves could maintain a home for snakes or other vermin. This topic was reviewed and discussed more than once before. The lawn care company used has not ensured once the fall leaves were on the ground to remove them and not just blow them into the corners and against the fence. The last sanitation inspection was completed March 24, 2026, with eleven (11) demerits cited and a superior classification issued. The last fire inspection was completed November 17, 2025. It was highly recommended to begin your annual inspection process four to six weeks prior to expiration. Violation Number Comment Rule 209 Children used space that was not approved. An infant not enrolled at the center remained in an infant car seat at the front desk with a family service staff member while their parent volunteered in a classroom. GS 110-91(1)&(4-5) 428 A current activity plan was not posted for each group of children for reference. A current activity plan was not posted in space #1. GS 110-91(12); .0508(a) 707 Equipment and furnishings not meeting the requirements outlined in child care .0601(b) and (c) were not removed or made inaccessible. There were multiple items observed on the playground in poor repair (chairs, toys, water table, basketball hoop). .0601(d) 808 The child care center premises, including the outdoor learning environment, was not clean, drained to minimize standing water, free of litter and hazards, and/or maintained in a manner which does not create conditions that attract or harbor pests. Large amounts of fallen leaves were monitored in the corners and perimeter of the fence lines. There was garbage observed on the other side of the fences but part of the premises of the center. 15A NCAC 18A .2832(a) 853 Incident logs were not completed and maintained as required. Completed incident reports were filed with log and were not logged onto the incident log. .0802(g)(1-6) 1045 New staff, who had contact with children, did not receive at least 16 hrs. orientation within first 6 weeks. Two staff hired in August 2025 did not have documentation showing completion of orientation within the first six weeks. .1101(a) 1048 All staff did not successfully complete certification in First Aid appropriate to the age of children in care. Verification of staff completion of First Aid training from an approved training organization was not in the staff file. Two staff hired in August 2025 did not have documentation on file showing completion of FA training within 90 days of hiring. .1102(c) 1049 All staff did not successfully complete certification in CPR training appropriate to the age of the children in care. Verification of staff completion of the CPR course from an approved training organization was not in the staff file. Two staff hired in August 2025 did not obtain CPR training within 90 days from their date of hire. .1102(d) 1067 Each new employee did not complete, within the first two weeks of employment, six clock hours of training in required topic areas. Three newly hired staff did not have documentation showing completion of the required topic area of orientation within the first two weeks of employment. .1101(a)(b) 1129 For routine transport of children to and from the center, a list of all children being transported was not available at the center. The center did not have a transportation roster list of the children who were routinely transported maintained at the center. 10A NCAC 09 .1003(I) 1233 Each employee's personnel file did not contain a signed and dated statement that they received a job description and that they have received personnel and operational policies. One staff member hired in August 2025 did not have a signed and dated statement on file regarding a received job description. 10A NCAC 09 .0514(g) 1805 A child care operator did not notify the Division of any new child care providers, as defined in G.S. 110-90.2(a)(2), who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. One new staff member was not linked to the facility in the ABCMS within five business days. G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(r) 1825 All staff did not review the center's EPR Plan during orientation and/or on an annual basis with the trained staff. Documentation of the review was not maintained on file. The new administrator was not trained on the center EPR plan during orientation. .0607(f) 1835 The medical action plan was not updated on an annual basis or when changes to the plan were made by the child's parent or health care professional. One child's MAP was not legible, and the copy was extremely faded. .0801(b) 1874 The Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy was not reviewed with new staff prior to providing care with children and/or a signed acknowledgement with all the required information was not maintained in the staff person's file. One staff member hired in August 2025 did not have a signed statement related to the prevention of shaken baby syndrome and abusive head trauma policy. .0608(d)(1-4) 1882 Medication authorization, giving the caregiver standing authorization did not meet the specifications in rule. Three children with prescribed medication maintained on-site did not have a current permission slip on file. (spaces: #2 and #6) .0803(6)(a-i); .0803(7)(a-g); .0803(8)(a-d) 1890 Each staff member did not have the required medical report, proof of tuberculosis test or screening and/or completed health questionnaire in a medical file, maintained separately from the staff member's individual personnel file. Staff's health documents were not maintained separately from the staff member's individual personnel file. The contents were monitored in a file, but stored/maintained inside of each staff member's individual personnel file. .0701(d) 1897 The child care administrator and all staff did not complete the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training within 90 days of employment. One staff member hired in August 2025 did not have documentation on file showing completion of the required CMT. .1102(g) 1933 The NC Pre-K Classroom did not conduct an approved formative assessment with each child and/or did not use the assessment to plan and deliver instruction. No quarterly formative assessments were provided for review for the NC Pre-K children enrolled. .3008 9995 A violation was found for which there is no item number. 15A NCAC 18A .2819 DIAPERING AND DIAPER CHANGING FACILITIES (f) Child care center employees may dispose of feces from diapers in the toilet, but shall not rinse soiled cloth diapers, training pants, or clothes. Soiled cloth diapers, training pants, or clothes shall be sent to a diaper service or placed in a sealed plastic bag or other sealed container, stored out of reach of children, and sent home with the child on the same day to be laundered. A child's soiled clothing was not stored at least five feet vertical form the ground in space #2. Technical Assistance Provided and General Discussion: 1. We reviewed incident reporting and incident report log requirements. Completed incident reports must be logged onto the center’s cumulative log and then filed into the applicable child’s file. It was recommended as best practice to maintain a copy of the incident report in a binder with the center’s log. 2. 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. No action is needed on your part if you have completed the reference training and are currently using the ABCMS Provider Portal to update information regarding new hires or residents. Once the training has been completed and access has been given, you must verify your facility roster to ensure current staff are noted/linked on the roster. This information should be updated in ABCMS on 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. 3. The center roster report was run before the visit. One new staff member was not linked. There was a former employee who had not been unlinked. 4. It was recommended to contact Ms. LaWanda Heggins, site assigned Community Health Consultant, to review all the medications and required forms. Ms. Heggins could also conduct any health-related training for the entire staff. We reviewed child care requirements related to required forms and time frames for permission slips. Medical action plans are valid for one year only. Staff were reminded that children’s medical action plans must be maintained with the child’s application in the child’s file and in the EPR/Ready to Go File. LaWanda Heggins, RN, CCHC-C/E, CPHN Child Care Health Consultant Sr Nurse Case Manager Public Health | Office of the Medical Director Mecklenburg County Government Office: 980.314.9342 cellular: 704.621.8451 New: Lawanda.Heggins@mecklenburgcountync.gov 5. Ms. Gray will have 2 months from her date of hire to obtain ITS-SIDS training from an approved trainer. 6. QRIS was discussed with Ms. Gray. The center is listed on the TEAMS list approval for Pathway #3. Due to the center being in the middle of an issued administrative action, the reassessment of the license can not occur until the facility is in full compliance with child care rule and law. The required forms will be shared with Ms. Gray at a later date. 7. We discussed semi-poisonous plants. A guide will be emailed to Ms. Gray. 8. The final summary could not be completed due to the end of the program day and continued to be delayed due to computer issues the following day. Child Care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. The violation(s) documented must be corrected immediately. On or before April 13, 2026. 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. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. Mail or email the information to: Mara Brinton, Child Care Consultant 3687 Stallings Road Harrisburg, NC 28075 mara.brinton@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 If you have any questions or concerns, you may contact Mara Brinton at 704-594-0140 or by email at mara.brinton@dhhs.nc.gov. You may also contact my supervisor, Amy Italiano at 704-936-6065 or by email at amy.italiano@dhhs.nc.gov. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

G.S. 110-90 · Violation

Name of Operation: ALLIANCE CENTER FOR EDUCATION STEPHANIE JENNINGS Facility ID: 60003106 Consultant: MARA BRINTON Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 3/30/2026 Number Present: 50 Completed Date: 3/30/2026 Age: From 1 To 5 Total Minutes: 360 Time In: 09:30 AM Time Out: 03:30 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor for compliance with applicable child care requirements during the annual compliance visit. The five-star licensed center continued to operate meeting enhanced space and highest voluntary enhanced ratios. Upon arrival, I was greeted by a family support staff and the new administrator, Ms. Crystal Gray. The center was issued a Written Warning on March 11, 2026. Today, the administrative action was monitored maintained in a binder, that was open on a table next to the entrance of the center. I explained to Ms. Gray that the action must be posted and not maintained in an open binder. It was recommended to utilize clear plastic sleeves and post one page in each sleeve, then post on the wall next to the fire box at the entrance. Ms. Elisha Wilson submitted a revised supervision plan on March 24, 2026. Ms. Gray was asked if she had read the action and the submitted plan. Ms. Gray stated she read the action and the submitted plan. We discussed whether she felt the plan would be obtainable for staff to execute. I expressed concerns there were a lot of action steps involved and asked if staff would be able to be successful. A walk through of spaces 1-8, kitchen, one bus (RDE-3492), and outdoor learning environments were monitored for compliance. Ms. Gray accompanied me during the walk through of the center. The child care item listed dated April 2025 was used to determine non-compliance items. During the walk through, an infant in an infant seat was monitored at the front desk with one of the family service coordinators. Ms. Evans was asked why the child was up at the front desk with her. She stated a parent was volunteering. It was explained to Ms. Evans and Ms. Gray that the front desk area is not approved space for taking care of children. It was also explained that if any child is present during operating hours, the child would be expected to be an enrolled child. We reviewed volunteer requirements. Volunteers may not be left alone or used to maintain required staff to child ratios. A checklist was emailed to Ms. Gray. The parent and infant left the center due to the child care rule clarification. A current less on plan was not posted in space #1. It was recommended to have staff post the lesson plan for the next week on Friday’s. In space #2, soiled clothing was observed stored in a plastic bag inside of a child’s cubby instead of being stored out of reach (5 feet vertical sanitation rule). It was recommended to use command hooks in the bathroom and store the soiled clothing in the bathrooms. Medications were monitored for compliance. Three children with prescribed medications were monitored without a current six-month permission slip in spaces #2 and #6. Staff and Training worksheets were presented, and five new staff were hired since the last AC visit completed in May of 2025. The following new staff files were monitored for compliance: N. Davis, B. McCombs, S. Ashford, T. Davis and C. Gray. One existing staff file was monitored for compliance: T. Smallwood. Ms. Gray did not have the EPR plan reviewed with her within the first two weeks after being hired. Two additional new hires did not have documentation on file showing completion of required orientation topics within the first two weeks or within the first 6 weeks after hiring. One staff member was hired March 23, 2026, and was not linked in the ABCMS within five days of hiring. Two staff members did not have CPR or FA training completed within the first 90 days after hiring. One staff member hired August 18, 2025, did not complete or maintain documentation on file showing completion of CMT training within 90 days of hiring, did not have a signed shaken baby and head trauma policy on file or a signed job description. We discussed and reviewed the child care requirement regarding storage of staff medical records. The staff’s medical records must be stored separately from the staff files. Separate health files were monitored and maintained inside of the staff files. It was explained the medical records must be maintained separately. Seventy-seven children were monitored enrolled. Seven children’s files were monitored for compliance. Two NC Pre-K children’s records were monitored for compliance. One child's medical action plan was not legible and extremely faded. The center operated one NC Pre-K classroom this school calendar year. Staff were unable to present parent involvement tracking, or children’s formative quarterly assessments for the program operating year. The Lead and Teacher for the NC Pre-K classroom have changed twice this year. It was discussed with Ms. Gray the need to ensure full implementation of the curriculum in this classroom occurs. The site consultant visit report was printed and reviewed. The discrepancies listed will be reported to the NC Pre-K Consultant for the area. We discussed incident reports and log child care requirements. Completed incident reports should be filed in the applicable child’s folder. It is considered best practice to maintain a copy of the completed incident report in a binder with the cumulative center incident log. One bus (RDE-3492) was monitored for compliance. A bus roster was not maintained on site. The first aid kit and fire extinguisher were monitored secured. The tire threads were monitored in compliance with child care rule. Ms. Gray had to contact someone at the main office to obtain the most current copy of the bus registration and insurance. The organization must ensure site administrators have the most current bus information on site and are available for review. The center’s EPR plan and the RTGF were monitored for compliance. Ms. Gray stated she took the EPR training. It was explained, she must locate her training certificate, if not, she would be required to take the training over again and update the EPR plan within four months from her date of hire. If she locates her training certificate, it would be expected to update the plan in the portal system within 30 days after hiring. A child’s medical action plan must also be maintained current and in the EPR/RTGF and child’s on-site file. The outdoor learning environments were monitored for compliance. We discussed the need for borders around the trike path. Loose mulch was observed throughout the trike path. This potentially could cause tripping hazards and limits children’s ability to use the trike path for other items like side walk chalk. Borders should be installed on both sides of the trike path to help maintain the mulch in the required areas. Loose garbage was monitored on the other side of the fence. Outdoor children’s items were monitored in poor condition: basketball hoop, children’s plastic chairs, water table and other portable toys). There were several fallen leaves bunched up in the fence corners and perimeters that were not removed in the fall. Not removing the fallen leaves could maintain a home for snakes or other vermin. This topic was reviewed and discussed more than once before. The lawn care company used has not ensured once the fall leaves were on the ground to remove them and not just blow them into the corners and against the fence. The last sanitation inspection was completed March 24, 2026, with eleven (11) demerits cited and a superior classification issued. The last fire inspection was completed November 17, 2025. It was highly recommended to begin your annual inspection process four to six weeks prior to expiration. Violation Number Comment Rule 209 Children used space that was not approved. An infant not enrolled at the center remained in an infant car seat at the front desk with a family service staff member while their parent volunteered in a classroom. GS 110-91(1)&(4-5) 428 A current activity plan was not posted for each group of children for reference. A current activity plan was not posted in space #1. GS 110-91(12); .0508(a) 707 Equipment and furnishings not meeting the requirements outlined in child care .0601(b) and (c) were not removed or made inaccessible. There were multiple items observed on the playground in poor repair (chairs, toys, water table, basketball hoop). .0601(d) 808 The child care center premises, including the outdoor learning environment, was not clean, drained to minimize standing water, free of litter and hazards, and/or maintained in a manner which does not create conditions that attract or harbor pests. Large amounts of fallen leaves were monitored in the corners and perimeter of the fence lines. There was garbage observed on the other side of the fences but part of the premises of the center. 15A NCAC 18A .2832(a) 853 Incident logs were not completed and maintained as required. Completed incident reports were filed with log and were not logged onto the incident log. .0802(g)(1-6) 1045 New staff, who had contact with children, did not receive at least 16 hrs. orientation within first 6 weeks. Two staff hired in August 2025 did not have documentation showing completion of orientation within the first six weeks. .1101(a) 1048 All staff did not successfully complete certification in First Aid appropriate to the age of children in care. Verification of staff completion of First Aid training from an approved training organization was not in the staff file. Two staff hired in August 2025 did not have documentation on file showing completion of FA training within 90 days of hiring. .1102(c) 1049 All staff did not successfully complete certification in CPR training appropriate to the age of the children in care. Verification of staff completion of the CPR course from an approved training organization was not in the staff file. Two staff hired in August 2025 did not obtain CPR training within 90 days from their date of hire. .1102(d) 1067 Each new employee did not complete, within the first two weeks of employment, six clock hours of training in required topic areas. Three newly hired staff did not have documentation showing completion of the required topic area of orientation within the first two weeks of employment. .1101(a)(b) 1129 For routine transport of children to and from the center, a list of all children being transported was not available at the center. The center did not have a transportation roster list of the children who were routinely transported maintained at the center. 10A NCAC 09 .1003(I) 1233 Each employee's personnel file did not contain a signed and dated statement that they received a job description and that they have received personnel and operational policies. One staff member hired in August 2025 did not have a signed and dated statement on file regarding a received job description. 10A NCAC 09 .0514(g) 1805 A child care operator did not notify the Division of any new child care providers, as defined in G.S. 110-90.2(a)(2), who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. One new staff member was not linked to the facility in the ABCMS within five business days. G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(r) 1825 All staff did not review the center's EPR Plan during orientation and/or on an annual basis with the trained staff. Documentation of the review was not maintained on file. The new administrator was not trained on the center EPR plan during orientation. .0607(f) 1835 The medical action plan was not updated on an annual basis or when changes to the plan were made by the child's parent or health care professional. One child's MAP was not legible, and the copy was extremely faded. .0801(b) 1874 The Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy was not reviewed with new staff prior to providing care with children and/or a signed acknowledgement with all the required information was not maintained in the staff person's file. One staff member hired in August 2025 did not have a signed statement related to the prevention of shaken baby syndrome and abusive head trauma policy. .0608(d)(1-4) 1882 Medication authorization, giving the caregiver standing authorization did not meet the specifications in rule. Three children with prescribed medication maintained on-site did not have a current permission slip on file. (spaces: #2 and #6) .0803(6)(a-i); .0803(7)(a-g); .0803(8)(a-d) 1890 Each staff member did not have the required medical report, proof of tuberculosis test or screening and/or completed health questionnaire in a medical file, maintained separately from the staff member's individual personnel file. Staff's health documents were not maintained separately from the staff member's individual personnel file. The contents were monitored in a file, but stored/maintained inside of each staff member's individual personnel file. .0701(d) 1897 The child care administrator and all staff did not complete the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training within 90 days of employment. One staff member hired in August 2025 did not have documentation on file showing completion of the required CMT. .1102(g) 1933 The NC Pre-K Classroom did not conduct an approved formative assessment with each child and/or did not use the assessment to plan and deliver instruction. No quarterly formative assessments were provided for review for the NC Pre-K children enrolled. .3008 9995 A violation was found for which there is no item number. 15A NCAC 18A .2819 DIAPERING AND DIAPER CHANGING FACILITIES (f) Child care center employees may dispose of feces from diapers in the toilet, but shall not rinse soiled cloth diapers, training pants, or clothes. Soiled cloth diapers, training pants, or clothes shall be sent to a diaper service or placed in a sealed plastic bag or other sealed container, stored out of reach of children, and sent home with the child on the same day to be laundered. A child's soiled clothing was not stored at least five feet vertical form the ground in space #2. Technical Assistance Provided and General Discussion: 1. We reviewed incident reporting and incident report log requirements. Completed incident reports must be logged onto the center’s cumulative log and then filed into the applicable child’s file. It was recommended as best practice to maintain a copy of the incident report in a binder with the center’s log. 2. 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. No action is needed on your part if you have completed the reference training and are currently using the ABCMS Provider Portal to update information regarding new hires or residents. Once the training has been completed and access has been given, you must verify your facility roster to ensure current staff are noted/linked on the roster. This information should be updated in ABCMS on 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. 3. The center roster report was run before the visit. One new staff member was not linked. There was a former employee who had not been unlinked. 4. It was recommended to contact Ms. LaWanda Heggins, site assigned Community Health Consultant, to review all the medications and required forms. Ms. Heggins could also conduct any health-related training for the entire staff. We reviewed child care requirements related to required forms and time frames for permission slips. Medical action plans are valid for one year only. Staff were reminded that children’s medical action plans must be maintained with the child’s application in the child’s file and in the EPR/Ready to Go File. LaWanda Heggins, RN, CCHC-C/E, CPHN Child Care Health Consultant Sr Nurse Case Manager Public Health | Office of the Medical Director Mecklenburg County Government Office: 980.314.9342 cellular: 704.621.8451 New: Lawanda.Heggins@mecklenburgcountync.gov 5. Ms. Gray will have 2 months from her date of hire to obtain ITS-SIDS training from an approved trainer. 6. QRIS was discussed with Ms. Gray. The center is listed on the TEAMS list approval for Pathway #3. Due to the center being in the middle of an issued administrative action, the reassessment of the license can not occur until the facility is in full compliance with child care rule and law. The required forms will be shared with Ms. Gray at a later date. 7. We discussed semi-poisonous plants. A guide will be emailed to Ms. Gray. 8. The final summary could not be completed due to the end of the program day and continued to be delayed due to computer issues the following day. Child Care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. The violation(s) documented must be corrected immediately. On or before April 13, 2026. 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. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. Mail or email the information to: Mara Brinton, Child Care Consultant 3687 Stallings Road Harrisburg, NC 28075 mara.brinton@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 If you have any questions or concerns, you may contact Mara Brinton at 704-594-0140 or by email at mara.brinton@dhhs.nc.gov. You may also contact my supervisor, Amy Italiano at 704-936-6065 or by email at amy.italiano@dhhs.nc.gov. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

GS 110-91 · Violation

Name of Operation: ALLIANCE CENTER FOR EDUCATION STEPHANIE JENNINGS Facility ID: 60003106 Consultant: MARA BRINTON Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 3/30/2026 Number Present: 50 Completed Date: 3/30/2026 Age: From 1 To 5 Total Minutes: 360 Time In: 09:30 AM Time Out: 03:30 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor for compliance with applicable child care requirements during the annual compliance visit. The five-star licensed center continued to operate meeting enhanced space and highest voluntary enhanced ratios. Upon arrival, I was greeted by a family support staff and the new administrator, Ms. Crystal Gray. The center was issued a Written Warning on March 11, 2026. Today, the administrative action was monitored maintained in a binder, that was open on a table next to the entrance of the center. I explained to Ms. Gray that the action must be posted and not maintained in an open binder. It was recommended to utilize clear plastic sleeves and post one page in each sleeve, then post on the wall next to the fire box at the entrance. Ms. Elisha Wilson submitted a revised supervision plan on March 24, 2026. Ms. Gray was asked if she had read the action and the submitted plan. Ms. Gray stated she read the action and the submitted plan. We discussed whether she felt the plan would be obtainable for staff to execute. I expressed concerns there were a lot of action steps involved and asked if staff would be able to be successful. A walk through of spaces 1-8, kitchen, one bus (RDE-3492), and outdoor learning environments were monitored for compliance. Ms. Gray accompanied me during the walk through of the center. The child care item listed dated April 2025 was used to determine non-compliance items. During the walk through, an infant in an infant seat was monitored at the front desk with one of the family service coordinators. Ms. Evans was asked why the child was up at the front desk with her. She stated a parent was volunteering. It was explained to Ms. Evans and Ms. Gray that the front desk area is not approved space for taking care of children. It was also explained that if any child is present during operating hours, the child would be expected to be an enrolled child. We reviewed volunteer requirements. Volunteers may not be left alone or used to maintain required staff to child ratios. A checklist was emailed to Ms. Gray. The parent and infant left the center due to the child care rule clarification. A current less on plan was not posted in space #1. It was recommended to have staff post the lesson plan for the next week on Friday’s. In space #2, soiled clothing was observed stored in a plastic bag inside of a child’s cubby instead of being stored out of reach (5 feet vertical sanitation rule). It was recommended to use command hooks in the bathroom and store the soiled clothing in the bathrooms. Medications were monitored for compliance. Three children with prescribed medications were monitored without a current six-month permission slip in spaces #2 and #6. Staff and Training worksheets were presented, and five new staff were hired since the last AC visit completed in May of 2025. The following new staff files were monitored for compliance: N. Davis, B. McCombs, S. Ashford, T. Davis and C. Gray. One existing staff file was monitored for compliance: T. Smallwood. Ms. Gray did not have the EPR plan reviewed with her within the first two weeks after being hired. Two additional new hires did not have documentation on file showing completion of required orientation topics within the first two weeks or within the first 6 weeks after hiring. One staff member was hired March 23, 2026, and was not linked in the ABCMS within five days of hiring. Two staff members did not have CPR or FA training completed within the first 90 days after hiring. One staff member hired August 18, 2025, did not complete or maintain documentation on file showing completion of CMT training within 90 days of hiring, did not have a signed shaken baby and head trauma policy on file or a signed job description. We discussed and reviewed the child care requirement regarding storage of staff medical records. The staff’s medical records must be stored separately from the staff files. Separate health files were monitored and maintained inside of the staff files. It was explained the medical records must be maintained separately. Seventy-seven children were monitored enrolled. Seven children’s files were monitored for compliance. Two NC Pre-K children’s records were monitored for compliance. One child's medical action plan was not legible and extremely faded. The center operated one NC Pre-K classroom this school calendar year. Staff were unable to present parent involvement tracking, or children’s formative quarterly assessments for the program operating year. The Lead and Teacher for the NC Pre-K classroom have changed twice this year. It was discussed with Ms. Gray the need to ensure full implementation of the curriculum in this classroom occurs. The site consultant visit report was printed and reviewed. The discrepancies listed will be reported to the NC Pre-K Consultant for the area. We discussed incident reports and log child care requirements. Completed incident reports should be filed in the applicable child’s folder. It is considered best practice to maintain a copy of the completed incident report in a binder with the cumulative center incident log. One bus (RDE-3492) was monitored for compliance. A bus roster was not maintained on site. The first aid kit and fire extinguisher were monitored secured. The tire threads were monitored in compliance with child care rule. Ms. Gray had to contact someone at the main office to obtain the most current copy of the bus registration and insurance. The organization must ensure site administrators have the most current bus information on site and are available for review. The center’s EPR plan and the RTGF were monitored for compliance. Ms. Gray stated she took the EPR training. It was explained, she must locate her training certificate, if not, she would be required to take the training over again and update the EPR plan within four months from her date of hire. If she locates her training certificate, it would be expected to update the plan in the portal system within 30 days after hiring. A child’s medical action plan must also be maintained current and in the EPR/RTGF and child’s on-site file. The outdoor learning environments were monitored for compliance. We discussed the need for borders around the trike path. Loose mulch was observed throughout the trike path. This potentially could cause tripping hazards and limits children’s ability to use the trike path for other items like side walk chalk. Borders should be installed on both sides of the trike path to help maintain the mulch in the required areas. Loose garbage was monitored on the other side of the fence. Outdoor children’s items were monitored in poor condition: basketball hoop, children’s plastic chairs, water table and other portable toys). There were several fallen leaves bunched up in the fence corners and perimeters that were not removed in the fall. Not removing the fallen leaves could maintain a home for snakes or other vermin. This topic was reviewed and discussed more than once before. The lawn care company used has not ensured once the fall leaves were on the ground to remove them and not just blow them into the corners and against the fence. The last sanitation inspection was completed March 24, 2026, with eleven (11) demerits cited and a superior classification issued. The last fire inspection was completed November 17, 2025. It was highly recommended to begin your annual inspection process four to six weeks prior to expiration. Violation Number Comment Rule 209 Children used space that was not approved. An infant not enrolled at the center remained in an infant car seat at the front desk with a family service staff member while their parent volunteered in a classroom. GS 110-91(1)&(4-5) 428 A current activity plan was not posted for each group of children for reference. A current activity plan was not posted in space #1. GS 110-91(12); .0508(a) 707 Equipment and furnishings not meeting the requirements outlined in child care .0601(b) and (c) were not removed or made inaccessible. There were multiple items observed on the playground in poor repair (chairs, toys, water table, basketball hoop). .0601(d) 808 The child care center premises, including the outdoor learning environment, was not clean, drained to minimize standing water, free of litter and hazards, and/or maintained in a manner which does not create conditions that attract or harbor pests. Large amounts of fallen leaves were monitored in the corners and perimeter of the fence lines. There was garbage observed on the other side of the fences but part of the premises of the center. 15A NCAC 18A .2832(a) 853 Incident logs were not completed and maintained as required. Completed incident reports were filed with log and were not logged onto the incident log. .0802(g)(1-6) 1045 New staff, who had contact with children, did not receive at least 16 hrs. orientation within first 6 weeks. Two staff hired in August 2025 did not have documentation showing completion of orientation within the first six weeks. .1101(a) 1048 All staff did not successfully complete certification in First Aid appropriate to the age of children in care. Verification of staff completion of First Aid training from an approved training organization was not in the staff file. Two staff hired in August 2025 did not have documentation on file showing completion of FA training within 90 days of hiring. .1102(c) 1049 All staff did not successfully complete certification in CPR training appropriate to the age of the children in care. Verification of staff completion of the CPR course from an approved training organization was not in the staff file. Two staff hired in August 2025 did not obtain CPR training within 90 days from their date of hire. .1102(d) 1067 Each new employee did not complete, within the first two weeks of employment, six clock hours of training in required topic areas. Three newly hired staff did not have documentation showing completion of the required topic area of orientation within the first two weeks of employment. .1101(a)(b) 1129 For routine transport of children to and from the center, a list of all children being transported was not available at the center. The center did not have a transportation roster list of the children who were routinely transported maintained at the center. 10A NCAC 09 .1003(I) 1233 Each employee's personnel file did not contain a signed and dated statement that they received a job description and that they have received personnel and operational policies. One staff member hired in August 2025 did not have a signed and dated statement on file regarding a received job description. 10A NCAC 09 .0514(g) 1805 A child care operator did not notify the Division of any new child care providers, as defined in G.S. 110-90.2(a)(2), who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. One new staff member was not linked to the facility in the ABCMS within five business days. G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(r) 1825 All staff did not review the center's EPR Plan during orientation and/or on an annual basis with the trained staff. Documentation of the review was not maintained on file. The new administrator was not trained on the center EPR plan during orientation. .0607(f) 1835 The medical action plan was not updated on an annual basis or when changes to the plan were made by the child's parent or health care professional. One child's MAP was not legible, and the copy was extremely faded. .0801(b) 1874 The Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy was not reviewed with new staff prior to providing care with children and/or a signed acknowledgement with all the required information was not maintained in the staff person's file. One staff member hired in August 2025 did not have a signed statement related to the prevention of shaken baby syndrome and abusive head trauma policy. .0608(d)(1-4) 1882 Medication authorization, giving the caregiver standing authorization did not meet the specifications in rule. Three children with prescribed medication maintained on-site did not have a current permission slip on file. (spaces: #2 and #6) .0803(6)(a-i); .0803(7)(a-g); .0803(8)(a-d) 1890 Each staff member did not have the required medical report, proof of tuberculosis test or screening and/or completed health questionnaire in a medical file, maintained separately from the staff member's individual personnel file. Staff's health documents were not maintained separately from the staff member's individual personnel file. The contents were monitored in a file, but stored/maintained inside of each staff member's individual personnel file. .0701(d) 1897 The child care administrator and all staff did not complete the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training within 90 days of employment. One staff member hired in August 2025 did not have documentation on file showing completion of the required CMT. .1102(g) 1933 The NC Pre-K Classroom did not conduct an approved formative assessment with each child and/or did not use the assessment to plan and deliver instruction. No quarterly formative assessments were provided for review for the NC Pre-K children enrolled. .3008 9995 A violation was found for which there is no item number. 15A NCAC 18A .2819 DIAPERING AND DIAPER CHANGING FACILITIES (f) Child care center employees may dispose of feces from diapers in the toilet, but shall not rinse soiled cloth diapers, training pants, or clothes. Soiled cloth diapers, training pants, or clothes shall be sent to a diaper service or placed in a sealed plastic bag or other sealed container, stored out of reach of children, and sent home with the child on the same day to be laundered. A child's soiled clothing was not stored at least five feet vertical form the ground in space #2. Technical Assistance Provided and General Discussion: 1. We reviewed incident reporting and incident report log requirements. Completed incident reports must be logged onto the center’s cumulative log and then filed into the applicable child’s file. It was recommended as best practice to maintain a copy of the incident report in a binder with the center’s log. 2. 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. No action is needed on your part if you have completed the reference training and are currently using the ABCMS Provider Portal to update information regarding new hires or residents. Once the training has been completed and access has been given, you must verify your facility roster to ensure current staff are noted/linked on the roster. This information should be updated in ABCMS on 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. 3. The center roster report was run before the visit. One new staff member was not linked. There was a former employee who had not been unlinked. 4. It was recommended to contact Ms. LaWanda Heggins, site assigned Community Health Consultant, to review all the medications and required forms. Ms. Heggins could also conduct any health-related training for the entire staff. We reviewed child care requirements related to required forms and time frames for permission slips. Medical action plans are valid for one year only. Staff were reminded that children’s medical action plans must be maintained with the child’s application in the child’s file and in the EPR/Ready to Go File. LaWanda Heggins, RN, CCHC-C/E, CPHN Child Care Health Consultant Sr Nurse Case Manager Public Health | Office of the Medical Director Mecklenburg County Government Office: 980.314.9342 cellular: 704.621.8451 New: Lawanda.Heggins@mecklenburgcountync.gov 5. Ms. Gray will have 2 months from her date of hire to obtain ITS-SIDS training from an approved trainer. 6. QRIS was discussed with Ms. Gray. The center is listed on the TEAMS list approval for Pathway #3. Due to the center being in the middle of an issued administrative action, the reassessment of the license can not occur until the facility is in full compliance with child care rule and law. The required forms will be shared with Ms. Gray at a later date. 7. We discussed semi-poisonous plants. A guide will be emailed to Ms. Gray. 8. The final summary could not be completed due to the end of the program day and continued to be delayed due to computer issues the following day. Child Care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. The violation(s) documented must be corrected immediately. On or before April 13, 2026. 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. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. Mail or email the information to: Mara Brinton, Child Care Consultant 3687 Stallings Road Harrisburg, NC 28075 mara.brinton@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 If you have any questions or concerns, you may contact Mara Brinton at 704-594-0140 or by email at mara.brinton@dhhs.nc.gov. You may also contact my supervisor, Amy Italiano at 704-936-6065 or by email at amy.italiano@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: ALLIANCE CENTER FOR EDUCATION STEPHANIE JENNINGS Facility ID: 60003106 Consultant: MARA BRINTON Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 3/30/2026 Number Present: 50 Completed Date: 3/30/2026 Age: From 1 To 5 Total Minutes: 360 Time In: 09:30 AM Time Out: 03:30 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor for compliance with applicable child care requirements during the annual compliance visit. The five-star licensed center continued to operate meeting enhanced space and highest voluntary enhanced ratios. Upon arrival, I was greeted by a family support staff and the new administrator, Ms. Crystal Gray. The center was issued a Written Warning on March 11, 2026. Today, the administrative action was monitored maintained in a binder, that was open on a table next to the entrance of the center. I explained to Ms. Gray that the action must be posted and not maintained in an open binder. It was recommended to utilize clear plastic sleeves and post one page in each sleeve, then post on the wall next to the fire box at the entrance. Ms. Elisha Wilson submitted a revised supervision plan on March 24, 2026. Ms. Gray was asked if she had read the action and the submitted plan. Ms. Gray stated she read the action and the submitted plan. We discussed whether she felt the plan would be obtainable for staff to execute. I expressed concerns there were a lot of action steps involved and asked if staff would be able to be successful. A walk through of spaces 1-8, kitchen, one bus (RDE-3492), and outdoor learning environments were monitored for compliance. Ms. Gray accompanied me during the walk through of the center. The child care item listed dated April 2025 was used to determine non-compliance items. During the walk through, an infant in an infant seat was monitored at the front desk with one of the family service coordinators. Ms. Evans was asked why the child was up at the front desk with her. She stated a parent was volunteering. It was explained to Ms. Evans and Ms. Gray that the front desk area is not approved space for taking care of children. It was also explained that if any child is present during operating hours, the child would be expected to be an enrolled child. We reviewed volunteer requirements. Volunteers may not be left alone or used to maintain required staff to child ratios. A checklist was emailed to Ms. Gray. The parent and infant left the center due to the child care rule clarification. A current less on plan was not posted in space #1. It was recommended to have staff post the lesson plan for the next week on Friday’s. In space #2, soiled clothing was observed stored in a plastic bag inside of a child’s cubby instead of being stored out of reach (5 feet vertical sanitation rule). It was recommended to use command hooks in the bathroom and store the soiled clothing in the bathrooms. Medications were monitored for compliance. Three children with prescribed medications were monitored without a current six-month permission slip in spaces #2 and #6. Staff and Training worksheets were presented, and five new staff were hired since the last AC visit completed in May of 2025. The following new staff files were monitored for compliance: N. Davis, B. McCombs, S. Ashford, T. Davis and C. Gray. One existing staff file was monitored for compliance: T. Smallwood. Ms. Gray did not have the EPR plan reviewed with her within the first two weeks after being hired. Two additional new hires did not have documentation on file showing completion of required orientation topics within the first two weeks or within the first 6 weeks after hiring. One staff member was hired March 23, 2026, and was not linked in the ABCMS within five days of hiring. Two staff members did not have CPR or FA training completed within the first 90 days after hiring. One staff member hired August 18, 2025, did not complete or maintain documentation on file showing completion of CMT training within 90 days of hiring, did not have a signed shaken baby and head trauma policy on file or a signed job description. We discussed and reviewed the child care requirement regarding storage of staff medical records. The staff’s medical records must be stored separately from the staff files. Separate health files were monitored and maintained inside of the staff files. It was explained the medical records must be maintained separately. Seventy-seven children were monitored enrolled. Seven children’s files were monitored for compliance. Two NC Pre-K children’s records were monitored for compliance. One child's medical action plan was not legible and extremely faded. The center operated one NC Pre-K classroom this school calendar year. Staff were unable to present parent involvement tracking, or children’s formative quarterly assessments for the program operating year. The Lead and Teacher for the NC Pre-K classroom have changed twice this year. It was discussed with Ms. Gray the need to ensure full implementation of the curriculum in this classroom occurs. The site consultant visit report was printed and reviewed. The discrepancies listed will be reported to the NC Pre-K Consultant for the area. We discussed incident reports and log child care requirements. Completed incident reports should be filed in the applicable child’s folder. It is considered best practice to maintain a copy of the completed incident report in a binder with the cumulative center incident log. One bus (RDE-3492) was monitored for compliance. A bus roster was not maintained on site. The first aid kit and fire extinguisher were monitored secured. The tire threads were monitored in compliance with child care rule. Ms. Gray had to contact someone at the main office to obtain the most current copy of the bus registration and insurance. The organization must ensure site administrators have the most current bus information on site and are available for review. The center’s EPR plan and the RTGF were monitored for compliance. Ms. Gray stated she took the EPR training. It was explained, she must locate her training certificate, if not, she would be required to take the training over again and update the EPR plan within four months from her date of hire. If she locates her training certificate, it would be expected to update the plan in the portal system within 30 days after hiring. A child’s medical action plan must also be maintained current and in the EPR/RTGF and child’s on-site file. The outdoor learning environments were monitored for compliance. We discussed the need for borders around the trike path. Loose mulch was observed throughout the trike path. This potentially could cause tripping hazards and limits children’s ability to use the trike path for other items like side walk chalk. Borders should be installed on both sides of the trike path to help maintain the mulch in the required areas. Loose garbage was monitored on the other side of the fence. Outdoor children’s items were monitored in poor condition: basketball hoop, children’s plastic chairs, water table and other portable toys). There were several fallen leaves bunched up in the fence corners and perimeters that were not removed in the fall. Not removing the fallen leaves could maintain a home for snakes or other vermin. This topic was reviewed and discussed more than once before. The lawn care company used has not ensured once the fall leaves were on the ground to remove them and not just blow them into the corners and against the fence. The last sanitation inspection was completed March 24, 2026, with eleven (11) demerits cited and a superior classification issued. The last fire inspection was completed November 17, 2025. It was highly recommended to begin your annual inspection process four to six weeks prior to expiration. Violation Number Comment Rule 209 Children used space that was not approved. An infant not enrolled at the center remained in an infant car seat at the front desk with a family service staff member while their parent volunteered in a classroom. GS 110-91(1)&(4-5) 428 A current activity plan was not posted for each group of children for reference. A current activity plan was not posted in space #1. GS 110-91(12); .0508(a) 707 Equipment and furnishings not meeting the requirements outlined in child care .0601(b) and (c) were not removed or made inaccessible. There were multiple items observed on the playground in poor repair (chairs, toys, water table, basketball hoop). .0601(d) 808 The child care center premises, including the outdoor learning environment, was not clean, drained to minimize standing water, free of litter and hazards, and/or maintained in a manner which does not create conditions that attract or harbor pests. Large amounts of fallen leaves were monitored in the corners and perimeter of the fence lines. There was garbage observed on the other side of the fences but part of the premises of the center. 15A NCAC 18A .2832(a) 853 Incident logs were not completed and maintained as required. Completed incident reports were filed with log and were not logged onto the incident log. .0802(g)(1-6) 1045 New staff, who had contact with children, did not receive at least 16 hrs. orientation within first 6 weeks. Two staff hired in August 2025 did not have documentation showing completion of orientation within the first six weeks. .1101(a) 1048 All staff did not successfully complete certification in First Aid appropriate to the age of children in care. Verification of staff completion of First Aid training from an approved training organization was not in the staff file. Two staff hired in August 2025 did not have documentation on file showing completion of FA training within 90 days of hiring. .1102(c) 1049 All staff did not successfully complete certification in CPR training appropriate to the age of the children in care. Verification of staff completion of the CPR course from an approved training organization was not in the staff file. Two staff hired in August 2025 did not obtain CPR training within 90 days from their date of hire. .1102(d) 1067 Each new employee did not complete, within the first two weeks of employment, six clock hours of training in required topic areas. Three newly hired staff did not have documentation showing completion of the required topic area of orientation within the first two weeks of employment. .1101(a)(b) 1129 For routine transport of children to and from the center, a list of all children being transported was not available at the center. The center did not have a transportation roster list of the children who were routinely transported maintained at the center. 10A NCAC 09 .1003(I) 1233 Each employee's personnel file did not contain a signed and dated statement that they received a job description and that they have received personnel and operational policies. One staff member hired in August 2025 did not have a signed and dated statement on file regarding a received job description. 10A NCAC 09 .0514(g) 1805 A child care operator did not notify the Division of any new child care providers, as defined in G.S. 110-90.2(a)(2), who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. One new staff member was not linked to the facility in the ABCMS within five business days. G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(r) 1825 All staff did not review the center's EPR Plan during orientation and/or on an annual basis with the trained staff. Documentation of the review was not maintained on file. The new administrator was not trained on the center EPR plan during orientation. .0607(f) 1835 The medical action plan was not updated on an annual basis or when changes to the plan were made by the child's parent or health care professional. One child's MAP was not legible, and the copy was extremely faded. .0801(b) 1874 The Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy was not reviewed with new staff prior to providing care with children and/or a signed acknowledgement with all the required information was not maintained in the staff person's file. One staff member hired in August 2025 did not have a signed statement related to the prevention of shaken baby syndrome and abusive head trauma policy. .0608(d)(1-4) 1882 Medication authorization, giving the caregiver standing authorization did not meet the specifications in rule. Three children with prescribed medication maintained on-site did not have a current permission slip on file. (spaces: #2 and #6) .0803(6)(a-i); .0803(7)(a-g); .0803(8)(a-d) 1890 Each staff member did not have the required medical report, proof of tuberculosis test or screening and/or completed health questionnaire in a medical file, maintained separately from the staff member's individual personnel file. Staff's health documents were not maintained separately from the staff member's individual personnel file. The contents were monitored in a file, but stored/maintained inside of each staff member's individual personnel file. .0701(d) 1897 The child care administrator and all staff did not complete the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training within 90 days of employment. One staff member hired in August 2025 did not have documentation on file showing completion of the required CMT. .1102(g) 1933 The NC Pre-K Classroom did not conduct an approved formative assessment with each child and/or did not use the assessment to plan and deliver instruction. No quarterly formative assessments were provided for review for the NC Pre-K children enrolled. .3008 9995 A violation was found for which there is no item number. 15A NCAC 18A .2819 DIAPERING AND DIAPER CHANGING FACILITIES (f) Child care center employees may dispose of feces from diapers in the toilet, but shall not rinse soiled cloth diapers, training pants, or clothes. Soiled cloth diapers, training pants, or clothes shall be sent to a diaper service or placed in a sealed plastic bag or other sealed container, stored out of reach of children, and sent home with the child on the same day to be laundered. A child's soiled clothing was not stored at least five feet vertical form the ground in space #2. Technical Assistance Provided and General Discussion: 1. We reviewed incident reporting and incident report log requirements. Completed incident reports must be logged onto the center’s cumulative log and then filed into the applicable child’s file. It was recommended as best practice to maintain a copy of the incident report in a binder with the center’s log. 2. 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. No action is needed on your part if you have completed the reference training and are currently using the ABCMS Provider Portal to update information regarding new hires or residents. Once the training has been completed and access has been given, you must verify your facility roster to ensure current staff are noted/linked on the roster. This information should be updated in ABCMS on 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. 3. The center roster report was run before the visit. One new staff member was not linked. There was a former employee who had not been unlinked. 4. It was recommended to contact Ms. LaWanda Heggins, site assigned Community Health Consultant, to review all the medications and required forms. Ms. Heggins could also conduct any health-related training for the entire staff. We reviewed child care requirements related to required forms and time frames for permission slips. Medical action plans are valid for one year only. Staff were reminded that children’s medical action plans must be maintained with the child’s application in the child’s file and in the EPR/Ready to Go File. LaWanda Heggins, RN, CCHC-C/E, CPHN Child Care Health Consultant Sr Nurse Case Manager Public Health | Office of the Medical Director Mecklenburg County Government Office: 980.314.9342 cellular: 704.621.8451 New: Lawanda.Heggins@mecklenburgcountync.gov 5. Ms. Gray will have 2 months from her date of hire to obtain ITS-SIDS training from an approved trainer. 6. QRIS was discussed with Ms. Gray. The center is listed on the TEAMS list approval for Pathway #3. Due to the center being in the middle of an issued administrative action, the reassessment of the license can not occur until the facility is in full compliance with child care rule and law. The required forms will be shared with Ms. Gray at a later date. 7. We discussed semi-poisonous plants. A guide will be emailed to Ms. Gray. 8. The final summary could not be completed due to the end of the program day and continued to be delayed due to computer issues the following day. Child Care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. The violation(s) documented must be corrected immediately. On or before April 13, 2026. 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. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. Mail or email the information to: Mara Brinton, Child Care Consultant 3687 Stallings Road Harrisburg, NC 28075 mara.brinton@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 If you have any questions or concerns, you may contact Mara Brinton at 704-594-0140 or by email at mara.brinton@dhhs.nc.gov. You may also contact my supervisor, Amy Italiano at 704-936-6065 or by email at amy.italiano@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 .1801 · Violation

Name of Operation: ALLIANCE CENTER FOR EDUCATION STEPHANIE JENNINGS Facility ID: 60003106 Consultant: MARA BRINTON Operation Type: Center Case Number: 0925-208L Visit Date: 9/29/2025 Number Present: 53 Completed Date: 9/29/2025 Age: From 1 To 5 Total Minutes: 210 Time In: 11:00 AM Time Out: 02:30 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Self Report Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to investigate allegations of violation of child care requirements during a Self-Reported visit. Upon arrival at the center, I was greeted by the on-site administrator, Tara Alexander and Family Services Support staff. Ms. Alexander self-reported an incident on September 15, 2025, of a three-year-old child leaving space #1 without the three staff present being aware of what the child’s activities were at all times or provided adequate supervision appropriate to a child who was struggling with transition to the program. Three staff were interviewed to hear from them as to what happened that none of the three staff noticed a child leaving the classroom without noticing. Staff stated they were in transition assisting children with toileting and washing hands, children in line and preparing for family style dining/lunch. The child was new to child care, and had repeatedly tried to leave the classroom. The child left the classroom and the three staff were not aware the child left the classroom. The center administrator was in her office and observed the child the entire time after the child left the classroom. The administrator stated waiting approximately two minutes before informing the staff the child had left the classroom. The Head Start Active Supervision Policies and Charlotte Bilingual Supervision policies were reviewed with the three staff with Ms. Alexander and Ms. Paola Quiroz, who assisted with translation in Spanish. Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .1801 (a) 1-5 was reviewed and discussed with each staff member. The Active Supervision series training was completed by the three staff on September 17, 2025. The staff were issued disciplinary action from Charlotte Bilingual Preschool on September 16, 2025. The following recommendations were shared with Ms. Alexander and three staff: It was recommended to utilize bells on the child’s shoes to aid staff in hearing and following the child’s movements in the classroom. It was recommended for staff to wait for food preparation while children are transitioning to the lunch table from toileting and washing of hands. All three staff can assist with food preparation while maintaining adequate supervision of children, once children have completed toileting and washing of hands. We discussed staff positioning of the lunch cart to ensure staff’s backs are not facing the children or the classroom door. It was recommended to be intentional with family service staff and request if a staff member is absent to assist with the lunch transition in space #1 based on knowing a child has shown tendency to leave the classroom. Based on the self-reported incident a violation of supervision was cited. A return visit will be made in the next two weeks to observe staff’s intentional actions during the transition. Violation Number Comment Rule 303 Children were not adequately supervised at all times. A three-year-old child in space #1 left space #1 unattended by an adult and unnoticed by her three-caregiving staff in space #1. The on-site-administrator observed the child leave the classroom and waited to see if any of the three staff noticed the child had left the classroom. The administrator waited approximately two minutes. .1801(a)(1-5) Technical Assistance Provided and General Discussion: 1. Recommendations have been made to help staff better track a child’s movements in the classroom by wearing bells on their shoes. 2. Recommendations were made for staff to be intentional with placement of the food cart, so staff can be in a better position themselves to provide adequate supervision. Corrective Action Plan: All violations must be corrected immediately. You shall submit a written, signed, and dated statement/compliance letter to me, at the address below detailing how each violation has been corrected and when. This information shall be received by Monday, October 13, 2025. You may email me with your letter of correction. Mail documentation to Mara Brinton, 3687 Stallings Road, Harrisburg, NC 28075. 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 .0512 · Violation

Name of Operation: ALLIANCE CENTER FOR EDUCATION STEPHANIE JENNINGS Facility ID: 60003106 Consultant: MARA BRINTON Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 5/30/2025 Number Present: 58 Completed Date: 5/30/2025 Age: From 1 To 5 Total Minutes: 270 Time In: 09:30 AM Time Out: 02:00 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor for compliance with applicable child care requirements during the annual compliance visit. The five-star licensed center continued to operate meeting enhanced space and highest voluntary enhanced ratios. Upon arrival, both family support staff were present with the interim administrator, Ms. April Butler. A walk through of spaces 1-8, kitchen, one bus #65, and outdoor learning environments were monitored for compliance. The child care item listed dated November 2024 was used to determine non-compliance items. It was recommended to post the center’s menus on the parent communication board at the entrance and in the kitchen where the food is prepared. If any modifications were to be made, all posted menus would be required to be updated. We discussed ensuring staff and children work to maintain caps on the markers offered to the children in the centers. An inhaler and nebulizer were monitored maintained under lock and key for two different children. The proper forms and medical action plans were maintained with the medication. A concern was raised as to why the life altering medications were maintained under lock and key instead of five feet vertically from the ground. The bottom of the bathroom stall wall (space #3a), loose toilet seat and a cabinet door handle (space #4b/5) were monitored in poor repair. We discussed the use of the NC Foundations book on site and the staff were aware the resource should be used when developing lesson planning activities. Best practices would be for staff to list the NCFELD indicators onto the lesson plan. Staff and Training worksheets were presented, and four new staff were hired since the last AC visit completed in August of 2024. The following new staff files were monitored for compliance: A. Butler, C. Curry, T. Smallwood, M. Quintero, M. Torres, A. Evans, E. Garippa and B. Torrence. Two existing staff files were monitored for compliance: L. Love and S. Jones. Ms. Butler did not have her six weeks of orientation completed/documented. Seventy-seven children were monitored enrolled. Eight children’s files were monitored for compliance. The parent attestation page where the child’s parent would sign or initial that they received the center’s discipline policy didn’t clearly list the child’s date of enrollment. The date next to the parent’s signatures were marked out and a different date was monitored listed. It was explained that a previous administrator shared with the staff that a child’s date of enrollment was required per state rule related to the center’s discipline policy. Once the staff were able to explain what had been done to update the children’s records a violation was not warranted. It was emphasized that the form currently being used should be updated to reflect a clear line item added that states, “Date of Enrollment”. The date the parents signed the page should also remain. One NC Pre-K child did not have a developmental screening on file. The center operated one NC Pre-K classroom this school calendar year. Staff were able to present parent involvement tracking and the implementation of the creative curriculum. It was stressed that quarterly assessments of children should be completed per the curriculum requirements. We discussed ensuring an objective of the day is posted in a prominent place for parents to see upon arrival to the classroom. The site consultant visit report was printed and reviewed with Ms. Butler. The level III administrator was transferred to another site on April 10, 2025. The assistant teacher listed was transferred to another site on April 10, 2025. The discrepancies listed will be reported to the NC Pre-K Consultant for the area. We discussed incident reports and log child care requirements. It was recommended to review the rules and the DCDEE incident report form with staff during the next staff meeting. Completed incident reports should be filed in the applicable child’s folder. It was considered the best practice to maintain a copy of the completed incident report in a binder with the cumulative center incident log. One bus (FEE-5902) was monitored for compliance. We discussed securing a crate with children’s books. A center roster and bus roster were monitored on file. The first aid kit and fire extinguisher were monitored secured. The tire threads were monitored in compliance with child care rule. During the visit today, a monthly fire drill was completed. During the drill, the path of travel for the toddlers were monitored using an evacuation crib to exit the building. The children were brought down a cement sidewalk to a mulched area and then grass. The decline from the cement path to the mulched area didn’t appear to be the safest. It appeared the sidewalk should be extended with a ramp for wheelchair accessibility and use of cribs to evacuate children. It was recommended to discuss this with the centers fire inspector. We discussed conducting a monthly drill in misty rain and the need to prepare for children to be outside in the elements if a real fire occurred while raining outside. The center’s EPR plan and the RTGF were monitored for compliance. We discussed ensuring any child with medical action plan to ensure a copy of the current plan is attached to the child’s emergency information/application that is maintained in the EPR/ Ready to Go File. We discussed purchasing a map. A small map was incorporated into the EPR plan regarding reunification of children. We discussed if a real emergency occurred like 911, satellites would be cut off by the government and navigation would not be accessible by cell phone. The outdoor learning environments were monitored for compliance. We discussed borders The last sanitation inspection was completed December 5, 2024, with eleven (11) demerits cited and a superior classification issued. The last fire inspection was completed June 5, 2024. It was highly recommended to begin your annual inspection process four to six weeks prior to expiration. Children’s records were not monitored, and a return visit will be made to complete the children’s records review. Violation Number Comment Rule 620 All walls and ceilings including doors and windows were not kept clean, free of visible fungal growth, and in good repair. The bathroom walls at the base were detached and in poor repair in space #3a. 15A NCAC 18A .2825(a) 705 Equipment and furnishings were not sturdy, stable and free of hazards. A cabinet door handle was disconnected and the door needed to be maintained locked in space #4b. A toilet seat in space #3a was very loose and not centered on the seat. .0601(c) 852 Incident reports were not completed each time a child was injured, it did not include all the information required in rule, it was not signed by the parent and/or it was not maintained in the child's file. Completed incident reports were maintained with the center incident log instead of in the applicable child's file. .0802 (e) 1045 New staff, who had contact with children, did not receive at least 16 hrs. orientation within first 6 weeks. The interim center administrator's orientation was not completed within the first 6 weeks of employment. .1101(a) 1771 A screening assessing development was not conducted within 90 days after the first day of attendance in the program or within six months prior to the first day of attendance and/or the screening was not conducted by a health care, community or school professional trained in administering the screening tool. One NC Pre-K child's file did not have proof a screening was completed. .3006(a) 1805 A child care operator did not notify the Division of any new child care providers, as defined in G.S. 110-90.2(a)(2), who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. An ABCMS roster report was run for the site and no staff member was linked to the facility. G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(r) 1834 Application did not have a medical action plan attached for any child with health care needs such as allergies, asthma, or other chronic conditions that require specialized health services. Required medical action plans were not attached to the child's application maintained in the EPR Ready to Go File. .0801(b) Technical Assistance Provided and General Discussion: 1. A call was received during the visit from the executive director, Ms. Wilson. She inquired about my pervious attempted visit and if I had any concerns. I explained to Ms. Wilson that after my attempted visit and speaking with Ms. Butler, who was new, that I wanted to connect her to DCDEE staff who she would need to interface during her tenure and new role. Ms. Butler will need to complete a preservice form. Since she will be at many sites, it was recommended for her to scan her file, staff and training page so that her file would be accessible from any site. 2. We reviewed incident reporting and incident report log requirements. Completed incident reports must be logged onto the center’s cumulative log and then filed into the applicable child’s file. It was recommended as best practice to maintain a copy of the incident report in a binder with the center’s log. 3. 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. No action is needed on your part if you have completed the reference training and are currently using the ABCMS Provider Portal to update information regarding new hires or residents. Once the training has been completed and access has been given, you must verify your facility roster to ensure current staff are noted/linked on the roster. This information should be updated in ABCMS on 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. 4. The center roster report was run before the visit. No staff were identified linked to the facility. Ms. Butler and I discussed system-wide ideas for how Head Start could best manage the requirement of when staff are hired, terminated or transferred to a different licensed site by ensuring the site roster is maintained current. DCDEE consultants must be able to monitor this requirement, it is best for each facility to keep a copy of the most current roster. We have been instructed to have administrators access their rosters on the ABCMS portal for our review during the visit. If the facility roster has not been updated with all current staff, we will cite the following violation: 5. It was recommended to contact Ms. LaWanda Combo, site assigned Community Health Consultant, to review all the medications and required forms. Ms. Combo could also conduct any health-related training for the entire staff. We reviewed child care requirements related to required forms and time frames for permission slips. Medical action plans are valid for one year only. We also discussed that life altering medication should not be maintained under lock and key but should be maintained at least five feet vertically from the ground. We discussed that Benadryl must be maintained under lock and key and it is not classified as a life altering medication. Staff were reminded that children’s medical action plans must be maintained with the child’s application in the child’s file and in the EPR/Ready to Go File. 6. We reviewed child care requirements regarding student field trips. 10A NCAC 09 .1005 OFF PREMISE ACTIVITIES IN CHILD CARE CENTERS (a) Off premise activities refer to any activity that takes place away from a child care center's licensed and approved space. Licensed and approved space includes "primary space" as described in 10A NCAC 09 .1401(a), outdoor space as described in 10A NCAC 09 .1402, single use rooms, or other administrative areas. (b) When children participate in off premise activities the following shall apply: (1) Children under the age of three shall not participate in off premise activities that involve children being transported in a motor vehicle. (2) When children are transported in a motor vehicle for off premise activities, the provisions in Rule .1003(c) through (i) and (k) of this Chapter shall apply. (3) Before staff members walk children off premises for play or outings, the center shall obtain written permission from the parent of each child to be included in such activities. (4) Parents may provide a written statement giving standing permission which may be valid for up to 12 months for participation in off premise activities that occur on a regular basis. (5) The center shall post a schedule of off premise activities in each participating classroom where it can be viewed by parents, and a copy shall be given to parents. The schedule shall be current and shall include the: (A) location of the activity. (B) purpose of the activity. (C) time the activity will take place. (D) date of the activity; and (E) name of the person(s) to be contacted in the event of an emergency. (6) Each time that children are taken off the premises, staff shall take a list of the children participating in the activity with them. Staff members shall use this list to check attendance when leaving the center, periodically when the children are involved in the activity, before leaving the activity to return to the child care center, and upon return to the center. A list of all children participating in the off-premises activity shall also be available at the center. (c) The provisions of Subparagraphs (b)(1) and (5) of this Rule shall be waived to implement any child's Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) or Individualized Education Program (IEP). History Note: Authority G.S. 110-85; 110-91(9), (12); 143B-168.3; Eff. November 1, 2007; Readopted Eff. October 1, 2017 (Transferred from 10A NCAC 09 .0512). 7. It was recommended to have the family service coordinator to be crossed trained and possibly participate in the Director’s Leadership Academy via CCRI. 8. The facility's AC month will be changed to May. This change ensures the annual compliance visit will take place during the NC Pre-K operating year. The previous AC was completed during the summer months (July). Two AC visits were completed in this year/cycle. Corrective Action Plan: All violations must be corrected immediately. You shall submit a written, signed, and dated statement/compliance letter to me, at the address below detailing how each violation has been corrected and when. This information shall be received by Friday, June 13, 2025. You may email me with your letter of correction. Mail documentation to Mara Brinton, 3687 Stallings Road, Harrisburg, NC 28075. Failure to correct the violations and send the written statement by the due date listed above may result in an unannounced follow-up visit being conducted or an administrative action may be recommended. Based on Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 Section .2200, the Division of Child Development may take administrative action against the license and/or impose civil penalties based on the failure of the operator to correct any documented violations within the established time-period. If you have any questions, please contact Mara Brinton at 704-594-0140 or email mara.brinton@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 .1005 · Violation

Name of Operation: ALLIANCE CENTER FOR EDUCATION STEPHANIE JENNINGS Facility ID: 60003106 Consultant: MARA BRINTON Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 5/30/2025 Number Present: 58 Completed Date: 5/30/2025 Age: From 1 To 5 Total Minutes: 270 Time In: 09:30 AM Time Out: 02:00 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor for compliance with applicable child care requirements during the annual compliance visit. The five-star licensed center continued to operate meeting enhanced space and highest voluntary enhanced ratios. Upon arrival, both family support staff were present with the interim administrator, Ms. April Butler. A walk through of spaces 1-8, kitchen, one bus #65, and outdoor learning environments were monitored for compliance. The child care item listed dated November 2024 was used to determine non-compliance items. It was recommended to post the center’s menus on the parent communication board at the entrance and in the kitchen where the food is prepared. If any modifications were to be made, all posted menus would be required to be updated. We discussed ensuring staff and children work to maintain caps on the markers offered to the children in the centers. An inhaler and nebulizer were monitored maintained under lock and key for two different children. The proper forms and medical action plans were maintained with the medication. A concern was raised as to why the life altering medications were maintained under lock and key instead of five feet vertically from the ground. The bottom of the bathroom stall wall (space #3a), loose toilet seat and a cabinet door handle (space #4b/5) were monitored in poor repair. We discussed the use of the NC Foundations book on site and the staff were aware the resource should be used when developing lesson planning activities. Best practices would be for staff to list the NCFELD indicators onto the lesson plan. Staff and Training worksheets were presented, and four new staff were hired since the last AC visit completed in August of 2024. The following new staff files were monitored for compliance: A. Butler, C. Curry, T. Smallwood, M. Quintero, M. Torres, A. Evans, E. Garippa and B. Torrence. Two existing staff files were monitored for compliance: L. Love and S. Jones. Ms. Butler did not have her six weeks of orientation completed/documented. Seventy-seven children were monitored enrolled. Eight children’s files were monitored for compliance. The parent attestation page where the child’s parent would sign or initial that they received the center’s discipline policy didn’t clearly list the child’s date of enrollment. The date next to the parent’s signatures were marked out and a different date was monitored listed. It was explained that a previous administrator shared with the staff that a child’s date of enrollment was required per state rule related to the center’s discipline policy. Once the staff were able to explain what had been done to update the children’s records a violation was not warranted. It was emphasized that the form currently being used should be updated to reflect a clear line item added that states, “Date of Enrollment”. The date the parents signed the page should also remain. One NC Pre-K child did not have a developmental screening on file. The center operated one NC Pre-K classroom this school calendar year. Staff were able to present parent involvement tracking and the implementation of the creative curriculum. It was stressed that quarterly assessments of children should be completed per the curriculum requirements. We discussed ensuring an objective of the day is posted in a prominent place for parents to see upon arrival to the classroom. The site consultant visit report was printed and reviewed with Ms. Butler. The level III administrator was transferred to another site on April 10, 2025. The assistant teacher listed was transferred to another site on April 10, 2025. The discrepancies listed will be reported to the NC Pre-K Consultant for the area. We discussed incident reports and log child care requirements. It was recommended to review the rules and the DCDEE incident report form with staff during the next staff meeting. Completed incident reports should be filed in the applicable child’s folder. It was considered the best practice to maintain a copy of the completed incident report in a binder with the cumulative center incident log. One bus (FEE-5902) was monitored for compliance. We discussed securing a crate with children’s books. A center roster and bus roster were monitored on file. The first aid kit and fire extinguisher were monitored secured. The tire threads were monitored in compliance with child care rule. During the visit today, a monthly fire drill was completed. During the drill, the path of travel for the toddlers were monitored using an evacuation crib to exit the building. The children were brought down a cement sidewalk to a mulched area and then grass. The decline from the cement path to the mulched area didn’t appear to be the safest. It appeared the sidewalk should be extended with a ramp for wheelchair accessibility and use of cribs to evacuate children. It was recommended to discuss this with the centers fire inspector. We discussed conducting a monthly drill in misty rain and the need to prepare for children to be outside in the elements if a real fire occurred while raining outside. The center’s EPR plan and the RTGF were monitored for compliance. We discussed ensuring any child with medical action plan to ensure a copy of the current plan is attached to the child’s emergency information/application that is maintained in the EPR/ Ready to Go File. We discussed purchasing a map. A small map was incorporated into the EPR plan regarding reunification of children. We discussed if a real emergency occurred like 911, satellites would be cut off by the government and navigation would not be accessible by cell phone. The outdoor learning environments were monitored for compliance. We discussed borders The last sanitation inspection was completed December 5, 2024, with eleven (11) demerits cited and a superior classification issued. The last fire inspection was completed June 5, 2024. It was highly recommended to begin your annual inspection process four to six weeks prior to expiration. Children’s records were not monitored, and a return visit will be made to complete the children’s records review. Violation Number Comment Rule 620 All walls and ceilings including doors and windows were not kept clean, free of visible fungal growth, and in good repair. The bathroom walls at the base were detached and in poor repair in space #3a. 15A NCAC 18A .2825(a) 705 Equipment and furnishings were not sturdy, stable and free of hazards. A cabinet door handle was disconnected and the door needed to be maintained locked in space #4b. A toilet seat in space #3a was very loose and not centered on the seat. .0601(c) 852 Incident reports were not completed each time a child was injured, it did not include all the information required in rule, it was not signed by the parent and/or it was not maintained in the child's file. Completed incident reports were maintained with the center incident log instead of in the applicable child's file. .0802 (e) 1045 New staff, who had contact with children, did not receive at least 16 hrs. orientation within first 6 weeks. The interim center administrator's orientation was not completed within the first 6 weeks of employment. .1101(a) 1771 A screening assessing development was not conducted within 90 days after the first day of attendance in the program or within six months prior to the first day of attendance and/or the screening was not conducted by a health care, community or school professional trained in administering the screening tool. One NC Pre-K child's file did not have proof a screening was completed. .3006(a) 1805 A child care operator did not notify the Division of any new child care providers, as defined in G.S. 110-90.2(a)(2), who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. An ABCMS roster report was run for the site and no staff member was linked to the facility. G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(r) 1834 Application did not have a medical action plan attached for any child with health care needs such as allergies, asthma, or other chronic conditions that require specialized health services. Required medical action plans were not attached to the child's application maintained in the EPR Ready to Go File. .0801(b) Technical Assistance Provided and General Discussion: 1. A call was received during the visit from the executive director, Ms. Wilson. She inquired about my pervious attempted visit and if I had any concerns. I explained to Ms. Wilson that after my attempted visit and speaking with Ms. Butler, who was new, that I wanted to connect her to DCDEE staff who she would need to interface during her tenure and new role. Ms. Butler will need to complete a preservice form. Since she will be at many sites, it was recommended for her to scan her file, staff and training page so that her file would be accessible from any site. 2. We reviewed incident reporting and incident report log requirements. Completed incident reports must be logged onto the center’s cumulative log and then filed into the applicable child’s file. It was recommended as best practice to maintain a copy of the incident report in a binder with the center’s log. 3. 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. No action is needed on your part if you have completed the reference training and are currently using the ABCMS Provider Portal to update information regarding new hires or residents. Once the training has been completed and access has been given, you must verify your facility roster to ensure current staff are noted/linked on the roster. This information should be updated in ABCMS on 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. 4. The center roster report was run before the visit. No staff were identified linked to the facility. Ms. Butler and I discussed system-wide ideas for how Head Start could best manage the requirement of when staff are hired, terminated or transferred to a different licensed site by ensuring the site roster is maintained current. DCDEE consultants must be able to monitor this requirement, it is best for each facility to keep a copy of the most current roster. We have been instructed to have administrators access their rosters on the ABCMS portal for our review during the visit. If the facility roster has not been updated with all current staff, we will cite the following violation: 5. It was recommended to contact Ms. LaWanda Combo, site assigned Community Health Consultant, to review all the medications and required forms. Ms. Combo could also conduct any health-related training for the entire staff. We reviewed child care requirements related to required forms and time frames for permission slips. Medical action plans are valid for one year only. We also discussed that life altering medication should not be maintained under lock and key but should be maintained at least five feet vertically from the ground. We discussed that Benadryl must be maintained under lock and key and it is not classified as a life altering medication. Staff were reminded that children’s medical action plans must be maintained with the child’s application in the child’s file and in the EPR/Ready to Go File. 6. We reviewed child care requirements regarding student field trips. 10A NCAC 09 .1005 OFF PREMISE ACTIVITIES IN CHILD CARE CENTERS (a) Off premise activities refer to any activity that takes place away from a child care center's licensed and approved space. Licensed and approved space includes "primary space" as described in 10A NCAC 09 .1401(a), outdoor space as described in 10A NCAC 09 .1402, single use rooms, or other administrative areas. (b) When children participate in off premise activities the following shall apply: (1) Children under the age of three shall not participate in off premise activities that involve children being transported in a motor vehicle. (2) When children are transported in a motor vehicle for off premise activities, the provisions in Rule .1003(c) through (i) and (k) of this Chapter shall apply. (3) Before staff members walk children off premises for play or outings, the center shall obtain written permission from the parent of each child to be included in such activities. (4) Parents may provide a written statement giving standing permission which may be valid for up to 12 months for participation in off premise activities that occur on a regular basis. (5) The center shall post a schedule of off premise activities in each participating classroom where it can be viewed by parents, and a copy shall be given to parents. The schedule shall be current and shall include the: (A) location of the activity. (B) purpose of the activity. (C) time the activity will take place. (D) date of the activity; and (E) name of the person(s) to be contacted in the event of an emergency. (6) Each time that children are taken off the premises, staff shall take a list of the children participating in the activity with them. Staff members shall use this list to check attendance when leaving the center, periodically when the children are involved in the activity, before leaving the activity to return to the child care center, and upon return to the center. A list of all children participating in the off-premises activity shall also be available at the center. (c) The provisions of Subparagraphs (b)(1) and (5) of this Rule shall be waived to implement any child's Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) or Individualized Education Program (IEP). History Note: Authority G.S. 110-85; 110-91(9), (12); 143B-168.3; Eff. November 1, 2007; Readopted Eff. October 1, 2017 (Transferred from 10A NCAC 09 .0512). 7. It was recommended to have the family service coordinator to be crossed trained and possibly participate in the Director’s Leadership Academy via CCRI. 8. The facility's AC month will be changed to May. This change ensures the annual compliance visit will take place during the NC Pre-K operating year. The previous AC was completed during the summer months (July). Two AC visits were completed in this year/cycle. Corrective Action Plan: All violations must be corrected immediately. You shall submit a written, signed, and dated statement/compliance letter to me, at the address below detailing how each violation has been corrected and when. This information shall be received by Friday, June 13, 2025. You may email me with your letter of correction. Mail documentation to Mara Brinton, 3687 Stallings Road, Harrisburg, NC 28075. Failure to correct the violations and send the written statement by the due date listed above may result in an unannounced follow-up visit being conducted or an administrative action may be recommended. Based on Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 Section .2200, the Division of Child Development may take administrative action against the license and/or impose civil penalties based on the failure of the operator to correct any documented violations within the established time-period. If you have any questions, please contact Mara Brinton at 704-594-0140 or email mara.brinton@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 .1401 · Violation

Name of Operation: ALLIANCE CENTER FOR EDUCATION STEPHANIE JENNINGS Facility ID: 60003106 Consultant: MARA BRINTON Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 5/30/2025 Number Present: 58 Completed Date: 5/30/2025 Age: From 1 To 5 Total Minutes: 270 Time In: 09:30 AM Time Out: 02:00 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor for compliance with applicable child care requirements during the annual compliance visit. The five-star licensed center continued to operate meeting enhanced space and highest voluntary enhanced ratios. Upon arrival, both family support staff were present with the interim administrator, Ms. April Butler. A walk through of spaces 1-8, kitchen, one bus #65, and outdoor learning environments were monitored for compliance. The child care item listed dated November 2024 was used to determine non-compliance items. It was recommended to post the center’s menus on the parent communication board at the entrance and in the kitchen where the food is prepared. If any modifications were to be made, all posted menus would be required to be updated. We discussed ensuring staff and children work to maintain caps on the markers offered to the children in the centers. An inhaler and nebulizer were monitored maintained under lock and key for two different children. The proper forms and medical action plans were maintained with the medication. A concern was raised as to why the life altering medications were maintained under lock and key instead of five feet vertically from the ground. The bottom of the bathroom stall wall (space #3a), loose toilet seat and a cabinet door handle (space #4b/5) were monitored in poor repair. We discussed the use of the NC Foundations book on site and the staff were aware the resource should be used when developing lesson planning activities. Best practices would be for staff to list the NCFELD indicators onto the lesson plan. Staff and Training worksheets were presented, and four new staff were hired since the last AC visit completed in August of 2024. The following new staff files were monitored for compliance: A. Butler, C. Curry, T. Smallwood, M. Quintero, M. Torres, A. Evans, E. Garippa and B. Torrence. Two existing staff files were monitored for compliance: L. Love and S. Jones. Ms. Butler did not have her six weeks of orientation completed/documented. Seventy-seven children were monitored enrolled. Eight children’s files were monitored for compliance. The parent attestation page where the child’s parent would sign or initial that they received the center’s discipline policy didn’t clearly list the child’s date of enrollment. The date next to the parent’s signatures were marked out and a different date was monitored listed. It was explained that a previous administrator shared with the staff that a child’s date of enrollment was required per state rule related to the center’s discipline policy. Once the staff were able to explain what had been done to update the children’s records a violation was not warranted. It was emphasized that the form currently being used should be updated to reflect a clear line item added that states, “Date of Enrollment”. The date the parents signed the page should also remain. One NC Pre-K child did not have a developmental screening on file. The center operated one NC Pre-K classroom this school calendar year. Staff were able to present parent involvement tracking and the implementation of the creative curriculum. It was stressed that quarterly assessments of children should be completed per the curriculum requirements. We discussed ensuring an objective of the day is posted in a prominent place for parents to see upon arrival to the classroom. The site consultant visit report was printed and reviewed with Ms. Butler. The level III administrator was transferred to another site on April 10, 2025. The assistant teacher listed was transferred to another site on April 10, 2025. The discrepancies listed will be reported to the NC Pre-K Consultant for the area. We discussed incident reports and log child care requirements. It was recommended to review the rules and the DCDEE incident report form with staff during the next staff meeting. Completed incident reports should be filed in the applicable child’s folder. It was considered the best practice to maintain a copy of the completed incident report in a binder with the cumulative center incident log. One bus (FEE-5902) was monitored for compliance. We discussed securing a crate with children’s books. A center roster and bus roster were monitored on file. The first aid kit and fire extinguisher were monitored secured. The tire threads were monitored in compliance with child care rule. During the visit today, a monthly fire drill was completed. During the drill, the path of travel for the toddlers were monitored using an evacuation crib to exit the building. The children were brought down a cement sidewalk to a mulched area and then grass. The decline from the cement path to the mulched area didn’t appear to be the safest. It appeared the sidewalk should be extended with a ramp for wheelchair accessibility and use of cribs to evacuate children. It was recommended to discuss this with the centers fire inspector. We discussed conducting a monthly drill in misty rain and the need to prepare for children to be outside in the elements if a real fire occurred while raining outside. The center’s EPR plan and the RTGF were monitored for compliance. We discussed ensuring any child with medical action plan to ensure a copy of the current plan is attached to the child’s emergency information/application that is maintained in the EPR/ Ready to Go File. We discussed purchasing a map. A small map was incorporated into the EPR plan regarding reunification of children. We discussed if a real emergency occurred like 911, satellites would be cut off by the government and navigation would not be accessible by cell phone. The outdoor learning environments were monitored for compliance. We discussed borders The last sanitation inspection was completed December 5, 2024, with eleven (11) demerits cited and a superior classification issued. The last fire inspection was completed June 5, 2024. It was highly recommended to begin your annual inspection process four to six weeks prior to expiration. Children’s records were not monitored, and a return visit will be made to complete the children’s records review. Violation Number Comment Rule 620 All walls and ceilings including doors and windows were not kept clean, free of visible fungal growth, and in good repair. The bathroom walls at the base were detached and in poor repair in space #3a. 15A NCAC 18A .2825(a) 705 Equipment and furnishings were not sturdy, stable and free of hazards. A cabinet door handle was disconnected and the door needed to be maintained locked in space #4b. A toilet seat in space #3a was very loose and not centered on the seat. .0601(c) 852 Incident reports were not completed each time a child was injured, it did not include all the information required in rule, it was not signed by the parent and/or it was not maintained in the child's file. Completed incident reports were maintained with the center incident log instead of in the applicable child's file. .0802 (e) 1045 New staff, who had contact with children, did not receive at least 16 hrs. orientation within first 6 weeks. The interim center administrator's orientation was not completed within the first 6 weeks of employment. .1101(a) 1771 A screening assessing development was not conducted within 90 days after the first day of attendance in the program or within six months prior to the first day of attendance and/or the screening was not conducted by a health care, community or school professional trained in administering the screening tool. One NC Pre-K child's file did not have proof a screening was completed. .3006(a) 1805 A child care operator did not notify the Division of any new child care providers, as defined in G.S. 110-90.2(a)(2), who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. An ABCMS roster report was run for the site and no staff member was linked to the facility. G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(r) 1834 Application did not have a medical action plan attached for any child with health care needs such as allergies, asthma, or other chronic conditions that require specialized health services. Required medical action plans were not attached to the child's application maintained in the EPR Ready to Go File. .0801(b) Technical Assistance Provided and General Discussion: 1. A call was received during the visit from the executive director, Ms. Wilson. She inquired about my pervious attempted visit and if I had any concerns. I explained to Ms. Wilson that after my attempted visit and speaking with Ms. Butler, who was new, that I wanted to connect her to DCDEE staff who she would need to interface during her tenure and new role. Ms. Butler will need to complete a preservice form. Since she will be at many sites, it was recommended for her to scan her file, staff and training page so that her file would be accessible from any site. 2. We reviewed incident reporting and incident report log requirements. Completed incident reports must be logged onto the center’s cumulative log and then filed into the applicable child’s file. It was recommended as best practice to maintain a copy of the incident report in a binder with the center’s log. 3. 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. No action is needed on your part if you have completed the reference training and are currently using the ABCMS Provider Portal to update information regarding new hires or residents. Once the training has been completed and access has been given, you must verify your facility roster to ensure current staff are noted/linked on the roster. This information should be updated in ABCMS on 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. 4. The center roster report was run before the visit. No staff were identified linked to the facility. Ms. Butler and I discussed system-wide ideas for how Head Start could best manage the requirement of when staff are hired, terminated or transferred to a different licensed site by ensuring the site roster is maintained current. DCDEE consultants must be able to monitor this requirement, it is best for each facility to keep a copy of the most current roster. We have been instructed to have administrators access their rosters on the ABCMS portal for our review during the visit. If the facility roster has not been updated with all current staff, we will cite the following violation: 5. It was recommended to contact Ms. LaWanda Combo, site assigned Community Health Consultant, to review all the medications and required forms. Ms. Combo could also conduct any health-related training for the entire staff. We reviewed child care requirements related to required forms and time frames for permission slips. Medical action plans are valid for one year only. We also discussed that life altering medication should not be maintained under lock and key but should be maintained at least five feet vertically from the ground. We discussed that Benadryl must be maintained under lock and key and it is not classified as a life altering medication. Staff were reminded that children’s medical action plans must be maintained with the child’s application in the child’s file and in the EPR/Ready to Go File. 6. We reviewed child care requirements regarding student field trips. 10A NCAC 09 .1005 OFF PREMISE ACTIVITIES IN CHILD CARE CENTERS (a) Off premise activities refer to any activity that takes place away from a child care center's licensed and approved space. Licensed and approved space includes "primary space" as described in 10A NCAC 09 .1401(a), outdoor space as described in 10A NCAC 09 .1402, single use rooms, or other administrative areas. (b) When children participate in off premise activities the following shall apply: (1) Children under the age of three shall not participate in off premise activities that involve children being transported in a motor vehicle. (2) When children are transported in a motor vehicle for off premise activities, the provisions in Rule .1003(c) through (i) and (k) of this Chapter shall apply. (3) Before staff members walk children off premises for play or outings, the center shall obtain written permission from the parent of each child to be included in such activities. (4) Parents may provide a written statement giving standing permission which may be valid for up to 12 months for participation in off premise activities that occur on a regular basis. (5) The center shall post a schedule of off premise activities in each participating classroom where it can be viewed by parents, and a copy shall be given to parents. The schedule shall be current and shall include the: (A) location of the activity. (B) purpose of the activity. (C) time the activity will take place. (D) date of the activity; and (E) name of the person(s) to be contacted in the event of an emergency. (6) Each time that children are taken off the premises, staff shall take a list of the children participating in the activity with them. Staff members shall use this list to check attendance when leaving the center, periodically when the children are involved in the activity, before leaving the activity to return to the child care center, and upon return to the center. A list of all children participating in the off-premises activity shall also be available at the center. (c) The provisions of Subparagraphs (b)(1) and (5) of this Rule shall be waived to implement any child's Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) or Individualized Education Program (IEP). History Note: Authority G.S. 110-85; 110-91(9), (12); 143B-168.3; Eff. November 1, 2007; Readopted Eff. October 1, 2017 (Transferred from 10A NCAC 09 .0512). 7. It was recommended to have the family service coordinator to be crossed trained and possibly participate in the Director’s Leadership Academy via CCRI. 8. The facility's AC month will be changed to May. This change ensures the annual compliance visit will take place during the NC Pre-K operating year. The previous AC was completed during the summer months (July). Two AC visits were completed in this year/cycle. Corrective Action Plan: All violations must be corrected immediately. You shall submit a written, signed, and dated statement/compliance letter to me, at the address below detailing how each violation has been corrected and when. This information shall be received by Friday, June 13, 2025. You may email me with your letter of correction. Mail documentation to Mara Brinton, 3687 Stallings Road, Harrisburg, NC 28075. Failure to correct the violations and send the written statement by the due date listed above may result in an unannounced follow-up visit being conducted or an administrative action may be recommended. Based on Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 Section .2200, the Division of Child Development may take administrative action against the license and/or impose civil penalties based on the failure of the operator to correct any documented violations within the established time-period. If you have any questions, please contact Mara Brinton at 704-594-0140 or email mara.brinton@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 .1402 · Violation

Name of Operation: ALLIANCE CENTER FOR EDUCATION STEPHANIE JENNINGS Facility ID: 60003106 Consultant: MARA BRINTON Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 5/30/2025 Number Present: 58 Completed Date: 5/30/2025 Age: From 1 To 5 Total Minutes: 270 Time In: 09:30 AM Time Out: 02:00 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor for compliance with applicable child care requirements during the annual compliance visit. The five-star licensed center continued to operate meeting enhanced space and highest voluntary enhanced ratios. Upon arrival, both family support staff were present with the interim administrator, Ms. April Butler. A walk through of spaces 1-8, kitchen, one bus #65, and outdoor learning environments were monitored for compliance. The child care item listed dated November 2024 was used to determine non-compliance items. It was recommended to post the center’s menus on the parent communication board at the entrance and in the kitchen where the food is prepared. If any modifications were to be made, all posted menus would be required to be updated. We discussed ensuring staff and children work to maintain caps on the markers offered to the children in the centers. An inhaler and nebulizer were monitored maintained under lock and key for two different children. The proper forms and medical action plans were maintained with the medication. A concern was raised as to why the life altering medications were maintained under lock and key instead of five feet vertically from the ground. The bottom of the bathroom stall wall (space #3a), loose toilet seat and a cabinet door handle (space #4b/5) were monitored in poor repair. We discussed the use of the NC Foundations book on site and the staff were aware the resource should be used when developing lesson planning activities. Best practices would be for staff to list the NCFELD indicators onto the lesson plan. Staff and Training worksheets were presented, and four new staff were hired since the last AC visit completed in August of 2024. The following new staff files were monitored for compliance: A. Butler, C. Curry, T. Smallwood, M. Quintero, M. Torres, A. Evans, E. Garippa and B. Torrence. Two existing staff files were monitored for compliance: L. Love and S. Jones. Ms. Butler did not have her six weeks of orientation completed/documented. Seventy-seven children were monitored enrolled. Eight children’s files were monitored for compliance. The parent attestation page where the child’s parent would sign or initial that they received the center’s discipline policy didn’t clearly list the child’s date of enrollment. The date next to the parent’s signatures were marked out and a different date was monitored listed. It was explained that a previous administrator shared with the staff that a child’s date of enrollment was required per state rule related to the center’s discipline policy. Once the staff were able to explain what had been done to update the children’s records a violation was not warranted. It was emphasized that the form currently being used should be updated to reflect a clear line item added that states, “Date of Enrollment”. The date the parents signed the page should also remain. One NC Pre-K child did not have a developmental screening on file. The center operated one NC Pre-K classroom this school calendar year. Staff were able to present parent involvement tracking and the implementation of the creative curriculum. It was stressed that quarterly assessments of children should be completed per the curriculum requirements. We discussed ensuring an objective of the day is posted in a prominent place for parents to see upon arrival to the classroom. The site consultant visit report was printed and reviewed with Ms. Butler. The level III administrator was transferred to another site on April 10, 2025. The assistant teacher listed was transferred to another site on April 10, 2025. The discrepancies listed will be reported to the NC Pre-K Consultant for the area. We discussed incident reports and log child care requirements. It was recommended to review the rules and the DCDEE incident report form with staff during the next staff meeting. Completed incident reports should be filed in the applicable child’s folder. It was considered the best practice to maintain a copy of the completed incident report in a binder with the cumulative center incident log. One bus (FEE-5902) was monitored for compliance. We discussed securing a crate with children’s books. A center roster and bus roster were monitored on file. The first aid kit and fire extinguisher were monitored secured. The tire threads were monitored in compliance with child care rule. During the visit today, a monthly fire drill was completed. During the drill, the path of travel for the toddlers were monitored using an evacuation crib to exit the building. The children were brought down a cement sidewalk to a mulched area and then grass. The decline from the cement path to the mulched area didn’t appear to be the safest. It appeared the sidewalk should be extended with a ramp for wheelchair accessibility and use of cribs to evacuate children. It was recommended to discuss this with the centers fire inspector. We discussed conducting a monthly drill in misty rain and the need to prepare for children to be outside in the elements if a real fire occurred while raining outside. The center’s EPR plan and the RTGF were monitored for compliance. We discussed ensuring any child with medical action plan to ensure a copy of the current plan is attached to the child’s emergency information/application that is maintained in the EPR/ Ready to Go File. We discussed purchasing a map. A small map was incorporated into the EPR plan regarding reunification of children. We discussed if a real emergency occurred like 911, satellites would be cut off by the government and navigation would not be accessible by cell phone. The outdoor learning environments were monitored for compliance. We discussed borders The last sanitation inspection was completed December 5, 2024, with eleven (11) demerits cited and a superior classification issued. The last fire inspection was completed June 5, 2024. It was highly recommended to begin your annual inspection process four to six weeks prior to expiration. Children’s records were not monitored, and a return visit will be made to complete the children’s records review. Violation Number Comment Rule 620 All walls and ceilings including doors and windows were not kept clean, free of visible fungal growth, and in good repair. The bathroom walls at the base were detached and in poor repair in space #3a. 15A NCAC 18A .2825(a) 705 Equipment and furnishings were not sturdy, stable and free of hazards. A cabinet door handle was disconnected and the door needed to be maintained locked in space #4b. A toilet seat in space #3a was very loose and not centered on the seat. .0601(c) 852 Incident reports were not completed each time a child was injured, it did not include all the information required in rule, it was not signed by the parent and/or it was not maintained in the child's file. Completed incident reports were maintained with the center incident log instead of in the applicable child's file. .0802 (e) 1045 New staff, who had contact with children, did not receive at least 16 hrs. orientation within first 6 weeks. The interim center administrator's orientation was not completed within the first 6 weeks of employment. .1101(a) 1771 A screening assessing development was not conducted within 90 days after the first day of attendance in the program or within six months prior to the first day of attendance and/or the screening was not conducted by a health care, community or school professional trained in administering the screening tool. One NC Pre-K child's file did not have proof a screening was completed. .3006(a) 1805 A child care operator did not notify the Division of any new child care providers, as defined in G.S. 110-90.2(a)(2), who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. An ABCMS roster report was run for the site and no staff member was linked to the facility. G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(r) 1834 Application did not have a medical action plan attached for any child with health care needs such as allergies, asthma, or other chronic conditions that require specialized health services. Required medical action plans were not attached to the child's application maintained in the EPR Ready to Go File. .0801(b) Technical Assistance Provided and General Discussion: 1. A call was received during the visit from the executive director, Ms. Wilson. She inquired about my pervious attempted visit and if I had any concerns. I explained to Ms. Wilson that after my attempted visit and speaking with Ms. Butler, who was new, that I wanted to connect her to DCDEE staff who she would need to interface during her tenure and new role. Ms. Butler will need to complete a preservice form. Since she will be at many sites, it was recommended for her to scan her file, staff and training page so that her file would be accessible from any site. 2. We reviewed incident reporting and incident report log requirements. Completed incident reports must be logged onto the center’s cumulative log and then filed into the applicable child’s file. It was recommended as best practice to maintain a copy of the incident report in a binder with the center’s log. 3. 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. No action is needed on your part if you have completed the reference training and are currently using the ABCMS Provider Portal to update information regarding new hires or residents. Once the training has been completed and access has been given, you must verify your facility roster to ensure current staff are noted/linked on the roster. This information should be updated in ABCMS on 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. 4. The center roster report was run before the visit. No staff were identified linked to the facility. Ms. Butler and I discussed system-wide ideas for how Head Start could best manage the requirement of when staff are hired, terminated or transferred to a different licensed site by ensuring the site roster is maintained current. DCDEE consultants must be able to monitor this requirement, it is best for each facility to keep a copy of the most current roster. We have been instructed to have administrators access their rosters on the ABCMS portal for our review during the visit. If the facility roster has not been updated with all current staff, we will cite the following violation: 5. It was recommended to contact Ms. LaWanda Combo, site assigned Community Health Consultant, to review all the medications and required forms. Ms. Combo could also conduct any health-related training for the entire staff. We reviewed child care requirements related to required forms and time frames for permission slips. Medical action plans are valid for one year only. We also discussed that life altering medication should not be maintained under lock and key but should be maintained at least five feet vertically from the ground. We discussed that Benadryl must be maintained under lock and key and it is not classified as a life altering medication. Staff were reminded that children’s medical action plans must be maintained with the child’s application in the child’s file and in the EPR/Ready to Go File. 6. We reviewed child care requirements regarding student field trips. 10A NCAC 09 .1005 OFF PREMISE ACTIVITIES IN CHILD CARE CENTERS (a) Off premise activities refer to any activity that takes place away from a child care center's licensed and approved space. Licensed and approved space includes "primary space" as described in 10A NCAC 09 .1401(a), outdoor space as described in 10A NCAC 09 .1402, single use rooms, or other administrative areas. (b) When children participate in off premise activities the following shall apply: (1) Children under the age of three shall not participate in off premise activities that involve children being transported in a motor vehicle. (2) When children are transported in a motor vehicle for off premise activities, the provisions in Rule .1003(c) through (i) and (k) of this Chapter shall apply. (3) Before staff members walk children off premises for play or outings, the center shall obtain written permission from the parent of each child to be included in such activities. (4) Parents may provide a written statement giving standing permission which may be valid for up to 12 months for participation in off premise activities that occur on a regular basis. (5) The center shall post a schedule of off premise activities in each participating classroom where it can be viewed by parents, and a copy shall be given to parents. The schedule shall be current and shall include the: (A) location of the activity. (B) purpose of the activity. (C) time the activity will take place. (D) date of the activity; and (E) name of the person(s) to be contacted in the event of an emergency. (6) Each time that children are taken off the premises, staff shall take a list of the children participating in the activity with them. Staff members shall use this list to check attendance when leaving the center, periodically when the children are involved in the activity, before leaving the activity to return to the child care center, and upon return to the center. A list of all children participating in the off-premises activity shall also be available at the center. (c) The provisions of Subparagraphs (b)(1) and (5) of this Rule shall be waived to implement any child's Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) or Individualized Education Program (IEP). History Note: Authority G.S. 110-85; 110-91(9), (12); 143B-168.3; Eff. November 1, 2007; Readopted Eff. October 1, 2017 (Transferred from 10A NCAC 09 .0512). 7. It was recommended to have the family service coordinator to be crossed trained and possibly participate in the Director’s Leadership Academy via CCRI. 8. The facility's AC month will be changed to May. This change ensures the annual compliance visit will take place during the NC Pre-K operating year. The previous AC was completed during the summer months (July). Two AC visits were completed in this year/cycle. Corrective Action Plan: All violations must be corrected immediately. You shall submit a written, signed, and dated statement/compliance letter to me, at the address below detailing how each violation has been corrected and when. This information shall be received by Friday, June 13, 2025. You may email me with your letter of correction. Mail documentation to Mara Brinton, 3687 Stallings Road, Harrisburg, NC 28075. Failure to correct the violations and send the written statement by the due date listed above may result in an unannounced follow-up visit being conducted or an administrative action may be recommended. Based on Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 Section .2200, the Division of Child Development may take administrative action against the license and/or impose civil penalties based on the failure of the operator to correct any documented violations within the established time-period. If you have any questions, please contact Mara Brinton at 704-594-0140 or email mara.brinton@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. 110-85 · Violation

Name of Operation: ALLIANCE CENTER FOR EDUCATION STEPHANIE JENNINGS Facility ID: 60003106 Consultant: MARA BRINTON Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 5/30/2025 Number Present: 58 Completed Date: 5/30/2025 Age: From 1 To 5 Total Minutes: 270 Time In: 09:30 AM Time Out: 02:00 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor for compliance with applicable child care requirements during the annual compliance visit. The five-star licensed center continued to operate meeting enhanced space and highest voluntary enhanced ratios. Upon arrival, both family support staff were present with the interim administrator, Ms. April Butler. A walk through of spaces 1-8, kitchen, one bus #65, and outdoor learning environments were monitored for compliance. The child care item listed dated November 2024 was used to determine non-compliance items. It was recommended to post the center’s menus on the parent communication board at the entrance and in the kitchen where the food is prepared. If any modifications were to be made, all posted menus would be required to be updated. We discussed ensuring staff and children work to maintain caps on the markers offered to the children in the centers. An inhaler and nebulizer were monitored maintained under lock and key for two different children. The proper forms and medical action plans were maintained with the medication. A concern was raised as to why the life altering medications were maintained under lock and key instead of five feet vertically from the ground. The bottom of the bathroom stall wall (space #3a), loose toilet seat and a cabinet door handle (space #4b/5) were monitored in poor repair. We discussed the use of the NC Foundations book on site and the staff were aware the resource should be used when developing lesson planning activities. Best practices would be for staff to list the NCFELD indicators onto the lesson plan. Staff and Training worksheets were presented, and four new staff were hired since the last AC visit completed in August of 2024. The following new staff files were monitored for compliance: A. Butler, C. Curry, T. Smallwood, M. Quintero, M. Torres, A. Evans, E. Garippa and B. Torrence. Two existing staff files were monitored for compliance: L. Love and S. Jones. Ms. Butler did not have her six weeks of orientation completed/documented. Seventy-seven children were monitored enrolled. Eight children’s files were monitored for compliance. The parent attestation page where the child’s parent would sign or initial that they received the center’s discipline policy didn’t clearly list the child’s date of enrollment. The date next to the parent’s signatures were marked out and a different date was monitored listed. It was explained that a previous administrator shared with the staff that a child’s date of enrollment was required per state rule related to the center’s discipline policy. Once the staff were able to explain what had been done to update the children’s records a violation was not warranted. It was emphasized that the form currently being used should be updated to reflect a clear line item added that states, “Date of Enrollment”. The date the parents signed the page should also remain. One NC Pre-K child did not have a developmental screening on file. The center operated one NC Pre-K classroom this school calendar year. Staff were able to present parent involvement tracking and the implementation of the creative curriculum. It was stressed that quarterly assessments of children should be completed per the curriculum requirements. We discussed ensuring an objective of the day is posted in a prominent place for parents to see upon arrival to the classroom. The site consultant visit report was printed and reviewed with Ms. Butler. The level III administrator was transferred to another site on April 10, 2025. The assistant teacher listed was transferred to another site on April 10, 2025. The discrepancies listed will be reported to the NC Pre-K Consultant for the area. We discussed incident reports and log child care requirements. It was recommended to review the rules and the DCDEE incident report form with staff during the next staff meeting. Completed incident reports should be filed in the applicable child’s folder. It was considered the best practice to maintain a copy of the completed incident report in a binder with the cumulative center incident log. One bus (FEE-5902) was monitored for compliance. We discussed securing a crate with children’s books. A center roster and bus roster were monitored on file. The first aid kit and fire extinguisher were monitored secured. The tire threads were monitored in compliance with child care rule. During the visit today, a monthly fire drill was completed. During the drill, the path of travel for the toddlers were monitored using an evacuation crib to exit the building. The children were brought down a cement sidewalk to a mulched area and then grass. The decline from the cement path to the mulched area didn’t appear to be the safest. It appeared the sidewalk should be extended with a ramp for wheelchair accessibility and use of cribs to evacuate children. It was recommended to discuss this with the centers fire inspector. We discussed conducting a monthly drill in misty rain and the need to prepare for children to be outside in the elements if a real fire occurred while raining outside. The center’s EPR plan and the RTGF were monitored for compliance. We discussed ensuring any child with medical action plan to ensure a copy of the current plan is attached to the child’s emergency information/application that is maintained in the EPR/ Ready to Go File. We discussed purchasing a map. A small map was incorporated into the EPR plan regarding reunification of children. We discussed if a real emergency occurred like 911, satellites would be cut off by the government and navigation would not be accessible by cell phone. The outdoor learning environments were monitored for compliance. We discussed borders The last sanitation inspection was completed December 5, 2024, with eleven (11) demerits cited and a superior classification issued. The last fire inspection was completed June 5, 2024. It was highly recommended to begin your annual inspection process four to six weeks prior to expiration. Children’s records were not monitored, and a return visit will be made to complete the children’s records review. Violation Number Comment Rule 620 All walls and ceilings including doors and windows were not kept clean, free of visible fungal growth, and in good repair. The bathroom walls at the base were detached and in poor repair in space #3a. 15A NCAC 18A .2825(a) 705 Equipment and furnishings were not sturdy, stable and free of hazards. A cabinet door handle was disconnected and the door needed to be maintained locked in space #4b. A toilet seat in space #3a was very loose and not centered on the seat. .0601(c) 852 Incident reports were not completed each time a child was injured, it did not include all the information required in rule, it was not signed by the parent and/or it was not maintained in the child's file. Completed incident reports were maintained with the center incident log instead of in the applicable child's file. .0802 (e) 1045 New staff, who had contact with children, did not receive at least 16 hrs. orientation within first 6 weeks. The interim center administrator's orientation was not completed within the first 6 weeks of employment. .1101(a) 1771 A screening assessing development was not conducted within 90 days after the first day of attendance in the program or within six months prior to the first day of attendance and/or the screening was not conducted by a health care, community or school professional trained in administering the screening tool. One NC Pre-K child's file did not have proof a screening was completed. .3006(a) 1805 A child care operator did not notify the Division of any new child care providers, as defined in G.S. 110-90.2(a)(2), who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. An ABCMS roster report was run for the site and no staff member was linked to the facility. G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(r) 1834 Application did not have a medical action plan attached for any child with health care needs such as allergies, asthma, or other chronic conditions that require specialized health services. Required medical action plans were not attached to the child's application maintained in the EPR Ready to Go File. .0801(b) Technical Assistance Provided and General Discussion: 1. A call was received during the visit from the executive director, Ms. Wilson. She inquired about my pervious attempted visit and if I had any concerns. I explained to Ms. Wilson that after my attempted visit and speaking with Ms. Butler, who was new, that I wanted to connect her to DCDEE staff who she would need to interface during her tenure and new role. Ms. Butler will need to complete a preservice form. Since she will be at many sites, it was recommended for her to scan her file, staff and training page so that her file would be accessible from any site. 2. We reviewed incident reporting and incident report log requirements. Completed incident reports must be logged onto the center’s cumulative log and then filed into the applicable child’s file. It was recommended as best practice to maintain a copy of the incident report in a binder with the center’s log. 3. 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. No action is needed on your part if you have completed the reference training and are currently using the ABCMS Provider Portal to update information regarding new hires or residents. Once the training has been completed and access has been given, you must verify your facility roster to ensure current staff are noted/linked on the roster. This information should be updated in ABCMS on 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. 4. The center roster report was run before the visit. No staff were identified linked to the facility. Ms. Butler and I discussed system-wide ideas for how Head Start could best manage the requirement of when staff are hired, terminated or transferred to a different licensed site by ensuring the site roster is maintained current. DCDEE consultants must be able to monitor this requirement, it is best for each facility to keep a copy of the most current roster. We have been instructed to have administrators access their rosters on the ABCMS portal for our review during the visit. If the facility roster has not been updated with all current staff, we will cite the following violation: 5. It was recommended to contact Ms. LaWanda Combo, site assigned Community Health Consultant, to review all the medications and required forms. Ms. Combo could also conduct any health-related training for the entire staff. We reviewed child care requirements related to required forms and time frames for permission slips. Medical action plans are valid for one year only. We also discussed that life altering medication should not be maintained under lock and key but should be maintained at least five feet vertically from the ground. We discussed that Benadryl must be maintained under lock and key and it is not classified as a life altering medication. Staff were reminded that children’s medical action plans must be maintained with the child’s application in the child’s file and in the EPR/Ready to Go File. 6. We reviewed child care requirements regarding student field trips. 10A NCAC 09 .1005 OFF PREMISE ACTIVITIES IN CHILD CARE CENTERS (a) Off premise activities refer to any activity that takes place away from a child care center's licensed and approved space. Licensed and approved space includes "primary space" as described in 10A NCAC 09 .1401(a), outdoor space as described in 10A NCAC 09 .1402, single use rooms, or other administrative areas. (b) When children participate in off premise activities the following shall apply: (1) Children under the age of three shall not participate in off premise activities that involve children being transported in a motor vehicle. (2) When children are transported in a motor vehicle for off premise activities, the provisions in Rule .1003(c) through (i) and (k) of this Chapter shall apply. (3) Before staff members walk children off premises for play or outings, the center shall obtain written permission from the parent of each child to be included in such activities. (4) Parents may provide a written statement giving standing permission which may be valid for up to 12 months for participation in off premise activities that occur on a regular basis. (5) The center shall post a schedule of off premise activities in each participating classroom where it can be viewed by parents, and a copy shall be given to parents. The schedule shall be current and shall include the: (A) location of the activity. (B) purpose of the activity. (C) time the activity will take place. (D) date of the activity; and (E) name of the person(s) to be contacted in the event of an emergency. (6) Each time that children are taken off the premises, staff shall take a list of the children participating in the activity with them. Staff members shall use this list to check attendance when leaving the center, periodically when the children are involved in the activity, before leaving the activity to return to the child care center, and upon return to the center. A list of all children participating in the off-premises activity shall also be available at the center. (c) The provisions of Subparagraphs (b)(1) and (5) of this Rule shall be waived to implement any child's Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) or Individualized Education Program (IEP). History Note: Authority G.S. 110-85; 110-91(9), (12); 143B-168.3; Eff. November 1, 2007; Readopted Eff. October 1, 2017 (Transferred from 10A NCAC 09 .0512). 7. It was recommended to have the family service coordinator to be crossed trained and possibly participate in the Director’s Leadership Academy via CCRI. 8. The facility's AC month will be changed to May. This change ensures the annual compliance visit will take place during the NC Pre-K operating year. The previous AC was completed during the summer months (July). Two AC visits were completed in this year/cycle. Corrective Action Plan: All violations must be corrected immediately. You shall submit a written, signed, and dated statement/compliance letter to me, at the address below detailing how each violation has been corrected and when. This information shall be received by Friday, June 13, 2025. You may email me with your letter of correction. Mail documentation to Mara Brinton, 3687 Stallings Road, Harrisburg, NC 28075. Failure to correct the violations and send the written statement by the due date listed above may result in an unannounced follow-up visit being conducted or an administrative action may be recommended. Based on Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 Section .2200, the Division of Child Development may take administrative action against the license and/or impose civil penalties based on the failure of the operator to correct any documented violations within the established time-period. If you have any questions, please contact Mara Brinton at 704-594-0140 or email mara.brinton@dhhs.nc.gov If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

G.S. 110-90 · Violation

Name of Operation: ALLIANCE CENTER FOR EDUCATION STEPHANIE JENNINGS Facility ID: 60003106 Consultant: MARA BRINTON Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 5/30/2025 Number Present: 58 Completed Date: 5/30/2025 Age: From 1 To 5 Total Minutes: 270 Time In: 09:30 AM Time Out: 02:00 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor for compliance with applicable child care requirements during the annual compliance visit. The five-star licensed center continued to operate meeting enhanced space and highest voluntary enhanced ratios. Upon arrival, both family support staff were present with the interim administrator, Ms. April Butler. A walk through of spaces 1-8, kitchen, one bus #65, and outdoor learning environments were monitored for compliance. The child care item listed dated November 2024 was used to determine non-compliance items. It was recommended to post the center’s menus on the parent communication board at the entrance and in the kitchen where the food is prepared. If any modifications were to be made, all posted menus would be required to be updated. We discussed ensuring staff and children work to maintain caps on the markers offered to the children in the centers. An inhaler and nebulizer were monitored maintained under lock and key for two different children. The proper forms and medical action plans were maintained with the medication. A concern was raised as to why the life altering medications were maintained under lock and key instead of five feet vertically from the ground. The bottom of the bathroom stall wall (space #3a), loose toilet seat and a cabinet door handle (space #4b/5) were monitored in poor repair. We discussed the use of the NC Foundations book on site and the staff were aware the resource should be used when developing lesson planning activities. Best practices would be for staff to list the NCFELD indicators onto the lesson plan. Staff and Training worksheets were presented, and four new staff were hired since the last AC visit completed in August of 2024. The following new staff files were monitored for compliance: A. Butler, C. Curry, T. Smallwood, M. Quintero, M. Torres, A. Evans, E. Garippa and B. Torrence. Two existing staff files were monitored for compliance: L. Love and S. Jones. Ms. Butler did not have her six weeks of orientation completed/documented. Seventy-seven children were monitored enrolled. Eight children’s files were monitored for compliance. The parent attestation page where the child’s parent would sign or initial that they received the center’s discipline policy didn’t clearly list the child’s date of enrollment. The date next to the parent’s signatures were marked out and a different date was monitored listed. It was explained that a previous administrator shared with the staff that a child’s date of enrollment was required per state rule related to the center’s discipline policy. Once the staff were able to explain what had been done to update the children’s records a violation was not warranted. It was emphasized that the form currently being used should be updated to reflect a clear line item added that states, “Date of Enrollment”. The date the parents signed the page should also remain. One NC Pre-K child did not have a developmental screening on file. The center operated one NC Pre-K classroom this school calendar year. Staff were able to present parent involvement tracking and the implementation of the creative curriculum. It was stressed that quarterly assessments of children should be completed per the curriculum requirements. We discussed ensuring an objective of the day is posted in a prominent place for parents to see upon arrival to the classroom. The site consultant visit report was printed and reviewed with Ms. Butler. The level III administrator was transferred to another site on April 10, 2025. The assistant teacher listed was transferred to another site on April 10, 2025. The discrepancies listed will be reported to the NC Pre-K Consultant for the area. We discussed incident reports and log child care requirements. It was recommended to review the rules and the DCDEE incident report form with staff during the next staff meeting. Completed incident reports should be filed in the applicable child’s folder. It was considered the best practice to maintain a copy of the completed incident report in a binder with the cumulative center incident log. One bus (FEE-5902) was monitored for compliance. We discussed securing a crate with children’s books. A center roster and bus roster were monitored on file. The first aid kit and fire extinguisher were monitored secured. The tire threads were monitored in compliance with child care rule. During the visit today, a monthly fire drill was completed. During the drill, the path of travel for the toddlers were monitored using an evacuation crib to exit the building. The children were brought down a cement sidewalk to a mulched area and then grass. The decline from the cement path to the mulched area didn’t appear to be the safest. It appeared the sidewalk should be extended with a ramp for wheelchair accessibility and use of cribs to evacuate children. It was recommended to discuss this with the centers fire inspector. We discussed conducting a monthly drill in misty rain and the need to prepare for children to be outside in the elements if a real fire occurred while raining outside. The center’s EPR plan and the RTGF were monitored for compliance. We discussed ensuring any child with medical action plan to ensure a copy of the current plan is attached to the child’s emergency information/application that is maintained in the EPR/ Ready to Go File. We discussed purchasing a map. A small map was incorporated into the EPR plan regarding reunification of children. We discussed if a real emergency occurred like 911, satellites would be cut off by the government and navigation would not be accessible by cell phone. The outdoor learning environments were monitored for compliance. We discussed borders The last sanitation inspection was completed December 5, 2024, with eleven (11) demerits cited and a superior classification issued. The last fire inspection was completed June 5, 2024. It was highly recommended to begin your annual inspection process four to six weeks prior to expiration. Children’s records were not monitored, and a return visit will be made to complete the children’s records review. Violation Number Comment Rule 620 All walls and ceilings including doors and windows were not kept clean, free of visible fungal growth, and in good repair. The bathroom walls at the base were detached and in poor repair in space #3a. 15A NCAC 18A .2825(a) 705 Equipment and furnishings were not sturdy, stable and free of hazards. A cabinet door handle was disconnected and the door needed to be maintained locked in space #4b. A toilet seat in space #3a was very loose and not centered on the seat. .0601(c) 852 Incident reports were not completed each time a child was injured, it did not include all the information required in rule, it was not signed by the parent and/or it was not maintained in the child's file. Completed incident reports were maintained with the center incident log instead of in the applicable child's file. .0802 (e) 1045 New staff, who had contact with children, did not receive at least 16 hrs. orientation within first 6 weeks. The interim center administrator's orientation was not completed within the first 6 weeks of employment. .1101(a) 1771 A screening assessing development was not conducted within 90 days after the first day of attendance in the program or within six months prior to the first day of attendance and/or the screening was not conducted by a health care, community or school professional trained in administering the screening tool. One NC Pre-K child's file did not have proof a screening was completed. .3006(a) 1805 A child care operator did not notify the Division of any new child care providers, as defined in G.S. 110-90.2(a)(2), who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. An ABCMS roster report was run for the site and no staff member was linked to the facility. G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(r) 1834 Application did not have a medical action plan attached for any child with health care needs such as allergies, asthma, or other chronic conditions that require specialized health services. Required medical action plans were not attached to the child's application maintained in the EPR Ready to Go File. .0801(b) Technical Assistance Provided and General Discussion: 1. A call was received during the visit from the executive director, Ms. Wilson. She inquired about my pervious attempted visit and if I had any concerns. I explained to Ms. Wilson that after my attempted visit and speaking with Ms. Butler, who was new, that I wanted to connect her to DCDEE staff who she would need to interface during her tenure and new role. Ms. Butler will need to complete a preservice form. Since she will be at many sites, it was recommended for her to scan her file, staff and training page so that her file would be accessible from any site. 2. We reviewed incident reporting and incident report log requirements. Completed incident reports must be logged onto the center’s cumulative log and then filed into the applicable child’s file. It was recommended as best practice to maintain a copy of the incident report in a binder with the center’s log. 3. 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. No action is needed on your part if you have completed the reference training and are currently using the ABCMS Provider Portal to update information regarding new hires or residents. Once the training has been completed and access has been given, you must verify your facility roster to ensure current staff are noted/linked on the roster. This information should be updated in ABCMS on 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. 4. The center roster report was run before the visit. No staff were identified linked to the facility. Ms. Butler and I discussed system-wide ideas for how Head Start could best manage the requirement of when staff are hired, terminated or transferred to a different licensed site by ensuring the site roster is maintained current. DCDEE consultants must be able to monitor this requirement, it is best for each facility to keep a copy of the most current roster. We have been instructed to have administrators access their rosters on the ABCMS portal for our review during the visit. If the facility roster has not been updated with all current staff, we will cite the following violation: 5. It was recommended to contact Ms. LaWanda Combo, site assigned Community Health Consultant, to review all the medications and required forms. Ms. Combo could also conduct any health-related training for the entire staff. We reviewed child care requirements related to required forms and time frames for permission slips. Medical action plans are valid for one year only. We also discussed that life altering medication should not be maintained under lock and key but should be maintained at least five feet vertically from the ground. We discussed that Benadryl must be maintained under lock and key and it is not classified as a life altering medication. Staff were reminded that children’s medical action plans must be maintained with the child’s application in the child’s file and in the EPR/Ready to Go File. 6. We reviewed child care requirements regarding student field trips. 10A NCAC 09 .1005 OFF PREMISE ACTIVITIES IN CHILD CARE CENTERS (a) Off premise activities refer to any activity that takes place away from a child care center's licensed and approved space. Licensed and approved space includes "primary space" as described in 10A NCAC 09 .1401(a), outdoor space as described in 10A NCAC 09 .1402, single use rooms, or other administrative areas. (b) When children participate in off premise activities the following shall apply: (1) Children under the age of three shall not participate in off premise activities that involve children being transported in a motor vehicle. (2) When children are transported in a motor vehicle for off premise activities, the provisions in Rule .1003(c) through (i) and (k) of this Chapter shall apply. (3) Before staff members walk children off premises for play or outings, the center shall obtain written permission from the parent of each child to be included in such activities. (4) Parents may provide a written statement giving standing permission which may be valid for up to 12 months for participation in off premise activities that occur on a regular basis. (5) The center shall post a schedule of off premise activities in each participating classroom where it can be viewed by parents, and a copy shall be given to parents. The schedule shall be current and shall include the: (A) location of the activity. (B) purpose of the activity. (C) time the activity will take place. (D) date of the activity; and (E) name of the person(s) to be contacted in the event of an emergency. (6) Each time that children are taken off the premises, staff shall take a list of the children participating in the activity with them. Staff members shall use this list to check attendance when leaving the center, periodically when the children are involved in the activity, before leaving the activity to return to the child care center, and upon return to the center. A list of all children participating in the off-premises activity shall also be available at the center. (c) The provisions of Subparagraphs (b)(1) and (5) of this Rule shall be waived to implement any child's Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) or Individualized Education Program (IEP). History Note: Authority G.S. 110-85; 110-91(9), (12); 143B-168.3; Eff. November 1, 2007; Readopted Eff. October 1, 2017 (Transferred from 10A NCAC 09 .0512). 7. It was recommended to have the family service coordinator to be crossed trained and possibly participate in the Director’s Leadership Academy via CCRI. 8. The facility's AC month will be changed to May. This change ensures the annual compliance visit will take place during the NC Pre-K operating year. The previous AC was completed during the summer months (July). Two AC visits were completed in this year/cycle. Corrective Action Plan: All violations must be corrected immediately. You shall submit a written, signed, and dated statement/compliance letter to me, at the address below detailing how each violation has been corrected and when. This information shall be received by Friday, June 13, 2025. You may email me with your letter of correction. Mail documentation to Mara Brinton, 3687 Stallings Road, Harrisburg, NC 28075. Failure to correct the violations and send the written statement by the due date listed above may result in an unannounced follow-up visit being conducted or an administrative action may be recommended. Based on Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 Section .2200, the Division of Child Development may take administrative action against the license and/or impose civil penalties based on the failure of the operator to correct any documented violations within the established time-period. If you have any questions, please contact Mara Brinton at 704-594-0140 or email mara.brinton@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: ALLIANCE CENTER FOR EDUCATION STEPHANIE JENNINGS Facility ID: 60003106 Consultant: MARA BRINTON Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 2/28/2024 Number Present: 62 Completed Date: 2/28/2024 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 375 Time In: 09:45 AM Time Out: 04:00 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Routine Unannounced Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to monitor for compliance with applicable child care requirements during a Routine Unannounced Visit. Upon arrival at the Head Start licensed center, the on-site administrators, Ms. Sheleah Davidson, and Ms. Tara Alexander-Young were both present. The child care item number listing dated August 2023 was used to identify and determine non-compliance. The following sections were monitored for compliance: A1, B1, C4, C5, C6, E1, E2, F3, G1, G3, G4 and G5. A walk through of spaces #1-8 and the outdoor learning environment were completed with Ms. Davidson. Several types of programs are operating within the center: One NC Pre-K classroom, two Meck Pre-K classrooms, two Head Start classrooms, and one Early Head Start classroom. Children were observed engaged in outdoor time, large and small group activities, eating their lunch, resting on cots with linen. One new staff was hired since the last AC visit. One new staff person hired October 23, 2023, was hired with BLS- CPR and AED trained by the American Heart Association. I emailed the information listed on the DCDEE web site to show additional modules would need to be listed on the card and certificate issued showing the person obtained training applicable to the age range of children served (pediatric). Violations will be cited for CPR and FA because the new employee had ninety (90) days to obtain the required training. There were three new hire staff files monitored for compliance: (T. Varela, W. Thomas, and G. Fabiyonna). All staff were monitored with current with ITS-SIDS. However, in space #4b, the center had an ITS-SIDS poster and an ITS-SIDS policy statement. The center’s adopted ITS-SIDS policy was not posted in the sleeping area of infants. Ms. Davidson provided a signed ITS-SIDS policy for my review. Ms. Davidson posted the center’s customized ITS-SIDS policy during the visit. She was reminded that she must review the center’s ITS-SIDS policy with all infant staff and document the review when it is completed. Ms. Davidson/Ms. Young should also review any enrolled infant’s ITS-SIDS policy maintained in the child’s record to ensure the signed policy is the same one posted in space #4b. We discussed sanitation rules related to how long bottles should remain out on the counter top. Unless the bottle is cooling, it should not be left out of refrigeration unless being fed to a child. The center’s current EPR Plan was monitored for compliance. There were two kinds of blank incident reports in the monitored RTGF. I reviewed both blank incident reports (DCDEE and Head Start). The Head Start form did not meet all of the DCDEE rules related to what was required to be completed or listed. Ms. Davidson removed the blank head start incident report forms from the binder. The outdoor learning environment was monitored for compliance. There were many fallen leaves, fallen branches from trees hanging over the fence and growing low lying weeds throughout the edges of the outdoor areas. There was standing water monitored in an outdoor sensory table. The outdoor classroom doors were monitored with rust. The outdoor building needs pressure washing. There was built up dark stains noted throughout the exterior walls. The exit points on the swings and slides were monitored not meeting protective mulch depths of 6 inches. Identified tripping hazards of exposed tree roots and washed away dirt next to a cement trike path. There was approximately a four inch drop in the noted area from the path. Recommendations were made to enhance the outdoor environment by cleaning up the area with the removal of fallen leaves, branches, loose garbage. It was recommended to purchase a blower and blow the washed away mulch observed on the trike path. It was recommended to install some artificial grass in the bordered area on the infant/toddler playground. It was recommended to purchase a large outdoor storage unit to store and protect the children’s equipment from weathering and unapproved community usage. The last sanitation inspection was completed September 21, 2023, with seven (7) demerits cited and a Superior classification issued. The last annual fire inspection was completed on December 1, 2023. The previous annual inspection was completed, October 13, 2022. The inspection was obtained several months passed the annual expiration. It was highly recommended to begin the annual inspection soon. An email was sent out to all providers in zip code territory 28205 and 28204 with contact information to assist providers in contacting their assigned fire inspector. One the DCDEE inspection report is received from the fire inspector, the provider/facility has five days to email the inspection report to their assigned licensing consultant. The last ERS were completed March 5, 2019. The last rated license reassessment was processed on April 2, 2019. Based on the DCDEE Cohort model plan, the center will be required to be reassessed no later than April 2, 2026. It was recommended to review all available resources listed under the resource tab at www.NCRLAP.org and review any items scored a 3.0 and under on the last ERS summary reports. 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 annual fire inspection was due no later than 10/13/2023. The annual inspection was not obtained until 12/01/2023. 10A NCAC 09 .0304(a) 705 Equipment and furnishings were not sturdy, stable and free of hazards. Outside doors were monitored with rust. Outside borders were monitored deteriorating with chipped wood. The cemented trike path was full of washed away mulch pieces. .0601(c) 808 The outdoor premises were not clean, drained and free of litter and hazardous materials grass and other vegetation in a manner which does not encourage vermin. The outdoor learning environment was monitored with many fallen leaves around the edge of the interior fence to the children's outdoor environment. There large fallen branches monitored on the ground of the children's outdoor environment. There was a sensory table stored outdoors with standing water in it. 15A NCAC 18A .2832(a) 892 The center's safe sleep policy was not posted in a prominent place in the infant room where parents and caregivers were able to view daily. Space #4b was monitored with an ITS-SIDS poster and an informational poster with safe sleep practices. The center's adopted/developed safe sleep policy was not posted in the infant's sleep area. The administrator, Ms. Davidson, posted the center's policy during the visit. .0606(b) 1048 All staff did not successfully complete certification in First Aid appropriate to the age of children in care. Verification of staff completion of First Aid training from an approved training organization was not in the staff file. One new staff person's BLS provider certificate was accepted as verification for FA. BLS certificate was only valid for adult CPR. .1102(c) 1049 All staff did not successfully complete certification in CPR training appropriate to the age of the children in care. Verification of staff completion of the CPR course from an approved training organization was not in the staff file. One staff person's BLS Provider certificate was accepted as valid proof of completed CPR training. The filed certificate was only valid for adult CPR and not child or pediatric CPR. .1102(d) 1867 The depth of the loose surfacing was not based on critical height of the equipment. Exit points on all outdoor stationary equipment were not meeting at least six inches in depth. .0605(k)(1-4) Technical Assistance Provided and General Discussion: 1. Ms. Wilson is the new head start administrator who arrived on site and introduced herself. We reviewed a couple of things related to CPR/FA requirements, bus requirements/methods of distributing required information to each applicable site, and outdoor learning environments. We discussed two on-site administrators, (Ms. Sheleah Davidson and Ms. Tara Alexander- Young). Ms. Davidson emailed her signed form, Ms. Alexander-Young will complete the form and email it to me upon completion and signature of her superior. 2. A poisonous plant list was emailed after the visit to assist staff in reviewing and ensuring poisonous plants are not maintained in the children’s spaces. 3. Copies of the current floor plans and space calculations were given to Ms. Davidson for site records. 4. It was recommended to add additional sinks to spaces #1, #2 and #8 to offer a more sanitary option for brushing teeth and other types of required hand washing. 5. The NC Pre-K Consultant Site Visit Information report was printed and reviewed. The staff names listed for lead teacher and assistant were not the current staff operating in the designated/assigned NC Pre-K classroom/Space#3a. It was requested to communicate with the local NC Pre-K office. Ms. Beam or Ms. Chappell would be the staff required to update any changes in staff or number of operating NC Pre-K classrooms to the NC Pre-K system. It was unknown if NC Pre-K was notified of the staff and children were relocated to this site. An internal email will be sent to Ms. Jennifer B. Griffith to report the discrepancy as well. 6. 10A NCAC 09 .0606 SAFE SLEEP PRACTICES (a) Each center licensed to care for infants aged 12 months or younger shall develop, adopt, and comply with a written safe sleep policy that: (1) specifies that caregivers shall place infants aged 12 months or younger on their backs for sleeping, unless: (A) for an infant aged six months or less, the center receives a written waiver of this requirement from a health care professional; or (B) for an infant older than six months, the center receives a written waiver of this requirement from a health care professional, or a parent or a legal guardian; (2) specifies no pillows, wedges or other positioners, pillow-like toys, blankets, toys, bumper pads, quilts, sheepskins, loose bedding, towels and washcloths, or other objects may be placed with a sleeping infant aged 12 months or younger; (3) specifies that children shall not be swaddled; (4) specifies that nothing shall be placed over the head or face of an infant aged 12 months or younger when the infant is laid down to sleep; (5) specifies that the temperature in the room where infants aged 12 months or younger are sleeping does not exceed 75° F; (6) specifies that caregivers shall visually check, in person, sleeping infants aged 12 months or younger at least every 15 minutes; (7) specifies how caregivers shall document compliance with visually checking on sleeping infants aged 12 months or younger; (8) specifies that pacifiers that attach to infant clothing shall not be used with sleeping infants; (9) specifies that infants aged 12 months or younger sleep alone in a crib, bassinet, play pen, mat, or cot; (10) specifies that infants aged 12 months or younger are prohibited from sleeping in sitting devices, including car safety seats, strollers, swings, and infant carriers. Infants that fall asleep in sitting devices shall be moved to a crib, bassinet, play pen, mat, or cot; and (11) specifies any other steps the center shall take to provide a safe sleep environment for infants aged 12 months or younger. (b) The center shall post a copy of its safe sleep policy about infant safe sleep practices in a prominent place in the infant room where parents and caregivers are able to view daily. (c) A copy of the center's safe sleep policy shall be given and explained to the parents of an infant aged 12 months or younger on or before the first day the infant attends the center. The parent shall sign a statement acknowledging the receipt and explanation of the policy. The acknowledgement shall contain: (1) the infant's name; (2) the date the infant first attended the center; (3) the date the center's safe sleep policy was given and explained to the parent; and (4) the date the parent signed the acknowledgement. The center shall retain the acknowledgement in the child's record as long as the child is enrolled at the center. (d) If a center amends its safe sleep policy, it shall give written notice of the amendment to the parents of all enrolled infants aged 12 months or younger at least 14 days before the amended policy is implemented. Each parent shall sign a statement acknowledging the receipt and explanation of the amendment. The center shall retain the acknowledgement in the child's record as long as the child is enrolled at the center. Effective January 1, 2024 (e) A caregiver shall place a child age 12 months or younger on the child's back for sleeping, unless for a child age 6 months or younger, the operator obtains a written waiver from a health care professional; or for a child older than 6 months, the operator obtains a written waiver from a health care professional or parent. Waivers shall include the following: (1) the infant's name and birth date; (2) the signature and date of the infant's health care professional or parent; (3) if a wedge is needed specify why it is needed and how it is to be used; and (4) the infant's authorized sleep positions. The center shall retain the waiver in the child's record as long as the child is enrolled at the center. (f) For each infant with a waiver on file at the center as specified in Paragraph (e) of this Rule, a notice shall be posted for quick reference near the infant's crib, bassinet, play pen, cot or mat that shall include: (1) the infant's name; (2) the infant's authorized sleep position; and (3) the location of the signed waiver. No confidential medical information, including an infant's medical diagnosis, shall be shown on the notice. (g) Documents that verify staff member's compliance with visual checks on infants shall be maintained for a minimum of one month. (h) A bed, crib, or cot, equipped with a firm waterproof mattress at least four inches thick and a fitted sheet shall be provided for each child who remains in the center after midnight. The top of bunk beds shall be used by school-age children only. (i) A caregiver shall not place anything over the face of a child during rest time. History Note: Authority G.S. 110-85; 110-91(15); 143B-168.3; Eff. May 1, 2004; Amended Eff. July 1, 2010; Readopted Eff. October 1, 2017; Amended Eff. February 1, 2021. 7. It was recommended to purchase foam kick plates for the exit points of the outdoor stationary equipment. Today, a violation was cited because the exit point depths did not meet child care requirements of at least six inches. Purchasing and installing foam kick plates would help maintain the required protective depths to those common areas where children kick the mulch out of the area. Corrective Action Plan: All violations must be corrected immediately. You shall submit a written, signed, and dated statement/compliance letter to me, at the address below detailing how each violation has been corrected and when. This information shall be received by Wednesday, March 13, 2024. You may email me your letter of correction. Failure to correct the violations and send the written statement by the due date listed above may result in an unannounced follow-up visit being conducted or an administrative action may be recommended. Based on Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 Section .2200, the Division of Child Development may take administrative action against the license and/or impose civil penalties based on the failure of the operator to correct any documented violations within the established time-period. If you have any questions, please contact Mara Brinton at 704-594-0140 or email mara.brinton@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 .0606 · Violation

Name of Operation: ALLIANCE CENTER FOR EDUCATION STEPHANIE JENNINGS Facility ID: 60003106 Consultant: MARA BRINTON Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 2/28/2024 Number Present: 62 Completed Date: 2/28/2024 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 375 Time In: 09:45 AM Time Out: 04:00 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Routine Unannounced Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to monitor for compliance with applicable child care requirements during a Routine Unannounced Visit. Upon arrival at the Head Start licensed center, the on-site administrators, Ms. Sheleah Davidson, and Ms. Tara Alexander-Young were both present. The child care item number listing dated August 2023 was used to identify and determine non-compliance. The following sections were monitored for compliance: A1, B1, C4, C5, C6, E1, E2, F3, G1, G3, G4 and G5. A walk through of spaces #1-8 and the outdoor learning environment were completed with Ms. Davidson. Several types of programs are operating within the center: One NC Pre-K classroom, two Meck Pre-K classrooms, two Head Start classrooms, and one Early Head Start classroom. Children were observed engaged in outdoor time, large and small group activities, eating their lunch, resting on cots with linen. One new staff was hired since the last AC visit. One new staff person hired October 23, 2023, was hired with BLS- CPR and AED trained by the American Heart Association. I emailed the information listed on the DCDEE web site to show additional modules would need to be listed on the card and certificate issued showing the person obtained training applicable to the age range of children served (pediatric). Violations will be cited for CPR and FA because the new employee had ninety (90) days to obtain the required training. There were three new hire staff files monitored for compliance: (T. Varela, W. Thomas, and G. Fabiyonna). All staff were monitored with current with ITS-SIDS. However, in space #4b, the center had an ITS-SIDS poster and an ITS-SIDS policy statement. The center’s adopted ITS-SIDS policy was not posted in the sleeping area of infants. Ms. Davidson provided a signed ITS-SIDS policy for my review. Ms. Davidson posted the center’s customized ITS-SIDS policy during the visit. She was reminded that she must review the center’s ITS-SIDS policy with all infant staff and document the review when it is completed. Ms. Davidson/Ms. Young should also review any enrolled infant’s ITS-SIDS policy maintained in the child’s record to ensure the signed policy is the same one posted in space #4b. We discussed sanitation rules related to how long bottles should remain out on the counter top. Unless the bottle is cooling, it should not be left out of refrigeration unless being fed to a child. The center’s current EPR Plan was monitored for compliance. There were two kinds of blank incident reports in the monitored RTGF. I reviewed both blank incident reports (DCDEE and Head Start). The Head Start form did not meet all of the DCDEE rules related to what was required to be completed or listed. Ms. Davidson removed the blank head start incident report forms from the binder. The outdoor learning environment was monitored for compliance. There were many fallen leaves, fallen branches from trees hanging over the fence and growing low lying weeds throughout the edges of the outdoor areas. There was standing water monitored in an outdoor sensory table. The outdoor classroom doors were monitored with rust. The outdoor building needs pressure washing. There was built up dark stains noted throughout the exterior walls. The exit points on the swings and slides were monitored not meeting protective mulch depths of 6 inches. Identified tripping hazards of exposed tree roots and washed away dirt next to a cement trike path. There was approximately a four inch drop in the noted area from the path. Recommendations were made to enhance the outdoor environment by cleaning up the area with the removal of fallen leaves, branches, loose garbage. It was recommended to purchase a blower and blow the washed away mulch observed on the trike path. It was recommended to install some artificial grass in the bordered area on the infant/toddler playground. It was recommended to purchase a large outdoor storage unit to store and protect the children’s equipment from weathering and unapproved community usage. The last sanitation inspection was completed September 21, 2023, with seven (7) demerits cited and a Superior classification issued. The last annual fire inspection was completed on December 1, 2023. The previous annual inspection was completed, October 13, 2022. The inspection was obtained several months passed the annual expiration. It was highly recommended to begin the annual inspection soon. An email was sent out to all providers in zip code territory 28205 and 28204 with contact information to assist providers in contacting their assigned fire inspector. One the DCDEE inspection report is received from the fire inspector, the provider/facility has five days to email the inspection report to their assigned licensing consultant. The last ERS were completed March 5, 2019. The last rated license reassessment was processed on April 2, 2019. Based on the DCDEE Cohort model plan, the center will be required to be reassessed no later than April 2, 2026. It was recommended to review all available resources listed under the resource tab at www.NCRLAP.org and review any items scored a 3.0 and under on the last ERS summary reports. 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 annual fire inspection was due no later than 10/13/2023. The annual inspection was not obtained until 12/01/2023. 10A NCAC 09 .0304(a) 705 Equipment and furnishings were not sturdy, stable and free of hazards. Outside doors were monitored with rust. Outside borders were monitored deteriorating with chipped wood. The cemented trike path was full of washed away mulch pieces. .0601(c) 808 The outdoor premises were not clean, drained and free of litter and hazardous materials grass and other vegetation in a manner which does not encourage vermin. The outdoor learning environment was monitored with many fallen leaves around the edge of the interior fence to the children's outdoor environment. There large fallen branches monitored on the ground of the children's outdoor environment. There was a sensory table stored outdoors with standing water in it. 15A NCAC 18A .2832(a) 892 The center's safe sleep policy was not posted in a prominent place in the infant room where parents and caregivers were able to view daily. Space #4b was monitored with an ITS-SIDS poster and an informational poster with safe sleep practices. The center's adopted/developed safe sleep policy was not posted in the infant's sleep area. The administrator, Ms. Davidson, posted the center's policy during the visit. .0606(b) 1048 All staff did not successfully complete certification in First Aid appropriate to the age of children in care. Verification of staff completion of First Aid training from an approved training organization was not in the staff file. One new staff person's BLS provider certificate was accepted as verification for FA. BLS certificate was only valid for adult CPR. .1102(c) 1049 All staff did not successfully complete certification in CPR training appropriate to the age of the children in care. Verification of staff completion of the CPR course from an approved training organization was not in the staff file. One staff person's BLS Provider certificate was accepted as valid proof of completed CPR training. The filed certificate was only valid for adult CPR and not child or pediatric CPR. .1102(d) 1867 The depth of the loose surfacing was not based on critical height of the equipment. Exit points on all outdoor stationary equipment were not meeting at least six inches in depth. .0605(k)(1-4) Technical Assistance Provided and General Discussion: 1. Ms. Wilson is the new head start administrator who arrived on site and introduced herself. We reviewed a couple of things related to CPR/FA requirements, bus requirements/methods of distributing required information to each applicable site, and outdoor learning environments. We discussed two on-site administrators, (Ms. Sheleah Davidson and Ms. Tara Alexander- Young). Ms. Davidson emailed her signed form, Ms. Alexander-Young will complete the form and email it to me upon completion and signature of her superior. 2. A poisonous plant list was emailed after the visit to assist staff in reviewing and ensuring poisonous plants are not maintained in the children’s spaces. 3. Copies of the current floor plans and space calculations were given to Ms. Davidson for site records. 4. It was recommended to add additional sinks to spaces #1, #2 and #8 to offer a more sanitary option for brushing teeth and other types of required hand washing. 5. The NC Pre-K Consultant Site Visit Information report was printed and reviewed. The staff names listed for lead teacher and assistant were not the current staff operating in the designated/assigned NC Pre-K classroom/Space#3a. It was requested to communicate with the local NC Pre-K office. Ms. Beam or Ms. Chappell would be the staff required to update any changes in staff or number of operating NC Pre-K classrooms to the NC Pre-K system. It was unknown if NC Pre-K was notified of the staff and children were relocated to this site. An internal email will be sent to Ms. Jennifer B. Griffith to report the discrepancy as well. 6. 10A NCAC 09 .0606 SAFE SLEEP PRACTICES (a) Each center licensed to care for infants aged 12 months or younger shall develop, adopt, and comply with a written safe sleep policy that: (1) specifies that caregivers shall place infants aged 12 months or younger on their backs for sleeping, unless: (A) for an infant aged six months or less, the center receives a written waiver of this requirement from a health care professional; or (B) for an infant older than six months, the center receives a written waiver of this requirement from a health care professional, or a parent or a legal guardian; (2) specifies no pillows, wedges or other positioners, pillow-like toys, blankets, toys, bumper pads, quilts, sheepskins, loose bedding, towels and washcloths, or other objects may be placed with a sleeping infant aged 12 months or younger; (3) specifies that children shall not be swaddled; (4) specifies that nothing shall be placed over the head or face of an infant aged 12 months or younger when the infant is laid down to sleep; (5) specifies that the temperature in the room where infants aged 12 months or younger are sleeping does not exceed 75° F; (6) specifies that caregivers shall visually check, in person, sleeping infants aged 12 months or younger at least every 15 minutes; (7) specifies how caregivers shall document compliance with visually checking on sleeping infants aged 12 months or younger; (8) specifies that pacifiers that attach to infant clothing shall not be used with sleeping infants; (9) specifies that infants aged 12 months or younger sleep alone in a crib, bassinet, play pen, mat, or cot; (10) specifies that infants aged 12 months or younger are prohibited from sleeping in sitting devices, including car safety seats, strollers, swings, and infant carriers. Infants that fall asleep in sitting devices shall be moved to a crib, bassinet, play pen, mat, or cot; and (11) specifies any other steps the center shall take to provide a safe sleep environment for infants aged 12 months or younger. (b) The center shall post a copy of its safe sleep policy about infant safe sleep practices in a prominent place in the infant room where parents and caregivers are able to view daily. (c) A copy of the center's safe sleep policy shall be given and explained to the parents of an infant aged 12 months or younger on or before the first day the infant attends the center. The parent shall sign a statement acknowledging the receipt and explanation of the policy. The acknowledgement shall contain: (1) the infant's name; (2) the date the infant first attended the center; (3) the date the center's safe sleep policy was given and explained to the parent; and (4) the date the parent signed the acknowledgement. The center shall retain the acknowledgement in the child's record as long as the child is enrolled at the center. (d) If a center amends its safe sleep policy, it shall give written notice of the amendment to the parents of all enrolled infants aged 12 months or younger at least 14 days before the amended policy is implemented. Each parent shall sign a statement acknowledging the receipt and explanation of the amendment. The center shall retain the acknowledgement in the child's record as long as the child is enrolled at the center. Effective January 1, 2024 (e) A caregiver shall place a child age 12 months or younger on the child's back for sleeping, unless for a child age 6 months or younger, the operator obtains a written waiver from a health care professional; or for a child older than 6 months, the operator obtains a written waiver from a health care professional or parent. Waivers shall include the following: (1) the infant's name and birth date; (2) the signature and date of the infant's health care professional or parent; (3) if a wedge is needed specify why it is needed and how it is to be used; and (4) the infant's authorized sleep positions. The center shall retain the waiver in the child's record as long as the child is enrolled at the center. (f) For each infant with a waiver on file at the center as specified in Paragraph (e) of this Rule, a notice shall be posted for quick reference near the infant's crib, bassinet, play pen, cot or mat that shall include: (1) the infant's name; (2) the infant's authorized sleep position; and (3) the location of the signed waiver. No confidential medical information, including an infant's medical diagnosis, shall be shown on the notice. (g) Documents that verify staff member's compliance with visual checks on infants shall be maintained for a minimum of one month. (h) A bed, crib, or cot, equipped with a firm waterproof mattress at least four inches thick and a fitted sheet shall be provided for each child who remains in the center after midnight. The top of bunk beds shall be used by school-age children only. (i) A caregiver shall not place anything over the face of a child during rest time. History Note: Authority G.S. 110-85; 110-91(15); 143B-168.3; Eff. May 1, 2004; Amended Eff. July 1, 2010; Readopted Eff. October 1, 2017; Amended Eff. February 1, 2021. 7. It was recommended to purchase foam kick plates for the exit points of the outdoor stationary equipment. Today, a violation was cited because the exit point depths did not meet child care requirements of at least six inches. Purchasing and installing foam kick plates would help maintain the required protective depths to those common areas where children kick the mulch out of the area. Corrective Action Plan: All violations must be corrected immediately. You shall submit a written, signed, and dated statement/compliance letter to me, at the address below detailing how each violation has been corrected and when. This information shall be received by Wednesday, March 13, 2024. You may email me your letter of correction. Failure to correct the violations and send the written statement by the due date listed above may result in an unannounced follow-up visit being conducted or an administrative action may be recommended. Based on Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 Section .2200, the Division of Child Development may take administrative action against the license and/or impose civil penalties based on the failure of the operator to correct any documented violations within the established time-period. If you have any questions, please contact Mara Brinton at 704-594-0140 or email mara.brinton@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. 110-85 · Violation

Name of Operation: ALLIANCE CENTER FOR EDUCATION STEPHANIE JENNINGS Facility ID: 60003106 Consultant: MARA BRINTON Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 2/28/2024 Number Present: 62 Completed Date: 2/28/2024 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 375 Time In: 09:45 AM Time Out: 04:00 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Routine Unannounced Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to monitor for compliance with applicable child care requirements during a Routine Unannounced Visit. Upon arrival at the Head Start licensed center, the on-site administrators, Ms. Sheleah Davidson, and Ms. Tara Alexander-Young were both present. The child care item number listing dated August 2023 was used to identify and determine non-compliance. The following sections were monitored for compliance: A1, B1, C4, C5, C6, E1, E2, F3, G1, G3, G4 and G5. A walk through of spaces #1-8 and the outdoor learning environment were completed with Ms. Davidson. Several types of programs are operating within the center: One NC Pre-K classroom, two Meck Pre-K classrooms, two Head Start classrooms, and one Early Head Start classroom. Children were observed engaged in outdoor time, large and small group activities, eating their lunch, resting on cots with linen. One new staff was hired since the last AC visit. One new staff person hired October 23, 2023, was hired with BLS- CPR and AED trained by the American Heart Association. I emailed the information listed on the DCDEE web site to show additional modules would need to be listed on the card and certificate issued showing the person obtained training applicable to the age range of children served (pediatric). Violations will be cited for CPR and FA because the new employee had ninety (90) days to obtain the required training. There were three new hire staff files monitored for compliance: (T. Varela, W. Thomas, and G. Fabiyonna). All staff were monitored with current with ITS-SIDS. However, in space #4b, the center had an ITS-SIDS poster and an ITS-SIDS policy statement. The center’s adopted ITS-SIDS policy was not posted in the sleeping area of infants. Ms. Davidson provided a signed ITS-SIDS policy for my review. Ms. Davidson posted the center’s customized ITS-SIDS policy during the visit. She was reminded that she must review the center’s ITS-SIDS policy with all infant staff and document the review when it is completed. Ms. Davidson/Ms. Young should also review any enrolled infant’s ITS-SIDS policy maintained in the child’s record to ensure the signed policy is the same one posted in space #4b. We discussed sanitation rules related to how long bottles should remain out on the counter top. Unless the bottle is cooling, it should not be left out of refrigeration unless being fed to a child. The center’s current EPR Plan was monitored for compliance. There were two kinds of blank incident reports in the monitored RTGF. I reviewed both blank incident reports (DCDEE and Head Start). The Head Start form did not meet all of the DCDEE rules related to what was required to be completed or listed. Ms. Davidson removed the blank head start incident report forms from the binder. The outdoor learning environment was monitored for compliance. There were many fallen leaves, fallen branches from trees hanging over the fence and growing low lying weeds throughout the edges of the outdoor areas. There was standing water monitored in an outdoor sensory table. The outdoor classroom doors were monitored with rust. The outdoor building needs pressure washing. There was built up dark stains noted throughout the exterior walls. The exit points on the swings and slides were monitored not meeting protective mulch depths of 6 inches. Identified tripping hazards of exposed tree roots and washed away dirt next to a cement trike path. There was approximately a four inch drop in the noted area from the path. Recommendations were made to enhance the outdoor environment by cleaning up the area with the removal of fallen leaves, branches, loose garbage. It was recommended to purchase a blower and blow the washed away mulch observed on the trike path. It was recommended to install some artificial grass in the bordered area on the infant/toddler playground. It was recommended to purchase a large outdoor storage unit to store and protect the children’s equipment from weathering and unapproved community usage. The last sanitation inspection was completed September 21, 2023, with seven (7) demerits cited and a Superior classification issued. The last annual fire inspection was completed on December 1, 2023. The previous annual inspection was completed, October 13, 2022. The inspection was obtained several months passed the annual expiration. It was highly recommended to begin the annual inspection soon. An email was sent out to all providers in zip code territory 28205 and 28204 with contact information to assist providers in contacting their assigned fire inspector. One the DCDEE inspection report is received from the fire inspector, the provider/facility has five days to email the inspection report to their assigned licensing consultant. The last ERS were completed March 5, 2019. The last rated license reassessment was processed on April 2, 2019. Based on the DCDEE Cohort model plan, the center will be required to be reassessed no later than April 2, 2026. It was recommended to review all available resources listed under the resource tab at www.NCRLAP.org and review any items scored a 3.0 and under on the last ERS summary reports. 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 annual fire inspection was due no later than 10/13/2023. The annual inspection was not obtained until 12/01/2023. 10A NCAC 09 .0304(a) 705 Equipment and furnishings were not sturdy, stable and free of hazards. Outside doors were monitored with rust. Outside borders were monitored deteriorating with chipped wood. The cemented trike path was full of washed away mulch pieces. .0601(c) 808 The outdoor premises were not clean, drained and free of litter and hazardous materials grass and other vegetation in a manner which does not encourage vermin. The outdoor learning environment was monitored with many fallen leaves around the edge of the interior fence to the children's outdoor environment. There large fallen branches monitored on the ground of the children's outdoor environment. There was a sensory table stored outdoors with standing water in it. 15A NCAC 18A .2832(a) 892 The center's safe sleep policy was not posted in a prominent place in the infant room where parents and caregivers were able to view daily. Space #4b was monitored with an ITS-SIDS poster and an informational poster with safe sleep practices. The center's adopted/developed safe sleep policy was not posted in the infant's sleep area. The administrator, Ms. Davidson, posted the center's policy during the visit. .0606(b) 1048 All staff did not successfully complete certification in First Aid appropriate to the age of children in care. Verification of staff completion of First Aid training from an approved training organization was not in the staff file. One new staff person's BLS provider certificate was accepted as verification for FA. BLS certificate was only valid for adult CPR. .1102(c) 1049 All staff did not successfully complete certification in CPR training appropriate to the age of the children in care. Verification of staff completion of the CPR course from an approved training organization was not in the staff file. One staff person's BLS Provider certificate was accepted as valid proof of completed CPR training. The filed certificate was only valid for adult CPR and not child or pediatric CPR. .1102(d) 1867 The depth of the loose surfacing was not based on critical height of the equipment. Exit points on all outdoor stationary equipment were not meeting at least six inches in depth. .0605(k)(1-4) Technical Assistance Provided and General Discussion: 1. Ms. Wilson is the new head start administrator who arrived on site and introduced herself. We reviewed a couple of things related to CPR/FA requirements, bus requirements/methods of distributing required information to each applicable site, and outdoor learning environments. We discussed two on-site administrators, (Ms. Sheleah Davidson and Ms. Tara Alexander- Young). Ms. Davidson emailed her signed form, Ms. Alexander-Young will complete the form and email it to me upon completion and signature of her superior. 2. A poisonous plant list was emailed after the visit to assist staff in reviewing and ensuring poisonous plants are not maintained in the children’s spaces. 3. Copies of the current floor plans and space calculations were given to Ms. Davidson for site records. 4. It was recommended to add additional sinks to spaces #1, #2 and #8 to offer a more sanitary option for brushing teeth and other types of required hand washing. 5. The NC Pre-K Consultant Site Visit Information report was printed and reviewed. The staff names listed for lead teacher and assistant were not the current staff operating in the designated/assigned NC Pre-K classroom/Space#3a. It was requested to communicate with the local NC Pre-K office. Ms. Beam or Ms. Chappell would be the staff required to update any changes in staff or number of operating NC Pre-K classrooms to the NC Pre-K system. It was unknown if NC Pre-K was notified of the staff and children were relocated to this site. An internal email will be sent to Ms. Jennifer B. Griffith to report the discrepancy as well. 6. 10A NCAC 09 .0606 SAFE SLEEP PRACTICES (a) Each center licensed to care for infants aged 12 months or younger shall develop, adopt, and comply with a written safe sleep policy that: (1) specifies that caregivers shall place infants aged 12 months or younger on their backs for sleeping, unless: (A) for an infant aged six months or less, the center receives a written waiver of this requirement from a health care professional; or (B) for an infant older than six months, the center receives a written waiver of this requirement from a health care professional, or a parent or a legal guardian; (2) specifies no pillows, wedges or other positioners, pillow-like toys, blankets, toys, bumper pads, quilts, sheepskins, loose bedding, towels and washcloths, or other objects may be placed with a sleeping infant aged 12 months or younger; (3) specifies that children shall not be swaddled; (4) specifies that nothing shall be placed over the head or face of an infant aged 12 months or younger when the infant is laid down to sleep; (5) specifies that the temperature in the room where infants aged 12 months or younger are sleeping does not exceed 75° F; (6) specifies that caregivers shall visually check, in person, sleeping infants aged 12 months or younger at least every 15 minutes; (7) specifies how caregivers shall document compliance with visually checking on sleeping infants aged 12 months or younger; (8) specifies that pacifiers that attach to infant clothing shall not be used with sleeping infants; (9) specifies that infants aged 12 months or younger sleep alone in a crib, bassinet, play pen, mat, or cot; (10) specifies that infants aged 12 months or younger are prohibited from sleeping in sitting devices, including car safety seats, strollers, swings, and infant carriers. Infants that fall asleep in sitting devices shall be moved to a crib, bassinet, play pen, mat, or cot; and (11) specifies any other steps the center shall take to provide a safe sleep environment for infants aged 12 months or younger. (b) The center shall post a copy of its safe sleep policy about infant safe sleep practices in a prominent place in the infant room where parents and caregivers are able to view daily. (c) A copy of the center's safe sleep policy shall be given and explained to the parents of an infant aged 12 months or younger on or before the first day the infant attends the center. The parent shall sign a statement acknowledging the receipt and explanation of the policy. The acknowledgement shall contain: (1) the infant's name; (2) the date the infant first attended the center; (3) the date the center's safe sleep policy was given and explained to the parent; and (4) the date the parent signed the acknowledgement. The center shall retain the acknowledgement in the child's record as long as the child is enrolled at the center. (d) If a center amends its safe sleep policy, it shall give written notice of the amendment to the parents of all enrolled infants aged 12 months or younger at least 14 days before the amended policy is implemented. Each parent shall sign a statement acknowledging the receipt and explanation of the amendment. The center shall retain the acknowledgement in the child's record as long as the child is enrolled at the center. Effective January 1, 2024 (e) A caregiver shall place a child age 12 months or younger on the child's back for sleeping, unless for a child age 6 months or younger, the operator obtains a written waiver from a health care professional; or for a child older than 6 months, the operator obtains a written waiver from a health care professional or parent. Waivers shall include the following: (1) the infant's name and birth date; (2) the signature and date of the infant's health care professional or parent; (3) if a wedge is needed specify why it is needed and how it is to be used; and (4) the infant's authorized sleep positions. The center shall retain the waiver in the child's record as long as the child is enrolled at the center. (f) For each infant with a waiver on file at the center as specified in Paragraph (e) of this Rule, a notice shall be posted for quick reference near the infant's crib, bassinet, play pen, cot or mat that shall include: (1) the infant's name; (2) the infant's authorized sleep position; and (3) the location of the signed waiver. No confidential medical information, including an infant's medical diagnosis, shall be shown on the notice. (g) Documents that verify staff member's compliance with visual checks on infants shall be maintained for a minimum of one month. (h) A bed, crib, or cot, equipped with a firm waterproof mattress at least four inches thick and a fitted sheet shall be provided for each child who remains in the center after midnight. The top of bunk beds shall be used by school-age children only. (i) A caregiver shall not place anything over the face of a child during rest time. History Note: Authority G.S. 110-85; 110-91(15); 143B-168.3; Eff. May 1, 2004; Amended Eff. July 1, 2010; Readopted Eff. October 1, 2017; Amended Eff. February 1, 2021. 7. It was recommended to purchase foam kick plates for the exit points of the outdoor stationary equipment. Today, a violation was cited because the exit point depths did not meet child care requirements of at least six inches. Purchasing and installing foam kick plates would help maintain the required protective depths to those common areas where children kick the mulch out of the area. Corrective Action Plan: All violations must be corrected immediately. You shall submit a written, signed, and dated statement/compliance letter to me, at the address below detailing how each violation has been corrected and when. This information shall be received by Wednesday, March 13, 2024. You may email me your letter of correction. Failure to correct the violations and send the written statement by the due date listed above may result in an unannounced follow-up visit being conducted or an administrative action may be recommended. Based on Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 Section .2200, the Division of Child Development may take administrative action against the license and/or impose civil penalties based on the failure of the operator to correct any documented violations within the established time-period. If you have any questions, please contact Mara Brinton at 704-594-0140 or email mara.brinton@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