10A NCAC 09 .1102 · Violation

Name of Operation: MERRY OAKS INTERNATIONAL ACADEMY Facility ID: 60003557 Consultant: MARA BRINTON Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 10/10/2025 Number Present: 29 Completed Date: 10/10/2025 Age: From 4 To 5 Total Minutes: 255 Time In: 09:30 AM Time Out: 01:45 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to monitor compliance with applicable child care requirements during the Annual Compliance Visit. Upon arrival at the DPI, CMS four-star center, Ms. Tricia Edwards, NC Pre-K Lead Designee, escorted me inside to begin the visit. The center maintained a four-star rated license and continued to meet enhanced space and the highest voluntary enhanced ratio. The Annual Compliance Monitoring Checklist for Child Care Centers and the Child Care Item Number Listing dated April 2025 were used to document compliance. Spaces # E1-E6 and outdoor learning environment were monitored. Children were monitored eating lunch, center group time, individual free center play and rest time. Each child was provided with a mat with linen and a period of time to rest. All children were observed resting quietly or asleep. There were at least two children per classroom observed eating lunch provided by their home. Ms. Edwards was encouraged to obtain “Opt Out” documentation from the parents, so parental choice would be supported. One child’s lunch was observed with whole cashew nuts and whole grapes. It was recommended to discuss with the child’s parents to not provide tree nuts in their child’s lunch due to other children’s nut allergies in the classroom. Children’s water bottles sent from home were not dated but labeled. The child care rule was reviewed with Ms. Edwards. Staff and Training worksheets were last reviewed in June of 2025. The worksheet was updated by Ms. Tricia Edwards. No new staff were hired. One substitute caregiver, T. Wilson, was present. Ms. Wilson has substituted for the CMS licensed site since last March. Ms. Wilson has worked on a CMS licensed site for more than ten (10) days. Ms. Wilson did not have completed CPR, FA or Recognizing and Responding to Child Maltreatment within ninety days of working ten days in a licensed program as a substitute. The ABCMS roster report was run prior to the visit. There were several school staff listed. However, three of the four program staff related to the licensed program were not linked in the system. (T. Edwards, T. Almendarez and C. Dana). There were thirty-one (31) children enrolled. Three children’s files were monitored for compliance and were found to meet child care requirements and NC Pre-K requirements. The school’s risk management plan/EPR plan and Ready to Go File were monitored for compliance and found to meet child care requirements. Documentation for quarterly safety drills, monthly fire drills, playground inspections and center incident log were monitored. It was highly recommended to practice a monthly fire drill towards the end of nap time and when there is active precipitation. Recommendations were made regarding preparing for children to be in the rain if they had to evacuate the building and practicing at least one monthly fire drill with active precipitation. The daily attendance with children’s arrival and departure times were monitored and maintained at the front door/office and in the NC PreK building by the program staff, documented and current for the week. Lesson plans were monitored, posted, current and developmentally appropriate. One outdoor learning environment was monitored for compliance. Monthly outdoor inspections were monitored current. NC Pre-K requirements were monitored for compliance. Family engagement opportunities and tracking of parent involvement activities were provided. The last sanitation inspection was conducted on September 16, 2025, (4) four demerits cited, and a Superior Classification issued. The last annual fire inspection was completed on March 17, 2025. Violation Number Comment Rule 533 Human milk, formula and other bottled beverages including sippy cups, sent from child's home were not fully prepared, dated, and labeled for the appropriate child. Children's water bottles sent from home were not monitored dated in spaces #E1 and #E2. 15A NCAC 18A .2804(d) 1048 All staff did not successfully complete certification in First Aid appropriate to the age of children in care. Verification of staff completion of First Aid training from an approved training organization was not in the staff file. One substitute staff (T. Wilson) didn't obtain FA training within 90 days after working ten days in a licensed program within a twelve-month period. .1102(c) 1049 All staff did not successfully complete certification in CPR training appropriate to the age of the children in care. Verification of staff completion of the CPR course from an approved training organization was not in the staff file. One substitute staff (T. Wilson) didn't obtain CPR training within 90 days after working ten days in a licensed program within a twelve-month period. .1102(d) 1805 A child care operator did not notify the Division of any new child care providers, as defined in G.S. 110-90.2(a)(2), who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. The ABCMS report was run prior to the visit. Only one NC Pre-K staff member was listed. (T. Edwards, C. Dana and T. Almendarez, T. Wilson) were not linked to their assigned site. G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(r) 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 substitute staff (T. Wilson) didn't obtain CMT training within 90 days after working ten days in a licensed program within a twelve-month period. .1102(g) Technical Assistance Provided and General Discussion: 1. The pathways for reassessment were discussed and reviewed with Ms. Edwards. It was recommended to purchase the third edition of ECERS R-3 and begin training staff. There are several resources available on the NCRLAP website at www.NCRLAP.org. It was recommended to take advantage of the training available. It was explained within the next six months the facility will need to be ready to request the ERS. The assessment will need to be obtained before the end of the school year for processing. We discussed the center self-study (NCRLAP) and the CQI quality improvement. 2. The center administrators have and know how to link employees and print the roster report from the ABCMS. The administrative staff are still working to link the staff applicants within the ABCMS. As stated in G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(r) child care operators are to notify the Division of any new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. The process of notifying the Division has changed and is now captured in ABCMS. This change has been in effect since February 2024. Effective immediately, you will need to obtain a Business NCID and complete Provider Portal training in Moodle at https://www.dcdee.moodle.nc.gov/course/view.php?id=119. No action is needed on your part if you have completed the reference training and are currently using the ABCMS Provider Portal to update information regarding new hires or residents. Once the training has been completed and access has been given, you must verify your facility roster to ensure current staff are noted on the roster. This information should be updated in ABCMS on an ongoing basis as staff members are hired and when their employment is terminated. This satisfies the requirement to notify the Division of new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. The compliance of this rule will be monitored during your next visit. Please note, the hard copy of the Change of Information form will no longer be needed or accepted. Should you need assistance please contact the Criminal Background Check Unit at (919) 814-8401 and someone will assist you. 3. The ABCMS DCDEE roster report was run prior to the visit and direct program staff were not listed/linked. 4. A phone conversation was held during the visit with the school’s Dean of Students, Margaret Hinson, to explain the child care rules related to substitutes, and the ABCMS requirements of linking each staff to the site. The interim principal, Ms. Sharon Dougherty, was not on site and a request for future follow-up with the interim was discussed for potentially, next week. 5. 10A NCAC 09 .1102 HEALTH AND SAFETY TRAINING REQUIREMENTS (a) Child care administrators and staff members shall complete health and safety training within one year of employment, unless the staff member has completed the training within the year prior to beginning employment. Health and safety training shall be in addition to the new staff orientation requirements set forth in Rule .1101 of this Section. The following persons shall be exempt from this requirement: (1) staff members that do not have caregiving responsibilities for a child or group of children; (2) service providers such as speech therapists, occupational therapists, and physical therapists; and (3) substitute providers who provide services for less than 10 days in a 12-month period. (b) The health and safety training shall include the following topic areas: (1) Prevention and control of infectious diseases, including immunization; (2) Administration of medication, with standards for parental consent; (3) Prevention of and response to emergencies due to food and allergic reactions; (4) Building and physical premises safety, including identification of and protection from hazards that can cause bodily injury such as electrical hazards, bodies of water, and vehicular traffic; (5) Emergency preparedness and response planning for emergencies resulting from a natural disaster, or a man-caused event; (6) Handling and storage of hazardous materials and the appropriate disposal of biocontaminants; (7) Precautions in transporting children, if applicable; Effective January 1, 2024 (8) Prevention of shaken baby syndrome, abusive head trauma, and child maltreatment; (9) CPR and First Aid training as required in Paragraphs (c) and (d) of this Rule; (10) Recognizing and reporting child abuse, child neglect, and child maltreatment; and (11) Prevention of sudden infant death syndrome and use of safe sleeping practices. (c) All staff who provide direct care or accompany children when they are off premises shall successfully complete certification in First Aid appropriate to the ages of children in care. The training shall be completed by June 30, 2018, or for new staff hired on or after September 1, 2017, training must be completed within 90 days of employment. Distance learning shall not be permitted for First Aid training. At all times when children are in care at least one staff member present must have successfully completed First Aid training, as evidenced by a certificate or card from an approved training organization. First Aid training shall be renewed on or before expiration of the certification. "Successfully completed" is defined as demonstrating competency, as evaluated by the instructor. Verification of each required staff member's completion of this course from an approved training organization shall be maintained in the staff member's file in the center. The Division shall post a list of approved training organizations on its website at http://ncchildcare.nc.gov/providers/pv_sn2_ov_pd.asp. (d) All staff who provide direct care or accompany children when they are off premises shall successfully complete certification in a cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) course appropriate to the ages of children in care. At all times when children are in care one staff member present must have successfully completed CPR training. The training shall be completed by June 30, 2018 or for new staff hired on or after September 1, 2017 training must be completed within 90 days of employment. Distance learning shall not be permitted for CPR training. CPR training shall be renewed on or before the expiration of the certification. Verification of each staff member's completion of this course from an approved training organization shall be maintained in the staff member's file in the center. The Division shall post a list of approved training organizations on its website at http://ncchildcare.nc.gov/providers/pv_sn2_ov_pd.asp. (e) One staff member shall complete training in playground safety. This training shall address playground safety hazards, playground supervision, maintenance and general upkeep of the outdoor learning environment, and age and developmentally appropriate playground materials and equipment. Distance learning shall not be permitted for playground safety training. Completion of playground safety training shall be included in the number of hours needed to meet annual on-going training requirements in this Section. Staff counted to comply with this Rule shall have six months from the date of employment, or from the date a vacancy occurs, to complete the required safety training. A certificate of each designated staff member's completion of this course shall be maintained in the staff member's file in the center. (f) In centers that are licensed to care for infants, the child care administrator and any child care provider scheduled to work in the infant room shall complete ITS-SIDS training. ITS-SIDS training shall be completed within two months of an individual assuming responsibilities in the infant room and every three years thereafter. Child care administrators, as defined in G.S. 110-86(2a), shall complete ITS-SIDS training within 90 days of employment and every three years thereafter. Completion of ITS-SIDS training shall be included once every three years in the number of hours needed to meet on-going training requirements in this Section. At all times, one child care provider who has completed ITS-SIDS training shall be present in the infant room while children are in care. A certificate of each staff member's completion of this course shall be maintained in the staff member's file in the center. (g) The child care administrator and all staff members shall complete Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training within 90 days of employment. This training shall count toward requirements set forth in Rule .1103 of this Section. Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training is available at https://www.preventchildabusenc.org/services/trainings-and-professional-development/rrcourse. A certificate of each staff member's completion of this course shall be maintained in the staff member's file in the center. History Note: Authority G.S. 110-85; Corrective Action Plan: All violations must be corrected immediately. You shall submit a written, signed, and dated statement/compliance letter to me, at the address below detailing how each violation has been corrected and when. This information shall be received by Friday, October 24, 2025. You may email me with your letter of correction. Mail documentation to Mara Brinton, 3687 Stallings Road, Harrisburg, NC 28075. Failure to correct the violations and send the written statement by the due date listed above may result in an unannounced follow-up visit being conducted or an administrative action may be recommended. Based on Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 Section .2200, the Division of Child Development may take administrative action against the license and/or impose civil penalties based on the failure of the operator to correct any documented violations within the established time-period. If you have any questions, please contact Mara Brinton at 704-594-0140 or email mara.brinton@dhhs.nc.gov If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

Open Not marked corrected in the state record

Category: supervision. Open / not marked corrected.

G.S. 110-85 · Violation

Name of Operation: MERRY OAKS INTERNATIONAL ACADEMY Facility ID: 60003557 Consultant: MARA BRINTON Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 10/10/2025 Number Present: 29 Completed Date: 10/10/2025 Age: From 4 To 5 Total Minutes: 255 Time In: 09:30 AM Time Out: 01:45 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to monitor compliance with applicable child care requirements during the Annual Compliance Visit. Upon arrival at the DPI, CMS four-star center, Ms. Tricia Edwards, NC Pre-K Lead Designee, escorted me inside to begin the visit. The center maintained a four-star rated license and continued to meet enhanced space and the highest voluntary enhanced ratio. The Annual Compliance Monitoring Checklist for Child Care Centers and the Child Care Item Number Listing dated April 2025 were used to document compliance. Spaces # E1-E6 and outdoor learning environment were monitored. Children were monitored eating lunch, center group time, individual free center play and rest time. Each child was provided with a mat with linen and a period of time to rest. All children were observed resting quietly or asleep. There were at least two children per classroom observed eating lunch provided by their home. Ms. Edwards was encouraged to obtain “Opt Out” documentation from the parents, so parental choice would be supported. One child’s lunch was observed with whole cashew nuts and whole grapes. It was recommended to discuss with the child’s parents to not provide tree nuts in their child’s lunch due to other children’s nut allergies in the classroom. Children’s water bottles sent from home were not dated but labeled. The child care rule was reviewed with Ms. Edwards. Staff and Training worksheets were last reviewed in June of 2025. The worksheet was updated by Ms. Tricia Edwards. No new staff were hired. One substitute caregiver, T. Wilson, was present. Ms. Wilson has substituted for the CMS licensed site since last March. Ms. Wilson has worked on a CMS licensed site for more than ten (10) days. Ms. Wilson did not have completed CPR, FA or Recognizing and Responding to Child Maltreatment within ninety days of working ten days in a licensed program as a substitute. The ABCMS roster report was run prior to the visit. There were several school staff listed. However, three of the four program staff related to the licensed program were not linked in the system. (T. Edwards, T. Almendarez and C. Dana). There were thirty-one (31) children enrolled. Three children’s files were monitored for compliance and were found to meet child care requirements and NC Pre-K requirements. The school’s risk management plan/EPR plan and Ready to Go File were monitored for compliance and found to meet child care requirements. Documentation for quarterly safety drills, monthly fire drills, playground inspections and center incident log were monitored. It was highly recommended to practice a monthly fire drill towards the end of nap time and when there is active precipitation. Recommendations were made regarding preparing for children to be in the rain if they had to evacuate the building and practicing at least one monthly fire drill with active precipitation. The daily attendance with children’s arrival and departure times were monitored and maintained at the front door/office and in the NC PreK building by the program staff, documented and current for the week. Lesson plans were monitored, posted, current and developmentally appropriate. One outdoor learning environment was monitored for compliance. Monthly outdoor inspections were monitored current. NC Pre-K requirements were monitored for compliance. Family engagement opportunities and tracking of parent involvement activities were provided. The last sanitation inspection was conducted on September 16, 2025, (4) four demerits cited, and a Superior Classification issued. The last annual fire inspection was completed on March 17, 2025. Violation Number Comment Rule 533 Human milk, formula and other bottled beverages including sippy cups, sent from child's home were not fully prepared, dated, and labeled for the appropriate child. Children's water bottles sent from home were not monitored dated in spaces #E1 and #E2. 15A NCAC 18A .2804(d) 1048 All staff did not successfully complete certification in First Aid appropriate to the age of children in care. Verification of staff completion of First Aid training from an approved training organization was not in the staff file. One substitute staff (T. Wilson) didn't obtain FA training within 90 days after working ten days in a licensed program within a twelve-month period. .1102(c) 1049 All staff did not successfully complete certification in CPR training appropriate to the age of the children in care. Verification of staff completion of the CPR course from an approved training organization was not in the staff file. One substitute staff (T. Wilson) didn't obtain CPR training within 90 days after working ten days in a licensed program within a twelve-month period. .1102(d) 1805 A child care operator did not notify the Division of any new child care providers, as defined in G.S. 110-90.2(a)(2), who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. The ABCMS report was run prior to the visit. Only one NC Pre-K staff member was listed. (T. Edwards, C. Dana and T. Almendarez, T. Wilson) were not linked to their assigned site. G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(r) 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 substitute staff (T. Wilson) didn't obtain CMT training within 90 days after working ten days in a licensed program within a twelve-month period. .1102(g) Technical Assistance Provided and General Discussion: 1. The pathways for reassessment were discussed and reviewed with Ms. Edwards. It was recommended to purchase the third edition of ECERS R-3 and begin training staff. There are several resources available on the NCRLAP website at www.NCRLAP.org. It was recommended to take advantage of the training available. It was explained within the next six months the facility will need to be ready to request the ERS. The assessment will need to be obtained before the end of the school year for processing. We discussed the center self-study (NCRLAP) and the CQI quality improvement. 2. The center administrators have and know how to link employees and print the roster report from the ABCMS. The administrative staff are still working to link the staff applicants within the ABCMS. As stated in G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(r) child care operators are to notify the Division of any new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. The process of notifying the Division has changed and is now captured in ABCMS. This change has been in effect since February 2024. Effective immediately, you will need to obtain a Business NCID and complete Provider Portal training in Moodle at https://www.dcdee.moodle.nc.gov/course/view.php?id=119. No action is needed on your part if you have completed the reference training and are currently using the ABCMS Provider Portal to update information regarding new hires or residents. Once the training has been completed and access has been given, you must verify your facility roster to ensure current staff are noted on the roster. This information should be updated in ABCMS on an ongoing basis as staff members are hired and when their employment is terminated. This satisfies the requirement to notify the Division of new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. The compliance of this rule will be monitored during your next visit. Please note, the hard copy of the Change of Information form will no longer be needed or accepted. Should you need assistance please contact the Criminal Background Check Unit at (919) 814-8401 and someone will assist you. 3. The ABCMS DCDEE roster report was run prior to the visit and direct program staff were not listed/linked. 4. A phone conversation was held during the visit with the school’s Dean of Students, Margaret Hinson, to explain the child care rules related to substitutes, and the ABCMS requirements of linking each staff to the site. The interim principal, Ms. Sharon Dougherty, was not on site and a request for future follow-up with the interim was discussed for potentially, next week. 5. 10A NCAC 09 .1102 HEALTH AND SAFETY TRAINING REQUIREMENTS (a) Child care administrators and staff members shall complete health and safety training within one year of employment, unless the staff member has completed the training within the year prior to beginning employment. Health and safety training shall be in addition to the new staff orientation requirements set forth in Rule .1101 of this Section. The following persons shall be exempt from this requirement: (1) staff members that do not have caregiving responsibilities for a child or group of children; (2) service providers such as speech therapists, occupational therapists, and physical therapists; and (3) substitute providers who provide services for less than 10 days in a 12-month period. (b) The health and safety training shall include the following topic areas: (1) Prevention and control of infectious diseases, including immunization; (2) Administration of medication, with standards for parental consent; (3) Prevention of and response to emergencies due to food and allergic reactions; (4) Building and physical premises safety, including identification of and protection from hazards that can cause bodily injury such as electrical hazards, bodies of water, and vehicular traffic; (5) Emergency preparedness and response planning for emergencies resulting from a natural disaster, or a man-caused event; (6) Handling and storage of hazardous materials and the appropriate disposal of biocontaminants; (7) Precautions in transporting children, if applicable; Effective January 1, 2024 (8) Prevention of shaken baby syndrome, abusive head trauma, and child maltreatment; (9) CPR and First Aid training as required in Paragraphs (c) and (d) of this Rule; (10) Recognizing and reporting child abuse, child neglect, and child maltreatment; and (11) Prevention of sudden infant death syndrome and use of safe sleeping practices. (c) All staff who provide direct care or accompany children when they are off premises shall successfully complete certification in First Aid appropriate to the ages of children in care. The training shall be completed by June 30, 2018, or for new staff hired on or after September 1, 2017, training must be completed within 90 days of employment. Distance learning shall not be permitted for First Aid training. At all times when children are in care at least one staff member present must have successfully completed First Aid training, as evidenced by a certificate or card from an approved training organization. First Aid training shall be renewed on or before expiration of the certification. "Successfully completed" is defined as demonstrating competency, as evaluated by the instructor. Verification of each required staff member's completion of this course from an approved training organization shall be maintained in the staff member's file in the center. The Division shall post a list of approved training organizations on its website at http://ncchildcare.nc.gov/providers/pv_sn2_ov_pd.asp. (d) All staff who provide direct care or accompany children when they are off premises shall successfully complete certification in a cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) course appropriate to the ages of children in care. At all times when children are in care one staff member present must have successfully completed CPR training. The training shall be completed by June 30, 2018 or for new staff hired on or after September 1, 2017 training must be completed within 90 days of employment. Distance learning shall not be permitted for CPR training. CPR training shall be renewed on or before the expiration of the certification. Verification of each staff member's completion of this course from an approved training organization shall be maintained in the staff member's file in the center. The Division shall post a list of approved training organizations on its website at http://ncchildcare.nc.gov/providers/pv_sn2_ov_pd.asp. (e) One staff member shall complete training in playground safety. This training shall address playground safety hazards, playground supervision, maintenance and general upkeep of the outdoor learning environment, and age and developmentally appropriate playground materials and equipment. Distance learning shall not be permitted for playground safety training. Completion of playground safety training shall be included in the number of hours needed to meet annual on-going training requirements in this Section. Staff counted to comply with this Rule shall have six months from the date of employment, or from the date a vacancy occurs, to complete the required safety training. A certificate of each designated staff member's completion of this course shall be maintained in the staff member's file in the center. (f) In centers that are licensed to care for infants, the child care administrator and any child care provider scheduled to work in the infant room shall complete ITS-SIDS training. ITS-SIDS training shall be completed within two months of an individual assuming responsibilities in the infant room and every three years thereafter. Child care administrators, as defined in G.S. 110-86(2a), shall complete ITS-SIDS training within 90 days of employment and every three years thereafter. Completion of ITS-SIDS training shall be included once every three years in the number of hours needed to meet on-going training requirements in this Section. At all times, one child care provider who has completed ITS-SIDS training shall be present in the infant room while children are in care. A certificate of each staff member's completion of this course shall be maintained in the staff member's file in the center. (g) The child care administrator and all staff members shall complete Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training within 90 days of employment. This training shall count toward requirements set forth in Rule .1103 of this Section. Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training is available at https://www.preventchildabusenc.org/services/trainings-and-professional-development/rrcourse. A certificate of each staff member's completion of this course shall be maintained in the staff member's file in the center. History Note: Authority G.S. 110-85; Corrective Action Plan: All violations must be corrected immediately. You shall submit a written, signed, and dated statement/compliance letter to me, at the address below detailing how each violation has been corrected and when. This information shall be received by Friday, October 24, 2025. You may email me with your letter of correction. Mail documentation to Mara Brinton, 3687 Stallings Road, Harrisburg, NC 28075. Failure to correct the violations and send the written statement by the due date listed above may result in an unannounced follow-up visit being conducted or an administrative action may be recommended. Based on Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 Section .2200, the Division of Child Development may take administrative action against the license and/or impose civil penalties based on the failure of the operator to correct any documented violations within the established time-period. If you have any questions, please contact Mara Brinton at 704-594-0140 or email mara.brinton@dhhs.nc.gov If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

G.S. 110-86 · Violation

Name of Operation: MERRY OAKS INTERNATIONAL ACADEMY Facility ID: 60003557 Consultant: MARA BRINTON Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 10/10/2025 Number Present: 29 Completed Date: 10/10/2025 Age: From 4 To 5 Total Minutes: 255 Time In: 09:30 AM Time Out: 01:45 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to monitor compliance with applicable child care requirements during the Annual Compliance Visit. Upon arrival at the DPI, CMS four-star center, Ms. Tricia Edwards, NC Pre-K Lead Designee, escorted me inside to begin the visit. The center maintained a four-star rated license and continued to meet enhanced space and the highest voluntary enhanced ratio. The Annual Compliance Monitoring Checklist for Child Care Centers and the Child Care Item Number Listing dated April 2025 were used to document compliance. Spaces # E1-E6 and outdoor learning environment were monitored. Children were monitored eating lunch, center group time, individual free center play and rest time. Each child was provided with a mat with linen and a period of time to rest. All children were observed resting quietly or asleep. There were at least two children per classroom observed eating lunch provided by their home. Ms. Edwards was encouraged to obtain “Opt Out” documentation from the parents, so parental choice would be supported. One child’s lunch was observed with whole cashew nuts and whole grapes. It was recommended to discuss with the child’s parents to not provide tree nuts in their child’s lunch due to other children’s nut allergies in the classroom. Children’s water bottles sent from home were not dated but labeled. The child care rule was reviewed with Ms. Edwards. Staff and Training worksheets were last reviewed in June of 2025. The worksheet was updated by Ms. Tricia Edwards. No new staff were hired. One substitute caregiver, T. Wilson, was present. Ms. Wilson has substituted for the CMS licensed site since last March. Ms. Wilson has worked on a CMS licensed site for more than ten (10) days. Ms. Wilson did not have completed CPR, FA or Recognizing and Responding to Child Maltreatment within ninety days of working ten days in a licensed program as a substitute. The ABCMS roster report was run prior to the visit. There were several school staff listed. However, three of the four program staff related to the licensed program were not linked in the system. (T. Edwards, T. Almendarez and C. Dana). There were thirty-one (31) children enrolled. Three children’s files were monitored for compliance and were found to meet child care requirements and NC Pre-K requirements. The school’s risk management plan/EPR plan and Ready to Go File were monitored for compliance and found to meet child care requirements. Documentation for quarterly safety drills, monthly fire drills, playground inspections and center incident log were monitored. It was highly recommended to practice a monthly fire drill towards the end of nap time and when there is active precipitation. Recommendations were made regarding preparing for children to be in the rain if they had to evacuate the building and practicing at least one monthly fire drill with active precipitation. The daily attendance with children’s arrival and departure times were monitored and maintained at the front door/office and in the NC PreK building by the program staff, documented and current for the week. Lesson plans were monitored, posted, current and developmentally appropriate. One outdoor learning environment was monitored for compliance. Monthly outdoor inspections were monitored current. NC Pre-K requirements were monitored for compliance. Family engagement opportunities and tracking of parent involvement activities were provided. The last sanitation inspection was conducted on September 16, 2025, (4) four demerits cited, and a Superior Classification issued. The last annual fire inspection was completed on March 17, 2025. Violation Number Comment Rule 533 Human milk, formula and other bottled beverages including sippy cups, sent from child's home were not fully prepared, dated, and labeled for the appropriate child. Children's water bottles sent from home were not monitored dated in spaces #E1 and #E2. 15A NCAC 18A .2804(d) 1048 All staff did not successfully complete certification in First Aid appropriate to the age of children in care. Verification of staff completion of First Aid training from an approved training organization was not in the staff file. One substitute staff (T. Wilson) didn't obtain FA training within 90 days after working ten days in a licensed program within a twelve-month period. .1102(c) 1049 All staff did not successfully complete certification in CPR training appropriate to the age of the children in care. Verification of staff completion of the CPR course from an approved training organization was not in the staff file. One substitute staff (T. Wilson) didn't obtain CPR training within 90 days after working ten days in a licensed program within a twelve-month period. .1102(d) 1805 A child care operator did not notify the Division of any new child care providers, as defined in G.S. 110-90.2(a)(2), who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. The ABCMS report was run prior to the visit. Only one NC Pre-K staff member was listed. (T. Edwards, C. Dana and T. Almendarez, T. Wilson) were not linked to their assigned site. G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(r) 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 substitute staff (T. Wilson) didn't obtain CMT training within 90 days after working ten days in a licensed program within a twelve-month period. .1102(g) Technical Assistance Provided and General Discussion: 1. The pathways for reassessment were discussed and reviewed with Ms. Edwards. It was recommended to purchase the third edition of ECERS R-3 and begin training staff. There are several resources available on the NCRLAP website at www.NCRLAP.org. It was recommended to take advantage of the training available. It was explained within the next six months the facility will need to be ready to request the ERS. The assessment will need to be obtained before the end of the school year for processing. We discussed the center self-study (NCRLAP) and the CQI quality improvement. 2. The center administrators have and know how to link employees and print the roster report from the ABCMS. The administrative staff are still working to link the staff applicants within the ABCMS. As stated in G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(r) child care operators are to notify the Division of any new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. The process of notifying the Division has changed and is now captured in ABCMS. This change has been in effect since February 2024. Effective immediately, you will need to obtain a Business NCID and complete Provider Portal training in Moodle at https://www.dcdee.moodle.nc.gov/course/view.php?id=119. No action is needed on your part if you have completed the reference training and are currently using the ABCMS Provider Portal to update information regarding new hires or residents. Once the training has been completed and access has been given, you must verify your facility roster to ensure current staff are noted on the roster. This information should be updated in ABCMS on an ongoing basis as staff members are hired and when their employment is terminated. This satisfies the requirement to notify the Division of new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. The compliance of this rule will be monitored during your next visit. Please note, the hard copy of the Change of Information form will no longer be needed or accepted. Should you need assistance please contact the Criminal Background Check Unit at (919) 814-8401 and someone will assist you. 3. The ABCMS DCDEE roster report was run prior to the visit and direct program staff were not listed/linked. 4. A phone conversation was held during the visit with the school’s Dean of Students, Margaret Hinson, to explain the child care rules related to substitutes, and the ABCMS requirements of linking each staff to the site. The interim principal, Ms. Sharon Dougherty, was not on site and a request for future follow-up with the interim was discussed for potentially, next week. 5. 10A NCAC 09 .1102 HEALTH AND SAFETY TRAINING REQUIREMENTS (a) Child care administrators and staff members shall complete health and safety training within one year of employment, unless the staff member has completed the training within the year prior to beginning employment. Health and safety training shall be in addition to the new staff orientation requirements set forth in Rule .1101 of this Section. The following persons shall be exempt from this requirement: (1) staff members that do not have caregiving responsibilities for a child or group of children; (2) service providers such as speech therapists, occupational therapists, and physical therapists; and (3) substitute providers who provide services for less than 10 days in a 12-month period. (b) The health and safety training shall include the following topic areas: (1) Prevention and control of infectious diseases, including immunization; (2) Administration of medication, with standards for parental consent; (3) Prevention of and response to emergencies due to food and allergic reactions; (4) Building and physical premises safety, including identification of and protection from hazards that can cause bodily injury such as electrical hazards, bodies of water, and vehicular traffic; (5) Emergency preparedness and response planning for emergencies resulting from a natural disaster, or a man-caused event; (6) Handling and storage of hazardous materials and the appropriate disposal of biocontaminants; (7) Precautions in transporting children, if applicable; Effective January 1, 2024 (8) Prevention of shaken baby syndrome, abusive head trauma, and child maltreatment; (9) CPR and First Aid training as required in Paragraphs (c) and (d) of this Rule; (10) Recognizing and reporting child abuse, child neglect, and child maltreatment; and (11) Prevention of sudden infant death syndrome and use of safe sleeping practices. (c) All staff who provide direct care or accompany children when they are off premises shall successfully complete certification in First Aid appropriate to the ages of children in care. The training shall be completed by June 30, 2018, or for new staff hired on or after September 1, 2017, training must be completed within 90 days of employment. Distance learning shall not be permitted for First Aid training. At all times when children are in care at least one staff member present must have successfully completed First Aid training, as evidenced by a certificate or card from an approved training organization. First Aid training shall be renewed on or before expiration of the certification. "Successfully completed" is defined as demonstrating competency, as evaluated by the instructor. Verification of each required staff member's completion of this course from an approved training organization shall be maintained in the staff member's file in the center. The Division shall post a list of approved training organizations on its website at http://ncchildcare.nc.gov/providers/pv_sn2_ov_pd.asp. (d) All staff who provide direct care or accompany children when they are off premises shall successfully complete certification in a cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) course appropriate to the ages of children in care. At all times when children are in care one staff member present must have successfully completed CPR training. The training shall be completed by June 30, 2018 or for new staff hired on or after September 1, 2017 training must be completed within 90 days of employment. Distance learning shall not be permitted for CPR training. CPR training shall be renewed on or before the expiration of the certification. Verification of each staff member's completion of this course from an approved training organization shall be maintained in the staff member's file in the center. The Division shall post a list of approved training organizations on its website at http://ncchildcare.nc.gov/providers/pv_sn2_ov_pd.asp. (e) One staff member shall complete training in playground safety. This training shall address playground safety hazards, playground supervision, maintenance and general upkeep of the outdoor learning environment, and age and developmentally appropriate playground materials and equipment. Distance learning shall not be permitted for playground safety training. Completion of playground safety training shall be included in the number of hours needed to meet annual on-going training requirements in this Section. Staff counted to comply with this Rule shall have six months from the date of employment, or from the date a vacancy occurs, to complete the required safety training. A certificate of each designated staff member's completion of this course shall be maintained in the staff member's file in the center. (f) In centers that are licensed to care for infants, the child care administrator and any child care provider scheduled to work in the infant room shall complete ITS-SIDS training. ITS-SIDS training shall be completed within two months of an individual assuming responsibilities in the infant room and every three years thereafter. Child care administrators, as defined in G.S. 110-86(2a), shall complete ITS-SIDS training within 90 days of employment and every three years thereafter. Completion of ITS-SIDS training shall be included once every three years in the number of hours needed to meet on-going training requirements in this Section. At all times, one child care provider who has completed ITS-SIDS training shall be present in the infant room while children are in care. A certificate of each staff member's completion of this course shall be maintained in the staff member's file in the center. (g) The child care administrator and all staff members shall complete Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training within 90 days of employment. This training shall count toward requirements set forth in Rule .1103 of this Section. Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training is available at https://www.preventchildabusenc.org/services/trainings-and-professional-development/rrcourse. A certificate of each staff member's completion of this course shall be maintained in the staff member's file in the center. History Note: Authority G.S. 110-85; Corrective Action Plan: All violations must be corrected immediately. You shall submit a written, signed, and dated statement/compliance letter to me, at the address below detailing how each violation has been corrected and when. This information shall be received by Friday, October 24, 2025. You may email me with your letter of correction. Mail documentation to Mara Brinton, 3687 Stallings Road, Harrisburg, NC 28075. Failure to correct the violations and send the written statement by the due date listed above may result in an unannounced follow-up visit being conducted or an administrative action may be recommended. Based on Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 Section .2200, the Division of Child Development may take administrative action against the license and/or impose civil penalties based on the failure of the operator to correct any documented violations within the established time-period. If you have any questions, please contact Mara Brinton at 704-594-0140 or email mara.brinton@dhhs.nc.gov If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

G.S. 110-90 · Violation

Name of Operation: MERRY OAKS INTERNATIONAL ACADEMY Facility ID: 60003557 Consultant: MARA BRINTON Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 10/10/2025 Number Present: 29 Completed Date: 10/10/2025 Age: From 4 To 5 Total Minutes: 255 Time In: 09:30 AM Time Out: 01:45 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to monitor compliance with applicable child care requirements during the Annual Compliance Visit. Upon arrival at the DPI, CMS four-star center, Ms. Tricia Edwards, NC Pre-K Lead Designee, escorted me inside to begin the visit. The center maintained a four-star rated license and continued to meet enhanced space and the highest voluntary enhanced ratio. The Annual Compliance Monitoring Checklist for Child Care Centers and the Child Care Item Number Listing dated April 2025 were used to document compliance. Spaces # E1-E6 and outdoor learning environment were monitored. Children were monitored eating lunch, center group time, individual free center play and rest time. Each child was provided with a mat with linen and a period of time to rest. All children were observed resting quietly or asleep. There were at least two children per classroom observed eating lunch provided by their home. Ms. Edwards was encouraged to obtain “Opt Out” documentation from the parents, so parental choice would be supported. One child’s lunch was observed with whole cashew nuts and whole grapes. It was recommended to discuss with the child’s parents to not provide tree nuts in their child’s lunch due to other children’s nut allergies in the classroom. Children’s water bottles sent from home were not dated but labeled. The child care rule was reviewed with Ms. Edwards. Staff and Training worksheets were last reviewed in June of 2025. The worksheet was updated by Ms. Tricia Edwards. No new staff were hired. One substitute caregiver, T. Wilson, was present. Ms. Wilson has substituted for the CMS licensed site since last March. Ms. Wilson has worked on a CMS licensed site for more than ten (10) days. Ms. Wilson did not have completed CPR, FA or Recognizing and Responding to Child Maltreatment within ninety days of working ten days in a licensed program as a substitute. The ABCMS roster report was run prior to the visit. There were several school staff listed. However, three of the four program staff related to the licensed program were not linked in the system. (T. Edwards, T. Almendarez and C. Dana). There were thirty-one (31) children enrolled. Three children’s files were monitored for compliance and were found to meet child care requirements and NC Pre-K requirements. The school’s risk management plan/EPR plan and Ready to Go File were monitored for compliance and found to meet child care requirements. Documentation for quarterly safety drills, monthly fire drills, playground inspections and center incident log were monitored. It was highly recommended to practice a monthly fire drill towards the end of nap time and when there is active precipitation. Recommendations were made regarding preparing for children to be in the rain if they had to evacuate the building and practicing at least one monthly fire drill with active precipitation. The daily attendance with children’s arrival and departure times were monitored and maintained at the front door/office and in the NC PreK building by the program staff, documented and current for the week. Lesson plans were monitored, posted, current and developmentally appropriate. One outdoor learning environment was monitored for compliance. Monthly outdoor inspections were monitored current. NC Pre-K requirements were monitored for compliance. Family engagement opportunities and tracking of parent involvement activities were provided. The last sanitation inspection was conducted on September 16, 2025, (4) four demerits cited, and a Superior Classification issued. The last annual fire inspection was completed on March 17, 2025. Violation Number Comment Rule 533 Human milk, formula and other bottled beverages including sippy cups, sent from child's home were not fully prepared, dated, and labeled for the appropriate child. Children's water bottles sent from home were not monitored dated in spaces #E1 and #E2. 15A NCAC 18A .2804(d) 1048 All staff did not successfully complete certification in First Aid appropriate to the age of children in care. Verification of staff completion of First Aid training from an approved training organization was not in the staff file. One substitute staff (T. Wilson) didn't obtain FA training within 90 days after working ten days in a licensed program within a twelve-month period. .1102(c) 1049 All staff did not successfully complete certification in CPR training appropriate to the age of the children in care. Verification of staff completion of the CPR course from an approved training organization was not in the staff file. One substitute staff (T. Wilson) didn't obtain CPR training within 90 days after working ten days in a licensed program within a twelve-month period. .1102(d) 1805 A child care operator did not notify the Division of any new child care providers, as defined in G.S. 110-90.2(a)(2), who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. The ABCMS report was run prior to the visit. Only one NC Pre-K staff member was listed. (T. Edwards, C. Dana and T. Almendarez, T. Wilson) were not linked to their assigned site. G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(r) 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 substitute staff (T. Wilson) didn't obtain CMT training within 90 days after working ten days in a licensed program within a twelve-month period. .1102(g) Technical Assistance Provided and General Discussion: 1. The pathways for reassessment were discussed and reviewed with Ms. Edwards. It was recommended to purchase the third edition of ECERS R-3 and begin training staff. There are several resources available on the NCRLAP website at www.NCRLAP.org. It was recommended to take advantage of the training available. It was explained within the next six months the facility will need to be ready to request the ERS. The assessment will need to be obtained before the end of the school year for processing. We discussed the center self-study (NCRLAP) and the CQI quality improvement. 2. The center administrators have and know how to link employees and print the roster report from the ABCMS. The administrative staff are still working to link the staff applicants within the ABCMS. As stated in G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(r) child care operators are to notify the Division of any new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. The process of notifying the Division has changed and is now captured in ABCMS. This change has been in effect since February 2024. Effective immediately, you will need to obtain a Business NCID and complete Provider Portal training in Moodle at https://www.dcdee.moodle.nc.gov/course/view.php?id=119. No action is needed on your part if you have completed the reference training and are currently using the ABCMS Provider Portal to update information regarding new hires or residents. Once the training has been completed and access has been given, you must verify your facility roster to ensure current staff are noted on the roster. This information should be updated in ABCMS on an ongoing basis as staff members are hired and when their employment is terminated. This satisfies the requirement to notify the Division of new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. The compliance of this rule will be monitored during your next visit. Please note, the hard copy of the Change of Information form will no longer be needed or accepted. Should you need assistance please contact the Criminal Background Check Unit at (919) 814-8401 and someone will assist you. 3. The ABCMS DCDEE roster report was run prior to the visit and direct program staff were not listed/linked. 4. A phone conversation was held during the visit with the school’s Dean of Students, Margaret Hinson, to explain the child care rules related to substitutes, and the ABCMS requirements of linking each staff to the site. The interim principal, Ms. Sharon Dougherty, was not on site and a request for future follow-up with the interim was discussed for potentially, next week. 5. 10A NCAC 09 .1102 HEALTH AND SAFETY TRAINING REQUIREMENTS (a) Child care administrators and staff members shall complete health and safety training within one year of employment, unless the staff member has completed the training within the year prior to beginning employment. Health and safety training shall be in addition to the new staff orientation requirements set forth in Rule .1101 of this Section. The following persons shall be exempt from this requirement: (1) staff members that do not have caregiving responsibilities for a child or group of children; (2) service providers such as speech therapists, occupational therapists, and physical therapists; and (3) substitute providers who provide services for less than 10 days in a 12-month period. (b) The health and safety training shall include the following topic areas: (1) Prevention and control of infectious diseases, including immunization; (2) Administration of medication, with standards for parental consent; (3) Prevention of and response to emergencies due to food and allergic reactions; (4) Building and physical premises safety, including identification of and protection from hazards that can cause bodily injury such as electrical hazards, bodies of water, and vehicular traffic; (5) Emergency preparedness and response planning for emergencies resulting from a natural disaster, or a man-caused event; (6) Handling and storage of hazardous materials and the appropriate disposal of biocontaminants; (7) Precautions in transporting children, if applicable; Effective January 1, 2024 (8) Prevention of shaken baby syndrome, abusive head trauma, and child maltreatment; (9) CPR and First Aid training as required in Paragraphs (c) and (d) of this Rule; (10) Recognizing and reporting child abuse, child neglect, and child maltreatment; and (11) Prevention of sudden infant death syndrome and use of safe sleeping practices. (c) All staff who provide direct care or accompany children when they are off premises shall successfully complete certification in First Aid appropriate to the ages of children in care. The training shall be completed by June 30, 2018, or for new staff hired on or after September 1, 2017, training must be completed within 90 days of employment. Distance learning shall not be permitted for First Aid training. At all times when children are in care at least one staff member present must have successfully completed First Aid training, as evidenced by a certificate or card from an approved training organization. First Aid training shall be renewed on or before expiration of the certification. "Successfully completed" is defined as demonstrating competency, as evaluated by the instructor. Verification of each required staff member's completion of this course from an approved training organization shall be maintained in the staff member's file in the center. The Division shall post a list of approved training organizations on its website at http://ncchildcare.nc.gov/providers/pv_sn2_ov_pd.asp. (d) All staff who provide direct care or accompany children when they are off premises shall successfully complete certification in a cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) course appropriate to the ages of children in care. At all times when children are in care one staff member present must have successfully completed CPR training. The training shall be completed by June 30, 2018 or for new staff hired on or after September 1, 2017 training must be completed within 90 days of employment. Distance learning shall not be permitted for CPR training. CPR training shall be renewed on or before the expiration of the certification. Verification of each staff member's completion of this course from an approved training organization shall be maintained in the staff member's file in the center. The Division shall post a list of approved training organizations on its website at http://ncchildcare.nc.gov/providers/pv_sn2_ov_pd.asp. (e) One staff member shall complete training in playground safety. This training shall address playground safety hazards, playground supervision, maintenance and general upkeep of the outdoor learning environment, and age and developmentally appropriate playground materials and equipment. Distance learning shall not be permitted for playground safety training. Completion of playground safety training shall be included in the number of hours needed to meet annual on-going training requirements in this Section. Staff counted to comply with this Rule shall have six months from the date of employment, or from the date a vacancy occurs, to complete the required safety training. A certificate of each designated staff member's completion of this course shall be maintained in the staff member's file in the center. (f) In centers that are licensed to care for infants, the child care administrator and any child care provider scheduled to work in the infant room shall complete ITS-SIDS training. ITS-SIDS training shall be completed within two months of an individual assuming responsibilities in the infant room and every three years thereafter. Child care administrators, as defined in G.S. 110-86(2a), shall complete ITS-SIDS training within 90 days of employment and every three years thereafter. Completion of ITS-SIDS training shall be included once every three years in the number of hours needed to meet on-going training requirements in this Section. At all times, one child care provider who has completed ITS-SIDS training shall be present in the infant room while children are in care. A certificate of each staff member's completion of this course shall be maintained in the staff member's file in the center. (g) The child care administrator and all staff members shall complete Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training within 90 days of employment. This training shall count toward requirements set forth in Rule .1103 of this Section. Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training is available at https://www.preventchildabusenc.org/services/trainings-and-professional-development/rrcourse. A certificate of each staff member's completion of this course shall be maintained in the staff member's file in the center. History Note: Authority G.S. 110-85; Corrective Action Plan: All violations must be corrected immediately. You shall submit a written, signed, and dated statement/compliance letter to me, at the address below detailing how each violation has been corrected and when. This information shall be received by Friday, October 24, 2025. You may email me with your letter of correction. Mail documentation to Mara Brinton, 3687 Stallings Road, Harrisburg, NC 28075. Failure to correct the violations and send the written statement by the due date listed above may result in an unannounced follow-up visit being conducted or an administrative action may be recommended. Based on Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 Section .2200, the Division of Child Development may take administrative action against the license and/or impose civil penalties based on the failure of the operator to correct any documented violations within the established time-period. If you have any questions, please contact Mara Brinton at 704-594-0140 or email mara.brinton@dhhs.nc.gov If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

10A NCAC 09 .0604 · Violation

Name of Operation: MERRY OAKS INTERNATIONAL ACADEMY Facility ID: 60003557 Consultant: MARA BRINTON Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 5/20/2025 Number Present: 37 Completed Date: 5/20/2025 Age: From 4 To 5 Total Minutes: 285 Time In: 10:00 AM Time Out: 02:45 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Routine Unannounced Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to monitor for compliance with applicable child care requirements during a Routine Unannounced Visit. Upon arrival at the four-star rated license DPI NC Pre-K program, the lead designee for the NC Pre-K, Ms. Edwards was present and supervising children while they played in centers. The child care item number listing dated November 2024 was used to identify and determine non-compliance. The following sections were monitored for compliance: A1, B1, C4, C5, C6, E1, E2, F3, G1, G3, G4 and G5. A walk through of spaces #E1-E6, and outdoor play area. A monthly fire drill was conducted during the visit. Ms. Edwards and class entered the hallway and then exited the back door to the outdoors. I inquired with Ms. Edwards as to why she didn’t use the exit door through the classroom door leading directly to the outside. Ms. Edwards stated she would use the classroom exit door from here on out when monthly drills are completed. Ms. Edwards provided current Staff and Training Worksheets. The worksheets provided the documentation to show all staff were current with CPR, and FA. First Aid cards were not available for two staff members, only a printed certificate. One new staff member began yesterday, and her information was updated onto the worksheet during the visit. I inquired with Ms. Edwards about whether she could print an ABCMS roster report. Ms. Edwards was unaware. She contacted her literacy facilitator, Ms. Paige Gallelli, to inquire if NC Pre-K had established a process for meeting this rule requirement. Ms. Gallelli came to the site and Ms. Denise Addison was contacted to discern the office’s understanding of the requirements. A call was also made to the licensing supervisor, Michele Sullivan to review the monitoring requirements for licensing consultants. A roster report should be run by the person in charge during the visit (NC Pre-K lead teacher designee or school principal) and available for consultants to review on site. If a report can’t be run or staff are not accurately reflected as linked to the facility in the ABCMS, a violation will be cited. Monthly outdoor inspections, incident log, monthly fire drills and quarterly safety drills were monitored for compliance. Either safety drills (shelter in place or lock down drills) must be completed at least once every three months. DPI Verification forms for 2024-2025 school year related to children’s records were not current. Staff and child-related documents were maintained off site. A violation was cited for failure to maintain current DPI Verification forms. The children’s records DPI Verification forms were updated for three classrooms during the visit. Children were observed eating lunch, group lessons, napping on mats with linen. In the indoor gross motor room, there were three trikes that were missing the plastic foot petal covers. Either the trikes should be removed, or the plastic foot petals should be replaced. There were tumbling mats monitored with tears in them and one child’s sized couch in #E4. There were unused electrical sockets in space #E4 that were not covered or made inaccessible to children. The sockets were covered during the visit. One child had an inhaler with a spacer, and permission slip to administer the medication. The permission slip was valid for six months. The last sanitation inspection was completed January 16, 2025, with six (6) demerits cited and a Superior classification issued. The last annual fire inspection was completed and noted on file was March 17, 2025. Violation Number Comment Rule 124 The center did not maintain records as required in rule, and/or were not made available to the Division for review. DPI verification forms related to children's records were monitored not current for three classrooms. G.S. 110-91(9); .0304(g); .2318 707 Equipment and furnishings not meeting the requirements outlined in child care .0601(b) and (c) were not removed or made inaccessible. Three trikes monitored in the indoor gross motor room were monitored with missing plastic foot petals. Tumble mats also maintained in the indoor gross motor classroom were monitored torn. A couch maintained in space E4 was monitored in poor repair. .0601(d) 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. Unused electrical outlets were monitored not covered or made inaccessible to children in space #E4. 10A NCAC 09 .0604(c) 1048 All staff did not successfully complete certification in First Aid appropriate to the age of children in care. Verification of staff completion of First Aid training from an approved training organization was not in the staff file. Two staff members did not have verifiable proof (card issued) showing completion of First Aid Training. The documentation presented both staff had BLS Provider (CPR only) without first aid training card. .1102(c) Technical Assistance Provided and General Discussion: 1. It was recommended to purchase the revised edition of the ECER-R (3rd edition) and begin reviewing the available resources on the NCRLAP website at www.NCRLAP.org. Beginning February 1, 2025, DCDEE began using the third edition of the assessments. 2. We discussed ensuring a DCDEE WORKS status letter is printed and on file for each lead teacher and teacher. 3. We discussed ABCMS roster reports requirements. NC Pre-K must develop a system to ensure a current roster report is maintained at each licensed site. If any staff is hired, transferred or terminated the ABCMS roster report must reflect who is currently working at the site. The following technical assistance related to ABCMS and linking staff. As stated in G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(r) child care operators are to notify the Division of any new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. The process of notifying the Division has changed and is now captured in ABCMS. This change has been in effect since February 2024. Effective immediately, you will need to obtain a Business NCID and complete Provider Portal training in Moodle at https://www.dcdee.moodle.nc.gov/course/view.php?id=119. No action is needed on your part if you have completed the reference training and are currently using the ABCMS Provider Portal to update information regarding new hires or residents. Once the training has been completed and access has been given, you must verify your facility roster to ensure current staff are noted on the roster. This information should be updated in ABCMS on an ongoing basis as staff members are hired and when their employment is terminated. This satisfies the requirement to notify the Division of new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. The compliance of this rule will be monitored during your next visit. Please note, the hard copy of the Change of Information form will no longer be needed or accepted. Should you need assistance please contact the Criminal Background Check Unit at (919) 814-8401 and someone will assist you. 4. We discussed BLS Provider documentation. If the certificate lists BLS Provider, it is only CPR training, and the provider must have another issued card to indicate they obtained First Aid training. The only accepted verifiable documentation/proof accepted related to CPR and FA training is the issued card. It was recommended to have each staff member print their card and post it on the designated bulletin board. 5. We discussed classroom direct exits and making sure children and staff exit the building during a fire drill through each classroom’s direct exit door. 6. Staff were asked if they had any sightings of live bugs in the building. Staff reported not seeing any live bugs since the building has been regularly exterminated. Corrective Action Plan: All violations must be corrected immediately. You shall submit a written, signed, and dated statement/compliance letter to me, at the address below detailing how each violation has been corrected and when. This information shall be received by Tuesday, June 3, 2025. You may email me with your letter of correction. Mail written documentation to Mara Brinton, 3687 Stallings Road, Harrisburg, NC 28075. Failure to correct the violations and send the written statement by the due date listed above may result in an unannounced follow-up visit being conducted or an administrative action may be recommended. Based on Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 Section .2200, the Division of Child Development may take administrative action against the license and/or impose civil penalties based on the failure of the operator to correct any documented violations within the established time-period. If you have any questions, please contact Mara Brinton at 704-594-0140 or email mara.brinton@dhhs.nc.gov If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

Open Not marked corrected in the state record

Category: supervision. Open / not marked corrected.

G.S. 110-90 · Violation

Name of Operation: MERRY OAKS INTERNATIONAL ACADEMY Facility ID: 60003557 Consultant: MARA BRINTON Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 5/20/2025 Number Present: 37 Completed Date: 5/20/2025 Age: From 4 To 5 Total Minutes: 285 Time In: 10:00 AM Time Out: 02:45 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Routine Unannounced Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to monitor for compliance with applicable child care requirements during a Routine Unannounced Visit. Upon arrival at the four-star rated license DPI NC Pre-K program, the lead designee for the NC Pre-K, Ms. Edwards was present and supervising children while they played in centers. The child care item number listing dated November 2024 was used to identify and determine non-compliance. The following sections were monitored for compliance: A1, B1, C4, C5, C6, E1, E2, F3, G1, G3, G4 and G5. A walk through of spaces #E1-E6, and outdoor play area. A monthly fire drill was conducted during the visit. Ms. Edwards and class entered the hallway and then exited the back door to the outdoors. I inquired with Ms. Edwards as to why she didn’t use the exit door through the classroom door leading directly to the outside. Ms. Edwards stated she would use the classroom exit door from here on out when monthly drills are completed. Ms. Edwards provided current Staff and Training Worksheets. The worksheets provided the documentation to show all staff were current with CPR, and FA. First Aid cards were not available for two staff members, only a printed certificate. One new staff member began yesterday, and her information was updated onto the worksheet during the visit. I inquired with Ms. Edwards about whether she could print an ABCMS roster report. Ms. Edwards was unaware. She contacted her literacy facilitator, Ms. Paige Gallelli, to inquire if NC Pre-K had established a process for meeting this rule requirement. Ms. Gallelli came to the site and Ms. Denise Addison was contacted to discern the office’s understanding of the requirements. A call was also made to the licensing supervisor, Michele Sullivan to review the monitoring requirements for licensing consultants. A roster report should be run by the person in charge during the visit (NC Pre-K lead teacher designee or school principal) and available for consultants to review on site. If a report can’t be run or staff are not accurately reflected as linked to the facility in the ABCMS, a violation will be cited. Monthly outdoor inspections, incident log, monthly fire drills and quarterly safety drills were monitored for compliance. Either safety drills (shelter in place or lock down drills) must be completed at least once every three months. DPI Verification forms for 2024-2025 school year related to children’s records were not current. Staff and child-related documents were maintained off site. A violation was cited for failure to maintain current DPI Verification forms. The children’s records DPI Verification forms were updated for three classrooms during the visit. Children were observed eating lunch, group lessons, napping on mats with linen. In the indoor gross motor room, there were three trikes that were missing the plastic foot petal covers. Either the trikes should be removed, or the plastic foot petals should be replaced. There were tumbling mats monitored with tears in them and one child’s sized couch in #E4. There were unused electrical sockets in space #E4 that were not covered or made inaccessible to children. The sockets were covered during the visit. One child had an inhaler with a spacer, and permission slip to administer the medication. The permission slip was valid for six months. The last sanitation inspection was completed January 16, 2025, with six (6) demerits cited and a Superior classification issued. The last annual fire inspection was completed and noted on file was March 17, 2025. Violation Number Comment Rule 124 The center did not maintain records as required in rule, and/or were not made available to the Division for review. DPI verification forms related to children's records were monitored not current for three classrooms. G.S. 110-91(9); .0304(g); .2318 707 Equipment and furnishings not meeting the requirements outlined in child care .0601(b) and (c) were not removed or made inaccessible. Three trikes monitored in the indoor gross motor room were monitored with missing plastic foot petals. Tumble mats also maintained in the indoor gross motor classroom were monitored torn. A couch maintained in space E4 was monitored in poor repair. .0601(d) 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. Unused electrical outlets were monitored not covered or made inaccessible to children in space #E4. 10A NCAC 09 .0604(c) 1048 All staff did not successfully complete certification in First Aid appropriate to the age of children in care. Verification of staff completion of First Aid training from an approved training organization was not in the staff file. Two staff members did not have verifiable proof (card issued) showing completion of First Aid Training. The documentation presented both staff had BLS Provider (CPR only) without first aid training card. .1102(c) Technical Assistance Provided and General Discussion: 1. It was recommended to purchase the revised edition of the ECER-R (3rd edition) and begin reviewing the available resources on the NCRLAP website at www.NCRLAP.org. Beginning February 1, 2025, DCDEE began using the third edition of the assessments. 2. We discussed ensuring a DCDEE WORKS status letter is printed and on file for each lead teacher and teacher. 3. We discussed ABCMS roster reports requirements. NC Pre-K must develop a system to ensure a current roster report is maintained at each licensed site. If any staff is hired, transferred or terminated the ABCMS roster report must reflect who is currently working at the site. The following technical assistance related to ABCMS and linking staff. As stated in G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(r) child care operators are to notify the Division of any new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. The process of notifying the Division has changed and is now captured in ABCMS. This change has been in effect since February 2024. Effective immediately, you will need to obtain a Business NCID and complete Provider Portal training in Moodle at https://www.dcdee.moodle.nc.gov/course/view.php?id=119. No action is needed on your part if you have completed the reference training and are currently using the ABCMS Provider Portal to update information regarding new hires or residents. Once the training has been completed and access has been given, you must verify your facility roster to ensure current staff are noted on the roster. This information should be updated in ABCMS on an ongoing basis as staff members are hired and when their employment is terminated. This satisfies the requirement to notify the Division of new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. The compliance of this rule will be monitored during your next visit. Please note, the hard copy of the Change of Information form will no longer be needed or accepted. Should you need assistance please contact the Criminal Background Check Unit at (919) 814-8401 and someone will assist you. 4. We discussed BLS Provider documentation. If the certificate lists BLS Provider, it is only CPR training, and the provider must have another issued card to indicate they obtained First Aid training. The only accepted verifiable documentation/proof accepted related to CPR and FA training is the issued card. It was recommended to have each staff member print their card and post it on the designated bulletin board. 5. We discussed classroom direct exits and making sure children and staff exit the building during a fire drill through each classroom’s direct exit door. 6. Staff were asked if they had any sightings of live bugs in the building. Staff reported not seeing any live bugs since the building has been regularly exterminated. Corrective Action Plan: All violations must be corrected immediately. You shall submit a written, signed, and dated statement/compliance letter to me, at the address below detailing how each violation has been corrected and when. This information shall be received by Tuesday, June 3, 2025. You may email me with your letter of correction. Mail written documentation to Mara Brinton, 3687 Stallings Road, Harrisburg, NC 28075. Failure to correct the violations and send the written statement by the due date listed above may result in an unannounced follow-up visit being conducted or an administrative action may be recommended. Based on Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 Section .2200, the Division of Child Development may take administrative action against the license and/or impose civil penalties based on the failure of the operator to correct any documented violations within the established time-period. If you have any questions, please contact Mara Brinton at 704-594-0140 or email mara.brinton@dhhs.nc.gov If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

G.S. 110-91 · Violation

Name of Operation: MERRY OAKS INTERNATIONAL ACADEMY Facility ID: 60003557 Consultant: MARA BRINTON Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 5/20/2025 Number Present: 37 Completed Date: 5/20/2025 Age: From 4 To 5 Total Minutes: 285 Time In: 10:00 AM Time Out: 02:45 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Routine Unannounced Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to monitor for compliance with applicable child care requirements during a Routine Unannounced Visit. Upon arrival at the four-star rated license DPI NC Pre-K program, the lead designee for the NC Pre-K, Ms. Edwards was present and supervising children while they played in centers. The child care item number listing dated November 2024 was used to identify and determine non-compliance. The following sections were monitored for compliance: A1, B1, C4, C5, C6, E1, E2, F3, G1, G3, G4 and G5. A walk through of spaces #E1-E6, and outdoor play area. A monthly fire drill was conducted during the visit. Ms. Edwards and class entered the hallway and then exited the back door to the outdoors. I inquired with Ms. Edwards as to why she didn’t use the exit door through the classroom door leading directly to the outside. Ms. Edwards stated she would use the classroom exit door from here on out when monthly drills are completed. Ms. Edwards provided current Staff and Training Worksheets. The worksheets provided the documentation to show all staff were current with CPR, and FA. First Aid cards were not available for two staff members, only a printed certificate. One new staff member began yesterday, and her information was updated onto the worksheet during the visit. I inquired with Ms. Edwards about whether she could print an ABCMS roster report. Ms. Edwards was unaware. She contacted her literacy facilitator, Ms. Paige Gallelli, to inquire if NC Pre-K had established a process for meeting this rule requirement. Ms. Gallelli came to the site and Ms. Denise Addison was contacted to discern the office’s understanding of the requirements. A call was also made to the licensing supervisor, Michele Sullivan to review the monitoring requirements for licensing consultants. A roster report should be run by the person in charge during the visit (NC Pre-K lead teacher designee or school principal) and available for consultants to review on site. If a report can’t be run or staff are not accurately reflected as linked to the facility in the ABCMS, a violation will be cited. Monthly outdoor inspections, incident log, monthly fire drills and quarterly safety drills were monitored for compliance. Either safety drills (shelter in place or lock down drills) must be completed at least once every three months. DPI Verification forms for 2024-2025 school year related to children’s records were not current. Staff and child-related documents were maintained off site. A violation was cited for failure to maintain current DPI Verification forms. The children’s records DPI Verification forms were updated for three classrooms during the visit. Children were observed eating lunch, group lessons, napping on mats with linen. In the indoor gross motor room, there were three trikes that were missing the plastic foot petal covers. Either the trikes should be removed, or the plastic foot petals should be replaced. There were tumbling mats monitored with tears in them and one child’s sized couch in #E4. There were unused electrical sockets in space #E4 that were not covered or made inaccessible to children. The sockets were covered during the visit. One child had an inhaler with a spacer, and permission slip to administer the medication. The permission slip was valid for six months. The last sanitation inspection was completed January 16, 2025, with six (6) demerits cited and a Superior classification issued. The last annual fire inspection was completed and noted on file was March 17, 2025. Violation Number Comment Rule 124 The center did not maintain records as required in rule, and/or were not made available to the Division for review. DPI verification forms related to children's records were monitored not current for three classrooms. G.S. 110-91(9); .0304(g); .2318 707 Equipment and furnishings not meeting the requirements outlined in child care .0601(b) and (c) were not removed or made inaccessible. Three trikes monitored in the indoor gross motor room were monitored with missing plastic foot petals. Tumble mats also maintained in the indoor gross motor classroom were monitored torn. A couch maintained in space E4 was monitored in poor repair. .0601(d) 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. Unused electrical outlets were monitored not covered or made inaccessible to children in space #E4. 10A NCAC 09 .0604(c) 1048 All staff did not successfully complete certification in First Aid appropriate to the age of children in care. Verification of staff completion of First Aid training from an approved training organization was not in the staff file. Two staff members did not have verifiable proof (card issued) showing completion of First Aid Training. The documentation presented both staff had BLS Provider (CPR only) without first aid training card. .1102(c) Technical Assistance Provided and General Discussion: 1. It was recommended to purchase the revised edition of the ECER-R (3rd edition) and begin reviewing the available resources on the NCRLAP website at www.NCRLAP.org. Beginning February 1, 2025, DCDEE began using the third edition of the assessments. 2. We discussed ensuring a DCDEE WORKS status letter is printed and on file for each lead teacher and teacher. 3. We discussed ABCMS roster reports requirements. NC Pre-K must develop a system to ensure a current roster report is maintained at each licensed site. If any staff is hired, transferred or terminated the ABCMS roster report must reflect who is currently working at the site. The following technical assistance related to ABCMS and linking staff. As stated in G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(r) child care operators are to notify the Division of any new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. The process of notifying the Division has changed and is now captured in ABCMS. This change has been in effect since February 2024. Effective immediately, you will need to obtain a Business NCID and complete Provider Portal training in Moodle at https://www.dcdee.moodle.nc.gov/course/view.php?id=119. No action is needed on your part if you have completed the reference training and are currently using the ABCMS Provider Portal to update information regarding new hires or residents. Once the training has been completed and access has been given, you must verify your facility roster to ensure current staff are noted on the roster. This information should be updated in ABCMS on an ongoing basis as staff members are hired and when their employment is terminated. This satisfies the requirement to notify the Division of new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. The compliance of this rule will be monitored during your next visit. Please note, the hard copy of the Change of Information form will no longer be needed or accepted. Should you need assistance please contact the Criminal Background Check Unit at (919) 814-8401 and someone will assist you. 4. We discussed BLS Provider documentation. If the certificate lists BLS Provider, it is only CPR training, and the provider must have another issued card to indicate they obtained First Aid training. The only accepted verifiable documentation/proof accepted related to CPR and FA training is the issued card. It was recommended to have each staff member print their card and post it on the designated bulletin board. 5. We discussed classroom direct exits and making sure children and staff exit the building during a fire drill through each classroom’s direct exit door. 6. Staff were asked if they had any sightings of live bugs in the building. Staff reported not seeing any live bugs since the building has been regularly exterminated. Corrective Action Plan: All violations must be corrected immediately. You shall submit a written, signed, and dated statement/compliance letter to me, at the address below detailing how each violation has been corrected and when. This information shall be received by Tuesday, June 3, 2025. You may email me with your letter of correction. Mail written documentation to Mara Brinton, 3687 Stallings Road, Harrisburg, NC 28075. Failure to correct the violations and send the written statement by the due date listed above may result in an unannounced follow-up visit being conducted or an administrative action may be recommended. Based on Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 Section .2200, the Division of Child Development may take administrative action against the license and/or impose civil penalties based on the failure of the operator to correct any documented violations within the established time-period. If you have any questions, please contact Mara Brinton at 704-594-0140 or email mara.brinton@dhhs.nc.gov If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

10A NCAC 09 .1106 · Violation

Name of Operation: MERRY OAKS INTERNATIONAL ACADEMY Facility ID: 60003557 Consultant: MARA BRINTON Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 10/16/2024 Number Present: 30 Completed Date: 10/16/2024 Age: From 4 To 5 Total Minutes: 360 Time In: 09:45 AM Time Out: 03:45 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to monitor for compliance with applicable child care requirements during the annual compliance visit. Upon arrival at the four-star rated licensed NC Pre-K program operated at a DPI public school site, the designated Lead NC Pre-K staff, Ms. Tricia Edwards was off site attending a required training. The following spaces were documented as approved space #’s: E1, E2, E3, E4, E5, and E6 and the outdoor learning environment. Today, three classrooms were in use (E1, E2 and E4). The following items were monitored posted in a prominent place on the Pre-K building: License, menu, emergency numbers, child weather watch and charts, center medical emergency care plan. Safe arrival and departure, tobacco free facility, staff to child ratio worksheet, NC Summary of the Law were not posted. The lead designee, Ms. Edwards informed Ms. Danna where the documentation was located and provided the DPI Pre-K book for review. Current fire inspection report, monthly outdoor inspections, monthly fire drills were monitored documented. The following was not current or completed in the binder in-service training logs, transcripts or training certificates, DPI Verification Forms for children, staff, and transportation) were monitored. Ms. Elli Hristova, substitute, was present and maintained ratios but did not have a DCDEE CBC qualification letter. A child in Ms. Edwards’ classroom was displaying behavior challenges and was brought into the hallway by Ms. Danna. The child became physically defiant against Ms. Dana and kept trying to run or pull away from her as she tried to interact and calm the child down. The front office was contacted and Ms. Margaret Hinson, Dean of Students and Ms. Tonya Spruill, Transportation, and behavior BMT came to the NC Pre-K building. They were informed Ms. Hristova did not have a DCDEE CBC qualification. We determined both staff were qualified, and Ms. Hristova was asked to depart from the building. Ms. Spruill remained with the children until Ms. Edwards returned from training. Staff and training worksheets were monitored. We discussed the need for Health and Safety transcripts and training certificates with the H & S training should be completed. The following staff need to determine what was the completion date for their first year of H & S training. The staff and training worksheets only listed a completion year (2019). I was unable to determine if two staff were past due to complete the five-year renewal of H & S training. (S. Jenkins, C. Danna) Staff education was verified from the NC Pre-K Consultant Site Visit Information print out. The outdoor learning environment was monitored for compliance. The program only uses an open field. There is stationary equipment but is only approved for children five years and older. CMS’s school’s Safety Plan was monitored maintained in a green folder. The plan was reviewed with all staff at the beginning of the school year. Three (3) NC Pre-K classrooms were monitored for compliance. Children were monitored in large groups, washing hands, indoor gross motor activity, eating lunch, and napping on mats with linen. Parent involvement was monitored documented and tracked by each lead teacher. The following activity centers were monitored developmentally appropriate and materials accessible to children: writing, sensory, books, dramatic play, art, science, blocks, manipulatives, listening and music. The completed activity plans were not monitored, printed, or easily referenced by staff. It was recommended to ensure staff print out their lesson plans and post them near the smartboard. The program has implemented The Creative Curriculum TS Gold strategies. The last fire inspection monitored on file was April 10, 2024. The last sanitation inspection was conducted September 9, 2024, with seven (7) demerits cited and a Superior classification issued. Violation Number Comment Rule 124 The center did not maintain records as required in rule, and/or were not made available to the Division for review. A substitute staff person was not added to the DPI Staff Verification form prior to working. G.S. 110-91(9); .0304(g); .2318 523 The activity plan did not include a daily gross motor activity which may occur indoors and outdoors. The activity plan monitored in E4 didn't have a daily gross motor activity listed/identified on the activity plan. .0508(g)(3) 1034 All staff, including the director, did not have an annual health questionnaire on file following the initial medical statement. A lead teacher didn't have a current annual health questionnaire on file. .0701(a) 1041 Prior to employment a Criminal Background Check was not completed. A DPI substitute was placed at a licensed NC Pre-K site without a DCDEE CBC. G.S. 110-90.2(b) 1048 All staff did not successfully complete certification in First Aid appropriate to the age of children in care. Verification of staff completion of First Aid training from an approved training organization was not in the staff file. One staff person's FA expired 10/7/2024. The staff person obtained the required training today, 10/16/2024. .1102(c) 1049 All staff did not successfully complete certification in CPR training appropriate to the age of the children in care. Verification of staff completion of the CPR course from an approved training organization was not in the staff file. One staff person CPR expired 10/7/2024. The staff person obtained CPR training today, 10/16/24. .1102(d) 1054 Documentation of staff's on-going training was not on file and/or was not current. Annual in-service training hours were not printed, and the required log was not filled in properly by each staff. 10A NCAC 09 .1106(a) 1757 A valid qualification letter was not on file and available to review at the facility. A substitute hired by CMS was placed at NC Pre-K licensed program and left alone with a group of children without a DCDEE CBC qualification. G.S. 110-90.2(b) & (d) & .2703(e) 1811 Shelter-in-place or lockdown drills were not practiced every three months and/or drill record was incomplete. Either drill was not completed at least once every three months. DPI sites are expected to complete either drill within the first couple of weeks of school. .0604(u);.0302(d)(8) 9995 A violation was found for which there is no item number. 15A NCAC 18A .2831(b)Pest shall be excluded from the child care. A live roach was monitored walking across the floor. Ms. Edwards stated, roaches have been an on-going and reported issue. Technical Assistance Provided and General Discussion: 1. Ms. Jenkins and Ms. McKinley need DCDEE WORKS status letters. 2. Ms. McKinley has BLS CPR documentation only. She is still within her first 90 days of employment. She will need to obtain FA and CPR that states pediatric and/child CPR. It was highly recommended to review the lead teachers the required process for documentation for children’s challenging behaviors. Concerns were raised about one child who displayed concerning behaviors. Corrective Action Plan: All violations must be corrected immediately. You shall submit a written, signed, and dated statement/compliance letter to me, at the address below detailing how each violation has been corrected. A sample compliance letter was given to the provider to use, if they choose to do so. This information shall be received by Wednesday, October 30, 2024. Mail written documentation to Mara Brinton, 7870 Woodmere Drive, Harrisburg, NC 28075. Failure to correct the violations and send the written statement by the due date listed above may result in an unannounced follow-up visit being conducted or an administrative action may be recommended. Based on Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 Section .2200, the Division of Child Development may take administrative action against the license and/or impose civil penalties based on the failure of the operator to correct any documented violations within the established time-period. If you have any questions, please contact Mara Brinton at 704-594-0140 or email mara.brinton@dhhs.nc.gov If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

Open Not marked corrected in the state record

Category: ratio. Open / not marked corrected.

G.S. 110-90 · Violation

Name of Operation: MERRY OAKS INTERNATIONAL ACADEMY Facility ID: 60003557 Consultant: MARA BRINTON Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 10/16/2024 Number Present: 30 Completed Date: 10/16/2024 Age: From 4 To 5 Total Minutes: 360 Time In: 09:45 AM Time Out: 03:45 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to monitor for compliance with applicable child care requirements during the annual compliance visit. Upon arrival at the four-star rated licensed NC Pre-K program operated at a DPI public school site, the designated Lead NC Pre-K staff, Ms. Tricia Edwards was off site attending a required training. The following spaces were documented as approved space #’s: E1, E2, E3, E4, E5, and E6 and the outdoor learning environment. Today, three classrooms were in use (E1, E2 and E4). The following items were monitored posted in a prominent place on the Pre-K building: License, menu, emergency numbers, child weather watch and charts, center medical emergency care plan. Safe arrival and departure, tobacco free facility, staff to child ratio worksheet, NC Summary of the Law were not posted. The lead designee, Ms. Edwards informed Ms. Danna where the documentation was located and provided the DPI Pre-K book for review. Current fire inspection report, monthly outdoor inspections, monthly fire drills were monitored documented. The following was not current or completed in the binder in-service training logs, transcripts or training certificates, DPI Verification Forms for children, staff, and transportation) were monitored. Ms. Elli Hristova, substitute, was present and maintained ratios but did not have a DCDEE CBC qualification letter. A child in Ms. Edwards’ classroom was displaying behavior challenges and was brought into the hallway by Ms. Danna. The child became physically defiant against Ms. Dana and kept trying to run or pull away from her as she tried to interact and calm the child down. The front office was contacted and Ms. Margaret Hinson, Dean of Students and Ms. Tonya Spruill, Transportation, and behavior BMT came to the NC Pre-K building. They were informed Ms. Hristova did not have a DCDEE CBC qualification. We determined both staff were qualified, and Ms. Hristova was asked to depart from the building. Ms. Spruill remained with the children until Ms. Edwards returned from training. Staff and training worksheets were monitored. We discussed the need for Health and Safety transcripts and training certificates with the H & S training should be completed. The following staff need to determine what was the completion date for their first year of H & S training. The staff and training worksheets only listed a completion year (2019). I was unable to determine if two staff were past due to complete the five-year renewal of H & S training. (S. Jenkins, C. Danna) Staff education was verified from the NC Pre-K Consultant Site Visit Information print out. The outdoor learning environment was monitored for compliance. The program only uses an open field. There is stationary equipment but is only approved for children five years and older. CMS’s school’s Safety Plan was monitored maintained in a green folder. The plan was reviewed with all staff at the beginning of the school year. Three (3) NC Pre-K classrooms were monitored for compliance. Children were monitored in large groups, washing hands, indoor gross motor activity, eating lunch, and napping on mats with linen. Parent involvement was monitored documented and tracked by each lead teacher. The following activity centers were monitored developmentally appropriate and materials accessible to children: writing, sensory, books, dramatic play, art, science, blocks, manipulatives, listening and music. The completed activity plans were not monitored, printed, or easily referenced by staff. It was recommended to ensure staff print out their lesson plans and post them near the smartboard. The program has implemented The Creative Curriculum TS Gold strategies. The last fire inspection monitored on file was April 10, 2024. The last sanitation inspection was conducted September 9, 2024, with seven (7) demerits cited and a Superior classification issued. Violation Number Comment Rule 124 The center did not maintain records as required in rule, and/or were not made available to the Division for review. A substitute staff person was not added to the DPI Staff Verification form prior to working. G.S. 110-91(9); .0304(g); .2318 523 The activity plan did not include a daily gross motor activity which may occur indoors and outdoors. The activity plan monitored in E4 didn't have a daily gross motor activity listed/identified on the activity plan. .0508(g)(3) 1034 All staff, including the director, did not have an annual health questionnaire on file following the initial medical statement. A lead teacher didn't have a current annual health questionnaire on file. .0701(a) 1041 Prior to employment a Criminal Background Check was not completed. A DPI substitute was placed at a licensed NC Pre-K site without a DCDEE CBC. G.S. 110-90.2(b) 1048 All staff did not successfully complete certification in First Aid appropriate to the age of children in care. Verification of staff completion of First Aid training from an approved training organization was not in the staff file. One staff person's FA expired 10/7/2024. The staff person obtained the required training today, 10/16/2024. .1102(c) 1049 All staff did not successfully complete certification in CPR training appropriate to the age of the children in care. Verification of staff completion of the CPR course from an approved training organization was not in the staff file. One staff person CPR expired 10/7/2024. The staff person obtained CPR training today, 10/16/24. .1102(d) 1054 Documentation of staff's on-going training was not on file and/or was not current. Annual in-service training hours were not printed, and the required log was not filled in properly by each staff. 10A NCAC 09 .1106(a) 1757 A valid qualification letter was not on file and available to review at the facility. A substitute hired by CMS was placed at NC Pre-K licensed program and left alone with a group of children without a DCDEE CBC qualification. G.S. 110-90.2(b) & (d) & .2703(e) 1811 Shelter-in-place or lockdown drills were not practiced every three months and/or drill record was incomplete. Either drill was not completed at least once every three months. DPI sites are expected to complete either drill within the first couple of weeks of school. .0604(u);.0302(d)(8) 9995 A violation was found for which there is no item number. 15A NCAC 18A .2831(b)Pest shall be excluded from the child care. A live roach was monitored walking across the floor. Ms. Edwards stated, roaches have been an on-going and reported issue. Technical Assistance Provided and General Discussion: 1. Ms. Jenkins and Ms. McKinley need DCDEE WORKS status letters. 2. Ms. McKinley has BLS CPR documentation only. She is still within her first 90 days of employment. She will need to obtain FA and CPR that states pediatric and/child CPR. It was highly recommended to review the lead teachers the required process for documentation for children’s challenging behaviors. Concerns were raised about one child who displayed concerning behaviors. Corrective Action Plan: All violations must be corrected immediately. You shall submit a written, signed, and dated statement/compliance letter to me, at the address below detailing how each violation has been corrected. A sample compliance letter was given to the provider to use, if they choose to do so. This information shall be received by Wednesday, October 30, 2024. Mail written documentation to Mara Brinton, 7870 Woodmere Drive, Harrisburg, NC 28075. Failure to correct the violations and send the written statement by the due date listed above may result in an unannounced follow-up visit being conducted or an administrative action may be recommended. Based on Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 Section .2200, the Division of Child Development may take administrative action against the license and/or impose civil penalties based on the failure of the operator to correct any documented violations within the established time-period. If you have any questions, please contact Mara Brinton at 704-594-0140 or email mara.brinton@dhhs.nc.gov If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

G.S. 110-91 · Violation

Name of Operation: MERRY OAKS INTERNATIONAL ACADEMY Facility ID: 60003557 Consultant: MARA BRINTON Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 10/16/2024 Number Present: 30 Completed Date: 10/16/2024 Age: From 4 To 5 Total Minutes: 360 Time In: 09:45 AM Time Out: 03:45 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to monitor for compliance with applicable child care requirements during the annual compliance visit. Upon arrival at the four-star rated licensed NC Pre-K program operated at a DPI public school site, the designated Lead NC Pre-K staff, Ms. Tricia Edwards was off site attending a required training. The following spaces were documented as approved space #’s: E1, E2, E3, E4, E5, and E6 and the outdoor learning environment. Today, three classrooms were in use (E1, E2 and E4). The following items were monitored posted in a prominent place on the Pre-K building: License, menu, emergency numbers, child weather watch and charts, center medical emergency care plan. Safe arrival and departure, tobacco free facility, staff to child ratio worksheet, NC Summary of the Law were not posted. The lead designee, Ms. Edwards informed Ms. Danna where the documentation was located and provided the DPI Pre-K book for review. Current fire inspection report, monthly outdoor inspections, monthly fire drills were monitored documented. The following was not current or completed in the binder in-service training logs, transcripts or training certificates, DPI Verification Forms for children, staff, and transportation) were monitored. Ms. Elli Hristova, substitute, was present and maintained ratios but did not have a DCDEE CBC qualification letter. A child in Ms. Edwards’ classroom was displaying behavior challenges and was brought into the hallway by Ms. Danna. The child became physically defiant against Ms. Dana and kept trying to run or pull away from her as she tried to interact and calm the child down. The front office was contacted and Ms. Margaret Hinson, Dean of Students and Ms. Tonya Spruill, Transportation, and behavior BMT came to the NC Pre-K building. They were informed Ms. Hristova did not have a DCDEE CBC qualification. We determined both staff were qualified, and Ms. Hristova was asked to depart from the building. Ms. Spruill remained with the children until Ms. Edwards returned from training. Staff and training worksheets were monitored. We discussed the need for Health and Safety transcripts and training certificates with the H & S training should be completed. The following staff need to determine what was the completion date for their first year of H & S training. The staff and training worksheets only listed a completion year (2019). I was unable to determine if two staff were past due to complete the five-year renewal of H & S training. (S. Jenkins, C. Danna) Staff education was verified from the NC Pre-K Consultant Site Visit Information print out. The outdoor learning environment was monitored for compliance. The program only uses an open field. There is stationary equipment but is only approved for children five years and older. CMS’s school’s Safety Plan was monitored maintained in a green folder. The plan was reviewed with all staff at the beginning of the school year. Three (3) NC Pre-K classrooms were monitored for compliance. Children were monitored in large groups, washing hands, indoor gross motor activity, eating lunch, and napping on mats with linen. Parent involvement was monitored documented and tracked by each lead teacher. The following activity centers were monitored developmentally appropriate and materials accessible to children: writing, sensory, books, dramatic play, art, science, blocks, manipulatives, listening and music. The completed activity plans were not monitored, printed, or easily referenced by staff. It was recommended to ensure staff print out their lesson plans and post them near the smartboard. The program has implemented The Creative Curriculum TS Gold strategies. The last fire inspection monitored on file was April 10, 2024. The last sanitation inspection was conducted September 9, 2024, with seven (7) demerits cited and a Superior classification issued. Violation Number Comment Rule 124 The center did not maintain records as required in rule, and/or were not made available to the Division for review. A substitute staff person was not added to the DPI Staff Verification form prior to working. G.S. 110-91(9); .0304(g); .2318 523 The activity plan did not include a daily gross motor activity which may occur indoors and outdoors. The activity plan monitored in E4 didn't have a daily gross motor activity listed/identified on the activity plan. .0508(g)(3) 1034 All staff, including the director, did not have an annual health questionnaire on file following the initial medical statement. A lead teacher didn't have a current annual health questionnaire on file. .0701(a) 1041 Prior to employment a Criminal Background Check was not completed. A DPI substitute was placed at a licensed NC Pre-K site without a DCDEE CBC. G.S. 110-90.2(b) 1048 All staff did not successfully complete certification in First Aid appropriate to the age of children in care. Verification of staff completion of First Aid training from an approved training organization was not in the staff file. One staff person's FA expired 10/7/2024. The staff person obtained the required training today, 10/16/2024. .1102(c) 1049 All staff did not successfully complete certification in CPR training appropriate to the age of the children in care. Verification of staff completion of the CPR course from an approved training organization was not in the staff file. One staff person CPR expired 10/7/2024. The staff person obtained CPR training today, 10/16/24. .1102(d) 1054 Documentation of staff's on-going training was not on file and/or was not current. Annual in-service training hours were not printed, and the required log was not filled in properly by each staff. 10A NCAC 09 .1106(a) 1757 A valid qualification letter was not on file and available to review at the facility. A substitute hired by CMS was placed at NC Pre-K licensed program and left alone with a group of children without a DCDEE CBC qualification. G.S. 110-90.2(b) & (d) & .2703(e) 1811 Shelter-in-place or lockdown drills were not practiced every three months and/or drill record was incomplete. Either drill was not completed at least once every three months. DPI sites are expected to complete either drill within the first couple of weeks of school. .0604(u);.0302(d)(8) 9995 A violation was found for which there is no item number. 15A NCAC 18A .2831(b)Pest shall be excluded from the child care. A live roach was monitored walking across the floor. Ms. Edwards stated, roaches have been an on-going and reported issue. Technical Assistance Provided and General Discussion: 1. Ms. Jenkins and Ms. McKinley need DCDEE WORKS status letters. 2. Ms. McKinley has BLS CPR documentation only. She is still within her first 90 days of employment. She will need to obtain FA and CPR that states pediatric and/child CPR. It was highly recommended to review the lead teachers the required process for documentation for children’s challenging behaviors. Concerns were raised about one child who displayed concerning behaviors. Corrective Action Plan: All violations must be corrected immediately. You shall submit a written, signed, and dated statement/compliance letter to me, at the address below detailing how each violation has been corrected. A sample compliance letter was given to the provider to use, if they choose to do so. This information shall be received by Wednesday, October 30, 2024. Mail written documentation to Mara Brinton, 7870 Woodmere Drive, Harrisburg, NC 28075. Failure to correct the violations and send the written statement by the due date listed above may result in an unannounced follow-up visit being conducted or an administrative action may be recommended. Based on Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 Section .2200, the Division of Child Development may take administrative action against the license and/or impose civil penalties based on the failure of the operator to correct any documented violations within the established time-period. If you have any questions, please contact Mara Brinton at 704-594-0140 or email mara.brinton@dhhs.nc.gov If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

10A NCAC 09 .0802 · Violation

Name of Operation: MERRY OAKS INTERNATIONAL ACADEMY Facility ID: 60003557 Consultant: MARA BRINTON Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 10/19/2023 Number Present: 40 Completed Date: 10/20/2023 Age: From 4 To 5 Total Minutes: 330 Time In: 11:00 AM Time Out: 04:30 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to monitor for compliance with applicable child care requirements during the annual compliance visit. Licensing supervisor, Michele Sullivan accompanied me during the visit. Upon arrival to the four-star rated licensed NC Pre-K program operated at a DPI public school site, the designated Lead NC Pre-K staff, Ms. Tricia Edwards was present and able to assist us during the visit. Ms. Edwards stated she did not know they were NC Pre-K and not Bright Beginnings. The following spaces were documented as approved space #’s: E1, E2, E3, E4, E5, and E6 and the cafeteria, and outdoor learning environment. Today, three classrooms were in use (E1, E2 and E4) Upon walking down, the sidewalk to the NC Pre-K building we observed one NC Pre-K class outside of their classroom door. We introduced ourselves and asked about the lead designee. Ms. Danna stated to follow her, and she would take us to Ms. Edwards. We followed her inside along with the children and assistant teacher. Ms. Danna continued out the classroom door headed towards Ms. Edwards classroom. Ms. Danna left sixteen preschool children alone with one caregiver, failing to maintain required staff to child ratios of 1:9. The assistant teacher, Ms. Mestawet, was also monitored leaving the classroom to go into the hallway to retrieve water. After the walk through was completed, Ms. Sullivan and I were in space E3 going over paperwork and Ms. Edwards brought in nine children with her. The children sat down at tables with books. Ms. Edwards’ assistant came to E3 to show her course progress in obtaining her CDA. Ms. Edwards returned to her classroom. After Ms. Kabbath showed us her computer screen, she left the children in E3 without a staff person present. We discussed the staff to child ratio and supervision rule with Ms. Edwards. It was recommended to sit down with all staff and review the child care rules related to supervision and staff to child ratios. Staff must know and understand they must maintain the required ratio of 1:9 at all times except for nap time. The outside door of E4 was monitored boarded with wood panels and screws. The window was broken and has not been replaced. The teacher stated repair requests were submitted before school began at the end of August. The door window must be repaired and in a timely manner. Two months to repair a broken window is too long. The following items were monitored posted in a prominent place on the Pre-K building: License, menu, emergency numbers, child weather watch and charts, center medical emergency care plan. Safe arrival and departure, tobacco free facility, staff to child ratio worksheet, NC Summary of the Law were not posted. Only one classroom had a screen time log. Only one classroom was able to show easy accessibility to their current lesson plan. One staff person stated their lesson plan was at home. The lead designee, Ms. Edwards provided us the DPI Pre-K book for our review. Current fire inspection report, monthly outdoor inspections, monthly fire drills/lock down/shelter in place. The following was not current or completed in the binder in-service training logs, transcripts or training certificates, DPI Verification Forms (children, staff, and transportation) and staff’s CPR/FA cards. Staff and training worksheets were monitored incomplete. It was recommended to complete the form electronically instead of manually. I explained to Ms. Edwards that the staff and training worksheets should be maintained at all times. Full dates should be listed for everything on the worksheet. Dates should not be listed with just the month and year on the worksheets. Ms. Edwards was reminded of the child care requirement for Health and Safety Training, including Recognizing and Responding to Child Maltreatment training must be renewed every five years. 10A NCAC .1103 On-going Training and Professional Development Health and safety training shall be completed as part of on-going training so that every five years, all of the topic areas set forth in 10A NCAC 09 .1102 (b) will be covered. I also reiterated Recognizing and Responding to Child Maltreatment training may only be received from the NC Prevent Child Abuse organization. Staff education was verified from the NC Pre-K Consultant Site Visit Information print out. One Long-term substitute assistant named A. Taylor-MacLellan was listed but no longer working at the site. The outdoor learning environment was monitored for compliance. The program only uses an open field. There is stationary equipment but is only approved for children five years and older. CMS’s school’s Safety Plan was monitored posted in the hallway. The safety plan was not documented as reviewed annually with staff. Ms. Edwards stated reviewing it with staff. It was not documented on the Staff and Training Worksheets or on any other tracking tool. The date of the annual review should also be documented on the staff and training worksheets. The center’s Emergency Medical Care Plan was not documented as reviewed with staff annually. I also encouraged Ms. Edwards to develop a written statement of annual review for the schools EPR plan and the center’s emergency medical care plan onto the same acknowledgement page. Three (3) NC Pre-K classrooms were monitored for compliance. Children were monitored in large groups, washing hands, eating lunch, and napping on mats with linen. Parent involvement was monitored tracked by lead teacher. The following activity centers were monitored developmentally appropriate and materials accessible to children: writing, sensory, books, dramatic play, art, science, blocks, manipulatives, listening and music. We discussed one classroom identified as needing to ensure all materials are accessible to the children. It appears the teacher was still opening up centers and adding materials related to introduction of materials to the children. The completed activity plans were not monitored printed or easily referenced by staff. It was recommended to ensure staff print out their lesson plans and post them near the smart board. The program has implemented The Creative Curriculum TS Gold strategies. Hazardous products were monitored stored on top of storage units inside of two classrooms. Hazardous products must be stored under lock and key at all times. The lead teachers purse with medication was stored in an unlocked cabinet. The teacher relocated her purse to another unlocked file cabinet. We identified a shared closet between the classrooms where the hazardous materials monitored should be locked under key. It was recommended to store the materials in a bin or on a cart and the bin could be easily removed and placed back under lock and key afterwards. The last fire inspection monitored on file was April 26, 2023. We discussed the need to determine who in the day school is responsible to work with the fire inspector to ensure a copy of the most current fire inspections are given to the NC Pre-K program and then emailed to the assigned licensing consultant. The last sanitation inspection was conducted September 6, 2023, with eleven (11) demerits cited and a Superior classification issued. The last ERS was completed November 16, 2017. The last RLA was processed January 8, 2018. Based on the DCDEE Cohort Plan for facilities after the state of emergency for COVID 19 was rescinded, the DCDEE Cohort model plan the program will be required to have the ERS in the fall of 2024. Violation Number Comment Rule 115 A summary of the NC Child Care Law was not posted in a prominent place in the center. The NC Summary of the Law was not posted in a prominent place in the center. G.S. 110-102 319 Staff/child ratios applicable to a classroom, were not posted in each classroom. The three operating NC Pre-K classrooms did not have the required staff/child ratio worksheets posted in each applicable classroom. .0713(a)(10), (c) & (f)(3); .2818(e) 428 A current activity plan was not posted for each group of children for reference. Two out of the three classrooms did not have an activity plan posted for each group of children. GS 110-91(12); .0508(a) 830 A First Aid information sheet was not posted in a place for referral and/or the information sheet did not include all the required information. A First Aid information sheet was not posted in the place for referral. .0802(h) 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. Several aerosol cans and cleaners were monitored stored on top of storage cabinets in spaces #E4 and E1. .2820(b) 841 Medications including prescription and non-prescription items were not stored in a locked cabinet or other locked container. A staff person's purse with weekly medications were stored in the staff person's opened purse in a storage cabinet in space E4. 15A NCAC 18A .2820(d) 862 The EMC plan was not reviewed with all staff annually and whenever the plan was revised. The lead designee stated the plan was reviewed with staff in August. The review was not documented on either the staff and training worksheets or any other developed tracking form. 10A NCAC 09 .0802(a) 1034 All staff, including the director, did not have an annual health questionnaire on file following the initial medical statement. Five staff did not have a current annual health questionnaire on file. .0701(a) 1035 Child care providers, including the director, uncompensated providers, substitute providers, and volunteers did not have the required Emergency Information Form on file on or before the first day of work, which included all the required information and/or the information on the form was not updated as changes occur and at least annually. Four staff did not have current annual Emergency Information Forms on file. .0701(a) 1041 Prior to employment a Criminal Background Check was not completed. One staff member began working in the licensed program before their CBC was completed and on file. The staff person obtained their qualification October 10, 2023. G.S. 110-90.2(b) 1043 All staff records, except financial records, were not made available for review. The DPI Verification Forms were not current and maintained on file for staff, children or transportation. G.S. 110-91( 9) 1756 Enhanced staff/child ratios and group sizes were not met. The center was required to maintain staff/child ratios of 1:9. There were three different situations monitored where the staff did not maintain the required ratios by leaving an entire group of children in a classroom with one caregiver instead of taking nine children with them. 10A NCAC 09 .2818 1757 A valid qualification letter was not on file and available to review at the facility. A CBC qualification letter was not on file for one employee. The staff person printed the letter and placed it on file during the visit. G.S. 110-90.2(b) & (d) & .2703(e) 1824 The trained staff did not review the EPR Plan annually or when information in the plan changed to ensure all information was current. The lead designee stated CMS's EPR plan was reviewed with all staff in August but not documented on the Staff and Training Worksheets or any other developed tracking tool. .0607(e) 1899 Health and safety training topics were not included as part of on-going training within five years of completing the previous health and safety training topics. One staff member was past due to complete the five-year renewal for the health and safety training. .1103(b) Technical Assistance Provided and General Discussion: 1. It was recommended to develop a written document to track staff’s annual review of the schools EPR plan and the DCDEE Center Emergency Care Plan document. 2. It was recommended to ensure staff are informed of what program is supposed to be operating at the site because there are additional program requirements NC Pre-K staff must meet and maintain beyond operating a licensed preschool program. 3. It was recommended to post safe arrival and departure procedures on the main board in the hallway instead of just in one classroom. 4. It was recommended to post a tobacco-free facility sign on the main bulletin board in the NC Pre-K hallway. There is signage at the main school building but not in the separate stand-alone NC Pre-K building. 5. Quarterly shelter in place and lock down drills were completed but not documented. It was recommended to complete the required documentation as soon as the drill is completed on the DCDEE Tracking Log. 6. One screen time log was monitored posted and current. It was recommended to post a log by the smart board in each classroom. Review the child care rule with each staff requiring them to track children’s screen time use. 7. A bottle of coke was monitored on a shelf in space #E1. It was not opened or consumed by any staff person. The coke was removed from the environment during the visit. It was recommended to review the child care rule with each staff person. Corrective Action Plan: All violations must be corrected immediately. You shall submit a written, signed, and dated statement/compliance letter to me, at the address below detailing how each violation has been corrected. A sample compliance letter was given to the provider to use, if they choose to do so. This information shall be received by Thursday, November 2, 2023. Mail written documentation to Mara Brinton, 7870 Woodmere Drive, Harrisburg, NC 28075. Failure to correct the violations and send the written statement by the due date listed above may result in an unannounced follow-up visit being conducted or an administrative action may be recommended. Based on Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 Section .2200, the Division of Child Development may take administrative action against the license and/or impose civil penalties based on the failure of the operator to correct any documented violations within the established time-period. If you have any questions, please contact Mara Brinton at 704-594-0140 or email mara.brinton@dhhs.nc.gov If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

Open Not marked corrected in the state record

Category: supervision. Open / not marked corrected.

10A NCAC 09 .1102 · Violation

Name of Operation: MERRY OAKS INTERNATIONAL ACADEMY Facility ID: 60003557 Consultant: MARA BRINTON Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 10/19/2023 Number Present: 40 Completed Date: 10/20/2023 Age: From 4 To 5 Total Minutes: 330 Time In: 11:00 AM Time Out: 04:30 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to monitor for compliance with applicable child care requirements during the annual compliance visit. Licensing supervisor, Michele Sullivan accompanied me during the visit. Upon arrival to the four-star rated licensed NC Pre-K program operated at a DPI public school site, the designated Lead NC Pre-K staff, Ms. Tricia Edwards was present and able to assist us during the visit. Ms. Edwards stated she did not know they were NC Pre-K and not Bright Beginnings. The following spaces were documented as approved space #’s: E1, E2, E3, E4, E5, and E6 and the cafeteria, and outdoor learning environment. Today, three classrooms were in use (E1, E2 and E4) Upon walking down, the sidewalk to the NC Pre-K building we observed one NC Pre-K class outside of their classroom door. We introduced ourselves and asked about the lead designee. Ms. Danna stated to follow her, and she would take us to Ms. Edwards. We followed her inside along with the children and assistant teacher. Ms. Danna continued out the classroom door headed towards Ms. Edwards classroom. Ms. Danna left sixteen preschool children alone with one caregiver, failing to maintain required staff to child ratios of 1:9. The assistant teacher, Ms. Mestawet, was also monitored leaving the classroom to go into the hallway to retrieve water. After the walk through was completed, Ms. Sullivan and I were in space E3 going over paperwork and Ms. Edwards brought in nine children with her. The children sat down at tables with books. Ms. Edwards’ assistant came to E3 to show her course progress in obtaining her CDA. Ms. Edwards returned to her classroom. After Ms. Kabbath showed us her computer screen, she left the children in E3 without a staff person present. We discussed the staff to child ratio and supervision rule with Ms. Edwards. It was recommended to sit down with all staff and review the child care rules related to supervision and staff to child ratios. Staff must know and understand they must maintain the required ratio of 1:9 at all times except for nap time. The outside door of E4 was monitored boarded with wood panels and screws. The window was broken and has not been replaced. The teacher stated repair requests were submitted before school began at the end of August. The door window must be repaired and in a timely manner. Two months to repair a broken window is too long. The following items were monitored posted in a prominent place on the Pre-K building: License, menu, emergency numbers, child weather watch and charts, center medical emergency care plan. Safe arrival and departure, tobacco free facility, staff to child ratio worksheet, NC Summary of the Law were not posted. Only one classroom had a screen time log. Only one classroom was able to show easy accessibility to their current lesson plan. One staff person stated their lesson plan was at home. The lead designee, Ms. Edwards provided us the DPI Pre-K book for our review. Current fire inspection report, monthly outdoor inspections, monthly fire drills/lock down/shelter in place. The following was not current or completed in the binder in-service training logs, transcripts or training certificates, DPI Verification Forms (children, staff, and transportation) and staff’s CPR/FA cards. Staff and training worksheets were monitored incomplete. It was recommended to complete the form electronically instead of manually. I explained to Ms. Edwards that the staff and training worksheets should be maintained at all times. Full dates should be listed for everything on the worksheet. Dates should not be listed with just the month and year on the worksheets. Ms. Edwards was reminded of the child care requirement for Health and Safety Training, including Recognizing and Responding to Child Maltreatment training must be renewed every five years. 10A NCAC .1103 On-going Training and Professional Development Health and safety training shall be completed as part of on-going training so that every five years, all of the topic areas set forth in 10A NCAC 09 .1102 (b) will be covered. I also reiterated Recognizing and Responding to Child Maltreatment training may only be received from the NC Prevent Child Abuse organization. Staff education was verified from the NC Pre-K Consultant Site Visit Information print out. One Long-term substitute assistant named A. Taylor-MacLellan was listed but no longer working at the site. The outdoor learning environment was monitored for compliance. The program only uses an open field. There is stationary equipment but is only approved for children five years and older. CMS’s school’s Safety Plan was monitored posted in the hallway. The safety plan was not documented as reviewed annually with staff. Ms. Edwards stated reviewing it with staff. It was not documented on the Staff and Training Worksheets or on any other tracking tool. The date of the annual review should also be documented on the staff and training worksheets. The center’s Emergency Medical Care Plan was not documented as reviewed with staff annually. I also encouraged Ms. Edwards to develop a written statement of annual review for the schools EPR plan and the center’s emergency medical care plan onto the same acknowledgement page. Three (3) NC Pre-K classrooms were monitored for compliance. Children were monitored in large groups, washing hands, eating lunch, and napping on mats with linen. Parent involvement was monitored tracked by lead teacher. The following activity centers were monitored developmentally appropriate and materials accessible to children: writing, sensory, books, dramatic play, art, science, blocks, manipulatives, listening and music. We discussed one classroom identified as needing to ensure all materials are accessible to the children. It appears the teacher was still opening up centers and adding materials related to introduction of materials to the children. The completed activity plans were not monitored printed or easily referenced by staff. It was recommended to ensure staff print out their lesson plans and post them near the smart board. The program has implemented The Creative Curriculum TS Gold strategies. Hazardous products were monitored stored on top of storage units inside of two classrooms. Hazardous products must be stored under lock and key at all times. The lead teachers purse with medication was stored in an unlocked cabinet. The teacher relocated her purse to another unlocked file cabinet. We identified a shared closet between the classrooms where the hazardous materials monitored should be locked under key. It was recommended to store the materials in a bin or on a cart and the bin could be easily removed and placed back under lock and key afterwards. The last fire inspection monitored on file was April 26, 2023. We discussed the need to determine who in the day school is responsible to work with the fire inspector to ensure a copy of the most current fire inspections are given to the NC Pre-K program and then emailed to the assigned licensing consultant. The last sanitation inspection was conducted September 6, 2023, with eleven (11) demerits cited and a Superior classification issued. The last ERS was completed November 16, 2017. The last RLA was processed January 8, 2018. Based on the DCDEE Cohort Plan for facilities after the state of emergency for COVID 19 was rescinded, the DCDEE Cohort model plan the program will be required to have the ERS in the fall of 2024. Violation Number Comment Rule 115 A summary of the NC Child Care Law was not posted in a prominent place in the center. The NC Summary of the Law was not posted in a prominent place in the center. G.S. 110-102 319 Staff/child ratios applicable to a classroom, were not posted in each classroom. The three operating NC Pre-K classrooms did not have the required staff/child ratio worksheets posted in each applicable classroom. .0713(a)(10), (c) & (f)(3); .2818(e) 428 A current activity plan was not posted for each group of children for reference. Two out of the three classrooms did not have an activity plan posted for each group of children. GS 110-91(12); .0508(a) 830 A First Aid information sheet was not posted in a place for referral and/or the information sheet did not include all the required information. A First Aid information sheet was not posted in the place for referral. .0802(h) 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. Several aerosol cans and cleaners were monitored stored on top of storage cabinets in spaces #E4 and E1. .2820(b) 841 Medications including prescription and non-prescription items were not stored in a locked cabinet or other locked container. A staff person's purse with weekly medications were stored in the staff person's opened purse in a storage cabinet in space E4. 15A NCAC 18A .2820(d) 862 The EMC plan was not reviewed with all staff annually and whenever the plan was revised. The lead designee stated the plan was reviewed with staff in August. The review was not documented on either the staff and training worksheets or any other developed tracking form. 10A NCAC 09 .0802(a) 1034 All staff, including the director, did not have an annual health questionnaire on file following the initial medical statement. Five staff did not have a current annual health questionnaire on file. .0701(a) 1035 Child care providers, including the director, uncompensated providers, substitute providers, and volunteers did not have the required Emergency Information Form on file on or before the first day of work, which included all the required information and/or the information on the form was not updated as changes occur and at least annually. Four staff did not have current annual Emergency Information Forms on file. .0701(a) 1041 Prior to employment a Criminal Background Check was not completed. One staff member began working in the licensed program before their CBC was completed and on file. The staff person obtained their qualification October 10, 2023. G.S. 110-90.2(b) 1043 All staff records, except financial records, were not made available for review. The DPI Verification Forms were not current and maintained on file for staff, children or transportation. G.S. 110-91( 9) 1756 Enhanced staff/child ratios and group sizes were not met. The center was required to maintain staff/child ratios of 1:9. There were three different situations monitored where the staff did not maintain the required ratios by leaving an entire group of children in a classroom with one caregiver instead of taking nine children with them. 10A NCAC 09 .2818 1757 A valid qualification letter was not on file and available to review at the facility. A CBC qualification letter was not on file for one employee. The staff person printed the letter and placed it on file during the visit. G.S. 110-90.2(b) & (d) & .2703(e) 1824 The trained staff did not review the EPR Plan annually or when information in the plan changed to ensure all information was current. The lead designee stated CMS's EPR plan was reviewed with all staff in August but not documented on the Staff and Training Worksheets or any other developed tracking tool. .0607(e) 1899 Health and safety training topics were not included as part of on-going training within five years of completing the previous health and safety training topics. One staff member was past due to complete the five-year renewal for the health and safety training. .1103(b) Technical Assistance Provided and General Discussion: 1. It was recommended to develop a written document to track staff’s annual review of the schools EPR plan and the DCDEE Center Emergency Care Plan document. 2. It was recommended to ensure staff are informed of what program is supposed to be operating at the site because there are additional program requirements NC Pre-K staff must meet and maintain beyond operating a licensed preschool program. 3. It was recommended to post safe arrival and departure procedures on the main board in the hallway instead of just in one classroom. 4. It was recommended to post a tobacco-free facility sign on the main bulletin board in the NC Pre-K hallway. There is signage at the main school building but not in the separate stand-alone NC Pre-K building. 5. Quarterly shelter in place and lock down drills were completed but not documented. It was recommended to complete the required documentation as soon as the drill is completed on the DCDEE Tracking Log. 6. One screen time log was monitored posted and current. It was recommended to post a log by the smart board in each classroom. Review the child care rule with each staff requiring them to track children’s screen time use. 7. A bottle of coke was monitored on a shelf in space #E1. It was not opened or consumed by any staff person. The coke was removed from the environment during the visit. It was recommended to review the child care rule with each staff person. Corrective Action Plan: All violations must be corrected immediately. You shall submit a written, signed, and dated statement/compliance letter to me, at the address below detailing how each violation has been corrected. A sample compliance letter was given to the provider to use, if they choose to do so. This information shall be received by Thursday, November 2, 2023. Mail written documentation to Mara Brinton, 7870 Woodmere Drive, Harrisburg, NC 28075. Failure to correct the violations and send the written statement by the due date listed above may result in an unannounced follow-up visit being conducted or an administrative action may be recommended. Based on Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 Section .2200, the Division of Child Development may take administrative action against the license and/or impose civil penalties based on the failure of the operator to correct any documented violations within the established time-period. If you have any questions, please contact Mara Brinton at 704-594-0140 or email mara.brinton@dhhs.nc.gov If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

10A NCAC 09 .2818 · Violation

Name of Operation: MERRY OAKS INTERNATIONAL ACADEMY Facility ID: 60003557 Consultant: MARA BRINTON Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 10/19/2023 Number Present: 40 Completed Date: 10/20/2023 Age: From 4 To 5 Total Minutes: 330 Time In: 11:00 AM Time Out: 04:30 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to monitor for compliance with applicable child care requirements during the annual compliance visit. Licensing supervisor, Michele Sullivan accompanied me during the visit. Upon arrival to the four-star rated licensed NC Pre-K program operated at a DPI public school site, the designated Lead NC Pre-K staff, Ms. Tricia Edwards was present and able to assist us during the visit. Ms. Edwards stated she did not know they were NC Pre-K and not Bright Beginnings. The following spaces were documented as approved space #’s: E1, E2, E3, E4, E5, and E6 and the cafeteria, and outdoor learning environment. Today, three classrooms were in use (E1, E2 and E4) Upon walking down, the sidewalk to the NC Pre-K building we observed one NC Pre-K class outside of their classroom door. We introduced ourselves and asked about the lead designee. Ms. Danna stated to follow her, and she would take us to Ms. Edwards. We followed her inside along with the children and assistant teacher. Ms. Danna continued out the classroom door headed towards Ms. Edwards classroom. Ms. Danna left sixteen preschool children alone with one caregiver, failing to maintain required staff to child ratios of 1:9. The assistant teacher, Ms. Mestawet, was also monitored leaving the classroom to go into the hallway to retrieve water. After the walk through was completed, Ms. Sullivan and I were in space E3 going over paperwork and Ms. Edwards brought in nine children with her. The children sat down at tables with books. Ms. Edwards’ assistant came to E3 to show her course progress in obtaining her CDA. Ms. Edwards returned to her classroom. After Ms. Kabbath showed us her computer screen, she left the children in E3 without a staff person present. We discussed the staff to child ratio and supervision rule with Ms. Edwards. It was recommended to sit down with all staff and review the child care rules related to supervision and staff to child ratios. Staff must know and understand they must maintain the required ratio of 1:9 at all times except for nap time. The outside door of E4 was monitored boarded with wood panels and screws. The window was broken and has not been replaced. The teacher stated repair requests were submitted before school began at the end of August. The door window must be repaired and in a timely manner. Two months to repair a broken window is too long. The following items were monitored posted in a prominent place on the Pre-K building: License, menu, emergency numbers, child weather watch and charts, center medical emergency care plan. Safe arrival and departure, tobacco free facility, staff to child ratio worksheet, NC Summary of the Law were not posted. Only one classroom had a screen time log. Only one classroom was able to show easy accessibility to their current lesson plan. One staff person stated their lesson plan was at home. The lead designee, Ms. Edwards provided us the DPI Pre-K book for our review. Current fire inspection report, monthly outdoor inspections, monthly fire drills/lock down/shelter in place. The following was not current or completed in the binder in-service training logs, transcripts or training certificates, DPI Verification Forms (children, staff, and transportation) and staff’s CPR/FA cards. Staff and training worksheets were monitored incomplete. It was recommended to complete the form electronically instead of manually. I explained to Ms. Edwards that the staff and training worksheets should be maintained at all times. Full dates should be listed for everything on the worksheet. Dates should not be listed with just the month and year on the worksheets. Ms. Edwards was reminded of the child care requirement for Health and Safety Training, including Recognizing and Responding to Child Maltreatment training must be renewed every five years. 10A NCAC .1103 On-going Training and Professional Development Health and safety training shall be completed as part of on-going training so that every five years, all of the topic areas set forth in 10A NCAC 09 .1102 (b) will be covered. I also reiterated Recognizing and Responding to Child Maltreatment training may only be received from the NC Prevent Child Abuse organization. Staff education was verified from the NC Pre-K Consultant Site Visit Information print out. One Long-term substitute assistant named A. Taylor-MacLellan was listed but no longer working at the site. The outdoor learning environment was monitored for compliance. The program only uses an open field. There is stationary equipment but is only approved for children five years and older. CMS’s school’s Safety Plan was monitored posted in the hallway. The safety plan was not documented as reviewed annually with staff. Ms. Edwards stated reviewing it with staff. It was not documented on the Staff and Training Worksheets or on any other tracking tool. The date of the annual review should also be documented on the staff and training worksheets. The center’s Emergency Medical Care Plan was not documented as reviewed with staff annually. I also encouraged Ms. Edwards to develop a written statement of annual review for the schools EPR plan and the center’s emergency medical care plan onto the same acknowledgement page. Three (3) NC Pre-K classrooms were monitored for compliance. Children were monitored in large groups, washing hands, eating lunch, and napping on mats with linen. Parent involvement was monitored tracked by lead teacher. The following activity centers were monitored developmentally appropriate and materials accessible to children: writing, sensory, books, dramatic play, art, science, blocks, manipulatives, listening and music. We discussed one classroom identified as needing to ensure all materials are accessible to the children. It appears the teacher was still opening up centers and adding materials related to introduction of materials to the children. The completed activity plans were not monitored printed or easily referenced by staff. It was recommended to ensure staff print out their lesson plans and post them near the smart board. The program has implemented The Creative Curriculum TS Gold strategies. Hazardous products were monitored stored on top of storage units inside of two classrooms. Hazardous products must be stored under lock and key at all times. The lead teachers purse with medication was stored in an unlocked cabinet. The teacher relocated her purse to another unlocked file cabinet. We identified a shared closet between the classrooms where the hazardous materials monitored should be locked under key. It was recommended to store the materials in a bin or on a cart and the bin could be easily removed and placed back under lock and key afterwards. The last fire inspection monitored on file was April 26, 2023. We discussed the need to determine who in the day school is responsible to work with the fire inspector to ensure a copy of the most current fire inspections are given to the NC Pre-K program and then emailed to the assigned licensing consultant. The last sanitation inspection was conducted September 6, 2023, with eleven (11) demerits cited and a Superior classification issued. The last ERS was completed November 16, 2017. The last RLA was processed January 8, 2018. Based on the DCDEE Cohort Plan for facilities after the state of emergency for COVID 19 was rescinded, the DCDEE Cohort model plan the program will be required to have the ERS in the fall of 2024. Violation Number Comment Rule 115 A summary of the NC Child Care Law was not posted in a prominent place in the center. The NC Summary of the Law was not posted in a prominent place in the center. G.S. 110-102 319 Staff/child ratios applicable to a classroom, were not posted in each classroom. The three operating NC Pre-K classrooms did not have the required staff/child ratio worksheets posted in each applicable classroom. .0713(a)(10), (c) & (f)(3); .2818(e) 428 A current activity plan was not posted for each group of children for reference. Two out of the three classrooms did not have an activity plan posted for each group of children. GS 110-91(12); .0508(a) 830 A First Aid information sheet was not posted in a place for referral and/or the information sheet did not include all the required information. A First Aid information sheet was not posted in the place for referral. .0802(h) 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. Several aerosol cans and cleaners were monitored stored on top of storage cabinets in spaces #E4 and E1. .2820(b) 841 Medications including prescription and non-prescription items were not stored in a locked cabinet or other locked container. A staff person's purse with weekly medications were stored in the staff person's opened purse in a storage cabinet in space E4. 15A NCAC 18A .2820(d) 862 The EMC plan was not reviewed with all staff annually and whenever the plan was revised. The lead designee stated the plan was reviewed with staff in August. The review was not documented on either the staff and training worksheets or any other developed tracking form. 10A NCAC 09 .0802(a) 1034 All staff, including the director, did not have an annual health questionnaire on file following the initial medical statement. Five staff did not have a current annual health questionnaire on file. .0701(a) 1035 Child care providers, including the director, uncompensated providers, substitute providers, and volunteers did not have the required Emergency Information Form on file on or before the first day of work, which included all the required information and/or the information on the form was not updated as changes occur and at least annually. Four staff did not have current annual Emergency Information Forms on file. .0701(a) 1041 Prior to employment a Criminal Background Check was not completed. One staff member began working in the licensed program before their CBC was completed and on file. The staff person obtained their qualification October 10, 2023. G.S. 110-90.2(b) 1043 All staff records, except financial records, were not made available for review. The DPI Verification Forms were not current and maintained on file for staff, children or transportation. G.S. 110-91( 9) 1756 Enhanced staff/child ratios and group sizes were not met. The center was required to maintain staff/child ratios of 1:9. There were three different situations monitored where the staff did not maintain the required ratios by leaving an entire group of children in a classroom with one caregiver instead of taking nine children with them. 10A NCAC 09 .2818 1757 A valid qualification letter was not on file and available to review at the facility. A CBC qualification letter was not on file for one employee. The staff person printed the letter and placed it on file during the visit. G.S. 110-90.2(b) & (d) & .2703(e) 1824 The trained staff did not review the EPR Plan annually or when information in the plan changed to ensure all information was current. The lead designee stated CMS's EPR plan was reviewed with all staff in August but not documented on the Staff and Training Worksheets or any other developed tracking tool. .0607(e) 1899 Health and safety training topics were not included as part of on-going training within five years of completing the previous health and safety training topics. One staff member was past due to complete the five-year renewal for the health and safety training. .1103(b) Technical Assistance Provided and General Discussion: 1. It was recommended to develop a written document to track staff’s annual review of the schools EPR plan and the DCDEE Center Emergency Care Plan document. 2. It was recommended to ensure staff are informed of what program is supposed to be operating at the site because there are additional program requirements NC Pre-K staff must meet and maintain beyond operating a licensed preschool program. 3. It was recommended to post safe arrival and departure procedures on the main board in the hallway instead of just in one classroom. 4. It was recommended to post a tobacco-free facility sign on the main bulletin board in the NC Pre-K hallway. There is signage at the main school building but not in the separate stand-alone NC Pre-K building. 5. Quarterly shelter in place and lock down drills were completed but not documented. It was recommended to complete the required documentation as soon as the drill is completed on the DCDEE Tracking Log. 6. One screen time log was monitored posted and current. It was recommended to post a log by the smart board in each classroom. Review the child care rule with each staff requiring them to track children’s screen time use. 7. A bottle of coke was monitored on a shelf in space #E1. It was not opened or consumed by any staff person. The coke was removed from the environment during the visit. It was recommended to review the child care rule with each staff person. Corrective Action Plan: All violations must be corrected immediately. You shall submit a written, signed, and dated statement/compliance letter to me, at the address below detailing how each violation has been corrected. A sample compliance letter was given to the provider to use, if they choose to do so. This information shall be received by Thursday, November 2, 2023. Mail written documentation to Mara Brinton, 7870 Woodmere Drive, Harrisburg, NC 28075. Failure to correct the violations and send the written statement by the due date listed above may result in an unannounced follow-up visit being conducted or an administrative action may be recommended. Based on Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 Section .2200, the Division of Child Development may take administrative action against the license and/or impose civil penalties based on the failure of the operator to correct any documented violations within the established time-period. If you have any questions, please contact Mara Brinton at 704-594-0140 or email mara.brinton@dhhs.nc.gov If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

G.S. 110-102 · Violation

Name of Operation: MERRY OAKS INTERNATIONAL ACADEMY Facility ID: 60003557 Consultant: MARA BRINTON Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 10/19/2023 Number Present: 40 Completed Date: 10/20/2023 Age: From 4 To 5 Total Minutes: 330 Time In: 11:00 AM Time Out: 04:30 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to monitor for compliance with applicable child care requirements during the annual compliance visit. Licensing supervisor, Michele Sullivan accompanied me during the visit. Upon arrival to the four-star rated licensed NC Pre-K program operated at a DPI public school site, the designated Lead NC Pre-K staff, Ms. Tricia Edwards was present and able to assist us during the visit. Ms. Edwards stated she did not know they were NC Pre-K and not Bright Beginnings. The following spaces were documented as approved space #’s: E1, E2, E3, E4, E5, and E6 and the cafeteria, and outdoor learning environment. Today, three classrooms were in use (E1, E2 and E4) Upon walking down, the sidewalk to the NC Pre-K building we observed one NC Pre-K class outside of their classroom door. We introduced ourselves and asked about the lead designee. Ms. Danna stated to follow her, and she would take us to Ms. Edwards. We followed her inside along with the children and assistant teacher. Ms. Danna continued out the classroom door headed towards Ms. Edwards classroom. Ms. Danna left sixteen preschool children alone with one caregiver, failing to maintain required staff to child ratios of 1:9. The assistant teacher, Ms. Mestawet, was also monitored leaving the classroom to go into the hallway to retrieve water. After the walk through was completed, Ms. Sullivan and I were in space E3 going over paperwork and Ms. Edwards brought in nine children with her. The children sat down at tables with books. Ms. Edwards’ assistant came to E3 to show her course progress in obtaining her CDA. Ms. Edwards returned to her classroom. After Ms. Kabbath showed us her computer screen, she left the children in E3 without a staff person present. We discussed the staff to child ratio and supervision rule with Ms. Edwards. It was recommended to sit down with all staff and review the child care rules related to supervision and staff to child ratios. Staff must know and understand they must maintain the required ratio of 1:9 at all times except for nap time. The outside door of E4 was monitored boarded with wood panels and screws. The window was broken and has not been replaced. The teacher stated repair requests were submitted before school began at the end of August. The door window must be repaired and in a timely manner. Two months to repair a broken window is too long. The following items were monitored posted in a prominent place on the Pre-K building: License, menu, emergency numbers, child weather watch and charts, center medical emergency care plan. Safe arrival and departure, tobacco free facility, staff to child ratio worksheet, NC Summary of the Law were not posted. Only one classroom had a screen time log. Only one classroom was able to show easy accessibility to their current lesson plan. One staff person stated their lesson plan was at home. The lead designee, Ms. Edwards provided us the DPI Pre-K book for our review. Current fire inspection report, monthly outdoor inspections, monthly fire drills/lock down/shelter in place. The following was not current or completed in the binder in-service training logs, transcripts or training certificates, DPI Verification Forms (children, staff, and transportation) and staff’s CPR/FA cards. Staff and training worksheets were monitored incomplete. It was recommended to complete the form electronically instead of manually. I explained to Ms. Edwards that the staff and training worksheets should be maintained at all times. Full dates should be listed for everything on the worksheet. Dates should not be listed with just the month and year on the worksheets. Ms. Edwards was reminded of the child care requirement for Health and Safety Training, including Recognizing and Responding to Child Maltreatment training must be renewed every five years. 10A NCAC .1103 On-going Training and Professional Development Health and safety training shall be completed as part of on-going training so that every five years, all of the topic areas set forth in 10A NCAC 09 .1102 (b) will be covered. I also reiterated Recognizing and Responding to Child Maltreatment training may only be received from the NC Prevent Child Abuse organization. Staff education was verified from the NC Pre-K Consultant Site Visit Information print out. One Long-term substitute assistant named A. Taylor-MacLellan was listed but no longer working at the site. The outdoor learning environment was monitored for compliance. The program only uses an open field. There is stationary equipment but is only approved for children five years and older. CMS’s school’s Safety Plan was monitored posted in the hallway. The safety plan was not documented as reviewed annually with staff. Ms. Edwards stated reviewing it with staff. It was not documented on the Staff and Training Worksheets or on any other tracking tool. The date of the annual review should also be documented on the staff and training worksheets. The center’s Emergency Medical Care Plan was not documented as reviewed with staff annually. I also encouraged Ms. Edwards to develop a written statement of annual review for the schools EPR plan and the center’s emergency medical care plan onto the same acknowledgement page. Three (3) NC Pre-K classrooms were monitored for compliance. Children were monitored in large groups, washing hands, eating lunch, and napping on mats with linen. Parent involvement was monitored tracked by lead teacher. The following activity centers were monitored developmentally appropriate and materials accessible to children: writing, sensory, books, dramatic play, art, science, blocks, manipulatives, listening and music. We discussed one classroom identified as needing to ensure all materials are accessible to the children. It appears the teacher was still opening up centers and adding materials related to introduction of materials to the children. The completed activity plans were not monitored printed or easily referenced by staff. It was recommended to ensure staff print out their lesson plans and post them near the smart board. The program has implemented The Creative Curriculum TS Gold strategies. Hazardous products were monitored stored on top of storage units inside of two classrooms. Hazardous products must be stored under lock and key at all times. The lead teachers purse with medication was stored in an unlocked cabinet. The teacher relocated her purse to another unlocked file cabinet. We identified a shared closet between the classrooms where the hazardous materials monitored should be locked under key. It was recommended to store the materials in a bin or on a cart and the bin could be easily removed and placed back under lock and key afterwards. The last fire inspection monitored on file was April 26, 2023. We discussed the need to determine who in the day school is responsible to work with the fire inspector to ensure a copy of the most current fire inspections are given to the NC Pre-K program and then emailed to the assigned licensing consultant. The last sanitation inspection was conducted September 6, 2023, with eleven (11) demerits cited and a Superior classification issued. The last ERS was completed November 16, 2017. The last RLA was processed January 8, 2018. Based on the DCDEE Cohort Plan for facilities after the state of emergency for COVID 19 was rescinded, the DCDEE Cohort model plan the program will be required to have the ERS in the fall of 2024. Violation Number Comment Rule 115 A summary of the NC Child Care Law was not posted in a prominent place in the center. The NC Summary of the Law was not posted in a prominent place in the center. G.S. 110-102 319 Staff/child ratios applicable to a classroom, were not posted in each classroom. The three operating NC Pre-K classrooms did not have the required staff/child ratio worksheets posted in each applicable classroom. .0713(a)(10), (c) & (f)(3); .2818(e) 428 A current activity plan was not posted for each group of children for reference. Two out of the three classrooms did not have an activity plan posted for each group of children. GS 110-91(12); .0508(a) 830 A First Aid information sheet was not posted in a place for referral and/or the information sheet did not include all the required information. A First Aid information sheet was not posted in the place for referral. .0802(h) 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. Several aerosol cans and cleaners were monitored stored on top of storage cabinets in spaces #E4 and E1. .2820(b) 841 Medications including prescription and non-prescription items were not stored in a locked cabinet or other locked container. A staff person's purse with weekly medications were stored in the staff person's opened purse in a storage cabinet in space E4. 15A NCAC 18A .2820(d) 862 The EMC plan was not reviewed with all staff annually and whenever the plan was revised. The lead designee stated the plan was reviewed with staff in August. The review was not documented on either the staff and training worksheets or any other developed tracking form. 10A NCAC 09 .0802(a) 1034 All staff, including the director, did not have an annual health questionnaire on file following the initial medical statement. Five staff did not have a current annual health questionnaire on file. .0701(a) 1035 Child care providers, including the director, uncompensated providers, substitute providers, and volunteers did not have the required Emergency Information Form on file on or before the first day of work, which included all the required information and/or the information on the form was not updated as changes occur and at least annually. Four staff did not have current annual Emergency Information Forms on file. .0701(a) 1041 Prior to employment a Criminal Background Check was not completed. One staff member began working in the licensed program before their CBC was completed and on file. The staff person obtained their qualification October 10, 2023. G.S. 110-90.2(b) 1043 All staff records, except financial records, were not made available for review. The DPI Verification Forms were not current and maintained on file for staff, children or transportation. G.S. 110-91( 9) 1756 Enhanced staff/child ratios and group sizes were not met. The center was required to maintain staff/child ratios of 1:9. There were three different situations monitored where the staff did not maintain the required ratios by leaving an entire group of children in a classroom with one caregiver instead of taking nine children with them. 10A NCAC 09 .2818 1757 A valid qualification letter was not on file and available to review at the facility. A CBC qualification letter was not on file for one employee. The staff person printed the letter and placed it on file during the visit. G.S. 110-90.2(b) & (d) & .2703(e) 1824 The trained staff did not review the EPR Plan annually or when information in the plan changed to ensure all information was current. The lead designee stated CMS's EPR plan was reviewed with all staff in August but not documented on the Staff and Training Worksheets or any other developed tracking tool. .0607(e) 1899 Health and safety training topics were not included as part of on-going training within five years of completing the previous health and safety training topics. One staff member was past due to complete the five-year renewal for the health and safety training. .1103(b) Technical Assistance Provided and General Discussion: 1. It was recommended to develop a written document to track staff’s annual review of the schools EPR plan and the DCDEE Center Emergency Care Plan document. 2. It was recommended to ensure staff are informed of what program is supposed to be operating at the site because there are additional program requirements NC Pre-K staff must meet and maintain beyond operating a licensed preschool program. 3. It was recommended to post safe arrival and departure procedures on the main board in the hallway instead of just in one classroom. 4. It was recommended to post a tobacco-free facility sign on the main bulletin board in the NC Pre-K hallway. There is signage at the main school building but not in the separate stand-alone NC Pre-K building. 5. Quarterly shelter in place and lock down drills were completed but not documented. It was recommended to complete the required documentation as soon as the drill is completed on the DCDEE Tracking Log. 6. One screen time log was monitored posted and current. It was recommended to post a log by the smart board in each classroom. Review the child care rule with each staff requiring them to track children’s screen time use. 7. A bottle of coke was monitored on a shelf in space #E1. It was not opened or consumed by any staff person. The coke was removed from the environment during the visit. It was recommended to review the child care rule with each staff person. Corrective Action Plan: All violations must be corrected immediately. You shall submit a written, signed, and dated statement/compliance letter to me, at the address below detailing how each violation has been corrected. A sample compliance letter was given to the provider to use, if they choose to do so. This information shall be received by Thursday, November 2, 2023. Mail written documentation to Mara Brinton, 7870 Woodmere Drive, Harrisburg, NC 28075. Failure to correct the violations and send the written statement by the due date listed above may result in an unannounced follow-up visit being conducted or an administrative action may be recommended. Based on Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 Section .2200, the Division of Child Development may take administrative action against the license and/or impose civil penalties based on the failure of the operator to correct any documented violations within the established time-period. If you have any questions, please contact Mara Brinton at 704-594-0140 or email mara.brinton@dhhs.nc.gov If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

G.S. 110-90 · Violation

Name of Operation: MERRY OAKS INTERNATIONAL ACADEMY Facility ID: 60003557 Consultant: MARA BRINTON Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 10/19/2023 Number Present: 40 Completed Date: 10/20/2023 Age: From 4 To 5 Total Minutes: 330 Time In: 11:00 AM Time Out: 04:30 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to monitor for compliance with applicable child care requirements during the annual compliance visit. Licensing supervisor, Michele Sullivan accompanied me during the visit. Upon arrival to the four-star rated licensed NC Pre-K program operated at a DPI public school site, the designated Lead NC Pre-K staff, Ms. Tricia Edwards was present and able to assist us during the visit. Ms. Edwards stated she did not know they were NC Pre-K and not Bright Beginnings. The following spaces were documented as approved space #’s: E1, E2, E3, E4, E5, and E6 and the cafeteria, and outdoor learning environment. Today, three classrooms were in use (E1, E2 and E4) Upon walking down, the sidewalk to the NC Pre-K building we observed one NC Pre-K class outside of their classroom door. We introduced ourselves and asked about the lead designee. Ms. Danna stated to follow her, and she would take us to Ms. Edwards. We followed her inside along with the children and assistant teacher. Ms. Danna continued out the classroom door headed towards Ms. Edwards classroom. Ms. Danna left sixteen preschool children alone with one caregiver, failing to maintain required staff to child ratios of 1:9. The assistant teacher, Ms. Mestawet, was also monitored leaving the classroom to go into the hallway to retrieve water. After the walk through was completed, Ms. Sullivan and I were in space E3 going over paperwork and Ms. Edwards brought in nine children with her. The children sat down at tables with books. Ms. Edwards’ assistant came to E3 to show her course progress in obtaining her CDA. Ms. Edwards returned to her classroom. After Ms. Kabbath showed us her computer screen, she left the children in E3 without a staff person present. We discussed the staff to child ratio and supervision rule with Ms. Edwards. It was recommended to sit down with all staff and review the child care rules related to supervision and staff to child ratios. Staff must know and understand they must maintain the required ratio of 1:9 at all times except for nap time. The outside door of E4 was monitored boarded with wood panels and screws. The window was broken and has not been replaced. The teacher stated repair requests were submitted before school began at the end of August. The door window must be repaired and in a timely manner. Two months to repair a broken window is too long. The following items were monitored posted in a prominent place on the Pre-K building: License, menu, emergency numbers, child weather watch and charts, center medical emergency care plan. Safe arrival and departure, tobacco free facility, staff to child ratio worksheet, NC Summary of the Law were not posted. Only one classroom had a screen time log. Only one classroom was able to show easy accessibility to their current lesson plan. One staff person stated their lesson plan was at home. The lead designee, Ms. Edwards provided us the DPI Pre-K book for our review. Current fire inspection report, monthly outdoor inspections, monthly fire drills/lock down/shelter in place. The following was not current or completed in the binder in-service training logs, transcripts or training certificates, DPI Verification Forms (children, staff, and transportation) and staff’s CPR/FA cards. Staff and training worksheets were monitored incomplete. It was recommended to complete the form electronically instead of manually. I explained to Ms. Edwards that the staff and training worksheets should be maintained at all times. Full dates should be listed for everything on the worksheet. Dates should not be listed with just the month and year on the worksheets. Ms. Edwards was reminded of the child care requirement for Health and Safety Training, including Recognizing and Responding to Child Maltreatment training must be renewed every five years. 10A NCAC .1103 On-going Training and Professional Development Health and safety training shall be completed as part of on-going training so that every five years, all of the topic areas set forth in 10A NCAC 09 .1102 (b) will be covered. I also reiterated Recognizing and Responding to Child Maltreatment training may only be received from the NC Prevent Child Abuse organization. Staff education was verified from the NC Pre-K Consultant Site Visit Information print out. One Long-term substitute assistant named A. Taylor-MacLellan was listed but no longer working at the site. The outdoor learning environment was monitored for compliance. The program only uses an open field. There is stationary equipment but is only approved for children five years and older. CMS’s school’s Safety Plan was monitored posted in the hallway. The safety plan was not documented as reviewed annually with staff. Ms. Edwards stated reviewing it with staff. It was not documented on the Staff and Training Worksheets or on any other tracking tool. The date of the annual review should also be documented on the staff and training worksheets. The center’s Emergency Medical Care Plan was not documented as reviewed with staff annually. I also encouraged Ms. Edwards to develop a written statement of annual review for the schools EPR plan and the center’s emergency medical care plan onto the same acknowledgement page. Three (3) NC Pre-K classrooms were monitored for compliance. Children were monitored in large groups, washing hands, eating lunch, and napping on mats with linen. Parent involvement was monitored tracked by lead teacher. The following activity centers were monitored developmentally appropriate and materials accessible to children: writing, sensory, books, dramatic play, art, science, blocks, manipulatives, listening and music. We discussed one classroom identified as needing to ensure all materials are accessible to the children. It appears the teacher was still opening up centers and adding materials related to introduction of materials to the children. The completed activity plans were not monitored printed or easily referenced by staff. It was recommended to ensure staff print out their lesson plans and post them near the smart board. The program has implemented The Creative Curriculum TS Gold strategies. Hazardous products were monitored stored on top of storage units inside of two classrooms. Hazardous products must be stored under lock and key at all times. The lead teachers purse with medication was stored in an unlocked cabinet. The teacher relocated her purse to another unlocked file cabinet. We identified a shared closet between the classrooms where the hazardous materials monitored should be locked under key. It was recommended to store the materials in a bin or on a cart and the bin could be easily removed and placed back under lock and key afterwards. The last fire inspection monitored on file was April 26, 2023. We discussed the need to determine who in the day school is responsible to work with the fire inspector to ensure a copy of the most current fire inspections are given to the NC Pre-K program and then emailed to the assigned licensing consultant. The last sanitation inspection was conducted September 6, 2023, with eleven (11) demerits cited and a Superior classification issued. The last ERS was completed November 16, 2017. The last RLA was processed January 8, 2018. Based on the DCDEE Cohort Plan for facilities after the state of emergency for COVID 19 was rescinded, the DCDEE Cohort model plan the program will be required to have the ERS in the fall of 2024. Violation Number Comment Rule 115 A summary of the NC Child Care Law was not posted in a prominent place in the center. The NC Summary of the Law was not posted in a prominent place in the center. G.S. 110-102 319 Staff/child ratios applicable to a classroom, were not posted in each classroom. The three operating NC Pre-K classrooms did not have the required staff/child ratio worksheets posted in each applicable classroom. .0713(a)(10), (c) & (f)(3); .2818(e) 428 A current activity plan was not posted for each group of children for reference. Two out of the three classrooms did not have an activity plan posted for each group of children. GS 110-91(12); .0508(a) 830 A First Aid information sheet was not posted in a place for referral and/or the information sheet did not include all the required information. A First Aid information sheet was not posted in the place for referral. .0802(h) 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. Several aerosol cans and cleaners were monitored stored on top of storage cabinets in spaces #E4 and E1. .2820(b) 841 Medications including prescription and non-prescription items were not stored in a locked cabinet or other locked container. A staff person's purse with weekly medications were stored in the staff person's opened purse in a storage cabinet in space E4. 15A NCAC 18A .2820(d) 862 The EMC plan was not reviewed with all staff annually and whenever the plan was revised. The lead designee stated the plan was reviewed with staff in August. The review was not documented on either the staff and training worksheets or any other developed tracking form. 10A NCAC 09 .0802(a) 1034 All staff, including the director, did not have an annual health questionnaire on file following the initial medical statement. Five staff did not have a current annual health questionnaire on file. .0701(a) 1035 Child care providers, including the director, uncompensated providers, substitute providers, and volunteers did not have the required Emergency Information Form on file on or before the first day of work, which included all the required information and/or the information on the form was not updated as changes occur and at least annually. Four staff did not have current annual Emergency Information Forms on file. .0701(a) 1041 Prior to employment a Criminal Background Check was not completed. One staff member began working in the licensed program before their CBC was completed and on file. The staff person obtained their qualification October 10, 2023. G.S. 110-90.2(b) 1043 All staff records, except financial records, were not made available for review. The DPI Verification Forms were not current and maintained on file for staff, children or transportation. G.S. 110-91( 9) 1756 Enhanced staff/child ratios and group sizes were not met. The center was required to maintain staff/child ratios of 1:9. There were three different situations monitored where the staff did not maintain the required ratios by leaving an entire group of children in a classroom with one caregiver instead of taking nine children with them. 10A NCAC 09 .2818 1757 A valid qualification letter was not on file and available to review at the facility. A CBC qualification letter was not on file for one employee. The staff person printed the letter and placed it on file during the visit. G.S. 110-90.2(b) & (d) & .2703(e) 1824 The trained staff did not review the EPR Plan annually or when information in the plan changed to ensure all information was current. The lead designee stated CMS's EPR plan was reviewed with all staff in August but not documented on the Staff and Training Worksheets or any other developed tracking tool. .0607(e) 1899 Health and safety training topics were not included as part of on-going training within five years of completing the previous health and safety training topics. One staff member was past due to complete the five-year renewal for the health and safety training. .1103(b) Technical Assistance Provided and General Discussion: 1. It was recommended to develop a written document to track staff’s annual review of the schools EPR plan and the DCDEE Center Emergency Care Plan document. 2. It was recommended to ensure staff are informed of what program is supposed to be operating at the site because there are additional program requirements NC Pre-K staff must meet and maintain beyond operating a licensed preschool program. 3. It was recommended to post safe arrival and departure procedures on the main board in the hallway instead of just in one classroom. 4. It was recommended to post a tobacco-free facility sign on the main bulletin board in the NC Pre-K hallway. There is signage at the main school building but not in the separate stand-alone NC Pre-K building. 5. Quarterly shelter in place and lock down drills were completed but not documented. It was recommended to complete the required documentation as soon as the drill is completed on the DCDEE Tracking Log. 6. One screen time log was monitored posted and current. It was recommended to post a log by the smart board in each classroom. Review the child care rule with each staff requiring them to track children’s screen time use. 7. A bottle of coke was monitored on a shelf in space #E1. It was not opened or consumed by any staff person. The coke was removed from the environment during the visit. It was recommended to review the child care rule with each staff person. Corrective Action Plan: All violations must be corrected immediately. You shall submit a written, signed, and dated statement/compliance letter to me, at the address below detailing how each violation has been corrected. A sample compliance letter was given to the provider to use, if they choose to do so. This information shall be received by Thursday, November 2, 2023. Mail written documentation to Mara Brinton, 7870 Woodmere Drive, Harrisburg, NC 28075. Failure to correct the violations and send the written statement by the due date listed above may result in an unannounced follow-up visit being conducted or an administrative action may be recommended. Based on Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 Section .2200, the Division of Child Development may take administrative action against the license and/or impose civil penalties based on the failure of the operator to correct any documented violations within the established time-period. If you have any questions, please contact Mara Brinton at 704-594-0140 or email mara.brinton@dhhs.nc.gov If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

G.S. 110-91 · Violation

Name of Operation: MERRY OAKS INTERNATIONAL ACADEMY Facility ID: 60003557 Consultant: MARA BRINTON Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 10/19/2023 Number Present: 40 Completed Date: 10/20/2023 Age: From 4 To 5 Total Minutes: 330 Time In: 11:00 AM Time Out: 04:30 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to monitor for compliance with applicable child care requirements during the annual compliance visit. Licensing supervisor, Michele Sullivan accompanied me during the visit. Upon arrival to the four-star rated licensed NC Pre-K program operated at a DPI public school site, the designated Lead NC Pre-K staff, Ms. Tricia Edwards was present and able to assist us during the visit. Ms. Edwards stated she did not know they were NC Pre-K and not Bright Beginnings. The following spaces were documented as approved space #’s: E1, E2, E3, E4, E5, and E6 and the cafeteria, and outdoor learning environment. Today, three classrooms were in use (E1, E2 and E4) Upon walking down, the sidewalk to the NC Pre-K building we observed one NC Pre-K class outside of their classroom door. We introduced ourselves and asked about the lead designee. Ms. Danna stated to follow her, and she would take us to Ms. Edwards. We followed her inside along with the children and assistant teacher. Ms. Danna continued out the classroom door headed towards Ms. Edwards classroom. Ms. Danna left sixteen preschool children alone with one caregiver, failing to maintain required staff to child ratios of 1:9. The assistant teacher, Ms. Mestawet, was also monitored leaving the classroom to go into the hallway to retrieve water. After the walk through was completed, Ms. Sullivan and I were in space E3 going over paperwork and Ms. Edwards brought in nine children with her. The children sat down at tables with books. Ms. Edwards’ assistant came to E3 to show her course progress in obtaining her CDA. Ms. Edwards returned to her classroom. After Ms. Kabbath showed us her computer screen, she left the children in E3 without a staff person present. We discussed the staff to child ratio and supervision rule with Ms. Edwards. It was recommended to sit down with all staff and review the child care rules related to supervision and staff to child ratios. Staff must know and understand they must maintain the required ratio of 1:9 at all times except for nap time. The outside door of E4 was monitored boarded with wood panels and screws. The window was broken and has not been replaced. The teacher stated repair requests were submitted before school began at the end of August. The door window must be repaired and in a timely manner. Two months to repair a broken window is too long. The following items were monitored posted in a prominent place on the Pre-K building: License, menu, emergency numbers, child weather watch and charts, center medical emergency care plan. Safe arrival and departure, tobacco free facility, staff to child ratio worksheet, NC Summary of the Law were not posted. Only one classroom had a screen time log. Only one classroom was able to show easy accessibility to their current lesson plan. One staff person stated their lesson plan was at home. The lead designee, Ms. Edwards provided us the DPI Pre-K book for our review. Current fire inspection report, monthly outdoor inspections, monthly fire drills/lock down/shelter in place. The following was not current or completed in the binder in-service training logs, transcripts or training certificates, DPI Verification Forms (children, staff, and transportation) and staff’s CPR/FA cards. Staff and training worksheets were monitored incomplete. It was recommended to complete the form electronically instead of manually. I explained to Ms. Edwards that the staff and training worksheets should be maintained at all times. Full dates should be listed for everything on the worksheet. Dates should not be listed with just the month and year on the worksheets. Ms. Edwards was reminded of the child care requirement for Health and Safety Training, including Recognizing and Responding to Child Maltreatment training must be renewed every five years. 10A NCAC .1103 On-going Training and Professional Development Health and safety training shall be completed as part of on-going training so that every five years, all of the topic areas set forth in 10A NCAC 09 .1102 (b) will be covered. I also reiterated Recognizing and Responding to Child Maltreatment training may only be received from the NC Prevent Child Abuse organization. Staff education was verified from the NC Pre-K Consultant Site Visit Information print out. One Long-term substitute assistant named A. Taylor-MacLellan was listed but no longer working at the site. The outdoor learning environment was monitored for compliance. The program only uses an open field. There is stationary equipment but is only approved for children five years and older. CMS’s school’s Safety Plan was monitored posted in the hallway. The safety plan was not documented as reviewed annually with staff. Ms. Edwards stated reviewing it with staff. It was not documented on the Staff and Training Worksheets or on any other tracking tool. The date of the annual review should also be documented on the staff and training worksheets. The center’s Emergency Medical Care Plan was not documented as reviewed with staff annually. I also encouraged Ms. Edwards to develop a written statement of annual review for the schools EPR plan and the center’s emergency medical care plan onto the same acknowledgement page. Three (3) NC Pre-K classrooms were monitored for compliance. Children were monitored in large groups, washing hands, eating lunch, and napping on mats with linen. Parent involvement was monitored tracked by lead teacher. The following activity centers were monitored developmentally appropriate and materials accessible to children: writing, sensory, books, dramatic play, art, science, blocks, manipulatives, listening and music. We discussed one classroom identified as needing to ensure all materials are accessible to the children. It appears the teacher was still opening up centers and adding materials related to introduction of materials to the children. The completed activity plans were not monitored printed or easily referenced by staff. It was recommended to ensure staff print out their lesson plans and post them near the smart board. The program has implemented The Creative Curriculum TS Gold strategies. Hazardous products were monitored stored on top of storage units inside of two classrooms. Hazardous products must be stored under lock and key at all times. The lead teachers purse with medication was stored in an unlocked cabinet. The teacher relocated her purse to another unlocked file cabinet. We identified a shared closet between the classrooms where the hazardous materials monitored should be locked under key. It was recommended to store the materials in a bin or on a cart and the bin could be easily removed and placed back under lock and key afterwards. The last fire inspection monitored on file was April 26, 2023. We discussed the need to determine who in the day school is responsible to work with the fire inspector to ensure a copy of the most current fire inspections are given to the NC Pre-K program and then emailed to the assigned licensing consultant. The last sanitation inspection was conducted September 6, 2023, with eleven (11) demerits cited and a Superior classification issued. The last ERS was completed November 16, 2017. The last RLA was processed January 8, 2018. Based on the DCDEE Cohort Plan for facilities after the state of emergency for COVID 19 was rescinded, the DCDEE Cohort model plan the program will be required to have the ERS in the fall of 2024. Violation Number Comment Rule 115 A summary of the NC Child Care Law was not posted in a prominent place in the center. The NC Summary of the Law was not posted in a prominent place in the center. G.S. 110-102 319 Staff/child ratios applicable to a classroom, were not posted in each classroom. The three operating NC Pre-K classrooms did not have the required staff/child ratio worksheets posted in each applicable classroom. .0713(a)(10), (c) & (f)(3); .2818(e) 428 A current activity plan was not posted for each group of children for reference. Two out of the three classrooms did not have an activity plan posted for each group of children. GS 110-91(12); .0508(a) 830 A First Aid information sheet was not posted in a place for referral and/or the information sheet did not include all the required information. A First Aid information sheet was not posted in the place for referral. .0802(h) 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. Several aerosol cans and cleaners were monitored stored on top of storage cabinets in spaces #E4 and E1. .2820(b) 841 Medications including prescription and non-prescription items were not stored in a locked cabinet or other locked container. A staff person's purse with weekly medications were stored in the staff person's opened purse in a storage cabinet in space E4. 15A NCAC 18A .2820(d) 862 The EMC plan was not reviewed with all staff annually and whenever the plan was revised. The lead designee stated the plan was reviewed with staff in August. The review was not documented on either the staff and training worksheets or any other developed tracking form. 10A NCAC 09 .0802(a) 1034 All staff, including the director, did not have an annual health questionnaire on file following the initial medical statement. Five staff did not have a current annual health questionnaire on file. .0701(a) 1035 Child care providers, including the director, uncompensated providers, substitute providers, and volunteers did not have the required Emergency Information Form on file on or before the first day of work, which included all the required information and/or the information on the form was not updated as changes occur and at least annually. Four staff did not have current annual Emergency Information Forms on file. .0701(a) 1041 Prior to employment a Criminal Background Check was not completed. One staff member began working in the licensed program before their CBC was completed and on file. The staff person obtained their qualification October 10, 2023. G.S. 110-90.2(b) 1043 All staff records, except financial records, were not made available for review. The DPI Verification Forms were not current and maintained on file for staff, children or transportation. G.S. 110-91( 9) 1756 Enhanced staff/child ratios and group sizes were not met. The center was required to maintain staff/child ratios of 1:9. There were three different situations monitored where the staff did not maintain the required ratios by leaving an entire group of children in a classroom with one caregiver instead of taking nine children with them. 10A NCAC 09 .2818 1757 A valid qualification letter was not on file and available to review at the facility. A CBC qualification letter was not on file for one employee. The staff person printed the letter and placed it on file during the visit. G.S. 110-90.2(b) & (d) & .2703(e) 1824 The trained staff did not review the EPR Plan annually or when information in the plan changed to ensure all information was current. The lead designee stated CMS's EPR plan was reviewed with all staff in August but not documented on the Staff and Training Worksheets or any other developed tracking tool. .0607(e) 1899 Health and safety training topics were not included as part of on-going training within five years of completing the previous health and safety training topics. One staff member was past due to complete the five-year renewal for the health and safety training. .1103(b) Technical Assistance Provided and General Discussion: 1. It was recommended to develop a written document to track staff’s annual review of the schools EPR plan and the DCDEE Center Emergency Care Plan document. 2. It was recommended to ensure staff are informed of what program is supposed to be operating at the site because there are additional program requirements NC Pre-K staff must meet and maintain beyond operating a licensed preschool program. 3. It was recommended to post safe arrival and departure procedures on the main board in the hallway instead of just in one classroom. 4. It was recommended to post a tobacco-free facility sign on the main bulletin board in the NC Pre-K hallway. There is signage at the main school building but not in the separate stand-alone NC Pre-K building. 5. Quarterly shelter in place and lock down drills were completed but not documented. It was recommended to complete the required documentation as soon as the drill is completed on the DCDEE Tracking Log. 6. One screen time log was monitored posted and current. It was recommended to post a log by the smart board in each classroom. Review the child care rule with each staff requiring them to track children’s screen time use. 7. A bottle of coke was monitored on a shelf in space #E1. It was not opened or consumed by any staff person. The coke was removed from the environment during the visit. It was recommended to review the child care rule with each staff person. Corrective Action Plan: All violations must be corrected immediately. You shall submit a written, signed, and dated statement/compliance letter to me, at the address below detailing how each violation has been corrected. A sample compliance letter was given to the provider to use, if they choose to do so. This information shall be received by Thursday, November 2, 2023. Mail written documentation to Mara Brinton, 7870 Woodmere Drive, Harrisburg, NC 28075. Failure to correct the violations and send the written statement by the due date listed above may result in an unannounced follow-up visit being conducted or an administrative action may be recommended. Based on Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 Section .2200, the Division of Child Development may take administrative action against the license and/or impose civil penalties based on the failure of the operator to correct any documented violations within the established time-period. If you have any questions, please contact Mara Brinton at 704-594-0140 or email mara.brinton@dhhs.nc.gov If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

GS 110-91 · Violation

Name of Operation: MERRY OAKS INTERNATIONAL ACADEMY Facility ID: 60003557 Consultant: MARA BRINTON Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 10/19/2023 Number Present: 40 Completed Date: 10/20/2023 Age: From 4 To 5 Total Minutes: 330 Time In: 11:00 AM Time Out: 04:30 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to monitor for compliance with applicable child care requirements during the annual compliance visit. Licensing supervisor, Michele Sullivan accompanied me during the visit. Upon arrival to the four-star rated licensed NC Pre-K program operated at a DPI public school site, the designated Lead NC Pre-K staff, Ms. Tricia Edwards was present and able to assist us during the visit. Ms. Edwards stated she did not know they were NC Pre-K and not Bright Beginnings. The following spaces were documented as approved space #’s: E1, E2, E3, E4, E5, and E6 and the cafeteria, and outdoor learning environment. Today, three classrooms were in use (E1, E2 and E4) Upon walking down, the sidewalk to the NC Pre-K building we observed one NC Pre-K class outside of their classroom door. We introduced ourselves and asked about the lead designee. Ms. Danna stated to follow her, and she would take us to Ms. Edwards. We followed her inside along with the children and assistant teacher. Ms. Danna continued out the classroom door headed towards Ms. Edwards classroom. Ms. Danna left sixteen preschool children alone with one caregiver, failing to maintain required staff to child ratios of 1:9. The assistant teacher, Ms. Mestawet, was also monitored leaving the classroom to go into the hallway to retrieve water. After the walk through was completed, Ms. Sullivan and I were in space E3 going over paperwork and Ms. Edwards brought in nine children with her. The children sat down at tables with books. Ms. Edwards’ assistant came to E3 to show her course progress in obtaining her CDA. Ms. Edwards returned to her classroom. After Ms. Kabbath showed us her computer screen, she left the children in E3 without a staff person present. We discussed the staff to child ratio and supervision rule with Ms. Edwards. It was recommended to sit down with all staff and review the child care rules related to supervision and staff to child ratios. Staff must know and understand they must maintain the required ratio of 1:9 at all times except for nap time. The outside door of E4 was monitored boarded with wood panels and screws. The window was broken and has not been replaced. The teacher stated repair requests were submitted before school began at the end of August. The door window must be repaired and in a timely manner. Two months to repair a broken window is too long. The following items were monitored posted in a prominent place on the Pre-K building: License, menu, emergency numbers, child weather watch and charts, center medical emergency care plan. Safe arrival and departure, tobacco free facility, staff to child ratio worksheet, NC Summary of the Law were not posted. Only one classroom had a screen time log. Only one classroom was able to show easy accessibility to their current lesson plan. One staff person stated their lesson plan was at home. The lead designee, Ms. Edwards provided us the DPI Pre-K book for our review. Current fire inspection report, monthly outdoor inspections, monthly fire drills/lock down/shelter in place. The following was not current or completed in the binder in-service training logs, transcripts or training certificates, DPI Verification Forms (children, staff, and transportation) and staff’s CPR/FA cards. Staff and training worksheets were monitored incomplete. It was recommended to complete the form electronically instead of manually. I explained to Ms. Edwards that the staff and training worksheets should be maintained at all times. Full dates should be listed for everything on the worksheet. Dates should not be listed with just the month and year on the worksheets. Ms. Edwards was reminded of the child care requirement for Health and Safety Training, including Recognizing and Responding to Child Maltreatment training must be renewed every five years. 10A NCAC .1103 On-going Training and Professional Development Health and safety training shall be completed as part of on-going training so that every five years, all of the topic areas set forth in 10A NCAC 09 .1102 (b) will be covered. I also reiterated Recognizing and Responding to Child Maltreatment training may only be received from the NC Prevent Child Abuse organization. Staff education was verified from the NC Pre-K Consultant Site Visit Information print out. One Long-term substitute assistant named A. Taylor-MacLellan was listed but no longer working at the site. The outdoor learning environment was monitored for compliance. The program only uses an open field. There is stationary equipment but is only approved for children five years and older. CMS’s school’s Safety Plan was monitored posted in the hallway. The safety plan was not documented as reviewed annually with staff. Ms. Edwards stated reviewing it with staff. It was not documented on the Staff and Training Worksheets or on any other tracking tool. The date of the annual review should also be documented on the staff and training worksheets. The center’s Emergency Medical Care Plan was not documented as reviewed with staff annually. I also encouraged Ms. Edwards to develop a written statement of annual review for the schools EPR plan and the center’s emergency medical care plan onto the same acknowledgement page. Three (3) NC Pre-K classrooms were monitored for compliance. Children were monitored in large groups, washing hands, eating lunch, and napping on mats with linen. Parent involvement was monitored tracked by lead teacher. The following activity centers were monitored developmentally appropriate and materials accessible to children: writing, sensory, books, dramatic play, art, science, blocks, manipulatives, listening and music. We discussed one classroom identified as needing to ensure all materials are accessible to the children. It appears the teacher was still opening up centers and adding materials related to introduction of materials to the children. The completed activity plans were not monitored printed or easily referenced by staff. It was recommended to ensure staff print out their lesson plans and post them near the smart board. The program has implemented The Creative Curriculum TS Gold strategies. Hazardous products were monitored stored on top of storage units inside of two classrooms. Hazardous products must be stored under lock and key at all times. The lead teachers purse with medication was stored in an unlocked cabinet. The teacher relocated her purse to another unlocked file cabinet. We identified a shared closet between the classrooms where the hazardous materials monitored should be locked under key. It was recommended to store the materials in a bin or on a cart and the bin could be easily removed and placed back under lock and key afterwards. The last fire inspection monitored on file was April 26, 2023. We discussed the need to determine who in the day school is responsible to work with the fire inspector to ensure a copy of the most current fire inspections are given to the NC Pre-K program and then emailed to the assigned licensing consultant. The last sanitation inspection was conducted September 6, 2023, with eleven (11) demerits cited and a Superior classification issued. The last ERS was completed November 16, 2017. The last RLA was processed January 8, 2018. Based on the DCDEE Cohort Plan for facilities after the state of emergency for COVID 19 was rescinded, the DCDEE Cohort model plan the program will be required to have the ERS in the fall of 2024. Violation Number Comment Rule 115 A summary of the NC Child Care Law was not posted in a prominent place in the center. The NC Summary of the Law was not posted in a prominent place in the center. G.S. 110-102 319 Staff/child ratios applicable to a classroom, were not posted in each classroom. The three operating NC Pre-K classrooms did not have the required staff/child ratio worksheets posted in each applicable classroom. .0713(a)(10), (c) & (f)(3); .2818(e) 428 A current activity plan was not posted for each group of children for reference. Two out of the three classrooms did not have an activity plan posted for each group of children. GS 110-91(12); .0508(a) 830 A First Aid information sheet was not posted in a place for referral and/or the information sheet did not include all the required information. A First Aid information sheet was not posted in the place for referral. .0802(h) 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. Several aerosol cans and cleaners were monitored stored on top of storage cabinets in spaces #E4 and E1. .2820(b) 841 Medications including prescription and non-prescription items were not stored in a locked cabinet or other locked container. A staff person's purse with weekly medications were stored in the staff person's opened purse in a storage cabinet in space E4. 15A NCAC 18A .2820(d) 862 The EMC plan was not reviewed with all staff annually and whenever the plan was revised. The lead designee stated the plan was reviewed with staff in August. The review was not documented on either the staff and training worksheets or any other developed tracking form. 10A NCAC 09 .0802(a) 1034 All staff, including the director, did not have an annual health questionnaire on file following the initial medical statement. Five staff did not have a current annual health questionnaire on file. .0701(a) 1035 Child care providers, including the director, uncompensated providers, substitute providers, and volunteers did not have the required Emergency Information Form on file on or before the first day of work, which included all the required information and/or the information on the form was not updated as changes occur and at least annually. Four staff did not have current annual Emergency Information Forms on file. .0701(a) 1041 Prior to employment a Criminal Background Check was not completed. One staff member began working in the licensed program before their CBC was completed and on file. The staff person obtained their qualification October 10, 2023. G.S. 110-90.2(b) 1043 All staff records, except financial records, were not made available for review. The DPI Verification Forms were not current and maintained on file for staff, children or transportation. G.S. 110-91( 9) 1756 Enhanced staff/child ratios and group sizes were not met. The center was required to maintain staff/child ratios of 1:9. There were three different situations monitored where the staff did not maintain the required ratios by leaving an entire group of children in a classroom with one caregiver instead of taking nine children with them. 10A NCAC 09 .2818 1757 A valid qualification letter was not on file and available to review at the facility. A CBC qualification letter was not on file for one employee. The staff person printed the letter and placed it on file during the visit. G.S. 110-90.2(b) & (d) & .2703(e) 1824 The trained staff did not review the EPR Plan annually or when information in the plan changed to ensure all information was current. The lead designee stated CMS's EPR plan was reviewed with all staff in August but not documented on the Staff and Training Worksheets or any other developed tracking tool. .0607(e) 1899 Health and safety training topics were not included as part of on-going training within five years of completing the previous health and safety training topics. One staff member was past due to complete the five-year renewal for the health and safety training. .1103(b) Technical Assistance Provided and General Discussion: 1. It was recommended to develop a written document to track staff’s annual review of the schools EPR plan and the DCDEE Center Emergency Care Plan document. 2. It was recommended to ensure staff are informed of what program is supposed to be operating at the site because there are additional program requirements NC Pre-K staff must meet and maintain beyond operating a licensed preschool program. 3. It was recommended to post safe arrival and departure procedures on the main board in the hallway instead of just in one classroom. 4. It was recommended to post a tobacco-free facility sign on the main bulletin board in the NC Pre-K hallway. There is signage at the main school building but not in the separate stand-alone NC Pre-K building. 5. Quarterly shelter in place and lock down drills were completed but not documented. It was recommended to complete the required documentation as soon as the drill is completed on the DCDEE Tracking Log. 6. One screen time log was monitored posted and current. It was recommended to post a log by the smart board in each classroom. Review the child care rule with each staff requiring them to track children’s screen time use. 7. A bottle of coke was monitored on a shelf in space #E1. It was not opened or consumed by any staff person. The coke was removed from the environment during the visit. It was recommended to review the child care rule with each staff person. Corrective Action Plan: All violations must be corrected immediately. You shall submit a written, signed, and dated statement/compliance letter to me, at the address below detailing how each violation has been corrected. A sample compliance letter was given to the provider to use, if they choose to do so. This information shall be received by Thursday, November 2, 2023. Mail written documentation to Mara Brinton, 7870 Woodmere Drive, Harrisburg, NC 28075. Failure to correct the violations and send the written statement by the due date listed above may result in an unannounced follow-up visit being conducted or an administrative action may be recommended. Based on Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 Section .2200, the Division of Child Development may take administrative action against the license and/or impose civil penalties based on the failure of the operator to correct any documented violations within the established time-period. If you have any questions, please contact Mara Brinton at 704-594-0140 or email mara.brinton@dhhs.nc.gov If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times