GS 110-91 · Violation

Name of Operation: LITTLE HEDGEPETH ACADEMY Facility ID: 60002013 Consultant: STEPHANIE PALMER Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 2/24/2026 Number Present: 11 Completed Date: 2/24/2026 Age: From 2 To 5 Total Minutes: 190 Time In: 10:10 AM Time Out: 01:20 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp w/Rated Lic Assess Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to conduct an annual compliance visit. The last annual compliance visit for this facility was conducted on February 28, 2025. The compliance history percentage for the 18-month period is 98%. The facility currently holds a four-star license. Upon arrival, I was greeted by Ms. Sharon Hedgepeth, administrator. I shared the reason for the visit. Ms. Hedgepeth assisted me with today’s visit. The Secretary of State’s website was monitored and Little Hedgepeth Inc. was current and active. I used the “Annual Compliance Monitoring Checklist for Child Care Centers” as a monitoring tool during today’s visit. I observed postings, indoor and outdoor spaces, safety and program management. During today’s visit, Ms. Hedgepeth confirmed that the facility will choose pathway 2 for the star rated license application process. The Creative Curriculum is the chosen curriculum for the children ages 3-5 which is already being used for the 4-5 year old class. Ms. Hedgepeth is in the process of confirming the chosen curriculum for the children 2 years of age. I shared that Early Learning Matters (ELM) is a free curriculum, but was not making a recommendation, only sharing a resource for Ms. Hedgepeth to review and see if it is an option for her facility. I reviewed the application and all required documents. The goal for submitting all required paperwork is prior to August 2026. I observed the children engaged in choice activities, story time and movement activity. One (1) staff file and one (1) child’s file were monitored during the visit for compliance with NC Childcare Rules. There were zero (0) new staff members hired since the facility’s last visit on 8/13/25. The child care consultant made notes on the staff and training worksheets and initialed where notes were made on the documents completed by the administrator. The Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan was reviewed and was last updated on 2/4/26. Medication is not currently administered at this facility. Transportation is not provided at this facility. The last sanitation inspection was conducted on 1/20/26 with four (4) demerits and a superior classification. The last fire inspection was conducted on 3/5/25. A copy of the computer-generated visit summary and enrollment worksheet were provided during the visit along with a copy of the “AC Monitoring Checklist for Child Care Centers”. The violations observed during the visit were discussed with Ms. Hedgepeth and documented in the visit summary. The following violations were observed: Violation Number Comment Rule 808 The child care center premises, including the outdoor learning environment, was not clean, drained to minimize standing water, free of litter and hazards, and/or maintained in a manner which does not create conditions that attract or harbor pests. A tree root was exposed on the preschool playground that was a potential tripping hazard. 15A NCAC 18A .2832(a) 853 Incident logs were not completed and maintained as required. Incident reports from February were not entered into the incident log. .0802(g)(1-6) 1048 All staff did not successfully complete certification in First Aid appropriate to the age of children in care. Verification of staff completion of First Aid training from an approved training organization was not in the staff file. The first aid certification for staff member L.W. expired on 1/18/26. .1102(c) 1049 All staff did not successfully complete certification in CPR training appropriate to the age of the children in care. Verification of staff completion of the CPR course from an approved training organization was not in the staff file. The CPR certification for staff member, L.W. expired on 1/18/26. .1102(d) 1232 Each employee's personnel file did not contain an annual staff evaluation and a staff development plan. A staff member's evaluation was completed annually as required. 10A NCAC 09 .0514(f) 1320 Children's records that include an application for enrollment, medical and immunization records, and permission to seek emergency medical care was not on file for each child. A child's file did not contain the required medical assessment. GS 110-91(1);.0302(d)(2); .0304(g) All violations documented above must be corrected immediately. A letter of compliance will need to be sent to me stating how each violation was corrected. Include the violation number, statement of compliance, license ID and your signature in the letter. Your compliance letter must be received, via email, before or by March 10, 2026. If needed, send your letter to: Stephanie Palmer PO Box 481335 Charlotte, NC 28269 Technical Assistance/Resources: • During the visit, I reviewed the pathways of the QRIS Modernization system with Ms. Hedgepeth. A QRIS Conversation form was provided during the visit. • During the visit, I discussed the retention chart with Ms. Hedgepeth. Please see rule .2318 on page 90 of the NC Childcare Rules for details. • During the visit, I shared with Ms. Hedgepeth that it is ok if she combines the staff emergency information and health questionnaire on the same page, but that the document would have to be kept in the staff medical file because of the health questionnaire component. Please continue to visit DCDEE’s website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ to get the latest updates. If you have questions or need further assistance, please contact me at 980-867-8005 or via email at stephanie.palmer@dhhs.nc.gov or Ebony Duncan, supervisor at ebony.duncan@dhhs.nc.gov or 704-594-0043. Stephanie Palmer Child Care Consultant Regulatory Services Section/DHHS Division of Child Development and Early Education 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.