Charlotte Montessori School

10A NCAC 09 .0601 · Violation

Name of Operation: CHARLOTTE MONTESSORI SCHOOL Facility ID: 60000557 Consultant: JENNIFER STANSFIELD Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 9/11/2025 Number Present: 73 Completed Date: 9/11/2025 Age: From 1 To 5 Total Minutes: 227 Time In: 10:13 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 unannounced visit was to monitor the facility for all applicable child care requirements during the full Annual Compliance visit. The facility was currently operating with a Three Star License issued on January 19, 2019 and had an eighteen (18) month compliance history score of 97% prior to today’s visit. The April 2024 Center Item Number Listing and March 2023 Annual Compliance Checklist were used to monitor today. The license and NC Summary of the Law were prominently posted. Upon arrival I was greeted by Ms. Jessica Siracusa, Administrator, and I explained the purpose of my visit. Ms. Victoria Tucker, administrator, and Ms. Siracusa accompanied me on the walk through. Five (5) classrooms were monitored. Classrooms were observed organized and materials were observed in good repair. Children in Spaces 4 and 5 were participating in outdoor play. Children in Spaces 1, 2. And 3 were observed participating in large group activities and preparing for lunch. Teachers were observed engaged with children and provided a nurturing environment. Emergency medications and a sampling of topical ointments were monitored. All had current required forms/permissions completed. I observed one (1) child’s Benadryl stored inside the teacher’s outdoor bag. I explained that Benadryl was not considered an emergency medication and should be stored behind lock and key. The Benadryl was moved inside the classroom into a locked cabinet during the visit. All required information was observed posted and current. Arrival and departure times were documented as required. Playgrounds were monitored and met requirements. Staff/child ratio was maintained and adequate supervision was observed. Allergies were posted. The last sanitation inspection was conducted 8/5/25 and the facility received a superior rating. The last fire inspection form available for review was dated 10/9/24. Fire drills were conducted and documented as required. Playground inspections were completed and maintained as required. A sampling of staff files were reviewed and five (5) new staff files were monitored. Each met requirements. A sampling of children’s files were monitored and each met requirements. The EPR plan was updated 8/11/25. I reviewed the center roster in the ABCMS portal. The roster was started and Ms. Tucker stated she was working on adding staff to the roster. Tucker-Curry Inc was reviewed on the Secretary of State website and was current-active. One (1) violation was cited and corrected during the visit. Violation Number Comment Rule 807 A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children. A container of Benadryl was not stored behind lock and key. 10A NCAC 09 .0601(a) Technical Assistance/General Comments: Beginning In October, child care consultants will begin discussing the new rules in Section .3200; Standards for Two through Five Star Rated Licenses during licensing visits. Consultants will review the pathway options, identify facility needs, answer questions, and work with the facility operator to establish an individualized timeline for transition to a new rated license within 12 months based on the pathway chosen. During the routine unannounced visit I will work with you regarding the timeline to transition to your new rated license. In the meantime, please familiarize yourselves with the QRIS modernization page on the DCDEE website. Information regarding Pathways and Pathway requirements can be found there. Stay tuned for information regarding Section .3200 Rules training on Moodle to assist you with learning more about the Pathway to the Stars transition. Thank you for your time today. Please contact me with any questions at jennifer.stansfield@dhhs.nc.gov or 704-956-1648. 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 .2318 · Violation

Name of Operation: CHARLOTTE MONTESSORI SCHOOL Facility ID: 60000557 Consultant: JENNIFER STANSFIELD Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 9/18/2024 Number Present: 72 Completed Date: 9/18/2024 Age: From 1 To 5 Total Minutes: 155 Time In: 09:50 AM Time Out: 12:25 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to monitor the facility for all applicable child care requirements during the full Annual Compliance visit. The facility was currently operating with a Three Star License issued on January 19, 2019 and had an eighteen (18) month compliance history score of 92% prior to today’s visit. The March 2024 Center Item Number Listing and March 2023 Annual Compliance Checklist were used to monitor today. The license and NC Summary of the Law were prominently posted. Upon arrival I was greeted by Ms. Jessica Siracusa, administrator, and I explained the purpose of my visit. Ms. Victoria Tucker, administrator, accompanied me on the walk through. Five (5) classrooms were monitored. Classrooms were observed organized and materials were observed in good repair. Ms. Tucker stated that materials were slowly introduced in the classroom during the first month of school in the young toddler classrooms. Children in Spaces 1, 2, and 3 were participating in outside play. Teachers were observed providing adequate supervision on playgrounds. Playgrounds met requirements. Children in Spaces 4 and 5 were observed participating in free choice activities as well as teacher directed activities. Teachers were observed engaged with children and assisting as needed. Emergency medications and a sampling of topical ointments were monitored. All required paperwork was observed current and fully completed. Medications were stored properly. In Space 3 I observed soiled diapers/pull-ups in a trashcan without a lid. I explained those items were required to be thrown away in a trash can with a lid or where they were inaccessible to children. I observed ½ gallon milk and specialty milks stored in dorm sized refrigerators. Milks were removed during the visit and the I explained that bulk milk was required to be stored in a full sized refrigerator. All required information was observed posted and current. Arrival and departure times were documented as required. Staff/child ratio was maintained and adequate supervision was observed. Allergies were posted. The last sanitation inspection was conducted 8/28/24 and the facility received a superior rating. The last fire inspection was completed on 2/21/24. Fire drills and shelter-in-place/lockdown drills were conducted and documented as required. Playground inspections were completed and maintained as required. One (1) new staff and 10% of existing staff files were monitored. The completed staff and training worksheet was provided and used to review staff files. A sampling of children’s files were monitored. It was reported that 77 children were enrolled. The EPR plan was updated 8/26/24. Tucker-Curry Inc, owner, was listed current-active on the Secretary of State website. Two (2) violations were observed and corrected during the visit. No corrective action was required. Violation Number Comment Rule 1830 Potential biocontaminants were not stored properly (locked storage, removed from premises, inaccessible to children, or covered plastic lined receptacle). Soiled diapers and pull-ups were observed in a trashcan with no lid in Space 3. .0604(v) 9995 A violation was found for which there is no item number. 15A NCAC 18A .2806(d) FOOD STORAGE AND PROTECTION (d) Bulk food stored in a refrigerator shall be stored at 45 degrees Fahrenheit or below and stored in the child care center's kitchen or in an approved food preparation area equipped with a full-size refrigerator. Two (2) half gallon milks and one (1) 1/2 gallon specialty milk were observed stored in dorm sized refrigerators in the classroom. Technical Assistance/General Comments: Star Rated License Reassessment Update: SB 425 extended hold harmless until the new Quality Rating Improvement System (QRIS) is revised and implemented. Facilities are not required to proceed with the rated license assessment at this time unless they voluntarily choose to proceed. – QRIS update: Get ready for the 3s Starting on February 1, 2025, the ECERS-3, ITERS-3, and FCCERS-3—also known as the "3s"—will be used for DCDEE environment rating scale assessments. The DCDEE and the North Carolina Rated License Assessment Project (NCRLAP) are collaboratively working on preparations for the transition to the third edition. Information regarding the transition can be found by visiting https://ncrlap.org/Resources/pages/get-ready-for-3s. These third editions come with a spiral binding at the top, replacing the current revised editions. Visit the NCRLAP’s website, https://ncrlap.org/. for more information about updated resources, credit hour trainings, and outreach assessment opportunities to help you become familiar with these tools. For official environment rating scale assessments for a NC Star Rated License, the NCRLAP will use the Revised editions until February 1, 2025. - The Accreditation Licensure Pathway was discussed with Ms. Tucker. I explained that if the facility chose to become IMC Accredited, they could use that accreditation to earn the Three Star permit. - Ensure all permissions for topical creams/ointments and bug sprays have the name of the product listed. - Magic Erasers should be stored behind lock and key. - Program record retention requirements can be found in section 10A NCAC 09 .2318 of the child care rules. Thank you for your time today. Please contact me with questions or concerns at jennifer.stansfield@dhhs.nc.gov or 704-956-1648. 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: CHARLOTTE MONTESSORI SCHOOL Facility ID: 60000557 Consultant: JENNIFER STANSFIELD Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 10/20/2023 Number Present: 67 Completed Date: 10/20/2023 Age: From 1 To 5 Total Minutes: 170 Time In: 10:10 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 unannounced visit was to monitor the facility for all applicable child care requirements during the full Annual Compliance visit. The facility was currently operating with a Three Star License issued on January 19, 2019 and had an eighteen (18) month compliance history score of 83% prior to today’s visit. The August 2023 Center Item Number Listing and March 2023 Annual Compliance Checklist were used to monitor today. A copy of the checklist was emailed after the visit. The license and NC Summary of the Law were prominently posted. Upon arrival I was greeted by Ms. Victoria Tucker, administrator, and I explained the purpose of my visit. Ms. Tucker accompanied me on the walk through. Five (5) classrooms were monitored. Classrooms were observed organized and materials were observed in good repair. Children in Spaces 1, 2, and 3 were participating in outside play. Children in Spaces 4 and 5 were observed participating in large group activities. Teachers were observed engaged with children. Emergency medications and a sampling of topical ointments were monitored. Two (2) children had expired medical action plans (MAP) and the permission forms were also expired. I reminded Ms. Tucker MAP’s were valid 12 months and medication permission forms were valid for 6 months. Topical ointment permissions were valid for 12 months and met compliance. All required information was observed posted and current. Arrival and departure times were documented as required. Playgrounds were monitored and met requirements. Staff/child ratio was maintained and adequate supervision was observed. Allergies were posted. The last sanitation inspection was conducted 8/23/23 and the facility received a superior rating. The last fire inspection form available for review was dated 3/8/22. Ms. Tucker stated the inspection was completed last week and the inspection form was to be emailed to Ms. Jessica Siracusa, administrator, but they had not received the inspection report. The report should be forwarded to me once received. Fire drills were conducted and documented as required. Playground inspections were completed and maintained as required. A sampling of staff files were reviewed and three (3) new staff files were monitored. A sampling of children’s files were monitored. The EPR plan was updated 8/21/23. The following violations were cited today: Violation Number Comment Rule 106 Operator has not scheduled and obtained a fire inspection within 12 months of the previous inspection. Operator did not submit the original approved report to DCDEE within one week of the inspection visit on a form provided by the Division. The last fire inspection available for review was completed on 3/8/22. 10A NCAC 09 .0304(a) 1314 Emergency information did not name child's health care professional. One (1) child did not have a hospital/doctor listed. .0802(c)(2) 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. Two (2) medical action plans expired 8/12/23. .0801(b) 1882 Medication authorization, giving the caregiver standing authorization did not meet the specifications in rule. Two (2) medication authorizations expired 2/16/23. The authorization was dated for 12 months. Medication authorization is valid for 6 months. .0803(6)(a-i); .0803(7)(a-g); .0803(8)(a-d) Corrective Action: Violations must be corrected immediately. The child care provider is expected to maintain all applicable child care requirements at all times. The provider will send me a compliance letter that includes the violation item number and an explanation of how each of today’s violations were corrected. Corrections must be received by me on or before Friday, November 3, 2023 to the email address listed below or the provider may mail corrections to me at P.O. Box 1967, Huntersville, NC 28078 understanding the letter of compliance should be delivered not submitted by the due date. 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. Technical Assistance/General Comments: - The facility created renewal forms for parents to complete for information and permissions that required annual updates. One (1) child did not list the doctor/hospital of choice for medical treatment. I encouraged staff to review all forms before filing. - Medical Action Plans must be renewed every 12 months and may be completed by the parent or a physician. Medication permissions must be renewed every 6 months. Ms. Tucker stated the administrative team was currently working on a tracking tool for all MAP’s, permissions and medication expiration dates. I suggested a notecard on cabinet doors inside classrooms listing expiration dates. I also recommended informing parents of expiration dates at least 2 weeks prior to the expiration. Resuming Star Rated License Reassessments: The hold harmless legislation was extended and signed into law on Monday June 12th, 2023. This legislation allows facilities to remain at their current star level without a reassessment until June 30, 2024 and when reassessed it reduces the education evaluation requirements for lead teachers from 75% to 50% until June of 2026. To prepare for the reassessment process, DCDEE has developed a cohort system. There are three cohorts, and each include a preparation year and a reassessment year. I will reach out to you prior to the beginning of the preparation year of your assigned cohort and will provide guidance to assist you as you begin the process. Thank you for your time today. Please contact me with questions or concerns at jennifer.stansfield@dhhs.nc.gov or 704-956-1648. 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