Cadence Academy Preschool, Whitehall

10A NCAC 09 .0803 · Violation

Name of Operation: CADENCE ACADEMY PRESCHOOL, WHITEHALL Facility ID: 60003079 Consultant: DENISE WATSON Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 8/21/2025 Number Present: 99 Completed Date: 8/21/2025 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 210 Time In: 09:30 AM Time Out: 01:00 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today's visit is to monitor all applicable child care requirements during an Annual Compliance visit. The last Annual Compliance visit was made on 8/28/2024. The current 4 star license was issued on 10/17/2019. The April 2025 version of Child Care Center Master Item Number Listing, DCD-0357 and a checklist was used to complete monitoring today. This facility has a compliance history of 98% as of today. Assistant director Kristina Johnson and director Asia Rushing was present. Facility files were made accessible to me. Ms. Rushing accompanied me on the walk through of the facility. Eleven(11) classrooms were monitored on today for: Sign in/out, allergy list, medical action plans (if applicable), menu, schedule, activity plan, and staff/child ratio chart. Storage of medication and permission to administer was monitored. Supervision, and storage of hazardous products was monitored. Children were observed having indoor/outdoor free play, teacher directed activities, and having routine needs met. There were toys available. The following was observed posted: current license, Summary of Law, Safe Arrival and Departure procedures, Menu, Emergency Care Plan, and no smoking signage. A Sanitation inspection was conducted on 2/25/2025. A Fire inspection was conducted on 8/28/2024. Monthly Fire Drills, Playground Inspections, and EPR Drills were monitored. Staff files were monitored today for Criminal Qualifying Letters, Medical Statement, TB Test, Health Questionnaire/Emergency Information, Annual on-going Training Hours, and Special Trainings. A sample of children's files were monitored for Application, Emergency Care authorization, Summary of Law, Medical/Immunization, Discipline Statement, No smoking statement, Safe Sleep Policy, Infant Feeding Schedule and Shaken Baby Syndrome Policy (if applicable). This facility does not provide transportation. The following violations were cited during today's visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 847 Parent's medication authorization did not include required information. Parent's medication authorization had expired for five (5) diaper creams. 10A NCAC 09 .0803(4)(6-9) 1045 New staff, who had contact with children, did not receive at least 16 hrs. orientation within first 6 weeks. There wasn't documentation that one (1) new staff that had contact with children had received at least 16 hrs. orientation within first 6 weeks. .1101(a) 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. Two (2) staff members 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 their individual personnel file. .0701(d) Compliance -Violations cited today must be corrected immediately. Please send me a letter documenting how violations cited today were corrected by September 4, 2025. Failure to maintain compliance with all applicable requirements may result in an Administrative Action against your license, which could include civil penalties. Repeated violations may significantly affect your compliance history. Failure to correct the violations and/or submit the compliance letter to me by the due date listed above may result in an unannounced follow-up visit being conducted to ensure corrections were made. Please continue to check the DCDEE website weekly for updates as well as email updates from me. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or concerns. Denise Watson 345 Nance Rd. Charlotte N.C. 28214 (704) 564-1092 denise.watson@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 .0802 · Violation

Name of Operation: CADENCE ACADEMY PRESCHOOL, WHITEHALL Facility ID: 60003079 Consultant: DENISE WATSON Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 8/28/2024 Number Present: 91 Completed Date: 8/28/2024 Age: From 0 To 4 Total Minutes: 220 Time In: 09:30 AM Time Out: 01:10 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today's visit is to monitor all applicable child care requirements during an Annual Compliance visit. The last Annual Compliance visit was made on 09/7/23. The current 4 star license was issued on 10/7/2019. The March 2024 version of Child Care Center Master Item Number Listing, DCD-0357 and a checklist was used to Asia Rushing. She accompanied me on the walk through of the facility. Facility files were made accessible to me. Ten (10) classrooms were monitored on today for: Sign in/out, allergy list, medical action plans (if applicable), menu, schedule, activity plan, and staff/child ratio chart. Storage of medication and permission to administer was monitored. Supervision, and storage of hazardous products was monitored. Children were observed having indoor and outdoor free play, teacher directed activities, and having routine needs met. There were ample toys and activities available. The following was observed posted: current license, Summary of Law, Safe Arrival and Departure procedures, Menu, Emergency Care Plan, and no smoking signage. A Sanitation inspection was conducted on 07/28/2024 . A Fire inspection was conducted on 09/12/2023. Monthly Fire Drills, Playground Inspections, and EPR Drills were monitored. A sample of staff files were monitored today for Criminal Qualifying Letters, Medical Statement, TB Test, Health Questionnaire/Emergency Information, Annual on-going Training Hours, and Special Trainings. A sample of children's files were monitored for Application, Emergency Care authorization, Summary of Law, Medical/Immunization, Discipline Statement, No smoking statement, Safe Sleep Policy, Infant Feeding Schedule and Shaken Baby Syndrome Policy (if applicable). This facility does not provide transportation. The following violations were cited during today's visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 428 A current activity plan was not posted for each group of children for reference. A current activity plan was not posted in space three (3) and space eleven (11). GS 110-91(12); .0508(a) 842 A drug or medication was administered without written authorization and/or instructions from a child's parent or authorized health professional. Two (2) authorizations to administer sunscreen had expired in space six (6) and space ten (10). 10A NCAC 09 .0803(1)(a & b) 847 Parent's medication authorization did not include required information. One (1) ointment type was not listed on the authorization form in space four (4). 10A NCAC 09 .0803(4)(6-9) 862 The EMC plan was not reviewed with all staff annually and whenever the plan was revised. The EMC plan was not reviewed with one (1) staff annually. 10A NCAC 09 .0802(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. The center's safe sleep policy was not posted in a prominent place in space three (3). .0606(b) 1034 All staff, including the director, did not have an annual health questionnaire on file following the initial medical statement. One (1) staff did not have an updated annual health questionnaire on file. .0701(a) 1052 Staff required to receive on-going training had not completed the required number of hours according to their education and experience. Two (2) staff required to receive on-going training had not completed the required number of hours according to their education and experience. .1103(a) 1311 Emergency medical care information was not on file in the center on the child's first day of attendance and/or was not updated as changes occurred or at least annually for each child. Emergency medical care information was not updated annually for three (3) children. .0802(c) 1322 A written statement from each child's parent giving standing permission which may be valid for up to twelve months for participation in off premise activities that occur on a regular basis was not available. A written statement from each child's parent giving standing permission which may be valid for up to twelve months for participation in off premise activities that occur on a regular basis was not updated for one (1) child. .1005(b)(4) 1824 The trained staff did not review the EPR Plan annually or when information in the plan changed to ensure all information was current. One (1) staff did not review the EPR Plan annually. .0607(e) 1902 The professional development plan was not reviewed annually. The professional development plan was not reviewed annually for one caregiver. .1104 Compliance -Violations cited today must be corrected immediately. Please send me a letter documenting how violations cited today were corrected by September 11, 2024. Failure to maintain compliance with all applicable requirements may result in an Administrative Action against your license, which could include civil penalties. Repeated violations may significantly affect your compliance history. Failure to correct the violations and/or submit the compliance letter to me by the due date listed above may result in an unannounced follow-up visit being conducted to ensure corrections were made. Technical Assistance -Please remind staff in spaces eight and four to keep group activities and projects to minimum. Children were observed sitting at the table doing art and completing a ditto sheet. I observed children's reactions today, they were engaged. However, group or circle time shouldn't last no more than fifteen minutes. Special projects and art activities can be offered as free choice or during free choice, children can be invited or encouraged to complete the special project. This is very importing to keep in mind when thinking about providing developmentally and age appropriate care. -Remember music should be played in fifteen (15) minute intervals unless played for a purpose such as music and movement or quiet music for rest or transition time. -Today we discussed adding more materials to interest centers. You stated that materials have been ordered and some are stored in your office and an empty space in the center and will be distributed soon. We also discussed organizing space six and adding more labels and containers to help maintain it. Please continue to check the DCDEE website weekly as new information is added as well as emails from me. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or concerns. Denise Watson P.O. Box 241561 Charlotte NC 28224 denise.watson@dhhs.nc.gov (704) 564-2910 If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

10A NCAC 09 .0803 · Violation

Name of Operation: CADENCE ACADEMY PRESCHOOL, WHITEHALL Facility ID: 60003079 Consultant: DENISE WATSON Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 8/28/2024 Number Present: 91 Completed Date: 8/28/2024 Age: From 0 To 4 Total Minutes: 220 Time In: 09:30 AM Time Out: 01:10 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today's visit is to monitor all applicable child care requirements during an Annual Compliance visit. The last Annual Compliance visit was made on 09/7/23. The current 4 star license was issued on 10/7/2019. The March 2024 version of Child Care Center Master Item Number Listing, DCD-0357 and a checklist was used to Asia Rushing. She accompanied me on the walk through of the facility. Facility files were made accessible to me. Ten (10) classrooms were monitored on today for: Sign in/out, allergy list, medical action plans (if applicable), menu, schedule, activity plan, and staff/child ratio chart. Storage of medication and permission to administer was monitored. Supervision, and storage of hazardous products was monitored. Children were observed having indoor and outdoor free play, teacher directed activities, and having routine needs met. There were ample toys and activities available. The following was observed posted: current license, Summary of Law, Safe Arrival and Departure procedures, Menu, Emergency Care Plan, and no smoking signage. A Sanitation inspection was conducted on 07/28/2024 . A Fire inspection was conducted on 09/12/2023. Monthly Fire Drills, Playground Inspections, and EPR Drills were monitored. A sample of staff files were monitored today for Criminal Qualifying Letters, Medical Statement, TB Test, Health Questionnaire/Emergency Information, Annual on-going Training Hours, and Special Trainings. A sample of children's files were monitored for Application, Emergency Care authorization, Summary of Law, Medical/Immunization, Discipline Statement, No smoking statement, Safe Sleep Policy, Infant Feeding Schedule and Shaken Baby Syndrome Policy (if applicable). This facility does not provide transportation. The following violations were cited during today's visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 428 A current activity plan was not posted for each group of children for reference. A current activity plan was not posted in space three (3) and space eleven (11). GS 110-91(12); .0508(a) 842 A drug or medication was administered without written authorization and/or instructions from a child's parent or authorized health professional. Two (2) authorizations to administer sunscreen had expired in space six (6) and space ten (10). 10A NCAC 09 .0803(1)(a & b) 847 Parent's medication authorization did not include required information. One (1) ointment type was not listed on the authorization form in space four (4). 10A NCAC 09 .0803(4)(6-9) 862 The EMC plan was not reviewed with all staff annually and whenever the plan was revised. The EMC plan was not reviewed with one (1) staff annually. 10A NCAC 09 .0802(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. The center's safe sleep policy was not posted in a prominent place in space three (3). .0606(b) 1034 All staff, including the director, did not have an annual health questionnaire on file following the initial medical statement. One (1) staff did not have an updated annual health questionnaire on file. .0701(a) 1052 Staff required to receive on-going training had not completed the required number of hours according to their education and experience. Two (2) staff required to receive on-going training had not completed the required number of hours according to their education and experience. .1103(a) 1311 Emergency medical care information was not on file in the center on the child's first day of attendance and/or was not updated as changes occurred or at least annually for each child. Emergency medical care information was not updated annually for three (3) children. .0802(c) 1322 A written statement from each child's parent giving standing permission which may be valid for up to twelve months for participation in off premise activities that occur on a regular basis was not available. A written statement from each child's parent giving standing permission which may be valid for up to twelve months for participation in off premise activities that occur on a regular basis was not updated for one (1) child. .1005(b)(4) 1824 The trained staff did not review the EPR Plan annually or when information in the plan changed to ensure all information was current. One (1) staff did not review the EPR Plan annually. .0607(e) 1902 The professional development plan was not reviewed annually. The professional development plan was not reviewed annually for one caregiver. .1104 Compliance -Violations cited today must be corrected immediately. Please send me a letter documenting how violations cited today were corrected by September 11, 2024. Failure to maintain compliance with all applicable requirements may result in an Administrative Action against your license, which could include civil penalties. Repeated violations may significantly affect your compliance history. Failure to correct the violations and/or submit the compliance letter to me by the due date listed above may result in an unannounced follow-up visit being conducted to ensure corrections were made. Technical Assistance -Please remind staff in spaces eight and four to keep group activities and projects to minimum. Children were observed sitting at the table doing art and completing a ditto sheet. I observed children's reactions today, they were engaged. However, group or circle time shouldn't last no more than fifteen minutes. Special projects and art activities can be offered as free choice or during free choice, children can be invited or encouraged to complete the special project. This is very importing to keep in mind when thinking about providing developmentally and age appropriate care. -Remember music should be played in fifteen (15) minute intervals unless played for a purpose such as music and movement or quiet music for rest or transition time. -Today we discussed adding more materials to interest centers. You stated that materials have been ordered and some are stored in your office and an empty space in the center and will be distributed soon. We also discussed organizing space six and adding more labels and containers to help maintain it. Please continue to check the DCDEE website weekly as new information is added as well as emails from me. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or concerns. Denise Watson P.O. Box 241561 Charlotte NC 28224 denise.watson@dhhs.nc.gov (704) 564-2910 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: CADENCE ACADEMY PRESCHOOL, WHITEHALL Facility ID: 60003079 Consultant: DENISE WATSON Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 8/28/2024 Number Present: 91 Completed Date: 8/28/2024 Age: From 0 To 4 Total Minutes: 220 Time In: 09:30 AM Time Out: 01:10 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today's visit is to monitor all applicable child care requirements during an Annual Compliance visit. The last Annual Compliance visit was made on 09/7/23. The current 4 star license was issued on 10/7/2019. The March 2024 version of Child Care Center Master Item Number Listing, DCD-0357 and a checklist was used to Asia Rushing. She accompanied me on the walk through of the facility. Facility files were made accessible to me. Ten (10) classrooms were monitored on today for: Sign in/out, allergy list, medical action plans (if applicable), menu, schedule, activity plan, and staff/child ratio chart. Storage of medication and permission to administer was monitored. Supervision, and storage of hazardous products was monitored. Children were observed having indoor and outdoor free play, teacher directed activities, and having routine needs met. There were ample toys and activities available. The following was observed posted: current license, Summary of Law, Safe Arrival and Departure procedures, Menu, Emergency Care Plan, and no smoking signage. A Sanitation inspection was conducted on 07/28/2024 . A Fire inspection was conducted on 09/12/2023. Monthly Fire Drills, Playground Inspections, and EPR Drills were monitored. A sample of staff files were monitored today for Criminal Qualifying Letters, Medical Statement, TB Test, Health Questionnaire/Emergency Information, Annual on-going Training Hours, and Special Trainings. A sample of children's files were monitored for Application, Emergency Care authorization, Summary of Law, Medical/Immunization, Discipline Statement, No smoking statement, Safe Sleep Policy, Infant Feeding Schedule and Shaken Baby Syndrome Policy (if applicable). This facility does not provide transportation. The following violations were cited during today's visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 428 A current activity plan was not posted for each group of children for reference. A current activity plan was not posted in space three (3) and space eleven (11). GS 110-91(12); .0508(a) 842 A drug or medication was administered without written authorization and/or instructions from a child's parent or authorized health professional. Two (2) authorizations to administer sunscreen had expired in space six (6) and space ten (10). 10A NCAC 09 .0803(1)(a & b) 847 Parent's medication authorization did not include required information. One (1) ointment type was not listed on the authorization form in space four (4). 10A NCAC 09 .0803(4)(6-9) 862 The EMC plan was not reviewed with all staff annually and whenever the plan was revised. The EMC plan was not reviewed with one (1) staff annually. 10A NCAC 09 .0802(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. The center's safe sleep policy was not posted in a prominent place in space three (3). .0606(b) 1034 All staff, including the director, did not have an annual health questionnaire on file following the initial medical statement. One (1) staff did not have an updated annual health questionnaire on file. .0701(a) 1052 Staff required to receive on-going training had not completed the required number of hours according to their education and experience. Two (2) staff required to receive on-going training had not completed the required number of hours according to their education and experience. .1103(a) 1311 Emergency medical care information was not on file in the center on the child's first day of attendance and/or was not updated as changes occurred or at least annually for each child. Emergency medical care information was not updated annually for three (3) children. .0802(c) 1322 A written statement from each child's parent giving standing permission which may be valid for up to twelve months for participation in off premise activities that occur on a regular basis was not available. A written statement from each child's parent giving standing permission which may be valid for up to twelve months for participation in off premise activities that occur on a regular basis was not updated for one (1) child. .1005(b)(4) 1824 The trained staff did not review the EPR Plan annually or when information in the plan changed to ensure all information was current. One (1) staff did not review the EPR Plan annually. .0607(e) 1902 The professional development plan was not reviewed annually. The professional development plan was not reviewed annually for one caregiver. .1104 Compliance -Violations cited today must be corrected immediately. Please send me a letter documenting how violations cited today were corrected by September 11, 2024. Failure to maintain compliance with all applicable requirements may result in an Administrative Action against your license, which could include civil penalties. Repeated violations may significantly affect your compliance history. Failure to correct the violations and/or submit the compliance letter to me by the due date listed above may result in an unannounced follow-up visit being conducted to ensure corrections were made. Technical Assistance -Please remind staff in spaces eight and four to keep group activities and projects to minimum. Children were observed sitting at the table doing art and completing a ditto sheet. I observed children's reactions today, they were engaged. However, group or circle time shouldn't last no more than fifteen minutes. Special projects and art activities can be offered as free choice or during free choice, children can be invited or encouraged to complete the special project. This is very importing to keep in mind when thinking about providing developmentally and age appropriate care. -Remember music should be played in fifteen (15) minute intervals unless played for a purpose such as music and movement or quiet music for rest or transition time. -Today we discussed adding more materials to interest centers. You stated that materials have been ordered and some are stored in your office and an empty space in the center and will be distributed soon. We also discussed organizing space six and adding more labels and containers to help maintain it. Please continue to check the DCDEE website weekly as new information is added as well as emails from me. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or concerns. Denise Watson P.O. Box 241561 Charlotte NC 28224 denise.watson@dhhs.nc.gov (704) 564-2910 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 .0902 · Violation

Name of Operation: CADENCE ACADEMY PRESCHOOL, WHITEHALL Facility ID: 60003079 Consultant: DENISE WATSON Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 5/1/2024 Number Present: 118 Completed Date: 5/1/2024 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 180 Time In: 09:30 AM Time Out: 12:30 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Routine Unannounced Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit is to monitor all applicable requirements during a Routine Unannounced visit. The March 2024 version of Child Care Center Master Item Number Listing, DCD-0357 was used to complete monitoring today. I was greeted by the director, Asia Rushing. I explained the purpose of today's visit. She accompanied me on a walk through of the facility. Program records and staff records were made available to me. Supervision, Staff Child Ratio, First Aid, Special Training, Storage of Hazardous Substances and Medication, Approved Space, five (5) new staff files, Program Records, License Posted, and Permit Restrictions were monitored today. The following violations were cited during today's visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 540 An individual written feeding plan was not provided by child's parent or health care provider or was not followed and posted. (omit posting for centers located in a residence) An individual written feeding plan was not posted for one (1) child. 10A NCAC 09 .0902(a) 840 All corrosive agents, pesticides, bleaches, detergents, cleansers, polishes, any product which is under pressure in an aerosol dispenser, and any substance which may be hazardous to a child if ingested, inhaled, or handled were not stored in a locked room or cabinet. Lysol in an aerosol dispenser was located in a closet that had the the keys in the lock in space three. Closet containing glitter in a space with children younger than three (3) was locked but not closed in space nine. .2820(b) 1033 On or before the first day of work, all staff, including the director and individuals who volunteer more than once per week did not provide results indicating that they were free of active TB and/or TB test or screening was older than 12 months. One (1) caregiver's TB test was older than 12 months. .0701(a) Compliance -Violations cited today must be corrected immediately. Please send me a letter documenting how violations cited today were corrected by May 15, 2024. Failure to maintain compliance with all applicable requirements may result in an Administrative Action against your license, which could include civil penalties. Repeated violations may significantly affect your compliance history. Failure to correct the violations and/or submit the compliance letter to me by the due date listed above may result in an unannounced follow-up visit being conducted to ensure corrections were made. Technical Assistance -Children in space nine were observed having routine needs met and free play in two centers. Each caregiver was seated in the two centers providing supervision. Crying children were attended to in a timely manner. More dialogue with open-ended questions and scaffolding could be had with the children to encourage longer, intentional play. Children should also be encouraged to utilize other centers. That would break up so many children playing in the same area and could help eliminate fights. -Please remind staff in space ten to keep group activities and projects to minimum. Children were observed sitting at the table doing art and completing a ditto sheet. I observed children's reactions today, they were engaged. However, group or circle time shouldn't last no more than fifteen minutes. Special projects and art activities can be offered as free choice or during free choice, children can be invited or encouraged to complete the special project. This is very importing to keep in mind when thinking about providing developmentally and age appropriate care. -Remember music should be played in fifteen (15) minute intervals unless played for a purpose such as music and movement or quiet music for rest or transition time. -The mulch on both playgrounds need to be fluffed and tilled to make sure it's the correct surfacing depth. Today we discussed the end of hold harmless and what that means. I encourage you to reach out to CCRI to receive technical assistance. I also encouraged you to make sure that all staff's information is in WORKS including updated education information. Please continue to check the DCDEE website weekly as new information is added as well as emails from me. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or concerns. Denise Watson P.O. Box 241561 Charlotte NC 28224 denise.watson@dhhs.nc.gov (704) 564-2910 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