Loading
Loading facility…
Pulling inspections, violations, and complaints.
Loading
Pulling inspections, violations, and complaints.
Home › NC › Charlotte › Lightbridge Academy Steele Creek
5730 Dixie River Rd, Charlotte NC 28278 · License #60004371 · Center · Child Care Center
Not published by the state. Owners can add hours via profile claim.
When they operate
Schedule type not published.
Ages served
NC GS 110-90 · Violation
Name of Operation: Lightbridge Academy Steele Creek Facility ID: 60004371 Consultant: KAYE DUNLAP Operation Type: Center Case Number: 0426-094L Visit Date: 4/21/2026 Number Present: 63 Completed Date: 4/21/2026 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 375 Time In: 10:00 AM Time Out: 04:15 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Complaint Visit Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to obtain information regarding alleged violations of child care requirements. The allegations are as follows: There are concerns regarding supervision, staff child ratios, nutrition, discipline, age-appropriate activities, exclusion of sick children, and children’s records. During the visit, a total of ten employees were interviewed, including the Director, A. Fancher and Assistant Director, K. Addison. Allegation #1-Supervision- Information received in the report indicated the supervision concern happened on January 6, 2026. On January 7, 2026, I received a phone call from the Owner, A. Friedman and Assistant Director requesting guidance on self-reporting an incident that occurred while a group of three-year-old children were coming in from the playground on January 6, 2026. It was reported that the door closed briefly behind one of the children, however, the teachers knew where the child was, could see her through the frosted glass and the door was opened immediately. Based on the conversation, I explained that there was no violation of child care requirements regarding supervision because the teachers knew where the child was and could see her through the glass. Therefore, a self-report was not made. Today, I spoke with a staff member that was present during the incident. It was reported that during the transition of coming inside the door closed with one child on the other side of the door, however the child could be seen at all times. The facility was in compliance with supervision today. Allegation #2- Nutrition- Information received indicated parents provided food for their child however, the child was served food provided by the facility multiple times. During the visit today, a teacher reported giving a child pizza on a Friday instead of her lunch by accident. The facility serves pizza every Friday. Today, I reviewed the child’s file. There was not an opt-out form present which indicates food is provided by the parents only. There was also no indication of food allergies listed on the child’s application. Therefore, food provided by the facility can be served. Additional information received indicated that lunches are not served on time. The facility has lunches catered from an outside source. It was reported that lunch typically arrives around 11:30AM and is served around 11:45AM. Today, lunch arrived approximately 11:35AM. Prior to serving lunch at 11:53AM, I checked the food to ensure the required temperature was being maintained. The required temperature is 135 degrees however the temperature of the food was not over 105 degrees. Hot food being served was waffles, sweet potatoes, and turkey sausage links. Allegation #3-Discipline- Information received indicated that a child’s shirt was torn off him by a teacher in the three-year-old classroom. During interviews with staff, no one was aware of the incident. The facility has camera’s however; they are live feed only. There were no concerns regarding discipline observed today. Allegation #4-Age-Appropriate Activities- Information received indicated that on March 11, 2026, two teachers had an argument yelling and cursing at each other while children were present. It was reported by the administrators that a teacher who is also a parent of a child enrolled in the facility had a conversation with her child’s teacher during afternoon departure regarding diaper changing. The teacher began to yell and curse at the teacher/parent in front of the children on the playground. It was also reported that the teacher/parent walked away but the teacher continued. The teacher’s employment was terminated that day. Two other teachers interviewed today reported witnessing the incident. Allegation #5-Exculstion of sick children- Additional information received indicated that sick children are allowed to remain in care. It was reported by the teaching staff that there were no concerns regarding children not being sent home when required based on the facility’s policy. It was also reported by the Director that the facility’s sick policy is followed. Allegation #6- Staff/Child Ratios- Additional information received indicated the facility is out of staff/child ratio. During the visit today, the facility was in compliance with staff/child ratio. During interviews, it was reported that there were no concerns with staff/child ratios. I reviewed head count sheets for a three-week period and there was no indication that classrooms were not in ratio. Allegation #7- Children’s records- Additional information received indicated that there are children enrolled with special needs and staff are not trained. It was reported by the Director and Assistant Director that there are no children currently enrolled with a diagnosed disability or an Individualized Education Program (I.E.P.). I reviewed a referral packet that is given to parents when it’s suspected that a child made need to be evaluated. The evaluation can include physical therapy, occupation therapy, speech therapy, and an applied behavior analysis. A walk through of the facility was conducted with the Director, the children were observed participating in personal care routines, transitions, group time and free choice of indoor and outdoor learning activities. Based on staff interviews and observations, the allegation in the report regarding supervision is unconfirmed. Based on the temperature of the food served for lunch, the allegation that lunch is not being served on time is confirmed. Based on interviews with staff, the allegation regarding discipline is unconfirmed. Based on interviews with staff, the allegation regarding an argument between two teachers that happened in front of children is confirmed. Based on interviews the allegation regarding sick children are allowed to remain in care is unconfirmed. Based on interviews, review of head count sheets and observations, the allegation regarding staff/child ratio is unconfirmed. Based on interviews with staff, the allegation that staff are not trained to work with children with special needs is unconfirmed. During today’s visit I also monitored requirements for an Administrative Action issued February 25, 2026. The Notice of Administrative Action was posted at the entrance of the facility. Stipulation #2 and #3 of the corrective action plan (CAP) required all staff to participate in two training sessions. A+ Supervision training was conducted on April 1, 2026, and Use Your Words was conducted on April 7, 2026. Documentation of the training including the staff attendance sheet was reviewed today. There are three staff members that were not able to attend the training session on Use Your Words. A virtual training option has been offered to the three staff members. The virtual training is scheduled for April 23, 2026, or April 30, 2026. Documentation must be obtained showing the three staff have completed the training. I received the facility’s updated written plan for routine observation and evaluation of each staff member. I will review the plan and let you know if it meets the requirements for stipulation #4 of the CAP. There were two violations cited during the visit. Violation Number Comment Rule 325 Staff did not interact with children in positive ways by helping them feel welcome and comfortable, treating them with respect, listening to what they say, responding to them with acceptance and appreciation, and/or participating in activities with the children. An argument occurred between a staff member and a staff member/parent regarding care of the staff member/parent's child. The argument included yelling and cursing and while children were present. .1802 9995 A violation was found for which there is no item number. The internal temperature of potentially hazardous foods requiring hot storage shall be 135 degrees Fahrenheit or above except during periods of preparation and service. Potentially hazardous food that will be transported hot shall be held at a temperature of 135 degrees Fahrenheit or above during transportation. The temperature of the food served for lunch was no more than 105 degrees prior to serving. This is a violation of a requirement in 15A NCAC 18A .2806(k)(2). 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 violations documented may impact the compliance history score. The violations documented must be corrected immediately. On or before May 5, 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 may be completed. Mail or email the information to: Kaye Dunlap, Child Care Consultant PO Box 627 Matthews, NC 28106 Kaye.Dunlap@dhhs.nc.gov The following technical assistance was provided: Food Service- I suggest the facility purchase a warming cabinet to keep food warm until it is served. During the visit, I spoke with Renada Ervin-Junious, Environmental Health Supervisor for Mecklenburg County, regarding requirements for a food cabinet. Ms. Ervin- Junious advised the facility to call Mecklenburg County Plan Review before purchasing a cabinet to ensure approval. The contact number for Plan Review is 980-314-2633. Staff Interactions- A conversation was held with the Director regarding interactions among staff members. A suggestion was made to provide team-building exercises for the staff as well as training opportunities for handling conflicts with co-workers. Thank you for your time today. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact me at 704-594-0152 or by email at kaye.dunlap@dhhs.nc.gov or Lead Child Care Consultant, 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
Generated from this facility's specific inspection record
Data synced from North Carolina's child care licensing agency on Jul 9, 2026 · Report an error
Open Not marked corrected in the state record
Category: supervision. Open / not marked corrected.
10A NCAC 09 .1101 · Violation
Name of Operation: Lightbridge Academy Steele Creek Facility ID: 60004371 Consultant: KAYE DUNLAP Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 3/24/2026 Number Present: 48 Completed Date: 3/24/2026 Age: From 0 To 4 Total Minutes: 190 Time In: 01:15 PM Time Out: 04:25 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 visit was to monitor compliance with applicable child care requirements for an administrative action follow-up visit. A Written Warning was issued by The Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) to this facility on February 25, 2026. The Notice of Administrative Action was reviewed with the Director, A. Fancher and Assistant Director, K. Addison, via a TEAMS meeting on March 5, 2026. The Director contacted Child Care Resources Inc. to schedule the required training sessions in stipulation #2 and #3 of the corrective action plan (CAP) March 5, 2026. A+ Supervision is scheduled for April 1, 2026, and Use Your Words is scheduled for April 7, 2026. During the visit today, the Notice of Administrative Action, which includes a cover letter, and CAP were posted on the parent board at the entrance of the facility. A walk through of the facility was conducted with the Director, A. Fancher. Children were observed participating in transitions, personal care routines and rest time and teacher directed activities. Staff were observed supervising and assisting children with routines and activities. The following items were monitored during the visit: supervision of children, discipline, nurture, or care of children, staff/child ratio, group size licensed capacity, permit restriction, CPR training, First Aid training, ITS-SIDS training and criminal background checks. There have been seven new staff hired since an unannounced follow up visit was conducted on January 12, 2026. Files for the new staff were monitored today. The staff and training worksheets were reviewed to confirm existing staff have current criminal background qualifying letters, First Aid training, CPR training, and ITS-SIDS training. The Emergency Drill Log was reviewed today. A monthly fire drill was conducted February 26, 2026, and a shelter-in-place drill on March 12, 2026. The following violations were observed today. Violation Number Comment Rule 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 new staff member did not have verification on file that a negative TB test or screening had been completed. .0701(a) 1034 All staff, including the director, did not have an annual health questionnaire on file following the initial medical statement. Two new staff did not have a health question on file. .0701(a) 1045 New staff, who had contact with children, did not receive at least 16 hrs. orientation within first 6 weeks. One new staff member did not have verification on file that orientation had been completed. .1101(a) 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. Verification was not on file that the EPR plan was reviewed with one new staff member during orientation. .0607(f) 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 violations documented may impact the compliance history score. The violations documented must be corrected immediately. On or before April 8, 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 may be completed. Mail or email the information to: Kaye Dunlap, Child Care Consultant PO Box 627 Matthews, NC 28106 Kaye.Dunlap@dhhs.nc.gov The following technical assistance was provided: A conversation was held with the Director regarding new staff orientation. The Director asked for clarification about Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training versus requirements for new staff orientation regarding information about recognizing, responding to and reporting child abuse, neglect or maltreatment. Child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .1101 New Staff Orientation Requirements were reviewed with the Director. The topic areas of orientation must focus on the policy, procedures and daily operations of the center. The Director was reminded to review all paperwork submitted by staff and families prior to filing to ensure all documents have been completed correctly, have the required signatures and date. I encourage you to utilize DCDEE’s website on a regular basis for updated information regarding rules, regulations, etc. The website address is https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/. Thank you for your time today. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact me at 704-594-0152 or by email at kaye.dunlap@dhhs.nc.gov. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times
Open Not marked corrected in the state record
Category: supervision. Open / not marked corrected.
NC GS 110-90 · Violation
Name of Operation: Lightbridge Academy Steele Creek Facility ID: 60004371 Consultant: KAYE DUNLAP Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 3/24/2026 Number Present: 48 Completed Date: 3/24/2026 Age: From 0 To 4 Total Minutes: 190 Time In: 01:15 PM Time Out: 04:25 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 visit was to monitor compliance with applicable child care requirements for an administrative action follow-up visit. A Written Warning was issued by The Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) to this facility on February 25, 2026. The Notice of Administrative Action was reviewed with the Director, A. Fancher and Assistant Director, K. Addison, via a TEAMS meeting on March 5, 2026. The Director contacted Child Care Resources Inc. to schedule the required training sessions in stipulation #2 and #3 of the corrective action plan (CAP) March 5, 2026. A+ Supervision is scheduled for April 1, 2026, and Use Your Words is scheduled for April 7, 2026. During the visit today, the Notice of Administrative Action, which includes a cover letter, and CAP were posted on the parent board at the entrance of the facility. A walk through of the facility was conducted with the Director, A. Fancher. Children were observed participating in transitions, personal care routines and rest time and teacher directed activities. Staff were observed supervising and assisting children with routines and activities. The following items were monitored during the visit: supervision of children, discipline, nurture, or care of children, staff/child ratio, group size licensed capacity, permit restriction, CPR training, First Aid training, ITS-SIDS training and criminal background checks. There have been seven new staff hired since an unannounced follow up visit was conducted on January 12, 2026. Files for the new staff were monitored today. The staff and training worksheets were reviewed to confirm existing staff have current criminal background qualifying letters, First Aid training, CPR training, and ITS-SIDS training. The Emergency Drill Log was reviewed today. A monthly fire drill was conducted February 26, 2026, and a shelter-in-place drill on March 12, 2026. The following violations were observed today. Violation Number Comment Rule 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 new staff member did not have verification on file that a negative TB test or screening had been completed. .0701(a) 1034 All staff, including the director, did not have an annual health questionnaire on file following the initial medical statement. Two new staff did not have a health question on file. .0701(a) 1045 New staff, who had contact with children, did not receive at least 16 hrs. orientation within first 6 weeks. One new staff member did not have verification on file that orientation had been completed. .1101(a) 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. Verification was not on file that the EPR plan was reviewed with one new staff member during orientation. .0607(f) 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 violations documented may impact the compliance history score. The violations documented must be corrected immediately. On or before April 8, 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 may be completed. Mail or email the information to: Kaye Dunlap, Child Care Consultant PO Box 627 Matthews, NC 28106 Kaye.Dunlap@dhhs.nc.gov The following technical assistance was provided: A conversation was held with the Director regarding new staff orientation. The Director asked for clarification about Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training versus requirements for new staff orientation regarding information about recognizing, responding to and reporting child abuse, neglect or maltreatment. Child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .1101 New Staff Orientation Requirements were reviewed with the Director. The topic areas of orientation must focus on the policy, procedures and daily operations of the center. The Director was reminded to review all paperwork submitted by staff and families prior to filing to ensure all documents have been completed correctly, have the required signatures and date. I encourage you to utilize DCDEE’s website on a regular basis for updated information regarding rules, regulations, etc. The website address is https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/. Thank you for your time today. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact me at 704-594-0152 or by email at kaye.dunlap@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: Lightbridge Academy Steele Creek Facility ID: 60004371 Consultant: KAYE DUNLAP Operation Type: Center Case Number: 1225-168L Visit Date: 12/30/2025 Number Present: 31 Completed Date: 12/30/2025 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 190 Time In: 11:35 AM Time Out: 02:45 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Self Report Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to obtain information related to a self-report received by the Division. During today’s visit, Y. Spencer, Assistant Director, assisted me with the visit. Today, I discussed the information with the Assistant Director, Owner, A. Friedman, a parent, and the Director via a telephone call. Based on information the following was determined. It was reported by the Director on December 16, 2025 that a parent of a child enrolled in the facility notified her that she had observed via the facility’s live camera feed a teacher pushing and pulling children and shoving a child that caused the child to fall backward. Additional information received from the parent’s observation was that a child was sitting on a cot and the teacher pulled the cot forward causing the child to fall backwards on her cot. The child began to cry and there was no response from the teacher towards the child. The Director reported that the teacher had already left for the day when she was notified by the parent. The Director also reported that she attempted to contact the teacher by phone three times with no response from the teacher. The teacher was terminated the evening of December 16, 2025. During today’s visit, I reviewed a termination letter sent to the teacher which included the reason for termination. The Director stated that she followed up with the parent that observed the incident and shared with the parent that she would be making a self-report to the DCDEE. The Director reported that she also told the parent that she could make a report to DCDEE as well. The parent was given contact information for DCDEE. Prior to this incident, all staff were assigned online training provided through Lightbridge. Topics included, lifting children, positive discipline, stress management for adults, supporting children’s well-being, mandating reporting, behavior and positive reinforcement, licensing, interaction and supervision. I confirmed on December 16, 2025, that all staff completed the training. A staff meeting was held December 15, 2025, to follow up on the training courses. It was reported by the Assistant Director that a discussion regarding discipline, nurture and care of children would be discussed during the January staff meeting. Based on conversations today, the allegation in the report is confirmed. The following violation was confirmed. Violation Number Comment Rule 904 A child was handled in a rough way, including shaking, pushing, shoving, pinching, slapping, biting, kicking, or spanking. Based on parent report, a teacher was terminated on December 16, 2025 because the parent had observed via the facility's live camera feed pushing, pulling of children and pulling a child forward while sitting on a cot causing the child to fall backwards. .1803(a)(1) 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 violations documented may impact the compliance history score. The violation documented must be corrected immediately. On or before January 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 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 may be completed. Mail or email the information to: Kaye Dunlap, Child Care Consultant PO Box 627 Matthews, NC 28106 Kaye.Dunlap@dhhs.nc.gov The following technical assistance was provided. A discussion was held with the Owner and Assistant Director regarding services provided by Child Care Resources, Inc. Information regarding Quality Every Day (QED) was shared and a copy of the QED flyer with information regarding services provided and how to apply was given to the Owner and Assistant Director today. The project offers training and technical assistance to improve teacher-child interactions, as well as assistance with business, finance and operations. Information regarding Healthy Social Behaviors Project (HSB) was also shared and a flyer regarding services provided, contact information for an HSB Specialist, and the challenging behaviors helpline was given to the Assistant Director and Owner. Thank you for your time today. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact me at 704-594-0152 or by email at kaye.dunlap@dhhs.nc.gov If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times
Open Not marked corrected in the state record
Category: supervision. Open / not marked corrected.
10A NCAC 09 .1801 · Violation
Name of Operation: Lightbridge Academy Steele Creek Facility ID: 60004371 Consultant: KAYE DUNLAP Operation Type: Center Case Number: 1125-120L Visit Date: 11/20/2025 Number Present: 42 Completed Date: 11/20/2025 Age: From 0 To 4 Total Minutes: 140 Time In: 12:15 PM Time Out: 02:35 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Self Report Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to obtain information related to a self-report received by the Division. During today’s visit, Director, A. Fancher, assisted me with the visit. During the visit, I discussed the information with the Director. Based on information the following was determined. The Director reported viewing classroom cameras on November 10, 2025, when she noticed a teacher asleep during nap time. The cameras are live feed only. She reported that the teacher was by herself with four children four years of age. One child was awake and three asleep. It is unknown how long the teacher was asleep however, the Director reported an approximate of two minutes between the time she saw it on camera and went into the classroom to wake the teacher. The Director also reported taking another teacher with her to the classroom to relieve the teacher that was asleep. The teacher was sent home immediately and notified of termination later that day. A discussion was held with the Director regarding steps taken to prevent reoccurrence. A staff meeting was held on November 13, 2025. Today, I reviewed the agenda from the meeting. Topics reviewed were the facility’s supervision policy which includes nap time, 10A NCAC 09 .1801 Supervision in child care centers, positioning in the classroom and outside and the cell phone policy. The Director reported daily periodic informal observations via live camera feed and through the windows to the classrooms. A walk through of the facility was conducted with the Director. Infants were observed sleeping, participating in free choice of indoor activities and story time with the teacher. Older children were observed participating in nap time. Staff were observed supervising nap time by walking around the classroom and providing quiet activities for children not napping. Based on a conversation with the Director, the allegation in the report is confirmed. The following violation was cited and considered corrected. Violation Number Comment Rule 303 Children were not adequately supervised at all times. On November 10, 2025, a teacher was asleep during nap time with a group of four children all four years of age. It is unknown how long the teacher was asleep. .1801(a)(1-5) The following technical assistance was provided. A discussion was held with the Director regarding an upcoming training opportunity for new Directors in December 2025 hosted by Child Care Resources, Inc. The director's contact information was emailed to the trainer during the visit. DCDEE- I encourage you to utilize DCDEE’s website on a regular basis for updated information regarding rules and regulations, etc. DCDEE’s website address is https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/. Thank you for your time today. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact me at 704-594-0152 or by email at kaye.dunlap@dhhs.nc.gov If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times
Open Not marked corrected in the state record
Category: supervision. Open / not marked corrected.
10A NCAC 09 .0803 · Violation
Name of Operation: Lightbridge Academy Steele Creek Facility ID: 60004371 Consultant: KAYE DUNLAP Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 10/21/2025 Number Present: 47 Completed Date: 10/21/2025 Age: From 0 To 4 Total Minutes: 240 Time In: 09:40 AM Time Out: 01:40 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 your program for compliance with applicable child care requirements for an annual compliance visit. The facility operates with a one-star license with an effective date of April 29, 2025. The NC Secretary of State website was reviewed today and Made for Excellence, LLC was listed as current- active. Upon arrival, I was greeted by the facility’s Business Coach, M. Thompson. Ms. Thompson informed me that the facility’s Director was no longer with the company. The Assistant Director, A. Fancher has moved into the position of Director. During today’s visit Ms. Fancher assisted me with the visit. We conducted a walk-through facility. The indoor and outdoor learning environments were monitored. I observed children in the indoor and outdoor learning environments and found supervision and staff/child ratios to be in compliance. Children throughout the facility were participating in personal care routines, free play of indoor and outdoor learning activities, and transitions. The caregivers were interacting and meeting the developmental needs for each of the children. The sanitation inspection was completed May 5, 2025, with a “Superior” classification. The last approved fire inspection was received on September 3, 2024. The last fire drill was conducted on September 30, 2025. A lockdown drill was conducted on October 16, 2025. The last fire drill was conducted on September 3, 2025. Outdoor safety checks were reviewed and occurring monthly as required. Ten percent of children’s records were monitored. The Staff and Training Worksheets were not completed prior to today’s visit. An announced visit is scheduled for Tuesday, October 28, 2025, to review staff files. The following violations were documented. 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. Verification was not on file that an approved fire inspection has been completed within 12 months. The fire inspection on file is dated September 3, 2024. 10A NCAC 09 .0304(a) 429 The activity plan was not designed to stimulate emotional and social, health and physical, approaches to play and learning, language development and communication, and cognitive development for each group of children in care. The activity plans did not include developmental domains for Early Learning and Development. .0508(b)(1-5) 612 Each child's bed, cot, or 2" mat was not individually assigned and identified. In space #8 and #9, the cot charts did not match the names on individual cots. Cots were labeled with children's names that are no longer in the classroom. 15A NCAC 18A .2821(b) & (c) 841 Medications including prescription and non-prescription items were not stored in a locked cabinet or other locked container. Over-the-counter medications required to be locked was stored in a plastic container in an unlocked closet located in the resource/work room. 15A NCAC 18A .2820(d) 846 Over-the-counter medicines were not in their original containers or administered as authorized in writing by parent, physician or authorized health professional. A child one year of age had Benadryl present without authorization from a physician or health professional. 10A NCAC 09 .0803(4) 887 Caregivers did not document compliance with visually checking on sleeping infants aged 12 months or younger and/or the documents were not maintained for a minimum of one month. In space #10, verification that sleep checks were conducted on October 17, 2025 and October 20, 2025 was not on file. .0606(g) 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 new staff member did not have verification on file of a negative TB test or screening. .0701(a) 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 new staff member with a hire date of July 9, 2025 has not completed Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training. One new staff member with a hire date of June 23, 2025 did not complete the training until October 26, 2025. .1102(g) 1898 Staff did not complete the health and safety training within one year of employment. One staff member with a hire date of October 14, 2025 did not complete health and safety training. .1102(a) 9995 A violation was found for which there is no item number. In child care centers, toilet tissue paper shall be provided in each toilet room and stored in a clean, dry place. The toilet room shall include or be adjacent to a handwash lavatory. Storage in toilet rooms shall be limited to toileting and diapering supplies. All toilet fixtures shall be kept clean and in good repair. Toilet fixtures shall be child-sized, adult-sized toilets that are adapted to accommodate children, or potty chairs. In space #9, child size chairs were stored in the bathroom. In space #7, child size chairs and a rug was stored in the bathroom. This is a violation of a requirement in NCAC 18A .2817. 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 violations documented may impact the compliance history score. The violations documented must be corrected immediately. On or before November 4, 2025. 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 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 may be completed. Mail or email the information to: Kaye Dunlap, Child Care Consultant PO Box 627 Matthews, NC 28106 Kaye.Dunlap@dhhs.nc.gov The following technical assistance was provided: Emergency Preparedness & Response training- A discussion was held with Ms. Fancher regarding Emergency Preparedness and Response training (EPR). The facility must have at least one person on staff who has completed EPR training. When the trained staff member leaves employment, the facility has four months for another staff member to complete the training. The certificate showing completion of the training must be maintained in the staff member’s file or in a file designated for emergency preparedness and response plan documents. NC Child Care Health and Safety Resource Center- A discussion was held with Ms. Fancher regarding contact information for Child Care Health Consultants. Contact information can be found on the Health and Safety Resource Center’s website at https://healthychildcare.unc.edu/. Helpful resources such as communicable disease, fundamentals of health and safety in child care centers, etc. can also be found on the website. Fire Inspections- Child care facilities must schedule and obtain a fire inspection within 12 months of the center's previous inspection. An administrator must notify the local fire inspector prior to the time for the center's annual fire inspection. The inspection must be completed on the Adult and Child Day Care Centers Fire Inspection Report. The inspection report can be found on DCDEE’s website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Provider-Documents-and-Forms. The Fire Inspector was contacted by the owner during the visit. Medication- Directions for over-the-counter medication must be followed and accompanied by authorization from a health professional if required. DCDEE has added a new training module about Child Development. The training will provide a basic overview about child development and provide information about resources and professional agencies in North Carolina. DCDEE has also added another new training about Child Care Rule Rollout which includes new rules effective July 1, 2025. Both training modules can be found on the DCDEE Moodle Learning Platform at https://www.dcdee.moodle.nc.gov/. In-service training hours are received upon completion of the training sessions. I encourage you to utilize DCDEE’s website on a regular basis for updated information regarding rules and regulations, etc. DCDEE’s website address is https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ Thank you for your time today. If you have questions or concerns, please contact me at 704-594-0152 or by email at kaye.dunlap@dhhs.nc.gov. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times
Open Not marked corrected in the state record
Category: supervision. Open / not marked corrected.
10A NCAC 09 .0304 · Violation
Name of Operation: Lightbridge Academy Steele Creek Facility ID: 60004371 Consultant: KAYE DUNLAP Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 10/21/2025 Number Present: 47 Completed Date: 10/21/2025 Age: From 0 To 4 Total Minutes: 240 Time In: 09:40 AM Time Out: 01:40 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 your program for compliance with applicable child care requirements for an annual compliance visit. The facility operates with a one-star license with an effective date of April 29, 2025. The NC Secretary of State website was reviewed today and Made for Excellence, LLC was listed as current- active. Upon arrival, I was greeted by the facility’s Business Coach, M. Thompson. Ms. Thompson informed me that the facility’s Director was no longer with the company. The Assistant Director, A. Fancher has moved into the position of Director. During today’s visit Ms. Fancher assisted me with the visit. We conducted a walk-through facility. The indoor and outdoor learning environments were monitored. I observed children in the indoor and outdoor learning environments and found supervision and staff/child ratios to be in compliance. Children throughout the facility were participating in personal care routines, free play of indoor and outdoor learning activities, and transitions. The caregivers were interacting and meeting the developmental needs for each of the children. The sanitation inspection was completed May 5, 2025, with a “Superior” classification. The last approved fire inspection was received on September 3, 2024. The last fire drill was conducted on September 30, 2025. A lockdown drill was conducted on October 16, 2025. The last fire drill was conducted on September 3, 2025. Outdoor safety checks were reviewed and occurring monthly as required. Ten percent of children’s records were monitored. The Staff and Training Worksheets were not completed prior to today’s visit. An announced visit is scheduled for Tuesday, October 28, 2025, to review staff files. The following violations were documented. 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. Verification was not on file that an approved fire inspection has been completed within 12 months. The fire inspection on file is dated September 3, 2024. 10A NCAC 09 .0304(a) 429 The activity plan was not designed to stimulate emotional and social, health and physical, approaches to play and learning, language development and communication, and cognitive development for each group of children in care. The activity plans did not include developmental domains for Early Learning and Development. .0508(b)(1-5) 612 Each child's bed, cot, or 2" mat was not individually assigned and identified. In space #8 and #9, the cot charts did not match the names on individual cots. Cots were labeled with children's names that are no longer in the classroom. 15A NCAC 18A .2821(b) & (c) 841 Medications including prescription and non-prescription items were not stored in a locked cabinet or other locked container. Over-the-counter medications required to be locked was stored in a plastic container in an unlocked closet located in the resource/work room. 15A NCAC 18A .2820(d) 846 Over-the-counter medicines were not in their original containers or administered as authorized in writing by parent, physician or authorized health professional. A child one year of age had Benadryl present without authorization from a physician or health professional. 10A NCAC 09 .0803(4) 887 Caregivers did not document compliance with visually checking on sleeping infants aged 12 months or younger and/or the documents were not maintained for a minimum of one month. In space #10, verification that sleep checks were conducted on October 17, 2025 and October 20, 2025 was not on file. .0606(g) 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 new staff member did not have verification on file of a negative TB test or screening. .0701(a) 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 new staff member with a hire date of July 9, 2025 has not completed Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training. One new staff member with a hire date of June 23, 2025 did not complete the training until October 26, 2025. .1102(g) 1898 Staff did not complete the health and safety training within one year of employment. One staff member with a hire date of October 14, 2025 did not complete health and safety training. .1102(a) 9995 A violation was found for which there is no item number. In child care centers, toilet tissue paper shall be provided in each toilet room and stored in a clean, dry place. The toilet room shall include or be adjacent to a handwash lavatory. Storage in toilet rooms shall be limited to toileting and diapering supplies. All toilet fixtures shall be kept clean and in good repair. Toilet fixtures shall be child-sized, adult-sized toilets that are adapted to accommodate children, or potty chairs. In space #9, child size chairs were stored in the bathroom. In space #7, child size chairs and a rug was stored in the bathroom. This is a violation of a requirement in NCAC 18A .2817. 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 violations documented may impact the compliance history score. The violations documented must be corrected immediately. On or before November 4, 2025. 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 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 may be completed. Mail or email the information to: Kaye Dunlap, Child Care Consultant PO Box 627 Matthews, NC 28106 Kaye.Dunlap@dhhs.nc.gov The following technical assistance was provided: Emergency Preparedness & Response training- A discussion was held with Ms. Fancher regarding Emergency Preparedness and Response training (EPR). The facility must have at least one person on staff who has completed EPR training. When the trained staff member leaves employment, the facility has four months for another staff member to complete the training. The certificate showing completion of the training must be maintained in the staff member’s file or in a file designated for emergency preparedness and response plan documents. NC Child Care Health and Safety Resource Center- A discussion was held with Ms. Fancher regarding contact information for Child Care Health Consultants. Contact information can be found on the Health and Safety Resource Center’s website at https://healthychildcare.unc.edu/. Helpful resources such as communicable disease, fundamentals of health and safety in child care centers, etc. can also be found on the website. Fire Inspections- Child care facilities must schedule and obtain a fire inspection within 12 months of the center's previous inspection. An administrator must notify the local fire inspector prior to the time for the center's annual fire inspection. The inspection must be completed on the Adult and Child Day Care Centers Fire Inspection Report. The inspection report can be found on DCDEE’s website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Provider-Documents-and-Forms. The Fire Inspector was contacted by the owner during the visit. Medication- Directions for over-the-counter medication must be followed and accompanied by authorization from a health professional if required. DCDEE has added a new training module about Child Development. The training will provide a basic overview about child development and provide information about resources and professional agencies in North Carolina. DCDEE has also added another new training about Child Care Rule Rollout which includes new rules effective July 1, 2025. Both training modules can be found on the DCDEE Moodle Learning Platform at https://www.dcdee.moodle.nc.gov/. In-service training hours are received upon completion of the training sessions. I encourage you to utilize DCDEE’s website on a regular basis for updated information regarding rules and regulations, etc. DCDEE’s website address is https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ Thank you for your time today. If you have questions or concerns, please contact me at 704-594-0152 or by email at kaye.dunlap@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: Lightbridge Academy Steele Creek Facility ID: 60004371 Consultant: KAYE DUNLAP Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 10/21/2025 Number Present: 47 Completed Date: 10/21/2025 Age: From 0 To 4 Total Minutes: 240 Time In: 09:40 AM Time Out: 01:40 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 your program for compliance with applicable child care requirements for an annual compliance visit. The facility operates with a one-star license with an effective date of April 29, 2025. The NC Secretary of State website was reviewed today and Made for Excellence, LLC was listed as current- active. Upon arrival, I was greeted by the facility’s Business Coach, M. Thompson. Ms. Thompson informed me that the facility’s Director was no longer with the company. The Assistant Director, A. Fancher has moved into the position of Director. During today’s visit Ms. Fancher assisted me with the visit. We conducted a walk-through facility. The indoor and outdoor learning environments were monitored. I observed children in the indoor and outdoor learning environments and found supervision and staff/child ratios to be in compliance. Children throughout the facility were participating in personal care routines, free play of indoor and outdoor learning activities, and transitions. The caregivers were interacting and meeting the developmental needs for each of the children. The sanitation inspection was completed May 5, 2025, with a “Superior” classification. The last approved fire inspection was received on September 3, 2024. The last fire drill was conducted on September 30, 2025. A lockdown drill was conducted on October 16, 2025. The last fire drill was conducted on September 3, 2025. Outdoor safety checks were reviewed and occurring monthly as required. Ten percent of children’s records were monitored. The Staff and Training Worksheets were not completed prior to today’s visit. An announced visit is scheduled for Tuesday, October 28, 2025, to review staff files. The following violations were documented. 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. Verification was not on file that an approved fire inspection has been completed within 12 months. The fire inspection on file is dated September 3, 2024. 10A NCAC 09 .0304(a) 429 The activity plan was not designed to stimulate emotional and social, health and physical, approaches to play and learning, language development and communication, and cognitive development for each group of children in care. The activity plans did not include developmental domains for Early Learning and Development. .0508(b)(1-5) 612 Each child's bed, cot, or 2" mat was not individually assigned and identified. In space #8 and #9, the cot charts did not match the names on individual cots. Cots were labeled with children's names that are no longer in the classroom. 15A NCAC 18A .2821(b) & (c) 841 Medications including prescription and non-prescription items were not stored in a locked cabinet or other locked container. Over-the-counter medications required to be locked was stored in a plastic container in an unlocked closet located in the resource/work room. 15A NCAC 18A .2820(d) 846 Over-the-counter medicines were not in their original containers or administered as authorized in writing by parent, physician or authorized health professional. A child one year of age had Benadryl present without authorization from a physician or health professional. 10A NCAC 09 .0803(4) 887 Caregivers did not document compliance with visually checking on sleeping infants aged 12 months or younger and/or the documents were not maintained for a minimum of one month. In space #10, verification that sleep checks were conducted on October 17, 2025 and October 20, 2025 was not on file. .0606(g) 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 new staff member did not have verification on file of a negative TB test or screening. .0701(a) 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 new staff member with a hire date of July 9, 2025 has not completed Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training. One new staff member with a hire date of June 23, 2025 did not complete the training until October 26, 2025. .1102(g) 1898 Staff did not complete the health and safety training within one year of employment. One staff member with a hire date of October 14, 2025 did not complete health and safety training. .1102(a) 9995 A violation was found for which there is no item number. In child care centers, toilet tissue paper shall be provided in each toilet room and stored in a clean, dry place. The toilet room shall include or be adjacent to a handwash lavatory. Storage in toilet rooms shall be limited to toileting and diapering supplies. All toilet fixtures shall be kept clean and in good repair. Toilet fixtures shall be child-sized, adult-sized toilets that are adapted to accommodate children, or potty chairs. In space #9, child size chairs were stored in the bathroom. In space #7, child size chairs and a rug was stored in the bathroom. This is a violation of a requirement in NCAC 18A .2817. 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 violations documented may impact the compliance history score. The violations documented must be corrected immediately. On or before November 4, 2025. 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 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 may be completed. Mail or email the information to: Kaye Dunlap, Child Care Consultant PO Box 627 Matthews, NC 28106 Kaye.Dunlap@dhhs.nc.gov The following technical assistance was provided: Emergency Preparedness & Response training- A discussion was held with Ms. Fancher regarding Emergency Preparedness and Response training (EPR). The facility must have at least one person on staff who has completed EPR training. When the trained staff member leaves employment, the facility has four months for another staff member to complete the training. The certificate showing completion of the training must be maintained in the staff member’s file or in a file designated for emergency preparedness and response plan documents. NC Child Care Health and Safety Resource Center- A discussion was held with Ms. Fancher regarding contact information for Child Care Health Consultants. Contact information can be found on the Health and Safety Resource Center’s website at https://healthychildcare.unc.edu/. Helpful resources such as communicable disease, fundamentals of health and safety in child care centers, etc. can also be found on the website. Fire Inspections- Child care facilities must schedule and obtain a fire inspection within 12 months of the center's previous inspection. An administrator must notify the local fire inspector prior to the time for the center's annual fire inspection. The inspection must be completed on the Adult and Child Day Care Centers Fire Inspection Report. The inspection report can be found on DCDEE’s website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Provider-Documents-and-Forms. The Fire Inspector was contacted by the owner during the visit. Medication- Directions for over-the-counter medication must be followed and accompanied by authorization from a health professional if required. DCDEE has added a new training module about Child Development. The training will provide a basic overview about child development and provide information about resources and professional agencies in North Carolina. DCDEE has also added another new training about Child Care Rule Rollout which includes new rules effective July 1, 2025. Both training modules can be found on the DCDEE Moodle Learning Platform at https://www.dcdee.moodle.nc.gov/. In-service training hours are received upon completion of the training sessions. I encourage you to utilize DCDEE’s website on a regular basis for updated information regarding rules and regulations, etc. DCDEE’s website address is https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ Thank you for your time today. If you have questions or concerns, please contact me at 704-594-0152 or by email at kaye.dunlap@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: Lightbridge Academy Steele Creek Facility ID: 60004371 Consultant: KAYE DUNLAP Operation Type: Center Case Number: 0925-192L Visit Date: 9/23/2025 Number Present: 38 Completed Date: 9/23/2025 Age: From 0 To 4 Total Minutes: 225 Time In: 12:45 PM Time Out: 04:30 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Complaint Visit Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to investigate allegations of violations of child care requirements. Upon arrival, I was greeted by the school Owner, A. Friedman and Administrator, N. Friedman. I explained the reason for the visit. Additional information received indicated there were concerns that children are not adequately supervised during nap time, appropriate staff/child ratios are not maintained, food substitutions are not recorded on the menu, new staff do not receive orientation, choking hazards are not removed from the playground. Supervision: In addition to speaking with the Owner and Administrator, I also interviewed six additional staff members separately. It was reported by all staff that there were no concerns or observations of inadequate supervision during nap time. A walk through of the facility was conducted during nap time with the Owner, Administrator and Director, P. Garney from a sister location of the facility. Staff were observed moving about the classrooms and/or sitting beside children to soothe them as they were getting settled in for nap time/quiet time. Supervision was observed to be in compliance. Staff/Child Ratios: Additional information received indicated staff/child ratios were a concern throughout the day but especially during arrival time on September 16, 2025. It was reported by the Administrator that there are four staff members that arrive each morning between 6:30am to 7:30am every thirty minutes as well as two administrators that arrive at 6:00am currently. Attendance, arrival and departures times for teachers and children were reviewed for September 16, 2025. There was no evidence that the facility was out of staff/child ratio. The six additional staff interviewed reported no concerns or observation of the facility being out of staff/child ratio. During the walk through, classrooms were in compliance with staff/child ratios. Menus: It was reported by the Administrator that lunches are catered, and a menu is received monthly. It was also reported that the catering service calls the facility in the morning if there are menu substitutions for that day and the substitution is written on the menu. Today, I reviewed the menu posted and it was observed that the menu has been updated twice this month with menu substitutions. Staff Orientation: New staff files were last monitored on July 29, 2025 by A. Italiano, Lead Child Care Consultant. Today, I reviewed the Documentation of Orientation form for six new staff hired since August 1, 2025. One new staff member with a hire date of August 11, 2025, did not have documentation on file that staff orientation had been completed in full. However, six hours for the first two weeks were completed. It was reported by the Administrators that First Aid/CPR training and ITS-SIDS training are held on an as needed basis for new hires and existing staff. Choking Hazards: A walk through of the outdoor learning environment was conducted. Choking hazards were not observed on the playground. The Owner reported that a landscaping company provides lawn maintenance on a regular basis. Based on discussions with the Owner, Administrator, additional staff, my observations, review of attendance, arrival and departure times for children and staff, and review of the monthly menu, there was not enough evidence to confirm allegations that children are not adequately supervised during nap time, appropriate staff/child ratios are not maintained, food substitutions are not recorded on the menu, and choking hazards are not removed from the playground. Based on my observations, the allegation regarding new staff do not receive orientation is confirmed. The following violation was observed. Violation Number Comment Rule 1045 New staff, who had contact with children, did not receive at least 16 hrs. orientation within first 6 weeks. One new staff member hired August 11, 2025 did not have documentation on file that 16 hrs. of orientation had been completed. .1101(a) 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 violations documented may impact the compliance history score. The violation documented must be corrected immediately. On or before October 7, 2025, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail, how and when the violation was corrected. Please be aware 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 may be completed. Mail or email the information to: Kaye Dunlap, Child Care Consultant PO Box 627 Matthews, NC 28106 Kaye.Dunlap@dhhs.nc.gov The following technical assistance was provided. Although the allegation was not confirmed, I suggested the facility purchase a leaf blower for staff to use in between lawn maintenance with the upcoming fall weather and leaves falling. I also suggested the facility use a head count sheet for tracking children during morning arrival and should children have to be transitioned to another classroom during the day. A copy of the head count sheet was given to the Administrator. Thank you for your time today. If you have questions or concerns, please contact me at 704-594-0152 or by email at kaye.dunlap@dhhs.nc.gov. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times
Open Not marked corrected in the state record
Category: supervision. Open / not marked corrected.
GS 110-91 · Violation
Name of Operation: Lightbridge Academy Steele Creek Facility ID: 60004371 Consultant: AMY ITALIANO Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 6/26/2025 Number Present: 41 Completed Date: 6/26/2025 Age: From 0 To 12 Total Minutes: 280 Time In: 09:10 AM Time Out: 01:50 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 compliance with applicable child care requirements during an Administrative Action Follow-up Visit. The facility had a compliance history of 84% prior to today's visit. Upon my arrival, I was greeted by Nikki Freedman, Interim Director and Angela Battiatio, Assistant Director. Barbara Jean Duncan, prior director, resigned on May 29, 2025. The Pre-service administrator form has been completed. I explained the purpose of today’s visit. I conducted a walk-through of the facility with Ms. Freedman and Ms. Battiatio. In space #1 seven (7) children were present and four (4) children were documented on the attendance sheet. There was a chick fil a cup of ice coffee sitting on the counter and a bottle of sanitizer on the cubby that was not 5 feet. In space # 3 Five (5) children were present, no one was marked present on the attendance sheet. In space #1 and #3 there was not a current lesson plan posted. In space #1 and #3 on the shelf under the diaper changing table were zip lock plastic bags, and wipes in a plastic bag assessable to children under that age of three. In space #3 stored under the diaper changing table were diaper creams and Vaseline that were assessable to the children. There was no parent authorization form for one of the diaper creams or the Vaseline. Preschool children were observed in free play, teachers directed activities and transitioning outside. Infants were observed playing on the floor, being held and being read to. Safe Sleep Charts were documented as required. Staff were observed interacting with children and meeting the children’s needs. All groups were adequately supervised and within the Staff/Child ratio. Nine (9) new staff have started since my last visit. One (1) violation was observed when reviewing staff files. Eight (8) violations were cited and discussed with Ms. Freedman during today’s visit. Violation Number Comment Rule 428 A current activity plan was not posted for each group of children for reference. There was no current lesson plan in space #1 and space #3. GS 110-91(12); .0508(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.A bottle of sanitizer on the cubby that was not 5 feet. .2820(b) 841 Medications including prescription and non-prescription items were not stored in a locked cabinet or other locked container. In space #3 stored under the diaper changing table were diaper creams and Vaseline that were assessable to the children. 15A NCAC 18A .2820(d) 858 Plastic bags, materials that could be torn apart and toy parts small enough to be swallowed were accessible to children under three years of age. In space #1 and #3 on the shelf under the diaper changing table were zip lock plastic bags, and wipes in a plastic bag assessable to children under that age of three. .0604(q) 1045 New staff, who had contact with children, did not receive at least 16 hrs. orientation within first 6 weeks. Two staff members did not complete the required orientation within the first 6 weeks of employment. .1101(a) 1301 Center did not maintain a record of daily attendance. In space #1 seven (7) children were present and four (4) children were documented on the attendance sheet. In space # 3 Five (5) children were present, no one was marked present on the attendance sheet. GS 110-91(9) 1792 Staff did not model appropriate eating behaviors by consuming food or beverages that meet the nutritional requirements specified in the Meal Patterns for Children in Child Care Programs in the presence of children in care. A staff member had a Chick-Fil-A cup of iced coffee on the counter. .0901(i) 1882 Medication authorization, giving the caregiver standing authorization did not meet the specifications in rule. There was no parent authorization form for one of the diaper creams or the Vaseline. .0803(6)(a-i); .0803(7)(a-g); .0803(8)(a-d) Corrective Action The child care providers are expected to maintain compliance with all applicable child care requirements at all times. All violations cited today must be corrected immediately. Ms. Freedman will submit a compliance letter explaining how and when today’s violations were corrected to Amy Italiano, Lead Child Care Consultant, on or before July 10, 2025. Failure to correct the violations and/or submit the compliance letter to me by the date listed above may result in an unannounced follow-up visit being conducted to ensure corrections were made. Technical Assistance and Discussion: Today we discussed the importance of accurate attendance. In the event of an emergency and for transitioning purposes the staff need to know how many children they always have in their care. We discussed what hazardous products, medications, and creams need to be stored locked and what products can be stored above 5 feet. We discussed that lesson plans need to current and available for review in all classrooms. Staff need to model healthy food and beverages when in the classrooms. We discussed that key locks, magnet locks and combination locks are approved locking devices. Latches are not considered locking devices. All plastic bags used in rooms with children under three years of age need to be locked or be inaccessible to the children. Today I requested to see the observations and documentation of staff members in the classroom. This policy was required in stipulation#2 of the March 4, 2025, Written Warning. Ms. Freedman and Ms. Battiatio shared with me today that the policy that was sent to me by the previous director is not a realistic policy and was not completed as stated. They requested to change and update this policy so that they could make the observations and evaluations realistic. I discussed that we wanted this policy to work for their facility and be realistic. I explained they could revise the policy for routine observations and evaluation of each staff to ensure compliance with childcare requirements and facility policies/procedures reading age-appropriate discipline. Please submit the revised policy to me by July 10, 2025. I will notify you orally and in writing once the policy has been approved. Thank you for your time today. If you have any questions or I can help you with anything please free to contact me at 704-936-6065, or email me 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
Open Not marked corrected in the state record
Category: supervision. Open / not marked corrected.
10A NCAC 09 .0803 · Violation
Name of Operation: Lightbridge Academy Steele Creek Facility ID: 60004371 Consultant: AMY ITALIANO Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 5/20/2025 Number Present: 39 Completed Date: 5/20/2025 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 200 Time In: 08:55 AM Time Out: 12:15 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Unannounced Visit Follow-Up Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to monitor compliance with applicable child care requirements during a Follow-up Visit. The facility had a compliance history of 87% prior to today's visit. Upon our arrival, I was greeted by Barbara Jean Duncan, the administrator. I explained the purpose for the visit was to verify correction of the violation cited during May 8, 2025, Complaint Follow Up Visit. I conducted a walk-through of the facility. In space #1 six (6) children were present and no children were documented on the attendance sheet. In space #3 two (2) aerosol cans of sunscreen were in a backpack that was hanging on a hook. One (1) child had an inhaler for asthma, however there was no signature on the authorized form. The inhaler was not in the original RX box. In space #6 ten (10) infants were present, eight (8) were marked on the attendance sheet. Preschool children were observed in morning snacks and participating in circle time. Infants were observed playing on the floor and sleeping. Safe Sleep Charts were documented as required. Staff were observed interacting with children and meeting the children’s needs. All groups were adequately supervised and within the Staff/Child ratio. Three (3) new staff have started since my last visit. One (1) violation was observed when reviewing staff files. The menu that was posted only reflected the AM and PM snack. 303 All children were supervised during today’s visit. The above violation is considered corrected and verified as corrected during today’s visit. Six (6) violations were cited and discussed with Ms. Duncan during today’s visit. Violation Number Comment Rule 526 Menus for all meals and snacks were not current or posted where easily seen by parents and cook. The menu that was posted only reflected the AM and PM snack. 10A NCAC 09 .0901(b) 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. In space #3 two (2) aerosol cans of sunscreen were in a backpack that was hanging on a hook. .2820(b) 844 Prescribed medicine was not in original labeled container or accompanied by signed and dated written instructions from prescribing physician or health care professional. The inhaler was not in the original RX box. .0803(2)(a) 847 Parent's medication authorization did not include required information. One (1) child had an inhaler for asthma, however there was no signature on the authorized form. 10A NCAC 09 .0803(4)(6-9) 1301 Center did not maintain a record of daily attendance. In space #1 six (6) children were present and no children were documented on the attendance sheet. In space #6 ten (10) infants were present, eight (8) were marked on the attendance sheet. GS 110-91(9) 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 was in a classroom providing care that did not have a signed acknowledgement of the policy on file. .0608(d)(1-4) Corrective Action The child care providers are expected to maintain compliance with all applicable child care requirements at all times. All violations cited today must be corrected immediately. Ms. Duncan will submit a compliance letter explaining how and when today’s violations were corrected to Amy Italiano, Lead Child Care Consultant on or before June 3, 2025. Failure to correct the violations and/or submit the compliance letter to me by the date listed above may result in an unannounced follow-up visit being conducted to ensure corrections were made. Technical Assistance and Discussion: Ms. Duncan and I discussed all meals that are being served must be reflected on the menu. If what is on the menu is not available to be served you can document, it on the menu prior to serving it to the children. We discussed that all aerosol cans no matter what the content much be stored under lock and key. We discussed today that no staff member can be in the classroom providing care to children until the Shaken Baby and Head Trama Policy has been discussed, reviewed and the staff member has signed that acknowledgement. We discussed today that it is vital that teachers have accurate attendance to reflect the number of children present. When children combine in the morning with other classrooms a procedure needs to be in place that when the children transition back to their original classroom attendance is immediately taken and update to reflect the accurate number of children in the classroom. It was discussed today that when parents bring any medication to the facility, staff need to review the information and medication carefully to ensure all required information is present on the authorization form and that the medication is in the original packaging with the child’s name on the packaging and/or prescription. During today’s visit there was an Intern Marketing Student present in the office. The Intern will be working outside of the facility on marketing for the facility. It was discussed today that the best practices would be for the Intern to have the required paperwork on file in case he is at the facility on a regular basis. Today I requested to see the observations and documentation of staff members in the classroom. This policy was required in stipulation#2 of the Written Warning. Six (6) observations have been completed for May. The facility currently has twelve (12) employees in the classrooms. Thank you for your time today. If you have any questions or I can help you with anything please free to contact me at 704-936-6065, or email me 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
Open Not marked corrected in the state record
Category: supervision. Open / not marked corrected.
10A NCAC 09 .0901 · Violation
Name of Operation: Lightbridge Academy Steele Creek Facility ID: 60004371 Consultant: AMY ITALIANO Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 5/20/2025 Number Present: 39 Completed Date: 5/20/2025 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 200 Time In: 08:55 AM Time Out: 12:15 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Unannounced Visit Follow-Up Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to monitor compliance with applicable child care requirements during a Follow-up Visit. The facility had a compliance history of 87% prior to today's visit. Upon our arrival, I was greeted by Barbara Jean Duncan, the administrator. I explained the purpose for the visit was to verify correction of the violation cited during May 8, 2025, Complaint Follow Up Visit. I conducted a walk-through of the facility. In space #1 six (6) children were present and no children were documented on the attendance sheet. In space #3 two (2) aerosol cans of sunscreen were in a backpack that was hanging on a hook. One (1) child had an inhaler for asthma, however there was no signature on the authorized form. The inhaler was not in the original RX box. In space #6 ten (10) infants were present, eight (8) were marked on the attendance sheet. Preschool children were observed in morning snacks and participating in circle time. Infants were observed playing on the floor and sleeping. Safe Sleep Charts were documented as required. Staff were observed interacting with children and meeting the children’s needs. All groups were adequately supervised and within the Staff/Child ratio. Three (3) new staff have started since my last visit. One (1) violation was observed when reviewing staff files. The menu that was posted only reflected the AM and PM snack. 303 All children were supervised during today’s visit. The above violation is considered corrected and verified as corrected during today’s visit. Six (6) violations were cited and discussed with Ms. Duncan during today’s visit. Violation Number Comment Rule 526 Menus for all meals and snacks were not current or posted where easily seen by parents and cook. The menu that was posted only reflected the AM and PM snack. 10A NCAC 09 .0901(b) 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. In space #3 two (2) aerosol cans of sunscreen were in a backpack that was hanging on a hook. .2820(b) 844 Prescribed medicine was not in original labeled container or accompanied by signed and dated written instructions from prescribing physician or health care professional. The inhaler was not in the original RX box. .0803(2)(a) 847 Parent's medication authorization did not include required information. One (1) child had an inhaler for asthma, however there was no signature on the authorized form. 10A NCAC 09 .0803(4)(6-9) 1301 Center did not maintain a record of daily attendance. In space #1 six (6) children were present and no children were documented on the attendance sheet. In space #6 ten (10) infants were present, eight (8) were marked on the attendance sheet. GS 110-91(9) 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 was in a classroom providing care that did not have a signed acknowledgement of the policy on file. .0608(d)(1-4) Corrective Action The child care providers are expected to maintain compliance with all applicable child care requirements at all times. All violations cited today must be corrected immediately. Ms. Duncan will submit a compliance letter explaining how and when today’s violations were corrected to Amy Italiano, Lead Child Care Consultant on or before June 3, 2025. Failure to correct the violations and/or submit the compliance letter to me by the date listed above may result in an unannounced follow-up visit being conducted to ensure corrections were made. Technical Assistance and Discussion: Ms. Duncan and I discussed all meals that are being served must be reflected on the menu. If what is on the menu is not available to be served you can document, it on the menu prior to serving it to the children. We discussed that all aerosol cans no matter what the content much be stored under lock and key. We discussed today that no staff member can be in the classroom providing care to children until the Shaken Baby and Head Trama Policy has been discussed, reviewed and the staff member has signed that acknowledgement. We discussed today that it is vital that teachers have accurate attendance to reflect the number of children present. When children combine in the morning with other classrooms a procedure needs to be in place that when the children transition back to their original classroom attendance is immediately taken and update to reflect the accurate number of children in the classroom. It was discussed today that when parents bring any medication to the facility, staff need to review the information and medication carefully to ensure all required information is present on the authorization form and that the medication is in the original packaging with the child’s name on the packaging and/or prescription. During today’s visit there was an Intern Marketing Student present in the office. The Intern will be working outside of the facility on marketing for the facility. It was discussed today that the best practices would be for the Intern to have the required paperwork on file in case he is at the facility on a regular basis. Today I requested to see the observations and documentation of staff members in the classroom. This policy was required in stipulation#2 of the Written Warning. Six (6) observations have been completed for May. The facility currently has twelve (12) employees in the classrooms. Thank you for your time today. If you have any questions or I can help you with anything please free to contact me at 704-936-6065, or email me 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: Lightbridge Academy Steele Creek Facility ID: 60004371 Consultant: AMY ITALIANO Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 5/20/2025 Number Present: 39 Completed Date: 5/20/2025 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 200 Time In: 08:55 AM Time Out: 12:15 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Unannounced Visit Follow-Up Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to monitor compliance with applicable child care requirements during a Follow-up Visit. The facility had a compliance history of 87% prior to today's visit. Upon our arrival, I was greeted by Barbara Jean Duncan, the administrator. I explained the purpose for the visit was to verify correction of the violation cited during May 8, 2025, Complaint Follow Up Visit. I conducted a walk-through of the facility. In space #1 six (6) children were present and no children were documented on the attendance sheet. In space #3 two (2) aerosol cans of sunscreen were in a backpack that was hanging on a hook. One (1) child had an inhaler for asthma, however there was no signature on the authorized form. The inhaler was not in the original RX box. In space #6 ten (10) infants were present, eight (8) were marked on the attendance sheet. Preschool children were observed in morning snacks and participating in circle time. Infants were observed playing on the floor and sleeping. Safe Sleep Charts were documented as required. Staff were observed interacting with children and meeting the children’s needs. All groups were adequately supervised and within the Staff/Child ratio. Three (3) new staff have started since my last visit. One (1) violation was observed when reviewing staff files. The menu that was posted only reflected the AM and PM snack. 303 All children were supervised during today’s visit. The above violation is considered corrected and verified as corrected during today’s visit. Six (6) violations were cited and discussed with Ms. Duncan during today’s visit. Violation Number Comment Rule 526 Menus for all meals and snacks were not current or posted where easily seen by parents and cook. The menu that was posted only reflected the AM and PM snack. 10A NCAC 09 .0901(b) 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. In space #3 two (2) aerosol cans of sunscreen were in a backpack that was hanging on a hook. .2820(b) 844 Prescribed medicine was not in original labeled container or accompanied by signed and dated written instructions from prescribing physician or health care professional. The inhaler was not in the original RX box. .0803(2)(a) 847 Parent's medication authorization did not include required information. One (1) child had an inhaler for asthma, however there was no signature on the authorized form. 10A NCAC 09 .0803(4)(6-9) 1301 Center did not maintain a record of daily attendance. In space #1 six (6) children were present and no children were documented on the attendance sheet. In space #6 ten (10) infants were present, eight (8) were marked on the attendance sheet. GS 110-91(9) 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 was in a classroom providing care that did not have a signed acknowledgement of the policy on file. .0608(d)(1-4) Corrective Action The child care providers are expected to maintain compliance with all applicable child care requirements at all times. All violations cited today must be corrected immediately. Ms. Duncan will submit a compliance letter explaining how and when today’s violations were corrected to Amy Italiano, Lead Child Care Consultant on or before June 3, 2025. Failure to correct the violations and/or submit the compliance letter to me by the date listed above may result in an unannounced follow-up visit being conducted to ensure corrections were made. Technical Assistance and Discussion: Ms. Duncan and I discussed all meals that are being served must be reflected on the menu. If what is on the menu is not available to be served you can document, it on the menu prior to serving it to the children. We discussed that all aerosol cans no matter what the content much be stored under lock and key. We discussed today that no staff member can be in the classroom providing care to children until the Shaken Baby and Head Trama Policy has been discussed, reviewed and the staff member has signed that acknowledgement. We discussed today that it is vital that teachers have accurate attendance to reflect the number of children present. When children combine in the morning with other classrooms a procedure needs to be in place that when the children transition back to their original classroom attendance is immediately taken and update to reflect the accurate number of children in the classroom. It was discussed today that when parents bring any medication to the facility, staff need to review the information and medication carefully to ensure all required information is present on the authorization form and that the medication is in the original packaging with the child’s name on the packaging and/or prescription. During today’s visit there was an Intern Marketing Student present in the office. The Intern will be working outside of the facility on marketing for the facility. It was discussed today that the best practices would be for the Intern to have the required paperwork on file in case he is at the facility on a regular basis. Today I requested to see the observations and documentation of staff members in the classroom. This policy was required in stipulation#2 of the Written Warning. Six (6) observations have been completed for May. The facility currently has twelve (12) employees in the classrooms. Thank you for your time today. If you have any questions or I can help you with anything please free to contact me at 704-936-6065, or email me 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 .0713 · Violation
Name of Operation: Lightbridge Academy Steele Creek Facility ID: 60004371 Consultant: AMY ITALIANO Operation Type: Center Case Number: 0425-260L Visit Date: 5/8/2025 Number Present: 36 Completed Date: 5/8/2025 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 145 Time In: 08:05 AM Time Out: 10:30 AM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Complaint Follow-Up Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s Unannounced visit was to monitor compliance with applicable child care requirements during a Complaint Follow-up Visit. The facility had a compliance history of 88% prior to today's visit. Upon our arrival, I was greeted by Barbara Jean Duncan, the administrator. I explained the purpose for the visit was to verify correction of the violation cited during the April 30, 2025, Complaint Visit. I conducted a walk-through of the facility. Infants were observed playing on the floor. In space #1 two (2) children two years of age were sitting at the table finishing a snack. The teacher was around the corner, in the bathroom with the bottom part of half door shut. She was helping three (3) other two-year-old children with handwashing and potty time. She was unable to see and hear the two (2) two-year-old children while they were eating. Preschool children were observed in morning snacks and participating in circle time. In space #1 and #4 April activity plans were posted. In space #9 a March Lesson Plan was posted. Staff were observed interacting with children and meeting the children’s needs. All groups were within the Staff/Child ratio. 301 All groups were within staff/ratio today. 445 All children had appropriate toys and activities provided for them. 501 Meals and snacks served complied with the Meal Patterns for Children in Child Care. 503 Meals brought from home that were missing the required nutrition were provided the necessary supplement by the provider. 528 Food was served that was posted on the menu. The above violations are considered corrected and verified as corrected during today’s visit. One (1) violation was cited and discussed with Ms. Duncan. Violation Number Comment Rule 303 Children were not adequately supervised at all times. In space #1 two (2) children two years of age were sitting at the table finishing a snack. The teacher was around the corner, in the bathroom with the bottom part of half door shut. She was helping three (3) other two-year-old children with handwashing and potty time. She was unable to see and hear the two (2) two-year-old children while they were eating. .1801(a)(1-5) Corrective Action The child care providers are expected to maintain compliance with all applicable child care requirements at all times. A follow-up visit will be conducted in the near future. Failure to correct the violations and/or submit the compliance letter to me by the date listed above may result in an unannounced follow-up visit being conducted to ensure corrections were made. Other discussion: - It was discussed with Ms. Duncan that all teachers need to be able to see and hear children 0-5 when the children are eating. We discussed room arrangement to move the table so that if a teacher is in the bathroom the teacher can position herself to be able to see the children when children are eating and while helping other children wash their hands. - The following rules were reviewed with Ms. Duncan for clarification. - Also discussed today was that this is the facilities second substantiated complaint. An administrative action could be issued to the facility. 10A NCAC 09 .0713 STAFF/CHILD RATIOS FOR CENTERS The staff/child ratios and group sizes for single-age groups of children in centers shall be as follows: (2) children of all ages may be cared for together in groups for the first and last operating hour of the day, provided the staff/child ratio for the youngest child in the group is maintained; 10A NCAC 09 .1801 SUPERVISION IN CHILD CARE CENTERS Children shall be adequately supervised at all times in child care centers. Adequate supervision shall mean that: (1) staff must be positioned in the indoor and outdoor environment to maximize their ability to hear or see the children at all times and render assistance; (2) staff must interact with the children while moving about the indoor or outdoor area; (3) staff must know where each child is located and be aware of the children's activities at all times; (4) staff must provide supervision appropriate to the individual age, needs, and capabilities of each child; and (5) staff must be able to see and hear children aged birth to five years old while the children are eating. Thank you for your time today. If you have any questions or I can help you with anything please free to contact me at 704-936-6065, or email me 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
Open Not marked corrected in the state record
Category: supervision. Open / not marked corrected.
10A NCAC 09 .1801 · Violation
Name of Operation: Lightbridge Academy Steele Creek Facility ID: 60004371 Consultant: AMY ITALIANO Operation Type: Center Case Number: 0425-260L Visit Date: 5/8/2025 Number Present: 36 Completed Date: 5/8/2025 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 145 Time In: 08:05 AM Time Out: 10:30 AM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Complaint Follow-Up Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s Unannounced visit was to monitor compliance with applicable child care requirements during a Complaint Follow-up Visit. The facility had a compliance history of 88% prior to today's visit. Upon our arrival, I was greeted by Barbara Jean Duncan, the administrator. I explained the purpose for the visit was to verify correction of the violation cited during the April 30, 2025, Complaint Visit. I conducted a walk-through of the facility. Infants were observed playing on the floor. In space #1 two (2) children two years of age were sitting at the table finishing a snack. The teacher was around the corner, in the bathroom with the bottom part of half door shut. She was helping three (3) other two-year-old children with handwashing and potty time. She was unable to see and hear the two (2) two-year-old children while they were eating. Preschool children were observed in morning snacks and participating in circle time. In space #1 and #4 April activity plans were posted. In space #9 a March Lesson Plan was posted. Staff were observed interacting with children and meeting the children’s needs. All groups were within the Staff/Child ratio. 301 All groups were within staff/ratio today. 445 All children had appropriate toys and activities provided for them. 501 Meals and snacks served complied with the Meal Patterns for Children in Child Care. 503 Meals brought from home that were missing the required nutrition were provided the necessary supplement by the provider. 528 Food was served that was posted on the menu. The above violations are considered corrected and verified as corrected during today’s visit. One (1) violation was cited and discussed with Ms. Duncan. Violation Number Comment Rule 303 Children were not adequately supervised at all times. In space #1 two (2) children two years of age were sitting at the table finishing a snack. The teacher was around the corner, in the bathroom with the bottom part of half door shut. She was helping three (3) other two-year-old children with handwashing and potty time. She was unable to see and hear the two (2) two-year-old children while they were eating. .1801(a)(1-5) Corrective Action The child care providers are expected to maintain compliance with all applicable child care requirements at all times. A follow-up visit will be conducted in the near future. Failure to correct the violations and/or submit the compliance letter to me by the date listed above may result in an unannounced follow-up visit being conducted to ensure corrections were made. Other discussion: - It was discussed with Ms. Duncan that all teachers need to be able to see and hear children 0-5 when the children are eating. We discussed room arrangement to move the table so that if a teacher is in the bathroom the teacher can position herself to be able to see the children when children are eating and while helping other children wash their hands. - The following rules were reviewed with Ms. Duncan for clarification. - Also discussed today was that this is the facilities second substantiated complaint. An administrative action could be issued to the facility. 10A NCAC 09 .0713 STAFF/CHILD RATIOS FOR CENTERS The staff/child ratios and group sizes for single-age groups of children in centers shall be as follows: (2) children of all ages may be cared for together in groups for the first and last operating hour of the day, provided the staff/child ratio for the youngest child in the group is maintained; 10A NCAC 09 .1801 SUPERVISION IN CHILD CARE CENTERS Children shall be adequately supervised at all times in child care centers. Adequate supervision shall mean that: (1) staff must be positioned in the indoor and outdoor environment to maximize their ability to hear or see the children at all times and render assistance; (2) staff must interact with the children while moving about the indoor or outdoor area; (3) staff must know where each child is located and be aware of the children's activities at all times; (4) staff must provide supervision appropriate to the individual age, needs, and capabilities of each child; and (5) staff must be able to see and hear children aged birth to five years old while the children are eating. Thank you for your time today. If you have any questions or I can help you with anything please free to contact me at 704-936-6065, or email me 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 .0901 · Violation
Name of Operation: Lightbridge Academy Steele Creek Facility ID: 60004371 Consultant: AMY ITALIANO Operation Type: Center Case Number: 0425-260L Visit Date: 4/30/2025 Number Present: 21 Completed Date: 4/30/2025 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 255 Time In: 07:30 AM Time Out: 11:45 AM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Complaint Visit Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today's visit was to investigate allegations of childcare requirements during a complaint visit. The facility has a One-star license issued April 29, 2025. The facility had its last Temp Time Period was December 10, 2024. The facility has a 91% compliance history prior to today’s visit. Upon my arrival I was greeted by Angela Battiatio, Assistant Director. Barbara Jean Duncan, Director, was at another facility today. I observed one (1) child sitting in the office drawing. I asked why the child was in the office, Ms. Battiatio stated that she was waiting on her teacher to arrive. I asked if this was common. Ms. Battiatio stated that yes if a child arrives before the teacher arrives, they will sit in the office. I asked Ms. Battiatio if that happens in the afternoon, she stated that teachers leave at 5:00 and currently they do not have a closer for all the classrooms. Some children do wait in the office for their parents to pick up. The facility opens at 6:30am and closes at 6:30pm. I explained the purpose of today’s visit. I shared the following allegation with Ms. Battiatio. There are concerns that: Staff/child ratio is not being maintained in the mornings. Nutritious meals are not being provided. Meals and snacks do not contain all the required components. Developmentally appropriate activities and materials were not provided in the afternoon. Ms. Battiatio and I did a walk-though of the facility. Infants and toddlers were observed playing on the floor. Preschool children were observed in teacher directed activities and free play. Teachers were observed engaged and nurturing with the children. Based on staff interview, review of attendance records and observation the allegation that staff/child ratio is not being maintained in the mornings is confirmed. Today I observed seven (7) children all 1 year of age, with one (1) staff member. Staff stated that administrators are in the classrooms in the morning and if they receive a child and are out of ratio, they are out of ratio until another teacher, or another administrator arrives. This can be 2 minutes or 10 minutes. It was confirmed that last week one (1) infant teacher had seven (7) infants by herself until an administrator could get to the room to be in staff/child ratio. Based on interviews with the staff the allegation that nutritious meals are not being provided was confirmed. Animal cracks and Cheez-its were not whole grain or enriched. Based on interviewing staff and reviewing the menu, snacks do not contain all the required components was confirmed. Children are served only one component for afternoon snacks. Based on interviews with the staff and observation of my arrival, the allegation that developmentally appropriate activities and materials were not provided in the afternoon was confirmed. Children sit in the office in the morning before their teacher arrives and, in the afternoon when a classroom does not have a teacher to close the room. Five (5) violations were cited and discussed with Ms. Battiatio during today’s visit. Violation Number Comment Rule 301 Minimum staff/child ratios and group sizes for the number and ages of children in care were not met.Today I observed seven (7) children all 1 year of age, with one (1) staff member. Staff stated that administrators are in the classrooms in the morning and if they receive a child and are out of ratio, they are out of ratio until another teacher, or another administrator arrives. This can be 2 minutes or 10 minutes. It was confirmed that last week one (1) infant teacher had seven (7) infants by herself until an administrator could get to the room to be in staff/child ratio. GS 110-91(7);.0713(a-d) 445 For children under three years of age, developmentally appropriate toys and activities were not provided as outlined in Rule. I observed one (1) child sitting in the office drawing. I asked why the child was in the office, Ms. Battiatio stated that she was waiting on her teacher to arrive. I asked if this was common. Ms. Battiatio stated that yes if a child arrives before the teacher arrives, they will sit in the office. I asked Ms. Battiatio if that happens in the afternoon, she stated that teachers leave at 5:00 and currently they do not have a closer for all the classrooms. Some children do wait in the office for their parents to pick up. .0510 (e ) (1)(A-G) 501 Meals/snacks did not comply with the Meal Patterns for Children in Child Care Programs. Based on interviewing staff and reviewing the menu, snacks do not contain all the required components was confirmed. Children are served only one component for afternoon snacks. 10A NCAC 09 .0901(a) 503 Food brought from home, did not meet the nutritional requirements and necessary supplements were not provided by center. Based on staff interview when children bring lunch from home and did not meet the nutritional requirements, necessary supplements were not provided by the center. 10A NCAC 09 .0901(c) 528 Food substitution was not of comparable food value or recorded on the menu prior to the meal or snack being served. Today children were observed eating English muffins with jelly and milk for morning snack. The menu listed cereal and fruit would be served as morning snack. 10A NCAC 09 .0901(b) Corrective Action The child care providers are expected to maintain compliance with all applicable child care requirements at all times. A follow-up visit will be conducted in the near future. Failure to correct the violations and/or submit the compliance letter to me by the date listed above may result in an unannounced follow-up visit being conducted to ensure corrections were made. Technical Assistance: - It was discussed today that Staff/Child ratio must be maintained at all times. There is no window of time to “get into ratio” If a classroom is at max ratio and another parent brings their child to the classroom, the teacher needs to ask the parent to go to the office because the staff is a max ratio, or the teacher needs to call for another staff member to come to the classroom before the child can accepted into the classroom. - It was discussed today that the facility is struggling to have staff coverage for the day. Staff are not showing up to work on time or are not showing up at all. We discussed that the facility might need to change staff hours, write staff members up or even terminate staff. I suggest continually advertising for staff and interviewing, even if all positions are covered. It is better to be overstaff than understaffed, especially if staff members are not showing up for work. We discussed the importance of having coverage for the entire day. Children need to go directly to a classroom when they drop off in the morning and they need to be in a classroom with they are picked up in the afternoon. All children need to have developmental activities and materials available throughout the day. They cannot be sitting in the office until a teacher or parent arrives. A child should only be waiting in the office for a parent to pick up if the child is injured or sick. - During today’s visit the director, Barbara Jean Duncan, was not on cite. I had Ms. Battiatio call Ms. Duncan during the visit. It was shared that Ms. Duncan has been transitioning to Regional Manager and helping at other Lightbridge Locations. I discussed with Ms. Duncan today that she is listed as the administrator of this facility and the capacity for this facility is for 194 children. She is required to be on site for 30 hours a week. We discussed that this facility currently has Administrative Action and with violations cited today these violations could impact this Action or the facility could receive an additional Action. We discussed that this facility is struggling with staff showing up to work on time and maintaining staff/child ratio. I explained that is imperative that she is here to offer guidance and support to the staff for the program to be successful. - Ms. Battiatio and I reviewed the Meal Pattersons for Children in Child Care Programs. We discussed that any grain that is served must be enriched or whole grains and what components need to serve at each meal and snack. If a parent packs a lunch for their child, any component missing from the child’s lunch must give to the child by the facility. Written Warning Stipulation: - Based on today's visit the facility is not meeting stipulation #1 of the Written Warning. I requested the Observation and Documentation of staff members observation required in Stipulation #2 of the Written Warning. Only two(2) of the eight (8) staff members had been observed and documentation of the observation was on file. Ms. Battiatio that administration has been in classrooms and have not bee able to complete the observations. The following rules were shared and discussed with Ms. Battiatio. 10A NCAC 09 .0713 STAFF/CHILD RATIOS FOR CENTERS (a) The staff/child ratios and group sizes for single-age groups of children in centers shall be as follows: (1) when combining age groups, the staff/child ratio for the youngest child in the group shall be maintained for the entire group; (2) children of all ages may be cared for together in groups for the first and last operating hour of the day, provided the staff/child ratio for the youngest child in the group is maintained; 10A NCAC 09 .0901 GENERAL NUTRITION REQUIREMENTS (a) Meals and snacks served to children in a child care center shall comply with the Meal Patterns for Children in Child Care Programs from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) which are based on the recommended nutrient intake judged by the National Research Council to be adequate for maintaining good nutrition. The types of food, number and size of servings shall be appropriate for the ages and developmental levels of the children in care. The Meal Patterns for Children in Child Care Programs are incorporated by reference and include subsequent amendments. A copy of the Meal Patterns for Children in Child Care Programs is available online at https://www.fns.usda.gov/cacfp/meals-and-snacks. Effective January 1, 2024 34 (b) When food is prepared by or provided by the center, menus for nutritious meals and snacks shall be planned at least one week in advance. At least one dated copy of the current week's menu shall be posted where it can be seen by parents and food preparation staff when food is prepared or provided by the center. A variety of food shall be included in meals and snacks. Any substitution shall be of comparable food value and shall be recorded on the menu prior to the meal or snack being served. (c) When children bring their own food for meals or snacks to the center, if the food does not meet the nutritional requirements specified in Paragraph (a) of this Rule, the center must provide additional food necessary to meet those requirements. (d) A child's parent may opt out of the supplemental food provided by the center as set forth in G.S. 110-91(2)h.1. When a child's parent opts out of the supplemental food provided by the center, the parent shall sign a statement acknowledging the parental decision shall be kept in the child's file at the center and a copy provided to the parent. A child's parent may opt out of the supplemental food provided by the center, subject to the following: (1) the center shall not provide any food or drink so long as the child's parent or guardian provides all meals, snacks, and drinks scheduled to be served at the center's designated times; (2) the ability to opt out of specific meals or days based on menu options is not available; (3) if a child requests specific foods being served to other children, but the parent has opted out, the center shall not serve supplemental food; and (4) if the child's parent or guardian has opted out, but does not provide all meals and snacks for the child, the center shall replace the missing meal or snack as if the child's parent or guardian had not opted out of the supplemental food program. 10A NCAC 09 .0510 ACTIVITY AREAS e) When children under three years old are in care the following apply: (1) each center shall have developmentally appropriate toys and activities for each child to promote the child's emotional and social development, health and physical development, approaches to play and learning, language development, and communication and cognitive development, including: (A) books; (B) blocks; (C) dolls; (D) pretend play materials; (E) musical toys; (F) sensory toys; and (G) fine motor toys; (2) materials shall be kept in a space where related equipment and materials are kept in accordance with G.S. 110-91(12) and shall be made available to the children on a daily basis; (3) materials shall be offered in sufficient quantity to allow all children to use them at some time during the day and to allow for a range of choices, (4) on a daily basis caregivers shall provide developmentally appropriate activities that support health and physical development. An open area that allows freedom of movement shall be available, both indoors and outdoors, for infants and for toddlers; (5) hands-on experiences, including both familiar and new activities, shall be provided to enable the infant or toddler to learn about himself and the world both indoors and outdoors; and (6) each child under the age of 12 months shall be given supervised tummy time positioned on his or her stomach while awake and alert each day. Thank you for your time today. If you have any questions or I can help you with anything please free to contact me at 704-936-6065, or email me 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
Open Not marked corrected in the state record
Category: supervision. Open / not marked corrected.
10A NCAC 09 .0510 · Violation
Name of Operation: Lightbridge Academy Steele Creek Facility ID: 60004371 Consultant: AMY ITALIANO Operation Type: Center Case Number: 0425-260L Visit Date: 4/30/2025 Number Present: 21 Completed Date: 4/30/2025 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 255 Time In: 07:30 AM Time Out: 11:45 AM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Complaint Visit Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today's visit was to investigate allegations of childcare requirements during a complaint visit. The facility has a One-star license issued April 29, 2025. The facility had its last Temp Time Period was December 10, 2024. The facility has a 91% compliance history prior to today’s visit. Upon my arrival I was greeted by Angela Battiatio, Assistant Director. Barbara Jean Duncan, Director, was at another facility today. I observed one (1) child sitting in the office drawing. I asked why the child was in the office, Ms. Battiatio stated that she was waiting on her teacher to arrive. I asked if this was common. Ms. Battiatio stated that yes if a child arrives before the teacher arrives, they will sit in the office. I asked Ms. Battiatio if that happens in the afternoon, she stated that teachers leave at 5:00 and currently they do not have a closer for all the classrooms. Some children do wait in the office for their parents to pick up. The facility opens at 6:30am and closes at 6:30pm. I explained the purpose of today’s visit. I shared the following allegation with Ms. Battiatio. There are concerns that: Staff/child ratio is not being maintained in the mornings. Nutritious meals are not being provided. Meals and snacks do not contain all the required components. Developmentally appropriate activities and materials were not provided in the afternoon. Ms. Battiatio and I did a walk-though of the facility. Infants and toddlers were observed playing on the floor. Preschool children were observed in teacher directed activities and free play. Teachers were observed engaged and nurturing with the children. Based on staff interview, review of attendance records and observation the allegation that staff/child ratio is not being maintained in the mornings is confirmed. Today I observed seven (7) children all 1 year of age, with one (1) staff member. Staff stated that administrators are in the classrooms in the morning and if they receive a child and are out of ratio, they are out of ratio until another teacher, or another administrator arrives. This can be 2 minutes or 10 minutes. It was confirmed that last week one (1) infant teacher had seven (7) infants by herself until an administrator could get to the room to be in staff/child ratio. Based on interviews with the staff the allegation that nutritious meals are not being provided was confirmed. Animal cracks and Cheez-its were not whole grain or enriched. Based on interviewing staff and reviewing the menu, snacks do not contain all the required components was confirmed. Children are served only one component for afternoon snacks. Based on interviews with the staff and observation of my arrival, the allegation that developmentally appropriate activities and materials were not provided in the afternoon was confirmed. Children sit in the office in the morning before their teacher arrives and, in the afternoon when a classroom does not have a teacher to close the room. Five (5) violations were cited and discussed with Ms. Battiatio during today’s visit. Violation Number Comment Rule 301 Minimum staff/child ratios and group sizes for the number and ages of children in care were not met.Today I observed seven (7) children all 1 year of age, with one (1) staff member. Staff stated that administrators are in the classrooms in the morning and if they receive a child and are out of ratio, they are out of ratio until another teacher, or another administrator arrives. This can be 2 minutes or 10 minutes. It was confirmed that last week one (1) infant teacher had seven (7) infants by herself until an administrator could get to the room to be in staff/child ratio. GS 110-91(7);.0713(a-d) 445 For children under three years of age, developmentally appropriate toys and activities were not provided as outlined in Rule. I observed one (1) child sitting in the office drawing. I asked why the child was in the office, Ms. Battiatio stated that she was waiting on her teacher to arrive. I asked if this was common. Ms. Battiatio stated that yes if a child arrives before the teacher arrives, they will sit in the office. I asked Ms. Battiatio if that happens in the afternoon, she stated that teachers leave at 5:00 and currently they do not have a closer for all the classrooms. Some children do wait in the office for their parents to pick up. .0510 (e ) (1)(A-G) 501 Meals/snacks did not comply with the Meal Patterns for Children in Child Care Programs. Based on interviewing staff and reviewing the menu, snacks do not contain all the required components was confirmed. Children are served only one component for afternoon snacks. 10A NCAC 09 .0901(a) 503 Food brought from home, did not meet the nutritional requirements and necessary supplements were not provided by center. Based on staff interview when children bring lunch from home and did not meet the nutritional requirements, necessary supplements were not provided by the center. 10A NCAC 09 .0901(c) 528 Food substitution was not of comparable food value or recorded on the menu prior to the meal or snack being served. Today children were observed eating English muffins with jelly and milk for morning snack. The menu listed cereal and fruit would be served as morning snack. 10A NCAC 09 .0901(b) Corrective Action The child care providers are expected to maintain compliance with all applicable child care requirements at all times. A follow-up visit will be conducted in the near future. Failure to correct the violations and/or submit the compliance letter to me by the date listed above may result in an unannounced follow-up visit being conducted to ensure corrections were made. Technical Assistance: - It was discussed today that Staff/Child ratio must be maintained at all times. There is no window of time to “get into ratio” If a classroom is at max ratio and another parent brings their child to the classroom, the teacher needs to ask the parent to go to the office because the staff is a max ratio, or the teacher needs to call for another staff member to come to the classroom before the child can accepted into the classroom. - It was discussed today that the facility is struggling to have staff coverage for the day. Staff are not showing up to work on time or are not showing up at all. We discussed that the facility might need to change staff hours, write staff members up or even terminate staff. I suggest continually advertising for staff and interviewing, even if all positions are covered. It is better to be overstaff than understaffed, especially if staff members are not showing up for work. We discussed the importance of having coverage for the entire day. Children need to go directly to a classroom when they drop off in the morning and they need to be in a classroom with they are picked up in the afternoon. All children need to have developmental activities and materials available throughout the day. They cannot be sitting in the office until a teacher or parent arrives. A child should only be waiting in the office for a parent to pick up if the child is injured or sick. - During today’s visit the director, Barbara Jean Duncan, was not on cite. I had Ms. Battiatio call Ms. Duncan during the visit. It was shared that Ms. Duncan has been transitioning to Regional Manager and helping at other Lightbridge Locations. I discussed with Ms. Duncan today that she is listed as the administrator of this facility and the capacity for this facility is for 194 children. She is required to be on site for 30 hours a week. We discussed that this facility currently has Administrative Action and with violations cited today these violations could impact this Action or the facility could receive an additional Action. We discussed that this facility is struggling with staff showing up to work on time and maintaining staff/child ratio. I explained that is imperative that she is here to offer guidance and support to the staff for the program to be successful. - Ms. Battiatio and I reviewed the Meal Pattersons for Children in Child Care Programs. We discussed that any grain that is served must be enriched or whole grains and what components need to serve at each meal and snack. If a parent packs a lunch for their child, any component missing from the child’s lunch must give to the child by the facility. Written Warning Stipulation: - Based on today's visit the facility is not meeting stipulation #1 of the Written Warning. I requested the Observation and Documentation of staff members observation required in Stipulation #2 of the Written Warning. Only two(2) of the eight (8) staff members had been observed and documentation of the observation was on file. Ms. Battiatio that administration has been in classrooms and have not bee able to complete the observations. The following rules were shared and discussed with Ms. Battiatio. 10A NCAC 09 .0713 STAFF/CHILD RATIOS FOR CENTERS (a) The staff/child ratios and group sizes for single-age groups of children in centers shall be as follows: (1) when combining age groups, the staff/child ratio for the youngest child in the group shall be maintained for the entire group; (2) children of all ages may be cared for together in groups for the first and last operating hour of the day, provided the staff/child ratio for the youngest child in the group is maintained; 10A NCAC 09 .0901 GENERAL NUTRITION REQUIREMENTS (a) Meals and snacks served to children in a child care center shall comply with the Meal Patterns for Children in Child Care Programs from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) which are based on the recommended nutrient intake judged by the National Research Council to be adequate for maintaining good nutrition. The types of food, number and size of servings shall be appropriate for the ages and developmental levels of the children in care. The Meal Patterns for Children in Child Care Programs are incorporated by reference and include subsequent amendments. A copy of the Meal Patterns for Children in Child Care Programs is available online at https://www.fns.usda.gov/cacfp/meals-and-snacks. Effective January 1, 2024 34 (b) When food is prepared by or provided by the center, menus for nutritious meals and snacks shall be planned at least one week in advance. At least one dated copy of the current week's menu shall be posted where it can be seen by parents and food preparation staff when food is prepared or provided by the center. A variety of food shall be included in meals and snacks. Any substitution shall be of comparable food value and shall be recorded on the menu prior to the meal or snack being served. (c) When children bring their own food for meals or snacks to the center, if the food does not meet the nutritional requirements specified in Paragraph (a) of this Rule, the center must provide additional food necessary to meet those requirements. (d) A child's parent may opt out of the supplemental food provided by the center as set forth in G.S. 110-91(2)h.1. When a child's parent opts out of the supplemental food provided by the center, the parent shall sign a statement acknowledging the parental decision shall be kept in the child's file at the center and a copy provided to the parent. A child's parent may opt out of the supplemental food provided by the center, subject to the following: (1) the center shall not provide any food or drink so long as the child's parent or guardian provides all meals, snacks, and drinks scheduled to be served at the center's designated times; (2) the ability to opt out of specific meals or days based on menu options is not available; (3) if a child requests specific foods being served to other children, but the parent has opted out, the center shall not serve supplemental food; and (4) if the child's parent or guardian has opted out, but does not provide all meals and snacks for the child, the center shall replace the missing meal or snack as if the child's parent or guardian had not opted out of the supplemental food program. 10A NCAC 09 .0510 ACTIVITY AREAS e) When children under three years old are in care the following apply: (1) each center shall have developmentally appropriate toys and activities for each child to promote the child's emotional and social development, health and physical development, approaches to play and learning, language development, and communication and cognitive development, including: (A) books; (B) blocks; (C) dolls; (D) pretend play materials; (E) musical toys; (F) sensory toys; and (G) fine motor toys; (2) materials shall be kept in a space where related equipment and materials are kept in accordance with G.S. 110-91(12) and shall be made available to the children on a daily basis; (3) materials shall be offered in sufficient quantity to allow all children to use them at some time during the day and to allow for a range of choices, (4) on a daily basis caregivers shall provide developmentally appropriate activities that support health and physical development. An open area that allows freedom of movement shall be available, both indoors and outdoors, for infants and for toddlers; (5) hands-on experiences, including both familiar and new activities, shall be provided to enable the infant or toddler to learn about himself and the world both indoors and outdoors; and (6) each child under the age of 12 months shall be given supervised tummy time positioned on his or her stomach while awake and alert each day. Thank you for your time today. If you have any questions or I can help you with anything please free to contact me at 704-936-6065, or email me 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 .0713 · Violation
Name of Operation: Lightbridge Academy Steele Creek Facility ID: 60004371 Consultant: AMY ITALIANO Operation Type: Center Case Number: 0425-260L Visit Date: 4/30/2025 Number Present: 21 Completed Date: 4/30/2025 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 255 Time In: 07:30 AM Time Out: 11:45 AM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Complaint Visit Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today's visit was to investigate allegations of childcare requirements during a complaint visit. The facility has a One-star license issued April 29, 2025. The facility had its last Temp Time Period was December 10, 2024. The facility has a 91% compliance history prior to today’s visit. Upon my arrival I was greeted by Angela Battiatio, Assistant Director. Barbara Jean Duncan, Director, was at another facility today. I observed one (1) child sitting in the office drawing. I asked why the child was in the office, Ms. Battiatio stated that she was waiting on her teacher to arrive. I asked if this was common. Ms. Battiatio stated that yes if a child arrives before the teacher arrives, they will sit in the office. I asked Ms. Battiatio if that happens in the afternoon, she stated that teachers leave at 5:00 and currently they do not have a closer for all the classrooms. Some children do wait in the office for their parents to pick up. The facility opens at 6:30am and closes at 6:30pm. I explained the purpose of today’s visit. I shared the following allegation with Ms. Battiatio. There are concerns that: Staff/child ratio is not being maintained in the mornings. Nutritious meals are not being provided. Meals and snacks do not contain all the required components. Developmentally appropriate activities and materials were not provided in the afternoon. Ms. Battiatio and I did a walk-though of the facility. Infants and toddlers were observed playing on the floor. Preschool children were observed in teacher directed activities and free play. Teachers were observed engaged and nurturing with the children. Based on staff interview, review of attendance records and observation the allegation that staff/child ratio is not being maintained in the mornings is confirmed. Today I observed seven (7) children all 1 year of age, with one (1) staff member. Staff stated that administrators are in the classrooms in the morning and if they receive a child and are out of ratio, they are out of ratio until another teacher, or another administrator arrives. This can be 2 minutes or 10 minutes. It was confirmed that last week one (1) infant teacher had seven (7) infants by herself until an administrator could get to the room to be in staff/child ratio. Based on interviews with the staff the allegation that nutritious meals are not being provided was confirmed. Animal cracks and Cheez-its were not whole grain or enriched. Based on interviewing staff and reviewing the menu, snacks do not contain all the required components was confirmed. Children are served only one component for afternoon snacks. Based on interviews with the staff and observation of my arrival, the allegation that developmentally appropriate activities and materials were not provided in the afternoon was confirmed. Children sit in the office in the morning before their teacher arrives and, in the afternoon when a classroom does not have a teacher to close the room. Five (5) violations were cited and discussed with Ms. Battiatio during today’s visit. Violation Number Comment Rule 301 Minimum staff/child ratios and group sizes for the number and ages of children in care were not met.Today I observed seven (7) children all 1 year of age, with one (1) staff member. Staff stated that administrators are in the classrooms in the morning and if they receive a child and are out of ratio, they are out of ratio until another teacher, or another administrator arrives. This can be 2 minutes or 10 minutes. It was confirmed that last week one (1) infant teacher had seven (7) infants by herself until an administrator could get to the room to be in staff/child ratio. GS 110-91(7);.0713(a-d) 445 For children under three years of age, developmentally appropriate toys and activities were not provided as outlined in Rule. I observed one (1) child sitting in the office drawing. I asked why the child was in the office, Ms. Battiatio stated that she was waiting on her teacher to arrive. I asked if this was common. Ms. Battiatio stated that yes if a child arrives before the teacher arrives, they will sit in the office. I asked Ms. Battiatio if that happens in the afternoon, she stated that teachers leave at 5:00 and currently they do not have a closer for all the classrooms. Some children do wait in the office for their parents to pick up. .0510 (e ) (1)(A-G) 501 Meals/snacks did not comply with the Meal Patterns for Children in Child Care Programs. Based on interviewing staff and reviewing the menu, snacks do not contain all the required components was confirmed. Children are served only one component for afternoon snacks. 10A NCAC 09 .0901(a) 503 Food brought from home, did not meet the nutritional requirements and necessary supplements were not provided by center. Based on staff interview when children bring lunch from home and did not meet the nutritional requirements, necessary supplements were not provided by the center. 10A NCAC 09 .0901(c) 528 Food substitution was not of comparable food value or recorded on the menu prior to the meal or snack being served. Today children were observed eating English muffins with jelly and milk for morning snack. The menu listed cereal and fruit would be served as morning snack. 10A NCAC 09 .0901(b) Corrective Action The child care providers are expected to maintain compliance with all applicable child care requirements at all times. A follow-up visit will be conducted in the near future. Failure to correct the violations and/or submit the compliance letter to me by the date listed above may result in an unannounced follow-up visit being conducted to ensure corrections were made. Technical Assistance: - It was discussed today that Staff/Child ratio must be maintained at all times. There is no window of time to “get into ratio” If a classroom is at max ratio and another parent brings their child to the classroom, the teacher needs to ask the parent to go to the office because the staff is a max ratio, or the teacher needs to call for another staff member to come to the classroom before the child can accepted into the classroom. - It was discussed today that the facility is struggling to have staff coverage for the day. Staff are not showing up to work on time or are not showing up at all. We discussed that the facility might need to change staff hours, write staff members up or even terminate staff. I suggest continually advertising for staff and interviewing, even if all positions are covered. It is better to be overstaff than understaffed, especially if staff members are not showing up for work. We discussed the importance of having coverage for the entire day. Children need to go directly to a classroom when they drop off in the morning and they need to be in a classroom with they are picked up in the afternoon. All children need to have developmental activities and materials available throughout the day. They cannot be sitting in the office until a teacher or parent arrives. A child should only be waiting in the office for a parent to pick up if the child is injured or sick. - During today’s visit the director, Barbara Jean Duncan, was not on cite. I had Ms. Battiatio call Ms. Duncan during the visit. It was shared that Ms. Duncan has been transitioning to Regional Manager and helping at other Lightbridge Locations. I discussed with Ms. Duncan today that she is listed as the administrator of this facility and the capacity for this facility is for 194 children. She is required to be on site for 30 hours a week. We discussed that this facility currently has Administrative Action and with violations cited today these violations could impact this Action or the facility could receive an additional Action. We discussed that this facility is struggling with staff showing up to work on time and maintaining staff/child ratio. I explained that is imperative that she is here to offer guidance and support to the staff for the program to be successful. - Ms. Battiatio and I reviewed the Meal Pattersons for Children in Child Care Programs. We discussed that any grain that is served must be enriched or whole grains and what components need to serve at each meal and snack. If a parent packs a lunch for their child, any component missing from the child’s lunch must give to the child by the facility. Written Warning Stipulation: - Based on today's visit the facility is not meeting stipulation #1 of the Written Warning. I requested the Observation and Documentation of staff members observation required in Stipulation #2 of the Written Warning. Only two(2) of the eight (8) staff members had been observed and documentation of the observation was on file. Ms. Battiatio that administration has been in classrooms and have not bee able to complete the observations. The following rules were shared and discussed with Ms. Battiatio. 10A NCAC 09 .0713 STAFF/CHILD RATIOS FOR CENTERS (a) The staff/child ratios and group sizes for single-age groups of children in centers shall be as follows: (1) when combining age groups, the staff/child ratio for the youngest child in the group shall be maintained for the entire group; (2) children of all ages may be cared for together in groups for the first and last operating hour of the day, provided the staff/child ratio for the youngest child in the group is maintained; 10A NCAC 09 .0901 GENERAL NUTRITION REQUIREMENTS (a) Meals and snacks served to children in a child care center shall comply with the Meal Patterns for Children in Child Care Programs from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) which are based on the recommended nutrient intake judged by the National Research Council to be adequate for maintaining good nutrition. The types of food, number and size of servings shall be appropriate for the ages and developmental levels of the children in care. The Meal Patterns for Children in Child Care Programs are incorporated by reference and include subsequent amendments. A copy of the Meal Patterns for Children in Child Care Programs is available online at https://www.fns.usda.gov/cacfp/meals-and-snacks. Effective January 1, 2024 34 (b) When food is prepared by or provided by the center, menus for nutritious meals and snacks shall be planned at least one week in advance. At least one dated copy of the current week's menu shall be posted where it can be seen by parents and food preparation staff when food is prepared or provided by the center. A variety of food shall be included in meals and snacks. Any substitution shall be of comparable food value and shall be recorded on the menu prior to the meal or snack being served. (c) When children bring their own food for meals or snacks to the center, if the food does not meet the nutritional requirements specified in Paragraph (a) of this Rule, the center must provide additional food necessary to meet those requirements. (d) A child's parent may opt out of the supplemental food provided by the center as set forth in G.S. 110-91(2)h.1. When a child's parent opts out of the supplemental food provided by the center, the parent shall sign a statement acknowledging the parental decision shall be kept in the child's file at the center and a copy provided to the parent. A child's parent may opt out of the supplemental food provided by the center, subject to the following: (1) the center shall not provide any food or drink so long as the child's parent or guardian provides all meals, snacks, and drinks scheduled to be served at the center's designated times; (2) the ability to opt out of specific meals or days based on menu options is not available; (3) if a child requests specific foods being served to other children, but the parent has opted out, the center shall not serve supplemental food; and (4) if the child's parent or guardian has opted out, but does not provide all meals and snacks for the child, the center shall replace the missing meal or snack as if the child's parent or guardian had not opted out of the supplemental food program. 10A NCAC 09 .0510 ACTIVITY AREAS e) When children under three years old are in care the following apply: (1) each center shall have developmentally appropriate toys and activities for each child to promote the child's emotional and social development, health and physical development, approaches to play and learning, language development, and communication and cognitive development, including: (A) books; (B) blocks; (C) dolls; (D) pretend play materials; (E) musical toys; (F) sensory toys; and (G) fine motor toys; (2) materials shall be kept in a space where related equipment and materials are kept in accordance with G.S. 110-91(12) and shall be made available to the children on a daily basis; (3) materials shall be offered in sufficient quantity to allow all children to use them at some time during the day and to allow for a range of choices, (4) on a daily basis caregivers shall provide developmentally appropriate activities that support health and physical development. An open area that allows freedom of movement shall be available, both indoors and outdoors, for infants and for toddlers; (5) hands-on experiences, including both familiar and new activities, shall be provided to enable the infant or toddler to learn about himself and the world both indoors and outdoors; and (6) each child under the age of 12 months shall be given supervised tummy time positioned on his or her stomach while awake and alert each day. Thank you for your time today. If you have any questions or I can help you with anything please free to contact me at 704-936-6065, or email me 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 .0901 · Violation
Name of Operation: Lightbridge Academy Steele Creek Facility ID: 60004371 Consultant: AMY ITALIANO Operation Type: Center Case Number: 0425-260L Visit Date: 4/30/2025 Number Present: 21 Completed Date: 4/30/2025 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 255 Time In: 07:30 AM Time Out: 11:45 AM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Complaint Visit Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today's visit was to investigate allegations of childcare requirements during a complaint visit. The facility has a One-star license issued April 29, 2025. The facility had its last Temp Time Period was December 10, 2024. The facility has a 91% compliance history prior to today’s visit. Upon my arrival I was greeted by Angela Battiatio, Assistant Director. Barbara Jean Duncan, Director, was at another facility today. I observed one (1) child sitting in the office drawing. I asked why the child was in the office, Ms. Battiatio stated that she was waiting on her teacher to arrive. I asked if this was common. Ms. Battiatio stated that yes if a child arrives before the teacher arrives, they will sit in the office. I asked Ms. Battiatio if that happens in the afternoon, she stated that teachers leave at 5:00 and currently they do not have a closer for all the classrooms. Some children do wait in the office for their parents to pick up. The facility opens at 6:30am and closes at 6:30pm. I explained the purpose of today’s visit. I shared the following allegation with Ms. Battiatio. There are concerns that: Staff/child ratio is not being maintained in the mornings. Nutritious meals are not being provided. Meals and snacks do not contain all the required components. Developmentally appropriate activities and materials were not provided in the afternoon. Ms. Battiatio and I did a walk-though of the facility. Infants and toddlers were observed playing on the floor. Preschool children were observed in teacher directed activities and free play. Teachers were observed engaged and nurturing with the children. Based on staff interview, review of attendance records and observation the allegation that staff/child ratio is not being maintained in the mornings is confirmed. Today I observed seven (7) children all 1 year of age, with one (1) staff member. Staff stated that administrators are in the classrooms in the morning and if they receive a child and are out of ratio, they are out of ratio until another teacher, or another administrator arrives. This can be 2 minutes or 10 minutes. It was confirmed that last week one (1) infant teacher had seven (7) infants by herself until an administrator could get to the room to be in staff/child ratio. Based on interviews with the staff the allegation that nutritious meals are not being provided was confirmed. Animal cracks and Cheez-its were not whole grain or enriched. Based on interviewing staff and reviewing the menu, snacks do not contain all the required components was confirmed. Children are served only one component for afternoon snacks. Based on interviews with the staff and observation of my arrival, the allegation that developmentally appropriate activities and materials were not provided in the afternoon was confirmed. Children sit in the office in the morning before their teacher arrives and, in the afternoon when a classroom does not have a teacher to close the room. Five (5) violations were cited and discussed with Ms. Battiatio during today’s visit. Violation Number Comment Rule 301 Minimum staff/child ratios and group sizes for the number and ages of children in care were not met.Today I observed seven (7) children all 1 year of age, with one (1) staff member. Staff stated that administrators are in the classrooms in the morning and if they receive a child and are out of ratio, they are out of ratio until another teacher, or another administrator arrives. This can be 2 minutes or 10 minutes. It was confirmed that last week one (1) infant teacher had seven (7) infants by herself until an administrator could get to the room to be in staff/child ratio. GS 110-91(7);.0713(a-d) 445 For children under three years of age, developmentally appropriate toys and activities were not provided as outlined in Rule. I observed one (1) child sitting in the office drawing. I asked why the child was in the office, Ms. Battiatio stated that she was waiting on her teacher to arrive. I asked if this was common. Ms. Battiatio stated that yes if a child arrives before the teacher arrives, they will sit in the office. I asked Ms. Battiatio if that happens in the afternoon, she stated that teachers leave at 5:00 and currently they do not have a closer for all the classrooms. Some children do wait in the office for their parents to pick up. .0510 (e ) (1)(A-G) 501 Meals/snacks did not comply with the Meal Patterns for Children in Child Care Programs. Based on interviewing staff and reviewing the menu, snacks do not contain all the required components was confirmed. Children are served only one component for afternoon snacks. 10A NCAC 09 .0901(a) 503 Food brought from home, did not meet the nutritional requirements and necessary supplements were not provided by center. Based on staff interview when children bring lunch from home and did not meet the nutritional requirements, necessary supplements were not provided by the center. 10A NCAC 09 .0901(c) 528 Food substitution was not of comparable food value or recorded on the menu prior to the meal or snack being served. Today children were observed eating English muffins with jelly and milk for morning snack. The menu listed cereal and fruit would be served as morning snack. 10A NCAC 09 .0901(b) Corrective Action The child care providers are expected to maintain compliance with all applicable child care requirements at all times. A follow-up visit will be conducted in the near future. Failure to correct the violations and/or submit the compliance letter to me by the date listed above may result in an unannounced follow-up visit being conducted to ensure corrections were made. Technical Assistance: - It was discussed today that Staff/Child ratio must be maintained at all times. There is no window of time to “get into ratio” If a classroom is at max ratio and another parent brings their child to the classroom, the teacher needs to ask the parent to go to the office because the staff is a max ratio, or the teacher needs to call for another staff member to come to the classroom before the child can accepted into the classroom. - It was discussed today that the facility is struggling to have staff coverage for the day. Staff are not showing up to work on time or are not showing up at all. We discussed that the facility might need to change staff hours, write staff members up or even terminate staff. I suggest continually advertising for staff and interviewing, even if all positions are covered. It is better to be overstaff than understaffed, especially if staff members are not showing up for work. We discussed the importance of having coverage for the entire day. Children need to go directly to a classroom when they drop off in the morning and they need to be in a classroom with they are picked up in the afternoon. All children need to have developmental activities and materials available throughout the day. They cannot be sitting in the office until a teacher or parent arrives. A child should only be waiting in the office for a parent to pick up if the child is injured or sick. - During today’s visit the director, Barbara Jean Duncan, was not on cite. I had Ms. Battiatio call Ms. Duncan during the visit. It was shared that Ms. Duncan has been transitioning to Regional Manager and helping at other Lightbridge Locations. I discussed with Ms. Duncan today that she is listed as the administrator of this facility and the capacity for this facility is for 194 children. She is required to be on site for 30 hours a week. We discussed that this facility currently has Administrative Action and with violations cited today these violations could impact this Action or the facility could receive an additional Action. We discussed that this facility is struggling with staff showing up to work on time and maintaining staff/child ratio. I explained that is imperative that she is here to offer guidance and support to the staff for the program to be successful. - Ms. Battiatio and I reviewed the Meal Pattersons for Children in Child Care Programs. We discussed that any grain that is served must be enriched or whole grains and what components need to serve at each meal and snack. If a parent packs a lunch for their child, any component missing from the child’s lunch must give to the child by the facility. Written Warning Stipulation: - Based on today's visit the facility is not meeting stipulation #1 of the Written Warning. I requested the Observation and Documentation of staff members observation required in Stipulation #2 of the Written Warning. Only two(2) of the eight (8) staff members had been observed and documentation of the observation was on file. Ms. Battiatio that administration has been in classrooms and have not bee able to complete the observations. The following rules were shared and discussed with Ms. Battiatio. 10A NCAC 09 .0713 STAFF/CHILD RATIOS FOR CENTERS (a) The staff/child ratios and group sizes for single-age groups of children in centers shall be as follows: (1) when combining age groups, the staff/child ratio for the youngest child in the group shall be maintained for the entire group; (2) children of all ages may be cared for together in groups for the first and last operating hour of the day, provided the staff/child ratio for the youngest child in the group is maintained; 10A NCAC 09 .0901 GENERAL NUTRITION REQUIREMENTS (a) Meals and snacks served to children in a child care center shall comply with the Meal Patterns for Children in Child Care Programs from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) which are based on the recommended nutrient intake judged by the National Research Council to be adequate for maintaining good nutrition. The types of food, number and size of servings shall be appropriate for the ages and developmental levels of the children in care. The Meal Patterns for Children in Child Care Programs are incorporated by reference and include subsequent amendments. A copy of the Meal Patterns for Children in Child Care Programs is available online at https://www.fns.usda.gov/cacfp/meals-and-snacks. Effective January 1, 2024 34 (b) When food is prepared by or provided by the center, menus for nutritious meals and snacks shall be planned at least one week in advance. At least one dated copy of the current week's menu shall be posted where it can be seen by parents and food preparation staff when food is prepared or provided by the center. A variety of food shall be included in meals and snacks. Any substitution shall be of comparable food value and shall be recorded on the menu prior to the meal or snack being served. (c) When children bring their own food for meals or snacks to the center, if the food does not meet the nutritional requirements specified in Paragraph (a) of this Rule, the center must provide additional food necessary to meet those requirements. (d) A child's parent may opt out of the supplemental food provided by the center as set forth in G.S. 110-91(2)h.1. When a child's parent opts out of the supplemental food provided by the center, the parent shall sign a statement acknowledging the parental decision shall be kept in the child's file at the center and a copy provided to the parent. A child's parent may opt out of the supplemental food provided by the center, subject to the following: (1) the center shall not provide any food or drink so long as the child's parent or guardian provides all meals, snacks, and drinks scheduled to be served at the center's designated times; (2) the ability to opt out of specific meals or days based on menu options is not available; (3) if a child requests specific foods being served to other children, but the parent has opted out, the center shall not serve supplemental food; and (4) if the child's parent or guardian has opted out, but does not provide all meals and snacks for the child, the center shall replace the missing meal or snack as if the child's parent or guardian had not opted out of the supplemental food program. 10A NCAC 09 .0510 ACTIVITY AREAS e) When children under three years old are in care the following apply: (1) each center shall have developmentally appropriate toys and activities for each child to promote the child's emotional and social development, health and physical development, approaches to play and learning, language development, and communication and cognitive development, including: (A) books; (B) blocks; (C) dolls; (D) pretend play materials; (E) musical toys; (F) sensory toys; and (G) fine motor toys; (2) materials shall be kept in a space where related equipment and materials are kept in accordance with G.S. 110-91(12) and shall be made available to the children on a daily basis; (3) materials shall be offered in sufficient quantity to allow all children to use them at some time during the day and to allow for a range of choices, (4) on a daily basis caregivers shall provide developmentally appropriate activities that support health and physical development. An open area that allows freedom of movement shall be available, both indoors and outdoors, for infants and for toddlers; (5) hands-on experiences, including both familiar and new activities, shall be provided to enable the infant or toddler to learn about himself and the world both indoors and outdoors; and (6) each child under the age of 12 months shall be given supervised tummy time positioned on his or her stomach while awake and alert each day. Thank you for your time today. If you have any questions or I can help you with anything please free to contact me at 704-936-6065, or email me 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. 110-91 · Violation
Name of Operation: Lightbridge Academy Steele Creek Facility ID: 60004371 Consultant: AMY ITALIANO Operation Type: Center Case Number: 0425-260L Visit Date: 4/30/2025 Number Present: 21 Completed Date: 4/30/2025 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 255 Time In: 07:30 AM Time Out: 11:45 AM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Complaint Visit Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today's visit was to investigate allegations of childcare requirements during a complaint visit. The facility has a One-star license issued April 29, 2025. The facility had its last Temp Time Period was December 10, 2024. The facility has a 91% compliance history prior to today’s visit. Upon my arrival I was greeted by Angela Battiatio, Assistant Director. Barbara Jean Duncan, Director, was at another facility today. I observed one (1) child sitting in the office drawing. I asked why the child was in the office, Ms. Battiatio stated that she was waiting on her teacher to arrive. I asked if this was common. Ms. Battiatio stated that yes if a child arrives before the teacher arrives, they will sit in the office. I asked Ms. Battiatio if that happens in the afternoon, she stated that teachers leave at 5:00 and currently they do not have a closer for all the classrooms. Some children do wait in the office for their parents to pick up. The facility opens at 6:30am and closes at 6:30pm. I explained the purpose of today’s visit. I shared the following allegation with Ms. Battiatio. There are concerns that: Staff/child ratio is not being maintained in the mornings. Nutritious meals are not being provided. Meals and snacks do not contain all the required components. Developmentally appropriate activities and materials were not provided in the afternoon. Ms. Battiatio and I did a walk-though of the facility. Infants and toddlers were observed playing on the floor. Preschool children were observed in teacher directed activities and free play. Teachers were observed engaged and nurturing with the children. Based on staff interview, review of attendance records and observation the allegation that staff/child ratio is not being maintained in the mornings is confirmed. Today I observed seven (7) children all 1 year of age, with one (1) staff member. Staff stated that administrators are in the classrooms in the morning and if they receive a child and are out of ratio, they are out of ratio until another teacher, or another administrator arrives. This can be 2 minutes or 10 minutes. It was confirmed that last week one (1) infant teacher had seven (7) infants by herself until an administrator could get to the room to be in staff/child ratio. Based on interviews with the staff the allegation that nutritious meals are not being provided was confirmed. Animal cracks and Cheez-its were not whole grain or enriched. Based on interviewing staff and reviewing the menu, snacks do not contain all the required components was confirmed. Children are served only one component for afternoon snacks. Based on interviews with the staff and observation of my arrival, the allegation that developmentally appropriate activities and materials were not provided in the afternoon was confirmed. Children sit in the office in the morning before their teacher arrives and, in the afternoon when a classroom does not have a teacher to close the room. Five (5) violations were cited and discussed with Ms. Battiatio during today’s visit. Violation Number Comment Rule 301 Minimum staff/child ratios and group sizes for the number and ages of children in care were not met.Today I observed seven (7) children all 1 year of age, with one (1) staff member. Staff stated that administrators are in the classrooms in the morning and if they receive a child and are out of ratio, they are out of ratio until another teacher, or another administrator arrives. This can be 2 minutes or 10 minutes. It was confirmed that last week one (1) infant teacher had seven (7) infants by herself until an administrator could get to the room to be in staff/child ratio. GS 110-91(7);.0713(a-d) 445 For children under three years of age, developmentally appropriate toys and activities were not provided as outlined in Rule. I observed one (1) child sitting in the office drawing. I asked why the child was in the office, Ms. Battiatio stated that she was waiting on her teacher to arrive. I asked if this was common. Ms. Battiatio stated that yes if a child arrives before the teacher arrives, they will sit in the office. I asked Ms. Battiatio if that happens in the afternoon, she stated that teachers leave at 5:00 and currently they do not have a closer for all the classrooms. Some children do wait in the office for their parents to pick up. .0510 (e ) (1)(A-G) 501 Meals/snacks did not comply with the Meal Patterns for Children in Child Care Programs. Based on interviewing staff and reviewing the menu, snacks do not contain all the required components was confirmed. Children are served only one component for afternoon snacks. 10A NCAC 09 .0901(a) 503 Food brought from home, did not meet the nutritional requirements and necessary supplements were not provided by center. Based on staff interview when children bring lunch from home and did not meet the nutritional requirements, necessary supplements were not provided by the center. 10A NCAC 09 .0901(c) 528 Food substitution was not of comparable food value or recorded on the menu prior to the meal or snack being served. Today children were observed eating English muffins with jelly and milk for morning snack. The menu listed cereal and fruit would be served as morning snack. 10A NCAC 09 .0901(b) Corrective Action The child care providers are expected to maintain compliance with all applicable child care requirements at all times. A follow-up visit will be conducted in the near future. Failure to correct the violations and/or submit the compliance letter to me by the date listed above may result in an unannounced follow-up visit being conducted to ensure corrections were made. Technical Assistance: - It was discussed today that Staff/Child ratio must be maintained at all times. There is no window of time to “get into ratio” If a classroom is at max ratio and another parent brings their child to the classroom, the teacher needs to ask the parent to go to the office because the staff is a max ratio, or the teacher needs to call for another staff member to come to the classroom before the child can accepted into the classroom. - It was discussed today that the facility is struggling to have staff coverage for the day. Staff are not showing up to work on time or are not showing up at all. We discussed that the facility might need to change staff hours, write staff members up or even terminate staff. I suggest continually advertising for staff and interviewing, even if all positions are covered. It is better to be overstaff than understaffed, especially if staff members are not showing up for work. We discussed the importance of having coverage for the entire day. Children need to go directly to a classroom when they drop off in the morning and they need to be in a classroom with they are picked up in the afternoon. All children need to have developmental activities and materials available throughout the day. They cannot be sitting in the office until a teacher or parent arrives. A child should only be waiting in the office for a parent to pick up if the child is injured or sick. - During today’s visit the director, Barbara Jean Duncan, was not on cite. I had Ms. Battiatio call Ms. Duncan during the visit. It was shared that Ms. Duncan has been transitioning to Regional Manager and helping at other Lightbridge Locations. I discussed with Ms. Duncan today that she is listed as the administrator of this facility and the capacity for this facility is for 194 children. She is required to be on site for 30 hours a week. We discussed that this facility currently has Administrative Action and with violations cited today these violations could impact this Action or the facility could receive an additional Action. We discussed that this facility is struggling with staff showing up to work on time and maintaining staff/child ratio. I explained that is imperative that she is here to offer guidance and support to the staff for the program to be successful. - Ms. Battiatio and I reviewed the Meal Pattersons for Children in Child Care Programs. We discussed that any grain that is served must be enriched or whole grains and what components need to serve at each meal and snack. If a parent packs a lunch for their child, any component missing from the child’s lunch must give to the child by the facility. Written Warning Stipulation: - Based on today's visit the facility is not meeting stipulation #1 of the Written Warning. I requested the Observation and Documentation of staff members observation required in Stipulation #2 of the Written Warning. Only two(2) of the eight (8) staff members had been observed and documentation of the observation was on file. Ms. Battiatio that administration has been in classrooms and have not bee able to complete the observations. The following rules were shared and discussed with Ms. Battiatio. 10A NCAC 09 .0713 STAFF/CHILD RATIOS FOR CENTERS (a) The staff/child ratios and group sizes for single-age groups of children in centers shall be as follows: (1) when combining age groups, the staff/child ratio for the youngest child in the group shall be maintained for the entire group; (2) children of all ages may be cared for together in groups for the first and last operating hour of the day, provided the staff/child ratio for the youngest child in the group is maintained; 10A NCAC 09 .0901 GENERAL NUTRITION REQUIREMENTS (a) Meals and snacks served to children in a child care center shall comply with the Meal Patterns for Children in Child Care Programs from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) which are based on the recommended nutrient intake judged by the National Research Council to be adequate for maintaining good nutrition. The types of food, number and size of servings shall be appropriate for the ages and developmental levels of the children in care. The Meal Patterns for Children in Child Care Programs are incorporated by reference and include subsequent amendments. A copy of the Meal Patterns for Children in Child Care Programs is available online at https://www.fns.usda.gov/cacfp/meals-and-snacks. Effective January 1, 2024 34 (b) When food is prepared by or provided by the center, menus for nutritious meals and snacks shall be planned at least one week in advance. At least one dated copy of the current week's menu shall be posted where it can be seen by parents and food preparation staff when food is prepared or provided by the center. A variety of food shall be included in meals and snacks. Any substitution shall be of comparable food value and shall be recorded on the menu prior to the meal or snack being served. (c) When children bring their own food for meals or snacks to the center, if the food does not meet the nutritional requirements specified in Paragraph (a) of this Rule, the center must provide additional food necessary to meet those requirements. (d) A child's parent may opt out of the supplemental food provided by the center as set forth in G.S. 110-91(2)h.1. When a child's parent opts out of the supplemental food provided by the center, the parent shall sign a statement acknowledging the parental decision shall be kept in the child's file at the center and a copy provided to the parent. A child's parent may opt out of the supplemental food provided by the center, subject to the following: (1) the center shall not provide any food or drink so long as the child's parent or guardian provides all meals, snacks, and drinks scheduled to be served at the center's designated times; (2) the ability to opt out of specific meals or days based on menu options is not available; (3) if a child requests specific foods being served to other children, but the parent has opted out, the center shall not serve supplemental food; and (4) if the child's parent or guardian has opted out, but does not provide all meals and snacks for the child, the center shall replace the missing meal or snack as if the child's parent or guardian had not opted out of the supplemental food program. 10A NCAC 09 .0510 ACTIVITY AREAS e) When children under three years old are in care the following apply: (1) each center shall have developmentally appropriate toys and activities for each child to promote the child's emotional and social development, health and physical development, approaches to play and learning, language development, and communication and cognitive development, including: (A) books; (B) blocks; (C) dolls; (D) pretend play materials; (E) musical toys; (F) sensory toys; and (G) fine motor toys; (2) materials shall be kept in a space where related equipment and materials are kept in accordance with G.S. 110-91(12) and shall be made available to the children on a daily basis; (3) materials shall be offered in sufficient quantity to allow all children to use them at some time during the day and to allow for a range of choices, (4) on a daily basis caregivers shall provide developmentally appropriate activities that support health and physical development. An open area that allows freedom of movement shall be available, both indoors and outdoors, for infants and for toddlers; (5) hands-on experiences, including both familiar and new activities, shall be provided to enable the infant or toddler to learn about himself and the world both indoors and outdoors; and (6) each child under the age of 12 months shall be given supervised tummy time positioned on his or her stomach while awake and alert each day. Thank you for your time today. If you have any questions or I can help you with anything please free to contact me at 704-936-6065, or email me 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: Lightbridge Academy Steele Creek Facility ID: 60004371 Consultant: AMY ITALIANO Operation Type: Center Case Number: 0425-260L Visit Date: 4/30/2025 Number Present: 21 Completed Date: 4/30/2025 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 255 Time In: 07:30 AM Time Out: 11:45 AM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Complaint Visit Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today's visit was to investigate allegations of childcare requirements during a complaint visit. The facility has a One-star license issued April 29, 2025. The facility had its last Temp Time Period was December 10, 2024. The facility has a 91% compliance history prior to today’s visit. Upon my arrival I was greeted by Angela Battiatio, Assistant Director. Barbara Jean Duncan, Director, was at another facility today. I observed one (1) child sitting in the office drawing. I asked why the child was in the office, Ms. Battiatio stated that she was waiting on her teacher to arrive. I asked if this was common. Ms. Battiatio stated that yes if a child arrives before the teacher arrives, they will sit in the office. I asked Ms. Battiatio if that happens in the afternoon, she stated that teachers leave at 5:00 and currently they do not have a closer for all the classrooms. Some children do wait in the office for their parents to pick up. The facility opens at 6:30am and closes at 6:30pm. I explained the purpose of today’s visit. I shared the following allegation with Ms. Battiatio. There are concerns that: Staff/child ratio is not being maintained in the mornings. Nutritious meals are not being provided. Meals and snacks do not contain all the required components. Developmentally appropriate activities and materials were not provided in the afternoon. Ms. Battiatio and I did a walk-though of the facility. Infants and toddlers were observed playing on the floor. Preschool children were observed in teacher directed activities and free play. Teachers were observed engaged and nurturing with the children. Based on staff interview, review of attendance records and observation the allegation that staff/child ratio is not being maintained in the mornings is confirmed. Today I observed seven (7) children all 1 year of age, with one (1) staff member. Staff stated that administrators are in the classrooms in the morning and if they receive a child and are out of ratio, they are out of ratio until another teacher, or another administrator arrives. This can be 2 minutes or 10 minutes. It was confirmed that last week one (1) infant teacher had seven (7) infants by herself until an administrator could get to the room to be in staff/child ratio. Based on interviews with the staff the allegation that nutritious meals are not being provided was confirmed. Animal cracks and Cheez-its were not whole grain or enriched. Based on interviewing staff and reviewing the menu, snacks do not contain all the required components was confirmed. Children are served only one component for afternoon snacks. Based on interviews with the staff and observation of my arrival, the allegation that developmentally appropriate activities and materials were not provided in the afternoon was confirmed. Children sit in the office in the morning before their teacher arrives and, in the afternoon when a classroom does not have a teacher to close the room. Five (5) violations were cited and discussed with Ms. Battiatio during today’s visit. Violation Number Comment Rule 301 Minimum staff/child ratios and group sizes for the number and ages of children in care were not met.Today I observed seven (7) children all 1 year of age, with one (1) staff member. Staff stated that administrators are in the classrooms in the morning and if they receive a child and are out of ratio, they are out of ratio until another teacher, or another administrator arrives. This can be 2 minutes or 10 minutes. It was confirmed that last week one (1) infant teacher had seven (7) infants by herself until an administrator could get to the room to be in staff/child ratio. GS 110-91(7);.0713(a-d) 445 For children under three years of age, developmentally appropriate toys and activities were not provided as outlined in Rule. I observed one (1) child sitting in the office drawing. I asked why the child was in the office, Ms. Battiatio stated that she was waiting on her teacher to arrive. I asked if this was common. Ms. Battiatio stated that yes if a child arrives before the teacher arrives, they will sit in the office. I asked Ms. Battiatio if that happens in the afternoon, she stated that teachers leave at 5:00 and currently they do not have a closer for all the classrooms. Some children do wait in the office for their parents to pick up. .0510 (e ) (1)(A-G) 501 Meals/snacks did not comply with the Meal Patterns for Children in Child Care Programs. Based on interviewing staff and reviewing the menu, snacks do not contain all the required components was confirmed. Children are served only one component for afternoon snacks. 10A NCAC 09 .0901(a) 503 Food brought from home, did not meet the nutritional requirements and necessary supplements were not provided by center. Based on staff interview when children bring lunch from home and did not meet the nutritional requirements, necessary supplements were not provided by the center. 10A NCAC 09 .0901(c) 528 Food substitution was not of comparable food value or recorded on the menu prior to the meal or snack being served. Today children were observed eating English muffins with jelly and milk for morning snack. The menu listed cereal and fruit would be served as morning snack. 10A NCAC 09 .0901(b) Corrective Action The child care providers are expected to maintain compliance with all applicable child care requirements at all times. A follow-up visit will be conducted in the near future. Failure to correct the violations and/or submit the compliance letter to me by the date listed above may result in an unannounced follow-up visit being conducted to ensure corrections were made. Technical Assistance: - It was discussed today that Staff/Child ratio must be maintained at all times. There is no window of time to “get into ratio” If a classroom is at max ratio and another parent brings their child to the classroom, the teacher needs to ask the parent to go to the office because the staff is a max ratio, or the teacher needs to call for another staff member to come to the classroom before the child can accepted into the classroom. - It was discussed today that the facility is struggling to have staff coverage for the day. Staff are not showing up to work on time or are not showing up at all. We discussed that the facility might need to change staff hours, write staff members up or even terminate staff. I suggest continually advertising for staff and interviewing, even if all positions are covered. It is better to be overstaff than understaffed, especially if staff members are not showing up for work. We discussed the importance of having coverage for the entire day. Children need to go directly to a classroom when they drop off in the morning and they need to be in a classroom with they are picked up in the afternoon. All children need to have developmental activities and materials available throughout the day. They cannot be sitting in the office until a teacher or parent arrives. A child should only be waiting in the office for a parent to pick up if the child is injured or sick. - During today’s visit the director, Barbara Jean Duncan, was not on cite. I had Ms. Battiatio call Ms. Duncan during the visit. It was shared that Ms. Duncan has been transitioning to Regional Manager and helping at other Lightbridge Locations. I discussed with Ms. Duncan today that she is listed as the administrator of this facility and the capacity for this facility is for 194 children. She is required to be on site for 30 hours a week. We discussed that this facility currently has Administrative Action and with violations cited today these violations could impact this Action or the facility could receive an additional Action. We discussed that this facility is struggling with staff showing up to work on time and maintaining staff/child ratio. I explained that is imperative that she is here to offer guidance and support to the staff for the program to be successful. - Ms. Battiatio and I reviewed the Meal Pattersons for Children in Child Care Programs. We discussed that any grain that is served must be enriched or whole grains and what components need to serve at each meal and snack. If a parent packs a lunch for their child, any component missing from the child’s lunch must give to the child by the facility. Written Warning Stipulation: - Based on today's visit the facility is not meeting stipulation #1 of the Written Warning. I requested the Observation and Documentation of staff members observation required in Stipulation #2 of the Written Warning. Only two(2) of the eight (8) staff members had been observed and documentation of the observation was on file. Ms. Battiatio that administration has been in classrooms and have not bee able to complete the observations. The following rules were shared and discussed with Ms. Battiatio. 10A NCAC 09 .0713 STAFF/CHILD RATIOS FOR CENTERS (a) The staff/child ratios and group sizes for single-age groups of children in centers shall be as follows: (1) when combining age groups, the staff/child ratio for the youngest child in the group shall be maintained for the entire group; (2) children of all ages may be cared for together in groups for the first and last operating hour of the day, provided the staff/child ratio for the youngest child in the group is maintained; 10A NCAC 09 .0901 GENERAL NUTRITION REQUIREMENTS (a) Meals and snacks served to children in a child care center shall comply with the Meal Patterns for Children in Child Care Programs from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) which are based on the recommended nutrient intake judged by the National Research Council to be adequate for maintaining good nutrition. The types of food, number and size of servings shall be appropriate for the ages and developmental levels of the children in care. The Meal Patterns for Children in Child Care Programs are incorporated by reference and include subsequent amendments. A copy of the Meal Patterns for Children in Child Care Programs is available online at https://www.fns.usda.gov/cacfp/meals-and-snacks. Effective January 1, 2024 34 (b) When food is prepared by or provided by the center, menus for nutritious meals and snacks shall be planned at least one week in advance. At least one dated copy of the current week's menu shall be posted where it can be seen by parents and food preparation staff when food is prepared or provided by the center. A variety of food shall be included in meals and snacks. Any substitution shall be of comparable food value and shall be recorded on the menu prior to the meal or snack being served. (c) When children bring their own food for meals or snacks to the center, if the food does not meet the nutritional requirements specified in Paragraph (a) of this Rule, the center must provide additional food necessary to meet those requirements. (d) A child's parent may opt out of the supplemental food provided by the center as set forth in G.S. 110-91(2)h.1. When a child's parent opts out of the supplemental food provided by the center, the parent shall sign a statement acknowledging the parental decision shall be kept in the child's file at the center and a copy provided to the parent. A child's parent may opt out of the supplemental food provided by the center, subject to the following: (1) the center shall not provide any food or drink so long as the child's parent or guardian provides all meals, snacks, and drinks scheduled to be served at the center's designated times; (2) the ability to opt out of specific meals or days based on menu options is not available; (3) if a child requests specific foods being served to other children, but the parent has opted out, the center shall not serve supplemental food; and (4) if the child's parent or guardian has opted out, but does not provide all meals and snacks for the child, the center shall replace the missing meal or snack as if the child's parent or guardian had not opted out of the supplemental food program. 10A NCAC 09 .0510 ACTIVITY AREAS e) When children under three years old are in care the following apply: (1) each center shall have developmentally appropriate toys and activities for each child to promote the child's emotional and social development, health and physical development, approaches to play and learning, language development, and communication and cognitive development, including: (A) books; (B) blocks; (C) dolls; (D) pretend play materials; (E) musical toys; (F) sensory toys; and (G) fine motor toys; (2) materials shall be kept in a space where related equipment and materials are kept in accordance with G.S. 110-91(12) and shall be made available to the children on a daily basis; (3) materials shall be offered in sufficient quantity to allow all children to use them at some time during the day and to allow for a range of choices, (4) on a daily basis caregivers shall provide developmentally appropriate activities that support health and physical development. An open area that allows freedom of movement shall be available, both indoors and outdoors, for infants and for toddlers; (5) hands-on experiences, including both familiar and new activities, shall be provided to enable the infant or toddler to learn about himself and the world both indoors and outdoors; and (6) each child under the age of 12 months shall be given supervised tummy time positioned on his or her stomach while awake and alert each day. Thank you for your time today. If you have any questions or I can help you with anything please free to contact me at 704-936-6065, or email me 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 .0902 · Violation
Name of Operation: Lightbridge Academy Steele Creek Facility ID: 60004371 Consultant: AMY ITALIANO Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 3/26/2025 Number Present: 38 Completed Date: 3/26/2025 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 135 Time In: 08:30 AM Time Out: 10:45 AM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Temp Time Period Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today's visit was to monitor your program for compliance with all applicable child care requirements during the third temporary time period visit. The facility currently has an 88% compliance history prior to today’s visit. Barbara Jean Duncan, director, assisted me with today’s visit. This facility was issued a temporary license on October 28, 2024, with a restriction of daytime care only. During today’s walk-though I monitored all classrooms and the outdoor learning environment. We observed children in free play center time and outdoor play. The classrooms were set up activity centers with a variety of age-appropriate materials. The following was monitored during today’s visit: supervision, staff/child ratios, permit restrictions, group size, capacity, adequate and approved space, hazardous product storage. The classrooms continue to be set up with activity centers with a variety of age-appropriate materials. Staff was engaged with the children. Children were observed eating morning snack, and morning circle. In space #3 four (4) children were present only three (3) were mark present on the tablet. In space #4 one infant feeding plan that was posted did not have a parent’s signature. The outdoor space was monitored during the visit and found in compliance. Program records were reviewed and found in compliance. The EPR Plan was completed on February 06, 2025. Two (2) new staff files reviewed and found in compliance. The sanitation inspection was completed on November 20, 2024, and you received a superior rating and 12 demerits. The last fire inspection was completed on September 23, 2024. Two (2) violations were observed and discussed with Ms. Duncan 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) . In space #4 one infant feeding plan that was posted did not have a parent’s signature. 10A NCAC 09 .0902(a) 1301 Center did not maintain a record of daily attendance. In space #3 four (4) children were present only three (3) were mark present on the tablet. GS 110-91(9) Corrective Action The child care providers are expected to maintain compliance with all applicable child care requirements at all times. All violations cited today must be corrected immediately. Ms. Duncan will submit a compliance letter explaining how and when today’s violations were corrected to Amy Italiano, Lead Child Care Consultant on or before April 9, 2025. Failure to correct the violations and/or submit the compliance letter to me by the date listed above may result in an unannounced follow-up visit being conducted to ensure corrections were made. Rated License Process: We discussed the rated license process. Ms. Duncan stated she does not have children enrolled who receive subsidized care. She understands the facility must hold a 3-5 Star Rated License at the end of the temporary time period to provide child care for sponsored children. Ms. Duncan stated that they are not going to have the scales completed. The facility is going to go through the accreditation process first and then will decide about the Pathway to the Stars. Administrative Action was issued to the facility due to the substantiated complaint conducted on January 23, 2025. The Written Warning was issued on March 4, 2025. On March 10, 2025, the action was reviewed with Ms. Duncan. On April 10,2025, all staff is scheduled to take the Behavior Intervention Strategies training. Documentation of the training shall be maintained in the facilities files for review by representatives of the Division of Child Development and Early Education upon request. On March 24, 2025, I received the facilities policies and procedures for routine observation and evaluation of each staff member to ensure compliance with childcare requirements and the facilities policies and procedures regarding age-appropriate discipline. This policy was approved, and Ms. Duncan was notified during today's visit. Once the training is complete Ms. Duncan will notify me. Once the rated license is issued, the working file will be passed to Kaye Dunlap, the child care consultant assigned to this zip code. Her contact information is below: Kaye Dunlap 704-594-0152 Kaye.Dunlap@dhhs.nc.gov CBC Provider Portal/Technical Assistance & Notification to the Division of New Hires: 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 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 on the roster. This information should be updated in ABCMS in an ongoing basis as staff members are hired and when their employment is terminated. This satisfies the requirement to notify the Division of new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. The compliance of this rule will be monitored during your next visit. Please note, the hard copy of the Change of Information form will no longer be needed or accepted. Should you need assistance please contact the Criminal Background Check Unit at (919) 814-8401 and someone will assist you. Discussion and Technical Assistance: DCDEE WORKS – Ms. Duncan should continue to have new staff register into WORKS and submit official transcripts to the DCDEE Workforce Unit as they are hired. No staff member should be hired to start employment until they have a current criminal qualification letter on file, a current medical exam, and a current TB test completed. You must maintain at least a 75% or higher Compliance History to be eligible to apply for a child care license. Your Compliance History will continue to build over an 18-month period. The compliance history is based on violations that are cited during visits to your center. If you have an acceptable compliance history at the end of your six-month temporary license you will be eligible to apply for a rated license. You must maintain at least a 75% or higher compliance history to maintain your star license. If your center's compliance history drops below 75% you may receive an administrative action. Reminder that Recognizing and Responding to Child Maltreatment training must be completed by all staff within 90 days of employment. CPR and First Aid training must be completed by all staff within 90 days of employment. Ensure that CPR and First Aid training is taken in-person, by an approved trainer and training agency, as well as the type of training is Pediatric or Infant/Child CPR and First Aid training. Stay updated with changes and new rule updates by visiting the DCDEE website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/. Thank you for your time today. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at 704-936-6065 or through 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
Open Not marked corrected in the state record
Category: supervision. Open / not marked corrected.
G.S. 110-90 · Violation
Name of Operation: Lightbridge Academy Steele Creek Facility ID: 60004371 Consultant: AMY ITALIANO Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 3/26/2025 Number Present: 38 Completed Date: 3/26/2025 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 135 Time In: 08:30 AM Time Out: 10:45 AM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Temp Time Period Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today's visit was to monitor your program for compliance with all applicable child care requirements during the third temporary time period visit. The facility currently has an 88% compliance history prior to today’s visit. Barbara Jean Duncan, director, assisted me with today’s visit. This facility was issued a temporary license on October 28, 2024, with a restriction of daytime care only. During today’s walk-though I monitored all classrooms and the outdoor learning environment. We observed children in free play center time and outdoor play. The classrooms were set up activity centers with a variety of age-appropriate materials. The following was monitored during today’s visit: supervision, staff/child ratios, permit restrictions, group size, capacity, adequate and approved space, hazardous product storage. The classrooms continue to be set up with activity centers with a variety of age-appropriate materials. Staff was engaged with the children. Children were observed eating morning snack, and morning circle. In space #3 four (4) children were present only three (3) were mark present on the tablet. In space #4 one infant feeding plan that was posted did not have a parent’s signature. The outdoor space was monitored during the visit and found in compliance. Program records were reviewed and found in compliance. The EPR Plan was completed on February 06, 2025. Two (2) new staff files reviewed and found in compliance. The sanitation inspection was completed on November 20, 2024, and you received a superior rating and 12 demerits. The last fire inspection was completed on September 23, 2024. Two (2) violations were observed and discussed with Ms. Duncan 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) . In space #4 one infant feeding plan that was posted did not have a parent’s signature. 10A NCAC 09 .0902(a) 1301 Center did not maintain a record of daily attendance. In space #3 four (4) children were present only three (3) were mark present on the tablet. GS 110-91(9) Corrective Action The child care providers are expected to maintain compliance with all applicable child care requirements at all times. All violations cited today must be corrected immediately. Ms. Duncan will submit a compliance letter explaining how and when today’s violations were corrected to Amy Italiano, Lead Child Care Consultant on or before April 9, 2025. Failure to correct the violations and/or submit the compliance letter to me by the date listed above may result in an unannounced follow-up visit being conducted to ensure corrections were made. Rated License Process: We discussed the rated license process. Ms. Duncan stated she does not have children enrolled who receive subsidized care. She understands the facility must hold a 3-5 Star Rated License at the end of the temporary time period to provide child care for sponsored children. Ms. Duncan stated that they are not going to have the scales completed. The facility is going to go through the accreditation process first and then will decide about the Pathway to the Stars. Administrative Action was issued to the facility due to the substantiated complaint conducted on January 23, 2025. The Written Warning was issued on March 4, 2025. On March 10, 2025, the action was reviewed with Ms. Duncan. On April 10,2025, all staff is scheduled to take the Behavior Intervention Strategies training. Documentation of the training shall be maintained in the facilities files for review by representatives of the Division of Child Development and Early Education upon request. On March 24, 2025, I received the facilities policies and procedures for routine observation and evaluation of each staff member to ensure compliance with childcare requirements and the facilities policies and procedures regarding age-appropriate discipline. This policy was approved, and Ms. Duncan was notified during today's visit. Once the training is complete Ms. Duncan will notify me. Once the rated license is issued, the working file will be passed to Kaye Dunlap, the child care consultant assigned to this zip code. Her contact information is below: Kaye Dunlap 704-594-0152 Kaye.Dunlap@dhhs.nc.gov CBC Provider Portal/Technical Assistance & Notification to the Division of New Hires: 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 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 on the roster. This information should be updated in ABCMS in an ongoing basis as staff members are hired and when their employment is terminated. This satisfies the requirement to notify the Division of new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. The compliance of this rule will be monitored during your next visit. Please note, the hard copy of the Change of Information form will no longer be needed or accepted. Should you need assistance please contact the Criminal Background Check Unit at (919) 814-8401 and someone will assist you. Discussion and Technical Assistance: DCDEE WORKS – Ms. Duncan should continue to have new staff register into WORKS and submit official transcripts to the DCDEE Workforce Unit as they are hired. No staff member should be hired to start employment until they have a current criminal qualification letter on file, a current medical exam, and a current TB test completed. You must maintain at least a 75% or higher Compliance History to be eligible to apply for a child care license. Your Compliance History will continue to build over an 18-month period. The compliance history is based on violations that are cited during visits to your center. If you have an acceptable compliance history at the end of your six-month temporary license you will be eligible to apply for a rated license. You must maintain at least a 75% or higher compliance history to maintain your star license. If your center's compliance history drops below 75% you may receive an administrative action. Reminder that Recognizing and Responding to Child Maltreatment training must be completed by all staff within 90 days of employment. CPR and First Aid training must be completed by all staff within 90 days of employment. Ensure that CPR and First Aid training is taken in-person, by an approved trainer and training agency, as well as the type of training is Pediatric or Infant/Child CPR and First Aid training. Stay updated with changes and new rule updates by visiting the DCDEE website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/. Thank you for your time today. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at 704-936-6065 or through 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: Lightbridge Academy Steele Creek Facility ID: 60004371 Consultant: AMY ITALIANO Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 3/26/2025 Number Present: 38 Completed Date: 3/26/2025 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 135 Time In: 08:30 AM Time Out: 10:45 AM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Temp Time Period Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today's visit was to monitor your program for compliance with all applicable child care requirements during the third temporary time period visit. The facility currently has an 88% compliance history prior to today’s visit. Barbara Jean Duncan, director, assisted me with today’s visit. This facility was issued a temporary license on October 28, 2024, with a restriction of daytime care only. During today’s walk-though I monitored all classrooms and the outdoor learning environment. We observed children in free play center time and outdoor play. The classrooms were set up activity centers with a variety of age-appropriate materials. The following was monitored during today’s visit: supervision, staff/child ratios, permit restrictions, group size, capacity, adequate and approved space, hazardous product storage. The classrooms continue to be set up with activity centers with a variety of age-appropriate materials. Staff was engaged with the children. Children were observed eating morning snack, and morning circle. In space #3 four (4) children were present only three (3) were mark present on the tablet. In space #4 one infant feeding plan that was posted did not have a parent’s signature. The outdoor space was monitored during the visit and found in compliance. Program records were reviewed and found in compliance. The EPR Plan was completed on February 06, 2025. Two (2) new staff files reviewed and found in compliance. The sanitation inspection was completed on November 20, 2024, and you received a superior rating and 12 demerits. The last fire inspection was completed on September 23, 2024. Two (2) violations were observed and discussed with Ms. Duncan 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) . In space #4 one infant feeding plan that was posted did not have a parent’s signature. 10A NCAC 09 .0902(a) 1301 Center did not maintain a record of daily attendance. In space #3 four (4) children were present only three (3) were mark present on the tablet. GS 110-91(9) Corrective Action The child care providers are expected to maintain compliance with all applicable child care requirements at all times. All violations cited today must be corrected immediately. Ms. Duncan will submit a compliance letter explaining how and when today’s violations were corrected to Amy Italiano, Lead Child Care Consultant on or before April 9, 2025. Failure to correct the violations and/or submit the compliance letter to me by the date listed above may result in an unannounced follow-up visit being conducted to ensure corrections were made. Rated License Process: We discussed the rated license process. Ms. Duncan stated she does not have children enrolled who receive subsidized care. She understands the facility must hold a 3-5 Star Rated License at the end of the temporary time period to provide child care for sponsored children. Ms. Duncan stated that they are not going to have the scales completed. The facility is going to go through the accreditation process first and then will decide about the Pathway to the Stars. Administrative Action was issued to the facility due to the substantiated complaint conducted on January 23, 2025. The Written Warning was issued on March 4, 2025. On March 10, 2025, the action was reviewed with Ms. Duncan. On April 10,2025, all staff is scheduled to take the Behavior Intervention Strategies training. Documentation of the training shall be maintained in the facilities files for review by representatives of the Division of Child Development and Early Education upon request. On March 24, 2025, I received the facilities policies and procedures for routine observation and evaluation of each staff member to ensure compliance with childcare requirements and the facilities policies and procedures regarding age-appropriate discipline. This policy was approved, and Ms. Duncan was notified during today's visit. Once the training is complete Ms. Duncan will notify me. Once the rated license is issued, the working file will be passed to Kaye Dunlap, the child care consultant assigned to this zip code. Her contact information is below: Kaye Dunlap 704-594-0152 Kaye.Dunlap@dhhs.nc.gov CBC Provider Portal/Technical Assistance & Notification to the Division of New Hires: 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 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 on the roster. This information should be updated in ABCMS in an ongoing basis as staff members are hired and when their employment is terminated. This satisfies the requirement to notify the Division of new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. The compliance of this rule will be monitored during your next visit. Please note, the hard copy of the Change of Information form will no longer be needed or accepted. Should you need assistance please contact the Criminal Background Check Unit at (919) 814-8401 and someone will assist you. Discussion and Technical Assistance: DCDEE WORKS – Ms. Duncan should continue to have new staff register into WORKS and submit official transcripts to the DCDEE Workforce Unit as they are hired. No staff member should be hired to start employment until they have a current criminal qualification letter on file, a current medical exam, and a current TB test completed. You must maintain at least a 75% or higher Compliance History to be eligible to apply for a child care license. Your Compliance History will continue to build over an 18-month period. The compliance history is based on violations that are cited during visits to your center. If you have an acceptable compliance history at the end of your six-month temporary license you will be eligible to apply for a rated license. You must maintain at least a 75% or higher compliance history to maintain your star license. If your center's compliance history drops below 75% you may receive an administrative action. Reminder that Recognizing and Responding to Child Maltreatment training must be completed by all staff within 90 days of employment. CPR and First Aid training must be completed by all staff within 90 days of employment. Ensure that CPR and First Aid training is taken in-person, by an approved trainer and training agency, as well as the type of training is Pediatric or Infant/Child CPR and First Aid training. Stay updated with changes and new rule updates by visiting the DCDEE website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/. Thank you for your time today. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at 704-936-6065 or through 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 .0604 · Violation
Name of Operation: Lightbridge Academy Steele Creek Facility ID: 60004371 Consultant: AMY ITALIANO Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 2/4/2025 Number Present: 43 Completed Date: 2/4/2025 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: Temp Time Period Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today's visit was to monitor your program for compliance with all applicable child care requirements during the second temporary time period visit. Barbara Jean Duncan, director, was on a call so Angela Battiatio, Assistant director, assisted us with the visit. This facility was issued a temporary license on October 28, 2024, with a restriction of daytime care only. Kaye Dunlap, Child Care Consultant, accompanied me on today’s visit. During today’s walk-though we monitored all classrooms and the outdoor learning environment. We observed children in free play center time and outdoor play. The classrooms were set up activity centers with a variety of age-appropriate materials. Safe Sleep Charts and feeding schedules were monitored. In the infant room there were pieces of fabric that were intended for use for children under the age of three, on the floor and shelves assessable to the infants. In the toddler rooms there was evidence dried saliva on the mirrors and dried food on the cushions in cozy area. The bottle for soapy water to clean the surfaces, table, and changing table was missing the nozzle preventing the ability to clean the required surfaces. The was a plastic bag of diapers on the floor of the toddler room. The changing table had food and particles under the diaper changing mat. In the preschool room there is tech desk that is not study and wobbles back and forth. The following was monitored during today’s visit: supervision, staff/child ratios, permit restrictions, group size, capacity, adequate and approved space, hazardous product storage. The outdoor space was monitored during the visit. There are bark, sticks, and leaves that are choking hazards on the infant/toddler playground. Program records were reviewed and found in compliance. The EPR plan needs to be completed by February 28, 2025. Staff files and four (4) children’s records were reviewed. Four (4) violations were observed during the file review. The sanitation inspection was completed on November 20, 2024, and you received a superior rating and 12 demerits. The last fire inspection was completed on September 23, 2024. Fourteen (14 ) violations were observed and discussed with Ms. Duncan and Ms. Battiatio during today’s visit. On January 21, 2025, a complaint visit was conducted. One (1) violation regarding a child being handled roughly was cited. During today’s visit staff were observed nurturing and caring towards the children and using redirection and positive reinforcement as disciple. Item # 904 is considered corrected during today’s visit. Violation Number Comment Rule 432 The center did not have developmentally appropriate equipment and materials accessible daily. In the infant room there were pieces of fabric with a tag that stated "not intended to use for children under the age of three" lying on the floor and on the shelves that were assessable to the infants. This was not a developmentally age-appropriate material for infants. GS 110-91(12);10A NCAC 09 .0509(1) 616 Toys and other mouth-contact surfaces were not cleaned and sanitized daily when used or cleaned more frequently if visibly dirty. In the toddler rooms there was evidence dried saliva on the mirrors and dried food on the cushions in cozy area. .2822(a)(1-4) 618 Diaper changing surfaces were not kept free of storage. The changing table had food and particles under the diaper changing mat. 15A NCAC 18A .2819(b) 619 Diaper changing surfaces were not cleaned with a detergent solution and disinfected after each use. The bottle for soapy water to clean the surfaces, table, and changing table was missing the nozzle preventing the ability to clean the required surfaces. 15A NCAC 18A .2819(c) 705 Equipment and furnishings were not sturdy, stable and free of hazards. In the preschool room there is tech desk that is not study and wobbles back and forth. .0601(c) 812 Electrical outlets and power strips, not in use, which were located in space used by children did not have safety outlets or were not covered with safety plugs unless located behind furniture or equipment that cannot be moved by a child. One outlet was uncovered in the activity room. 10A NCAC 09 .0604(c) 858 Plastic bags, materials that could be torn apart and toy parts small enough to be swallowed were accessible to children under three years of age. There were toddlers on the playground where there were pieces of bark, sticks and leaves. There was a plastic bag of diapers on the floor of the toddler room. .0604(q) 1032 Child care providers and uncompensated providers who are not substitute providers or volunteers, including the director did not have a medical report on file prior to employment that was signed by a health care professional and/ or the medical report was older than 12 months. A staff members medical report was dated December 31, 2024, they date of employment was dated December 30, 2024. 10A NCAC 09 .0701(a) 1033 On or before the first day of work, all staff, including the director and individuals who volunteer more than once per week did not provide results indicating that they were free of active TB and/or TB test or screening was older than 12 months. A staff members TB test was dated December 31, 2024, they date of employment was dated December 30, 2024. .0701(a) 1041 Prior to employment a Criminal Background Check was not completed. A staff member started employment on December 31, 2024, but did not have a CBC qualification letter on file until January 17, 2025. G.S. 110-90.2(b) 1045 New staff, who had contact with children, did not receive at least 16 hrs. orientation within first 6 weeks. An employee was hired on December 10, 2024 and it was not documented that the employee received the required orientation. .1101(a) 1067 Each new employee did not complete, within the first two weeks of employment, six clock hours of training in required topic areas. An employee was hired on December 10, 2024 and it was not documented that the employee received the required orientation. .1101(a)(b) 1301 Center did not maintain a record of daily attendance. In space 2 10 children were present. Only 7 were documented on the attendance sheet. GS 110-91(9) 1757 A valid qualification letter was not on file and available to review at the facility. A staff member started employment on December 31, 2024, but did not have a CBC qualification letter on file until January 17, 2025. G.S. 110-90.2(b) & (d) & .2703(e) Corrective Action The child care providers are expected to maintain compliance with all applicable child care requirements at all times. All violations cited today must be corrected immediately. Ms. Duncan will submit a compliance letter explaining how and when today’s violations were corrected to Amy Italiano, Lead Child Care Consultant on or before February 18, 2025. Failure to correct the violations and/or submit the compliance letter to me by the date listed above may result in an unannounced follow-up visit being conducted to ensure corrections were made. Rated License Process: We discussed the rated license process. Ms. Duncan stated she does not have children enrolled who receive subsidized care. She understands the facility must hold a 3-5 Star Rated License at the end of the temporary time period to provide child care for sponsored children. Ms. Duncan stated that they are not going to have the scales completed. The facility is going to go through the accreditation process first and then will decide about the Pathway to the Stars. Discussion and Technical Assistance: It was discussed with Ms. Duncan the importance of having the Staff and Training worksheet being completed. This is supposed to be a working document. If this is used and kept current, it will help you stay organized and not miss important dates for your employees which will help you not miss something and receive a violation. No staff member should be hired to start employment until they have a current criminal qualification letter on file, a current medical exam, and a current TB test completed. It was discussed that administration come up with a cleaning scheduled for the staff to use to ensure that equipment, materials and surfaces are kept clean. It was suggested that the facility use a leaf blower to blow the leaves, bark and sticks can be removed from the play area. Once children are done drinking their milk and have completed breakfast or lunch the milk that is in the cups needs to be discarded. You must maintain at least a 75% or higher Compliance History to be eligible to apply for a child care license. Your Compliance History will continue to build over an 18-month period. The compliance history is based on violations that are cited during visits to your center. If you have an acceptable compliance history at the end of your six-month temporary license you will be eligible to apply for a rated license. You must maintain at least a 75% or higher compliance history to maintain your star license. If your center's compliance history drops below 75% you may receive an administrative action. Reminder that Recognizing and Responding to Child Maltreatment training must be completed by all staff within 90 days of employment. CPR and First Aid training must be completed by all staff within 90 days of employment. Ensure that CPR and First Aid training is taken in-person, by an approved trainer and training agency, as well as the type of training is Pediatric or Infant/Child CPR and First Aid training. Stay updated with changes and new rule updates by visiting the DCDEE website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/. Thank you for your time today. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at 704-936-6065 or through 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
Open Not marked corrected in the state record
Category: supervision. Open / not marked corrected.
10A NCAC 09 .0509 · Violation
Name of Operation: Lightbridge Academy Steele Creek Facility ID: 60004371 Consultant: AMY ITALIANO Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 2/4/2025 Number Present: 43 Completed Date: 2/4/2025 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: Temp Time Period Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today's visit was to monitor your program for compliance with all applicable child care requirements during the second temporary time period visit. Barbara Jean Duncan, director, was on a call so Angela Battiatio, Assistant director, assisted us with the visit. This facility was issued a temporary license on October 28, 2024, with a restriction of daytime care only. Kaye Dunlap, Child Care Consultant, accompanied me on today’s visit. During today’s walk-though we monitored all classrooms and the outdoor learning environment. We observed children in free play center time and outdoor play. The classrooms were set up activity centers with a variety of age-appropriate materials. Safe Sleep Charts and feeding schedules were monitored. In the infant room there were pieces of fabric that were intended for use for children under the age of three, on the floor and shelves assessable to the infants. In the toddler rooms there was evidence dried saliva on the mirrors and dried food on the cushions in cozy area. The bottle for soapy water to clean the surfaces, table, and changing table was missing the nozzle preventing the ability to clean the required surfaces. The was a plastic bag of diapers on the floor of the toddler room. The changing table had food and particles under the diaper changing mat. In the preschool room there is tech desk that is not study and wobbles back and forth. The following was monitored during today’s visit: supervision, staff/child ratios, permit restrictions, group size, capacity, adequate and approved space, hazardous product storage. The outdoor space was monitored during the visit. There are bark, sticks, and leaves that are choking hazards on the infant/toddler playground. Program records were reviewed and found in compliance. The EPR plan needs to be completed by February 28, 2025. Staff files and four (4) children’s records were reviewed. Four (4) violations were observed during the file review. The sanitation inspection was completed on November 20, 2024, and you received a superior rating and 12 demerits. The last fire inspection was completed on September 23, 2024. Fourteen (14 ) violations were observed and discussed with Ms. Duncan and Ms. Battiatio during today’s visit. On January 21, 2025, a complaint visit was conducted. One (1) violation regarding a child being handled roughly was cited. During today’s visit staff were observed nurturing and caring towards the children and using redirection and positive reinforcement as disciple. Item # 904 is considered corrected during today’s visit. Violation Number Comment Rule 432 The center did not have developmentally appropriate equipment and materials accessible daily. In the infant room there were pieces of fabric with a tag that stated "not intended to use for children under the age of three" lying on the floor and on the shelves that were assessable to the infants. This was not a developmentally age-appropriate material for infants. GS 110-91(12);10A NCAC 09 .0509(1) 616 Toys and other mouth-contact surfaces were not cleaned and sanitized daily when used or cleaned more frequently if visibly dirty. In the toddler rooms there was evidence dried saliva on the mirrors and dried food on the cushions in cozy area. .2822(a)(1-4) 618 Diaper changing surfaces were not kept free of storage. The changing table had food and particles under the diaper changing mat. 15A NCAC 18A .2819(b) 619 Diaper changing surfaces were not cleaned with a detergent solution and disinfected after each use. The bottle for soapy water to clean the surfaces, table, and changing table was missing the nozzle preventing the ability to clean the required surfaces. 15A NCAC 18A .2819(c) 705 Equipment and furnishings were not sturdy, stable and free of hazards. In the preschool room there is tech desk that is not study and wobbles back and forth. .0601(c) 812 Electrical outlets and power strips, not in use, which were located in space used by children did not have safety outlets or were not covered with safety plugs unless located behind furniture or equipment that cannot be moved by a child. One outlet was uncovered in the activity room. 10A NCAC 09 .0604(c) 858 Plastic bags, materials that could be torn apart and toy parts small enough to be swallowed were accessible to children under three years of age. There were toddlers on the playground where there were pieces of bark, sticks and leaves. There was a plastic bag of diapers on the floor of the toddler room. .0604(q) 1032 Child care providers and uncompensated providers who are not substitute providers or volunteers, including the director did not have a medical report on file prior to employment that was signed by a health care professional and/ or the medical report was older than 12 months. A staff members medical report was dated December 31, 2024, they date of employment was dated December 30, 2024. 10A NCAC 09 .0701(a) 1033 On or before the first day of work, all staff, including the director and individuals who volunteer more than once per week did not provide results indicating that they were free of active TB and/or TB test or screening was older than 12 months. A staff members TB test was dated December 31, 2024, they date of employment was dated December 30, 2024. .0701(a) 1041 Prior to employment a Criminal Background Check was not completed. A staff member started employment on December 31, 2024, but did not have a CBC qualification letter on file until January 17, 2025. G.S. 110-90.2(b) 1045 New staff, who had contact with children, did not receive at least 16 hrs. orientation within first 6 weeks. An employee was hired on December 10, 2024 and it was not documented that the employee received the required orientation. .1101(a) 1067 Each new employee did not complete, within the first two weeks of employment, six clock hours of training in required topic areas. An employee was hired on December 10, 2024 and it was not documented that the employee received the required orientation. .1101(a)(b) 1301 Center did not maintain a record of daily attendance. In space 2 10 children were present. Only 7 were documented on the attendance sheet. GS 110-91(9) 1757 A valid qualification letter was not on file and available to review at the facility. A staff member started employment on December 31, 2024, but did not have a CBC qualification letter on file until January 17, 2025. G.S. 110-90.2(b) & (d) & .2703(e) Corrective Action The child care providers are expected to maintain compliance with all applicable child care requirements at all times. All violations cited today must be corrected immediately. Ms. Duncan will submit a compliance letter explaining how and when today’s violations were corrected to Amy Italiano, Lead Child Care Consultant on or before February 18, 2025. Failure to correct the violations and/or submit the compliance letter to me by the date listed above may result in an unannounced follow-up visit being conducted to ensure corrections were made. Rated License Process: We discussed the rated license process. Ms. Duncan stated she does not have children enrolled who receive subsidized care. She understands the facility must hold a 3-5 Star Rated License at the end of the temporary time period to provide child care for sponsored children. Ms. Duncan stated that they are not going to have the scales completed. The facility is going to go through the accreditation process first and then will decide about the Pathway to the Stars. Discussion and Technical Assistance: It was discussed with Ms. Duncan the importance of having the Staff and Training worksheet being completed. This is supposed to be a working document. If this is used and kept current, it will help you stay organized and not miss important dates for your employees which will help you not miss something and receive a violation. No staff member should be hired to start employment until they have a current criminal qualification letter on file, a current medical exam, and a current TB test completed. It was discussed that administration come up with a cleaning scheduled for the staff to use to ensure that equipment, materials and surfaces are kept clean. It was suggested that the facility use a leaf blower to blow the leaves, bark and sticks can be removed from the play area. Once children are done drinking their milk and have completed breakfast or lunch the milk that is in the cups needs to be discarded. You must maintain at least a 75% or higher Compliance History to be eligible to apply for a child care license. Your Compliance History will continue to build over an 18-month period. The compliance history is based on violations that are cited during visits to your center. If you have an acceptable compliance history at the end of your six-month temporary license you will be eligible to apply for a rated license. You must maintain at least a 75% or higher compliance history to maintain your star license. If your center's compliance history drops below 75% you may receive an administrative action. Reminder that Recognizing and Responding to Child Maltreatment training must be completed by all staff within 90 days of employment. CPR and First Aid training must be completed by all staff within 90 days of employment. Ensure that CPR and First Aid training is taken in-person, by an approved trainer and training agency, as well as the type of training is Pediatric or Infant/Child CPR and First Aid training. Stay updated with changes and new rule updates by visiting the DCDEE website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/. Thank you for your time today. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at 704-936-6065 or through 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 .0701 · Violation
Name of Operation: Lightbridge Academy Steele Creek Facility ID: 60004371 Consultant: AMY ITALIANO Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 2/4/2025 Number Present: 43 Completed Date: 2/4/2025 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: Temp Time Period Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today's visit was to monitor your program for compliance with all applicable child care requirements during the second temporary time period visit. Barbara Jean Duncan, director, was on a call so Angela Battiatio, Assistant director, assisted us with the visit. This facility was issued a temporary license on October 28, 2024, with a restriction of daytime care only. Kaye Dunlap, Child Care Consultant, accompanied me on today’s visit. During today’s walk-though we monitored all classrooms and the outdoor learning environment. We observed children in free play center time and outdoor play. The classrooms were set up activity centers with a variety of age-appropriate materials. Safe Sleep Charts and feeding schedules were monitored. In the infant room there were pieces of fabric that were intended for use for children under the age of three, on the floor and shelves assessable to the infants. In the toddler rooms there was evidence dried saliva on the mirrors and dried food on the cushions in cozy area. The bottle for soapy water to clean the surfaces, table, and changing table was missing the nozzle preventing the ability to clean the required surfaces. The was a plastic bag of diapers on the floor of the toddler room. The changing table had food and particles under the diaper changing mat. In the preschool room there is tech desk that is not study and wobbles back and forth. The following was monitored during today’s visit: supervision, staff/child ratios, permit restrictions, group size, capacity, adequate and approved space, hazardous product storage. The outdoor space was monitored during the visit. There are bark, sticks, and leaves that are choking hazards on the infant/toddler playground. Program records were reviewed and found in compliance. The EPR plan needs to be completed by February 28, 2025. Staff files and four (4) children’s records were reviewed. Four (4) violations were observed during the file review. The sanitation inspection was completed on November 20, 2024, and you received a superior rating and 12 demerits. The last fire inspection was completed on September 23, 2024. Fourteen (14 ) violations were observed and discussed with Ms. Duncan and Ms. Battiatio during today’s visit. On January 21, 2025, a complaint visit was conducted. One (1) violation regarding a child being handled roughly was cited. During today’s visit staff were observed nurturing and caring towards the children and using redirection and positive reinforcement as disciple. Item # 904 is considered corrected during today’s visit. Violation Number Comment Rule 432 The center did not have developmentally appropriate equipment and materials accessible daily. In the infant room there were pieces of fabric with a tag that stated "not intended to use for children under the age of three" lying on the floor and on the shelves that were assessable to the infants. This was not a developmentally age-appropriate material for infants. GS 110-91(12);10A NCAC 09 .0509(1) 616 Toys and other mouth-contact surfaces were not cleaned and sanitized daily when used or cleaned more frequently if visibly dirty. In the toddler rooms there was evidence dried saliva on the mirrors and dried food on the cushions in cozy area. .2822(a)(1-4) 618 Diaper changing surfaces were not kept free of storage. The changing table had food and particles under the diaper changing mat. 15A NCAC 18A .2819(b) 619 Diaper changing surfaces were not cleaned with a detergent solution and disinfected after each use. The bottle for soapy water to clean the surfaces, table, and changing table was missing the nozzle preventing the ability to clean the required surfaces. 15A NCAC 18A .2819(c) 705 Equipment and furnishings were not sturdy, stable and free of hazards. In the preschool room there is tech desk that is not study and wobbles back and forth. .0601(c) 812 Electrical outlets and power strips, not in use, which were located in space used by children did not have safety outlets or were not covered with safety plugs unless located behind furniture or equipment that cannot be moved by a child. One outlet was uncovered in the activity room. 10A NCAC 09 .0604(c) 858 Plastic bags, materials that could be torn apart and toy parts small enough to be swallowed were accessible to children under three years of age. There were toddlers on the playground where there were pieces of bark, sticks and leaves. There was a plastic bag of diapers on the floor of the toddler room. .0604(q) 1032 Child care providers and uncompensated providers who are not substitute providers or volunteers, including the director did not have a medical report on file prior to employment that was signed by a health care professional and/ or the medical report was older than 12 months. A staff members medical report was dated December 31, 2024, they date of employment was dated December 30, 2024. 10A NCAC 09 .0701(a) 1033 On or before the first day of work, all staff, including the director and individuals who volunteer more than once per week did not provide results indicating that they were free of active TB and/or TB test or screening was older than 12 months. A staff members TB test was dated December 31, 2024, they date of employment was dated December 30, 2024. .0701(a) 1041 Prior to employment a Criminal Background Check was not completed. A staff member started employment on December 31, 2024, but did not have a CBC qualification letter on file until January 17, 2025. G.S. 110-90.2(b) 1045 New staff, who had contact with children, did not receive at least 16 hrs. orientation within first 6 weeks. An employee was hired on December 10, 2024 and it was not documented that the employee received the required orientation. .1101(a) 1067 Each new employee did not complete, within the first two weeks of employment, six clock hours of training in required topic areas. An employee was hired on December 10, 2024 and it was not documented that the employee received the required orientation. .1101(a)(b) 1301 Center did not maintain a record of daily attendance. In space 2 10 children were present. Only 7 were documented on the attendance sheet. GS 110-91(9) 1757 A valid qualification letter was not on file and available to review at the facility. A staff member started employment on December 31, 2024, but did not have a CBC qualification letter on file until January 17, 2025. G.S. 110-90.2(b) & (d) & .2703(e) Corrective Action The child care providers are expected to maintain compliance with all applicable child care requirements at all times. All violations cited today must be corrected immediately. Ms. Duncan will submit a compliance letter explaining how and when today’s violations were corrected to Amy Italiano, Lead Child Care Consultant on or before February 18, 2025. Failure to correct the violations and/or submit the compliance letter to me by the date listed above may result in an unannounced follow-up visit being conducted to ensure corrections were made. Rated License Process: We discussed the rated license process. Ms. Duncan stated she does not have children enrolled who receive subsidized care. She understands the facility must hold a 3-5 Star Rated License at the end of the temporary time period to provide child care for sponsored children. Ms. Duncan stated that they are not going to have the scales completed. The facility is going to go through the accreditation process first and then will decide about the Pathway to the Stars. Discussion and Technical Assistance: It was discussed with Ms. Duncan the importance of having the Staff and Training worksheet being completed. This is supposed to be a working document. If this is used and kept current, it will help you stay organized and not miss important dates for your employees which will help you not miss something and receive a violation. No staff member should be hired to start employment until they have a current criminal qualification letter on file, a current medical exam, and a current TB test completed. It was discussed that administration come up with a cleaning scheduled for the staff to use to ensure that equipment, materials and surfaces are kept clean. It was suggested that the facility use a leaf blower to blow the leaves, bark and sticks can be removed from the play area. Once children are done drinking their milk and have completed breakfast or lunch the milk that is in the cups needs to be discarded. You must maintain at least a 75% or higher Compliance History to be eligible to apply for a child care license. Your Compliance History will continue to build over an 18-month period. The compliance history is based on violations that are cited during visits to your center. If you have an acceptable compliance history at the end of your six-month temporary license you will be eligible to apply for a rated license. You must maintain at least a 75% or higher compliance history to maintain your star license. If your center's compliance history drops below 75% you may receive an administrative action. Reminder that Recognizing and Responding to Child Maltreatment training must be completed by all staff within 90 days of employment. CPR and First Aid training must be completed by all staff within 90 days of employment. Ensure that CPR and First Aid training is taken in-person, by an approved trainer and training agency, as well as the type of training is Pediatric or Infant/Child CPR and First Aid training. Stay updated with changes and new rule updates by visiting the DCDEE website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/. Thank you for your time today. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at 704-936-6065 or through 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: Lightbridge Academy Steele Creek Facility ID: 60004371 Consultant: AMY ITALIANO Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 2/4/2025 Number Present: 43 Completed Date: 2/4/2025 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: Temp Time Period Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today's visit was to monitor your program for compliance with all applicable child care requirements during the second temporary time period visit. Barbara Jean Duncan, director, was on a call so Angela Battiatio, Assistant director, assisted us with the visit. This facility was issued a temporary license on October 28, 2024, with a restriction of daytime care only. Kaye Dunlap, Child Care Consultant, accompanied me on today’s visit. During today’s walk-though we monitored all classrooms and the outdoor learning environment. We observed children in free play center time and outdoor play. The classrooms were set up activity centers with a variety of age-appropriate materials. Safe Sleep Charts and feeding schedules were monitored. In the infant room there were pieces of fabric that were intended for use for children under the age of three, on the floor and shelves assessable to the infants. In the toddler rooms there was evidence dried saliva on the mirrors and dried food on the cushions in cozy area. The bottle for soapy water to clean the surfaces, table, and changing table was missing the nozzle preventing the ability to clean the required surfaces. The was a plastic bag of diapers on the floor of the toddler room. The changing table had food and particles under the diaper changing mat. In the preschool room there is tech desk that is not study and wobbles back and forth. The following was monitored during today’s visit: supervision, staff/child ratios, permit restrictions, group size, capacity, adequate and approved space, hazardous product storage. The outdoor space was monitored during the visit. There are bark, sticks, and leaves that are choking hazards on the infant/toddler playground. Program records were reviewed and found in compliance. The EPR plan needs to be completed by February 28, 2025. Staff files and four (4) children’s records were reviewed. Four (4) violations were observed during the file review. The sanitation inspection was completed on November 20, 2024, and you received a superior rating and 12 demerits. The last fire inspection was completed on September 23, 2024. Fourteen (14 ) violations were observed and discussed with Ms. Duncan and Ms. Battiatio during today’s visit. On January 21, 2025, a complaint visit was conducted. One (1) violation regarding a child being handled roughly was cited. During today’s visit staff were observed nurturing and caring towards the children and using redirection and positive reinforcement as disciple. Item # 904 is considered corrected during today’s visit. Violation Number Comment Rule 432 The center did not have developmentally appropriate equipment and materials accessible daily. In the infant room there were pieces of fabric with a tag that stated "not intended to use for children under the age of three" lying on the floor and on the shelves that were assessable to the infants. This was not a developmentally age-appropriate material for infants. GS 110-91(12);10A NCAC 09 .0509(1) 616 Toys and other mouth-contact surfaces were not cleaned and sanitized daily when used or cleaned more frequently if visibly dirty. In the toddler rooms there was evidence dried saliva on the mirrors and dried food on the cushions in cozy area. .2822(a)(1-4) 618 Diaper changing surfaces were not kept free of storage. The changing table had food and particles under the diaper changing mat. 15A NCAC 18A .2819(b) 619 Diaper changing surfaces were not cleaned with a detergent solution and disinfected after each use. The bottle for soapy water to clean the surfaces, table, and changing table was missing the nozzle preventing the ability to clean the required surfaces. 15A NCAC 18A .2819(c) 705 Equipment and furnishings were not sturdy, stable and free of hazards. In the preschool room there is tech desk that is not study and wobbles back and forth. .0601(c) 812 Electrical outlets and power strips, not in use, which were located in space used by children did not have safety outlets or were not covered with safety plugs unless located behind furniture or equipment that cannot be moved by a child. One outlet was uncovered in the activity room. 10A NCAC 09 .0604(c) 858 Plastic bags, materials that could be torn apart and toy parts small enough to be swallowed were accessible to children under three years of age. There were toddlers on the playground where there were pieces of bark, sticks and leaves. There was a plastic bag of diapers on the floor of the toddler room. .0604(q) 1032 Child care providers and uncompensated providers who are not substitute providers or volunteers, including the director did not have a medical report on file prior to employment that was signed by a health care professional and/ or the medical report was older than 12 months. A staff members medical report was dated December 31, 2024, they date of employment was dated December 30, 2024. 10A NCAC 09 .0701(a) 1033 On or before the first day of work, all staff, including the director and individuals who volunteer more than once per week did not provide results indicating that they were free of active TB and/or TB test or screening was older than 12 months. A staff members TB test was dated December 31, 2024, they date of employment was dated December 30, 2024. .0701(a) 1041 Prior to employment a Criminal Background Check was not completed. A staff member started employment on December 31, 2024, but did not have a CBC qualification letter on file until January 17, 2025. G.S. 110-90.2(b) 1045 New staff, who had contact with children, did not receive at least 16 hrs. orientation within first 6 weeks. An employee was hired on December 10, 2024 and it was not documented that the employee received the required orientation. .1101(a) 1067 Each new employee did not complete, within the first two weeks of employment, six clock hours of training in required topic areas. An employee was hired on December 10, 2024 and it was not documented that the employee received the required orientation. .1101(a)(b) 1301 Center did not maintain a record of daily attendance. In space 2 10 children were present. Only 7 were documented on the attendance sheet. GS 110-91(9) 1757 A valid qualification letter was not on file and available to review at the facility. A staff member started employment on December 31, 2024, but did not have a CBC qualification letter on file until January 17, 2025. G.S. 110-90.2(b) & (d) & .2703(e) Corrective Action The child care providers are expected to maintain compliance with all applicable child care requirements at all times. All violations cited today must be corrected immediately. Ms. Duncan will submit a compliance letter explaining how and when today’s violations were corrected to Amy Italiano, Lead Child Care Consultant on or before February 18, 2025. Failure to correct the violations and/or submit the compliance letter to me by the date listed above may result in an unannounced follow-up visit being conducted to ensure corrections were made. Rated License Process: We discussed the rated license process. Ms. Duncan stated she does not have children enrolled who receive subsidized care. She understands the facility must hold a 3-5 Star Rated License at the end of the temporary time period to provide child care for sponsored children. Ms. Duncan stated that they are not going to have the scales completed. The facility is going to go through the accreditation process first and then will decide about the Pathway to the Stars. Discussion and Technical Assistance: It was discussed with Ms. Duncan the importance of having the Staff and Training worksheet being completed. This is supposed to be a working document. If this is used and kept current, it will help you stay organized and not miss important dates for your employees which will help you not miss something and receive a violation. No staff member should be hired to start employment until they have a current criminal qualification letter on file, a current medical exam, and a current TB test completed. It was discussed that administration come up with a cleaning scheduled for the staff to use to ensure that equipment, materials and surfaces are kept clean. It was suggested that the facility use a leaf blower to blow the leaves, bark and sticks can be removed from the play area. Once children are done drinking their milk and have completed breakfast or lunch the milk that is in the cups needs to be discarded. You must maintain at least a 75% or higher Compliance History to be eligible to apply for a child care license. Your Compliance History will continue to build over an 18-month period. The compliance history is based on violations that are cited during visits to your center. If you have an acceptable compliance history at the end of your six-month temporary license you will be eligible to apply for a rated license. You must maintain at least a 75% or higher compliance history to maintain your star license. If your center's compliance history drops below 75% you may receive an administrative action. Reminder that Recognizing and Responding to Child Maltreatment training must be completed by all staff within 90 days of employment. CPR and First Aid training must be completed by all staff within 90 days of employment. Ensure that CPR and First Aid training is taken in-person, by an approved trainer and training agency, as well as the type of training is Pediatric or Infant/Child CPR and First Aid training. Stay updated with changes and new rule updates by visiting the DCDEE website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/. Thank you for your time today. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at 704-936-6065 or through 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: Lightbridge Academy Steele Creek Facility ID: 60004371 Consultant: AMY ITALIANO Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 2/4/2025 Number Present: 43 Completed Date: 2/4/2025 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: Temp Time Period Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today's visit was to monitor your program for compliance with all applicable child care requirements during the second temporary time period visit. Barbara Jean Duncan, director, was on a call so Angela Battiatio, Assistant director, assisted us with the visit. This facility was issued a temporary license on October 28, 2024, with a restriction of daytime care only. Kaye Dunlap, Child Care Consultant, accompanied me on today’s visit. During today’s walk-though we monitored all classrooms and the outdoor learning environment. We observed children in free play center time and outdoor play. The classrooms were set up activity centers with a variety of age-appropriate materials. Safe Sleep Charts and feeding schedules were monitored. In the infant room there were pieces of fabric that were intended for use for children under the age of three, on the floor and shelves assessable to the infants. In the toddler rooms there was evidence dried saliva on the mirrors and dried food on the cushions in cozy area. The bottle for soapy water to clean the surfaces, table, and changing table was missing the nozzle preventing the ability to clean the required surfaces. The was a plastic bag of diapers on the floor of the toddler room. The changing table had food and particles under the diaper changing mat. In the preschool room there is tech desk that is not study and wobbles back and forth. The following was monitored during today’s visit: supervision, staff/child ratios, permit restrictions, group size, capacity, adequate and approved space, hazardous product storage. The outdoor space was monitored during the visit. There are bark, sticks, and leaves that are choking hazards on the infant/toddler playground. Program records were reviewed and found in compliance. The EPR plan needs to be completed by February 28, 2025. Staff files and four (4) children’s records were reviewed. Four (4) violations were observed during the file review. The sanitation inspection was completed on November 20, 2024, and you received a superior rating and 12 demerits. The last fire inspection was completed on September 23, 2024. Fourteen (14 ) violations were observed and discussed with Ms. Duncan and Ms. Battiatio during today’s visit. On January 21, 2025, a complaint visit was conducted. One (1) violation regarding a child being handled roughly was cited. During today’s visit staff were observed nurturing and caring towards the children and using redirection and positive reinforcement as disciple. Item # 904 is considered corrected during today’s visit. Violation Number Comment Rule 432 The center did not have developmentally appropriate equipment and materials accessible daily. In the infant room there were pieces of fabric with a tag that stated "not intended to use for children under the age of three" lying on the floor and on the shelves that were assessable to the infants. This was not a developmentally age-appropriate material for infants. GS 110-91(12);10A NCAC 09 .0509(1) 616 Toys and other mouth-contact surfaces were not cleaned and sanitized daily when used or cleaned more frequently if visibly dirty. In the toddler rooms there was evidence dried saliva on the mirrors and dried food on the cushions in cozy area. .2822(a)(1-4) 618 Diaper changing surfaces were not kept free of storage. The changing table had food and particles under the diaper changing mat. 15A NCAC 18A .2819(b) 619 Diaper changing surfaces were not cleaned with a detergent solution and disinfected after each use. The bottle for soapy water to clean the surfaces, table, and changing table was missing the nozzle preventing the ability to clean the required surfaces. 15A NCAC 18A .2819(c) 705 Equipment and furnishings were not sturdy, stable and free of hazards. In the preschool room there is tech desk that is not study and wobbles back and forth. .0601(c) 812 Electrical outlets and power strips, not in use, which were located in space used by children did not have safety outlets or were not covered with safety plugs unless located behind furniture or equipment that cannot be moved by a child. One outlet was uncovered in the activity room. 10A NCAC 09 .0604(c) 858 Plastic bags, materials that could be torn apart and toy parts small enough to be swallowed were accessible to children under three years of age. There were toddlers on the playground where there were pieces of bark, sticks and leaves. There was a plastic bag of diapers on the floor of the toddler room. .0604(q) 1032 Child care providers and uncompensated providers who are not substitute providers or volunteers, including the director did not have a medical report on file prior to employment that was signed by a health care professional and/ or the medical report was older than 12 months. A staff members medical report was dated December 31, 2024, they date of employment was dated December 30, 2024. 10A NCAC 09 .0701(a) 1033 On or before the first day of work, all staff, including the director and individuals who volunteer more than once per week did not provide results indicating that they were free of active TB and/or TB test or screening was older than 12 months. A staff members TB test was dated December 31, 2024, they date of employment was dated December 30, 2024. .0701(a) 1041 Prior to employment a Criminal Background Check was not completed. A staff member started employment on December 31, 2024, but did not have a CBC qualification letter on file until January 17, 2025. G.S. 110-90.2(b) 1045 New staff, who had contact with children, did not receive at least 16 hrs. orientation within first 6 weeks. An employee was hired on December 10, 2024 and it was not documented that the employee received the required orientation. .1101(a) 1067 Each new employee did not complete, within the first two weeks of employment, six clock hours of training in required topic areas. An employee was hired on December 10, 2024 and it was not documented that the employee received the required orientation. .1101(a)(b) 1301 Center did not maintain a record of daily attendance. In space 2 10 children were present. Only 7 were documented on the attendance sheet. GS 110-91(9) 1757 A valid qualification letter was not on file and available to review at the facility. A staff member started employment on December 31, 2024, but did not have a CBC qualification letter on file until January 17, 2025. G.S. 110-90.2(b) & (d) & .2703(e) Corrective Action The child care providers are expected to maintain compliance with all applicable child care requirements at all times. All violations cited today must be corrected immediately. Ms. Duncan will submit a compliance letter explaining how and when today’s violations were corrected to Amy Italiano, Lead Child Care Consultant on or before February 18, 2025. Failure to correct the violations and/or submit the compliance letter to me by the date listed above may result in an unannounced follow-up visit being conducted to ensure corrections were made. Rated License Process: We discussed the rated license process. Ms. Duncan stated she does not have children enrolled who receive subsidized care. She understands the facility must hold a 3-5 Star Rated License at the end of the temporary time period to provide child care for sponsored children. Ms. Duncan stated that they are not going to have the scales completed. The facility is going to go through the accreditation process first and then will decide about the Pathway to the Stars. Discussion and Technical Assistance: It was discussed with Ms. Duncan the importance of having the Staff and Training worksheet being completed. This is supposed to be a working document. If this is used and kept current, it will help you stay organized and not miss important dates for your employees which will help you not miss something and receive a violation. No staff member should be hired to start employment until they have a current criminal qualification letter on file, a current medical exam, and a current TB test completed. It was discussed that administration come up with a cleaning scheduled for the staff to use to ensure that equipment, materials and surfaces are kept clean. It was suggested that the facility use a leaf blower to blow the leaves, bark and sticks can be removed from the play area. Once children are done drinking their milk and have completed breakfast or lunch the milk that is in the cups needs to be discarded. You must maintain at least a 75% or higher Compliance History to be eligible to apply for a child care license. Your Compliance History will continue to build over an 18-month period. The compliance history is based on violations that are cited during visits to your center. If you have an acceptable compliance history at the end of your six-month temporary license you will be eligible to apply for a rated license. You must maintain at least a 75% or higher compliance history to maintain your star license. If your center's compliance history drops below 75% you may receive an administrative action. Reminder that Recognizing and Responding to Child Maltreatment training must be completed by all staff within 90 days of employment. CPR and First Aid training must be completed by all staff within 90 days of employment. Ensure that CPR and First Aid training is taken in-person, by an approved trainer and training agency, as well as the type of training is Pediatric or Infant/Child CPR and First Aid training. Stay updated with changes and new rule updates by visiting the DCDEE website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/. Thank you for your time today. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at 704-936-6065 or through 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 .1803 · Violation
Name of Operation: Lightbridge Academy Steele Creek Facility ID: 60004371 Consultant: AMY ITALIANO Operation Type: Center Case Number: 0125-075L Visit Date: 1/21/2025 Number Present: 35 Completed Date: 1/21/2025 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 70 Time In: 10:00 AM Time Out: 11:10 AM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Complaint Visit Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today's visit was to investigate allegations of childcare requirements during a complaint visit. The facility has a Temporary license issued October 28, 2024. The facility had its last Temp Time Period was December 10, 2024. The facility has an 95% compliance history prior to today’s visit. Upon my arrival I was greeted by Angela Battiatio, Assistant Director. I explained the purpose of today’s visit. I shared the following allegation with Ms. Battiatio. There are concerns that: A child was handled in a rough manner. Ms. Battiatio was aware of the compliant because the facility did a self-report on January 8, 2025. A parent contacted Assistant Director, Angela Battiatio, on January 8, 2025, and said she witnessed on video, a teacher pulls her child up by the arm and roughly put her in a chair and push the chair to the table, causing her child to cry. This occurred at 11:30 a.m., January 8, 2025. Ms. Battiatio went to the room and removed the teacher from the class and checked the child for injuries. Ms. Battiatio stated that the child was not injured. The teacher told Ms. Battiatio that the child was getting up from the table and messing with other children’s food. The teacher was sent home. Ms. Battiatio stated that the parent stated this was not the first time she had concerns about care, however this was the first time parent had reported concerns to the admin staff. There was not a second teacher in the classroom at the time incident occurred. The staff member was scheduled to come to the facility on January 10, 2025, for a meeting regarding the January 8, 2025, incident. The staff member did not show up and is not eligible for rehire. A staff meeting was held on January 16, 2025, to review age-appropriate discipline and expectation of all staff. Ms. Battiatio and I did a walk-though of the facility. Infants and toddlers were observed eating and playing on the floor. Preschool children were observed in teacher directed activities and free play. Teachers were observed engaged and nurturing with the children. The classrooms were within staff/child ratio and adequately supervised. Based on interviews with the staff the allegation that a child was handled in a rough manner was found substantiated. One (1) violation was cited during today’s visit. . Violation Number Comment Rule 904 Child was handled roughly. A teacher pulled a child up by the arm and roughly put the child in a chair and pushed the chair to the table, causing the child to cry. .1803(a)(1) Corrective Action The child care providers are expected to maintain compliance with all applicable child care requirements at all times. A follow-up visit will be conducted in the near future. Failure to correct the violations and/or submit the compliance letter to me by the date listed above may result in an unannounced follow-up visit being conducted to ensure corrections were made. Technical Assistance: The following rule was shared with Ms. Battiatio. 10A NCAC 09 .1803 PROHIBITED DISCIPLINE IN CHILD CARE CENTERS No child shall be subjected to any form of corporal punishment by the owner, operator, director, or staff of any child care center. For purposes of this Rule, "staff" shall mean any regular or substitute caregiver, any volunteer, and any auxiliary personnel, including cooks, secretaries, janitors, maids, or vehicle drivers. The following shall apply at all child care centers: (1) no child shall be handled roughly in any way, including shaking, pushing, shoving, pinching, slapping, biting, kicking, or spanking; (2) no child shall be placed in a locked room, closet, or box or be left alone in a room separated from staff; (3) no discipline shall be delegated to another child; (4) no food shall be withheld as punishment or given as a means of reward; (5) no child shall be disciplined for toileting accidents; (6) no child shall be disciplined for not sleeping during rest period; (7) no child shall be disciplined by assigning chores that require contact with or use of hazardous materials, such as cleaning bathrooms, floors, or emptying diaper pails; (8) physical activity, such as running laps and doing push-ups, shall not be withheld as punishment or required as punishment; (9) no child shall be yelled at, shamed, humiliated, frightened, threatened, or bullied; and (10) no child shall be restrained as a form of discipline unless the child's safety or the safety of others is at risk. For purposes of this Rule, "restraining" shall mean that a caregiver physically holds a child in a manner that restricts the child's movement, for a minimum amount of time necessary to ensure a safe environment. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Rule, no child shall be restrained through the use of heavy objects, including a caregiver's body, or any device such as straps, blankets, car seats, or cribs. Discipline practices shall be age and developmentally appropriate. Thank you for your time today. If you have any questions or I can help you with anything please free to contact me at 704-936-6065, or email me 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
Open Not marked corrected in the state record
Category: supervision. Open / not marked corrected.
10A NCAC 09 .0902 · Violation
Name of Operation: Lightbridge Academy Steele Creek Facility ID: 60004371 Consultant: AMY ITALIANO Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 12/10/2024 Number Present: 44 Completed Date: 12/10/2024 Age: From 0 To 4 Total Minutes: 175 Time In: 10:30 AM Time Out: 01:25 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Temp Time Period Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today's visit was to monitor your program for compliance with all applicable child care requirements during the first temporary time period visit. Barbara Jean Duncan, Director, assisted me with the visit. This facility was issued a temporary license on October 28, 2024, with a restriction of daytime care only. During today’s walk-though a sampling of classrooms and the outdoor learning environment was monitored. I observed children in free play center time. In the infant and toddler room, infants were observed sleeping and playing on the floor with the teacher. eating lunch. Safe Sleep Charts and Feeding schedules were monitored. One (1) infant did not have a feeding schedule posted. Staff were observed interacting in a nurturing and positive way, helping children with their routines. The following was monitored during today’s visit: supervision, staff/child ratios, permit restrictions, group size, capacity, adequate and approved space, hazardous product storage. A sampling of staff and child files, and other required program records were monitored. One (1) violation was observed. The sanitation initial inspection was completed on November 20, 2024, the facility received 12 demerits and a superior rating. The last fire inspection was completed on September 3, 2024. Two (2) violations were observed and corrected during today’s visit. No Corrective Action is due at this time. The child care providers are expected to maintain compliance with all applicable child care requirements at all times. 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) One (1) infant did not have a feeding schedule posted. 10A NCAC 09 .0902(a) 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. A staff member was working in the classroom that did not have a signed policy on file. .0608(d)(1-4) Discussion and Technical Assistance: We discussed the rated license process. Ms. Duncan stated she does not have children enrolled who receive subsidized children care. She understands the facility must hold a 3-5 Star Rated License at the end of the temporary time period to provide child care for sponsored children. Ms. Duncan does not think the facility will be ready to go through the Rated license process at this time. I encouraged Ms. Duncan to have her staff create a WORKS account and upload education in the event the facility decides to have the Rated license process completed. I explained the process to register and submit information in the DCDEE WORKS System for all staff. Only the information reflected in WORKS will be used to determine the number of points earned in the education component. Instructions for the DCDEE WORKS system, including establishing a NCID, is located on our website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/. Remember to track the date information is I explained the Quality Every Day (QED) Grant offered through Child Care Resources, Inc (CCRI). This grant provides technical and financial assistance to prepare the center and staff for the ERS assessments. We discussed reviewing all staff and children’s file prior to filing them away to ensure all forms have been completed correctly and not blanks on the forms are forgotten. You must maintain at least a 75% or higher Compliance History to be eligible to apply for a child care license. Your Compliance History will continue to build over an 18-month period. The compliance history is based on violations that are cited during visits to your center. If you have an acceptable compliance history at the end of your six-month temporary license you will be eligible to apply for a rated license. You must maintain at least a 75% or higher compliance history to maintain your star license. If your center's compliance history drops below 75% you may receive an administrative action. The Administrator and all staff working in the infant classroom must have current ITS-SIDS training. New staff working in the infant classroom have two months to complete ITS-SIDS training. At all times, one child care provider who has current ITS-SIDS training must be present in the infant room while children are in care. Recognizing and Responding to Child Maltreatment training must be completed by all staff within 90 days of employment. CPR and First Aid training must be completed by all staff within 90 days of employment. Ensure that CPR and First Aid training is taken in-person, by an approved trainer and training agency, as well as the type of training is Pediatric or Infant/Child CPR and First Aid training. New staff must have a current criminal background check, medical exam, and TB test or TB screening completed prior to employment. Federal law requires that an employer keep all medical information confidential and in separate medical files. Any staff medical statements, any proof of tuberculosis test or screening, and any completed health questionnaires must be included in a staff member's medical file, which must be maintained separately from that staff member's individual personnel file. Stay updated with changes and new rule updates by visiting the DCDEE website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/. Thank you for your time today. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at 704-936-6065 or through 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
Open Not marked corrected in the state record
Category: supervision. Open / not marked corrected.
Open Not marked corrected in the state record
Category: supervision. Open / not marked corrected.
Open Not marked corrected in the state record
Category: supervision. Open / not marked corrected.
Open Not marked corrected in the state record
Category: supervision. Open / not marked corrected.
Open Not marked corrected in the state record
Category: supervision. Open / not marked corrected.
Open Not marked corrected in the state record
Category: supervision. Open / not marked corrected.
Open Not marked corrected in the state record
Category: supervision. Open / not marked corrected.
Open Not marked corrected in the state record
Category: supervision. Open / not marked corrected.
Open Not marked corrected in the state record
Category: supervision. Open / not marked corrected.
Open Not marked corrected in the state record
Category: supervision. Open / not marked corrected.
Open Not marked corrected in the state record
Category: supervision. Open / not marked corrected.
Open Not marked corrected in the state record
Category: supervision. Open / not marked corrected.
Open Not marked corrected in the state record
Category: supervision. Open / not marked corrected.
Open Not marked corrected in the state record
Category: supervision. Open / not marked corrected.
Open Not marked corrected in the state record
Category: supervision. Open / not marked corrected.
Open Not marked corrected in the state record
Category: supervision. Open / not marked corrected.
Open Not marked corrected in the state record
Category: supervision. Open / not marked corrected.
Open Not marked corrected in the state record
Category: supervision. Open / not marked corrected.